Chained together to the wall Perrot and Rand were sentenced to serve time for attacking people in the city limits, the punishment was made harsher when the courts were informed that they attacked one of the heroes and his team which consisted of two noble princesses. Perrot was still angry he didn't get a chance to even touch Mirai. Rand never wanted anything to do with the hero or his comrades ever again. He had nightmares every night of Jacob throwing the lariat at him and couldn't sleep properly. He would wake up screaming every night, making Perrot angry.
After two months in the same cell, Perrot wanted nothing more than to kill Rand so he could have peace. While he sits there debating on how to kill Rand a black puddle formed from out of nowhere under Rand, he started to sink into the puddle and screamed for help.
Rand: WHAT IS THIS, I CAN'T GET OUT!
Perrot moves as far back from the puddle as he can. Eventually Rand stops sinking because
his chains have gone taut, for a second he thinks he's okay and starts trying to pull himself out using the chains, but as he starts he feels something grab him.
Rand: What was that?
In an instant he was forcefully pulled down, his arms stretched to their limits and he screamed. Perrot could hear the sounds of bones cracking and muscles, tendons and skin rip until finally Rand's arms are ripped off and he is fully absorbed into the puddle, his screams are still audible for a few extra seconds until a gurgling sound was replaced and finally silence. Perrot is frozen in fear at the sight he witnessed, he almost doesn't notice when the puddle is spreading and is almost under his feet. He forces himself up onto the wall using the chains to hold him up. The puddle had overtaken the room before receding and rising in the middle into the form of a man.
Perrot couldn't put into words what he had seen. Rugar, now looking more like he used to, formed out of the black puddle and stood in the room with Perrot. Rugar popped his bones, back, knuckles and legs. He took a deep breath before opening his eyes and looking around the room. He saw Perrot still holding himself up with his chains and saw Rand's arms still in their chains. He smiled and while walking toward Perrot he grabbed one of Rand's arms and ripped it off the wall and proceeded to eat it like a chicken leg.
Rugar: Taste like, coward.
Perrot couldn't speak, no noise left his mouth as Rugar kept gnawing on Rand's arm. Rugar finished devouring the arm leaving only the bones and looked at Perrot who finally started to scream. Rugar backhanded Perrot and his jaw was knocked clean off.
Rugar: Damnit, I keep forgetting how strong I am now.
Before Perrot faded Rugar snapped his finger healing him and regenerating his jaw, the replacement was a demon replacement since the magic was demon magic so Perrot didn't know how to talk with it. Rugar tightened his fist and sighed.
Rugar: Now then, you're here because of the hero. I need to see how he's improving since almost half of his time is up. You and your friend will test his strength.
Perrot looked at him confused, "Friend"?
Rugar put his out to his side with the palm down, the black puddle sloshed in his palm before erupting down to the floor and Rand fell out still armless. He is now blueish gray, and has wings on his back, Rugar puts his hand on Rand's head and pumps energy into him. Initially Rand screams an inhuman scream, a moment later two new arms rip out of his shoulders and they are blood red, his skin starts to turn black and his eyes become yellow. He looks around the room like an animal curious of its surroundings, he sees Perrot and tries to pounce on him only to be held back by Rugar. Perrot fell back against the wall scared at the sight of everything.
Rugar: Now then it's time for you to join the cause.
Rugar placed his hand on Perrots face pumping him with the energy, screams are heard by the guards who've just arrived to the location from break. They check out the cell only to see two corpses. The guards assume they've killed each other and take them out, unbeknownst to them Rugar had taken the real Perrot and Rand out and was in the forest a short distance away.
Jacob is yawning having slept very rough the night before, he walks with everyone to the guildhall to take on some quests. He came up with the idea that they split into four teams of three so they can take on more quests.
Jacob: Alright so we need to break up and make teams so we can get proper experience and make more money.
Rose: Can I be on your team dear husband?
Jacob: I'm going to set up teams that will swap around constantly so we can get a better hand on teamwork and improve relationships.
Mirai: So how will these teams be made?
Jacob: Four leaders, the ones with the highest levels. So I'll be a leader with my level at 93, Mirai you'll be one with your level of 78, Phoebe you'll also be one at level 80 and Inki at level 81.
Inki: So that means I won't be with you?
Jacob: Not for a few missions. Inki since you're more of a close quarters combat fighter you can take Rose and Norae, their skills will be supportive and long range.
Inki and Rose booed at the thought of being on a team together, Norae felt out of place and in the middle of the conflict.
Jacob: You'll be fine, Mirai, just like Inki you're more close quarters so I think Sylvie and Lily should join you, Sylvie is ranged and Lily can be your mage.
Sylvie pouts, sad she's not joining Jacob.
Jacob: On the contrary, Phoebe is a mage and more supportive so Gunnar a combative and Ale a support would work for your team.
Phoebe and her group smile respecting Jacobs team build.
Jacob: And that leaves Liora and Roxy with me.
Roxy's tail begins to wag furiously as she's happy to be with Jacob.
Phoebe: Jacob sweety can I talk with you for a second?
Jacob: Sure.
The two walked to a secure area where Phoebe gave him a serious look.
Phoebe: Are you sure you want to put Liora on a quest, we don't know what her abilities are.
Jacob: That's why I'm bringing Roxy with us, Roxy is close to her so she can support her as well.
Phoebe: I'm still worried, her level is real low even in terms of when you and the others arrived to this world.
Jacob: That's the reason why I chose to put her on my team, that way I can protect her from any dangerous creature.
Phoebe: I guess you really thought this through. I sometimes forget how smart you can be when you try.
Jacob: I don't know whether I should be flattered or offended?
Phoebe: Hahaha, I'm sorry dear I meant no harm.
Jacob smiled
Jacob: You're fine. I was just surprised you said something like that, Sylvie is normally the one to say stuff like that.
Phoebe: That is true. Alright let's go pick some quests.
They rejoin the group and select quests between C and B rank. Each team leaves for their quest. Jacob, Roxy and Liora take a simple imp slaying quest to help get an understanding of Lioras abilities. As they made their way to the cave harboring the imps. They walk into the cave where several of the imps were perched like bats on the ceiling, their fleshy skin is a nasty purple, they had horns but it was as if they were poking up the skin instead of through it they're wings were wrapped around their bodies. Jacob put his finger to his lip to inform the girls not to make too much noise. He motions Liora to come over, she moves quietly over to him leaning close to his ear.
Jacob: Okay, now let's try and use some magic.
Liora nods, she puts her hands up and tries to use a magic spell. A black circle forms over her hand and a wailing scream is heard from it. Roxy's ears tucked down from concern and Jacob looked shocked. A second later a black flame filled with bones fired up destroying all the imps and the cave. Jacob jumped on Roxy to cover her, once the spell dissipated Jacob and Roxy were horrified to see that the whole cave had been erased and they were seeing the sky. Liora was still holding her hand up but was also scared.
Liora: Wh-what did I do?
Roxy: I have no idea..
Jacob: But we need to dial it back just a tad I think.
The girls looked at Jacob, he was smiling and laughing trying to make them feel better. It did help them and they joined in the laughing.
Jacob: Well I'm not sure how we'll explain this, we could've left one alive to get proof we were here.
Roxy: I mean the other three teams will be bringing in money so we'll be fine.
Liora looked upset and started apologizing, she had tears in her eyes but before she could start crying Jacob started petting her head.
Jacob: It's okay, we're still getting a read on your abilities. Don't worry I'll help you.
Roxy: How are we gonna explain this to the others?
Jacob: Ah we'll say it was me going overboard, they'll believe that.
Roxy: That's true.
Liora laughed, feeling happy and content with everything happening. The trio started walking back to the village, Lioras spirits were lifted from Jacob and Roxy's positivity, she jumps into Jacob's arm and holds onto it Roxy follows her example and holds onto Jacob's other arm.
They walked happily when an explosion enveloped them.
Jacob was dazed from the concussion, once he got his bearings he looked around and saw Roxy slumped on the ground.
Jacob: R-Roxy, ROXY?!
Jacob ran over to Roxy who was covered in blood, her left leg was broken and the bone was sticking out.
Jacob: ROXY WAKE UP, COME ON BABY WAKE UP!
Roxy coughed up blood and tried to catch her breath, she opened her eyes and looked at Jacob with tears.
Jacob: Oh god I thought I lost you.
Roxy: J-Jake, I can't feel my leg.
Jacob: At this moment that might be a good thing.
Roxy: W-w-where's Liora?
Jacob: Liora? LIORA!
Jacob looked around and couldn't see Liora, he started to get scared and ran to the flaming crater.
Jacob: LIORA!
He used his ability to bend the elements to control the fire, he put it out and saw Liora crumpled in the crater. Surprisingly she wasn't burned but she was covered in tons of bruises from head to toe, she was unconscious, Jacob jumped into the hole and picked her up. He jumped out of the hole and laid her next to Roxy, both were alive but severely injured. Jacob heard the snapping of twigs and focused on where it came from. He was shocked to see both Perrot and Rand standing there completely turned into demons. Perrot's jaw was black but the rest of his body was blue, his eyes were unfocused as if he was moving on instinct. Rand was no different.
Jacob: You two okay?
They didn't say anything, they just roared a combination of demon roars and human screams of pain. They charged at Jacob, Rand was firing fireballs out of his mouth Jacob deflected the blasts and Perrot slashed at him narrowly missing. Jacob looked back and noticed he was getting closer to the girls, he thought "I gotta get them away from the girls". He put his hand up pointed at both the demons.
Jacob: ALMIGHTY PUSH.
In an instant both Rand and Perrot were launched backwards through several trees and a couple of boulders. Jacob looked back at the girls and used his ability to place a protective shield over them.
Jacob: I'll be right back, please stay safe, and don't die.
Jacob ran in the direction of the demons getting to them before they could recover.
Jacob: I know you guys aren't in your right minds but. YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR HURTING MY WIVES!
Jacob threw his fists behind him. They both became rubberized and stretched a long distance.
Jacob: GUM GUM, TWIN PISTOL!
The punches hit both demons so hard you could almost see his fist pushing through their backs. The demons are paralyzed for a second from the pain. Once they recover they both simultaneously fire fireballs at Jacob. Jacob unfazed stares down the blasts.
Jacob: FIRE DRAGON ROAR!
His fire blast overtook Perrot and Rands, they were also enveloped in the fire.
When Jacob thought he had killed both of the demons he looked up and noticed both were flying.
Jacob: This is getting annoying.
Back with Liora and Roxy, Liora regained consciousness. She looked around and saw Roxy struggling to breath.
Liora: Roxy? ROXY, PLEASE DON'T DIE!
struggling, Roxy slightly opened one eye to see Liora crying. Roxy smiled and put her hand on Liora's cheek.
Roxy: i-it's going to be okay, Jake is protecting us.
Liora cried harder, she felt useless. Her closest friend was laying on the ground in front of her, dying in her eyes and her husband was fighting a battle she couldn't see. She had a fire in her eyes and put her arms on Roxy.
Roxy: Liora?
Liora closed her eyes and focused on healing Roxy's pain, after a few moments a bright green light enveloped Roxy and slowly healed her. She wasn't fixed but she wasn't in a critical condition. She couldn't sit up but she was breathing properly, Roxy smiled and thanked Liora. Liora smiled and hugged Roxy. While they embraced an explosion not far from them sounded almost deafening them. They looked over and saw a mushroom cloud overhead.
Roxy: We need to help Jake.
Liora: But your leg is still broken.
Roxy: This is nothing, Jake has fought demons with lost limbs before.
Liora: Wait you're still too injured, I'll go.
Roxy: Are you sure?
Liora: I need to be useful for all of you, I have to do this.
Before Roxy could respond Liora flew towards Jacob with her black wings hidden thanks to her disguise charm. When she made it to the battle both the demons were injured and broken. Jacob had minor scratches and bruises. He had his arms above his head, and wasn't moving. The demons charged to slash him, he used his colossus powers to make his body metal so the attacks wouldn't hurt as much. Perrot extended his claws and slashed Jacobs torso, the cut hurt him even though it was shallow. Lioras wrist explodes the blade out and she cuts Perrot's face.
Jacob: L-Liora, you're awake?!
Liora: Why are you just standing there taking their attacks?
Jacob: I can't move while charging this attack.
Liora: A-attack.
Jacob just smiles and a bright light shines into Liora's eyes, she looks up and her eyes bulge when she sees a huge blue ball with a white core.
Liora: Jake w-what is that?
Jacob: You'll see, now can you hold them off for a couple of minutes?
Liora wasn't immediately paying attention but said she would, she looked towards and gripped the bone blade. The demons charged at Liora who started swinging her blade, she was overwhelmed for a bit but she was able to protect herself. She did want to use her abilities to fight back but remembering the cave she decided to only use her sword.
Jacob: IT'S READY, LIORA GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Liora looked back at Jacob and the attack was even bigger, she thought that he was going to destroy the whole world. She initially couldn't move but she came to her senses and got behind him.
Jacob: Hopefully this will end your suffering, now. SPIRIT BOMB!
Jacob threw his arms forward which sent the bomb flying into both Perrot and Rand disintegrating them. The bomb went forward several hundred meters before arching up in the sky for almost a mile and exploding. The explosion could be seen for miles, regular people were scared thinking a monster had attacked, but Jacob's team who were on their own missions knew immediately that he had something to do with it.
Gunnar: What was that?
Phoebe: This kind of pressure, that was Jacob.
Ale: But why would he use such an intense attack, they were fighting imps.
Phoebe: Knowing his luck, it was that demon who attacked us a few weeks ago.
Gunnar: I thought he killed that demon?
Phoebe: No, this demon I'm talking about was a general rank and took all of his attacks with a smile.
Gunnar: W-what.
Ale: What's worse is when we attacked the demon he didn't even react to our power.
Gunnar began to sweat thinking that there was someone who could take Jacob's attack and not even be worried.
Gunnar: D-do you think that he finally beat him.
Phoebe: We should check it out.
Ale: What about our quest?
Phoebe: They could need our help, let's go.
The other teams all felt the same way and rushed towards the explosion.
Jacob and Liora went back to Roxy who was still laying on the ground. She smiled at the two of them. Jacob ran over and hugged her tightly.
Jacob: I'm so glad you're okay, I was so scared.
Roxy: I was worried for a second there too.
Liora: How's your leg Roxy?
Roxy: It's still broken, but I'll be fine.
Jacob: Here, I'll carry you back to town.
Roxy blushed as Jacob braced her on his back. She loved feeling his back and rested her head on his shoulder, Liora smiled as they walked back.
In the distance high in the sky Rugar was floating with his arms crossed, he had a devilish smile on his face. He was clearly excited at the sight.
Rugar: They couldn't do more than scratch him and he walked through them. EXCELLENT, THEIR POWER TOGETHER WAS NEAR MY STRENGTH BEFORE THE BLOOD, AT THIS RATE I'LL HAVE A GOOD FIGHT.
Rugar laughed hard at the thought of fighting Jacob.
While Jacob and Liora walk back to the town they are intercepted by the other groups.
Phoebe: JACOB.
Jacob: What're y'all doing here?
Sylvie: We saw that explosion, what happened?
Ale: And what happened to Roxy?
Jacob: Those knights that fought me a while ago, they were turned into mindless demons and hit us with a sneak attack. Roxy took the most damage.
Phoebe: Oh my gods, let me see her.
Jacob gently lays Roxy down, everyone is horrified at the state she's in, Sylvie holds her hand while Phoebe and Lily begin healing her. Roxy wakes up feeling refreshed and the pain in her leg fading. She looks around and sees Phoebe, Sylvie, and Ale tearing up while Inki and the others stand by with concerned faces. She sees Jacob smiling at her while Liora stands next to him.
Roxy: are we back at the inn?
Phoebe: Almost, are you okay?
Roxy: Yeah, thanks you two.
Lily smiles feeling happy she can help a friend. Roxy's leg resets and color comes back to it, she sits up and moves her leg around, happy it's fixed but she does look at Jacob and pouts knowing he doesn't need to carry her anymore. Jacob looks at her and tilts his head in confusion.
Jacob: Is everything okay?
Roxy: Well, with my leg fixed you don't need to carry me anymore.
Jacob laughs and crouches down next to her.
Jacob: Do you want me to carry you a little longer?
Roxy looked at Jacob blushing and nodded happily. As he picks her up and carries her like a princess Roxy's eyes shine with love as she looks at Jacob. Rose puffs her cheeks in jealousy, while the rest just smile, happy Roxy is okay. While they walk back Roxy can't hide her happiness as her tail is wagging fast, she holds onto Jacob putting her face in his chest. Jacob feels a rush of happiness, relief and regret, the whole fight against Perrot and Rand he was scared Roxy would be dead when he got back to her. Seeing her body bloodied and broken brought back memories of when he saw her after those brutes ganged up on her, when he thinks of it and her in the state he just saw he begins thinking of his other wives as well as Gunnar, Lily and Norae not wanting to see any of them in that state. "I need to be stronger, so they won't ever be like that again" he thinks to himself. Phoebe noticed him deep in thought, but decided not to say anything until they were back at the inn, she wanted to let Roxy enjoy her time with Jacob. Some time passes.
Roxy: Okay Jake you can put me down now.
Jacob: What.
He snapped back to reality, he hadn't noticed but before he realized it they were back in Solaris standing in front of the guildhall. He looks surprised, Roxy puts a hand on his cheek.
Roxy: Are you okay dear?
Jacob: Yeah, yeah I just hadn't realized we were back.
Everyone looked at Jacob concerned. He looked back and smiled.
Jacob: Hey I'm gonna head back to the inn early, if that's alright with all of you.
They all agreed and he walked past them smiling, as soon as he passed everyone his face became serious and upset. Phoebe caught just a glimpse of it, she wanted to say something but Lily called to her and she walked into the guildhall while Jacob walked away.
Back at the inn Jacob walked into the room. He closed the door and slumped down in front of it. He felt his heart rate increasing, the sounds of people outside became louder and his vision became tunneled, he covered his ears and started to tear up and before he knew it he was crying silently. The closest he'd come to this kind of pain was when he was at his fathers funeral. All the pent up regrets and resentments he had flowed when he was alone after and now it was fear of loss and seeing a loved one in pain and not being able to help them. He heard a knock at the door, he looked up and hadn't realized the sun was setting.
Jacob: How long was I sitting here?
He looked down and saw a puddle of his tears. Another knock is heard, the person on the other side was Phoebe.
Phoebe: Jake, sweety are you alright. We can't get in the room.
Jacob: Y-yeah one second, I'm doing some cleaning.
Sylvie: Cleaning, since when does he clean?
Inki: Something must be wrong. I'm breaking the door down.
Roxy: Don't you think that's a little drastic.
Ale: Yeah come on, he'll open it in a second.
A moment later Jacob opened the door holding a towel.
Jacob: Sorry about that. Come on.
He was obviously faking a smile and the girls knew it, they could see his eyes were red, they waited until they were all in the room and the door was closed.
Phoebe: Jacob, are you okay?
Jacob: Yeah why wouldn't I be.
Sylvie: How long have we been together on this journey?
Jacob: I'm not sure, around half a year.
Sylvie: And we've been together almost every hour that whole time.
Jacob: Yeah?
Sylvie: So being around someone that long gives you an idea of how to read them.
Jacob: I guess that makes sense.
Inki: We can tell somethings wrong with you.
Ale: So just tell us.
Rose: We're worried about you.
Jacob: Girls nothing is wrong.
Mirai: Husband I might not have been here as long as the other wives but I'm inclined to agree. Something happened and you're not telling us.
Jacob felt the eyes of his wives staring at him like daggers, he didn't want them to worry but knew they were gonna keep pushing until he told them. He took a deep breath and sighed.
Jacob: Yeah, but I don't wanna seem weak to all of you.
Roxy: Why would we ever see you as weak?
Phoebe: The whole time I've known you, you've been nothing but strong.
Sylvie: It's okay to be weak for a moment, we're your wives let us support you.
Inki: Not just physically in battle but emotionally.
Ale: What's wrong Jake?
They all kept staring at him and he lowered his head, he started to shake. For a moment the girls thought they had made him mad but Liora noticed water dropping.
Liora: Jake?
He had started to cry again, the emotions of fear, regret, helplessness and guilt filled his body.
Jacob: I'm sorry.
He couldn't stand anymore and dropped to his butt holding his face with one hand and the girls instinctively moved closer to check on him.
Jacob: I'm so sorry, I'm hopeless. I couldn't protect Roxy for a second time.
In that moment the girls started to tear up, Roxy took it the hardest thinking she was at fault for his emotional state.
Jacob: That whole fight all I could think of was "I need to get back to her" "She could be dead" and "How could I let this happen" . Seeing her in that state and for a moment thinking "I've just lost another loved one, and I can't do anything about it" made it too hard for me to hold it in.
At this point all of the wives are crying, Roxy jumps into his arms and holds him tight. At first he doesn't know what to do but decides that he needs to hold her back.
Jacob: Roxy please forgive me for failing you.
Roxy: You didn't fail me, I failed you. I haven't been strong enough to defend myself or help you at all.
The other wives also huddle around Jacob and Roxy and while crying they hold onto both of them.
Phoebe: Jake, how long have you been holding on to these emotions? You said you were hopeless.
Sylvie: What did you mean another loved one?
Jacob: Before I came to this world, I lost my father back in mine. I might not have been close to him but after his funeral when I was alone I let out all of my pain in secret.
Inki: And that's what you were doing here.
Jacob: Yes.
Liora: You're not the only one who was afraid and felt like a failure in that fight.
Jacob: But I was the target, and you two got caught in the crossfire.
Roxy: When I joined you, I knew that it would happen. But I didn't care, I just wanted to be with you.
Sylvie: We all did.
Phoebe: Jake my love, please never ever think that you feeling this pressure would make us think any less of you.
Inki: We love you no matter what.
All of the wives huddle closer to Jacob who tries to hold all of them.
Jacob: Thank you. I love you all too.
They stay that way the whole night, not moving from that spot on the floor.