Author's Note:It is suggested to have tissues nearby to wipe away tears. Well, I shed a tear while writing this chapter. If it makes you cry, let me know if you'd like me to continue with this kind of approach or keep it more focused on fantasy.

Chapter 6

Upon leaving that place, everyone walked out changed. What had once characterized them—cheerfulness, confidence, a light—was extinguished upon seeing how reality surpasses any demon or being from another dimension. They realized that the malice of people is more terrifying and harmful than any spell or curse. When they were on the verge of giving everything up, a voice was heard saying:
—Th...thank you, thank you so much for helping me.—

It was the little girl they had saved from that place, and seeing her smile, their light returned. They remembered why they became Ghostbusters. Although initially, it was for glory, to prove the paranormal exists, or for money, they realized they stayed up all night fighting the intangible, the supernatural, to protect those smiles. Whether from children, adults, or the elderly, everyone deserved a smile, and they could make it happen—with their minds, their weapons, their will, and the greatest thing they had: their hearts, to give hope to those who stood with them.

Author's Note: I know, I just gave a slight reinterpretation of why they do it.
End of Note.

As they walked back to their provisional base, Raphtalia stayed with Winston and Ray, chatting and playing to cheer her up. Meanwhile, Peter said to Egon:
—Why did you do it?—

To which he replied:
—Do what?—

—Don't play dumb with me, buddy. I'm an expert at that, and I know when someone's faking it. So tell me, why did you do it? I mean, I would've done it, heck, we all would've done it. And to be honest, I thought you'd be the last one to do it.—

Egon, caught in the act, just smiled and replied:
—You first.—

Peter smiled back but said he had asked first. Egon, now serious, began to explain:
—I did it because when I saw her, she reminded me of myself as a child.—

This raised one of Peter's eyebrows, and Egon continued:
—Yes, Peter, I have feelings too. When I saw her, it was like seeing myself when the boogeyman scared me as a kid. I told my parents, and they didn't help. I told my teachers, and I didn't get any help. Every night, I was terrified. I felt like I was dying of fear, and there were times I wished I could die just to escape it. I never had help. No one saved me. And at night, when I cried, I wished someone would come to save me. I didn't go through what she went through, but I know the look of someone pleading for help.—

Hearing something so private from his friend, which he had never shared before, Peter simply approached Egon and hugged him, saying:
—Buddy, we've known each other for years, and I know I haven't been very open with you. But if you ever need to talk, I'll be happy to listen. We're a team. And even though you've overcome that, remember you don't just have one friend but three who would give their lives for you.—

After hearing this, Egon did something he hadn't done in a long time—he opened up to his friend, his comrade in arms. For the first time, he felt he could be vulnerable and open up more to the others. After the hug, Egon asked Peter:
—And what was your reason for freeing her?—

Peter, with a mischievous smile, replied:
—Shackles and cages don't suit kids.—

Egon responded:
—You know, I can also tell when someone's lying.—

They both ended up smiling and headed over to Raphtalia, who had been watching them hug without understanding why.
—Hey, kid, are you hungry? Egon's buying food. I know a good place to go.—

When they arrived at the establishment, Raphtalia stopped, noticing a sign that read, "No demi-humans allowed." After explaining this to Winston, he drew his sword, broke the sign, and simply said:
—What sign?—

Raphtalia, surprised, entered with them. They ordered a meal to celebrate her no longer being in that place. Raphtalia was served a children's meal. The waiters and patrons looked at them with disdain, but they couldn't do anything, as they were the heroes. When they finished, they went to the blacksmith, who gave Raphtalia a new outfit and a place to bathe. Once everyone was together, the door opened, and Eclair appeared.

Author's Note: All rights to Ghostbusters belong to Columbia Pictures and Ghost Corps, and Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari belongs to Aneko Yusagi.