Rising of the Masters of the Universe
ESKK: Well here we go a brand new chapter I hope you will all enjoy it. Now let's begin the chapter people.
(Start Melromarc)
Akane arrived at the capital as she rode her new Horse into town. As she rode on in she made sure to keep a low profile for a bit as she knew the Church was based here. For all she knows they may have gone on the lookout for her to get the sword she now wielded. "Ok first things first find a shop, get some equipment, and find the others." Akane said as she entered the town. "Any objections Swifty?" Akane asked as she looked to the Horse whom she knew had refused to answer to anything other than Swift Wing or Swifty for short. The Horse did its normal sound and thus Akane nodded. "Yeah, I didn't think so." Akane said before flicking the reigns a bit and continuing into town.
(Later with Akane)
Akane was in a weapon shop checking out staves and the like for something of use. She then sighed and began to think to herself on how to go about this. Sure, the power of She-Ra gave her a huge edge in battle be she didn't want to become reliant on it. Add the fact her sword can change into a variety of different forms Akane would need to practice a bit too master different forms of combat.
She then scratched her head a bit trying to think of the gear that can be used. "Geez why does this have to be so difficult." She said aloud showing that this was a struggle in of itself. That was until her eyes fell to a whip as she looked it over giving it a good inspection. "Hmm this might work as a starting point." Akane said as she looked over the whip as she tried to visualize what gear would work best with it.
"Well, what do we have here?" A new voice asked as just then Akane found an arm leaning on the wall next to her as a blond pomp was looking down on her with a flirting look. "You seem lost need some help pretty lady?" Motoyasu asked as he looked upon Akane.
Akane then sighed in frustration before walking off. "I'm fine thank you." Akane said as she knew she was being followed after splitting up from Ayato earlier. As she made her way to the armor's she was then met with the guy again trying to flirt with her. "Come now I doubt a whip and armor will do you much good." He offered acting as if he knows the best role for her in combat.
"You never know now is there something I can help you with because right now you're bothering me." Akane said as she made it clear she had other things to focus on.
"Come now don't be that way." He tried by putting an arm around her trying to flirt with Akane.
"Take it off or I'll break it off." She threatened as she glared at the blond-haired spear user.
"Hey, no need for a vipers bite here." He said without removing his arm. "In fact, why not take a stop by the Magic shop right now, I'm sure your friend will understand if you're late with his request if he can appreciate a rare flower such as yourself." Motoyasu spoke only for Akane to have enough.
(Outside)
Motoyasu cried out in shock as he flew out of the store via the open door as the people and a familiar trio of girls saw this. "Lucky you I didn't break your arm." Akane said glaring at the Spear wielder before her as she began to walk back inside the girls began to yell at Akane.
"How dare you do that to Motoyasu-sama!?" One of them yelled glaring at Akane.
"He is one of the Four Cardinal Heroes show some respect to the Hero of the Spear!" Myne yelled glaring at Akane.
"Oh, in that case how about you piss off." Akane said as Motoyasu glared at her.
"Crazy flat bitch." He spoke and thus Akane stopped suddenly. Motoyasu then felt a cold wind blow as if all joy in the world was suddenly sucked out of him. He began to shake as Akane's hair blew in the wind giving her an ominous look.
"Oh a crazy bitch, am I?" She asked slowly turning to Motoyasu as her hair shadowed her eyes save for a soulless white glow where her eyes were. "Well then how about I show you how much of a Crazy Bitch I am Hero of the Spear?" Akane asked as she glared down upon the frightened Motoyasu.
Motoyasu then ran for it as Akane only needed one foot for what came next. In turn she jumped up to the air just as Motoyasu was turning. In turn her foot came in for a flying kick to the one thing any man in the world values. She may aim for the shin most times but even she knows where to hit a man where it hurts. In turn her foot got real acquainted with this mans most cherished family heirloom.
When it did Motoyasu flew in the air for a moment as time slowed down for him. His eyes were pure white and his mouth agape in pain and agony. In turn as Akane landed time eventually resumed once more.
(From afar)
Motoyasu's scream of pain was heard as it was high pitched with birds flying away in terror of it.
(Meanwhile with Ayato and his group)
Ayato and his group saw the weapon shop before them before they proceeded to enter the place. Once inside they were met with the sight of a bald scared man at the counter. "Welcome how can I help you?" The man asked as Ayato walked forward a bit.
"Yeah, we're looking for some armor and weapons, is there anything you would suggest?" Ayato asked as the man smiled a bit.
"Depends on what you use." The man said as Ayato then went to explaining. The group had been traveling for a bit and were thankful that they managed to make it to Melromarc in one piece.
"Well, I use this custom-made mace see kind of a builder in my spare time and just can't keep my mind from not thinking up new ideas." Daito explained but they weren't done.
"I'm a bit of charger so maybe a hard helmet that won't break so easily." Yumi said as Hajime raised her hand.
"I'm good with a shield or a buckler to give be a defense against physical attacks." Hajime said as she was the magic caster of the group here.
"I'll just take some armor if any." Ayato said as he put a small sack of coins on the table. On their way to Melromarc Ayato and his friends have been doing some side jobs to get some money for when they arrived.
"You got it, might take me a bit to find some stuff for you guys but let me take a look." The man said as Ayato nodded to this. "Anyway, I never caught your names by the way." The man said and in turn Ayato looked to the man.
"Ayato and these are Hajime, Daito, Yumi, and Cringer." Ayato introduced as he gestured to each person here.
"Well kids the name is Erhard." Erhard introduced and in turn he headed to the back and got to work.
(Later)
Erhard eventually came back as he got the group suited up with some new gear. "So I take it you guys aren't from around here?" Erhard asked as he looked to the odd group.
"No not really, believe it or our arrival here was kind of out of the blue, in fact there were two more of us, but we got separated so we're trying to find them." Ayato said as he looked to Erhard. "My twin sister and cousin were with us when we arrived and now, we don't know where they are." Ayato said as he looked to Erhard.
"Huh that sucks." Erhard said as he looked to Ayato who currently was waiting his turn to try on armor. "Hey, you got names for them, I might have crossed paths with them in my shop at one point or another?" Erhard asked as he had a small hunch since he noticed their names sounded similar to the Four Cardinal Heroes.
"Alright." Ayato began as he looked to Erhard. "Their names are Akane my twin sister, and Naofumi our cousin." Ayato explained and thus Erhard was surprised to hear this.
"Kid please tell me that you're joking on the Shield Bro." Erhard said as Ayato was confused on that.
"No why would I do that?" Ayato asked and thus Erhard got to it.
"Look kid I won't go into detail on it, but your cousin has gotten himself in some deep shit around here, and its affected him negatively I don't know what you're expecting to find but let me say this, he may not be the same as you knew him." Erhard explained as he was a bit quiet about it which made Ayato grow worried for Naofumi. "Chances are he'll show up here, but I wouldn't get my hopes up, last time I saw him was after the incident happened." Erhard said and thus Ayato knew that they might have been too late to do much of anything to help Naofumi.
"Do you mind if we wait here a bit just to see if he shows up." Ayato asked as he wanted to find Naofumi as soon as possible.
"Sure, and if he does show up after you guys leave, I'll put in a word for you." Erhard said as he looked to this kid. He liked to think he was a good judge of character and when he looked at Ayato he could tell the kid wanted to find his missing relatives. But the sad part was in the case of one of them Erhard knew that Ayato was setting himself up for hurt.
(Meanwhile back over with Akane)
"Great now I need to find another weapon shop to do my shopping at." Akane said as she was not going back to that one if that blond haired moron shows himself again. "Well at least I didn't have to pay for damages." Akane said as she held her bag of money with a grin on her face. "But still where the Heck am I supposed to get supplies around here if I'm trying to avoid that moron who can't take no for an answer?" Akane asked as she thought over how she was going to go about her errands.
Just then Akane heard movement and sighed to herself as she knew company had arrived and not the friendly kind either. "Great." Akane said as he turned around and saw a group of thugs smirking at her no doubt thinking about more than just mugging her. As Akane looked to them she saw the group were armed and were intent on mugging her and possibly causing harm to her person. "You know the whole gang up on a guy to mug him is kind of old." Akane said as she glared at the three thugs around her.
"Just shut up and hand over all the coins you're carrying on that pretty little body of yours and that bracelet while you're at it!" The leader yelled as he pointed at Akane with his knife who hid the bracelet a bit. "Do that and we'll let you walk away from this unspoiled." He said as Akane saw what he meant by that, rape.
"Jeez first have to beat up an idiot now these guys." Akane sighed to herself as she then got down to business. "Ok look we all know how this is going to go down, we duke it out, I win, and you all run while pissing yourselves like a bunch of little bitches." Akane began as this served to anger the thugs. "So here is my counter proposition to you guys we can all just skip the end so you can avoid the nasty part of it and you all can keep your dignity." Akane said as the thugs glared at the girl unaware of what she was actually packing here.
"Little bitch!" The one with the knife yelled and thus charged at Akane. Acting fast Akane transformed the bracelet into a shield stopping the guy's attack before pushing him back. The other thugs then came in as Akane then had her weapon switch to its sword form and began blocking her foes oncoming attacks. Once that was done, she parried and pushed them back before kicking them in the midsection to force them back.
The thug with the knife came charging at her from behind as swift wind give a 'neh!' sound warning her of her attacker, she quickly dodge him by side stepping, as the guy just rushes pass her, at that moment Akane quickly raise her hand and knock down and out the guy by doing a chop to the guys neck.
The thug Fell down like rock in water with the thug's knife drop as well as it clang when it hit the ground. The other thugs were surprise by this as another one came at her with his fist that were wrap in cloth as he yells out, "You bitch!"
She dodge the punches of the guy before giving him a haymaker with her shield to his jaw which daze him greatly with Akane give the guy a Spin kick to his groin, making his face go in pain while knock him into two other thugs that were coming up to help their friend, knocking them all down.
Akane smile to this as she thought to herself of how well she was fighting, "Thank you self-defense classes. Monsters are one thing, but thugs and punks like these guys are no better than the ones back home, too bad they learn their lesson early on, I miss doing crotch shots"
No doubt she get a lot of guys hitting on her for one reason or another, and some people can't take no for an answer, as after taking those self-defense classes, she really abuse the crotch shot rule a lot.
After a minute or two the group of thugs were knock down and out other than a few that moan in pain a lot with their hands at their groin, with the guy with the nice looking Cloak was slowly getting up, he soon found himself looking at Akane who was looking down at him.
With the guy sweating a bit as Akane reach for him, picking him up by his shoulder as it seems she was preparing another crotch shot, the guy said, "Please wait, don't kick me down there again, I'll do anything, I'll give you anything!"
Akane looked at the guy for a moment as she give a smile and said to the thug, "This is a nice cloak you have."
"It's yours!" the guy said while freak out as a few moments later Akane took the guy cloak… while taking the some of the money off the other thugs, and some gear to use or sell later, they aren't worth as much anyways other than the cloak but she keeping that for something later if needed.
As soon enough the thugs were getting up and running away, limp, or crawling away said to herself and a bit out loud, "Easy money, they did have much stuff, but at least I got lot of money out of it too."
"Mine isn't this inserting," A voice called out as Akane was surprise by this as she look and see a guy with a creepy smile and a mustache on his face and wearing a pair of glasses as she thought, 'What a Creepy ass looking guy'
"Who are you, were you with them?" Akane said while pointing to the few remaining thugs that were knock out with foam at the mouths, while speaking in a strong tone not wanting to seem like a girl to mess around with, as the creepy guy step out from the alley way he was in and said, "Not really, but I was hoping to do some business with them, but when I saw you take on those men, it really fascinating to watch and change my mind on doing business with them but you on the other hand seem like a good customer."
"What sort of business are you into," Akane said as she did thought this guy was a trader or more than likely a black market type of sort as in most game of sort that you can buy hard to find stuff you can't find in the normal shops, and those guy were creepy looking mother fuckers or fat fucks and this guy was somewhere in between as the creepy guy said, "Let me show you."
"Before I agree or decline, can I at least get a name?" Akane asked as she gave the creepy guy a glare as the man introduce himself, "Why of course refer to me as Beloukas."
"Ok Beloukas and while I appreciate the offer I'm going to have to say no." Akane said as she then looked away from the man. "I'm trying to locate some people my brother, my cousin, and our friends." Akane said as she looked to them. "We got dragged into this world almost a week ago when what I assumed was a summoning spell dragged us here as extra's." Akane said as Beloukas heard the general time frame Akane used and decided to seek a hunch.
"A week ago by summoning? From the look of it I'd say you arrived in this world around the same time as the Cardinal Heroes." Beloukas said as he looked to Akane who was wide eyed by this.
"What was their names?" Akane asked as she looked to Beloukas. "I already know the Spear is named Motoyasu but what about the other three?" Akane asked as she was now looking at Beloukas as she wanted answers to where her cousin and brother were.
"If you need their names, the Sword is named Ren, the Bow was named Itsuki, and finally the Shield goes by the name of Naofumi." Beloukas said and thus Akane went wide eyed as she now knew Naofumi was in this world. "Have you seen him? Was he here!?" Akane asked as she looked to Beloukas clearly wanting answers as the man then made a large grin.
"Now, now little lady I cannot just go and share my customers private information like that. I'm running a respectable business after all." Beloukas said as Akane then glared at the man.
"So, in other words unless I purchase one of your products... your lips are sealed on grounds of professionalism." Akane said and thus realized what this meant as the man grinned. "Fine let's see what you're selling." Akane said and thus Beloukas began to lead Akane to where his ship was located at.
(Later)
"Right this way," Beloukas lead Akane down many alleyways as it seem she was being lead to the hidden spot of the city. They soon came to see a huge tent that was in the middle of a large open space area that were behind many houses and shops. No doubt this place was a black-market area of some sort as she entered the tent while leaving Swift Wing outside. Then when Akane entered the tent, what had caught her attention was the sound and smell.
The sound of beast or animal screeching out with metal on metal was heard, no doubt they were chains, and the smell was something she can only describe as coming out of a poorly clean bathroom, or a toilet got clogged and overflowed. Akane took a look around and saw cages upon cages that were organized about. The occupants within the cages were humanoid animals and creatures with some looking like they were human just with additional animal-like appendages.
"You're a Slave Trader," Akane said with clear disapproval over what she saw.
"Indeed, I am," Beloukas replied not minding the glare Akane gave him. "Finest in all of Melromarc. I have more Demihumans than anything else, but this makes things easier." Beloukas said as Akane gave the man a glare.
"And why is that?" Akane question the man as he turn to her and smile greatly looking very creepy as he said to her, "Trust, of course, as far as I can tell right now, you have no one to trust here. But with a Slave, they cannot lie nor disobey their master when ordered."
Akane thought to herself for a moment as she thought, 'Can't really ask someone to help me, and a good chance I may run into that asshole again, so that means I need to keep a low profile. More so than that, if I can't find Ayato or anyone else… I guess a slave could be useful.'
More so then that Akane didn't exactly trust this man and for good reason. Slave Traders could not be trusted in Akane's mind set at least but what choice did she have right now? Akane then gave a small sigh with her choice made after much deliberation on her part as she said, "Alright then, you convinced me, show you what you have for sale then."
"I knew you would see things my way, follow me and I'll show you the best one I have," Beloukas said as he led her to some cages in the back as he show her a beastman that looked strong, and very angry as Beloukas said to her, "I recommend this for a high class gal such as yourself, as this one is level 75."
Akane saw the beast and knew instinctively that it was well beyond her current price range. "Sorry but this guy is a no go for me." Akane said as she looked to Beloukas. "I mean level 75 that can't possibly be cheap unless there is something wrong with him." Akane said making it clear she wasn't going to buy him without all the details first.
"Why of course you are absolutely right." Beloukas said as he smiled to Akane seeing she caught on real, quick. "This specimen is worth 15 Gold Pieces." Beloukas said as Akane saw her assessment was spot on. "Seems you might have an eye for this sort of thing." Beloukas added as he smiled to Akane who glared at him.
"I'm going to look around for a bit." Akane said and thus she turned and began to walk away to do some browsing of the stock. Hopefully she'll find something more her style since Akane rather have something more up to her speed of things.
"Well seems you're the cautious type." He said as he looked to Akane with a grin on his face.
Akane kept browsing about as Beloukas was close by to see if she might need help or if she found something she may like. But just then Akane found herself standing before a cage with a tarp over it hiding something inside. Akane looked to the tarp for a moment before pulling it out revealing a cat like girl with duel-colored eyes and currently dressed in rags. Her mane of hair was wild and unkempt no doubt suffering from many knots with her claws broken and sharp. She even had a tail as she growled and snarled at Akane showing she was a fighter despite her current situation. But the way she had those bruises and injuries was clear that wherever she was before was not a good place for Akane.
"I need someone who can fight but is cheap and obedient, this one looks the part." Akane said as she was gesturing to the girl in the cage. Despite being in a cage and in rags the cat girl inside was sitting against the back of it with one leg pulled to her chest and the other stretched out glaring out of the cage.
"Oh, you don't want this one." The Slaver said as he looked to Ayato. "She has a bit of a record she's always been known to find loopholes in her orders and tries to cause harm to any master who buys her directly or indirectly. When the direct approach fail's her, she goes for harm by proxy. She's not one I would recommend for you." Beloukas said as he looked to Akane warning her of this girl's history. Her last owner had literally been willing to pay Beloukas to take her off his hands proving she was not going to be an easy sell for anyone looking at her.
"So, she's a fighter good." Akane said as she looked to the Cat girl before her.
"Still I'd recommend something else she had a few successes with offing her previous masters once people found out about her they weren't keen on buying her." Beloukas said as Akane saw this and knew she was the one then. Now the problem would be to ensure she was not seen as a threat.
"Alright I'll take her, if she's such a trouble to sell then I guess you'd offer a cheap price on her." Akane said as she looked to the Slaver calm and cold like. "Heck if she is that much of a problem, I'll be basically doing you a favor." Akane said as she smirked to the slave trader before her.
The Cat Girl meanwhile heard everything that they were talking about. In response the cat girl in question began to grin over the thought of another shot at getting out of here. Already the gears in her head were turning as this kid had no idea what he was going to end up with. Who knows, she may actually get out of this fast if she was smart enough about it. After all the key to a perfect deception and escape is of course locations and planning all the while pulling the wool over her soon to be new master's eyes.
(Later)
Beloukas brought out some tools as he got ready to set the pack up between Akane and the Cat girl. The cat girl in question had to be tied up to make sure she didn't try to fight it showing just how much of a problem she was. Akane was at the table where the tools were as Beloukas proceeded to cut the Princess of Power's finger enough to draw blood. Allowing the blood to drip into what Akane assumed was ink Beloukas proceeded to the next part of the task.
"Word of warning no refunds on her heaven knows I've had to give enough of those as is." Beloukas said as he looked to Akane as he clearly did not want to have to try selling this girl again. The fact she was so cheap proved that she was a major problem for him thus Akane knew to be careful around her.
Akane looked to the cat girl in question who currently had, her arms spread back by chains to keep her from blocking the brand. No doubt this was also part of his attempt to dissuade Akane from doing this but Akane would not be deterred. It was clear that this Demihuman had a nasty tendency to fight it a lot making this a needed precaution here. "Fine." Akane said even though he had no intention of doing that and thus Beloukas understood. After all Akane wanted to know where her family member was located at and the fact she was paying full price to the man was also to bribe him to spill the beans on Naofumi.
"Then let's begin." He said and got ready to modify the branding on the girl to link her to Akane. The task was actually quite simple as all he had to do was pain on the mark causing the magic of it to do all of the work. Once he did so the girl growled in pain and tried to attack the slaver with a snap of her fangs only for him to step back fast before she could do so. Though she still felt the pain she gritted her teeth through it glaring spitefully at the slaver and her buyer no doubt refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her in pain. By the looks of it the girl was defiant to the end which Akane found to be a valued aspect in her.
"What's up with this?" Akane asked while looking over to the Slaver as Beloukas smirked through this.
"The pain will dissipate soon but you have your work cut out for you with her. She's a fighter even after the branding." He said as he looked to Akane. "As I said the branding on her chest will make it impossible for her to defy you, but she has been known to find loopholes to her orders to try causing you harm by proxy." He said as Akane figured it must have taken the girl a lot of trial and error to figure out how it worked.
"Before I pay mind if I give her a test drive?" Akane said as he looked to the man as she wondered how far she can push the slave crest.
"By all means." He said and thus Akane then took out the knife she snagged from the crooks before and gave it to the girl as she was cut loose.
"Now then attack me." Akane said while spreading his arms out and thus the girl was left surprised by this. The Cat Girl didn't know if Akane was stupid or just suicidal, but she wasn't going to let this chance slip her by. She then smirked and grabbed the knife and went on the offensive against Akane. Akane acted fast and dodged the attack only for her to show how fast and agile she was. She was slow no doubt from her poor treatment prior to this but she had the makings. She slashed at Akane left and right hoping to get a slash on her while holding the dagger in a reverse grip.
It wasn't long until Akane activated the Sword of Protection into a shield form and blocked the next attack. She pushed the cat girl back before she charged at Akane once more. Akane in turn side stepped and tripped the cat girl to which she then lost her footing giving Akane the chance to push her down to the ground. The Cat girl quickly got back up to her feet but before she could attack again Akane gave out her next order. "Ok that's enough stand down." Akane said and just then the crest went off as the girl tried to attack regardless shocking her in response. Akane of course was surprised by this but knew she'd rather avoid causing her pain if it can be helped. "She is perfect." Akane said as she took out the small sack of coins and passed the full price of a slave to the Slave Trader.
"Here the agreed price for both her discount and the service fee." Akane said as she passed the coins to the man. "Also the information about Naofumi." Akane said and thus Beloukas chuckled a bit.
"Why of course miss." Beloukas said and thus got to the gist of it. "Now do not be shocked but from what I heard your relative was accused of raping the first princess of Melromarc." Beloukas said which surprised Akane to no end.
"Wait what?" Akane asked as she heard this and was clearly in shock over it.
"It's true my dear at least when it comes to what I told you, but even I suspect that the accusation was not at all truthful." Beloukas said as he spoke to Akane. "The First Princess was in his party after switching over from the Spear Heroes Party when no one wanted to join his party." Beloukas said as Akane was now deeply worried for Naofumi. "Due to this he could not use the Adventurers Guild to take requests and more so than that he was currently unable to get any party members to help him advance his strength." Beloukas explained and thus Akane began to put the pieces together.
"So, in the end he was forced to come to you, after all slaves can't possibly betray him, can they?" Akane asked as she feared Naofumi may be in some deep trouble now if not in body, then in mind. Turned into a pariah over a fake charge, because Akane knew for a FACT Naofumi would never do something so heinous, and having the entire city turn against him... Akane feared that Naofumi may have been emotionally and psychologically traumatized by the experience and may need some psychological help. "Do you know of any places Naofumi has frequented?" Akane asked as she looked to Beloukas wanting to find her cousin.
"Well believe it or not you just missed him he had already left before I went out and found you, if I had to garner a guess, he went to get his slave some equipment." Beloukas said and thus Akane nodded to the man.
"Thank you." Akane said as she began to get moving hoping if she moved fast enough, she'll manage to catch up to Naofumi. With her new slave in tow Akane began to head out with the hopes of finding her cousin before his situation gets worse.
(Later outside)
Once they were outside Akane looked to her slave cat girl and in turn figured introductions were in order. "Well looks like we're stuck with each other for the long run." Akane said as she looked to the cat girl who huffed clearly not wanting to be here. "So do you have a name?" Akane asked as she wanted to know the cat girls name but not force it out of her. But alas she didn't answer since it wasn't an order from Akane. The cat girl had expected Akane to make it an order but instead she was surprised when Akane instead sighed to her instead of ordering her to give her name. "Fine don't tell me I don't have time for this so I'll just call you Kitty Girl until you do tell me your name." Akane said and thus the cat girl was wide eyed to that.
"WHAT?!" The cat girl snarled as she glared at Akane.
"Huh so you can talk." Akane said as she looked to the girl.
"My name is NOT Kitty Girl!" She yelled as it sounded like a name someone would give to their pet. "Don't go naming me like I'm some stray you picked up off the street!" The Cat Girl yelled as Akane then smirked to this.
"Well since you won't share your name, I have to call you something instead of hey you!" Akane yelled back as the two were already at odds.
"Then why not order me to do it, that's what the other assholes did!?" the Cat girl countered as Akane smirked to this.
"Because it's less painful this way, your either going to get so annoyed that you will correct me or you're just going to suck it and deal with it for days to come." Akane said showing it was a win/win situation for her here.
"Sneaky little bitch." The Cat girl said and Akane smirked to this.
"And damn proud of it." Akane responded and thus realizing she was not going to win this the Cat Girl gave up.
"Fine my name is Catra happy?" The cat girl now named Catra introduced and thus Akane nodded.
"And my name is Akane nice to meet you." Akane said showing that in the end she would get her way. After all there were far more effective ways to get things to go your way without being a spoiled rotten brat who throws a tantrum to get the things she wanted. "Now come on we need to hurry." Akane said and thus with a growl Catra followed after Akane hopefully to catch up with Naofumi before someone else tries something against him.
(Back with Ayato's Group Erhard's shop)
With Ayato looking over the other weapon and armor around the shop just window browsing while thinking about what sort of equipment he could use later on, once he and the group get enough money for it that is as he soon lay his eyes on some bolas that were well made, Small copper ball with some strong rope that look like it has some metal wire weaved to reinforce the rope itself.
'That could work, but how much would it cost me?' Ayato was thinking over it another part of the store with Yumi and Hajime going over their gear to see how well they work with a few lights hits from Hajime with her buckler against Yumi's secondary helmet, when she's not in her masters of the universe form, and some results shows they could use a few adjustment with Hajime's small shield could get some padding so her hand isn't hurting with every hit she would feel and Yumi thinks the helmet was a little lose and needs a tighter strap or something.
Mean at the desk area as Daito was showing Erhard a drawing of an idea he had as Erhard said, "And so pretty much it not only function as a shield but a crossbow too?"
"Yes, the shield would open up a change and with the right tension with springs and the pulley system inside the shield itself, a person could pull the string back with no problem and hold it while putting an arrow or bolt in at the same time, as when its release the pulley system would release the pressure and send, whatever it is you're shooting, flying out with almost the same power as a regular crossbow," Daito said as Erhard said, "I don't know, I mean it wouldn't be good for long range combat."
"Well this is meant to be short to med range shooting in mostly tight areas or something that could save yours in a moment or else someone else's life nearby, or maybe hunting quick game to cook and eat while out in the wild like a bird or fishing depending of what its being used for and what sort of projectile is being used," Daito explain the idea as Erhard nodded as he get the idea, as it not big for combat other than blocking being a shield mostly and partly crossbow for quick draw fire, and it also seem like a good survival tool as he said, "Alright kid you convince me. I'll make a few of these and see how well they could sell, and if they do I'll give you a small profit in return for the plans with a contract of selling more of these if they do, but if not then forget about it."
"That's all I will ask you," Daito said as he just made his first deal of an invention he just made, as he knew the group would need money so he came up with something that could hopefully bring in a good stream of money while using his knowledge of compound bows and crossbows in his world, and also picking the idea off of a cartoon he watch before that dealt with Vikings and dragons, to come up with the idea and draw it out before presenting it to Erhard.
Suddenly the door to the shop swung wide open as everyone stop of what they were doing and look to see who came in and to Ayato shock and joy to see Naofumi as he was okay… and he had a little girl with ears and a tail of a raccoon as they both walk into the store.
Before Naofumi could come up to Erhard, Ayato came up to him with Naofumi stopping in the middle of the store as Ayato said, "Naofumi." Catching his attention as Naofumi look to him with a confuse look on his face as Ayato said to him, "Is it really you Naofumi?"
"Yeah, who's asking?" Naofumi said with an aggressive tone, and it also seem he didn't recognized Ayato which not only shocks the power sword wielder but everyone else as well, as Ayato said to him, "I-it's me Naofumi, don't you recognize me?"
Naofumi took a moment as his mind was slowly register Ayato words and his image before him as it seem in his eyes, the view of his cousin was distorted.
Everyone gather together to the side as they observe of what is happening. But they also prepared themselves a bit just in case something happened to them as Naofumi soon said, "Look I don't know who you are so move."
"Wait, Naofumi, its Ayato, your cousin, you know Ayato and Akane all in japan living with you? We were at the library looking at light novels then you found some magical book that transported not only us but our friends as well. Don't you remember?" Ayato said to him as he hope that work but Naofumi was confused as he blink a few times as the distorted image of Ayato was slowly fitting itself as he almost didn't want to believe it as Naofumi then said, "IF your Ayato… then tell me something only he will know."
"What I would know?" Ayato said as he thought about it for a bit as he try to remember something and said, "Oh, your brother, the younger cousin, was struggling with school and you decided to help him out, showing him an online game you like to played to help him relax and focus which help as with that your parents, aunty and uncle, started giving you an allowance to live off of before me and Akane started living with you with a given allowance from our parents to help pay rent."
Naofumi took a moment to let the information sink in as far he knew, that is what happen to him as his younger brother was having trouble in school when his parents were putting too much pressure on his younger brother which cause him to lose focus in school and such and he decided to help him out showing him his RPG online game, but he was still having a bit of trouble recognizing Ayato.
Ayato walk over to everyone and try to introduce them to Naofumi again as he said, "This is Daito, the smart guy in my class and great study partner, who also help you build a better computer to get a faster gaming?"
Naofumi looks at Daito but he was confuse as he thought Daito was a stranger as Ayato soon moves onto Yumi as he said, "This is Yumi, Akane and my friend from sport club, and we brought her to the apartment to hang out and stuff?"
Again Naofumi didn't see it as he didn't see Yumi there but some strange girl before him, before Ayato soon move onto Hajime and said, "And Hajime, Akane's study partner and my- I mean our close friend."
Hajime sort of looked away at that with a slight blush on her face as she and Ayato have some sort of thing going between them, but once again Naofumi didn't see it as he saw Hajime as some sort of stranger too, as Ayato couldn't believe it.
Naofumi didn't recognize his own friend and family, as he suddenly remember what Erhard said to him before as it click in his mind as he thought, "I know he said some bad had happen to Naofumi but… what did it do to him?"
Suddenly the door open as suddenly Akane voice was heard as she said, "Finally another weapon shop, hopefully I won't have a run in with that dumb blonde guy again."
She stop as she saw there were some people in the shop already, and to her surprise to see not only her brother and their friends, but Naofumi as well as he just stood there in the middle of the shop as he turn around to see her, as Akane smile to this and said, "Ayato, Naofumi, guy! I found you guys!"
She rushes over to her group of friend giving them a hug of sort, leaving her feline companion by the door as Catra just watch her new master greeting some people like long lost friends as Akane said to them, "I can't believe it I found you guys."
"Ah, Akane," Ayato started to say as he is about to tell her something but she didn't pay attention and hug him next as she said, "I suddenly found myself in some crazy forest with monsters and a giant bug before I found this place."
She let off as she turn to Naofumi and about to give him a hug as well until he back away from her suddenly as she stops and said, "Naofumi… what wrong?"
Naofumi didn't say anything as Ayato came up to her and put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Akane… he doesn't recognize us."
"Wait what?" Akane asked shocked over what Ayato just told her. Of course, she had a pretty good idea over what happened but to hear it was to such an extent she couldn't believe it.
"It's true." Hajime said as she looked to Naofumi also shocked that he could not recognized those who cared for him.
"Kid not to bother you but." Erhard began as he got the groups attention. "From what I saw I'd like to think I can ready people and these folks are being genuine." Erhard said as he rubbed the back of his head a bit. "If you ask me give them a chance, they came all this way and knew you by name at the very least give them that." Erhard said as Naofumi glared but kept his cold look. "And last I check you need all the help you can get if you want to Level Up faster." Erhard added and in turn Naofumi knew Erhard had a point there.
"Fine." Naofumi said surprising the group and glared at Ayato and Akane who he suspected to be the leaders. "But make no mistake any of you betray me and you'll regret it." He said which surprised the twins that Naofumi can have such spite for them.
"Idiot." Akane countered as she glared at Naofumi. "If I was going to betray you, I'd have done it back home, but I never did." Akane countered as she glared at Naofumi almost daring him to say something. Naofumi glared at her and left it be for the time being as clearly he did not trust woman at the moment.
Once this happened Ayato looked to Erhard as he wanted answers as to what happened to Naofumi. But Erhard was silent for it as Naofumi approached the table. "So, who's the girl?" Daito asked as he noticed the girl with Naofumi and was ignored.
"I need a weapon something she can use and keep it under six silver pieces." Naofumi said as he put a few silver pieces onto the table.
"Make that double for her on getting a weapon." Akane said as she pointed her thumb over to Catra who was inside crossed arms with a bored and annoyed look on her face.
As Erhard nodded Catra looked to the girl and raised a brow when the small child looked back up to Catra. "Sorry but weren't you that sick kid from before?" Catra asked as she recognized the fellow Demihuman with her.
"Um hello." The small girl greeted shyly as she looked to the older Demihuman.
(Later)
After a bit the smaller girl and Catra came out of the dressing room decked out in new gear. "Took you two long enough." Naofumi said as he glared at the two before him.
"I'm sorry sir." The girl said as Catra glared at him.
"Yeah, up yours, asshole!" Catra snapped as Akane sighed a bit really tempted to use the shock bit but chose not to.
"Never mind." Naofumi muttered as he had to check something here. "Show me your knife!" Naofumi ordered the girl as he was standing in front of her. Naofumi then revealed a balloon monster, biting into his side beneath his cape which surprised the group to this as it gave Raphtalia a fright.
"Raphtalia, I want you to stab this thing!" Naofumi said to the girl now known as Raphtalia as he didn't seem to be in any pain from the creature biting into him.
"I-I can't…!" Raphtalia whimpered clearly afraid of doing it which make Ayato feel sympathy for her as did the others.
"That's an order!" Naofumi ordered and in turn the slave crest on Raphtalia's chest activated, delivering a painful shock to her. Holding her chest in pain, the raccoon girl fell to her knees while coughing due to her sickness.
"You only hurt yourself by refusing. Now, take out your knife and kill it. I'll hold it down, so it won't bite you." Naofumi said as he firmly held the balloon out to Raphtalia.
"Naofumi stop it!" Ayato called out as he grabbed Naofumi by the arm as he tried to talk sense into him. "You're hurting her!" Ayato tried to reason as Ayato didn't expect Naofumi to do something like this.
"She's only hurting herself by refusing." Naofumi said, causing Ayato to grunt at him clearly not approving of this. "Now do it!" Naofumi ordered Raphtalia as Catra was ready to jump in and belt Naofumi in the face.
"Naofumi wait!" Ayato called out as he then walked over to the girl as he looked to her. "You can do it just be strong." Ayato said as he encouraged the girl to do it using positive reinforcement to help her.
Ayato had unwittingly given the girl some courage to stand up, draw her knife, and stab the monster. But it was not strong enough as she was then pushed away by Naofumi. "Too weak! Put some muscle into it!" Naofumi ordered as the girl was surprised by this.
"He's right, you've gotta try Raphtalia!" Akane said agreeing with Naofumi but also trying for positive reinforcement for her.
"Come on kid you got this!" Yumi said as she looked to Raphtalia while trying not to bash her head into Naofumi to make him ease up on her. Meanwhile, Erhard and Catra both watched in silence while Naofumi got to work on training his slave. At her master's prompting, Raphtalia got back and charged again with all her strength. This time, she succeeded in popping the balloon as the resulting popped cause her to fall down on her rump.
Naofumi was surprised to learn that he got some experience alongside her. "I got experience points too?" he asked himself, which the others heard him say.
"Probably because when you formed the pact you set her as a companion." the blacksmith explained as he looked to Naofumi but then realized something. "Oh, now wait a minute don't tell me you didn't do that with the lady that was in here before?" he asked which caused a scowl to form for Naofumi.
"Tch… damn that woman!" Naofumi cursed as he quickly realized that bitch Myne truly had no intention of forming a party with him. All the more reason to channel his rage into his master/slave relationship with Raphtalia. "From now on, I expect you to fight monsters for me! Even though it wasn't much, I paid a lot for you. You'd better recoup the expense by working hard." Naofumi said with a commanding voice. He paid thirty silver coins, plus one, for his slave to the slave trader. He knew the creepy man would have rung it out of him at some point.
"Ok that's enough Naofumi." Ayato said as he pulled Naofumi aside to tear him a new one. "She's just a kid you can't just treat her like that!" Ayato scolded as he knew Naofumi would never do something like this if whatever this 'other woman,' did to him had not happened. "She's a living being not a weapon for you to swing around!" Ayato yelled and thus Naofumi put his own foot down.
"I'm not treating her as a weapon I'm treating her as a fighter!" Naofumi yelled as he glared at Ayato who he was still having trouble recognizing though the confirmation of what he knew helped out some.
"Not how we see it, but if that's' your idea of treating her as a fighter… then do it better or else you'll be no better than those who made you this way," Akane said joining with her brother, as what Ayato told her what had happen to their cousin the best he could, as he didn't get all the detail, but its clear someone screw Naofumi over.
With both she and Naofumi glare at each other for a bit before Naofumi turn away from Akane, losing the staring contest they were both having just then, as for some reason Akane had the stronger resolve to not back down.
"Let's go," Naofumi said with an upset yet calming tone as he walk over to the door about to leave but waited for a bit for the others, as Ayato helped Raphtalia out a bit as Catra is a bit loss for words as she is surprise the twins stood up for a slave girl like Raphtalia as she knew the stories of what happen to the little girl, with the short answer being bad owners and leave it at that with Ayato said to the raccoon girl, "Let's get going, you must be hungry right?"
Raphtalia nodded as she and the rest of the group left the store with Naofumi as Erhard said, "Sheesh, I don't know whether it's our country to blame, or if the kid's been corrupted...but at least he'll have good friends to watch over him as those two are something else." But unaware to this group dark forces were on the move. Both within Melromarc and beyond its walls in the darkest of places.
(Scene Break Snake Mountain)
Skeletor, Lynn, Kronis, and Shadow Weaver were gathered together with another new face a wild beast like man with hunting gear. As they all gathered it was clear dark intentions were afoot among them. "Now we all know what we need and what must be done to acquire it." Skeletor said as he rested his hand on his throne as nearby a large violet green eyed Panther like beast was seen resting. "Kronis if I am to share this Havoc with you all I need supplies and the mineral we need can only be found in Lute Village." Skeletor said as he glared at Kronis.
"Don't worry Kel…" He began but was glared at by Skeletor. "I mean Lord Skeletor." Kronis fixed as he currently had a jaw guard after Daito broke his jaw in their clash. "I'll get the Mineral and get it back here before anyone realizes I was there." Kronis said as Skeletor nodded to this.
"Lynn, Shadow Weaver continue your efforts on recruitment not only will I need to deal with Greyskull and its ilk but also the Cardinal Heroes if I am to begin my conquest." Skeletor said as Shadow Weaver nodded with Lynn.
"Of course Lord Skeletor." Shadow Weaver said as the masked woman did a small bow to the man.
"It shall be done." Lynn said as the two magic users were in full agreement.
"Good now go and do not return until your tasks are completed." Skeletor said and thus the group left. The beast like man went with Kronis to mine the material Skeletor desires while the two magic users went to continue Skeletors Recruitment for his forces. "Soon this world will belong to Skeletor and the power of Havoc." Skeletor said as he grinned sinisterly with the promise of dark intent upon the land and all who would dare oppose him.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we go folks a brand new chapter. I hope you all got to enjoy it and will joins me in the next one as we begin the true Rising of the Masters of the Universe. Now until then be sure to leave a review and again I will say to you ja-ne.