Hinata calmly sits by the boardwalk. Her azanthium legs slowly moving back and forward in the water. She can see the guys in their swimming trunks playing with Moku in the same water. Meld swam off somewhere, deciding to exercise instead of having fun. Or maybe that's how he has fun.
Apparently this was how they wanted to spend their last day in Erisen. They had discussion and they all agreed to stop by Ankaji first once they reach the mainland. As to why they stop there, it was apparently to try and fix the oasis...well to everyone but Hinata. She merely thought it was a good chance to test the regeneration magic they recently received. On the way back from the labyrinth, they had used it to fix the part of Shu's clothes that was melted by the devourer's goo. Now they're try using it on something harder.
But of course they would have to say goodbye to Moku. They know it's for the best, but it doesn't make it easier...for the guys. They couldn't really predict how Hinata would feel, because that's just how she is, unpredictable.
Hinata was just silently watching, thinking abou-
"You're thinking about Moku right?"
She sees Rome in front of her, only his head and shoulders are above water level.
"I know that you are uncomfortable being referred as Mama. And I apologize for the things I said. Please understand that-"
"That you were doing it for Moku." Hinata finished Rome's sentence.
"Yes, he is very attached to you. He enjoys having you as a mother. But Ido not wish to force anything onto you, who I owe his life to. So if you wish for him to stop then-"
"No, it's fine."
"R-Really?"
"If he wants to keep calling me "Mama" those are his issues. Just don't expect me act like a mother of any sort."
"I see, but please...know this. My son is much more mature than you perceive him as. He knows that you must leave and as he grows up, he will also know that you're not really his mother." Rome was conflicted, on one hand he wants his son to be happy. But on other hand he does not wish to burden Moku's saviors.
"Ah!" Shu suddenly yelped.
Hinata and Rome turns and see Shu being quite flustered. They then see Moku coming out of the water, waving a blue swimming trunk.
"M-Moku! Give it back!" The child response by simply laughing going back underwater.
"Dammit, I'm gonna miss him a little."
"Hehe." Rome swims closer to Hinata, his face was inches away from her legs, which made Hinata a little bit uncomfortable. "I promise that I will try to make him understand more. So please be gentle with him."
"Rome..."
"What are you doing?" Hinata turns and see Akira glaring at them. Or more specifically, glaring at how they were positioned.
"Why are you...near there?" Here comes Seiji.
"Hoh to think they would be in that position out in the open. Maybe I can-"
BANG
Tio's unconscious body falls into the water, with Hinata holding the smoking gun.
"Come on Moku! Seriously, give it back!" Shu demanded.
"Mmm..." Moku instead swims to Hinata and hands the trunks to her. "You can have it mama."
"Why would I want this?"
"Hey- wait , Hinata, did you ask him to do that? Oh Hinata.." The rabbit's flustered expression is now replaced with a bashful one.
"If you want trunks it should be mine." Akira threw his own swimming trunks onto Hinata.
"Are you kidding me, Akira?"
"M-Mine too."
"Seriously Seiji?!"
"Then mine too."
"Really Rome?! In front of your kid?"
Meanwhile
Meld was swimming back to Erisen. He had swam a total of 300 meters before turning back, without feeling the least fatigued. Meld couldn't help but be amazed at himself, over the fact that he managed to covered that much distance, in such a short of time, when he practically had never been to the ocean before.
He could only imagine how much this power can help humanity, but he also knows the downsides of it. He can't imagine a lot people would agree without a second thought to becoming part monster like he did. There was also the fact that he needed a holy water for each person who consumes monster meat. Rather than enhancing, he would prefer to keep those for healing.
Major benefits with major cost. He will have to calculate the be-
"Huh?"
As he nears the boardwalk he is welcomed by a strange sight. Hinata was sitting covered in swimming trunks and gritting her teeth with her eyes covered. Akira, Seiji, Shu arguing while standing outside the water in their birthday suits. And Tio floating upside down and also naked for some reason.
"Wha...WHAT THE HELLLLLLLL?!"
"Hic...hic..."
Hinata quietly stares at the sad child. Instead of a waterfall of tears, she has only witnessed sone drops and light sniffles.
"So you're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Will you still be my mommy?"
"Do you want me to be honest?" Instead of answering this time, she asked her own question. Moku nods his head.
"Then no." The others in the living room watches Moku whimpering, trying to hold back his tears.
"But do you want that?" Hinata asked, causing Moku. "Huh?"
"I said, but is that what you want?"
"I don't understand."
"I don't want to be your mommy, but you do. It's not really fair to decide who gets their way. So why don't we do both, you can call me mama all you want until you get sick of it. Just don't expect me to act like one though." Hinata suggested.
Everybody but her was dumbfounded at the suggestion until...
"Hahahaha, Mama you're so funny." Moku was now laughing like his usual self. The fact that his "mama" can say something like that without any problem is...actually why he likes her so much
"Funny?"
"Yeah, but I want to ask... Even if you don't want to be my mama, can we still see each other?" He anxiously asked.
"...You know what? Sure, why not?" Nobody noticed but Meld was shocked by that answer. "But only when I feel like it."
Her answer made the others nervously laugh while Moku laughing with joy again. "Well in that case, I'll just go visit you then."
"That's impossible. Even when you grow up, I think that you would still be too weak to do it." She shot him down immediately. She lived in Japan after all.
"Ow!"
"You fool! Can't You be more supporting?" Meld scolded after hitting Hinata on the head.
"Yeah mama, that was kind of mean." Moku joined in.
"Bite me."
Hinata had them all on edge but it seems she managed to let out a...good enough goodbye. Hinata had told Moku to help out more around the house.
So while the father and son were making dinner together, the others went outside to watch the sunset.
"Did you seriously have to be so blunt?"
"I thought I told you to bite me."
By this time the others are amused watching Meld and Hinata's squabbles. It was like seeing a fa-
"Regardless, I have to admit, I was surprised by your change of heart."
"Huh? Change of heart?"
"Yeah, when you said you would come back to visit."
Hinata tilted her head. "That was a change of heart?"
"Well...yeah, I mean considering that after you got back..." Meld trailed off. He didn't like the end of that sentence, even if he thought it was inevitable.
Though he didn't say it, Hinata can guess what he meant. "Wait, Meld, did...you think that after I went back to Japan, I would never come back here?"
"""Eh?""" The others gasped.
"Uhh...I..."
"No way dude." Hinata cut Meld's fumbling for words with a playful punch. "I would totally come back here when I have the time."
"R-Really?"
"Yeah, why would you think otherwise?"
"W-Well pretty much everything about you." Not only was it her unyielding determination to clear the labyrinth, but also that day on the kingdom's walls.
"Look Meld, the only reason I was so upset about coming here was because it wasn't my choice." She might've liked reading isekai stories but as a fantasy not as actual life. Seriously, how many people can just casually say goodbye to the world lived in like that. "But if I can literally have the best of both worlds well..."
"Wait, so you're saying that you can actually enjoy this world?" Meld can't help but wonder. Did he manage to prove his statement on that day was true.
"Mmm...yeah, guess you were right ." Hinata admitted. Meld celebrated in his head. He was so glad that-
"I get to drive without a license. I can shoot people and not get in trouble for it. And no one can stop me from cursing god and insulting their religion. How can I possibly give that up?"
The others turned stiff for a moment. They were really glad that Moku wasn't around to hear that.
"Y-You...DON'T TALK ABOUT TORTUS AS IF IT WAS SOME KIND OF LAWLESS WASTELAND!"
Akira and the others kept trying to calm Meld down as he was screaming at Hinata, who simply covered her ears. Fortunately the paladin's anger dies down when Rome calls everyone in for dinner.
And so the next day came.
Everybody was at the port where Hinata's newly repaired submarine. Moku and Rome were there to give them their goodbyes...and something else...
"A good luck charm ?" Hinata asked while holding a seashell. Moku had given identical ones to all of them.
"Yeah, I picked out the same one for each of you."
Hinata examines the seashell before smiling and putting it in her pocket. She can't help but ask herself when was the last time she got a present.
"Hmph thanks, considering our track record, we're gonna need all the luck we need. Moku, give me your hand." Moku does what Hinata told her to do and she places something on the palm of Moku's l hand. "Here, for being mature yesterday."
Hinata retracts her hand revealing what she had given Moku, a charm bracelet. There were 6 crafted charm on it. A gun, a rapier, a great sword, a hammer, a dragon claw, a cross. Hinata's had made it last night, also making it waterproof so Moku can wear it while swimming and doesn't. "Each charm represents one of us."
Moku marvels at the bracelet while Hinata nervously rub back of her head. "It was the first thing I thought of and it's kind of cheesy. If you don't like it you don't have to-"
"Nuh uh! It's awesome." Moku interrupted while excitedly putting the bracelet on. He then hugs Hinata. "Thanks mama, I love it."
Hinata softly smiles and then pats Moku on the head. After saying goodbye, the party sets off on the submarine, heading to their next destination.
After a day and a half, they managed to reach the mainland and got back on their usual four-wheeler. Once they reach Ankaji, they see a massive line of wagons coming from the gate.
Each of the wagon was filled with provisions. Meld can tell that some of the wagons seemed to have veen delivered by the Heighligh kingdom. The rest however belongs to merchants.
Seiji remembered how ruined the kingdom's crops were after they had used the contaminated water on it. Duke Lanzwi must've gotten all of this to make up for it. But based on the number of merchants, the cost might've been quite astronomical.
Instead of waiting in line, Hinata drove beside it straight to the gate, they weren't there to deliver anything anyway. Once they got there the guards had recognized their vehicle and welcomed them.
They then inform them of their intentions to fix the oasis. After that surprising statement, one of the Guard immediately bolted off to fetch the duke while the other escorted the party to the guardhouse.
Lanzwi stormed in, heavily breathing after rushing over. After greeting them he quickly asked for confirmation about Hinata's claim. After he got it, he quickly bowed his head, forgetting that he was a duke. He was beyond grateful, despite them pumping more clean water to the oasis, it might still take about a year for it to be restored. Heonce again considered them to be "warriors of Ehit" much to Hinata's irritation.
Nevertheless, they all go to the oasis. There, Seiji stepped forward and started casting the spell. Out of everyone he had the best affinity for restoration magic. Most likely due to him being a priest. However Hinata and Shu had the lowest affinity, like most of the ancient magic they've acquired. The most they can do is use it on themselves.
"Tetragrammaton."
After the chant, Seiji had created a floating orb of light. He carefully moves the orb to center of the oasis and slowly lowers it in. After the orb was submerged, the whole oasis started to glow. Everyone marvels at the sight of tiny bits of light coming out of the oasis.
Once the glowing stop, Meld nods at Lanzwi, telling him it's done. One of Lanzwi's attendant checked the water.
After the results came in...
"It's clean...THE OASIS IS BACK TO NORMAL!" The attendant happily announced. Lanzwi and his other attendants celebrated with tears of joy. Amidst the celebration, Hinata approaches Lanzwi.
"Hey Lanzwi, did you throw away all those ruined crops?" She casually asked the duke, without a shred of caring about honorifics.
"Huh? Uh, no..we haven't had the opportunity to do it . Why do yo- Wait, are you also gonna-"
"Yeah yeah, if Akira and Meld helps, it should be possible."
"Ohhhhhh thank you thank you." Lanzwi once again bows his head. "We will never forget our debt to you, warriors of Ehit."
Hinata's hid her grinding teeth as Meld nervously laugh and takes her away. As they all walked to the ruined crops, Hinata noticed something heading towards them.
"What is it Hinata?"
"Look over there." They all look at what she was pointing. They can see a small army of soldiers marching towards them. "Those are...templar knights of the church." Meld said, he had a bad feeling of what was about to happen.
Once the army arrived, a man dressed in a white robe stepped forward. "Bishop Forbin, why are you here?" Lanzwi asked, recognizing the man.
"Lord Zengen, step away from these heretics." He ordered, rather than answering.
'So they've made their move.' Meld and Hinata thought.
"Wha- Heretics?! What are you talking about? These are heroes of Ankaji. You cannot speak to them that way!"
"Heroes? Do not make me laugh. They have been officially declared heretics by the church."
"I never heard of anything about this."
"It was a decision made just this morning. And what are the chances that they come here on the same day? It seems Ehit has fated me to take take care of them."
Lanzwi was disturbed by the man's tone. But he was also feeling anxious, heretic? He looks at Hinata's party and he can see that their faces remain unfazed. As if they had been expecting something like this. He kept trying to wrap his brain on this situation, what was he-
"Lord Zengen." Meld spoke up. "We'll handle this." He and the others readied their weapons.
"See, these heretics have chosen to oppose the church. Now please step aside lord Zengen. It would be wise for you not to meddle with matters of the church."
Lanzwi closed his eyes, why would Ankaji's saviors be named a heretic. He thought back to the times he referred to them as warrior ls of Eh- Wait. Hinata's face...she always looked annoyed when he did that, why did he not notice? Does it have something to do as to why they were named a heretic?
Of course he had been loyal to the church but he can't deny all that they have done for Ankaji. They killed the monster in the oasis, braved the volcano to obtain the stillstone, and cured the ill. Just today they purified the oasis and promised to fix their crops.
With all that in mind, Lanzwi opened his eyes, ready to give Forbin his answer. "I refuse."
"What was that?!" Forbin was shocked along with Hinata's party.
"I said, I refuse, these people saved my kingdom. I will not let you harm them as long as they are here."
"Y-Y-Y-Y-YOU GODLESS BASTARD." The bishop's cool facade faded as soon as he snapped. Even the templar knights were confused . "Do you realize the consequence of defying the church!?"
"Let me ask you a question Bishop, these people have saved Ankaji from destruction. I also know about their achievement in Ur and Horaud. And yet you want to punish them for it? I, Lanzwi Feuward Zengen implore the church to change their verdict!"
"S-Silence! The church's decision is final. It is Ehit's will! If you continue i shall name you and your whole kingdom as heretics as well." The man was acting like a lunatic. Lanzwi had no fear of the man whatsoever.
Meld walked closer. "Lord Zengen, do not do this." He implored. "Just worry about your people, we can handle this."
"Seriously dude, we'll be fine." Hinata chimed in.
Lanzwi looks at his attendants, a single nod from them was the only confirmation he needed. The attendants joined and Lanzwi and looked at the bishop with determined glares.
"Are you all foolish? I will bring divine wrath on this kingdom! It will be bathed in the blood of it's people!"
"You should not underestimate the people of Ankaji! And divine wrath you say? The god I believe in would never punish peope for such heroic deeds. Perhaps you are the heretic!" Lanzwi returned the the accusation. Having heard enough Forbin raises his hand, ready to signal the knights to atta-
CLANG
Forbin looks at the pebble that just hit one of his knights. He then sees multiple residents of Ankaji with hateful glares on their faces and a stone in their hand.
The commotion had brought them over. They didn't know the specific details of the whole heretic thing, but they understood enough. The bishop was acting nuts and threatening their saviors. And the duke has shown where his allegiance lies.
Lanzwi turns to his people. "My beloved citizens of Ankaji. This group of adventurers had not only cured the plague that threatens this kingdom. But they have also have returned the oasis to it's former glory. They have also promised to fix our soil and crops to help Ankaji. Do not let me make your decision, but I...have made mine. I will stand by them!" He proudly declared. The citizens didn't even take a second to make their decisions.
The templar knights can only take the stones they pelted. They know they can't match Ankaji's sheer number, even with weaker civilians. And stones weren't the only thing being hurled.
"Screw you! We're not letting you lay a finger on them."
"You did nothing to help us! So don't act so high and mighty."
"We will never turn out backs on Seiji- sama!"
Believing in Ehit is one thing. But the people of Ankaji has no problem believing Hinata over Forbin, much to the bishop's chagrin.
"Do you see now, bishop? This is Ankaji's will. Now will you reconsider your verdict?" Forbin, once again ignored Lanzwi's question. He can only grit his teeth while retreating back to the church with the templar knights.
"Lord Zengen! You did not have to do that. That was our battle not yours." Meld said in concern. The others shared the same sentiment, none of them wanted Ankaji to be destroyed because of them.
"Sir Meld, I have already said that this is Ankaji's will. We will not repay your kindness by letting the bishop kill you. Should I have done that, the people would be asking for my head."
"You... could've just stayed neutral. As if that pretentious ass would've actually been able to kill us." Hinata countered.
"Hehe, you're right, and that is yet another as to why it's better side with you all." He turns to Meld. "Especially... Heiligh kingdom's strongest warrior. "
"Ah, so you realized?" He said while slightly embarrassed.
"I believe I've said I learned about all your past achievements. Since lady Hinata had refered to you as "Meld" it wasn't hard find out about your status. And speaking of lady Hinata." He turns to the teenager. "I believe I owe you an apology." He bows his head, though instead of gratitude he is expressing regret.
"Huh?"
"I'm sorry for all the times I unknowingly offended you."
"What ar- oh, that." So he finally noticed, it's not like she was trying to hide her disdain over people assuming she has any sort of connection to him.
"I do not know what your conflict with church is nor do I tend to pry. But should you need our help for anything. Do not hesitate to ask."
"...Sure." with all set and done, they go to finish their initial objective. They stayed in Ankaji for two days. One was filled with fixing the crops and soil. The second was for a celebration thrown by Lanzwi, who along withe rest of the kingdom really insisted on them to join.
In those two days Hinata can't stop thinking about what happened. Ankaji standing with them to be exact. It felt really weird for her to have people siding with her, considering...
Two days after leaving Ankaji, they were already driving near Horaud. It was unexpectedly a nice long drive without any sort of trou-
"Hey, what's that?" Shu said, noticing something peculiar.
Oh, who were they kidding?
Hinata stops the car and they all see what Shu meant. The first thing they Saw was a big blue dome. Realizing it was barrier they took a closer look. There were multiple carriages in the dome, along some frightened people inside. The dome was surrounded by what they assume to be bandits.
"Let's see around 40 bandits and they're holding out with only ..15? Impressive." Hinata analyzed.
"I believe it may be due to that one master." Tio points out. There was one person outside the barrier who was easily slicing up bandits. After dealing enough damage they retreat back to the barrier. The hit and run tactic should be effective however..
"There's too much of them."
"Yes you're right. Even with that swordsman cutting down the bandits, they are still able to slowly break down the barrier. It is a battle of contrision."
As they watched the scene Meld and Seiji can't help but look at the two individuals that are standing out.
"Hinata, shouldn't we help?" Shu asked.
"It's just some bandits, it's not our problem. Besides I think that swordsman got it handled. And even if the barrier's broken they can still..." Hinata trailed off once she saw that Meld, who was sitting next to her was gone, with the door wide open. "Huh?" She then looked out and sees Meld jumping down the hill with Seiji in tow.
"...Son a bitch!"
Once Meld lands at the foot of the hill, he and Seiji gives a nod to each other and splits up. Seiji makes his way to the barrier, Meld covers him while slicing multiple bandits at once with ease. He gives a nod to the hooded swordsman from before, who seemed shocked to see him but immediately focused back on battle .
Seiji reached the barrier, he requested the hooded caster in the center to be let in. Upon seeing him,the caster let him in. Once inside he begins to heal all the injured people.
The tide immediately changed, every bandit that got close either fell under Meld's blade or got blown away by his wind magic.
"DIE BASTARD!"
Just as a bandit was stupidly running to his doom.
*CRASH*
He was suddenly rammed over by a large vehicle belonging to a certain teen.
"What's up assholes?" Said teen yelled, not directed at the ruffians. She angrily stepped out,machine gun rifle in hand.
RATATATATATATATA
The remaining bandits were shortly eliminated. The people in the barrier took a sigh of relief, knowing that the terror is over.
Meld goes to the hooded swordsman. "I'm glad to see you again...Kuzeli."
The swordsman takes off her hood, proving Meld correct. "And that caster..."
"Seiji!" The caster also takes off her disguise, revealing the beautiful blonde girl.
"Lily! I thought it was you, that barrier looked familiar. Never expected to see you here."
"Neither did I, but I am so glad, you came just in time."
"Princess..." Lily turns to Meld, who then kneels down." It's an honor to see you again. I am sorry for not returning to the castle, please accept my apologies."
"Oh no no, please raise your head. Even if you did not explain your circumstances, I know you definitely left with good inten-"
"What's up jackasses!" The princess was cut off. "Thanks for ditching me! My tolerance for this good samaritan act has it's limits you know!" Hinata stomped closer while still holding the rifle.
Meld immediately got up, waving his arms. "Uhhh now hold on, put the rifle down."
"Uh...sorry Hinata."
After reluctantly storing away, Hinata's eyes met with the princess. "Ah Nagumo-san." Lily walks closer. "I'm so glad you and Meld are still alive. Seiji and Kaori were so heartbroken and so was I. But I am so glad to see you healthy." Lily did her signature smile, the smile of an adorable little princess. A smile that charms ever-
"Uh...who the hell are you?"
The other four people felt as if time had stopped at that moment. They stare at Hinata as if she had grown another head. But no matter how many heads she had...
"What do you mean "Who the hell are you?"?!" She was definitely gonna get a scolding from Meld. "You are speaking to the princess, the princess of the Heiligh kingdom might I remind you."
"The prin...cess?" Hinata was genuinely trying to remember.
"Cmon Hinata." Seiji urged, worried about the sniffling princess. "Try to remember. We all talked to her when we first got here ."
"Hmm...now that you mention it...I do remember ignoring someone in a frilly dress in front of me."
'How do you only remember ignoring someone ?!' Everybody thought.
"I-I see.." Lily's body was shaking, it was out of her effort to not cry. She wipes off the small tears on her eyes. "Who knew being forgotten would've hurt so much?" She may sound entitled, but she can't help but expect to be held in high regards by people.
"Wait, now I remember."
"Y-You do?" Lily asked with some hope in her eyes.
"I remember telling myself to forget about you on purpose."
Everyone winced as Lily had to hold back more tears.
"Hinata, why did you do that?!"
"Because I didn't think she was worth remembering." Hinata flatly said.
"Gah Princess! Princess! Please stay strong." Kuzeli begged.
"Well why would you think that?!" Meld angrily questioned Hinata.
"Well...I just remember thinking she was...plain."
"P-Plain?"
"Yeah, plain, basic, generic, maybe even boring?"
"Princess! Princessssssssss." Kuzeli cried.
Meld pulls Hinata away. "Apologize now!" He whispered.
"I am not gonna apologize for not being a simp." She countered.
"Well it seems you folks are doing well."
The new voice breaks the odd atmosphere. Everyone looks at the man stepping out of the carriage. Hinata and Meld's eyes widen.
"More, More Nos, Is that you?"
"I'm honored that you remember me." The merchant tips his hat and bows.
"You guys know him?"
"Yeah, we once did an escort job for him once."
"Oh..." Then Seiji realized something. "Wait! You remembered a merchant you met once, but not the princess?"
Everyone continued to comfort Lily, who was putting on a brave face.
"Ah, it seems my assumptions were correct." More chimed in.
"Ah...so you knew?" Kuzeli asked.
"I have a sharp eyes Ms Reil. I also have sharp instincts, so I assume you two have a change of plans."
"Y-Yes, we apologize." Kuzeli bowed down. "But we will no longer require your services, we have reached our...real destination." She looks at Meld. "Of course we will still pay the expense-"
"Now now no need for that."
"Huh?" Lily spoke up while also breaking out of her shock "But we cant do that!" Not only they helped with traveling, they also paid for their food and lodging.
"Your majesty, i will let you in on a secret. You see, a merchant's greatest income is not money..but trust."
"Trust?"
"Yes, as long as you have the costumer's trust, merchants will never fail." The princess and Kuzeli were stunned. " So instead of money, i hope that i have earned your trust through the time we've spent."
"Y-Yes, I Liliana S. B. Heiligh swear that i will trust your company with my life. I thank you from the bottom if my heart."
"You are too kind."
It was a touching scene...for a sucker.
'Sly bastard.' Hinata internally commented. He can use as many pretty words as he want. It doesn't change the fat he's basically buttering her up. Travel fee can't hold a candle to being seen in good graces by royalty.
Hinata decided not to say anything.
More was just doing his job, looking for the best profit. And it also wasn't her problem that the princess was so gullible.
They bid the merchant goodbye, but not before More informed them that he knew about their heretic status. He also assured that he believes in them, A.K.A another attempt to suck up. At least he knew who he should suck up to.
After he was gone, it was time to get to a certain matter.
"Ok, all jokes aside." Hinata turns to lily. "Mind telling me why you were looking for us?" It wasn't hard to pick up Kuzeli's "real destination" comment.
Lily can only look down in sadness. "Kuzeli, did something happened?"
"L-L...Lady Aiko has been kidnapped."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY TEACHER'S KIDNAPPED?!"
That was Hinata's response after what Lily told her. They ushered the two of them to the SUV. Shu and Tio volunteered to sit on the top. While Akira takes the wheel with Seiji next to him. Everyone else was in the back.
Lily and Kuzeli began their tale. They tell the group of the odd situation in the royal palace. First was her father the king. He had been spending alot of time with the pope and had become too devoted to Ehit. She notices him praising Ehit more and more. There was also how he dismissed Aiko's and her objections and named both Hinata and Meld as heretics.
Meld can only shudder, thinking of what's become of the man he swore his loyalty to.
Next was what came to known as the void disease. Soldiers and knights have shown abnormal behavior. Mainly they all looked...empty, they're eyes don't have any light, they don't respond to anything, and of course people were also going missing.
Lily had tried to endure it and fix all of it, including how harsh her father looks at her now. But then, she saw it happened, Aiko had called a meeting with all of her students. She also informed Lily, she said she needed to convey something she learned from Meld.
Hinata and Meld felt tense.
However, on the way to the meeting, Lily witnessed a nun knocking her out and taking her away. After that she went to the person she trusted the most at the moment, Kuzeli. She was the one who said they should look for Meld. And so they left, they decided to head Ankaji because Kaori had mentioned that they were heading there. They were hoping Lanzwi was able to help them in locating Meld's party.
"And that brings us to now. "
"I'm sorry." Kuzeli bowed in shame. "As soon as i heard about what happened to lady Aiko i-i should have staged a rescue. I'm sorry but I just thought if captain Meld was...was.."
"Kuzeli." Meld places his hand on her shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile." You followed my warning and you managed to keep the princess safe. You did a great job." Kuzeli smiles, forgetting about her earlier regret. Meld had praised her in the past, but for some reason it feels different now. When he says it now, she feels much more joy, like now she wants to be praised by him. As if she is in lo-
"Ok so what now?" Hinata asked.
"Huh?"
"You did all of that to find us, so you wanted something from us right?"
"Um..yes .." even without her saying it, they can easily tell what the princess wants.
But...
Meld looks at Hinata. He worries about this request. Of course he would definitely go back to help but...would Hinata do the same? She helped Ur and Ankaji out of convenience. The same goes for bringing Moku to Erisen. He hasn't forgotten how badly her rescuing The hero's party went.
Back in Erisen, she might've offered to help fight Ehit. But they both knew it was only out of spite for the malicious god.
He could never ask Hinata to help protect the kingdom that drove her to kill herself, can he?
Of course, he can just go alone. After all, he told Hinata that he would've done it for Ur so of course he would do it for the kingdom.
But to leave Hinata's side...
"I-"
"Fine, we'll go there."
""Huh?""
"We'll go to the Divine Mountain to get Sensei back."
"Y-You're really coming back?"
"Don't be too happy. If sensei really did get taken for what I think she wanted to say, then I'm partially to blame. So that means I have to fix it. And I always clean up my own shit. But don't get the wrong idea." She stated. "I don't give a shit about your kingdom or your faith in god. I'm only going to save my teacher. Besides, the divine mountain has a great labyrinth."
Meld sighs, that's the best response he can probably get.
"We'll also check on Kaori, but don't expect us to clean up whatever the hell is messing up your kingdom. Leave that to Meld, if we have the time."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
"Don't really care." Meld can't help but be perplexed. From the start he knew Hinata held no love for this world. And yet despite their very different ideals they somehow managed to work together so well.
"Sorry Shu, looks like we're taking a detour." Hinata shouted above.
"It's fine." Shu replied.
Although they have different destination, they always stay on the same path.
"I really hope sis is ok." Seiji fretted.
"Kaori's tough, she'll be fine." Hinata assured.
He doesn't believe in god anymore. But he still feels as though it was fate that they met.
"I see..." Lily gave a pitiful smile. She felt as if she should've known Hinata doesn't care about her kingdom. "If that's the case, then I will just hope that they will get in your wa-"
"No."
"Weh?" Lily suddenly felt a pressing force on her two cheeks, it was Hinata pinching her cheeks. She also sees Hinata glaring at her with her arms extended towards her.
"What did I say about being happy? I'm not letting you feel any joy or relief because of my actions." She pulls Lily's cheeks down. "So turn those corners down missy."
""GAAAAAHHHHHH!"" Meld and Kuzeli screamed.
"Don't pull on the princess's cheeks you scoundrel!" Meld scolded while trying to gently take Hinata's fingers off.
Yup, they were destined to meet. Meld was destined to watch over her and make sure she doesn't get into trouble.
Aiko quietly sits in her cell,staring at the moon through the barred window see. She has been here for days, playing her role as prisoner by eating the scraps of food her jailer has provided.
The bracelet on her arm, that prevents her from using her magic, reminding her how little freedom she has. The useless magic circle on the wall drawn with her blood, belittling her hope.
And of course the one thing that she always thinks about, her students. Everytime the nun that kidnapped her comes by she would always ask the same question to no reply.
She felt so...trapped, like there's nothing she can do. Like like like...she was...
Hinata.
She can only imagine how she must've felt when she fell in the labyrinth. But she can also imagine her fighting forward without ever feeling a moment of weakness...just like she always did...back in their world.
Of course Aiko can't hope to match that level of determination, not when she knows what she had to do with it.
There is also one more difference. When she was down there she had...
Aiko places her fingertips on her lips. "Meld..."
"Sorry to disappoint."
"KYAAAH!" Aiko jumps. Immediately spotting the source of the voice. "Hinata?!"
"Yup."
"But how- why-"
"Just back away from the wall." Hinata sighed, she uses Transmute to make the walls open and simply hops into Aiko's cell.
The two stare at each other for a while, awkwardness clearly felt. They shouldn't be surprised considering their last encounter.
Hinata glanced at the bracelet on Aiko. She then took Aiko's hand to observe it closer,the teacher didn't resist at all. "So this is why you couldn't use magic. Hold on a second, I'll get it off."
As Hinata tried to get the bracelet off with her magic, Aiko shakily spoke up. "Hinata..how did you know I was here?"
"Thank the princess, she saw you get kidnapped. Then she and Kuzeli headed out of the kingdom and happened to run into us."
"And...you came all the way here to save me?"
Hinata averted her eyes for a moment before answering. "The princess told us you were gonna discuss something about what Meld told you before you got kidnapped. I agreed to Meld informing you about it, so I might as well take responsibility... I always clean up my shit."
Hinata eventually manages to break the bracelet off. "I know you wanted your Meld to save-"
"Huh?!" Aiko's panicking cuts Hinata off." Now hold on- I was just- sure I said his name but- What did you mean by "my" Meld?!"
Ignoring her flustered teacher, Hinata turns towards her makeshift doorway. "Anyway, let's get you back with the other students, the faster the better. I know that I'm the last person you wanna see." She was still annoyed at how insisted Meld was that she should be the one who rescued Aiko. Even if she was the most qualified for it.
Aiko stops her panicking after hearing that. She then gently grabbed Hinata's hand. "Please don't say that." Aiko gently rubs the back of Hinata's palm. "I'm glad you came...because I needed to say something to you...thank you...for saving my life."
It was after they left. Aiko kept replaying the scene in her head until it eventually clicked. The shot, Shimizu, Shu running towards her...and Hinata shooting Shimizu. "I should've said that long ago but i didn't, i'm sorry. I'm also sorry for forcing you to-"
"Would you stop it." Hinata yanks her hand away. "You didn't force me to do shit. Me killing Shimizu was inevitably my own choice. Besides...we both know it's the opposite."
"Opposite? Oh...you're talking about that." Aiko frowns at the unpleasant memory. But even so."Look...Nagum-"
*CRASH*
Hinata and Aiko ducks and cover their ears out of reflex. "What was that?!" Aiko asked. Hinat aactivates her telepathy. 'Meld, Tio what the hell was that?'
'The barrier...the kingdom's barrier... it shattered.'
"So that was it."
"Hinata?"
"The kingdom's barrier shattering, that was the noise we heard."
"What...?"
"Meld told me through telepathy. He and Tio were on the kingdom's walls."
"W-What do we do that means the kingdom is under attack!"
"Yeah yeah, and on the one night I fucking happen to be here. I'm finishing what we came here to do. I'm taking you back to the others then we talk. Now come o-"
Before Hinata can finish, she and Aiko were enveloped in a blinding light.
"What th-"
*BOOM*
"*Pant*...*pant*..." Hinata kept breathing in and out while holding onto Aiko and standing on her Aerodynamic skill. "What the fuck?"
After she saw the light the next thing she knew, she was grabbing Aiko and jumping out of the building. The same building that has had it's top half completely disintegrated.
"T-The building.." Aiko stuttered.
"It's gone.."
"Hello irregular." Aiko and Hinata jolts at the third voice. They then spot a figure up above. The figure was wearing long flowing coat. Under the coat was a chest plate. He also wore silver gauntlets, greaves, helmet.
He was also holding two massive blades. And the most prominent part, his wings. The part that Hinata focused on was the man's hair, bright silver. It matches the princess's description and also...the hair of the king's attendant she saw in Melusine.
"An angel or a perhaps Valkyrie?"
"Greetings. I am Noint, I am an apostle of my lord Ehit. Tasked with removing unnecessary game pieces...starting with you."
Hinata glares at Noint as he points his sword to her., she readies her gun and aims at the son of a bitch she's about to kill.
I can't believe that both the anime and manga just cut out the part where they returned to Ankaji, since that's the only time Hajime getting named heretic played a role in the story. Also, if the apostles weren't just named after german numbers, I would've gladly changed Noint's name to Noel.