Chapter 2: The fateful meeting
Opening 1: Crimson Cloud - Jeff Rona
-The music starts playing with Naofumi and Shinobu walking forward. The views shifted around their appearance, showing their weapons-
'Savior! Bloodstained! Hellfire! Shadow!
Having a dark side!'
-Naofumi and Shinobu were soon joined by two human-like women. One had brown raccoon dog ears and a matching tail while the other had 8 blonde fox tails with matching ears.-
'Savior! Bloodstained! Hellfire! Shadow!
Having a dark side!'
-Both of the boys had their weapons ready in a region suffering from a monster invasion. They had their weapons ready and began fighting with impressive skills. The two women joined the boys, providing their help.-
'If you have to ask, it's too late!
Somewhere in between, you're carried to grace!'
-Naofumi and Shinobu showed an angered expression on their faces. The reason was due to meeting Itsuki, Ren, and Motoyasu. Among them, Myne was there.-
'An iron fantasy, touching it!
Sparks fly off of me and onto you!'
-Shinobu and Naofumi were blocking the numerous attacks from monsters and the people mentioned. They soon became aggressive, pushing them back with their legendary weapons.-
'Brothers in the dark, fight for your life!
Devils in the dark, fight for your life!
Fight for your life!
Fight for your life!'
-The boys and their partners continued fighting their way through. The monsters and their former allies were overwhelming at first, but they stood their ground. With teamwork, they watched each other's backs as they took down the monsters.-
'Savior! Bloodstained! Hellfire! Shadow!
Having a dark side!'
-Naofumi and Shinobu were soon forced to fight off the monsters around them, using their skills. The Sky soon turned red with a multitude of swirling colors. Shinobu hurled energy sword waves while Naofumi used an energy shield to hold them off. The shield pushed them back, providing breathing room.-
'Savior! Bloodstained! Hellfire! Shadow!
Having a dark side!'
-Naofumi soon used a different shield skill, creating a prison of shields. It trapped a large monster, allowing Naofumi's partner to finish it with a stab from her sword.-
'Crimson Cloud!
Evil in the sky!'
-The sky was starting to flash from red to blue. Naofumi, Shinobu, and their partners watched as the monsters began to disappear.-
'Crimson Cloud!
Evil in the sky!'
-The view zooms our showing the town of Melromarc in a bird's eye view. Upon zooming further out, a shield and two swords were seen on a silver emblem.-
Shinobu and Naofumi were hunting monsters on their own at a forest. Both felt some degree of relief, killing them one by one. However, this didn't satisfy the anger that constantly swells within them.
"We won't be able to progress individually... Our weapons are limiting the amount of EXP we earn to get stronger if we're close." Naofumi noted.
"I may be able to fight offensively. However, I'll admit, this is quite troubling." Shinobu admitted.
"The problem is, no one will join us since that bastard king framed us for a crime we didn't commit." Naofumi recalled.
"I know... Our roads will be difficult, but all is not lost..." Shinobu said.
"What will we do then? We have to find other means to survive here." Naofumi questioned.
"I don't have the answers right now, but we have to make things count while it lasts." Shinobu responded.
######
Heading their way back to town, Naofumi and Shinobu were soon called by Erhard, who looked serious.
"Hey, you two. I need to talk with you both." He said.
"What do you want, Erhard? We're not in a pleasant mood for a conversation." Shinobu said.
Erhard lifted Shinobu up, threatening him.
"Did you and your friend raped the princess of the king?" He asked seriously.
"What makes you think we did?" Shinobu replied, showing an angered expression.
Erhard looked at Shinobu's eyes and Naofumi's. He relaxed and drop Shinobu down.
"You two have those eyes... Eyes of betrayal." Erhard said.
"So you seem to know that we're not the cause of the crime. However, the damage was already done." Shinobu spoke seriously.
"It seems so... I apologize for doing that... How will you two survive with no one joining you both?" Erhard asked.
"We'll think of something. For now, we're just training ourselves and learning the basics." Naofumi responded.
"I wish you two luck. Be careful, you two. Since the king has already painted you guys as criminals, you won't be able to find any respite." Erhard warned.
"We'll make sure to be careful." Shinobu said.
######
Within Melromarc, Shinobu and Naofumi were meeting with a dealer, who was buying items from recently slain monsters. They saw a man presenting orange pieces from slain orange balloons. He was given a copper coin for killing two.
"A trader shop... If we intend to survive economically, we can sell items to certain trade offices." Shinobu observed.
"It won't be easy though since the whole town knows of our 'infamous' reputation." Naofumi spoke.
"I know... I can be convincing if needed to." Shinobu commented.
Walking to the trader merchant, they presented their spoils of battles from the monsters.
"How can I help- The Shield and Dual Sword Heroes!" The trader exclaimed in shock.
"We want to sell these." Naofumi said, showing the pile of orange balloon scraps.
The trader had a look at the pile before responding.
"I can provide 2 copper coins for the piles." The trader spoke.
Shinobu and Naofumi knew the trader was swindling them. For a moment, Shinobu briefly let his emotions flare for a moment before suppressing them.
"I beg your pardon... Did you tell us the piles are one copper each?" Shinobu asked, giving a threatening tone.
"Yes I did. You don't like the deal? Then take them somewhere else." The trader spoke rudely.
"We were willing to conduct business with these scraps, but since you want to be a rude bastard... Naofumi, show him the real deal." Shinobu said.
Naofumi smirked sadistically as he showed several orange balloons trying to bite him. The trader screamed as he saw live monsters up close.
"I recall seeing that man you made business selling 1 copper for two scraps. If you don't conduct the same business, not even those monsters will compare to what we can possibly do to you." Shinobu warned.
The trader quickly provided the copper coins to Naofumi and Shinobu, fearing what they will do. Both counted the coins, even biting them to make sure they weren't fake.
"Swindler..." Shinobu spat.
"I agree. They are the worst." Naofumi agreed.
######
The boys stumbled upon a business man, whom looked shady. His eyes were obscured due to the glasses he was wearing. He was wearing a tuxedo with a cane.
"Welcome, Shield Hero and Dual Sword Hero. What can I do for you?" The man asked.
Naofumi and Shinobu didn't like the man for obvious reasons. He suddenly came up to them to conduct business, especially after collecting their money.
"We're not interested right now." Shinobu said.
"Fair enough. If you have any business with me, you'll find me from this hut." The man said, showing a bright red canopy.
The boys were reluctant in trusting the man. Hungry and tired from their training, they went to an inn to rest.
"We should take a break." Shinobu commented.
"I agree." Naofumi said.
######
The boys were at an inn, eating their meal.
However, the meal they purchased had no taste, much to their disgust.
'My sense of taste isn't working...? I don't think so... I can partially taste my meal, but it feels bland.' Shinobu thought.
'The meal has almost no taste... What happened?' Naofumi thought.
Both boys are in silence. The people around them noticed their weapons. It soon became quiet as the talking turned into whispers.
'Damn the king...' Naofumi and Shinobu thought at the same time.
While their thoughts were asunder, a group of 4 male bandits decided to take their interests on the boys. They had cocky expressions, laughing with pride.
"If it isn't the Shield and Dual Sword Heroes... How about we all join your party?" Male bandit #1 asked.
Both boys heard the tone the bandits gave. It made them angry in response. Naofumi wanted to settle it his way, but Shinobu took a more direct cause.
"How about the lot of you leave before we do something that could make you regret what you're doing?" Shinobu retorted.
"Tough guy, huh? Someone needs to keep that mouth of yours shut." Male bandit #2 responded.
Shinobu, in a feat of speed, stabbed the bandit down in his heart. The group of bandits were all shocked after seeing one of their comrades get killed.
"Damn you!" Male bandit #3 roared.
Shinobu spun to avoid a stab attack from the bandit before crossing his swords at the neck. The bandit stopped, feeling the cold, steel blades at his neck.
"I-I was too hasty...! Forgive me!" Male bandit #3 begged.
"Begging for your life? How many others have begged for their lives before you and your group robbed them?" Shinobu questioned.
The bandit remained quiet before Shinobu swiped his swords at the man's neck. Everyone in the inn looked with fright as blood sprayed Shinobu, giving him an already intimidating look.
"If you two wish to continue, I can guarantee that your life will be very short." Shinobu warned.
The remaining bandits fled the inn, now realizing they would be killed. Most of the people in the inn were fearful of the two boys.
"Let them be, Shinobu. They're not worth it." Naofumi said.
Shinobu placed his swords in their scabbards. He never wanted any attention, but the bloodstains from his recent conflict showed otherwise.
"Scum like them don't have any life worth finding." Shinobu commented.
"I'll have to agree. The bandits are no different. All the people here in this town, save for a few, are all but scum." Naofumi followed.
"It goes without saying... In any case, how will we continue training ourselves to get stronger? I can do so on my own, but not you." Shinobu inquired.
"We may be able to train each other, but our EXP earning is low. The monsters should have provided more." Naofumi recalled.
"Our weapons were in conflict near our presence. That bastard king mentioned that the practice of other heroes joining in a party is rare due to this. It's easy to presume there may be other heroes in the past." Shinobu noted.
"In order for us to grow stronger, we need to find a way to have a party member fulfill the role of a weapon user. You can move on and grow stronger on your own, Shinobu. You don't have to hamper yourself." Naofumi noted.
"No. I'm not leaving you to handle this conflict alone. I'd rather stick to the end with a friend than be alone." Shinobu refuted.
Naofumi felt a sense of friendship with Shinobu. He can be reassured from him, due to his resolve.
"Alright then... Till the end." Naofumi said.
"I should get this washed... I reek of blood from those bandits..." Shinobu said with disgust.
######
After finishing their meal and washing their clothes, Shinobu and Naofumi were wandering outside the inn. They soon saw the same shady man hours ago.
"Ah, the two heroes branded as criminals. Have you both come here to conduct business with me?" The man asked.
"Depends on what business you do." Shinobu retorted.
"Quite a sharp tongue you have there. I can let you know that I do business on slave ownership. I can sell you a slave to do as you please." The man explained.
"A slave trader..." Shinobu said.
'I won't like this notion, not one bit... However, seeing that no one will trust us due to circumstances, we have to use any means necessary for survival.' Naofumi thought.
'I don't like what I'm about to do... Given the events that happened, I literally have few options to consider. At this rate, I'll have to make do with it, but I'll regret it later...' Shinobu thought.
The two boys soon reached their conclusion.
"We wish to buy a slave." Naofumi said.
Shinobu nodded in response. This made the business man smile with glee.
"Follow me inside." The slave merchant said.
######
Inside the tent, Naofumi and Shinobu were repulsed from the smell. The whole place reeked of death.
'This place... It smells awful.' Naofumi mentally noted.
'Ugh... This putrid smell... It stinks of pestilence, blood and death...' Shinobu thought.
The slave trader soon guided the boys to a cage. Within it, a young girl appearing to be 10 years old was shown. Her brown eyes have a blank stare, showing a sense of hopelessness. She had brown hair with raccoon dog ears and a matching, bushy tail with a red tip. Her clothing was torn in various areas and stained with blood. The clothes suggest she was raised with a normal family prior to where she is now. She was coughing from a sickness, but no blood was shown. The boys noticed this.
'They made this kid into a slave? How sickening...' Shinobu thought.
'To think this girl at her age is forced to be a slave... How repulsive for such a thing to happen.' Naofumi thought.
Feeling a sense of pity for the girl, Naofumi decided to buy her.
"I'll purchase her." Naofumi said.
"That'll be 30 silver." The man said.
Naofumi paid the man. Shinobu soon had his eyes at a particular person. It was a female being, whom looked human, but had blonde fox ears with 4 matching tails. They had a white tip. The girl in question was appearing 13 years old, with blue eyes. Her hair was a blonde color, but was stained with blood. Her clothing was also tattered, but it appeared to be that of a miko.
"Oh, having your eyes set with that slave, Dual Sword Hero?" The man asked.
'She's almost as malnourished as the slave Naofumi purchased... I don't like this, but if I can give a chance for this girl to live, she will be strong.' Shinobu thought.
"How much?" Shinobu asked.
"She's 35 silver coins." The man responded.
Shinobu paid the man and the slave was soon free from her shackles.
"Before we do anything, allow me to grant them slave marks." The man said.
"Slave marks?" Naofumi asked.
"Allow me to explain. These marks are imbued with magic. Should the slave do not perform what the master orders them to do, it'll cause a submissive shock till they perform the command." The man explained.
Shinobu clicked his tongue in anger. He didn't like this just as Naofumi frowned in response.
'Forcing others through your will... I find it disgusting to think how the people treat their slaves...' Shinobu thought.
The man soon began drawing an intricate pattern till it started glowing on both of the boys' slaves. It hurt for a moment till the glowing symbols faded.
"They're good to go." The man said.
Naofumi soon went to the girl with the raccoon dog ears. She was on guard, awaiting anything that would harm her.
"What is your name?" Naofumi asked.
The girl didn't respond as she was shivering in fright. It didn't help that her owner was giving a serious expression. Naofumi, seeing she was scared, gently placed his hand on her head. This made her feel reassured.
"Raph... Raphthalia..." The girl responded.
"Raphthalia... That name will become a strong one for you." Naofumi said.
Shinobu went to the fox girl. Much to his expectations, she too reacted with fright. It made him sick to think of such awful circumstances that happened to her.
"If you're afraid of me, I won't blame you." He responded.
Soon, the fox girl could see the inner conflict within Shinobu. It made her curious.
"Who...are you?" She questioned, rasping.
"I'm Shinobu. For the people who know of these weapons I possess, I'm the so-called Dual Sword Hero. I'm with my friend, Naofumi, whom is the Shield Hero." Shinobu introduced.
"The Dual Sword Hero and the Shield Hero..." The girl said with wonder.
"Please tell me your name though." Shinobu requested.
"Scarlett... My name is Scarlett." The fox girl replied.
######
The two boys soon left the slave trader's tent with their respective partners. They went to meet with Erhard.
"Oh, it's you two." Erhard said.
"Quite a greeting to make, Erhard..." Shinobu nitpicked.
Erhard noticed the two girls with them. He frowned, seeing the crest on their bodies.
"You two had to go that far to purchase slaves?" Erhard questioned in disappointment.
"Like it or not, we're forced to do so." Shinobu spoke.
"Even though we can cover each other's backs, our weapons will prevent us from reaching stronger levels if we are partnered." Naofumi explained.
"Still..." Erhard paused.
"I know of your reasoning... I don't like this either, but since we have a criminal status, we have to find any means to help fight off the Waves." Shinobu spoke.
"For a young lad, you're mature enough to morally see how your choices are." Erhard noted.
"We grew up. Something that I personally wished it didn't involve a false accusation." Shinobu said.
"I see... Matters aside, what can I do for you both?" Erhard asked.
"We want to equip them with weapons." Naofumi answered.
"Straight to the point I see... This shop has its share of weapons. Other than its main revenue of shields, we have swords, bows, spears, and other weapons." Erhard responded.
Naofumi looked at a dagger, seeing it may prove to be a decent training equipment.
"How much for the dagger?" He asked.
"20 copper coins." Erhard answered.
Shinobu soon eyed at two weapon that he knew right away. They were wakizaki swords, both beautifully crafted.
"Ah, I see you have an eye for those swords. I made those thanks to some blueprints found within ruins. I found those blueprints a long time ago when I was exploring like an adventurer. They cost 2 silver due to their rarity." Erhard said.
Shinobu soon held the dual swords. Before he knew it, his legendary swords responded. They soon turned into the same wakizaki blades on their own.
"Whoa..." Shinobu said, aghast.
"Shinobu, what happened?" Naofumi asked in surprise.
"My legendary weapons... They changed into the same weapon I held. Wait..." Shinobu said, noticing something.
He noticed what looked like a message saying 'Weapon Skill unlocked: Weapon Copy'. He was able to piece things together to figure out what it meant.
"Naofumi, place your hand on that round shield over there. Trust me, you'll know." Shinobu said.
Naofumi did so and experienced the same thing. His shield turned round and was notably larger than before.
"No way... 'Weapon Copy'?" Naofumi asked in surprise.
"We can use the weapon's attributes from their appearance. This will help us on the long run." Shinobu spoke.
Erhard watched with a faint smile, seeing the two boys making a new discovery.
"Oh yes, one thing I forgot to ask. Is it possible to help repair or replace their clothing?" Shinobu asked out of the blue.
"I know a tailor shop that will help with that. Luckily, the owner and I are friends." Erhard said.
"Nice. We need to make sure they're well equipped. I don't like the idea of being sent into battle without some armor." Naofumi said.
"Luckily, this shop sells armor." Erhard said.
######
Having purchased weapons and armor for their respective partners, Naofumi and Shinobu were making their way to the tailor shop. Scarlett and Raphthalia remained quiet.
"We should find some clothes for them. They can't be forced to wear the same outfit that's already in rags." Shinobu said.
"I'll have to agree... It won't help them in the long run." Naofumi agreed.
Making their way through the crowd of people, Naofumi and Shinobu laid low to avoid attention. Scarlett and Raphthalia were still silent.
'Will we be treated like slaves?' They thought.
Both girls were unable to find any conclusions due to past experiences. It made them all the more stressful for them to think.
######
The group found the place. Within the tailor shop, a young woman in her mid-20s was the owner. She had sandy blonde hair. Her eyes were a soft peridot color.
"Oh my... You two have cute demi-humans, but they look so sad..." The woman replied.
"We're looking to purchase some clothing for them. I don't want them to be unprotected in this world." Shinobu said.
"Right away! I'll provide the best outfit that'll not only protect them, but make them look cute." The female owner replied.
"Fair enough." Naofumi said.
The boys waited while the tailor provided their outfits. Raphthalia was wearing a dark gray dress with a red front. The outer sleeves had a pale gray color and a yellow strap was seen.
"This is a typical adventurer's outfit, but it is blessed with magic. Should the warmer level up, they gain a powerful boost to their stats." The female tailor replied.
"It does help her and look good at the same time. We should consider this." Shinobu noted.
Raphthalia was surprised the boys were buying her clothes. She felt a faint sense of reassurance. Soon, Scarlett came out. Her outfit was the same, except the dress was a red color with a blue front. The sleeves were a dark blue and she had a ticker white strap to hold her weapon.
"This outfit is the same. It has the same blessing." The tailor explained.
"How much will they cost?" Naofumi questioned.
"25 copper. These outfits are laced with magic and will grow with them. Despite that, be sure to visit a tailor shop to repair it in case they are severed." The female tailor said.
"We'll take that under advisement." Shinobu said.
######
The quartet soon went outside of Melromarc. Shinobu and Naofumi began to talk with their respective slaves.
"Listen carefully. We all have to survive in this harsh world. Like it or not, events have transpired against us and have been unfavorable since. This will not be easy for any of us. Once you have taken this path, it's a one way road from here." Shinobu warned.
"How will I have to survive?" Scarlett asked.
"I'll explain soon. We will train with each other to learn of our skills and develop new tactics in fighting. This will increase our odds in living since we will be fighting off the Waves of Calamity, which threaten this world." Shinobu replied.
"Do we have to fight the monsters?" Raphthalia asked timidly.
"I'm afraid so. But, each time we slay one, we grow stronger and better. It is safe to say that we have to fight them to grow stronger." Shinobu responded.
"Not too light hearted, but not obscuring the truth... A little harsh, Shinobu..." Naofumi nitpicked.
"Like it or not, this is reality. I can't sugar coat this any further." Shinobu retorted.
"A speech in retrospect, I would agree. Raphthalia! This will be your lesson." Naofumi said.
Raphthalia soon looked up to see Naofumi holding an Orange Balloon monster. The raccoon dog girl cowered upon seeing the monster.
"I need you to stab this monster, Raphthalia. Only you have the power and strength to kill it. My main purpose is mainly for defense." Naofumi ordered.
Raphthalia was hesitant on performing the action. She feebly held a standard dagger. Her spirit wavered, feeling frightened of the monster.
"Do not hesitate. Focus your thoughts and remain calm. Once you feel ready, stab it." Shinobu spoke.
Raphthalia soon found her spirit. With a warrior cry, she moved forward. The Orange Balloon caught her sword, causing her to stumble back.
"Do not waver. Try again." Naofumi said.
Raphthalia soon performed the stab and the creature was killed. The EXP granted to both her and Naofumi were significantly higher than before.
'Is this how the partner system works here? It seems an equal share of EXP is shared to all party members.' Naofumi deduced mentally.
Shinobu stood with Scarlett. He managed to procure an Orange Balloon.
"Scarlett, this is your test now. Pierce this monster I'm holding. Hold your weapon in doing so." Shinobu ordered.
Scarlett reluctantly held her weapon, a pair of sais. She moved forward, intending to stab the creature. The monster held on one her of blades, but Scarlett was crafty. She quickly used the other blade, stabbing the monster without hesitation.
'So this is how the system works... Unlike before when our weapons hindered our growth, our partners are capable of being given a shared amount of EXP. It seems this might be the silver lining we need to get ourselves stronger.' Shinobu realized.
Both Naofumi and Shinobu realized of the situation, content in finding a way to get stronger. At the same time, a lingering thought came to them.
'Will I be ready for the Waves?' They thought.
Ending 1: Dearest by Ayumu Hamasaki
'Hontou ni taisetsu na'
-Shinobu was seen kneeling on the ground with a somber expression. Near him, Scarlett was standing behind him with a concerned expression.-
'mono igai subete sutete'
-Naofumi fades in with Raphthalia, while Shinobu and Scarlett disappear. He shows an anguished expression. Raphthalia holds him close to try and relieve his pain.
'shimaetara ii no ni ne'
-Raphthalia soon began remembering her family, all whom looked like her. She was happily embraced with her mother and father.-
'genjitsu wa tada zankoku de'
-Scarlett soon recalled her only parent. Her mother, whom was with her in the memory, held her close. She had a content expression, appearing peaceful.-
'Sonna toki itsu datte me o tojireba'
-Naofumi was on the ground, not changing his expression, despite leaning on a tree from exhaustion. The background was showing to be early night due to the setting sun.-
'waratte'ru kimi ga iru'
-Shinobu was sleeping on a branch. He didn't shift his face with any expression. Though his eyes were closed, he had a hollow expression while sleeping.-
'Ah itsu ka eien no nemuri ni tsuku hi made'
-Daylight comes forth, waking Shinobu. Naofumi also woke up, alone near the tree. This allowed Shinobu to overlook the landscape as the sun rose to the sky.-
'dou ka sono egao ga'
-Raphthalia soon faded in, appearing in her late teens. She was close to Naofumi, holding his hand. Scarlett, also appearing in her late teens, appeared to Shinobu. She held his left hand, giving a cute content smile.-
'taema naku aru you ni'
-The quartet soon overlooked the night sky, seeing the vast ocean of stars. Several shooting stars were seen in the night sky. Both girls soon moved closer to their respective boys.-
Sorry it took me a while. Work and life made me experience writer's block.