Episode 2: Yuu's Sword

-Hillside Mountain-

In the forest of Hillside Mountain, Yuu, whose dream is to become a great hero like her Father, had once again woken up early to start her training. It all began with her practicing how to swing a sword.

Yuu: Ha…! Ya!

Though she may have called it that, she was actually just using a simple stick from a tree. She found this stick while training one day, quickly becoming her most prized possession. Using it every day since had made it become an extension of her arm.

Yuu: Hehe, I'll do my best today too!

Yuu was in great spirits today, having had her fill from her previous adventure. Her excitement resounded more than usual as she swung her stick with great force, then…

Yuu: Ah… Waaah!

Snap!

Yuu: Huh?

Confused at hearing that sound, Yuu looked at her stick and saw to her shock that her precious stick had broken in two. She unknowingly swung her with all her might on a nearby boulder and the impact broke it. Now the end of the stick was dangling down the one Yuu was holding… until it snapped and fell.

Yuu: AAAAAAAAAH!

-Throne Room, Dragon King's Den, Hillside Mountain-

Yuu rushed back to the cave's throne room. She told the Dragon King about her broken stick with tears in her eyes as her surrogate Father consoled her.

Dragon King: There, there, I've got an idea. Why don't you visit the Blacksmith at the foot of the mountain and have them make you a new sword? I'm sure they'll have something that suits you perfectly, Yuu.

Yuu: The Blacksmith…? Can I go on my own again?

Dragon King: But of course. Are you up for it?

Yuu: Uh-huh… okay… I'm off…

Yuu was still very sad about her broken stick, but getting another chance to adventure alone and the idea of getting a new sword made her gloom slowly turn to excitement. Yuu left the throne room, not quite a spring in her step yet as the Dragon King watched her go before letting out a sigh.

Dragon King: Phew, goodness…

He then looked up at the cave's ceiling, looking for someone.

Dragon King: Arthur, are you there…?

At the Dragon King's call, a small, black Spider-like Monster with three eyes slid down from the throne room's ceiling down a fine white thread. He has a furry white mane around his neck and his body is wrapped in a few bands made of his own silk.

Arthur: Yes, Demon King. I am here.

The Spider monster known as Arthur addressed the Dragon King, aka the "Demon King", as he hanged in front of the Dragon's face.

The Dragon King flinched a little at Arthur addressing him with his old title.

Dragon King: Ah… "Your majesty" will do just fine.

Arthur: My deepest apologies… How may I be of assistance, your majesty?

Dragon King: I know it's abrupt, but I need you to get to the blacksmith before Yuu does.

The Dragon King told Arthur that he wants him to tell the blacksmith to make Yuu an easy-to-handle weapon before she arrives.

Dragon King: And nothing too dangerous.

Arthur: As you wish. Then allow me to take my leave.

Arthur made a bowed gesture before ascending his thread in a fluid motion, disappearing in the ceiling's shadow without making a sound.

Dragon King: Yes, that should do the trick… But perhaps I should still keep an eye on Yuu in secret…

With that he got up his throne made of stone and started to follow Yuu in secret again, like yesterday.

-Hillside Mountain-

Yuu began walking down the mountain, in order to reach the Monster Village and get a new sword. She reached the Connie village until someone called her.

?: Hey there!

Yuu turned around and saw a male Wolp. A bipedal Wolf Monster with black fur and a white underbelly starting from the lower jaw to the top of his tail, as well as white eartips. He's also wearing a green/yellow waistcloth.

Male Wolp: Well, well, if it isn't the Dragon King's girl from the tip-top of the mountain.

Yuu knew that the Wolp Tribe, along with many other Tribes, live in the Monster Village since they want to live in peace, but Yuu still had to be wary in case this Wolp isn't like the others. The Wolp noticed her wary behavior.

Male Wolp: Oh, I'm not a bad Monster. I won't hurt you. But there are certainly many close by who haven't changed and might…

Now knowing this Wolp is nice, Yuu calmly approached him.

Male Wolp: Though there have been many more Monsters who follow the Dragon King's example, and lead a life of peace.

Yuu: How can I know which Monster is bad and which Monster is good?

The Wolp scratched his chin as he thought about it.

Male Wolp: Hm… Well, the bad ones might pounce on you from the bushes.

As if on cue, a Raccoon jumped from the bushes at Yuu, only for it to be sent flying into the sky by a swipe of the Wolp's claw.

Male Wolp: See? So a Monster standing out in the open, striking up conversation–like me–is probably safe. Probably.

Yuu: Okay. I should be going now.

Male Wolp: Where are you going?

Yuu: To the Monster Village! To get a new sword!

Male Wolp: Oh! You'll end up to have to go through Hillside cave to reach it.

As the Wolp said, a cave stood in front of Yuu's path. The Wolp gave her directions on which way to go so she wouldn't get lost, so she entered the cave.

Up ahead the Dragon followed her into the cavern, by using another cave entrance.

-Hillside Cave-

Yuu: Wow…

Yuu was awed as the cave was beautiful. While her Dad's cave was the same as this, the cave was big and wide and had many lights illuminating the cavern, giving it a mystical beauty.

Meanwhile, the Dragon King was watching Yuu from a distance addresing to 3 creatures that are standing behind him.

Dragon King: Alright, you 3 know the plan. And remember, this is a test for Yuu.

The 3 creatures nodded before vanishing.

Yuu walked around as she explored the Cave, while remembering the instructions the Wolp told her to take if she wanted to reach the village.

But when she turned around the corner, the 3 creatures blocked her path.

?: Hold it right there!

The 3 creatures were Rabbitrousers of the Conie Tribe. Unlike Mr. O'hare, these Conie's have a white upper body with a black lower body, as well as black on the tip of their ears. Unlike O'hare, they have normal eyes and mouth, and are wielding a carrot as a weapon.

Rabbitrouser: Alright, Human. Give us all the shells that you have!

The shells are the currency the Monsters use. Yuu have some with her, and she wouldn't give it to them.

Yuu: No! I will not let you have it!

Yuu pulled out her stick… with the hanging end finally falling to the ground…

One of the Rabbitrousers jumped and brought down his carrot at Yuu, who jumped away, but not before the other 2 attacked her on each side.

Yuu blocked one of the attacks with her stick while dodging the other one.

The 2 Rabbitrousers attacked Yuu from all sides, not giving her a moment until Yuu blocked the middle one's carrot with her stick. But then other 2 attacked and kicked her, sending Yuu tumbling to the ground.

Yuu: Aaah!

Yuu tries to get up, while thinking of a way to defeat the 3 Rabbitrousers, but she isn't getting any solution to her problem.

Yuu: (Those 3 are really strong… I don't know if I can beat them…)

But before Yuu could accept defeat, she remembered something.

-Flashback-

Yuu: Flame Slash?

Yuu asked her Dad as they were sitting on the nest.

Dragon King: Yes. It's an attack that sets their swords on fire, and delivers a powerful attack. Only real heroes can use it.

Yuu's eyes sparkled when she heard that.

Yuu: Wow! Can I use Flame Slash too?

The Dragon King chuckled at her as he patted her head.

Dragon King: Of course you can. When you're in a pinch, raise your sword in the air.

-End of Flashback-

Yuu stood back up with determination, all while the Dragon King watched from a distance.

Yuu: (I can do this!)

Yuu then raised her stick in the air, which is what the Dragon King was hoping for. He told Yuu about the Flame Slash so he could do this with Yuu.

The Dragon King then released his magical flame straight at the stick. Yuu closed her eyes from the bright light, and when she opened them, her eyes shined in wonder.

Her stick was lit on fire. Yuu can feel the heat of the fire, but the branch wasn't burning.

Yuu turned her attention back to the Rabbitrousers, who held their carrots ready. Holding the burning stick with both hands, Yuu charged at the Rabbitrousers and so did they. And with a swing of her stick.

BOOM!

A loud explosion reverberated the cave. Yuu was standing with her stick no longer on fire, while the 3 Rabbitrousers were on the ground defeated.

Yuu looked at what she did until her eyes started to sparkle and a quivering smile appeared on her face.

Yuu: I did it!

Yuu jumped up and down in joy at being able to use the Flame Slash and defeating the 3 Rabbitrousers that tried to rob her.

At the corner of her eye she saw a light. When she checked it she saw it was the exit that leads to the Monster Village. Without time to waste she left the cave while the Dragon King watched.

Dragon King: (Looks like my plan worked. This way I can assist her if she fights a powerful Monster)

This was the test he planned for you, but also a way that he can help her in her fights without the Human noticing.

?: Excuse me, your majesty.

The Dragon King turned around and saw the 3 Connie's he recruited, they were using their carrots to steady themselves since they were too hurt to walk.

Rabbitrouser: I know you asked us to test Miss Yuu, but could you have gone a little easy on the fire?

The Dragon King sweatdropped at this. He should have hold back a little more.

-Monster Village-

After exiting the cave, Yuu continued onwards until she passed through a wooden archway, and standing in front of her was something that made her awed.

At the foot of the mountain lay a village where Monsters called home. How frightening to think, a village full of Monsters…

But all was not as it sounded. Like all things, there are good and bad qualities, and the Monsters were no exception. This Monster Village was a town created by those who wished to live in harmony.

Yuu saw many kinds of different Monsters of different tribes there, not just the Wolp Tribe.

The Sheap Tribe. Monsters that look like Sheep that stand on their hind legs as they're bipedal. Like Sheep they're bodies are covered in white wool and they have brown hooves and horns curved backwards. Their eyes are yellow and Sheep-like. Some of them are wearing different accessories.

Lizzerd Tribe. Bipedal Lizard Monsters with green skins and yellow eyes. She saw a female cooking up some potion.

Hejhog Tribe. Hedgehog-like Monsters that are smaller than Yuu. Some of them work as merchants, others are interested in embroidery.

Krow Tribe. Large Crow Monsters that are rarely seen flying and Yuu has only seen them walking. They always like to look dapper.

Yuu eventually found the Blacksmith. A Sheap wearing an apron and is holding a special hammer that can be held by her hooves. The tip of her right horn seemed to be chipped off and hanging on that horn is a small jewel diamond.

The Blacksmith turned to Yuu as the Human child approached her.

Blacksmith: Why, you're the young lady from the mountaintop, aren't you? Did you need something?

Yuu showed the Blacksmith her broken stick.

Yuu: Ms. Blacksmith, the sword I used for practice broke. My Dad told me that you can build me a new one.

The Blacksmith inspected the broken stick before turning to Yuu with a smile.

Blacksmith: Haha, well that's no good, is it? My skills are top-notch. I'd be happy to make you a special sword to call your own.

Yuu: Really!?

The sparkle in Yuu's eyes returned.

Blacksmith: But in return, I must ask a favor of you.

The Blacksmith told you that she needed some materials from the storehouse Guard's House in order to forge the weapon.

Blacksmith: Here's a list of the materials. Show this to the Storehouse Guard and you'll be set.

Yuu: Roger that! I'm off then!

Yuu then left the Blacksmith as the Sheap watched her go.

Blacksmith: Who would have thought that the King would send me that Spider messenger and ask me to make a safe sword for that child?

The Blacksmith chuckled at that.

Storehouse Guard: Thanks for waiting. Here's your sturdy log.

Yuu: Thanks!

Yuu thanked the male Wolp and grabbed the log in her hands. The log wasn't very big so it wasn't too heavy to carry.

She started her way back towards the Blacksmith, passing many Monsters, including some interesting ones.

A young Crocodile-like Lizzerd Monster with a scarf, goggles, and star-like eyes passed by as his mind was in thought.

A young Hejhog was handing a drink to an old Lizzerd that was sitting on his chair, snoring.

A male Wolp guard looked at Yuu suspiciously, passing behind him was a red female Wolp who seemed to be angry as her arms were crossed.

Yuu then passed a large tree that seemed to be releasing small waterfalls from the branches and falling on buckets. An angry large female Sheap seemed to be looking for someone. That someone is a young female Sheap that peeked behind the tree.

Yuu then passed a young Krow girl wearing a Witch's hat and was engrossed in a book about magic.

Yuu finally arrived towards the Blacksmith who took notice of her.

Yuu: I managed to bring the material, just as you asked!

Yuu presented the lumber to her.

Blacksmith: Would you look at that. Good job.

Yuu handed over the lumber she'd received from the Storehouse Guard.

Blacksmith: This won't take but a moment, so sit tight.

Yuu: Okay!

Yuu said on an anvil as the Blacksmith started working on the sword inside her workshop. Yuu waited as she heard the sound of sawing and hammer banging from inside the shop.

After some time passed…

Blacksmith: Alright, it's done.

The Blacksmith presented a wooden sword with a spectacular finish.

Yuu: Whoooa~...

The sparkle in Yuu's eyes shone brighter than the Sun.

Blacksmith: The stick you brought me was made of a light yet durable wood. With this, striking hard objects like boulders should be no problem.

The Blacksmith handed Yuu the newly crafted weapon as she spoke.

Yuu: Yay, thank you! Miss…

Hoof: My name is Hoof.

Yuu excitedly waved many goodbyes to Hoof the Blacksmith, carefully sheathing the sword under her arm as she left the Blacksmith.

As Yuu made her way to leave town, she heard what sounded like a Fox cry in the distance.

Heading toward the sound, you found a Fox cub asking another villager for help. But the Fox drooped its head sadly as the villager left it behind.

Worried for the poor thing, Yuu approached the Fox, but it had run off before she could get close.

Yuu: Ah, it's gone…

Yuu could no longer see the Fox as it vanished into the bushes outside the village.

Yuu: Oh, I wonder why it was so sad… But I need to get back before it gets dark.

Despite her concern for the Fox, she decided to return home.

-Nest, Dragon King's Den, Hillside Mountain-

That night…

Yuu excitedly told the Dragon King what had happened to her that day. He listened with a Keen ear, a smile on his face as Yuu recounted her many tales.

Yuu: Oh, that's right… I noticed a Fox cub calling for help, but when I went after it, it left the village.

Dragon King: You know, a great Hero helps those in need. Your Papa was one such Hero…

The Dragon King reminisced about old times.

Yuu: Hey, Dad, can I go to the village again tomorrow? So I can find the Fox again and help it.

Dragon King: What a splendid idea, Yuu. How commendable.

The Dragon King praised her.

Shortly after, Yuu had fallen asleep while listening to more tales of the Great Hero. Tomorrow, she would be aiding another in their plight. Just what sort of adventure awaited Yuu…?

-Short Story-

It was another morning flight as Yuu was riding on the Dragon King's back. She always tries to take a chance to ride on her Dad's back and fly into the skies.

Yuu: Hey, Dad? Can you fly faster?

The Dragon King turned his head towards Yuu.

Dragon King: Of course I can! Hang on tight!

Yuu held on and the Dragon King then started to fly very fast. Yuu was enjoying herself at feeling the wind passing through her face.

Yuu: Yeeaaaaah! Can you do flying tricks, Dad?

The Dragon King then responded by doing different manouvers in the sky.

By diving forward and twirling back up, spinning around and so, all while Yuu was having so much fun.

Yuu: Yay! Do the up and down, Dad! ... Huh?

Yuu noticed that the Dragon King was exhausted as he was panting.

Dragon King: I think that's enough flying for one day.