Ch6

The banquet hall was brightly lit, filled with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, while guests in fine clothing milled about. Did we really have to come? Keyaru kept to himself, carefully eyeing the room. Neither he nor Naofumi wanted to be here, but Raphtalia had insisted. He'd made Freia and Setsuna stay behind, just in case someone recognized Freia and frankly he envied their decision.

At least we helped the village though. The villagers were very grateful for the help they provided and he was glad he helped them with their problems. I guess I can be a hero if I try.

"How did you do it?" Ren's voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to find the Sword Hero staring at him, eyeing him cautiously

"What do you mean?" He asked, feigning ignorance.

Ren frowned. "You know exactly what I mean." He stepped closer, his gaze sharpening. "How did you escape, and why did you kill Lady Flare?"

His gaze grew colder as he looked back at Ren. "What's it to you? You trying to be a hero now after what you saw?"

Ren opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the sound of glass shattering cut through the air, silencing the room.

"YOU VILLAIN!" Montoyasu's voice rang out, and the room turned to face him. "FREE HER NOW!" The spear hero stood, gripping his spear tightly and pointing it directly at Naofumi.

His stomach dropped. He turned and saw Naofumi standing with Raphtalia by his side, his face as cold as ice. Neither of them responded, though he noticed King Aultcray stand and glare at Naofumi.

"Slavery is an abomination and illegal in this country!" King Aultcray declared, his voice dripping with self-righteousness. "Shield Hero, release her immediately!"

Raphtalia's eyes widened. "Wait! I don't want to leave. I—"

Montoyasu raised his spear, his voice thundering. "Let her go, or I'll free her myself!"

Naofumi's eyes hardened, his voice low and steady. "I'd like to see you try."

King Aultcray stood tall, his voice carrying across the room. "Then it's settled. The two of you will fight. If the Shield Hero loses, he will free this slave."

The room buzzed with murmurs as the other heroes exchanged looks, and Myne's face twisted into a cruel grin. This was going to be interesting.

As they made their way to the arena, he quickly caught up with Naofumi. "Do you need my help?" he asked, a part of him already knowing the answer

Naofumi shook his head, not meeting his gaze. "This is my fight. I'll handle it."

Keyaru nodded. "Good luck."

A voice, quiet but firm, echoed in the back of his mind. You have anger in your heart. Let's see how far it can take you. Anger was a powerful motivator, but if used recklessly, it could easily become a hindrance.

The amphitheater was packed, the crowd chanting and cheering, their eyes glued to the two heroes as they took their positions in the arena. Keyaru sat a few rows behind the other two heroes, his gaze scanning the crowd. Across the stadium, Myne stood with Montoyasu's party, her eyes fixed on the match. As their gazes met, she quickly disappeared into the shadows.

Naofumi and Montoyasu faced off from opposite ends of the arena. Naofumi's expression was guarded, while Montoyasu looked as cocky as ever.

"Let the match begin!" King Aultcray's voice rang out.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Montoyasu charged first, spear raised. Naofumi met him head-on, blocking the attack with his shield and countering with a quick strike.

Keyaru couldn't help but cheer for Naofumi in his head. They were allies now, and there was a bond between them that had formed over shared struggles.

The clash of spear against shield echoed throughout the arena as Montoyasu pressed the attack. He could see that Montoyasu was confident, but Naofumi wasn't backing down. He's got everything to lose. He won't go down easily.

Naofumi fought like a man with no choice but to win, his shield a wall against Montoyasu's relentless assaults. Slowly but surely, the spear hero began to falter, pushed back by the Shield Hero's sheer resilience.

His lips curled into a small smile. Take this cocky bastard down. But then he noticed Myne in the stands, a malicious glint in her eyes. She flicked her wrist, and in that instant, a gust of wind swept across the arena, knocking Naofumi out of the ring.

"The Shield Hero has left the arena!" King Aultcray declared, a cruel grin spreading across his face. "The Spear Hero is the winner!"

His blood boiled, but he didn't move. Naofumi lay on the ground, shaking, the slave seal on Raphtalia's collar forcibly removed.

"Naofumi!" He rushed to his side, the other heroes close behind. "I saw it! She intervened!"

"You're free, young lady," Montoyasu said, his voice full of pride.

Raphtalia's eyes burned with fury as she rushed toward Montoyasu, slapping him across the face. "Stay away from Naofumi-sama!"

The room fell into stunned silence. He stood off to the side, watching as Raphtalia knelt by Naofumi. "Naofumi-sama," she whispered softly.

Naofumi looked up, tears streaking down his face. "Go," he said, his voice breaking. "Leave me."

Raphtalia refused to move. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him, her voice gentle but firm. "Naofumi-sama, I won't leave you."

He watched in silence as Naofumi slowly broke down. Raphtalia's unwavering support, her words, her touch it was all too much for him to process. Such love and compassion... it really is moving.

"I didn't do it!" Naofumi's shout cracked the air.

"I know you didn't," Raphtalia's voice cut through the tension. "You aren't that kind of person, and I will stand by you as your sword forever."

For a moment, he was at a loss for words. He couldn't help but be moved by the display of love before him. It stirred something deep inside, something he hadn't felt in a long time.

"Don't be fooled!" Montoyasu yelled, his face reddening. "He's a deceiver! You're free! You don't have to follow him!"

His fists clenched, but before he could step forward, the other two heroes moved into action. "How can you say such a thing?" Itsuki's voice was sharp. "It's clear they care for each other."

Ren nodded in agreement. "We saw what your party did. If Myne hadn't interfered, you would have lost."

He blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in their words. He considered briefly whether to heal them, but only a little. Naofumi's fight was still his to finish.

Montoyasu flushed with anger. "She should still be free!"

Raphtalia stood tall, her expression defiant. "Stay away from Naofumi-sama. I am his sword, and I will serve him faithfully. He never treated me as a slave. If he wants to put the seal back on me, I'll happily accept it as a sign of my loyalty."

Keyaru stepped forward, his voice steady. "I've seen the loyalty between them. Naofumi is a good person, unlike the rest of you."

He glanced over at Myne, who was moving toward Montoyasu's side. His gaze hardened. *They both could use some healing.* But not all the way. He'd leave that for Naofumi to handle.

Ren turned to him with a quiet nod. "Good luck. All of you."

Keyaru nodded, surprised by the genuine warmth in Ren's words. Naofumi stood, wiping his face. "Let's get out of here. I'm done with this place."

He met Keyaru's gaze, a rare smile on his face. "You coming?"

"Of course." He glanced over at Montoyasu and Myne, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Want to get back at them?"

"Don't even think about it," Naofumi whispered in his ear, his tone serious. "If you take him out now, it'll give them an excuse to come after us."

He chuckled darkly. Like these people could kill me. Still, Naofumi had a point, besides he had his own targets who he wanted to focus on.

"Let's just get out of here," he said, scanning the area once more. His gaze met Myne's, and she shot him a venomous look. Another time, then.

The next morning he sighed as he rested in his bed completely naked with Freia and Setsuna. "Keyaru-sama are you ok?" Freia asked.

He looked down at her and saw the love and devotion in her eyes. A smile spread across his face. "I am." He pulled them both in closer to him. "Just busy thinking."

Freia pulled him in closer and pressed her lips against him. "You know I love you right? If you need anything I'm here for you."

A smile spread across his face as he felt the sincerity in her words. "I love you too." You are nothing like that pig Flare.

Freia rested on his bare chest as Setsuna looked up at him. "Raphtalia was sad today because she nearly lost Naofumi-sama." She paused as her ears drooped. "If we lost you we would also be very sad."

He ruffled her ears and kissed her on the cheek. "As would I. Don't worry I won't let anyone take you both from me." They were his possessions and he would do with them as he pleased.

Such love and devotion. Who would've thought they would actually love me? Deep down he did love them and he would do anything to protect them.

The next day as they prepared to leave the capital he felt a presence in the room as he packed his things. "Are you going to stay hidden or just keep watching?"

Het turned around to see a robbed female figure emerge from the shadows with a mask covering her face. "Impressive, not many people can detect us."

He folded his arms as he looked her over. "You could say I've grown accustomed to being cautious. Who are you and why have you been watching me and Naofumi?" Scanning the woman over he could tell she would be a tough opponent but he also could tell she did not wish for a fight.

"I represent her majesty the queen," The woman said calmly. "We are simply tasked with watching over you and the shield hero?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why would she want that after all that she has done to us?"

"Her majesty is not the same as her husband," The woman said calmly. "I have only come to warn you."

"Warn me?"

The woman looked at him through her mask. "Lady Flare had many close friends and they have vowed revenge against you."

A smile spread across his face. "Good to know. I take it they have been busy doing all kinds of evil as well?"

The woman froze. "Her majesty does not think highly of them and never approved of her daughter's relationship with Lady Flare."

"Well don't worry you could let her know I'll take care of them."

"Sir Blade has many accusations against her that Princess Myne helped cover up while Sir Bullet…beware of him and the church." The woman tensed as she frowned in disgust. "Lady Norn has also been looking into her sister's disappearance."

"I know they are sick bastards so you can tell your queen that she can rest assured that I will send them all to hell personally," he said a cruel smile spread across his face. "Just give me any information of their whereabouts and I'll take of them."

The woman looked him over and nodded. "Be safe Heal Hero." With that she disappeared into the shadows.

He sat on his bed and sighed. Well looks like I'm one step closer to my goal. A wicked smile spread across his face. "Soon it will be time for revenge."

After getting ready for the day he went over to Naofumi. "Hey I'm going to train my party today, you need anything?"

The shield hero shook his head. "No me and Raphtalia have plans today."

"Well I wish you the both the best of luck," he said. I really hope you both can continue to grow your relationship.

The forest was quiet, with just a low hum of insects and the occasional bird call breaking the silence. Early morning light filtered through the dense trees, casting long shadows over the three figures moving silently through the underbrush.

"Are we looking for anything in particular Keyaru-sama?" Setsuna asked.

He shook his head. "I want you both to get stronger, we'll be facing stronger battles up ahead."

This part of the woods was still unfamiliar, and there was something in the air a tension he couldn't quite place. He kept his guard up.

A sudden rustle echoed through the trees, low and foreboding, and then a deep growl split the air. He didn't need to turn around to know Setsuna and Freia had stopped moving, instantly on alert.

From the shadows, a massive form lumbered forward, dark fur bristling. It was as large as a small house, all fangs and thick claws that gouged deep grooves into the earth with each step. The creature's eyes glinted with feral hunger, a beast driven by raw instinct.

"Stand back!" But before he'd finished speaking, the creature lunged, fast and brutal, a hulking mass of muscle barreling toward him.

He sprang back, narrowly dodging the swipe of a claw as it grazed his shoulder. Setsuna was already moving, a blur of silver and ice as she darted around the creature's flank. Her claws extended, glinting sharp as she slashed at its hind leg. The beast snarled, whirling with surprising speed, but Setsuna danced just out of reach before slashing it again and spilling its blood onto the ground.

"Stay away from Keyaru-sama," Setsuna growled.

"I got this!" Freia raised her staff in the air and it began to glow. She muttered a string of words under her breath, and flames leapt from her palms, curling into the shape of a spear before shooting straight for the creature's side. The flames hit their mark, searing into its fur and making it roar in pain, but it barely staggered, turning instead toward Freia.

Not bad. You both are really strong.

Seeing an opening, he sprinted forward, eyes narrowed on the wound Freia had created. Activating his gauntlets he slammed his hand against the beast's side. "Heal!" The monster growled as he forced his healing energy into it, twisting the wound until it festered, weakened. But the monster bucked, knocking him back before he could fully blow the thing up. He staggered, barely keeping his footing, and a second later felt claws slice his arm, hot blood trickling down his sleeve.

"Are you alright?" Freia's voice was tight with worry, but her focus remained unbroken, and another fiery spear shot from her hand, striking the beast in the shoulder.

"I'm fine," he said, gritting his teeth. He felt the wound pulse with pain, but he forced it away, locking eyes with Setsuna as she darted forward again.

The beast charged toward Freia, mouth open in a guttural roar. She didn't back down, eyes blazing as she raised her hand to conjure another fireball. But its speed was blinding; it was on her faster than any of them had expected.

"No!" he shouted, thrusting his hand forward. His healing powers surged through his body, mending his cuts as he sprinted toward Freia. But Setsuna was there first, lunging at the beast's leg, her claws tearing into its flesh and drawing its attention away from Freia. The beast howled in fury, swinging a massive paw toward Setsuna, but she ducked, sliding smoothly to the side, her movements like water flowing around rocks.

"Got you now," he muttered, seizing the moment. He drove his palm against the beast's side, pouring healing energy into the creature in a concentrated burst. The energy flooded its system, overwhelming it, as the flesh beneath his hand withered and decayed. The beast shrieked, stumbling as its own body betrayed it.

But even injured, it fought back, a desperate, dying force. One massive claw swung up, catching him across the chest and knocking him to the ground. He gasped, the impact rattling his bones, and for a brief, dazed second, the world spun around him.

A cool hand was on his face, gentle, steadying. "Keyaru-sama," Freia whispered, her voice soothing. "Don't worry. We're here."

Before he could answer, she rose, eyes blazing as she unleashed a torrent of fire, her voice ringing with power. The flames encircled the beast, burning brighter and hotter until the entire clearing seemed to glow with their light.

Meanwhile, Setsuna darted around the flames, moving in perfect sync with Freia's attack. She waited for her opening, her eyes sharp as ice, and when the beast stumbled, she struck, her claws raking across its throat in one final, fatal blow. The creature collapsed with a shuddering growl,

He pushed himself to his feet, brushing off the dirt. "Thank you… both of you."

Freia stepped forward, her face softening as she touched his cheek. "Of course, Keyaru-sama. I'd do anything for you. I'll always love you." Her words were simple, yet they carried a depth that made something stir within him, something he rarely allowed himself to feel.

Setsuna moved beside him, her expression just as serious, her loyalty unbreakable. "I'll always be here, Keyaru-sama. You mean everything to us."

A rare smile touched his lips as he looked at them. "I love you both as well. Even though there are a lot of people who want to do me harm I will always protect you both."

"We won't let anyone harm you," Setsuna said firmly.

Freia nodded. "Your enemies are our enemies."

Good to know. He hid his satisfaction and whipped the dust off him. "Come on lets find some more monsters to kill. You both need to get stronger for me."

AN: I decided to rewrite this and make it a little less melodrmatic. Just to let everyone know I don't really do fluff and just like to keep the action going. Also I'm not going to write any torture or sex it'll be a fade to black when it does.