For the first time in this whole arc, I finally have a chapter that's less than 10k words.
Chapter Sixty-Three: Return Of The King
After getting back from the mess that was their rescue operation in Katana, Naofumi was… almost relieved to be back in Sickle.
Almost being the key word.
After all, there was still all the fallout from their actions and crap to be dealt with upon their return. Though, thankfully, that didn't happen immediately after getting back.
"Our Vassals!"
"They have returned!"
"Oh, happy days!"
Much like when Naofumi had arrived with Kizuna and Rishia, the Otherworlders were almost immediately bombarded by officials and friends alike. Though, unlike before, Kizuna had sent back a message to Ethnobalt once she realized that the communication obstructions from before were down. Warning him in advance that they'd managed to successfully find and rescue Glass, L'Arc, and the others.
This meant that the rabbit man had enough time to tell what looked like the whole kingdom about their impending arrival before the Heroes were finally able to teleport back.
"It's so great to see you again!"
"You had us so worried!"
L'Arc openly laughed as he hugged one person after another. Glass was more reserved compared to L'Arc, but she at least shook hands with those that approached her and tried to smile a little for important people.
Though, if anything, it looked like the spirit woman was trying to stay as close to Kizuna's side as possible. As if she was afraid that her mistress would get lost in the crowd of people and disappear all over again.
It was kind of cute, in a way.
Strange, Naofumi never thought the serious brooding spirit woman could ever do anything cute.
Ethnobalt smiled widely as Kizuna jumped through the air to hug him. But when the Hunting Tools Hero begged him to change forms again, he absolutely refused. This caused the two to butt heads with each other, much to the entertainment of the others, including Glass.
Itsuki and his party stood a respectable distance away. Itsuki didn't want to get in anyone's way, but Aksel and Maya just looked incredibly lost since they still couldn't understand the people in this world. Rishia was trying her best to translate for them, but she could only keep up with so much.
Also with them was a very familiar-looking Katana soldier, who was bound and gagged. However, those measures were merely a formality as the man was too scared to try and run. And the only thing he seemed to be focused on was staying as far away from Glass as possible.
You see, just before the Heroes left Central City, the Capital City of Katana, they heard a suspicious noise come from one of the ruined houses, and…
"Monster!" Itsuki called out as he'd spotted the strange movement first.
Glass held up her fans. L'Arc brandished his Scythe. Raphtalia readied her blade. Itsuki's bow began to glow. Kizuna brought out her fishing pole. And Naofumi held up his Shield. All of them had skills at the ready to attack or defend the group from what must have been one of the remaining White Tiger Clones.
"Nooooooooo! Please, don't hurt me!"
However, it turned out the noise they'd heard hadn't been from a monster. Instead, a soldier, the one that'd fled at the sight of Glass earlier, crawled out from the wreckage of the building he'd been hiding in. He was sobbing in deep fear of the spirit woman towering over him.
"Have mercy, please! I'll do anything, I just don't want to dieeeeee!"
"... Glass, do you recognize him?" Kizuna asked curiously.
"I don't know, he does look familiar…" Glass looked uncertain.
To make a long story short, they learned that he'd witnessed the earlier massacre from his hiding spot. And so, Kizuna suggested bringing him along, as, alongside the recording that Naofumi had acquired, it'd also be useful to have a Katana soldier as a witness for the coming International Meeting Kizuna planned on holding in Lapis at a later date.
As for Filo, well, she was flying around the large room. Taking in everything with her own eyes since Daddy had assured her that she was safe now.
Naofumi was annoyed at the number of people there. But it certainly helped to have Raphtalia there with him. He was currently hugging her from behind, resting his head against her hair while smiling warmly.
"N-Naofumi, there are others around." Raphtalia whispered to him worriedly.
"I don't care. They're too busy focusing on the others to notice us anyway." Naofumi whispered in her ear.
Raphtalia blushed. Yes, the others hadn't noticed. But Therese definitely had.
She smiled happily while L'Arc embraced one person after another. But upon seeing her and Naofumi standing together, the gem woman's smile turned into a smirk and she mouthed across the room to her.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go do it already!"
Raphtalia's blush deepened, and she debated saying the exact reason why this wasn't such a good idea right now when Naofumi spoke again.
"I really missed you, you know." He sighed as his arms tightened around her. "At least let me hold you for a moment so I can convince myself that you're real."
"..."
A series of emotions crossed Raphtalia's stunned face at the vulnerability in his tone. Suddenly, being so close out in public didn't seem so important anymore.
Even if it was making her emotions spike, and her desire to pin him to the ground was increasing by the second and-
"Rafu!" A familiar tanuki/raccoon hybrid jumped up into her arms, cutting off her train of thought. Which was fortunate, as she'd actually been considering giving those thoughts some consideration and merit.
"O-Oh, right! What is this monster, Naofumi? I meant to ask earlier, but…" Raphtalia trailed off unsurely.
"That's our daughter." Naofumi said happily. "Ethnobalt helped me make her- Ah, right, it's that guy floating over the crowd there on that platform with Kizuna trying to get him to change forms."
Yep, Kizuna was still going at it. As determined as Ethnobalt was not to transform in front of a much larger group of people compared to before, Kizuna seemed equally determined to cuddle with her beloved oversized pet bunny once again, regardless of everyone else there being able to witness it.
"Anyway, he made her so I could track you down. You did really well, by the way, Raph-Chan." Naofumi smiled down at the shikigami.
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan nodded her head happily and raised her face up so Naofumi could pet a patch of fur underneath her chin.
Aw, she was so adorable. This was a million times better than storing her inside an ofuda. And looking down and seeing Raphtalia holding her made it another million times better.
He wasn't sure what that meant in math terms. But it was probably a big number.
"D-D-D-D-Daughter?!" Raphtalia nearly screeched as she stepped away from him and turned around. Her arms tightened around the shikigami.
"Rafu?" Raph-Chan tilted her head curiously.
"Oh, I never got to explain earlier. Shikigami's the proper term. Or I guess familiar would be another word for it.
"But yeah, Ethnobalt said we're kind of her blood parents. Guess we have another child to look after now, huh?" Naofumi smiled like a dope.
...
"I… I'm touched you went so far to find me… but how could you create a daughter without my permission?!" Raphtalia yelled angrily. Her face flushed an even brighter red from embarrassment mixing with her anger.
Who just casually dropped the fact that they were parents all over again! This was nothing like what she'd learned from Therese! They hadn't even done it once yet and they apparently had two kids already!
Oh… Naofumi hadn't expected this kind of reaction from Raphtalia. He'd thought she'd be happier about it.
Especially seeing how cute Raph-Chan was.
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan climbed up to Raphtalia's head and touched foreheads with the half-tanuki girl. "Ack, why is she- SHE JUST REGISTERED HERSELF TO ME!" Raphtalia exclaimed as the notification and subsequent menu appeared on her HUD.
"Ah, she did have to do that eventually, since you're her mommy now," Naofumi muttered awkwardly.
"Rafu." Even Raph-Chan looked disappointed about her best friend not accepting her new form.
"Come on Raphtalia, you're going to make her cry!" Naofumi pouted. "That would be a grievous sin indeed! No one is allowed to make Raph-Chan cry! Not even-"
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan suddenly jumped over and slapped Naofumi across the face.
"Ow! What was that-"
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan pointed at Raphtalia.
Ah.
The freshly-minted Katana Hero looked very mad.
Had he been saying all that out loud?
Naofumi really needed to get his Raph-Chan addiction under control, as cute and amazing and awesome and adorable and a million other synonyms like those words as she was.
He also had to help Raphtalia accept the newest member of their family with as little drama as possible. Otherwise, he would be sleeping on the couch when he got home.
The couch in Motoyasu's home, that is.
"Um… If it means anything… I really did create her so I'd be able to find you." Naofumi began to explain softly. "I also thought you'd died at one point when your information disappeared from my HUD… and Raph-Chan helped me realize you were still alive since she was still pointing the way to you."
"Rafu!"
…
Raphtalia's tail bristled behind her. She looked somewhere between a mixture of angry, embarrassed, and touched. She'd forgotten how Naofumi had the ability to make her feel like slapping him upside the head while kissing him at the same time.
It was incredibly annoying and endearing all at once. And it drove her crazy like nothing else. "Why does her voice sound just like mine?!" Raphtalia protested but it was obvious that she'd lost the wind in her sails at that point.
"Not just the voice! Her fur feels like your hair too." Naofumi added, making her pause as Raph-Chan jumped back into the girl's arms and stared up at her.
Feeling the shikigami's fur and then one of her own hair braids, Raphtalia was astounded that Naofumi was right.
Had he really memorized what her hair felt like? A lot of her remaining anger melted away into embarrassment and a genuine feeling of care all over again.
"She also has your eyes. And her warmth reminds me of nights when I cuddled with you, her tail is so soft, and yet it feels just like yours and… I'm not kidding when I say our new daughter is the only reason I didn't break from stress and worry and a million other things. So please, don't hate her Raphtalia." Naofumi pleaded.
Raphtalia trembled where she stood. "Rafu." Raph-Chan reached up and rested a paw against her face while giving her a big doe-eyed look.
"It… it…"
…
…
"Fine. Just please don't do something like this again." Raphtalia sighed in defeat.
Naofumi happily embraced her, even going as far as kissing her, much to her surprise and delight.
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan's eyes shined happily, and she moved to their shoulders and nuzzled into their necks with her long furry body.
Raphtalia really hoped that she hadn't just made a mistake. Besides the fact that Naofumi had made a daughter for them without informing her about it, Raph-Chan was making her feel weird in a familiar way that she couldn't quite place, but it made her uncomfortable.
But at the same time, Naofumi was here hugging Raphtalia close and kissing her at that moment. And so she lost herself in the feeling of his lips as her hands moved to his head to feel along his hair and-
"Sir Naofumi, Miss Raphtalia, um…"
The two quickly separated, looking in surprise and embarrassment at Dou-Lon. He shuffled in his spot awkwardly, and it oddly reminded the pair of their reunion before Naofumi's Round Two with the Spirit Tortoise.
Weird. Naofumi hadn't noted where the Hakuko was before. Had he been hidden by the crowd or something?
Either way, he was standing in front of them now. And the man still looked sad.
"I'm… I'm sorry that I didn't find you sooner." Dou-Lon bowed his head. "I couldn't help overhearing some of what you said. And I just want to apologize for not getting Miss Raphtalia back to your side sooner and…"
"I have no excuse for my actions. If I'd only acted before instead of panicking and dragging me and Raphtalia down the wrong path on our trip over to this world, then maybe-" Dou-Lon continued to apologize.
Naofumi and Raphtalia's arms wrapped behind the hakuko's neck at the same time. The tiger man froze up in shock as Raphtalia and Naofumi both hugged him.
"Stop apologizing," Naofumi said. "You did nothing wrong. I couldn't do anything to protect you guys on the way over either. I'm just happy that we're all okay despite what happened."
"And you helped me out whenever I was feeling really down about missing Naofumi," Raphtalia added. "You helped me to focus on getting stronger and connecting with our new friends."
"Rafu!" Raph-Chan cheered from Raphtalia's shoulder.
"You helped push me forward just like they did. And because of that, we were able to survive and reunite with Naofumi. Thank you, Dou-Lon." Raphtalia said energetically.
Dou-Lon sniffled. And he accepted the hug and praise from the Shield Hero and his companion.
"Boo! Filo wants in on the group hug too!" Filo suddenly dove down into their midst and transformed into her girl form, joining the hug and causing everyone in it to laugh.
"Filo really missed Mommy and Tiger Guy!" Filo exclaimed happily.
"I really missed you too, sweetie." Raphtalia felt tears of relief enter her eyes.
"And I really missed being called Tiger Guy!" Dou-Lon didn't hold back the tears as he embraced the couple's daughter.
Raphtalia was thankful for the hakuko and daughter's interruptions. Even if a small part of her felt disappointed that she couldn't take Naofumi somewhere by herself and-
Raphtalia mentally slapped herself. 'No, bad Raphtalia… at least wait until you're both alone before you make a move like that!'
"By the way, are you ever not going to apologize for things that aren't your fault?" Naofumi rolled his eyes in exasperation as he let go of Dou-Lon. "It's kind of getting old."
"Sorry, I really can't help it, Sir Naofumi. I'll try to do better about it in the future." The hakuko promised.
"Hey, it's been a while since you tried to worship me or plead for mercy at my feet. You're definitely improving." Naofumi smirked before continuing.
"Also, with all that out of the way, it really looks like journeying without me did wonders for you two." Naofumi stepped back to look the two demi-humans over. "Raphtalia, you're standing more confident than before. That outfit looks absolutely stunning on you too. And Dou-Lon, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd fight with a blade. Did Eclair rub off on you during all those training clashes?"
"Oh, well, it was actually because they don't have lances in this world, and I didn't find any suitable gauntlets I could punch with, and, um…" Dou-Lon flushed red as his tail curled and uncurled behind him. Raphtalia also looked similarly embarrassed as she looked her shrine maiden outfit over.
Gods. Dou-Lon was just going to assume this feeling he was experiencing was the pleasant feeling of being reunited with the Shield Hero and not any crazy thoughts related to that even crazier swordswoman back in their world who he didn't miss even a little bit!
After that, the two told Naofumi about their adventures with Glass and L'Arc, and Therese. And Naofumi told them and Filo about his adventures with Rishia and Kizuna. And then later; Itsuki, Aksel, Maya, and last but not least, Filo.
Naofumi was a little surprised to learn that Raphtalia had reverted to a child again when her level had been reset. But he tried not to chuckle upon hearing how her ravenous appetite had returned as she grew up. Or how she'd had to go through her bratty teenager phase all over again and the like.
Raphtalia softly karate chopped the back of the poor Hakuko's head at one point for telling Naofumi about that. But besides that, she was honest about what it'd been like. Even when she recounted what it was like having to go through the growing pains again.
Naofumi felt only a little conflicted. For one, he could still remember the time when Raphtalia had been a child. How adorable she'd been back then and all. He almost felt robbed of seeing her like that again.
But then, he was also REALLY glad he hadn't been there for that. As he'd seen how awkward it'd been for Aksel and Maya when the latter had been only a TEENAGER.
If he and Raphtalia had to go with holding their feelings back while trying to be friendly with each other from childhood, well…
It was no wonder the knight and raccoon girl had been nearly bursting with sexual tension up until they finally did it. Though Naofumi didn't think that would have happened to them since they hadn't reached that point in their relationship yet, right?
…
Right?
"What's with that look on your face?" Raphtalia asked curiously. "I've never seen that expression on you before."
"I haven't either. Is Sir Naofumi finally trying to develop a poker face?" Dou-Lon asked thoughtfully.
"Hehe, mommy and daddy are thinking dirty thoughts!" Filo giggled.
"Oi. Mind your own business." Naofumi frowned. But he was smiling again within moments.
Like Raphtalia, he didn't hold back on the details of just how soul-crushing an experience it'd been for him without his family by his side. From realizing that they'd been separated, to finding that elf girl that looked like Filo on the street, and the host of other things he'd had to go through in between.
As Raphtalia listened, her heart broke repeatedly inside her chest at just how much Naofumi had to suffer through without her there to help. She also gained newfound respect toward Kizuna and Rishia. As well as Itsuki and, admittedly, grudging respect towards the shikigami currently standing on Naofumi's shoulders.
Raphtalia just had a really bad feeling from Raph-Chan. She had no idea why, but she reminded Raphtalia of her childhood. When she'd be in her home in the living room, playing with some toys by herself, wondering what she'd want to do, only for that same feeling to crawl up her spine just before the front door would slam open, and…
You know what, perhaps she was just reading too much into it. There was no way their new daughter could be reminding her of her childhood best friend right now.
Raphtalia shook her head and instead hugged Filo again as Filo talked about what she'd gone through since arriving in this world. At some point, Raph-Chan hopped over as well to join the hug!
Naofumi's wife friend and two daughters embracing each other, it was really beyond per…
…
…
…
'Wait, did I just use the same nickname Kizuna used in reference to Raphtalia before? But, we're not really at that point, and…'
…
The Shield Hero and his hakuko friend watched as Filo told her mother about her newfound ability to fly. And how Daddy had saved her from some really bad guys and how happy she was to be reunited with both her Mommy and Daddy.
He stared at Raphtalia as this happened. Seeing the various looks that crossed her face.
…
Slowly, a small smile grew on his lips.
As embarrassing as it'd been at times for Kizuna to say that… perhaps there was some truth in her words after all.
'... after we've dealt with Kyo… and after we return to the Village…'
It didn't have to be a big deal or anything like that. And they had to get some stuff out of the way first. And… he wanted it to be at their home. And not while they were in the middle of some other world. He'd just have to make the rings without her learning about it, and-
However, in the middle of his thought process, L'Arc approached together with Glass, Therese, Kizuna, Itsuki, and the others behind him. Their arrival Interrupted the middle of Filo's story of how she helped Daddy in the city that day. At the same time, the katana soldier Itsuki had been guarding was now being escorted from the room by several Sickle guards.
"Hey, Naofumi, can you come with me for a few minutes? There's something important I need you for. Raphtalia as well." L'Arc announced.
Naofumi raised an eyebrow. It looked like everyone L'Arc had been talking to earlier was rushing to get things done. He had no idea what it was since he'd paid no attention to the redhead whatsoever. Then again, his mind had been occupied with some important thoughts just then.
"Can't we just call it a day? I'd really rather catch up with my family… well, Raphtalia, to be specific." He blushed as he admitted it, and Raphtalia blushed too.
Gods, he'd missed this. As awkward as it was to admit.
"I understand, but trust me, you'll have all the time to do that later. Though I hear they've been preparing a festival since Kizuna was found, or if you'd rather spend some quality time with Raphtalia, there's a store here in town where you can buy some co-" Therese grabbed L'Arc's ear, cutting him off as he whined.
"Stay on topic, please." Therese rolled her eyes.
"Fine. Anyway, this is something very important that needs to be done. Then you can have all the time to do whatever you want… ugh, 'Master Craftsman'." Therese finally let go of L'Arc's ear, and after he rubbed the sore appendage with a frown on his face, he gestured for them to follow.
…
"Alright, let's go then…" Naofumi rolled his eyes.
And so, they followed L'Arc out of the hourglass building towards the castle.
After a short walk through a few corridors that were in the middle of being decorated for the party/festival later that day, they met with a group of men and women inside a large room that reminded Naofumi of the war room that Mirellia had in her castle.
It was a square table instead of a round table, however.
Heh. Even though L'Arc's country was more similar to Melromarc than anywhere else he'd seen in that world. It wasn't entirely a perfect copy.
The walls were covered in tapestries of various figures. Most likely past rulers of the nation. The castle they stood in was featured prominently in the background behind them. Some had a light feature to them as if to signify a golden age. Others looked dark and cold, most likely to symbolize the bad years in the kingdom. There were some other things on the tapestries themselves, but Naofumi didn't know enough to guess further than that.
A short while after they'd entered, the lead man at the table stood up and bowed. "Young Master, we're so glad to see you safe and sound!"
"Urk, just L'Arc will do." L'Arc glanced from the man to Naofumi nervously. Then he coughed to clear his throat. "Or Scythe Hero, if you'd prefer."
Naofumi's eyebrow arched upward at the action. Was everyone around him determined to not say the truth that Naofumi had figured out earlier out loud?
It must have been because they were setting up for some sort of joke or something.
Maybe a question of his intelligence, or whatever.
Well, whatever it was, Naofumi wouldn't bring it up then.
It wasn't necessarily important anyway. Though Itsuki did look confused about the short interaction between L'Arc and the Council before them.
"Ah, forgive me, Young Mas- Scythe Hero." The man gave another polite bow. When he looked up again, his eyes narrowed upon seeing Naofumi and Itsuki and their companions there. "Are those two people the reason why you had master Ethnobalt summon all the ministers on such short notice?"
"Are you still going to pretend that they're our enemies even after Naofumi here saved me from the Infinite Labyrinth, prime minister?" Kizuna interrupted with a frown.
"... yes, we are aware of that." The man conceded as he fixed his glasses. "However, do excuse us for being cautious, Kizuna. Many things have changed since you were gone."
"I've seen. So now that the immediate political $%^&storm has passed, can someone please explain to me why everyone's so hostile to them?" Kizuna narrowed her eyes as she looked around the room, making the other officials avert their gaze.
Man, Naofumi had really rubbed off on her in a bad way. Soon, she'd be cussing like a sailor and it'd all be because of him.
"Just a minute, little sis." L'Arc smiled down at her. "That's what I'm here for today. What I have to say now is something important for the good of both our worlds… and a fear we need to rid our people of as soon as possible."
L'Arc then looked away guiltily from Kizuna, while the girl blanched confusedly in response.
"Seeing a man slowly get bisected is going to be only the second-worst thing that's going to happen to me today, won't it?" She asked disheartenedly.
"Well… maybe…" L'Arc sweatdropped, though he frowned suddenly and looked at the Shield Hero as he realized something. "Did… Did you not tell her? About what we…?"
Naofumi shrugged. "It didn't seem important since we're well past that now and… well, I didn't want to ruin her mood any more than I already had when we first met.."
…
"Kiddo… Naofumi, you really surprise me sometimes, you know that?" L'Arc gulped and looked back at the frowning Kizuna. "Sis. Please listen to the end before you cast any judgment on us. I swear we only had the best of intentions."
Kizuna began to chew on her lower lip. And Glass moved away from her. Looking down guiltily at her fans.
L'Arc proceeded to tell the Council of Ministers, in detail, about what'd transpired in Naofumi's world. About how they'd gone there to level up after deciding not to hunt Heroes anymore. About how they'd discovered Kyo, and what he was doing there.
He described in detail their reunion with Itsuki, and then Naofumi. How they'd learned that he and the other Heroes had promised to research the Waves to find a way to save both of their worlds.
Hearing that from L'Arc made all the grown men and women around the table gasp. "B-But can we trust that they're not lying-"
"I'm not done yet." L'Arc cut him off.
The ministers remained silent, and L'Arc continued his story. Sounding oddly serious as he detailed fighting alongside the heroes and their friends. How they worked together facing the Guardian Beast taken over by Kyo. How they eventually got inside it, dealt with Kyo's traps, reached the Heart, as well as the final faceoff against Kyo himself.
He mentioned the things they went through. Including Glass's experience with the Kizuna mimic.
Kizuna had been oddly silent the whole while. But upon hearing that, her head turned to face her best friend.
Glass didn't say anything, and stayed looking away from the Hunting Hero. Her fans gripped tightly in her hands.
Once L'Arc was done describing the battle against Kyo, he explained how Kyo had stolen the energy of the Guardian Beast from Naofumi's world. How they'd followed him back here. The warning his weapon had given him on the risk to the world if somebody were to steal the energy from the Guardian Beast of another world.
The faces of the Ministers grew troubled at that. "So… even if we weren't to trust these heroes…"
"It'd be stupid to turn them away since Kyo, a Hero of our world, is doing something with the potential to tear it apart," L'Arc said gravely. "Whereas these two have their friends and the country they're based in researching the Waves so they can find a way to save not only their world but our world too."
"And they came here, knowing they'd be level reset and would have to get new equipment and the like… because they were willing to help us."
…
"Do… Do you trust these Otherworld Heroes, Scythe Hero?" A woman on the council asked.
L'Arc looked at Naofumi and grinned. "Yep. This dude here can't hurt a fly anyway. And Bow Kiddo there isn't a good liar. Even if they had plans to turn on us, it wouldn't do them much good!"
Naofumi rolled his eyes while Itsuki bristled. "Do I have to remind you that I'm 17!?"
"No, but you still look like the youngest of your world's Heroes to me." L'Arc shrugged.
Itsuki wanted to scream at the stupid redhead. However, a chilling atmosphere settled in the room.
All heads turned to the source of it.
"Kyo…" Kizuna muttered darkly. "So… He really did do all of that."
L'Arc gulped. And Therese looked frantic, having never seen the Hunting Hero like this before. None of them had, to be honest. Naofumi had only seen glimpses of it in the past.
Hints that she harbored similar darkness as he did at the core of her being. The last time, he'd seen it was because of her depression. This time, it was her anger.
Glass took a step back. Stunned at the very familiar darkness she felt coming out of her mistress. Nobody knew what to do or what to say.
But then, all at once, the feeling vanished.
Kizuna breathed in deeply, then let out a long breath.
…
After a moment, she opened her eyes again and stared calmly at Naofumi. "I'm sorry. You weren't lying before after all."
"There are still some things that I don't understand… but I swear on my weapon, I will help you bring Kyo to justice for what he's done to your world…"
…
It was only a small moment. But it was a shift Naofumi noticed regardless before he dipped his head to her. "I appreciate it."
Kizuna nodded in return and then turned back to L'Arc. "There's something else I want to ask you before we continue. What you said at the beginning of your story."
L'Arc and Therese both gulped at the same time. "Y-Yes?"
"What did you mean by 'you stopped hunting Heroes on other worlds'?"
…
…
A very long sweatdrop fell down L'Arc's forehead. "I… well, um… that's kind of complicated…"
"We have time." Kizuna said gravely without blinking. She rested her tuna knife on her arm, tapping her foot on the floor as she waited for her friends to fess up.
Even the members of the council of Sickle looked concerned. One drew a symbol in the air in front of him as if to ward off evil.
"Maybe we should say something? You know, to help them out." Itsuki suggested to Naofumi quietly.
"... no." Naofumi shook his head after a moment. "Even if we have forgiven them, this one's their burden to bear. No amount of sugarcoating from us would change anything."
…
Itsuki looked thoughtful at that and nodded.
Eventually, L'Arc did have to fess up about what they'd been doing while Kizuna was gone. About the state of their world. About Ethnobalt coming across a particular legend. About them going to other worlds, and, and…
For her part, Kizuna didn't cause a scene or start shouting in anger after learning about their actions.
However, the look of betrayal and disappointment on her face cut them to the core far more than anything else ever could.
"You really went to other worlds to kill their Heroes… because you couldn't find me?" She asked Glass weakly.
Glass knelt on the ground on her knees. "I… I didn't know what else to do. You'd disappeared, and the Holy Heroes of our world wouldn't fight, and-"
"For one, you could have NOT saved our world through foul murder." Kizuna interrupted, disappointment and anger dripping into her voice.
"Wait, Kizuna, she isn't entirely at fault for this, and-" L'Arc began to say.
Kizuna gave him a harsh look.
Only a second later, L'Arc and Therese both joined Glass in kneeling on the ground in front of Kizuna side by side.
Strange, for a girl so small, she held a surprising amount of authority over her friends. And at that moment, she looked far bigger than they were.
Kizuna looked up at the councilmen and women around her. "And none of you felt that you needed to stop this? Not even one? Richard? Bellatrix? Stone?"
None of the ministers could look the Hunting Hero in the eye. Not even the Prime Minister.
"Ethnobalt, not even you?" Kizuna asked sadly as she turned to face the nervous-looking pale-haired rabbit man.
Ethnobalt looked heartbroken. "I… I was the one who discovered this legend… and I was the one that made the decision that hunting Heroes on other worlds would be our best option."
"... Did you even look into the legend fully before committing to doing this?" Kizuna asked incredulously. "Why didn't you mention this before?!"
"Well, n-no, b-b-b-but-" Ethnobalt began to reply shakily.
"Ethnobalt… stop." Glass interrupted sadly. "I know you mean well, but you shouldn't lie on my behalf. And… you shouldn't have to hide my mistakes from everyone here."
Ethnobalt stared past Kizuna at the Fans Hero. Kizuna turned around to face her again as well.
Glass gripped her fans tightly, and then raised her face, tears falling from her eyes. "Kizuna, it was because of me!" She screamed. "I made the decision to murder heroes on other worlds! I was the one who made the decision and forced everyone else along with it! L'Arc and Ethnobalt and Therese had nothing to do with making that decision! It was because of me, and I dragged them in because of it!"
"Glassy, no, I was the one that told you about the legend-" L'Arc began to refute.
"Yes." Glass interrupted. "You told me what Ethnobalt had learned from that book… but you did so because you were hoping it'd give me hope. That'd it help me to not feel so depressed and… I was the one who took that knowledge and made it into a self-destructive obsession. And I forced you along against your will." Glass's shoulders sank sadly.
L'Arc looked like he'd been punched, as Glass's words echoed what he'd told her on the carcass of the Wave Boss in Cal Mira long ago.
Yet, when she looked at Kizuna again, her face became resolute. "And… and I did it because I wanted to save the world that my mistress worked so hard to protect! Because I wanted to see you again!"
Kizuna gasped and nearly took a step back as Glass continued. "I didn't know if you were gone or not! But either way, if it meant saving everything you cared about, if… if it meant we'd have a chance to meet again…" The look on her face became distraught.
"I would have done anything to make that happen. Anything."
…
"Kizuna looked at Glass impassively, her expression a solid, indiscernible mask.
"... I know I said that this is none of our business earlier but..." Naofumi suddenly spoke up.
The group turned to look at the Shield Hero. He had his arms crossed, and a sigh was fresh off his lips. "That face you made there Glass, that told me a hell of a lot more than the time when you said 'You need to die for our world'."
"Yeah, Ren kicking your #$% has really done some wonders to your attitude." Itsuki rolled his eyes.
Glass lowered her head, her face flushing red. Whether in anger or embarrassment was uncertain.
"Anyway." Naofumi shook his head before addressing Kizuna. "I understand that you're pissed off-"
"You think?" Kizuna cut him off with a hollow look. "I get stuck in some non-euclidean nightmare scape for several years and when I finally manage to escape, thanks for that again, by the way, I learn that the united global front that I spent a good chunk of my life building up has been reduced to a bunch of opportunistic cutthroats and backstabbers trying to grab as much power as they can get away with while the world literally falls apart around them.
"Then I find out that my dad is dead and that all of my friends and family are either murderers themselves or accomplices to it. And to top it off: the smartest and most rational person that I have ever known has become an omnicidal maniac who already has a sextuple digit score of casualties under his belt and is apparently working towards the total destruction of multiple worlds.
"'Pissed off' does not even begin to describe it, Naofumi." Kizuna finished harshly.
…
"...okay, let me rephrase that." Naofumi closed his eyes and inhaled sharply while everyone else tried to merge with the background in a vain attempt to avoid the Hunting Hero's judging gaze.
"I can't speak for what the hell might be motivating Kyo in particular, but everyone else present here was desperate and terrified of dying horribly. Your friends were also afraid that they'd never see you again. This vague piece of text was the only thing resembling a shade of hope that they had after all the other crap they went through after your disappearance. And they did what they did because they cared about their world, they cared about their people, and most importantly, they cared about you and how much you'd cared for their world and their people.
"I can't condemn them for what they did, considering the circumstances. Hell, if it was for the people I cared about, I would have done worse things in their shoes. It's easy to judge people from high above on the throne of your own idealism, but desperate times push people into desperate and shortsighted actions. Even people like you and me."
"I-..." Kizuna grimaced. "I'm not trying to judge anyone here, I just-"
The girl swallowed hard as her face went through several emotions. "I'm just sad that things had to end up this way." She finally forced out.
"... Yes." Naofumi nodded. "But it's no use to cry over spilled milk. What's done is done. Instead of wasting energy brooding about it, we should be figuring out how to move from here on out. My friends and I have already forgiven them. And for all of their actions, I don't think you actually hate your friends now, do you?"
"No... no of course not." Kizuna shook in place. "I would never turn my back on my friends."
"Well then, there you have it." Naofumi shrugged and stepped back.
…
Kizuna suddenly ran up to her friends and embraced them. Tears flowed down the sides of her face. "Don't you ever let that kind of shortsighted thinking cloud your minds ever again! You shouldn't just be attacking those trying to defend their worlds like we are!"
Glass's face twisted in shock, as did L'Arc and Therese's. "B-But what if Heroes come from the Waves to attack you like we were doing-" Glass began to ask in worry.
"If that happens, you'll deal with them for me since they're clearly in the wrong!" Kizuna began to pull on Glass's cheeks angrily. The spirit girl was definitely red with embarrassment as no pain accompanied the action, only making her notice all the more how close Kizuna was. And, oddly enough, Kizuna looked happy doing this, as if it was something she'd used to do to her best friend all the time before being thrown into the Infinite Labyrinth.
"Are you listening?! Never again! Not even if it's for me!" Kizuna yelled at them. "Am I clear?!"
L'Arc openly laughed, crying as he hugged his younger sister. And Therese cried even harder as she hugged her good friend.
The whole thing had really taken its toll on them. To know that they'd never have to worry about going to another world to kill their Heroes ever again…
"You know, when all of this wave nonsense is over, you should look into becoming a mediator or a family counselor or something." Itsuki allowed himself to smirk next to the Shield Hero as he whispered to him quietly.
"Hell no. It's bad enough that I have to hold this whole circus of sad clowns together to prevent it from falling apart as part of my current job as Hero. When things calm down, I'm becoming a certified misanthrope and taking my family to go live in the woods or something." Naofumi snarked.
"Doesn't that just make you the biggest clown here then?" Itsuki drawled.
Naofumi grunted something out vaguely. Unable to deny it, but not willing to confirm it either.
Itsuki just snorted in response while Raphtalia pouted. Rishia then whispered something to her, and they began to talk in hushed tones.
"Akhem." L'Arc coughed into his hand as he separated from Kizuna.
"Anyway, I'd like to formally propose a joint alliance between our world and Naofumi's." The redhead turned and put his proposal forward to the council before him. "Not just for punishing Kyo. But in working together to find a way for both our worlds to survive the Waves."
"That is the main thing I wanted to address when I asked for everyone here to be gathered. I'm sorry it took so long to reach this point, but I hope you understand now why things need to change for us in Sickle."
The men and women shuffled around in their seats. "If it helps, I still have that book with the legend I found." Ethnobalt spoke up then. "I haven't been able to decipher all of the ancient language in it quite yet. There could be something more to the Waves than what we knew before."
"Why not have Rishia help out?" Naofumi suggested. "She seems to be good at learning languages pretty quickly."
"Fuehhh?" Rishia tilted her head to the side curiously, her quiet conversation with Raphtalia being interrupted.
"Yeah, she's really smart and has already learned one language in this world." Itsuki said excitedly. "She'll definitely be able to help you out, Ethnobalt!"
Rishia looked caught between whimpering even louder, dying of embarrassment, or blushing at the praise she'd been given. "Fuehhhh!" She settled on the first option while simultaneously fulfilling the third as red filled her cheeks.
However, despite all that'd happened, the majority of members on the council still looked uncertain. Which was something to be expected, given the track record of this world's 'alliances'.
"Is… is this really acceptable?" The prime minister asked.
"Seriously, why are you still doubting even now?" Kizuna asked in an annoyed tone. "If they really wanted to do us harm, they would have done so while we were in Katana's country together! Without any sort of backup whatsoever!"
"I understand, we understand, Kizuna!" The prime minister shouted back with a surprising amount of feeling behind his words. "I want to embrace this with all my heart, and many of my fellow ministers feel the same way!" He looked to the sides, and indeed, the look in his eyes was reflected in all the skeptics there.
"We want this more than anything. Not only a solid alliance where we won't have to fear being backstabbed, but… but a way to save our world and the people we care about too.
"It, it just sounds too good to be true for many of us. Even with the Scythe Hero's trust in them, we can't just change our point of view overnight." The prime minister said sadly. "We've had too many friends and allies stab us in the back for that…"
"Stone…" Kizuna said sadly. She looked to Naofumi, a look of helplessness in her eyes.
…
"Okay, how about this as a note of trust between our worlds…" Naofumi took the crystal ball out of his shield and set it on the table.
"Wh-What's that?" Another woman on the Council asked in surprise.
"This is technology from my world." Naofumi explained. "It's called a recording crystal. I don't know if the magic systems in this world would allow for it to be replicated or not. But during our trip to the Katana's country, I recorded some things that could help you out in some regard…"
He moved through the recordings on the device until he reached the right one. Then, he pressed play on the recording.
…
Naofumi certainly got a variety of reactions as it played out.
They ranged from stunned silence to complete outrage.
From the confession of Kenshiro's murder to the deaths of the soldiers. Naofumi showcased it all.
By the time it was over, no one was looking at him or Itsuki with uncertainty. They were glaring at the still image of Trash's face with absolute hatred.
If there was anything that could bond people together, it was a common enemy.
"I heard before that Sickle took the blame for the past Katana Hero's murder. This should help to fix that." Naofumi said.
"We have a witness from Katana as well." Kizuna mentioned. "An officer that fled before the battle, but who saw everything from his hiding spot. He could testify to the authenticity of this recording if need be."
"So that's how Kenshiro fell… I always wondered what'd truly been responsible for it." The Prime Minister looked at Naofumi again. And then at Raphtalia behind him. He finally noticed the Katana on her side and recognized the Vassal Weapon for what it was. "You even have the trust of his weapon…"
"It's fine if you don't want to trust us at first." Naofumi replied. "We're only here for Kyo anyway. He stole something very precious from our world. And, by the sounds of it, it puts your world in danger too."
"Yes… yes, indeed." Stone nodded his head after another moment of thought. "Alright. Kizuna, while we won't openly portray this new alliance of ours… we will certainly try our best to ensure these Otherworlders aren't treated with suspicion by our people."
He got up from the table and walked to the area in front of Kizuna. "And… if they really are here to help us… we will forever be in their debt for everything they've done for us. And will accept their alliance gratefully." He bowed himself to the ground at Kizuna's feet in humility.
"They are. Don't worry, I'll help reignite the hope you held when King Berg first appointed you soon enough." Kizuna smiled as she got down on her knees and hugged the older man.
It really was a sight to see. It was no wonder Kizuna had won the love and trust of this country. As the prime minister stood up again, he looked to be doing his best not to bawl from how happy he felt.
"The yo- Scythe Hero, and the Hunting Tools Hero has spoken. We shall inform the people of why we're working with these Heroes from another world, and announce our intentions against Kyo." The man announced to his compatriots.
All of them nodded. Many of them smiled warmly at the interaction between the prime minister and their Hero.
"Alright! Now that we've gotten that out of the way!" L'Arc grinned widely as he uncorked a bottle of wine.
Where the heck had he grabbed that from?!
"We still have a special party to throw for my lovely sis being safely returned to us!"
Author's Notes:
Things are really set to change in Kizuna's world now. And in a meaningful way too.
There's one final chapter in this arc. And then, well, there'll be a short Interlude before the start of the next arc.
Please, let me know what things you want to know that is going on back in Naofumi and Raphtalia's world. Whether with Motoyasu, Mirellia and Trash, Fitoria, the party members that stayed behind, whatever. I know some things I want to include, but there's only so much I can fit. I'd like to know the things you guys REALLY want to know about before the start of the next Arc. So that I don't fill it with meaningless clutter.
Got that? Good. Either review or PM me those comments here or on Discord. On to the omakes!
Hero Clips!
Trash Cologne
Naofumi set the recording and began to play it for everyone. But instead of what it'd been before…
"Do you want to smell just like the worst human alive- well, formerly alive!" An announcer Naofumi asked.
"Well then, look no closer than our newly patented Trash cologne!" An announcer Kizuna appeared next to him.
"Fuehhhhhh!" Rishia ran up in a weird outfit. But she was carrying a bottle on a pillow for the pair.
"One spray is guaranteed to make you Trash the second! You will trash harder and be trashier than the original trash within hours!" Naofumi proudly announced.
"Hey! Just what the hell is thi-" Trash began to yell in the background, only for a page to grab him by the neck, causing him to disappear with a yelp.
"Just look at this random loser here!" Naofumi, utterly ignoring what'd happened behind him, showcased the Katana soldier who was trembling in confusion and fear. "He's just your average coward! A guy who puts his own life above all else! But men will hate him the world over for this one simple trick with the ladies! With just one spray!"
Naofumi released a small spray on the soldier's face.
Immediately, the girls of Trash's former harem surrounded him. Cheering him on and hugging him close and everything.
"This guy now smells just like Moto if he were to lose all of his likable traits and dyed his hair black for that emo look." Naofumi proclaimed. "And boy do the girls love it!"
"I'm barely able to resist it myself!" Kizuna proudly proclaimed. "Though, I do feel the odd urge to murder him now for some reason."
The Katana soldier still looked confused. But it was a good confused now.
"No one can out trash you with Trash Cologne!" Naofumi proudly exclaimed. "No one except those who buy our limited time stock for 10 kinhan a bottle!"
"Fuehhhhhh!" Rishia screamed again as she was shown taking money from all the eager men lining the street in front of their stall.
"Buy yours today!"
A very rapid-fire series of subtitles ran along the bottom of the recording.
Warning: Possible side effects include personality change. A harem of girls. Loss of humanity. Selling your soul to false gods for power. A sudden lack of fashion sense. A desire to become emo and edgy. Irritable bowel syndrome. And pain along the entire center section of the body.
Other rarer side effects include blueball syndrome. Rapid hair loss. Chronic Kidney stones. Loss of vision. Hallucinations. Blue urine alongside the blueball syndrome. Low intelligence. A loss of importance in the overall part of the story. And the possibility of some girls being drawn to you to kill you instead of joining your harem.
Consult your doctor beforehand if you have already experienced any of these symptoms. As Trash Cologne may make them even worse than before. In some cases, a lack of importance and the use of Trash Cologne caused the recipient to become nonexistent in the face of the story.
"Welcome to the age of New Trash." Naofumi winked at the screen.
With that, the recording ended.
…
"I'm sorry… what the &%$# did we just watch?" L'Arc asked.
"Oh, I figured Sickle was low on money due to past stuff. So this is one way to help you out." Naofumi responded to the Scythe Hero and the Council.
Many of them were staring at it in disbelief. But a few of them were seriously considering the proposal.
…
"Where's Glass and Raphtalia?" L'Arc then asked.
"Oh, they're the reason we added that warning at the end," Kizuna said happily.
Meanwhile, in some random countryside somewhere in the world.
"HELP MEEEEEEEEEEE!" The random Katana soldier screamed as the ruby-eyed demon and her half-tanuki friend chased him across the countryside with bloodlust in their eyes.
Yep, they were about to make his irritable bowel syndrome a reality. As well as pain along his entire center. Just like prescribed!
Order your Trash Cologne today!
Hero Clips!
Naofumi's (bleep) Influence
"(bleep)! That's the biggest (bleep) fish I've seen in my entire (bleep) life!"
Naofumi stared down at the floorboards of Ethnobalt's Vassal Weapon beneath him. All of them had decided to go on a fishing trip before facing Kyo and the coming Wave to celebrate.
However…
"You're not (bleep) getting away from me you (bleep) (bleep)!"
For one, that wasn't Naofumi speaking. Nor was it L'Arc, or Therese, or even Glass.
That was Kizuna. Standing at the prow with her fishing pole out. She was not only dressed like a sailor, but she was cussing like one too.
And she wasn't letting up.
"(Bleep) (Bleep)! I swear to (bleep) (bleep) that I'll (bleep) pull you from this (bleep) (bleep) LAKE!"
"Hero Naofumi…" Glass was trembling in her spot. Glaring at Naofumi with a look of absolute hatred. "Just what have you done to my mistress to make her like this?"
"I didn't do anything!" Naofumi defended. "And why are you blaming me for this!?"
"You do cuss a lot around others, Naofumi," Raphtalia admitted. "At least, you do it more than anyone else I've seen."
"So? It's not like that's rubbed off on any of our other friends-"
"(Bleep) Kizuna! That (bleep) thing is going to (bleep) capsize our (bleep) ship!"
Everyone turned in shock at the voice.
That had been Itsuki. He was dressed in sailor garbs too and was looking over the side. "(Bleep)! That (bleep) thing is (bleep) huge!"
"Fuehhhh!" Rishia whimpered loudly upon seeing the boy she loved saying such nasty things so casually. It was so unlike him!
"Don't you (bleep) worry! I'm (bleep) reeling that (bleep) (bleep) in if it's the last (bleep) thing I (bleep) do!" Kizuna yelled.
…
The others around Naofumi folded their arms. Glaring at him for the change he'd inflicted upon their friends.
"It's not my (bleep) fault that-" He slapped a hand over his mouth.
"Not… helping," Glass muttered threateningly.
"Okay. It's not like I've influenced everyone around me because I couldn't control my mouth." Naofumi decided to say.
"You (bleep) enemy of the Shield Hero! I'll (bleep) destroy your (bleep) (bleep)!" Dou-Lon, cosplaying as the Shield Hero, dove over the side of the boat to grapple with the monstrous fish down below.
Naofumi's eyes widened in horror. Had he truly corrupted the incorruptible hakuko with his foul mouth?!
"Mel, Filo's (bleep) Fishing Aunt hasn't caught Filo's (bleep) lunch yet!"
"Wow, she's such a (bleep)! How could she (bleep) do that to you! The (bleep) (bleep)!? Also, where did you learn to say (bleep)?"
"Daddy taught Filo. How about Mel?"
"Yeah, I learned it from him too. He's really a (bleep) (bleep)."
…
Naofumi slowly turned his head. Seeing Filo and Melty there.
He didn't even question why the second princess was there. He just knew that his fate had been sealed.
He could feel the burning presence coming from his right. And Naofumi didn't have to turn to tell that Raphtalia was furious with him.
"Naofumi, I'm going to (bleep) kill you," Raphtalia said.
He'd even rubbed off on her too. At least this time it'd actually been appropriate.
"Bitch!" Raph-Chan chirped out.
Naofumi's eyes widened in shock. But then, he smiled widely.
At least Raph-Chan had learned the one word that was important in the end. It needed no censoring and she could use it whenever they came across Melty's…
Wait, she'd been disowned…
…
Well, it wasn't like she was important anyway. But at least Raph-Chan could say it for him if they ever saw her again.
And so, Naofumi did end up having to sleep on Motoyasu's couch when they got back to their world. And he lived on the said couch for the rest of his life.
At least it was impossible to corrupt a couch.
Till Next Time
Allen