Chapter 11: Duel of Queens

"Damn it, Sakura, let me go!" Naofumi shouted.

It was just a typical day for Elhart, albeit a bit slow. Though it made sense. Just like the last wave, most adventurers were pretty lazy and didn't upgrade their equipment until a day before the wave arrived. Though this may be the usual sentiment for most special events, there are a few smart people who decide to get it out of the way immediately. And coming through the door was a combination of both.

"Sakura is not letting this chance slip by. We're getting you some armor while we're here!" Sakura exclaimed.

"You didn't have to drag me by the ear to tell me that!"

"If she didn't, you wouldn't have come." Sakura scoffed.

Taking a closer look at Naofumi's shoulder, Elhart saw the cause for concern. His shoulder was bandaged up, and the shirt he was wearing was also damaged, with several poorly sewn stitch marks. It wasn't shocking that he got hurt; shield hero or not, it was bound to happen. He was just surprised Naofumi took so long to get a set. That blunder was entirely on him.

"You're back already, kid? You've only been gone for a week." Elhart asked.

"Yeah, Ryute was kind of boring. But that mine really did help in gaining a profit." Naofumi opened his pouch with seven gold coins inside. "Especially since we didn't say the mine was cleared out." Naofumi chuckled.

"Notice how he didn't mention that he got bit by an oversized two-headed dog. Or how that happened mere days after he got bit in the same shoulder by a Nue! Or he has stabbed a fucking porcupine in, get this, the same damn shoulder!" Sakura exclaimed. She got up in Naofumi's face, forcing him over the counter.

"Sakura will not stand you getting hurt if it's preventable. If you plan on acting as our tank, then you're getting armor. No ifs, ands, or buts!"

"You don't pay for anything; I buy whatever I want. We're not even here for armor in the first place!" Naofumi argued.

"That doesn't matter."

"Yes, it does!"

The hero and bird argued as Raphtalia silently scooted over to the counter.

"Sorry for the noise."

"No worries. It's the only entertainment I've had this past week. I've also noticed you started growing; what level are you now?" Elhart asked.

"Twenty. We've hunted a lot of frogs out in the swamps, so I've caught up rather quickly. That was until this happened." Raphtalia held out her dagger, the blade snapped in two, almost as if it had been corroded.

"Well now. That's quite the situation."

"You know what the deal is? I'm pretty sure swords don't just snap in half." Naofumi cupped his chin. "At least, I don't think it does."

"From the looks of it, the blade was improperly cleaned and hasn't been sharpened. I'm surprised it lasted that long in the first place." Elhart explained. Coming from behind the counter, he went over to the rack of weapons and began sifting through them. "I suggest keeping following the routine Sakura does; she should know how to do it."

"Oh really." Naofumi started at Sakura; the bird's attention focused on another sword in the room before being called.

"Yeah… Sakura forgot to explain." Sakura scratched the back of her head with a chuckle.

"You idiot." Naofumi shook Sakura on the shoulder. "We could have saved ourselves a dagger."
"Alright, sorry. Sakura was occupied by her new weapon...
"Ughhh. How much for a new dagger?" Naofumi asked.

"Actually. I wanted to ask if it's okay for me to upgrade to a sword. The dagger has been a bit too small for me." Raphtalia confessed.

With a sigh, Naofumi silently relented and opened his pouch.

"Alright then. How much for a sword?"

"I did expect you to ask. I set out the cheapest I've got right here." Elhart took out a sword and placed it on the counter.

"235 silvers"

Naofumi opened his mouth but was swiftly interrupted.

"And yes, that's with the discount."
"Geez, why does your stuff have to be so expensive?" Naofumi grumbled.

"Materials aren't cheap, you know. Also, what do you plan on doing with the armor situation as well?"

"Since Sakura won't let me leave until I get one. Anything gives good mobility and defense."

"Custom order or premade? And yes, custom orders are cheaper if you bring your own materials."
"Then we're doing that option. I'll be back with some stuff."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll bill you for the sword and armor then."

"Then we'll see you in an hour or so." Grabbing the sword on the counter, the party waved goodbye and left the store.

"Glad to see he's a bit more cheerful than usual."

/~/

"Finally back at camp, and we have leftover rice. This fried rice will be so good. Sakura can't wait to have a—NOO!"

Sakura came out of the bushes into their secret hiding spot, only to find out their spot wasn't so secret. It had been ransacked. Although their carriage and less important items were left untouched, their food was the main victim of this assault, making Sakura fall to the ground in dismay.

"Or food, what monster would do this?"

"I have a few theories. Though there are a lot of boars around, so it may be them."
"I'LL EXTERMINATE THEM!" Sakura exclaimed as she raised her sword high in the air.
"It's kind of our fault, though; we did leave the cart out." Raphtalia sighed.

"Sakura knew we should have parked it in a more hidden spot."

"Yeah. We accounted for humans, but we forgot about the monsters." Naofumi also sighed.

Maybe I should buy a weighted blanket or some kind of cover. Maybe that'll be enough to keep unnecessary monsters… What was that?

Naofumi turned his head, a rustling bush snapping him out of his thoughts. He wasn't the only one; the noise had caught the attention of both Raphtalia and Sakura, the latter of whom was already preparing herself for a tussle. With a nod from Naofumi, the pink bird jumped in and immediately entered a tussle. It wasn't a long bout, however. Sakura quickly leaped out of the bush, monster in hand, and hair covered in twigs and leaves.

"Sakura's hair may be messed up, but she caught the monstrous… oh, it's just a filolial."

"You think it's the one that raided our camp?" Raphtlia asked.

"It's possible. But we can't really know." Naofumi answered.

"Well, if it did, Sakura knows what we're having for lunch now." Sakura drew her blade from the bush, scarring the filolial and causing it to plead for its life.

"Gua Gua Gua Gua Gua Gua Gua-."

As the bird kept talking, Sakura soon got annoyed and grabbed it by its beak.

"Oi, Sakura doesn't have time to hear any excuses."

"Hold it, you can talk to that thing," Raphtalia asked.

"Well, yeah. Learning human speech doesn't mean I lose my monster speech."

"Then do you know if it said anything about our camp?"

"No, although he did mention something about a queen coming about 100 times."

"Queen? Like the queen of Melromarc?" Naofumi looked over at the filolial. It nodded its head, indicating it understood the question.

"He says it's the queen of filolials. And she desires to see us."

"What did you challenge her for, the right to the throne or something?"
"Not that I'm aware of!" Sakura defended.

"Well, if you did, then you're on your own. I'm not trying to get into monster politics or whatever you guys have." Naofumi scoffed.

"It's actually called the law of monsters."
"Whatever. How far out is she so we can get this over with?" Naofumi asked.

Right on cue, a flock of phyllolials invaded their campsite and made a long line.

"Seems right now." Sakura stepped back, her hand guarding Naofumi and Raphtalia as they watched on. It took about a minute for the flock to finally finish up, the last two filolial unrolling a red carpet they somehow acquired.

Alas, once they were done. The party was stunned as a carriage appeared out of nowhere and began making its way down the line of birds. When it finally reached the end, it turned to its sides and opened its doors, revealing its master.

"Greetings, shield hero. I am Fitoria, the queen of all filolials."

The queen bowed as she stepped off the carriage. Her introduction, however, wasn't as impressive as she wanted it to be, as the party couldn't help but focus on one thing.

Why is she so small! Everyone thought.

Everything about her screamed royal. She had short silver hair with three cowlicks, along with white wings and an elegant white and red dress. Her problem, however, was she was small. She was barely taller than Raphtalia when she was younger and leagues smaller than Sakura, despite being younger.

"You're the queen of filolial… But you look so tiny.

Raphtalia hit Naofumi on the head, causing a bit of damage in the process.

"Ow?"
"Can you not be rude for once?" Raphtalia sighed.

"What? It's not my fault she looks like a child on her way to the ball."

Even her entrance. It reminds me of that one princess story from America. Naofumi thought as he addressed the queen.

"Unnecessary questions aside. I have been looking forward to an audience with you regarding the waves, and later her," Fitoria explained, pointing towards Sakura.

"Is this like a situation where the last one standing has to be queen?"

"No shield hero, I'm not talking about crowning another queen just yet."

"Oh, then what do you want with her?"
"That'll be answered in time, for now. I have some questions for you about the waves." Fitoria waved her hand, summoning a weird mist that slowly flowed into the area.

"That should keep away any unwanted visitors."
"What the hell did you just do?" Naofumi asked, raising his shield.

"Do not fret, Shield Hero; it's just a countermeasure for monsters."
"Sure?" Naofumi lowered his shield a bit but was still ready to fight if the need arose.

"So what is this all about?" Naofumi asked.

"It's just a simple question. Do you plan on fighting the waves?" Fitoria asked.

"Well, duh. Why do you ask?"
"It's the hero's duty to protect the world. It's Fitoria's duty to make sure the heroes know their job and are actually doing it. One way or another.

The last line made the party feel uneasy. Even with his nerves, however, Naofumi is able to regain his composure.

"Well, I can certainly say we're planning on fighting the waves. Melromarc's is actually in a few days currently." Naofumi explained.

"I see. What about the rest then?" Fitoria asked.

"Rest?"

"The other countries that have a dragon hourglass, what about them?" Fitoria clarified.

"Are you telling me the waves are happening in other areas other than Melromarc?"

"Precisely."
"What?" If that's true, then the king is hiding a lot more than I thought. Just another reason to trust this place. "Well, that's good to know." Naofumi sighed.

"If you were unaware of this information, then what of the other heroes?"
"I'm unsure. I lost contact with them a while back after the trial."
"That's an issue then. You need to inform them."

"No thanks. Why can't you do it?"

"Fitoria handles all the waves in the area the humans can't get to. What I'm asking of you is the bare minimum of protecting your settlements. A single hero can't defeat the waves by themself after all."

"Even if I wanted to, they probably wouldn't even listen to me. It's just not going to happen."

"The heroes need to work together if you want to save the world. If you all are letting some petty squabble over a trail that's not even finished keep you from working together, then you aren't going to make it far. Fitoria isn't even saying you have to become friends with them; all I ask is to just pass on this info so that you all have an easier time repelling the waves. If you can't do that, then maybe the next set of heroes will."

Fitoria stepped forward, as everyone awaited her wrath. Even Naofumi couldn't help but cower in her presence. That was until Sakura stepped in front of him, sword in hand.

"Back it up. You're not going to touch him." Sakura threatened.

"The safety of the world takes precedence over petty squabbles."

"It's not petty."

"Even if it isn't. If the heroes refuse to help each other, then Fitoria will be forced to summon a new batch. It's still early enough."

"Not a chance."

"Fine then." At her command, all the filolial scattered, leaving only the four of them there. "If you're adamant about defending your master. I shall allow you to take the first swing. But be warned, once you do. Fitoria won't stop until she gets past." Fitoria threatened.

"Fine then."

"Hold on, you can't fight her!"

"Yes, Sakura can. She wants to kill you; she will not let that happen!" Without warning, Sakura ran forward, shifting all her weight into a kick to Fitoria's face. When it connected, however, all that was heard was a clank.

"That would be enough to hurt most people. But certainly not me."

Despite her short stature. Fitoria grabbed Sakura by her wings and tossed her deeper into the forest with ease.

"This was bound to happen; Fitoria commends her courage, though. I promise not to hurt much, but this conversation is far from over."

Fitoria leaped after Sakura, clearing the distance in a fraction of the time.

"Shit. Raphtalia, let's move!"

"What's the plan? Is there a plan?"

"I'm not sure. We'll figure it out when we get there!" Naofumi exclaimed as he ran after the queen.

/~/

Flying through the forest, Sakura crashed through several trees before slamming into the ground.

"A nice area, isn't it? This should be far enough from your camp." Fitoria greeted as she floated harmlessly to the ground.

"You didn't have to throw Sakura to get me here, you know."
"That may be true, but Fitoria isn't playing any games. The world is at stake, and the shield hero refuses to work with the others. If you truly believe he could defend this world with his own power, allow me to see how well he raised his companion." Fitoria held out her hand, the air twisting itself into the form of a drill.

"Think of this as a battle for your life. Because if you falter, even for a second. You might lose you."

Fitoria fired off her attack, her wind tearing through the ground as they approached. Sakura scrambled to her feet, narrowly dodging the wind before going on the attack herself. Picking up her sword, she unleashed a quick flurry of slashes, but Fitoria dodged them all, effortlessly toying with her attack as she ducked and sidestepped her attacks.

Seeing her initial assault fail, Sakura leaped back and then rushed back in. She tried to slash at the queen's feet, but Fitoria flipped away. As she gracefully landed on the ground, Sakura thrust her sword, but the queen caught the tip with her finger.

"Your swings lack any form, wild yet predictable."

Fitoria kicked Sakura in the gut, sending her spinning into the air. When Sakura landed, she narrowly ducked under Fitoria, using her own sword to slash attack. After dodging the hit, Sakura kicks the blade out of Fitoria's hand and aims a roundhouse kick at her nose.

Fitoria caught the kick and hit Sakura into the air. But the bird caught her blade and quickly chanted a spell.

"As the source of thy power, I order thee. Decipher the laws of nature and allow me to ride the wind. [First wind step!]"

Jumping off the air itself. Sakura dove down at Fitoria, swinging her blade at the queen's neck. As it was about to connect, however, Fitoria raised her hand, projecting a golden blade.

And swung at the sword, shattering it on contact and releasing a blast of wind that blew Sakura away.

What the hell was that? A claw of some kind? She can do that? Can I do that?

Sakura got back up, dusting herself off. Looking down, she saw her broken sword, along with several cuts to her dress.

"You're repairing your clothing. But it seems you don't know much more than that."

"What are you going on about?" Sakura questioned.

"Your attacks are creative. But as I said before, predictable. You also can't protect yourself, at least not with your magic clothing like that. At this rate, you won't be able to even touch Fitoria." Fitoria taunted.

My clothing, what does she mean by that? Can it do more? Not the time; Sakura is mad.

"Well, since you broke Sakura's favorite and only sword, mercy is now out the window. [High Quick]!"

"Pitiful." Both disappear in a flash.

On the other side of the battlefield, Naofumi and Raphtalia arrived, only to witness devastation as a pink and blue blur bounced around, knocking down trees and making craters in the ground when they clashed.

Before long, the blue blur had gained the upper hand and was manhandling Sakura across the battlefield.

"What are we supposed to do against that?"
"I don't know, but we can't just let Sakura get beaten down like this. [Shield pro-]!"

Due to interference, weapon forms cannot be changed.
"What?"

Fitoria appeared in front of Naofumi while holding Sakura up by the neck.
"I ask you not to interfere with this battle shield hero. Any more attempts and I'll be forced to stop you from intervening next time."

"Shit… Sorry, Sakura, you're on your own."

"It's… the thought… that counts." Sakura wheezed before getting thrown back into the sky.

She attempted to chant a spell, but Fitoria appeared above her, grabbed her by the face, and slammed her face first into the ground.

"At this rate, you won't be able to protect your master."

"Don't… underestimate… Sakura." Getting out of the crater, Sakura dashed towards Fitoria and threw a flurry of punches. Fitoria was able to dodge all of them and block the sneaky kick at the end.

Letting her leg go, Sakura leaped back and used the moment to gather herself. With her breath caught, Sakura ran back into the action, this time chanting a spell.

"[Zweite Tornado!]"

Flipping into the air, Sakura attacked with an axe kick. The queen decided to dodge and jumped back, but when Sakura's foot touched the ground, a tornado appeared and flew straight at the queen.

"What a peculiar attack combination. [Anti-Zweite Tornado]" Quickly doing a chant of her own, Fitoria also unleashed a tornado. As two twisters crashed into each other, they immediately dissipated on contact.

"No fa-" Sakura guarded herself as Fitoria took the opportunity to attack. Kicking her into the air, Fitoria kicked her body back into the ground and rode it for a short distance before stepping off. Once she did, Sakura immediately went back on the attack. Fitoria, however, just moved her head to the side and struck back with a punch to the gut.

Instead of being launched away, however, Sakura only slid back a few feet.

"Sakura understands it now. Reinforce my clothing for more defense." Being closer than ever, Sakura took a step and immediately swung her fist, aiming for Fitoria's head. The attack connected but did almost nothing, only moving the queen's head a bit.

"You're a fast learner. Let's see if you can keep this up." Grabbing her by the arm, Fitoria pulled Sakura forward and punched her once again. She didn't stop there; however, she kept pulling her back in, pummeling her, before delivering one last punch that launched her across the ground.

"Fitoria shall end this now. Though I will commend you, you've done pretty well."

Fitoria held up her hand, and glowing orbs appeared around the battlefield. The party watched in awe as they began to converge on Fitoria as if she was using them to get a supercharge.

"Sakura! She is charging something!" Raphtalia shouted.
"I know!"

"Then do something, you idiot!"
"I'm trying!" Sakura grumbled.

Mustering all the strength she had left, she attempted to stand. But the pain proved too much for her, and she fell to her knees. Her body failed to move, but she didn't want to quit.

Looking at Fitoria, she began to copy the queen, taking some of the magic in the area as well. Though the amount she gathered was minuscule in comparison to Fitoria. It did give her just enough strength to stand once again.

"It's too late. This battle is already decided."

Clenching her fist, the wind in the area began to converge into a powerful whirlwind. Its pull was so strong that Naofumi and Raphtalia struggled to hold themselves. Even Sakura was at risk of being dragged in, but she stood her ground.

"[Dreifach Cyclone!]"

Okay, Sakura. Reinforce, reinforce.

Untying her bow, Sakura wrapped it around her hand and began charging it with her magic. Using her other hand, she drew it like a sword, forming a claw similar to Fitoria's. Leaping back as far as she could, she began to run, piercing through the wind like an arrow.

"[Spiral!]

There was no blocking or dodging; she just needed to get through, no matter what. Speeding towards the cyclone, she spun faster and faster and pierced through the cyclone like a speeding bullet.

[Strike!]"

Seeing the attack, Fitoria quickly formed the wind around her into that of a barrier, but it was already too late. Sakura, with one last push, pierced through the barrier and slashed Fitoria across the face. Despite getting a hit off, her slash only produced a small scratch on Fitoria's face. But Sakura didn't plan on giving up.

She was out of mana, but she wasn't out of options. Pivoting back, she ran forward and threw another punch. But Fitoria caught it and held out her hand. Sakura closed her eyes and braced herself for the oncoming strike, but it never came. Instead, she felt the wounds she received during the fight slowly start to heal.

"Nicely done." Fitoria complimented.

"D-does… that mean…"
"Yes, Sakura, you win."

"Ha ha!" Sakura let out a cheer before collapsing to the ground.

After the battle was declared over, Naofumi immediately rushed over to the unconscious Filolial and cast every form of healing magic he knew on the bird.

"That isn't necessary. She has already been healed of injuries. It is just the fatigue of battle that's knocked her out."

"Shut up! What was that even about!?" Naofumi exclaimed.

"She did technically start the fight. I didn't intend on doing that so early on. Though, Fitoria could have handled things better once you didn't catch her bluff."

"THAT DOESN'T MAKE THINGS ANY BETTER! Raphtalia, punch her."

"Umm… I'll pass," Raphtalia shuddered, still scared of the queen.

"To better explain myself. Fitoria just wanted to keep the world's safety in mind. If a hero were to die during the wave, it would do insurmountable damage to the world. Like them or hate them, you, along with them, are the pillars of the world, each one's strength depending on the other." Fitoria scratched her head, almost as if struggling to explain. "Let's just say it like this. Fitoria is not saying you have to like them; you could be enemies for all I care. All I ask is that you just tolerate them and pass on the knowledge that you know so the world can survive. Is that with you, shield hero?" Fitoria asked.

She does have a point. She can also drag my ass if I don't listen. You better play it safe for now.

"Fine. I'll try to work with them. But don't think for a second that'll make us buddy-buddy in the future." Naofumi scoffed.

"That is fair. Before you go, however, Fitoria would like to give some compensation from earlier."

A couple of Filolial rush to Fitoria's cart and return a minute later with a crown made of pure silver. The filolial placed it on Sakura's unconscious head, and a few seconds later, the crown exploded into a puff of sparkles that grew into a cowlick

"Sakura almost died, and your compensation is a cowlick!?"

"She has received the blessing of the queen. I can assure you, it'll be beneficial for her later."

"It better be as worthwhile as you said it is, or… I'll figure a threat out later," Naofumi replied.

"One last thing, Shield Hero. I suggest you register for an hourglass soon. As you know, Melromarc's wave starts in 3 days. The one over in Siltvelts, however, is rumored to start in three weeks. The others I'm not quite sure about.
"Umm, thank I guess."

"I'm counting on you, shield hero. Please, save the world."

Walking back into her cart, the carriage disappeared in a flash of light, along with the filolial with her.

"What should we do now?"

"I say get Sakura to a place so she can rest, then find one of the heroes too, I guess."

"Understood. I'll handle the cart."
"You sure you can pull it?"
"I'm a lot stronger than you think; I'll have it inside by sundown."

Raphtalia ran in the direction of the cart while Naofumi carried an unconscious Sakura into the city.

"You didn't have to defend me like that. But I appreciate the gesture."

Mini Story

"WHAT, NOO!"

"Why are you yelling?"

"How can I be calm about this, Naofumi? This thing is messing up Sakura's style." Sakura whined as she pointed to the cowlick on her head. "Sakura was supposed to have the whole lotus style going on, but now it's ruined."

"It's just a cowlick; you'll be fine."

"No, I won't." Sakura sulked. "I wish I could have kept the tiara."

Sakura suddenly looked up in the air and formed a scowl on her face.
"Shut up, and you owe Sakura a new sword!"

"Sakura… Have you gone mad?"

"Not now, using telepathy. And I'll be sure to punch you even harder next time!"