Rising of the Masters of the Universe
ESKK: Well, the fourth chapter let's begin.
(Start the Sorceress Greyskull)
The Sorceress looked outside one of the eyes of Castle Greyskull. For a long time, she had stood sentinel over the secrets that laid within the castle. It was a long-standing task that she had inherited from her mother who in turn inherited from her own mother and so on so forth. For a great deal of time, she had watched over the world and this day she knew that things have begun to change.
No matter what lies Havoc may bestow she knew Keldor would no doubt come seeking Greyskull's power. Even then she would be ready for whatever or whoever may come for the power hidden within. It was her duty one which she would gladly pass down to her successor when her time comes to fill the role in her stead. Still, she knew that with the changing world so to come a new approaching battle.
The Waves have hit this world before, and she knew the fact they returned meant a great change was approaching. She wondered if Fitoria or the other old ones were still about. A foolish question she knew but it helped her focus some and clear her mind when she thought of those still here from the old past. Many had died to stop the Waves before, and the Sorceress feared that it would be the same in this era also. But she had to have faith that the Cardinal Heroes will prevail and in turn bring salvation to this world.
Thankfully the Masters of the Universe shall be aiding them in bringing this world to salvation and if all goes well perhaps a new dawn shall shine down upon them. But until such a time comes the Sorceress of Greyskull shall do what she can to hold down the fort here and continue her duty. She was the Sorceress of Greyskull, and her duty was to defend this place and all the secrets hidden within from the forces of evil. And she will do so until her dying breath and thankfully she had one newly summoned possible replacement in mind.
(The Group)
With the group looking around the kingdom as with the slavery and stairs they were getting mostly towards Naofumi no doubt due to what happen to him, but he just ignored it and went about his own business with everyone else with him.
"This place does look nice, but with everything going just kind of ruins the image here," Akane said as Ayato said to her, "I agree, but other than that, something weird is going on here, but I can't put my finger on it."
"Me neither," Akane said as she turned to her brother and ask him, "So now that the gang is back together, what happen with you and the others, what happen with cringer, and where you get a sword like that?"
Looking to the sword of power, as for some reason it looked similar to her own sword in a way but clearly the sword is more of a great sword while her is a broadsword and made from a strong looking metal than the strong magical crystal-like material hers is made of.
"Well I guess the short answer is me and everyone else landed in some sort of castle with a lot of crazy stuff happen, Cringer somehow changed during the whole transported to this world which I'm guessing he somehow absorb magic and became a magical tiger, and the sword… well it was a gift from the said owner of the castle we landed in along with all the other weapons the other have," Ayato answer not giving out the full answer get as he didn't want other people hearing what he would say, as he wanted to tell his sister of castle Grayskull but now wasn't the right time, as he look to his sister and ask her, "So what happen with you when you first got here?"
"Landed in some magical woods, meet some religious nut jobs, and a witch that helped me for some reason, no idea for what thought," Akane explain herself leaving out bright hope, the sword of protection and a lot of detail of shadow weaver, as that stranger witch didn't give her any reason not to trust her, but at the same time didn't give any reason to trust her too and was just neutral with her at the moment, with Ayato soon ask, "Alright, but what's up with that cat girl?"
"A slave I picked up from a weird guy, I didn't know if I would find you guy anytime soon so I bought her to help me out adventuring and stuff, but I didn't think I would find you guys this soon," Akane said as Ayato nodded and ask her, "So what are you going to do with her now?"
"I'll keep her until a time to set her free from her slave crest and see if she would stay with me still, she is a feisty one and knows how to handle herself pretty well," Akane said with a strange tone to say as Catra heard that last part well as she turn her head with a scoff with a slight blush on her face for some reason with Ayato said, "You and your weird taste."
"Oh, like your one to talk, I've seen your internet history, exotic dancer with similar look to a certain magic enthusiastic." Akane said in a low tone to him, as she was implying something about Ayato that made him get a mad blush on his face as he faced his sister to that as she gave a smiling look to him before they get into a silent agreement with each other.
With that going on between them, Naofumi look to them, seeing how they acted, how they walk and talk, how they fight each other, how this remind him of Ayato and Akane acted back in their own world, as soon enough a bit of their own image of them came back to Naofumi, seeing them as they were before to make him think 'Maybe they are them'.
Soon enough the twins stop arguing with each other as they saw they were in front of a pub of some sort, no doubt Naofumi was planning on getting food as he walked in with the other following, with Catra and Raphtalia notice the sigh on the door that didn't allow demi-human in as Raphtalia said, "Um."
"What up with you two?" Yumi said as Catra pointed to the sign and said, "Can't you guys read?"
"Who care about some sign, and beside I don't understand what it says, so come on already," Yumi said as she went back in as Catra was surprised by this before shrugging as she helped Raphtalia in and said, "Come on before we get an order to do it."
Raphtalia nodded as she walk in with Catra as they both join back with the group, while inside, the people already in there were surprise to see them, not only to see Naofumi but the group that was with him, Demi-human… and a green tiger that was talking with Ayato before they came up to a large enough table for all of them as they sat down and give the place a good look around, as many eyes are all on them with Daito spoken up saying, "I get the feeling we are not well liked at the moment."
"Just ignore them, as who give a crap what they think?" Yumi said as Ayato said, "She's right, we're better off just ignoring them for now."
"I am surprised no one is calling cringer out though," Hajime said as Cringer came up to her while she gave the tiger a scratch behind his ears. It seemed that Hajime still liked doing that to him as he was acting like a cat still, as Naofumi soon called out, "Hey can we get some service over here."
"Huh? yeah be right there." The waiter said looking away uneased over the new arrival here. Eventually the waiter made his way over to their table ready to take their order.
Once the guy arrived Naofumi began to make his order known. "Give us the cheapest lunch you got here for seven and uh..." Naofumi trailed off when he noticed the kid and the lunch platter he had. "She'll have whatever that kid over there's having." Naofumi said to a surprised Raphtalia when he said this.
"Hey um can you get a large raw fish for the big cat here, don't worry he's not the mauling sort." Ayato requested as he looked to the guy.
"Ok that will be 20 coppers." He said and in turn Ayato, Akane, and Naofumi took out their coin's pouches. "You'd like to split the order?" He asked surprised how the three did that at the same time.
"Um yeah." Ayato said and in turn he began to split up the order. Ayato paid for himself Daito, Hajime, and Yumi Akane paid for Catra and herself, and finally Naofumi paid for himself and Raphtalia.
"You know I could have paid for us." Naofumi said but Ayato shrugged to this.
"Yeah, but there was a lot of us so I figured splitting the cost would be cheaper." Ayato said as now instead of paying 20 Naofumi only had to pay for himself.
"Yeah, we can save money and eat all in one everyone wins." Akane said as Catra rolled her eyes and gagged.
'Jeez these guys.' Naofumi sighed mentally as he knew the sort of people who would be kind and smile no matter how bad things got. At least Catra acts as one would expect distrusting and always suspicious of others. But seeing the twins he was reminded of another set of Twins who try to find the best in any situation.
Just then Naofumi was dragged out of his thoughts by Raphtalia. "Why sir?" Raphtalia asked as she looked to the table instead of directly at Naofumi.
"Why what? You don't want that?" he asked, causing her to shake her head.
"No sir. Why are you two getting it for me?" she asked clearly at a lost about this.
"Yeah, that's been bugging me to, any regular slaver would have not cared and let us starve for a bit." Catra said as she seen those guys plenty of times. Let it be known they normally end up having their castle broken into and kitchens raided by monsters looking for a snack.
"I don't know because you looked like you wanted to try it, I guess." Naofumi said, causing Ayato to elbow Naofumi causing the Shield Hero to glare. Ayato then warned Naofumi silent Raphtalia was a child still and even if it was the truth, he could have delivered it better.
"We got it because you were hungry." Akane said, making her gasp a little while Catra growled a bit.
"Who says I was hungry!" Catra yelled a bit only for her stomach to growl with the desire of food. This caused Catra to blush in embarrassment over this as she sat back down.
"Well, that answers that." Yumi said as she snickered a bit at Catra's expense.
Before they could talk further the waiter then came out with their food. "Alright here's your food." The waiter said dropping off the food for the table.
Upon its arrival Raphtalia marveled at how delicious her food was, so much so that it made stars appear in her eyes. Catra's food seemed to have the added fish as her eyes mirrored Raphtalia with a small line of drool from her mouth. On the floor Cringer looked to the sardine in front of him and knew it was about time to chow down.
"What are you waiting for?" Ayato asked as he had some food in his mouth.
"Wait it's all for me?" Raphtalia asked as she heard this.
"Yeah dig in." Akane said and in turn Catra began to eat her food as Cringer was already chowing down on the floor.
"Well looks like someone is hungry." Daito said as he saw this.
"Yeah, no kidding." Ayato agreed as they then heard a slam and looked to see that Yumi slammed her head into her food and took a bite out of it before swallowing and belching a bit.
"Gross." Hajime said as she began to eat and thus Yumi scoffed.
"Hey when in Rome." Yumi said as she ate her food with utensils this time. As Raphtalia ate she used her hands mainly as she dug into her food but with the speed, she was going Ayato began to get worried.
"Hey kid slow down a bit your gonna." Catra began with her mouth full only for Raphtalia to start having trouble swallowing. "Too late." Catra said to which Naofumi jumped into action.
"Drink this." Naofumi said pushing a cup of water over for Raphtalia to drink from. In turn Raphtalia drank from the cup quickly and once the situation was handled, she set the cup back down.
Naofumi saw that with everyone else eating he might as well dig in himself. So as Naofumi began to eat his food he quickly noticed bitterly he could not taste the food. Ever since that incident Naofumi had been unable to taste food and honestly if one knew the truth no one would blame him for it since it was his mind trying to protect itself from further harm. But the twins knew the more Naofumi ignores it the more likely he will only get worse thus the twins decided that they needed to stage an intervention to get Naofumi to talk through it.
(Later that day)
It was close to nighttime as after their lunch they had spent a good part of the day grinding for EXP. Thanks to having more party members Naofumi's EXP gain took a significant increase which meant grinding had become easier. After spending the day grinding the party were surrounding a campfire as Naofumi was going over some of his newly acquired shields.
Akane was seemingly working on something as by the looks of it she was focused. "Hey Naofumi got a new power?" Akane asked taking her focus off a bit to speak.
"Oh yeah I got plant blending now." Naofumi said as he saw the new shield.
"Huh in that case I wot have to work on making medicine." Akane said as nearby Hajime was reading a newly acquired book while Yumi was sprawled out snoring with her helmet being hugged like a teddy bear. Naofumi had seen Akane draw her sword which transformed from a bracelet which of course surprised Naofumi but since his EXP gain didn't suffer he didn't worry about it much.
"Master... sir." Raphtalia began and got the party's attention with Ayato sitting against Cringer tending to the campfire. "Who are you and what I mean is who are you really?" Raphtalia asked as Catra agreed with her fellow Demi.
"Yeah, it's been bugging me too." Catra said as she glared at them. "Most 'masters,' would be doing a shit tone of stuff to us by now and all you guys did was feed us, cloth us, and arm us." Catra asked as she gave them a skeptical look. "What's your angle?" Catra asked as she was suspicious of them.
Naofumi decided he liked Catra then and there somewhat. She was clearly not trustful of people and in turn reminded him of himself. Still, they wanted answers so it fell to him to give them what answers he could give them about his status.
"I'm a hero, the Shield Hero." Naofumi said as he sat by the fire with fish cooking. Nearby Cringer ate his own mean while Akane was keeping an eye on the cooking fish.
"Wait do you mean... the Four Cardinal Heroes?" Raphtalia asked as Catra was also in shock over what she heard.
"You're joking." Catra said as she glared at Naofumi clearly not one for religion. After all the crap she went through all religion had brought her was suffering. As Naofumi started to work on something Akane began to speak up to Catra.
"Catra, are you feeling well?" Akane asked as she looked to Catra.
"What of course I'm fine!" Catra snapped as she glared at the group.
"I don't buy it." Akane said as she watched what Naofumi was doing as did Hajime. "From what that guy said you've become a major problem slave for many would be owners to the point he made it so you're on a sale is final bit." Akane said as she looked to Catra. "So, either he was hoping time will deal with you, or someone would buy you I mean you are on the thin side." Akane said and in turn Catra growled and then turned away. "Anyway, Naofumi can you make a second batch for our stubborn cat girl here?" Akane asked but Naofumi glared but let it be.
"Fine but if she gets sick again it's your fault and your own your own." Naofumi said as he got back to work knowing he will need to make two batches of medicine. One for Raphtalia and one for Catra to treat whatever is afflicting them now.
"Please." Raphtalia began as she got the groups attention. "What do I call you all?" Raphtalia asked as she looked to the group.
"Naofumi Iwatani." Naofumi said as he focused on what he was doing.
"Ayato." Ayato began before his twin sister spoke up.
"Akane." Akane added as she petted, Swift Wing a bit as the Horse laid down to sleep.
"Daito. It's nice to meet you." Daito said being the nice guy here.
"Hajime and that slob there is Yumi." Hajime said as Yumi stuck the finger at Hajime from where she was laying down.
"Great so I'm stuck with the Shield Hero and crazy friends. Just my luck." Catra said only to start coughing which was followed up by Raphtalia showing Catra did in fact have an affliction. The Cat girl was clearly too stubborn to admit when she was clearly unwell no doubt refusing to show weakness to possible threats to her life and her freedom.
"Here both of you drink this." Naofumi said as he passed to the two Demi's a grass cup filled with liquid. "It's a medicine I blended apparently it can cure light colds." Naofumi said as he passed the medicine over to Catra and Raphtalia.
"I know it's not much, but it will help you both get better." Ayato said until Yumi cut in on that one.
"Or kill you both so about 50/50." Yumi said causing the group to glare at her.
"YUMI!" They all yelled and in turn Catra growled and took the cup.
"I'll do it but not because you told me too." Catra said and thus got ready while Raphtalia took her cup as well.
When Raphtalia took a sip of her medicine she quickly spat it back out at how bitter it tasted. "It's so bitter!" Raphtalia gasped and thus Akane cut in before Naofumi could snap at her.
"So, what I promise you that you'll get better if you drink it." Akane said as she stood in front of Naofumi.
"Feh Fine!" Catra snapped and thus downed her medicine and forced herself to swallow its contents.
(Later that evening)
Night had fallen as Raphtalia was sleeping in Naofumi's cape. The group had blankets and other supplies, but it had only lasted if their trip to Melromarc did. As Naofumi kept blending Ayato and Akane were still up as Yumi was sleeping against Swift Wing with Hajime while Daito used the sleeping Cringer as a pillow.
"Naofumi." Akane said as she sat by the fire with Yumi hugging her helmet like it was a pillow. "We need to talk." Akane said knowing they had to stage this intervention.
"What do you guys want now?" Naofumi said but Ayato cut in.
"Naofumi, we want you to talk." Ayato said and thus Naofumi paused for a moment to look at the twins. "Whatever had happened after we got separated it's had a sever adverse effect on your psyche." Ayato said as Akane then cut in before Naofumi could retort.
"Naofumi... you're traumatized and if you don't get it off your chest soon... it will only get worse." Akane said as Naofumi glared but then returned to what he was doing. "Heh... you know I remember this one time when we were kids." Akane said which got Ayato's attention. "We were visiting Japan for this family reunion and some of the kids and adults there seemed to treat us like crap because dad was an American." Akane said as she pushed around the fire a bit to keep it burning with a stick.
Naofumi then stopped for a moment at what he was doing when Akane told him about that. "Ayato and I were not having a good time, and then one particular incident had us scared and alone." Akane said as Ayato remembered that day well. "If memory serves, we hid in the playground and caused a panic since we wanted to go back to the states." Akane said and in turn Naofumi did remember that day. "Somehow you found us and when we met up with the rest of the family they were relieved even if some of them were still dicks to us." Akane said and got to the climax of it. "When those bullies showed up again later you took a punch for us and gave us an opening to surprise them and by the end of it, we sent them running." Akane said as Naofumi's hand began to shake showing he did remember that day.
"The moral of that story was that in the end we trusted you with our problems." Ayato cut in as he looked to Naofumi. "You don't have to tell us now but... just know we're here to listen if you let us." Ayato said as he remembered how Naofumi had helped them so long ago. But before Naofumi could say anything or comment on it they were soon interrupted by the sounds of whimpering. The trio of relatives looking over to the source to see that Raphtalia was shaking and squirming a bit in her sleep.
"Mother...father…" Raphtalia whispered, trying to reach out for something as she began to pant in her sleep, "No... Please...don't leave me... no... No... No…! NO!" she cried as she shot up, tears in her eyes as her tail stood up, "MOTHER! FATHER!"
"Raphtalia?" Ayato said as he sees Raphtalia crying out as she just screams, "Their dead! Their dead!"
In response to this Naofumi quickly rushed over to her and held her close as he said, "Calm down Raphtalia, it's just a dream, it going to be alright."
"Mother. Father they're gone, they are both gone," Raphtalia cry out as she bawled in Naofumi's chest, as he genteelly rubbed her head as he said to her, "It's all right. It will be alright Raphtalia."
They stay like that throughout the night, as Raphtalia cry to sleep as Naofumi held her close near the fire, while keeping her calm before he fell asleep as well.
(The next day Melromarc Drug Store)
Back at the capital the next day the Party was seeing paying a visit to the drug store selling the herbs that Naofumi had picked out as well as the medicine he made. The old man running the Herbal Shop was looking at the quality of them as he said, "Hmm. Very impressive if I do say so myself. Are you well versed in making medicine Sir Hero?"
"Actually, yesterday was my first try." Shiro admitted as he looked to the old man as he didn't think his skill in herb mixing was that good as the old man said, "Really?"
"So, which is more profitable selling herb or medicine?" Naofumi asked as he needed to know what sells better to raise his flow of money as the old man said, "Due to the wave's impact medicine has been flying off the shelves lately so rather than herbs. I'd pay more for your medicine."
"Well, that's good for us all to know I guess." Hajime said as she was seeking to try her hand at blending as well. Meanwhile the old man did the count and trying to be a reasonable business owner and not try to cheat Naofumi as he said, "In total this is worth four silvers."
During this Naofumi had glanced around the store as he saw some tools and equipment around that were left untouched and plenty around to use as Naofumi had a thought and then asked, "Hey you wouldn't happen to have tools you don't use anymore, do you?"
(Later outside)
Raphtalia was told to wait outside for the group with Catra as the younger of the two was sitting on a bench while the elder was messing with a ball in hand. It was a small wand as she held it and threw it at the wall and caught it as it returned to her. It was how she kept her mind occupied going through all that Hell she did with her last master. That bastard had a nasty habit of torturing his slaves and Catra was his favorite at first. Catra of course refused to break and even freaked him out a couple times when she tried to attack despite the Slave Crest. He even got his guards to try and restrain her only for them to come back bruised and bloody before the crest set in.
As the two Demihumans waited for their masters, Raphtalia some kids playing in the streets with a ball they were playing with. Soon enough Naofumi walked up to where she was sitting with his party, he called out, "Raphtalia?"
Raphtalia wasn't paying attention to him as she was looking at the kids while her ears twitch a bit. The group looked and saw what she was looking at, and in turn saw the two kids playing with a ball as they were throwing to each other or kept bouncing it in their hand. This in turn gave Naofumi an idea as he then went on to ask Raphtalia, "Would you like a ball like that?"
Raphtalia react to that as she gotten up from where she was sitting as she said, "No I don't! I never want a ball, not at all!"
She says no and with confidence, but her tail was swinging left to right showing she was not being truthful. "Kid first rule of lying as a Demihuman with a tail... control the tail." Catra said as she looked to Raphtalia until Ayato then had his own question.
"By the way we tried to buy you shoes earlier at Erhards show... why didn't you take them?" Ayato asked as Akane had the same question.
"Yeah, you've been more or less barefoot since I met you." Akane said and thus Catra was wide eyed and looked away with her Tsunadere scowl.
"I just don't like shoes no matter what form they are they feel tight on my feet." Catra said clearly embarrassed about this which made Naofumi looked to her with a strange, confused look.
"Whatever less money to spend I guess." Naofumi said as he then got to make the one purchase for Raphtalia's use.
A moment later Naofumi stood in front of Raphtalia with a ball in his hand for her as she takes it, almost everyone that stood off to the side looking at this give a smile knowing Naofumi has a gentle side to him at least still but kind of ruins it when Naofumi said, "You can play with it after we're done with work."
"Of course," Raphtalia said as Akane said, "Good now that's out of the way, let's find an Inn to stay at for the night."
"Finally, I was getting tired of sleeping on the ground and tree branches," Yumi said as it seems she wasn't a big fan of that as Daito said, "Not to mention not having bugs coming at you when you sleep."
(Little later)
The group had arrived at an Inn as Naofumi rang a bell with the group behind him waiting for the manager to come as he said, "Coming."
When the guy arrived, he was suddenly shocked by Naofumi suddenly as he said, "The shield hero is here?"
"Yes, we need 2 rooms one for girls and the other for guys and a tiger," Akane said as Naofumi added on, the little one tends to scream at night though."
The guy frown at this as it seems he was about to turn them down until, mostly because of Naofumi being the shield hero as Naofumi slam his hand on the desk and raise his cloak a bit reviling a balloon monster biting his side as he said, "You will let us stay right?"
"O-of course, let me get them ready for you!" the manager said as he ran off to get two room clean and ready for the group as Ayato said, "This may take a bit of time getting used to, aren't we?"
"No doubt about it, and also how many of those things do you have on you?" Akane question to the balloon monster as Naofumi said to her, "Enough."
"I don't if that's even a good idea to have them on you in the first place," Daito said as he mostly afraid of getting attack by one while he sleeps as Yumi said to him, "Better sleep with one eye open then."
"Or at least have your weapon ready if needed," Hajime suggest as no doubt it could be needed as Ayato said, "Well we should also prep for tomorrow too, as we need to get stronger and get a good number of supplies ready for the wave of catastrophe if we're going to survive it."
"No doubt about that," Naofumi said as he'll do everything he can to survive, and mostly he needed to have complete trust of his new party if he ever will survive at all.
(Montage time skip)
For the next few days, the group has been busy with stuff, going out fighting monsters to raise their EXP, gathering plants and herbs for medicine to also learn how to make it and sell it, and doing some small jobs on the side to raise more money for more supplies as no doubt they will need it.
Raphtalia and Catra were also getting their haircuts down as to clean up and trim their messy hair, as it seems their former owner never really bother cleaning up their own slaves that much, even more so when Akane had to give Catra a bath with everyone's help with that.
And when the days are done, they go to the tavern and enjoy a well-cooked meal, and a fish as Naofumi still didn't couldn't taste his food he still eats it to replenish his energy to what comes next.
(End Montage)
The party was outside the kingdom doing some monster hunting to level up more, as well get Raphtalia and Catra trained up well enough as they took care of their fair share of monsters well enough.
With Raphtalia cut down some monsters with her tinny little dagger, mostly those balloon monsters as they were just the easiest one to deal with on her own as Naofumi said to her, "okay, we can go a little deeper into the forest now."
"Hey, heads up, a rabbit monster heading your way!" Someone called out as Naofumi heard them and hears the brushes shaking a lot no doubt in his mind it was the rabbit monsters he was warn of as it pops out from the bushes with a small bounce as Naofumi said, "An enemy rabbit?"
The rabbit monster suddenly screams and leap at them as Naofumi got in the way of it as he said, "Watch out!"
The rabbit bit into his arm while he held it in place as the twins show up in time to see what was happening with Catra and Cringer next to them as they Naofumi presented the rabbit monster before Raphtalia as he said, "Go on Raphtalia, kill it quickly!"
But it seems Raphtalia was not moving as she hesitated and stepped back from the monster. "Raphtalia what's wrong you got to kill it!" Ayato said as he knew Naofumi needed the EXP from what he was able to gather.
"But I can't. It'll bleed if I stab it." She said frightened upon the context of that. No doubt what she had endured played a huge role in this.
"Raphtalia!" Naofumi shouted as he needed Raphtalia to fight.
"I hate blood." she said while stepping back and in doing so with her refusal to kill the bunny it all caused her crest to activate. In response Raphtalia fell to her knees crying out in pain as the slave crest shocked her for her disobedience.
Knowing he had to pull out the big guns Naofumi got to the major bit. "Listen up now and listen good." Naofumi said as he got Raphtalia's attention. "If you can't fight then I'm not gonna take care of you anymore you got me?" Naofumi said, making her gasp as the others were shocked Naofumi would make that sort of threat to Raphtalia.
"Naofumi." Ayato said as by his voices tone it was clear he did NOT approve of that.
"There's a wave coming that could destroy everything." Naofumi began hoping to get Raphtalia to fight. "I have to get as strong as possible before we're all wiped out! But defense is all I'm good for, I need someone to fight for me and I can't always rely on these guys." Naofumi said as Catra glared at Naofumi for that one. "If you, can't I'll find someone else Understand!?" Naofumi shouted as his words hit Raphtalia deep.
"You'll fight the waves of catastrophe?" Raphtalia asked shocked over what Naofumi said.
"Of course, he will we all will!" Ayato cut in as he needed Naofumi to see he wasn't alone. "It's a job we'll all share but to do it we need your help as well." Ayato said and in turn it seemed to spark up the spirit of Raphtalia.
"I understand." Raphtalia said as she picked up her knife and held it at the ready. When Naofumi saw she was ready and aimed the rabbit at her so she can stab it. Letting loose a battle cry Raphtalia charged forth to the Rabbit and in turn proceeded to run it through with her knife. Its blood splattered about as it hit both the girl and Naofumi as Catra looked and was impressed by what she saw. Once she was done Raphtalia continued to speak as she was catching her breath. "Then I too have no choice master." she said while panting, "I'll fight for you, you and your friends." Raphtalia said surprising Naofumi at what she thought they were to him. "Just please don't throw me away." She begged and thus Ayato looked to her.
"Wait they're not my." Naofumi began but was cut off by Ayato.
"Deal." Ayato said hoping this was a step in the right direction for Naofumi.
Just then they heard hurling and looked to see Daito vomiting in the bushes nearby. "Dude really?" Yumi asked as she disapproved of this.
"You know I don't handle fleshy liquids well." Daito said before he proceeded to vomit some more leaving the group concerned and disgusted.
(Scene Break Erhards Shop later)
The group arrived back at the weapon shop and in turn Naofumi and Akane dropped a pouch of coins on the table. "So, what kind of weapon and armor can we get for that?" Akane asked as Catra stood off to the side.
"Well, the time has come to get the little miss a real sword then." The blacksmith said before he then went to a crate holding his discount swords. "This one on the short side is a good place to start." He said while he pulled out a short sword. "Here's a nice little item. A pre-owned iron short sword." Erhard said as he took out the weapon in question for Raphtalia.
"And what about me?" Catra asked and thus Erhard smirked there.
"Don't think I forgot about you cat with an attitude." Erhard said playfully as Akane snicked to this.
"He's got you pegged." Akane said snicking knowing Catra had an attitude and knew how to use it. This of course caused Catra to snap at Akane in retaliation causing Akane to step back. "Wow watch the teeth." Akane said as the crest glowed but didn't shock Catra which surprised her. Sure, it stung a little but not as bad as it normally would which was kind of concerning for her.
"Here try this one for size a brand-new whip." Erhard said as he put down a whip for Catra. "It's similar to your old one but it has iron woven into the leather should cause your opponents a real pain in the rear." Erhard said and thus brough in some new light armor. "It's mainly leather armor but should be good for your it's light and just your type." He said as he put the armor on the table with a head piece of sorts. Catra took the head piece and tired it on. When she got the piece on Catra was surprised at how it held kept her hair out of her eyes showing her duel-colored eyes for the world to see.
Naofumi saw everything they currently had and in turn proceeded to speak up to Erhard while Catra went to try on the armor. "Listen uh, with the equipment we have is there a village or town nearby we can travel to?" Naofumi asked while Catra was changing into the new outfit Akane had basically bought for her.
"With all your stuff?" Erhard asked as he began to think on it. "The only place that comes to mind is a small village called Lute." the blacksmith said as he looked to the group.
"Lute?" Hajime asked as she looked to be curious about this village.
"I think I know what he means, the small village just outside the kingdom," Akane said as she pulls out her map that she gotten from the bags of the followers of the three heroes church, before taking swift wind.
With everyone gather around to look at it as Akane soon pointed it out and said, "Here it is Lute village just down south of here."
"Then that's where we should head to," Ayato said as everyone agreed as they knew they need better items to gather and sell for better equipment then they already have, save for their special weapons.
(Scene break)
The entire group has arrived at Lute village with Catra in her new gear which looks better than before, with her new whip and everything else.
Soon they stop near a merchant who was sitting on the ground trying to sell some goods he has, with Naofumi handed him the rabbit monster pelt that Raphtalia killed earlier that day as Naofumi asked the guy, "How much?"
"I say… two silvers, give or take a copper " the merchant said as Naofumi seem disappointed by that, but what did he expect selling a pelt of a low-level monster? He soon went said, "Really?"
Giving a quick thought as he soon asked the guy, "Hey do you know spots nearby where you can earn a lot of money quick?"
The merchant given some thoughts to Naofumi's request as he look off over to an old mine as he said, "Now that you mention it, the ore coming out of the mines right outside the walls should of fetch a decent amount, but…"
"But what? what's the catch?" Naofumi asked with Ayato soon said, "Let me guess, monsters from the first wave are hanging around it?"
"Worst, the mine became a home to dangerous monsters, these days no one wants to go anywhere near that place," The merchant said as Naofumi said, "Monsters hu?"
"Ha, I don't know what our summoned heroes are doing, but if you ask me, it isn't much?" the merchant said giving his thought of the four carnal heroes, as with this Akane given some thought as she soon asked, "Hmm, is there any kind of reward of getting rid of the monsters inside by chance?"
"Maybe, you would have to take that up with the lord of the village, he'll be the one that would put in a request to the adventure guild or anyone for that matter," the merchant said as Akane nodded to this and said, "Thank you I think I will, but where does he live by chance?"
"The farthest house at the end of the village, a small mansion really, you can't miss it," the guy said as Akane nodded to this before she turned to the group and said, "Hey how about you guys wait by the mines getting things ready while I talk with the lord of the village and see what I can negotiate of getting money for taking care of the monsters in the mines."
"Good idea, no doubt the guy would reward people clearing out monsters while gathering ores ourselves." Ayato said as dealing with a small village like lute, no doubt they maybe depended on the ores that comes out of the mines.
Soon they parted ways for the time being as Akane headed towards the lord's mansion while the group head towards the mines and set things up for mining.
(At the mines)
Naofumi was going over his new shield options as he put in a pickaxe head into the shield itself and got a pickaxe shield, he also put in a rope to unlock the rope shield while also unlocking a new special ability as he decided to test it out as he said, "Air strike shield!"
The shield suddenly glowed brightly with a huge shield made of energy came forth which surprise almost all the masters to the site of the energy shield, even Naofumi was speechless to it as he didn't think he would make a large shield like that as Ayato said, "Man that one big shield, that got to be useful for a lot of things."
"I something wrong master?" Raphtalia ask Naofumi as he soon dismissed the air stripe shield as clear his throat and said, "It's nothing."
"That was more than just nothing dude," Yuki said as summon forth something that big is something to talk about as even with video RPG games, most defense spells are either a boring bubble or action a character does that blocks a major attack of an enemy.
"Whatever, let's just go," Naofumi said in his moody tone as Daito said, "But aren't we supposed to wait for Akane to come back and join us?"
"She may be getting held up talking with the lord about a reward of getting rid of the monsters in the mines," Hajime said as Ayato said, "We can wait a few more minutes to double check all the gears, can't be too safe."
"Fine," Naofumi said as soon enough everyone went over the list as Ayato said, "Pickaxes and shovels."
"Check, at least 4 good picks and some worn out looking ones and lots of shovels at least," Daito said as he looked over the pickaxes and shovels, as Ayato move on to the next thing on the list, "Alright, hammer, spikes, chisels, and protective gear?"
"Checked, lots of those here with metal hats here," Yuki said as she held up a hammer and a few metal spikes in hand, before dropping them in their respected piles, with Ayato soon said, "Rope, emergency rations, and water bottles."
"Checked, plenty of rope, and enough rations and waters for now at least," Hajime said as she went over her part as Ayato soon said, "And lastly lanterns, oil, and bandanas masks. Those are check, we got everything we need, now we just need."
"Great, now we just have to wait for Akane and her cat friend to show up," Yuki said as Akane soon came up and said, already here."
"Hey, how did it go?" Hajime asked as Akane soon said, "Pretty well, got an offer of clearing out 15 silvers, per mine that clear out of monsters."
"Really just 15 silvers?" Ayato asked with Akane soon said, "Well the village has been going through a rough patch sense the first wave, so the rewards isn't as high but it better than nothing at this point."
"Alright let's get going then," Naofumi said as he was tired of waiting as he soon walk into the first mine near them as everyone had gather up their equipment as Ayato came up to cringer and said, "Try waiting out here boy, I promise we'll come back soon as we can."
Cringer give a soft roar before going into the mining shed and lay on a pile of hay that was in there, no doubt a makeshift bed for miners to rest on as the group soon headed inside as they prepared to get some ore and fight some monsters if there are any that is.
(Later in the mine)
As the group went through the tunnels with Naofumi leading as he said to Raphtalia, "If there really are monsters, the moment when things turn south, we run, and you're going have to keep up."
"Okay," Raphtalia said as Ayato said to his cousin, "I'm sure we can get her to safety if something does show up while we mine."
"And besides we got a good size party here, not like we're going to run into a boss like monster anytime soon," Yuki said as Akane smack her across the head with Catra gotten a small laugh out of that before Akane then said to her, "Don't jinx us, it's bad enough as it is. There's no telling how many monsters could be here or what kind they all are."
"And if they attack, we just hold them back and cut their path off with some magic, right Naofumi?" Ayato said as Naofumi didn't say anything as he still having a hard time believing that he and Akane were in fact his younger cousins as they keep on walking down the tunnel with Raphtalia soon said, "Ah excuse me?"
"What is it?" Naofumi cut in as he kept focused on the task at hand.
"I was just wondering about... I mean how should I address you?" Raphtalia asked as she followed after Naofumi and his party.
"Call me whatever." Naofumi responded and thus Catra smirked a bit to this.
"Ok, whatever." Catra snipped as Naofumi opted to ignore Catra. Of course, Yumi chuckled at the dad joke Catra just used there while adjusting her helmet a bit.
"Alright then..." Raphtalia said and thus when she saw the others were a bit ahead of her ran on ahead.
(Later)
The group arrived at the mines and in turn saw no need for the torch anymore. "Looks like the place." Naofumi said and thus everyone got to work.
While everyone was using a pickaxe to get what they were looking for Yumi banged her head on the ore using her helmet as a pickaxe. She stumbled a bit rattling herself some as she held her helmet a bit. "Yumi, we know your thickheaded but not that thick." Daito said as he had his own pickaxe to work on the mining.
Catra was of course standing to the side not even bothering to help as her whip was wrapped up on its holster. She stood near Raphtalia when the two Demihumans took note of something nearby. "Footprints?" Raphtalia asked as she saw the footprints.
"I got some!" Ayato called out as he held some of the ore.
"Same!" Daito called as nearby Yumi had a small amount of her own which she got from her helmet.
"Hey thing there's a hero of the helmet because I can be a fit for it!" Yumi called out as she held the ore she acquired.
"This might not be so hard after all." Naofumi said as soon he got back to the task at hand. "Raphtalia let's try a little." He called out to her only to see Raphtalia in shock as Catra was snarling. Coming from a cave the group looked and saw a massive beast coming out and in turn saw it was a two headed dog monster.
Raphtalia began to panic as she was left wide eyed on what she saw. As the creature got closer Raphtalia was reminded of another creature a three headed variant of this one as she began to have a panic attack. When Raphtalia cried out in horror the monster attacked and thus Akane turned her Sword of Protection from its bracelet form into a shield form surprising Naofumi when he did so. She blocked the monster's attack giving Daito room to move in and slam his mace into the creature's face knocking it back.
"Are you, ok?" Ayato asked as he kneeled next to Raphtalia who did not answer.
"Mind explaining about that?" Naofumi asked as he looked to Akane whose shield turned back into a sword.
"Later." Akane said as they had bigger fish to fry.
"Dog." Raphtalia suddenly said which got the groups attention. "Dog monster it killed all the villagers even my mother and father." She said to which the group was surprised to hear this.
"During the first wave..." Naofumi trailed off as it began to make sense.
"That explains it." Catra said as she knew that Raphtalia had been through a few things.
"Heads up!" Yumi called out as the monster charged at them to which Yumi came in and smashed her head into it sending it off to the side.
Realizing what needed to be done Naofumi got to it. "Is that the same monster that killed your parents?" Naofumi asked as he looked ready to fight.
"No." Raphtalia confessed as she was clearly scared here.
"Listen Raphtalia you take that thing out here and now." Naofumi said which surprised the group. Ayato was about to step in, but Catra stopped him turning her heads signaling how Raphtalia needed to do this. "If you fight it and make me stronger, we'll fend off the waves of catastrophe and make sure that tragedy never happens again." Naofumi said which shocked Raphtalia as Ayato saw what Naofumi was doing now. "Face it your parents aren't coming back but we can prevent other kids from going through what you experienced." He said and thus stood his ground. "You can do it and what I'm capable of doing is making sure you have the skills to fight as best you can!" Naofumi called out and then charged in which the monster did the same.
Naofumi blocked one of the heads only to have the other head but down on his shoulder causing the group to go wide eyed to this. "Raphtalia you gotta kill it!" Naofumi called out through gritted teeth. "Grab your sword and kill this thing do it now!" Naofumi ordered and thus Raphtalia was unable to do so.
"I can't." Raphtalia said as the trauma was deep inside her.
"Come on kid if he dies you die too!" Catra called out as she jumped in. "We've both been through shit, but this is your chance to take that trauma look it in the eye punch it square in the jaw and tell it to fuck off!" Catra yelled as she looked to Raphtalia. "So, grab that sword go up to that two headed mutt and shove it where the sun doesn't shine!" Catra yelled trying to get Raphtalia to do what needed to be done.
"But!" Raphtalia began until Catra cut her off.
"I lost my parents too!" Catra suddenly said which made Raphtalia go wide eyed. "I barely have a single memory of them all I know that happened were they died, and some monster snakes did them in!" Catra suddenly said which got the entire groups attention. "I still haven't gotten over it, but I didn't have time to deal with it not with this damn crest on my chest and every bastard of a master I had to deal with!" Catra yelled as she was letting it all out now. "If I had a chance to put this trauma to rest I, would you have the chance here and now so get off your ass and take it for those of us who can't!" Catra yelled out as Raphtalia was wide eyed not knowing that Catra was just like her.
Raphtalia then held her sword at the ready as she gained her resolve. Catra smiled to this and thus gave Raphtalia room to move. Jumping in Catra wrapped her whip around the head that bit into Naofumi and thus the others came in to help. Ayato and Akane moved to give Raphtalia the opening to get at the monster and in turn the two held the beast down.
"Now's your chance midget get on with it!" Catra called out and thus Raphtalia got to it.
With a nod of her head Raphtalia charged in and with a mighty she stabbed into the neck of the head Catra had. Once this was done the monster cried out and forced Raphtalia off from it. Following it up Ayato and Akane jumped back as Naofumi saw the monster turn its attention towards Raphtalia.
"Airstrike shield!" Naofumi invoked as the monster charged at Raphtalia.
Ayato and Akane then roared out and charged in stabbing the monster with their swords causing it great pain as the result of it. It was now restrained and in turn with a mighty roar Raphtalia charged in and stabbed it in the heart causing its blood to shoot out from the result. The monster roared out as the loss of its heart and blood loss was too much for it to handle before it in turn fell dead from its injuries.
The twin separated from the beast as they let it drop off their swords with blood squirted out a bit from it with Raphtalia was the one cover in the two headed dogs' blood while gaining 340 Exp from it while Naofumi said with a smile, "Good job kid."
"Are you alright?" Akane asked Raphtalia as she help her up and try to clean off some of the blood with a rag she had as the little girl nodded and said, "I am."
Ayato walked over to his cousin with Hajime as she started a healing spell while Ayato said to his cousin, "A little over the top don't you think?"
"Well, better for her to get over her fear instead of being afraid all the damn time," Naofumi said, meaning to Raphtalia's nightmare she would get as Ayato saw what his cousin did, even though it was still a bit forceful, he was trying to help Raphtalia, with Catra came up to the group as she said to them, "Hey you know what I said in here, will stay in here. Got it?"
"Whatever," Naofumi said as he didn't care what she said as she look to the other group with Hajime was focusing on healing Naofumi, Yumi was picking at her ear, Ayato and Akane was doing their thing, and soon her eyes landed on Daito who was just standing there and notice he was being eye by Catra as he just did a zip lips and throw away the key in fear because of the look Catra was giving him.
"There that should do it, if you feel any pain, just tell me," Hajime said as she just finished up healing Naofumi as he rotated his arm a bit at the shoulder and said, "Feels fine, so let's just keep collecting the ore and get-"
Before he could finish more growls were heard as the group turn and to their surprise two more two headed dogs came out from the shadows with their glowing red eyes can be seen and marks on their head that were also glowing too with a familiar voice called out, "Now look what we have here."
"Wait, it can't be," Daito said as two figures came out from the shadows as one was a familiar green skin man who now had a metal jaw casing of some sort on his face and holding a bag of some sort of glow violet ore, while the other being someone new looking like some sort of creature that was half animal and half man who was very skinny, as well wearing goggles over his eyes, and a whip in his hands, as Yumi said while pointing out to Kronis and said, "Hey wait a moment, I thought you got vaporize by that green energy stuff."
"How are you still alive?" Hajime said as Kronis give a laugh as he raised up his weapon while he said, "Well that a bit of story to tell, just not enough to tell it though."
"Hold up what is going on here? Do you know these guys?" Naofumi said as Daito said while being a bit worry, "Sort of."
"Well, we know Mr. Green skin there, the guy who looks like he has fleas is someone new," Ayato said as Akane said to him, "You meet some very interesting people when you first came here didn't you?"
"You have no idea, we had to deal with him, some witch and a prince guy who was a bit of a sore loser," Yumi said as Naofumi said, "Wait this guy works for a prince?"
"Yea, Prince Keldor of Melromarc it seems," Hajime said as when Naofumi heard the words "Prince" and "Melromarc" his face turn scolding and said, "Then forget about it, I had enough royalty to deal with, I ain't dealing with another."
"Not to worry, it seems the guy lost his claim to the throne when his family declare his sister to be the next monarch ruler and maybe disowned," Ayato said as this information surprise Naofumi a bit as when he noticed a few details of what his cousin said as he thought, "Wait, sister?"
"Should R'Qazz send the creatures now?" R'Qazz said as he spoken in 3rd person while Kronis said, "Go ahead, but lead the punk with the mace alone, I have some pay back to give him for breaking my jaw."
"Well to be fair, you were trying to kill us," Daito said as R'Qazz snap his whip as he said, "Get them."
Soon enough the two twin headed monster dogs came forth with a few other following behind as Ayato said, "Well I guess this is a better time than ever to show you two and our other friends, Naofumi and Akane."
"What do you mean?" Naofumi said as Ayato raise his sword off his back as he said, "Just watch. BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!"
With the invocation made the swords hilt opened in response. From down the hole to the lower parts of the castle of pillar of light shot out all before the opened part of the sword turned to its side. Acting like a lightning rod the energy in turn curved down to hit Ayato shocking his friends to this. Ayato felt some power coursing through him as it felt mighty yet warm all at the same time. As this occurred, he then curled up on himself as he felt the power but knew who it was for. Ayato then roared out and thus the energy burst forth beginning an amazing and wondrous transformation. Ayato's muscles began to grow to match up to the swords large size. Following it was his armor as soon Ayato was gone and in his place was, He-Man. The blast forced the beasts back as Kronis growled a bit over this while R'Qazz was caught off guard.
"Wow." Naofumi asked as he felt the power when it hit Ayato.
"He's a... man." Raphtalia said as she was surprised by this swearing for a moment Ayato could grate cheese on his arms.
"You mind explaining this?" Naofumi asked as he gave Ayato a skeptical look.
"Again, long story." Ayato or He-Man said as he looked to his cousin.
"Less talkie more fighting juice us up!" Yumi called out as Naofumi heard this.
"Right!" Ayato said and then held the sword upward calling the power down once more. Akane saw this and in turn saw how Ayato dispersed the power between Daito, Yumi, and Hajime. In turn the three were transformed into their Master forms as Ayato smirked to this.
"Ok Akane you're turn." Ayato said as he pointed his sword at Akane.
"Don't worry... I'm covered." Akane drawing the Sword of Protection ready for battle.
"Wait what?" Ayato asked and thus Akane was ready.
"For the Honor OF GREYSKULL!" Akane invoked and thus began the transformation into She-Ra. The gem on the blades hilt glowed brightly as Akane felt a huge amount of power enter and course through her body. First her muscle mass and height began to grow with the power. The Sword had even grown, in size to matchup to Akane's new body mass, but the transformation did not end there. Akane's clothing had even taken a change as when a ring of fire formed around her feet it began to change her outfit.
The American/Japanese Girls feet was covered in pure white armored grieves with a gold highlight to them and wings on them. Moving upward Akane's legs and torso area was covered in armor that hugged against her chest in just the right way that it was both comfortable and useful. It went and formed a tunic like skirt that had armored mixed in for added protection as the armor left her shoulders bare but not for long. Coming next Akane threw the sword upward and punched her fists together forming gold gauntlets that left her finger bare before grabbing her sword once more. Next came a cape as it fluttered a bit while adding gold pieces of shoulder armor to the outfit Akane was gaining. Finally, to bring it all together Akane's ponytail came undone and even allowed her hair to grow into a long mane of hair before it was all brought together by a tiara with a similar gem as the sword. When the transformation came to an end Akane stood there transformed into She-Ra Princess of Power.
"Wait you too?!" Ayato and Naofumi asked at the same time and thus the two looked to each other in shock clearly neither of them knew about this.
In turn the monsters attacked as Hajime quickly erected a shield to stop them. Following it up was Yumi as she jumped up and turned into a ball and bashed into every monster she could before reverting. Once this was done Daito swung his mace at another and during this Kronis roared out and charged at Daito who eased back with a shield of his own.
R'Qazz snapped his whip on the ground causing Raphtalia to yelp in shock as Naofumi saw this. "Naofumi! Raphtalia!" Ayato called out and knew the whip and slavery went hand in hand. In turn the monsters attacked, and Ayato acted by slicing through them with the Sword of Power. Thankfully this got them some EXP for it which was a good thing on their part.
The monsters kept attacking as Ayato hacked and slashed through them as best, he could. "Dammit." Naofumi cursed as the monsters came at them. "Ayato, can you juice us up with that sword of yours?" Naofumi asked as he glared over to Ayato.
"Sure, I just need a minute!" Ayato called out as he knew what Naofumi was thinking. Once Ayato got clear of the monster, he pointed the Sword of Power at Naofumi and Raphtalia.
"W-will this hurt?" Raphtalia asked and thus Naofumi didn't answer.
"Here it comes!" Ayato called out and thus the power shot from the sword and into the two waiting allies.
When it hit Naofumi thought something shocking happened it entered Naofumi, but it then left him right after as if it was rejected. Naofumi was left wide eyed as he saw he hadn't changed at all but then his Status magic gave him an alert.
"ERROR: Unable to Pair with the Power of Greyskull please try again."
When Naofumi saw that error, it was clear something was wrong. From the sound of it the power can link up, but something was stopping it from doing so. Naofumi then looked and then saw Raphtalia's level getting a huge boost in power as her level and stats were blasting through the roof. All eyes went to Raphtalia and in turn they saw her undergo a remarkable transformation. For starters Raphtalia began to shoot up like a weed as her muscle mass began to grow. With it her armor began to change as her short sword was switched out for a long sword.
When the transformation was completed Raphtalia was now an adult woman with armor fit for a Samurai or sword maiden as her long sword had replaced her short sword. Raphtalia looked at herself in shock as she tried to make sense of this. "W-what happened to me?" Raphtalia asked as Ayato smiled at the new master.
"Hey what happened she didn't change at all?" Naofumi said as Ayato was confused at this.
"What are you talking about she shot up like a weed!" Ayato shot back and then had to remind himself something.
"What are you talking about?" Naofumi asked and in turn Ayato remembered Naofumi's current problem.
"You can't see it... can you?" Ayato asked as Naofumi was left confused as it began to stack up on each other.
During this the monsters continued their attack as Ayato acted fast and slashed at the dog monsters with Raphtalia doing the same. when the monsters were killed by their attacks Raphtalia was amazed over the huge boost in power she had. "Amazing this feels incredible!" Raphtalia announced as she saw the huge uptake in strength she now had. More monsters shot out and in response her sword began to glow and then multiply into other swords which circled around Raphtalia. Grabbing a pair of swords, she slashed at the monsters with them and was amazed at how different these other swords were.
"This is amazing." Raphtalia said as she looked at what she managed to do. The monsters all snarled at her and thus she got ready to continue fighting against them.
"Need a hand?!" Yumi called out as she rolled in and bashed through the monsters before ice spikes shot up and stabbed through some of then while they were distracted.
(Meanwhile with Akane and Catra)
Catra swung her whip at R'Qazz who jumped out of the way and avoided the Magicat's attack. When that happened Akane came in and swung her sword at the wild man before her. As this happened R'Qazz threw down some smoke bombs and thus they went off blinding the two girls.
Using the chance R'Qazz cracked his whip and thus caused Catra to get hit and cry out in pain from it. When this happened Akane went wide eye das She-Ra. "Catra!" She-Ra cried out only to nearly get hit by R'Qazz next. Just then more of those dog monsters showed up and began their attack on the duo who saw themselves get surrounded.
Holding her arm Catra growled as she glared at the foes around her. "Well, I'm open to ideas, 'master,' because I'd rather not be dog chow!" Catra called out as she glared at, She-Ran.
"I'm thinking." Akane said and thus Catra growled again.
"Can't you just do what your brother did and share the power?" Catra offered and thus Akane scoffed to this.
"Do you honestly think that will work?!" She asked but Catra had a response to her sarcasm.
"They run on the same power did you even try?" Catra asked and thus Akane was about to retort when she suddenly stopped. Akane then realized she never even tried to share it and thus face palmed herself over this fact. "Wait seriously you honestly never tried?!" Catra asked as she realized even Akane was prone to mistakes.
"R'Qazz is done with your idle talking. R'Qazz will kill the amazon and sell the cat later." R'Qazz said as Akane and Catra saw R'Qazz approaching them.
"Well, if you're going to do it… do it now!" Catra called out and thus Akane had her sword pointed at Catra.
"Ok… here it goes!" Akane called out while focusing her will onto the Sword of Protection. The Gem gave off a glow which then transferred over to the blade itself. This in turn caused the blade to shoot out an energy that went straight for Catra.
Once the energy entered Catra the Magi Cat fell on her hands and knees growling as her eyes closed shut. But just then her eyes snapped back open as her body underwent its own transformation. Shooting upward Catra roared out as her outfit was changed for Amazon like Armor. Her whip began to gain an elegant design to it as her hair grew wilder from the power. War Paint covered her face as a mask/crown combo appeared on here features.
Once that was done, she let out a roar just like a leopard. Once the transformation was done a wild, yet noble warrior stood in Catra's place as she cracked her whip ready for combat. Grinning a savage yet happy grin Catra glared at R'Qazz who was shocked to see Catra like this.
"What?!" R'Qazz asked shocked at what he saw.
"That's right Wild Woman is in the house!" Catra called out ready to fight.
"Wild woman?" She-Ra asked with a raised brow to that name.
"It's a work in progress." Catra shrugged as her new name was still up in the air. The two nodded and thus went on the attack against R'Qazz. R'Qazz then went on the attack as he sent his beasts out. Akane avoided them and slashed through the others, but Catra had other ideas. As R'Qazz busted out his whip Catra stretched her arms out and sent out two whips from them. In response she began to whip the monsters relentlessly forcing them back with each crack of them. As this went on R'Qazz cracked his whip again causing the monsters to attack with increased vigor.
Seeing this Catra easily used her whip to keep them at bay as the way she moved showed the strength behind her attacks. During this She-Ra jumped in and spun down slashing through the monsters with the Sword of Protection before following it up with an attack from her Sword of Protection in spear form.
The duo still had a few monsters between them and R'Qazz not that it would stop them. They then smirked to each other and charged in with a roar of challenge to R'Qazz.
(Back with Ayato and Naofumi)
Ayato focused on the battle as Naofumi was forced on the defensive to keep the others safe as best he could. "Forget it Ayato, try hitting me with the power again!" Naofumi called out and thus Ayato nodded to this.
"Got it!" Ayato said and thus when he did, he fired the power with the intent to share it with Naofumi only for it to leave him and go back to Ayato. "What!?" He asked trying to make sense as Naofumi saw the alert appear again.
"ERROR: Unable to Pair with the Power of Greyskull please try again."
"Why won't it meld?" Naofumi asked trying to make sense of this.
"It's simple kid." Kronis said as he smirked at Ayato and Naofumi while Daito looked ready to fight. "It's not the shield or He-Man here, it's you." Kronis said as he gestured to Naofumi. "Something inside you is rejecting the power and the shield recognizes that and is rejecting it." Kronis said as he sounded like he knew about the weapons.
"Ok if its' me then what is the problem?" Naofumi asked as he glared at Kronis as he wanted answers.
"Simple you got screwed over in the head." Kronis said pointing at his own head to emphasize. "My boss knows a bit of something about that and being screwed over by royalty." Kronis said as he had an idea. "If I heard right, he was looking for you Shield thinks you two can be like minded guys." Kronis added as he looked to Naofumi. "Basically, you scratch his back he'll scratch yours." Kronis said as Naofumi glared at Kronis for the offer.
"Sorry but I'm not dealing with anyone blood related to that piece of trash king." Naofumi said but Kronis sighed to this.
"Good then he'll be more than happy to welcome you." Kronis said as this confused Naofumi. "My bosses bitch niece told you Melromarc was a Matriarchy that was one of the few bits of truth she probably told you." Kronis said as Naofumi heard this. "My boss's sister is the actual ruler her husband is just standing in for her and doing a piss poor job at it." Kronis said as Naofumi looked to be considering it. "Think about it if they want to make a monster out of you why not be that monster." Kronis said and was then blindsided by Daito and his mace.
"Naofumi don't listen to him!" Daito called out as he looked to Naofumi.
"Oh, shut it kid Shield will get a better deal with Keldor... sorry Skeletor after your friend there melted his face and screwed him up." Kronis said as Ayato heard this and felt a pan of guilt there. "Fact is Shield has nothing to lose by joining up with us. The country hates you and that shield for shit that red haired harpy said, no one believes in you, so why not join up with the guys who will help you survive in this world?" Kronis said and thus Ayato swallowed his resolve.
"Like hell he has nothing to lose!" Ayato yelled and thus joined Daito with his attack on Kronis. The two went full frontal on Kronis as the green skinned man was caught off guard by this. "He'll lose the few people who actually do believe in him!" Ayato called out as he held the Sword of Power at the ready and went for the attack. "I don't know exactly what was said about him, but I do know Naofumi would never do something horrible without a reason." Ayato said as he kept fighting as Kronis was being pushed to the edge. "He's always had my back the same with Akane even when we did actually screw up, he helped us... that's why I won't accept he would do anything to intentionally harm people." Ayato said he pushed back Kronis with a kick.
"He was there when I was at a low point even if I was a total ass to him during it, he still stood by me!" Ayato called out as Kronis got back up and seeing this was Ayato's moment Daito stepped back a bit to give him room. "So that's why I'll be there while he's at his low point and no matter how long it takes, I'll pull him out of it." Ayato said as he took a battle stance with the Sword of Power giving off energy. "And if you have a problem with it or want to make it worse then you have his family to deal with!" Ayato called out and thus got ready to attack.
"Yeah, that's my brother!" Akane called out and thus Ayato went for the attack.
"EAT THIS!" Ayato called out and thus sent out his attack which turned into a wave of energy that was coming at the shocked Kronis. As the attack hit Kronis cried out as he was thrown over the edge and vanished to the depth below.
(Back with Akane)
R'Qazz saw Catra and She-Ra were right on him as he then snarled at them. Using his whip, he switched it to a backhand grip to show a brand glowing on it. As he was about to use it, She-Ra grabbed the arm and forced R'Qazz to move it. Catra used the chance and kicked the animal man with her still bare feet. She then used her whips and began wrapping him in them. She-Ra let R'Qazz go and saw he was all tied up now.
After seeing her brother kick ass, she saw this animal of a man was beaten. "So, what should we do with him, master?" Catra asked using the last bit in a mock fealty tone.
"Hmm?" She-Ra hummed as R'Qazz smiled to She-Ra hoping she'll spare him. "Let's do... this." She said and finished with a kick when sent R'Qazz over the edge. As the Beast man fell, She-Ra and Catra looked to each other before giving each other a knuckle bump for their efforts with fighting this savage.
"Umm guys!" Yumi called out as the mark on the monsters now began to fade. The Dog beasts snarled as they were now freed of their mind control and glaring at the ones who freed them. Nearby Raphtalia was a bit scared as Hajime looked ready to fight but instead of attacking, She-Ra heard something else.
"You freed us. You live. We leave." One said to She-Ra's ears and thus they began to walk off.
"Um what?" Daito asked as he expected a fight.
"They didn't have a choice." Akane said as she looked to the monsters.
"Yeah... I got that feeling." He-Man agreed as they began to regroup and in turn, they all began to revert to their human states.
During this Naofumi was wide eyed as Ayato shoulder the Sword of Power. Looking to Ayato and Akane and began to tear up a bit. The world was still dark for him but now it seemed to have brightened some as the blurriness around his family and friends began to vanish. "Ayato... Akane... guys... is it really you?" Naofumi suddenly asked much to the groups shock.
"Wait Naofumi did you just?" Ayato asked as Akane was wide eyed to this. But the look in his eyes was all that was needed for them as one by one they began to smile as Naofumi made progress to recovery and thus they cheered and hugged him. "Naofumi!" Ayato cheered as he hugged his cousin with a grip showing he was a bit afraid of letting him go again.
"Ayato... Akane... guys it's you. It's really you." Naofumi said happy to see his friends and family were here for him. "How did you guys?" He asked but then Akane punched his shoulder to shut him up.
"Forget that I'm just glad you're not a total ass right now." Akane said as she knew Naofumi was on the mend, but it will still take time for him to recover fully. She then punched his arm again causing a glare there. "That was for forgetting us dummy." Akane said and then punched his arm again causing a yelp of pain. "That was for worrying us." she went on and then as everyone let go, she gave him a bear hug. "And this is because I missed you." Akane said as Naofumi smiled and hugged Akane. Even with how old she gets she was still that Japanese/American Girl just trying to fit in.
But unaware to any of them this was not the last they have heard from Skeletor's forces.
(Scene Break Snake Mountain)
Kronis and R'Qazz arrived before Skeletor and held a glowing ore unlike the ones in the mine before the group. "What happened to you two?" Skeletor asked as he saw the state, they were in.
"Long story short, there's this girl with a magic sword now, and He-Man has an alley in the Shield Hero." Kronis said as Skeletor sighed and relaxed in his throne while rubbing a violet-colored panther's head.
"Shame and I was hoping to add the Shield to my ranks." Skeletor said and thus got down to business. "But with this rarest of ores... we will let loose Havoc upon the world." Skeletor said taking the ore knowing full well the damage they can cause with it. "And with it you will all be made instruments of Havoc." Skeletor said as he chuckled to this and thus looked to Shadow Weaver. "I will need your weapons though." Skeletor began but Shadow Weaver waved him off.
"No thanks I'm quite comfortable with what I have." Shadow Weaver said and thus Evelyn rolled her eyes at the Witch.
"Fair enough." Skeletor said and thus Shadow Weaver took her leave to let them all get ready for what was to come.
(With Shadow Weaver)
Once she was alone Shadow Weaver pulled out a Crystal Ball and looked down upon it. "Shadow Weaver..." A demonic Voice rasped forth as she smiled under her mask. "What news do you bring." It asked and thus Shadow Weaver had her response.
"The Church is acting as you predicted, and Skeletor has it now, the Havoc your Havoc." Shadow Weaver Reported and thus the being on the other side chuckled to this.
"Good continue to observe and ensure that they are ready by the time of the Wave." The being ordered as its demonic red eyes glared at Shadow Weaver. "My work in this world holds priority do not fail or return with bad news." The being said and thus Shadow Weaver nodded her head to bow.
"As you command... Lord Hordak." Shadow weaver responded showing that her true allegiances were not as clear as one would suspect. As the heroes of this world gain power so to do the forces of darkness. Thus, the question remained, who shall stand victorious in this coming battle. The Wave shall reveal the answer to both the Heroes and the Masters. But will they see it? One must only wait and see for the result of that question.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, took me long enough huh? Well as you can see another chapter off the docket so now that you reached this part be sure to leave a review on the way out and as I always say ja-ne.