Rising of the Masters of the Universe
ESKK: Well, here we are Chapter 8 let's get started.
(Start Skeletors lair)
"I was so close!" Skeletor roared in anger as he lashed about with the power of Havoc. "I had all my goals in the palm of my hands and again it slipped away!" He roared while the Dark Masters ducked and cover while Shadow Weaver sighed.
"And that is one of the reasons I turned down Havoc." Shadow Weaver said showing she had no interest in using Havoc anytime soon.
"Why did he turn me down! My assumptions and observations of him were spot on! So why did he reject my offer for revenge!" Skeletor roared as he expected Naofumi to join him if only to spit Melromarc's current rulers. If Skeletor had the Shield Hero by his side, then he would have had the might of Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden in the palm of his hands as well. A combined force that not even Faubley would be able to stand against and it all hinged on getting the Shield Hero on his side which had failed. But in the end, it was all for not and now he had to do it the hard way instead.
"Skelly seems... upset." Beastman said as he saw what was going on.
"If your careful planning was ruined by the actions of others you'd be upset too." Shadow Weaver said as she looked over to Beastman.
"And with that I agree." Evil-Lynn responded as she had similar thoughts.
Skeletor began to calm down as he then sat on his throne and contemplated what to do next. "Skeletor clearly acquiring the Shield Hero is out of the question so what is plan B?" Evil-Lynn asked wanting to know what Skeletor was planning.
"Beastman." Skeletor said as he already had a plan. "I want you to go and acquire as many monsters as you can, bring them here alive." Skeletor said making it clear what he wanted of them. "Trap-Jaw get a forge working and build me weapons as many weapons as you can provide." Trap-Jaw said as they all saw what he was planning. "Evil-Lynn see if you can find any tools or items that can provide us an edge over our enemies." Skeletor said as he looked to Evil-Lynn. "And Shadow Weaver." Skeletor began only to see Shadow Weaver leaving.
"I know continue to monitor our enemies and sabotage the Church when it suits us." Shadow Weaver said making Skeletor grin as Shadow Weavers initiative.
"For now, let us lick our wound and build our forces, I suspect my enemies may try sticking their noses where it does now belong." Skeletor said as Panthor laid down next to Skeletor who put his hand on the war mounts head.
(Scene Break that Evening Castle Melromarc)
A party was going on to celebrate the heroes' victory over the wave of catastrophe. There was music, food, mingling, dancing, and FOOD. Luckily since the heroes didn't have to dress up like the nobles they simply came in their normal wear. The King then began to speak as he looked to the people with a smile. "Thanks to our heroes the battle was splendidly won and tonight we celebrate enjoy yourself to the fullest!" The King called out the toast and everyone joined in save for Naofumi who was in the far back by the window and the Masters, who were in varying parts of the room.
"So that's the asshole I heard about." Akane said as she glared at Aultcray wanting to punch him in the face.
"I can cause a distraction if you want to punch him." Yumi offered as she had food in her mouth.
"Chew with your mouth close... or at least swallow." Akane said and thus Yumi flipped the bird at Akane who rolled her eyes to this.
"If we were here earlier, we could have stopped the accusations against Naofumi." Daito said as he wanted to help the Shield Hero.
"Well, what's done is done all we can do now is try to repair what we can." Akane said as she knew there was no changing the past so all they could do was fix the present and make a better future.
Meanwhile Naofumi was looking after some data on his Statues screen and saw a few things of note. For starters he saw that the Teleportation magic used to take him to the wave earlier could take everyone and everything assigned to him both gear and companions. "What that would have been nice to know earlier." Naofumi said as he was frustrated as is. "Of come on." Naofumi cursed when he saw that once more the Cardinal Shield was unable to pair with the Power of Greyskull.
"Hey Naofumi, what's up." Ayato said as he walked over to Naofumi who was by himself.
Naofumi looked and saw Ayato was there and let himself relax a bit. "Oh, hey Ayato just looking over by Shield is all." Naofumi said as Ayato was told about the statues magic the Heroes all had.
"Not your type of party I'm guessing." Ayato asked trying to be light about it knowing that was a loaded question.
"You have no idea." Naofumi responded as Ayato nodded to this.
"Yeah, I'm guessing Akane, and you are still having those talks?" Ayato asked as Naofumi nodded to this.
"Yeah, I almost forgot she was studying psychology." Naofumi said as he was glad at least they had a therapist on sight even if she wasn't licensed to do so.
"Naofumi we just want you to get better and." Ayato said but Naofumi cut him off.
"I know and I appreciate it, honest I do but..." Naofumi said and thus Ayato sighed to this.
"We won't force you Naofumi, and if you need to talk, you know we'll listen even Raphtalia will listen." Ayato said as Naofumi looked to the side.
"She's just a kid she wouldn't understand." Naofumi said but Ayato gave him a concerned look which he caught. "What?" Naofumi asked and thus Ayato sighed to this.
"It's nothing." Ayato said as he then leaned on the wall next to Naofumi.
Just then Raphtalia was heard as she approached the group. "Master Naofumi, Ayato." Raphtalia was heard as she walked over to the pair getting their attention. "The food here is really amazing." Raphtalia said as she smiled to Naofumi who nodded to this as Catra was with them as well.
"Yeah, you guys sure you don't want a bite to eat?" Catra asked as she had her own food as well.
"If you wanna eat go ahead." Naofumi said having no intentions of holding the two demi-human girls up as Ayato said, "We'll eat in a little bit."
"I'd really like for to join me." Raphtalia said as she looked to Naofumi as he said to her, "I'll pass."
Raphtalia had a sad look on her face with Catra had a disappointed look as she can see the raccoon girl loves him, heck even a child could as Ayato said, "Come on, don't be mean, she just wants you to have a fun time at least."
Naofumi stay silent as he turned to the window and keep checking his status and stuff as Ayato sighed a bit and turn to Raphtalia and whisper to her, "Grab some cake, he won't say no if you hold it up to him."
Raphtalia smile to him and nodded and went off to get Cake as Catra ask Ayato herself, "Is he always like this?"
"He's just going through a rough time, no doubt this kingdom not liking the shield hero doesn't help out if you haven't notice," Ayato said as Catra said, "Oh I have alright, make me wonder why he hasn't run off to Siltvelt or even Shieldfreeden for that matter."
"Why's those places?" Ayato asked as Catra look at him with a look and said, "What you don't know?"
Before he could question what Catra mean, Raphtalia came back with cake and she said to him, "You sure you don't want some food?"
Catching Naofumi's attention as Raphtalia held up the cake as she got a small piece of a fork for him already as she said to him, "How about you try a little for me, hu?"
"Ah, no I don't want it," Naofumi tries to refuse but Raphtalia keep pushing as she held up the fork up to him to eat from as she said, "It's really good, I promise."
Naofumi take a bite from the cake as Ayato smile to this, it's not much but every little encouragement helps, with Akane seeing this smile as well as the two siblings look at each other as they gave one another a thumbs up, unaware to them the moment was about to be spoiled as Malty was whispering something in Motoyasu's ear about something which got him upset as he walk over to Naofumi.
The sibling saw him coming as he stop just a few feet away from the small group while he started to remove his glove before he calls out, "Naofumi."
Everyone turn towards him as suddenly the glove was thrown towards Naofumi with everyone watching and give a light gasp with Ayato and Akane knew right away something was up as the sister turn her attention towards the redhead bitch, knowing this was her doing as she can see the princess give a spoil bitch smile as she stood next to the spear hero as he said, "Duel me."
Raphtalia and Catra were surprised by this as Motoyasu just challenge Naofumi to a duel, with Naofumi didn't show reaction to this as he soon more curious and keep his cool as Ayato suddenly spoken up saying, "Hey, what's up with challenging him to a duel? we all survive the wave today and supposed to be relaxing. What's your deal man?"
"I came to challenge him because I have heard that Raphtalia-chan and Catra-chan are Naofumi's slaves," Motoyasu said as the twins were not surprised by this as but was confused on one thing as he called Catra his slave, where did he get that idea from?
"So, what if they are?" Naofumi suddenly said just going along with Motoyasu stupidity for the moment, as the spear hero said, "Why you…"
Catra was slowly reaching for her knife until Akane came up to her while putting a hand on her shoulder and said, "Stop, don't do anything just yet."
Catra's crest glowed a bit while she frowned, she lowered her hand away from her knife and leave it be, as Motoyasu wasn't paying attention to this as Naofumi went on saying, "So what if they are my slaves?"
"Listen! It's not right to enslave others!" as Motoyasu said as Naofumi and everyone else of the group, expect for Raphtalia, looked at him like he was a fool, with Naofumi said, "Listen to yourself. Slavery is legal in this country, anyways."
"But we're Heroes from another world! We can't behave that way here!" Motoyasu said to him as Naofumi still didn't give a fuck as he went on saying, "That's just your opinion. I disagree."
AS Naofumi gotten up and was about to walk away, until the spear hero raised his weapon at him and said, "Fight me! If I win, free Raphtalia-chan and Catra-chan!"
"Hold it!" Hajime called out as she stepped up to the plate surprising the party goers.
"Hajime?" Motoyasu asked as he saw her approach the Spear Hero.
"So, as I understand you wish to duel Naofumi because you believer Slavery is wrong, correct?" Hajime asked as he looked to Motoyasu.
"Well of course!" Motoyasu yelled as he looked to Hajime.
"Then I call that this duel and your reasons for issuing it is unlawful." Hajime said and thus surprised Motoyasu here. "Even though I detest the concept Naofumi isn't breaking any laws." Hajime said as she went into a sort of lawyer type mindset. See Hajime was studying law on the side in case her major didn't work out she had something to fallback to. "In Melromarc, slavery is completely legal as long as the slave isn't a pure human. It is written in Article XVI, Section 4 about the ownership of properties of Melromarc's Civil Law." Hajime said and in as Malty was surprised Hajime knew this as was Aultcray if one were to look to him. "I have a copy here if you want to read… or if you can read it at all," Hajime continued as she pulled out a copy of the book, she got from Beloukas. The party had expected that something like this might happen, so they had prepared in advance.
Now while Hajime was still learning how to read the language, she did have the forethought to ask Erhard to point out the sections of the law that contained that information for her just in case. She also had him and someone over in Lute help as well in learning Melromarc's laws basically being Naofumi's attorney should the need ever arrive. But more so it seemed that Motoyasu really didn't know about this. He glanced at the First Princess, who seemed to be taken aback that the Shield Hero actually knew something that she didn't even bother learning.
Hajime was now on a roll as she continued to speak on Naofumi's behalf as his improve attorney. "So, in conclusion if you want to blame someone… blame the king. After all, the Civil Law of a country can only be enforced if the highest authority of the country approves of it which is the King while the Queen is away… isn't it?" Hajime said as the last bit surprised even Itsuki and Ren.
Motoyasu's face, which had been sporting an unhealthy red color, was now turning purple. But seeing how it was Hajime who spoke he had little room to argue mainly because Hajime was a girl as well. Raphtalia set her plate down hoping to help defuse the brewing situation. "Sir Spear Hero, there's no need for that. Sir Naofumi has always been good to me-" Raphtalia began but stopped when she flinched when Motoyasu turned toward her with a creepy, perverted smile on his face.
"Don't worry, my dear; Myne already told me that the slave crest forces you not to say anything that will go against what your master want you to say." Motoyasu said as the smile creeped even Ayato out and he wasn't a woman. "But after I finish with him, you won't have to do that anymore." He said and thus Akane knew it was time to act.
"Catra start proving him wrong." Akane said and thus Catra smirked knowing Akane was one step ahead.
"Bullshit!" Catra yelled surprising everyone when she spoke. As Catra approached she had just finished her plate which got Motoyasu surprised. "Take it from an actual slave, that red haired harpy lied her ass off to you." Catra said as she looked to Motoyasu. "In fact, I'll fucking prove it right now, my actual master Akane over here is a shrewd evil mastermind when she wants to be and when fucking idiots motivate her." Catra said as she pointed her thumb over to Akane. "She can also be annoying at times and her optimism makes me want to puke." Catra said as she continued to talk crap about Akane. "As for the Shield guy he was a total asshole when I first met him and while I can agree he's gotten better his pessimistic mindset kind of made me question if he was the actual Shield Hero." Catra added showing she was talking crap about both her master and Naofumi and proving Motoyasu wrong with each word.
"So, what was that about the slave crest making you go against what your master says?" Daito asked with a smirk on his face showing that Malty was in check.
"Go on try to argue." Yumi added with a smirk on her face showing that Motoyasu had no grounds to argue when his only argument was proven wrong.
"I can talk crap just about everyone in the party and the crest won't even respond to stop me." Catra said showing that Motoyasu's only argument was now in the drain. "Let me ask you a question, Dumbass, after that bullshit trial did you even interact with the asshole?" Catra asked as she glared at Motoyasu. "No nothing at all?" Catra asked rhetorically as she already knew the answer when Motoyasu grew silent. "Well news flash my actual master, Akane, and the rest of the Shields Party did and let me just say the asshole was a mess after that kangaroo court of a trial." Catra said making her opinion on things clear. "He even protected all of us from a fire rain the royal knights dropped on us back then, at Lute Village! Had he and those guys calling themselves the, Masters of the Universe, weren't there then we would have been burnt to a crisp with the village burning to the ground!" Catra continued and in turn this was check and soon it would be checkmate.
"Yeah, it's true!" Daito called out as this caused a chain reaction. Whispers exploded among the crowd. Everyone looked shocked hearing that accusation coming from the young blacksmith. Even Itsuki looked horrified, if the royal knights really did something like that…
Their plan was working so far as this would force Aultcray into a corner and thus Motoyasu would have to drop the subject entirely. That was until Naofumi decided to open his mouth and start eating his foot. "Listen up," Naofumi snarled as he looked straight into Motoyasu's eye that showed the Shield Hero was furious. "You're in no position to force me to do anything, Motoyasu." He said while glaring at the blond-haired idiot. "If you want to do anything about this, then you should go force the King over there to abolish the law about slavery first." Naofumi said and thus the group went wide eyed as they saw where this was going. "Though, I guess he won't do that…" he smiled darkly at the King, who was glaring down at them from the second-floor balcony. "…as the noble families in this country definitely wouldn't let him stay on that throne much longer if he did, would it?" Naofumi said and thus Hajime had to voice her objection.
"Naofumi!" Hajime snapped as Ayato moaned and face palmed himself when he heard this.
"Just had to open your mouth and dig a hole." Ayato said as Naofumi just shot himself in the foot there.
The King stood up from his throne on the balcony as Naofumi just gave him ammunition to use. "I've thought of letting you get away with this, since it's true that slavery is legal in this country, but your insolence has gone overboard, Shield Hero!" Aultcray said as it was true as Hajime made it clear where the laws stood. But thanks to Naofumi not letting his supposed attorney do the talking he shot himself in the foot giving Aultcray the ammo he needed against Naofumi. "You dared stand in this place and insult my authority, then so be it! I hereby declare a Sacred Duel between the Spear Hero and the Shield Hero! If you don't duel, none of you will leave this palace!" Aultcray said and thus Hajime knew she had to salvage this stat.
Those words were a bucket of cold water dumping straight on top of Naofumi's burning head. His eyes widened when he realized what he had done. Being overtaken by rage, he had given the enemy the golden opportunity to force him into the duel he didn't want to take part in. What was worse he ruined Hajime and his parties attempt to help him get out of this.
The knights had blocked the entrance of the hall and were now pointing their weapons at him. Naofumi gritted his teeth; there's no backing away for him now…
"Very well then." Hajime said as she had to use plan b now. "But before that, there is something I want to confirm on behalf of the Shield Hero. Is there any limit or restriction in this duel?" Hajime asked hoping that Aultcray may say something that she can use in her favor.
The king snorted as this not realizing he was walking right into Hajime's verbal trap. "There is no limit. You're free to use any skill or tool you want to. The duel is going to continue until one of the fighters falls!" Aultcray said and thus everyone was shocked by the declaration. This was already outrageous enough, but a duel to the death?!
"Then it that case I demand that one of the Shield Heroes Party Members is permitted to fight with him as well." Hajime said which surprised everyone even further.
"What?!" Aultcray asked when he heard this.
"By your words alone, you said there was no limit and that we were free to use any skill or tool we wanted to." Hajime said throwing Aultcray's words back at him. "More so since the Shield Hero is unable to attack on his own, he needs someone to fight for him." Hajime added and thus it was clear Hajime did her homework and had used Aultcray's words against him.
"Hey that's not fair!" Motoyasu yelled as Naofumi saw it was perfectly fair.
Aultcray growled a bit as he saw Hajime got him in a tight spot. He can't go back on his word now because if he did then people will start to question him. This girl was smart and considering she was correct on what he said and adding that she a woman within a matriarchy-controlled kingdom she had the advantage.
"Is it? I find that my argument seems sound enough, of course the King is also free to call off the Duel if he feels that something unfair was going on." Hajime said and in turn Aultcray had no choice.
"I'm afraid she is correct sir Motoyasu, I did say there was no limit." Aultcray said and thus Hajime had more to add.
"If it makes you feel any better the Shield Hero and I are willing to allow one of Motoyasu's party members to join the duel as well to make it fair." Hajime said as she knew that no one in Motoyasu's party would actually be fighting.
"Very well." Aultcray said as Hajime was smart... maybe too smart for her own good.
"Wait but." Raphtalia began until Catra cut in.
"Racoon I'd suggest you stay out of this one." Catra said as she looked to Raphtalia. "Shit's about to go down." Catra said and in turn it was time to prepare.
(Later)
Naofumi and Hajime were waiting in a small room that was filled with weapon and shields, no doubt this was a gladiator set up, almost appropriate for a duel if it was a fight to the death. Outside they could hear the announcer talking as he said, "The duel between the spear hero and the shield Hero is about to begin!
"Hey um Hajime." Naofumi began as he was clearly having trouble saying something. "Sorry you got dragged into this." Naofumi apologized as he stood with Naofumi. "I get you were trying to help me, and I ruined it by opening my fat mouth." Naofumi apologized and thus Hajime sighed to this.
"Naofumi you're still mentally recovering, and you were in a situation that caused you to lash out." Hajime said surprising Naofumi. "While I wished you'd have kept a lid on it I can also understand why you couldn't." Hajime said making it clear that she didn't hold it against Naofumi. "Naofumi one more thing." Hajime said as she looked to her friend.
"What is it?" Naofumi asked as he looked to Hajime with concern.
"The dual states you have to fight him nothing says you have to keep fighting." Hajime said and thus Naofumi saw where Hajime was going with this. "Naofumi when it looks like you're winning or if you can get Motoyasu to start begging... I need you to surrender." Hajime said and thus Naofumi was shocked.
"What why?!" He asked and thus Hajime smiled to this.
"Strategy, I think Malty or someone with the King will try to make you lose in one way or another so instead of giving them that, if you surrender you not only humiliate Motoyasu but throw a wrench in Aultcray and Malty's plans also." Hajime said and in turn Naofumi had to admit Hajime had a good idea.
"So, screw with Motoyasu, make him squirm, and then humiliate him by just handing him the win." Hajime said as she knew if Motoyasu was made to squirm it was clear that Naofumi could have done worse to him but let him go after making a laughingstock of him. "Alright if we can do it let's do it." Naofumi said and in turn Hajime smiled to her friend.
"Huh?" Hajime asked as she saw something appear from the corner of her vision. She swore that it looked like an icon of some sort but as quickly as she looked it was gone.
"What is it?" Naofumi asked as he looked to Hajime.
"I don't know ever since we entered the castle, I've been having this strange feeling... like something somewhere in the castle was calling out to me." Hajime said as she looked to Naofumi. "And throughout the evening I keep seeing this weird Icon thing show up, but it quickly vanishes as soon as I try to look." Hajime admitted and thus this got Naofumi worried. But before Naofumi could ask for more the doors suddenly open to let the pair in. Deciding to ask about it later Naofumi entered first followed by Hajime.
(On the Stage)
Once everything was set up Naofumi and Hajime stood on the stage facing against Motoyasu as they could also see Malty by the gate far behind Motoyasu. "Before we begin, I want to ask you something first, Motoyasu. Why are you doing this?" Naofumi asked as he had an idea it was a long shot but if his name had to be dragged through the mud so does Motoyasu's.
In the stands Ayato and Akane with the other Masters, were seen as nearby Itsuki, Ren, and their parties were there as well. Upon Naofumi's sudden question, Motoyasu snapped. "Isn't it obvious? Of course, it's to save her from your hand!" Motoyasu shouted as he glared at Naofumi.
"I see." The Shield Hero answered calmly. "Then have you ever wondered whether the girl you're trying to save wants your help or not?" Naofumi asked as even Hajime saw what Naofumi was doing. She was verbally giving Motoyasu rope to hang himself with.
Those words took Motoyasu aback and also served to anger him further. "What…?! Of course, she wants help!" He snapped back angrily clearly not happy with what Naofumi implied. "There's no way she could be happy under your hand! Myne already told me that!" He said and thus Hajime noted that when he said this his words had a certain lack of conviction to them.
"Then how is she going to be happy?" Naofumi asked sharply glaring at Motoyasu hoping the idiot would take the bait. "Have you ever thought of what she's going to do after you 'release' her from my hand?" Naofumi asked as this was the moment of truth because win or lose... Motoyasu was not going to walk out sparkly himself.
"Well, she can go with me!" the Spear Hero answered with a perverted smile. "I'm obviously better for her than you! Why should someone as pretty as her be in a party with someone like you?"
Motoyasu obviously hadn't even thought about what he had just said, because right after the words left his mouth, whispers started rising on the stands. A few of the women sitting among the spectators, the ones with more dignity, glared at him in disgust. When he realized his mistake, it was too late the damage was done. Hajime sighed wondering just how stupid Motoyasu was while Naofumi shook his head in exasperation.
"So that's the reason, isn't it? You don't even care about how she's treated under my hand; the only thing you care about is how you can take her away from me to woo her into your harem!" Naofumi accused as he should have expected no less from Motoyasu. "Wake up, Motoyasu; this world is not going to be saved if you continue thinking with your penis rather than your head!" Hajime scolded as he glared at Motoyasu unhappy with his choice of words.
"Sir Motoyasu! Best of luck!" The redhead girl cheered for the aforementioned Hero.
"Will do, Myne!" Motoyasu said and he looks at Naofumi. "Remember the folktale about the Irresistible Spear and the Immovable Shield?" Motoyasu called out as he twirled his spear around for bit before stopping and pointing it at Naofumi. "Naofumi! Be a man and admit defeat!" He called out as Hajime sighed as she knew that tale as well.
"Well, someone clearly isn't a history buff." Hajime said as she knew how that story ended. "Motoyasu, I suggest you give up before you get hurt." Hajime warned as she would rather avoid violence if she can help it.
"Don't worry about me Hajime and I promise I'll try not to hurt you." Motoyasu said causing Hajime's eye to twitch in annoyance.
"He did not just say that." Naofumi said as he did remember that while Hajime can be calm and collected to earn her ire was to invite pain. Ayato, Daito, and Naofumi all learned that lesson the hard way when Naofumi's brother was breaking bad.
Just then the Announcer cut in as Hajime had her staff out and Naofumi switched shields for the fight. "Ready?" The announcer asked just after Motoyasu switched spear heads for the fight. "Begin!" He called out and thus Hajime was ready.
Hajime went in for the fight as she had her staff ready to do some damage. "Zweit Fire Shots!" Hajime invoked and thus fired off her attack as Motoyasu also charged in. The fire shots came in and thus Motoyasu dodged them one by one. When he got close Hajime switched over to melee and spun her staff about as a Bo staff. Motoyasu was caught off guard by this as he was then forced to block the attack from Hajime. Motoyasu managed to block the first few attacks but was then forced to dodge as one of the attacks nearly hit him in the face.
Hajime then crouched down and thrusted her staff forward hitting Motoyasu in the stomach knocking him back. Motoyasu slid back and coughed a bit from where the blow had hit him. "A word of advice Motoyasu." Hajime began as she glared at Motoyasu. "Choose your analogies better because in the story of the Spear vs the Shield... the Spear lost." Hajime said as she was ready for whatever Motoyasu had up his sleeve. Meanwhile Hajime had her eyes on Malty keeping a close eye on her in case she tries something underhanded.
"Sorry about this, Hajime." Motoyasu said and thus had his next move ready. "Chaos Spear!" Motoyasu invoked and thus sent the attack forward.
"Airstrike Shield!" Naofumi invoked and thus shielded Hajime from Motoyasu's attack.
"Thanks, Naofumi!" Hajime thanked as she was grateful for the back-up.
"No problem." Naofumi said as he wasn't about to let Ayato's crush get sliced up.
(In the Stand)
Raphtalia was sitting between Daito, Ayato, Yumi, Catra, and Akane as they each took a spot around her. "Nice cover." Akane said with a smile on her face as she saw what happened.
"No kidding, he may hate the thing, but Naofumi is pretty good with it." Daito said as he already had ideas for a combat-oriented Shield ready for forging.
"Still, something is fishy." Ayato said as he just had a hunch about it.
"Yeah, that bitch down there... she's plotting something." Catra said as she could practically smell it.
"But Hajime is planning something, why didn't she make, a demand for a reward while she had the chance?" Akane asked as she began to think it over before looking at Raphtalia and Catra as well as their slave marks. "Unless Hajime and Naofumi aren't planning to win." Akane said as she knew Hajime was a good with her magic tricks.
(Battle)
"Zweit Air Bullet multi-shot!" Hajime invoked sending out a shot of condensed air at Motoyasu who blocked the attack. Following it was several other Air shots from Hajime forcing Motoyasu to avoid it this time. But as he moved, he unknowingly walked right into Naofumi's trap.
"Dog Bite!" Naofumi invoked and with the Black Dog Shield sent the dog heads at Motoyasu which bit into his arm.
Crying out Motoyasu tried to do his best to get the beasts off his arm. "Get off of me!" Motoyasu called out as Naofumi, and Hajime regrouped.
"Airstrike Shield!" Naofumi invoked as Hajime joined in.
"Zweit Air Bullet!" Hajime added and to their shock to two wind attacks melded together and formed a new attack.
"Air Strike Bullet." Naofumi read as the attack hit Motoyasu so hard it felt like he was being punched by the wind itself and it hurt.
"We can do combo moves?" Hajime asked shocked to see this.
"Apparently so." Naofumi said as he was also shocked by the results. "I wonder." Naofumi began and thus looked to Hajime remembering how he and Yumi in her Master form called Ram Ma'am had combo the Wrecking Ball skill with the Shield Prison. "Hajime use a fire spell." Naofumi said and thus Hajime nodded.
"Right!" Hajime said and thus got their next attack ready. "As source of thy power I ordain thee decipher the laws of nature and burn my enemy to a crisp: Zeit Fire Shot!" Hajime invoked and thus fired the spell.
"Dog Bite!" Naofumi invoked and thus as the dogs went at Motoyasu the two skills melded and thus the Dogs melded with the fire becoming flaming beasts.
"Flame Fang Bite!" Naofumi and Hajime invoked and thus Motoyasu was not only bit by the attack, but the bite was burning him!
"Now let's try this!" Naofumi called out moving his cape to reveal Balloons biting down on his body.
"What the when and why?!" Hajime asked as she saw the Balloons in question.
"Later!" Naofumi answered back and thus got the next attack ready for use. "Shield Prison!" Naofumi invoked as he then threw the Balloons at Motoyasu. The result was Motoyasu being trapped inside the cage of shields with the balloon monsters biting down on him. The pair could hear Motoyasu from outside as he was unable to stop the Balloons from going after him.
"Nice one." Hajime said as she was impressed with what Naofumi did.
"Thanks." Naofumi responded as they watched the cage shake with Motoyasu being mauled by the balloons.
But as Hajime looked to Naofumi her vision began to fill with what looked to be phantom images of what looked to be statues hovering over Motoyasu in the Shield Prison. Looking at it, Hajime swung her head and closed her eyes to clear it up. Once she did so and opened her eyes again the phantoms were gone but with it the call was growing stronger by the second.
(Meanwhile back in the Stands)
With the crowd watching the duel, they began to talk among themselves, whispering, speaking loudly enough to hear it didn't matter as most of it was the same as many believe the shield hero wasn't fighting fair, and could not win against the spear hero as Yumi looking at everyone and said, "Are these people morons or something, the king basically said anything goes in this fight."
"He did but that doesn't mean everyone will agree to it and believe a great duel is a fair one," Akane said to her helmet friend, as she knew with everything stacked against Naofumi he is trying to take advantage of everything he can to win, even if it is playing a bit dirty as Ayato said, "Naofumi isn't going to give up, and Hajime won't back down either, and how this fight is going, they will win as long no one else interferes."
"But with the princess down there she maybe planning on doing so anyways, hopefully Naofumi or Hajime can counter her or something," Akane said as they watch the fight as closely as they did to see if anything else would happen or not.
(The Battle)
With Naofumi just hearing the crowd a bit, he just looked annoyed by this as Hajime look to him and said in a low tone, "We are nearing the end, we just need him to squirm a bit."
"No problem," Naofumi said as he knew Motoyasu do so just yet so it's a matter of taunting him enough to attack and make a mistake as he said loudly, "It's time for you to emit defeat, or do you want more embarrassment, tough guy?"
soon enough the shield prison soon faded with Motoyasu was kneeling down with the balloon monsters seem to look they had their fill of spear hero as they stopped attacking him for the moment with one rolling over to Naofumi as Motoyasu said, "why would I surrender now?"
"Oh, right I see," Naofumi said as he picked up the balloon monster that roll over to him as he said, "I guess I'll aim at your handsome face and that precious manhood of yours."
"Yeah, tear is dick off!" Yumi suddenly yell out as Motoyasu look very worry by that statement thinking it may happen, as Hajime knew they were getting close, as Naofumi said, "Well you heard the lady!"
"AHHH No!" Motoyasu said this as Naofumi was about to throw the balloon monster until a large gust of wind came blowing at him, and about to hit him until Hajime took notice of this and went in and block it as she cast, "Aura Shield!"
a blue white barrier of some sort appeared and block the wind attack, causing its force to be disbursed around, with Malty surprise by this, but not only her but many others who saw Hajime used a spell that was not known to anyone, and during that moment as Naofumi and Motoyasu to feel the wing blowing, causing them to stagger a bit while also delaying Naofumi's monster throw attack, which also give Motoyasu to recover and get back up as he aim his spear at Naofumi and strike at him as he was unprepared for as the spear hero soon keep pushing now he was up close to Naofumi giving him no time to use his shield as a few strike hit their mark.
This forced Naofumi to jump back away with Hajime saw what was happening and curse herself for this mistake, but didn't lose hope as she knew there was still more to do, with Motoyasu soon charging up an attack of his with Naofumi saw this but due to the injuries he gotten he can barely hold up his shield to protect him for what coming as Motoyasu called out, "Lightning spear!"
After that he thrust the attack at Naofumi, as it passed right through him, causing massive damage to him, as everyone looked in shocked by this as Raphtalia called out with her voice echoing, "Master Naofumi!"
Soon enough as the lighting stops Naofumi stop down in pain unable to move as Motoyasu soon stab his spear into the ground next to Motoyasu as he said between breaths, "The battle... has been won."
"Not yet!" Hajime called out as Motoyasu was surprised by this as suddenly he was smack in the face by Hajime's staff shocking everyone, expect her friends, by this as with Hajime stood by Naofumi as Motoyasu looked confused as he said, "Hajime-chan, what are you doing? I won the duel."
"You may have beaten Naofumi down, but I am still standing, which mean this duel is still going as the King said everything goes as long your opponent falls, and I am still your opponent and I am standing," Hajime said as Malty looked angry at this as this wasn't how her plan was supposed to go as Motoyasu was looking very shocked by this as he said, "Hajime-chan, please don't do this. You're a magic user I can see that clearly, you can't fight against me like this."
"You never know until you try, and believe me, I have a few tricks up my sleeves," Hajime said as she was prepared to fight still as Motoyasu soon question her, "Come on, why are you even protecting him, he's a cheat, a criminal, he hurt Malty-chan!"
"Will you give it a rest already with that excuse!?" Hajime snap at Motoyasu as she soon said to him, "You were fighting against a man without his own weapon, with the only way to defend himself is with that shield, I joined this duel knowing how much of a handicap he would have against you, while you attacking him when he can barely defend himself when I had defended him from attack from your partner, can you really call that fair?"
Motoyasu didn't know what to say as Hajime wasn't finish as she went on saying, "You may call him a cheat but he was allow to do anything he wanted, you call him a criminal without knowing who he really is when me, Akane and Ayato who all been childhood friends for a long time and I knew Naofumi enough to know he nothing like that nor he ever done anything to harm me, my friends or his cousins."
The people and the spear hero were shocked by this as Naofumi started to recover a bit as pulled out some medicine he had hidden up his sleeve to help him out as he took it, with Hajime soon finish up saying, "And if you say that he did rape the princess, then where is the physical proof? Where is the bruising, the cuts, and scrapes that does suggest he had rape her or she had struggle against him?"
Motoyasu didn't answer as Hajime went on saying, "And Even if she was able to escape and healed herself, where were the guards that supposed to be around patrolling the area? Why didn't anyone hear for cry for help? Why did she even come straight to you afterwards with gifts instead of going to the guards or knights directly for help instead?"
With everyone hearing what Hajime had said, Malty was getting a bit worry as she can hear all the nobles talking of what Hajime was saying and knew she had fair points, even the other two heroes were giving her words some thought as well as why didn't she do that instead of the other?
Motoyasu was a loss for words as he didn't know what to say or do to defend Malty. But the more he hears Hajime's words the more he thought back to what Skeletor had said to him back during the wave. Nut he just waved it remembering what Malty had also said about Skeletor being a sore loser when he was unable to get his way. But Hajime soon spoken up again as she said, "This duel is nothing but a waist of everyone time. You just challenged him because Raphtalia was his slave, but the king did confirm that slaver is allowed freely, he shouldn't be blamed for having one especially when he was alone and could not fight for himself, are you going to blame that on him too?"
"He... he maybe isn't in the wrong for having a slave," Motoyasu finally spoken up as he gathered up his words and spoke carefully, "But that doesn't mean he should have Raphtalia-chan as his slave."
"And what you do, or did you forget what you said just moments ago? She can join with you and have some fun, or what you have said Why should someone as pretty as her be in a party with someone like him?"
"But she's a slave to him!" Motoyasu try to argue as Hajime soon ask him, "And did you even ask her if she wanted to be freed, demanded Naofumi to order her to tell the truth? No, you just assumed she was miserable with him when you don't know the first thing, he has done for her! He's not a criminal, he a good person who didn't deserve this cruelty at all! But if you still think that Naofumi is still in the wrong, come try it but you will have to go through me, as I rather die protecting my friends then let them be hurt by scum like you!"
Her voice rang out shocking many people by this, with Naofumi heard Hajime words he felt something he hasn't felt in a while, and that was hope, as the medicine was taking effect regaining some of his health back and numb the pain, he was soon standing back up which surprise everyone as he soon said to her in a low tone, "Thank you"
"Don't thank me yet, we're not quite done with this fight," Hajime said stood in front of him as she held her staff in both hands as she was ready to fight again with Naofumi raise his shield with Motoyasu was surprised by all this as he didn't know what to do with Malty suddenly call out to him, "Sir Motoyasu! Don't be fool by her words, she's just a trying to distract you, don't focus on her lies and just fight them, this kingdom needs you, I need you, so please fight."
Malty use a fake crying voice to help the spear hero regain focus again as Motoyasu soon snap out of his confused moment and said, "Alright then, I will, Prepared yourselves Naofumi, Hajime!"
"Let's." Hajime said and in thus the two fighters charged at each other and began to do battle. Hajime spun her staff around showing that she had training in karate and martial arts. Using this Hajime managed to force Motoyasu back before jumping back and firing off her spells at him. "Zweit Fire!" Hajime called out firing the spell off at Motoyasu who dodged the attack. "Zweit Thunder Strike!" Hajime followed up and in turn Motoyasu was forced to dodge the attack once more.
Motoyasu ran about and thus Hajime saw his next attack coming in. Firing off a few more spells Hajime saw Motoyasu dodge them and once he got close brought his spear down on her. Hajime in response user the shaft of her staff to block the attack. "Stop this now, Hajime I don't want to hurt you!" Motoyasu called out but Hajime refused to back down.
"Never!" Hajime snapped as she glared at Motoyasu. "You need to give up and think for yourself and not let every pretty face talk you into things especially if you only just met them!" Hajime yelled as just then she kicked Motoyasu back and then hit him in the face with her staff knocking him back.
"And if standing by those I care for means I'm to die... so, be it I'll walk it off." Hajime said making it clear where she stood. "So Motoyasu again back off or else!" Hajime said and thus Motoyasu sighed in frustration.
"Sorry Hajime." Motoyasu said until all of a sudden, his spear began to glow from the gem. "What?!" Motoyasu asked in shock as suddenly the Cardinal Spear sent a beam of light towards Hajime causing her to cry out in surprise. Following this up the Spear sent a second beam that went straight for, Aultcray.
The King was caught off guard by this as just then to his horror a familiar staff appeared before him. Hovering before his very eyes was the Vassal Staff as it gave off an aura of warning against Aultcray. But as it stood there, he soon heard a voice that he had not heard from in many years.
"I'm sorry Aultcray, but you are no longer worthy of the Staff." The voice of Aultcray's dead sister spoke before he saw his Statues magic change as the Vassal Staff flew away from him.
"NO!" Aultcray cried out as the Staff flew to the stadium.
Soon the beams vanished and reaching out Hajime caught the new Staff as her arm had all but moved on its own. "W-what?" Hajime asked as she saw the Staff in her hand.
"No, it can't the Seven Star Staff?!" Malty cried out shocked as she knew what this meant.
"The Seven Star what?" Motoyasu asked and thus more whispers were heard.
"Impossible!?"
"She's the new Vassal Staff Hero?"
"Vassal Staff?" Hajime asked as she looked to the staff in her hand. Just then her old Staff began to turn into particles and was then absorbed into her new one. Looking at her Statues Magic Hajime saw that it was a near identical one to the screen Naofumi described to her. Under her titles she saw that there were several titles for her one of them being the 'Next Sorceress of Greyskull,' and another being, 'The Seven Star Staff Heroin.'
"Amazing." Hajime gasped as she saw the Staff in her hand.
"You thief! That's my fathers, weapon return it to him now!" Malty yelled as she could not and would not allow the Shield Hero to have a Vassal Hero in his party.
"Sure, once the duel is over, he can have it back." Hajime said as she got ready to do battle once more. "As source of thy power I ordain thee decipher the laws of nature and bring forth a powerful wind to blow away my foe: Dritte Air Strike!" Hajime invoked and in turn Motoyasu was unable to stop the attack of a powerful tornado spell that came at him and blasted him back.
"Dammit." Motoyasu cursed after he fell down the wall. When he landed though Motoyasu went wide eyed as he saw another attack coming his way curtesy of Hajime.
"WINGS OF ZOAR!" Hajime invoked out of instinct and in turn a massive bird made of magic flew straight at Motoyasu. He then went wide eyed in shock and was then forced to block the attack. This caused Motoyasu to fly through the wall making a hole in it causing everyone to gasp in shock to this.
"You..." Motoyasu began as he got back up despite his newly acquired injuries. "You haven't won yet." Motoyasu growled as he looked to Hajime.
"I see... hopefully one more should do it." Hajime said as she got her next spell ready to end the duel.
At least that was Hajime's plan until Naofumi spoke up. "Hajime, wait!" Naofumi called catching Hajime off guard. "He's had enough." Naofumi said making it clear this duel wasn't worth it anymore. "I Naofumi Iwatani the Shield Hero humbly surrender the duel." Naofumi said surprising everyone even Motoyasu.
"So... I won!" Motoyasu cheered as he smiled over his victory. But then he saw no one else was cheering for him.
In fact, everyone was shocked as even Aultcray was at a loss for words. "What…?" Aultcray asked and in turn Naofumi heard him.
"Didn't I say it clear enough?" Naofumi glared at the King, who was now staring at him dumbfounded from the balcony above. "I give up. There's no point continuing this meaningless fight anymore." Naofumi said as he made it clear what was going on.
"Sir Naofumi." Raphtalia was heard as he and Hajime then looked to see the Demi-Human girl.
"Raphtalia." Naofumi spoke as he looked into her eyes; never had Raphtalia seen him so weak, so... miserable. "When I bought you, what I wanted was to find a partner that will never betray me. I only bought you at that time because you were the only one that I felt might be able to become a fighter. I didn't expect that you would grow up and become such a fine lady on your own. So now, you can be your own person. Let them break the slave crest, then you can do whatever you want; what you do is going to be your own choice from now on."
He stroked her head gently, the same gesture that he always did to her when they're alone. Then, he glanced at the King. "What are you waiting for? Send in the wizard and break her slave crest!"
The ritual was done in just a few minutes. Naofumi closed his eyes when the alert [Contract with Raphtalia terminated] appeared in his vision. And that's it; it's back to just him, Ayato, Akane, Daito, Yumi, and Hajime.
"There, you're free now, girl. Be grateful for the Spear Hero and my kindness!" the King said with a haughty voice. He glanced at the Shield Hero; a savage satisfaction bubbled in his stomach. "From now on, you're free to forge your own path without the Shield Demon manipulating you!"
"If you don't know what you should do, you can come and join me," Motoyasu, who had just been healed by the royal wizards, sauntered toward Raphtalia and grabbed her hand. "I'll be sure to protect you from that rapist from now on."
Raphtalia didn't say anything for a few seconds. Then with a swift movement, she slapped his hand away.
"What…?!" Motoyasu began to ask but before he could recognize what was going on, a fist had buried itself in the middle of his face. His body flew backward like a ragdoll; his head once again collided with the ground painfully. A chorused gasp rose from the crowd; no one could ever expect a pretty and weak-looking girl like Raphtalia could do something like that.
Well bar Catra who was heard laughing at the scene. "HAHAHAHAHA HE'S ON THE GROUND!" Catra laughed as clearly, she was enjoying this.
"You… you lowlife animal!" Malty shrieked as she glared at Raphtalia. "How dare you do that to Sir Motoyasu?!" Malty demanded as she glared at him.
But she immediately shut up when Raphtalia threw her a glare. That glare was so full of anger, hatred and viciousness that she felt the temperature around her suddenly dropped about forty degrees, as if she had just been plucked from the warm summer night and tossed into a cellar full of ice. Unaware to Malty Raphtalia had drawn power from Greyskull to help with the intimidation factor.
"B-bhy, Waphaphia-bhan?" he asked weakly, holding his bloody broken nose with his right hand. "Ah habe juxt zabe u fwom—" Motoyasu asked as he was clearly in shock.
"Does it look like I need you to save me?" she said, unable to hide the anger in her voice anymore. "Since the day he bought me from that shop, Sir Naofumi has never done anything to me that could make me lose even a strand of hair!" Raphtalia snapped as clearly this plan had backfired for those out to get Naofumi. "He fed me, bathed me, healed me from my illness, bought new clothes for me; he treated me with nothing but kindness! He even tried to sacrifice his own life to protect me from that monster, without any hesitation! Can you even do that, Motoyasu?" Raphtalia accused as she glared at the disgrace of a hero before her.
She didn't even bother using an honorific as her voice rose higher and higher with each of her words. "Do you dare jump into the way of a monster forty levels stronger than you, without any armor, with a single shield on your hand, just to protect the life of a little girl who you have just met for a day? Can you, do it?! ANSWER ME!" Raphtalia demanded as she glared at Motoyasu all but daring him to prove her wrong.
"That's… that's impossible…!" Motoyasu retorted pathetically, but even he didn't seem to believe in his own voice anymore. At this moment, he was just desperately trying to find an excuse for everything happening in front of him. "There's no way someone like him could do something like that…! You must have been brainwashed by him!" Motoyasu tried to rationalize until Ayato was heard.
"Too bad for you, Motoyasu, everything about that was the truth." Ayato said as looking to the source Motoyasu saw the rest of Naofumi's party approaching with Itsuki as well.
"How… how do you even know…?" Motoyasu asked as he was now entering a state of shock now.
"How, you say?" Akane asked as she smirked down at Motoyasu. "That's because we were there when it happened." Akane said and in turn glared directly at Motoyasu. "You just see what you want to see, Motoyasu; have you ever spent a minute wondering if there were anything else behind what a pretty girl told you?" Akane asked as she wanted to see if Motoyasu had something to argue his defense.
"That's just pathetic, Motoyasu!" Itsuki also added in glaring down upon Motoyasu. "Everyone here saw that your companion tried to interfere with the duel and that was more than enough to declare you the loser already!" Itsuki said and in turn Ren stepped up to the plate.
"Just admit it; Naofumi beat you fair and square! Nothing can change that fact! And now you still have the gall to go to the prize and claim her to be yours?!" Ren said as he was in agreement with the other heroes.
Everything around Motoyasu seemed to collapse. His ideal world, where he was a hero loved by everyone, fighting evil people who harm the life of pretty women and children, was disintegrating piece by piece in front of his eyes. "No… it… it can't be…" Motoyasu said and thus Ayato began to feel bad for the guy. He looked over to Akane hoping his sister might consider giving Motoyasu therapy as well, but Akane made it clear it would cost him.
Raphtalia then walked past Motoyasu making her way directly to Naofumi. Once she was close enough, she grabbed Naofumi's hand, who turned back with his eyes widening in surprise. "You; said that I was brainwashed by Master Naofumi. Then yes, if rescuing me from the hellhole of slavery, treating me with kindness, protecting my life with his own are considered brainwashing, then I volunteer to be brainwashed by him." Raphtalia said in an icy cold voice to Motoyasu.
Then she turned back to Naofumi. "Sir Naofumi, you don't have to worry anymore. You might be small and powerless in this country, but I will always be here to keep you safe. No one would be able to break our bond." Raphtalia said as she refused to abandon Naofumi after everything the Shield Hero had done since he bought her.
Naofumi suddenly felt his cheeks getting wet. He raised his hand to touch his right cheek and realized that tears were running down from his eyes. "Who are you?" Naofumi asked as he looked to Raphtalia in shock.
"That's Raphtalia?" Ayato asked as he began to get worried again.
"That can't be she was just a kid a minute ago." Naofumi said and thus Ayato and Akane as well as the other master's went wide eyed to this.
"Wait you can see her now?!" Ayato asked and thus began to grin.
"He's back." Akane said as she realized Naofumi made a huge leap in his recovery.
"Naofumi, you can see her now!" Daito called out as he saw this happy to see that Naofumi was back.
And before he could know it, he had pulled Raphtalia into a hug and started weeping on her shoulder. Blood leaked out from his wound, dirtying her clothes, but he didn't care. And it seemed Raphtalia herself didn't, either, because she smiled and reached out her arms, hugging him back earnestly.
Then a loud cracking noise rose from behind them, at the stand. They tensed up and turned back, expecting another sneak attack… but… It was the sound of applause. It started from a sharp-dressed man wearing glasses at the front line of the left stand, then people around him also started clapping. The wave of applause and cheers kept spreading and spreading, and soon enough, the whole arena was full of cheers for the Shield Hero and his partner.
"Good job, Shield Hero!"
"You're not half bad!"
"What a beautiful story!"
"Stay strong, Shield Hero!"
The King glanced around at them all, looking as though there was something incredibly big lodged in his throat, unable to say anything. Malty now looked like someone had just punched her in the face; her face was beet red with anger and humiliation. Akane saw this and began to walk towards Malty who was ready in case Akane tries to slap her.
"Well Princess, you lose." Akane taunted and thus began to walk away as she went back to her friends.
Naofumi's eyes were damp with tears, but on his face, a smile of gratitude and happiness could be seen clearly. "Thank you… Raphtalia…" Naofumi said as he was truly grateful for Raphtalia being in his life. In fact, he was grateful to all his friends and family for being here. Then as everything around him fell into darkness the last thing Naofumi saw was an alert on his Status Magic.
"Power of Greyskull has been paired successfully."
AS this happened Hajime walked over to Aultcray and presented the Staff to him. "I believe this is yours?" Hajime asked and thus Aultcray gave a sharp glare and took the staff. But the minute it left Hajime's hands the staff gave off a powerful glow before shocking Aultcray and returning to Hajime's hands.
"Um oops." Hajime said as she was lost at what just happened.
"Is as I feared... it's chosen you." Aultcray said and thus turned around and stormed off.
"Chosen me?" Hajime asked looking to the Vassal Staff in her hands.
"Great so I got to travel with a party filled with heroes... just my luck." Catra growled as she then looked to Motoyasu. "Well at least I got a show out of it." Catra said still giggling over what happened to Motoyasu.
In turn the group all gathered around Naofumi and one by one joined in a huge group hug. It was a tender moment and a much, needed thing for the Shield Hero. He had been through a great ordeal since he had been summoned to this world but now Naofumi was healing and even if not fully healed the Shield Hero had made a great leap. And for this everyone was truly grateful for the outcome.
(Scene Break the next Morning)
The group had gathered over a balcony area as Raphtalia had brought gifts so to speak. "Iron Chef Raphtalia strikes!" Akane called out as everyone had sandwiches while Swiftwing and Cringer were enjoying their own meal.
"Hey, don't make it sound that great I only used the leftovers they had from last night." Raphtalia said as she smiled to the group.
"Hey only one way to find out. Give." Catra demanded as she took the fish related one as Naofumi smiled a bit.
"Come on dig in broody shield." Yumi said as in turn Naofumi with some hesitation took a bite out of his food. In turn he was wide eyed in response to this as he then took the food away from his food and stared at it in shock.
"What's wrong?" Akane asked as she looked to Naofumi with curiosity.
"I can taste it." He said looking to his food with pure shock. "It's truly delicious." Naofumi confessed as he enjoyed the food after so long.
Raphtalia smiled to this as she then spoke up while sitting close to Naofumi. "Well then let's promise to eat lots of delicious food from now on." Raphtalia said smiling as Catra then spoke up.
"Just keep it coming and you got a deal." Catra said with her mouth full.
But meanwhile Ayato and Akane both stood in shock when they heard Naofumi say those words. "Did he just say?" Ayato asked as he looked to Akane.
"Yeah, he did." Akane said with a huge smile on her face when she heard those words. It was true Naofumi was getting better and in turn this meant that the twins now had their brother back.
In turn Akane and Ayato hugged Naofumi catching him off guard as the twins were clearly happy. "It's good to have you back, Naofumi." Ayato said as Akane had no words for this. Naofumi smiled to this and hugged the twins in return happy that they haven't changed much.
"Jeez this brings a tear to my eyes." Daito said and Yumi then slapped him upside the head.
"Don't ruin it." Yumi said as she looked to the scene before them. Everything was starting to look up but unaware to many things were about to change soon.
(Scene Break Aultcray)
It was early in the morning as King Aultcray punched the table he was sitting at in anger. The truth is, he didn't have any personal
vendetta against the person named Iwatani Naofumi at all. They hadn't even known each other before he was summoned. No, what he hated was the very idea of the Shield Hero existing in this world.
To him, demi-humans were the blights of this world. They lived for nothing but to bring pain and despair to humankind. In the past, the war against Siltvelt, the country of those demi-human bastards, molded him into the mighty Hero of the Staff, but it was also the same thing that took away his dear little sister. In an attempt to conquer the world, those bastards sent a delegation to Melromarc in the name of a peace treaty, but one night, the very same delegation murdered everyone in Melromarc who wanted to come up with a peaceful resolution for everything.
Everyone, including his sister. They murdered her, just because she was the family of the person who was fighting and overwhelming them on the battlefield. Starting from that moment, demi-humans had become his archenemies. And by proxy, the god of demi-humans and the founder of Siltvelt, the Shield Hero, too. He had sworn to murder every single one of those monsters just like what they did to his sister.
And that's why he was thrilled when the Church declared their intention to summon the Cardinal Heroes to fight back the Waves of Calamity. Completely ignoring the warning of his wife, he declared the summoning of all the four Heroes to Melromarc, just so he had the chance to give the god of those half-breeds what he deserved for creating that country of monsters. He would make him as weak as possible so that the bastard would be killed like the dog he was supposed to be on the battlefield. He had entrusted this duty to his first daughter, the one he loved the most, believing that with her experience in charming men, she would be able to help him ruin the demon's life.
However, he had immediately realized he had made a gigantic mistake. His new party had made it clear they would protect the devil by any means necessary. What was worse was that two of them were immediate family members of his and their closest friends all of whom had been with him when the summoning happened. No doubt since they were close but not the intended targets they were basically taken along for the ride. Why they didn't end up with the shield was unknown to Aultcray, but he had little time to find out.
The one named Hajime though a gifted magic user if he ever saw one as well as a powerful martial artist had not only defended the Shield but was now the Vassal Hero of the Staff HIS Vassal Weapon. That weapon had given him much in terms of sway but now that he lost it because the weapon deemed him unworthy much of that sway had vanished.
Now even the nobles of the country had turned against him. The Shield Devil would take over the whole country soon at this rate more so now that he has a Vassal Wielder on his side.
He grabbed a China flowerpot on his table and threw it in rage. The poor pot shattered against the wall with a loud crashing noise.
"You seem to be angry, Your Highness." A voice spoke getting Aultcray's attention on him.
He didn't need to turn around to know who had just said those words. After all, the only people who would dare to call him like that were the Shadows of the Queen. To them, Aultcray was just the King in title; they only acknowledged his wife as the true ruler of the country.
"What do you want?" he asked with a scowl, not even turning his head. The Shadow answered him, still in his monotonous voice.
"I have a message from Her Majesty to you." The Shadow of the Queen said and thus Aultcray nodded.
"Leave it on the table; I will read it later." Aultcray said but the Shadow didn't move away.
"I was instructed to leave only after you open the message and read it," The Shadow Insisted and in turn scowling, he stood up and snatched the letter from the Shadow's hand. He tore the royal seal apart and flipped the sheet of paper open.
His face immediately went chalk white. "Now you have read the letter, I will return to report to Her Majesty." The Shadow said and in turn, the Shadow disappeared from the room, leaving Aultcray alone on his chair, with the letter still hanging on his hand, with only four words in it sent by his wife as a warning.
"AULTCRAY, REMEMBER MY WORDS."
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are Chapter 8. I hope you all enjoyed it and will continued to support it. This chapter was a lot of fun, and the twists were hopefully worth it. Anyway, heading off now and before you head off be sure to review this chapter. Now then see you all later and as I always say ja-ne.