sunfloras | 𝔀𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷' 🔪

[Fio shoots Akira a look, the kind that says, "Behave, please?" He'll get an explanation from the city guard at least.]

"Unfortunately, they're more than just pests."

[His companion nods. Fiorella has her hands clasped together staying quiet as they explain the world's blight to Akira.]

"The Singed are the undead, but tainted by the flames of the Fire Bird. They are an affliction to both humans and Beastmen alike. "

[Fio finally interjects.]

It's a recent and ongoing problem. I can explain the rest to him if you give me the location of where they were last spotted.

[The guards nod and they quickly give directions to the princess. They leave when they're done and Fio turns to Akira, tugging him lightly by the hand.]

Let's go. The sooner we get this done, the more time we have to relax.

[And here he thought that dealing with stray rogue robots were a problem! He was pretty sure that he's seen horror movies about zombies eating people and passing along viruses to people, but it was strange to see this was a real thing. He's quiet as he absorbs the new information about the Singed before him. Though all things considered...

Fio has been fighting against monsters probably for a long time. He's experienced moments of peace where he could relax with his family and friends, but it felt like she had it rougher than him. Whenever she tugs his hand, he doesn't realize that it was shaking a little. Was he actually getting nervous? Or was he anticipating the thrill of the fight? Or was he just worried? Even if Akira put on a tough front, there were moments where even he had experienced insecurity...

He decides to let Fio lead the way for him. The delinquent's expression looks slightly sheepish as he's in deep thought.]

So, uh... I've got a question for ya, Fio. How long have you been fightin' against monsters in these lands, anyway?

[With monsters and the issues involving humans and beastmen in her world, he had to wonder if this girl would ever truly find peace. Whenever he reads someone's mind, Akira couldn't help and feel like a piece of them became a part of him. Especially if they were a personal connection in his book... He was an outsider around here, but she was also his friend. Wasn't that a good enough reason to get involved?]

[She lets go of Akira's hand but continues to lead the way to the gate. It's a bit of a walk so Fio has time to consider and shape the answer that she'll give to him.]

It's been... Goodness, several months already. Time flies by as they say.

[The fall of the Sky Empire felt eerily distant; from the moment she woke up in Lord Aoshun's domain, to setting off with Suiren to purify the lands, and then meeting all of her new traveling companions who pledged themselves to her quest... So much has happened and though progress has undoubtedly been made and respect for her and her party had increased...]

We've all been fighting for a while now. It isn't just me. Suiren, Cassian, the twins, Zephyr, Lina, and Riorr... I wouldn't have survived on land without them.

[He couldn't help and sympathize hearing that. While he was used to dealing with his problems all by himself, he was slowly warming up to the idea of teamwork as of late. He's definitely seen the rewards of fighting alongside with people he's never met before. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he takes a moment to hum to himself... He felt that this was going to be a small trip, but talking never hurt with passing the time along.]

That right? Not sure if I told you this yet, but I had to team up with a bunch of people too. Technically, they weren't from my time... But we all banded together to save someone.

[He ponders on where to start with this... For sure, Akira felt that it was something that deserved to be in the history books or a TV show.]

You up for a little story? It won't take too long, I promise.

[Fio glances at Akira as they continue walking and nods.]

I'm listening.

[It can help take her mind off things and let her learn more about Akira. He's listened (sometimes literally) to her own thoughts so much already. She wants to know what his are and how she can help instead.]

[Akira casually slides his hands into his pockets as he reflects on some of his journey... Some of it was very personal, but ironically it had managed to lead to connecting with other people beyond the ones in his neighborhood. Really, he felt that this wasn't a story about him... But more about someone else. Someone that taught him a very important lesson about how to live life. He had to wonder if that knight truly found peace in the afterlife...]

In an era that was distant from ours, there was a picture perfect knight... You could say that the dude was the peak of goodness. Flawless, never do wrong, devoted to his duty... The knight had fought and protected his people through tooth and nail from evil.

But something tragic happened where he was betrayed by everyone. His allies, his people and even the girl he loved had turned their backs on him. His whole kingdom viewed him as a villain and that's what he became. And as he was consumed by his own hatred for humanity... He turned into a monster.

Usually, you see or hear stories about the hero slaying the Demon Lord... But you never hear a story where he ends up becoming one, right?

[Fiorella listens to Akira's story carefully, taking in every word and the weight of its meaning. They finally reach the gate by the time he finishes and the princess stays silent trying to come to her own conclusion.]

You're right. Such a story isn't known here. But hope followed by betrayal isn't so uncommon.

[She feels for this knight in the story. He had done everything to protect his people only to suffer a backlash.]

Did this ex-hero exact his revenge on the people who turned on him?

Edited 2023-07-20 02:24 (UTC)

... Sure did. He became a being of absolute hatred and slaughtered the whole kingdom that he wanted to protect so badly.

[Lifting a hand up, Akira gently clinches it into a tightly packed fist. He remembers his experiences in that realm and speaking to the spirits of his victims. Some were angry, others were still fearful and some showed regret into the monster that the night had become.]

It shows that anyone with hatred and anger in their heart can become something like that... Just as long as you've got the right conditions. And...

[He remembers the words that the Odio spoke to him: "O Foolish Child... "In anger finds his strength... "Whose faith in men endures despite their sins." Even if Akira tried to act tough and above it all, he was still a vulnerable young man who felt more than the average person.]

I guess I get scared sometimes. My powers are linked to my emotions and all... So if something happens and I slip up, I might end up becomin' a freak like that.

... I was afraid of making a mess of things all the time when I was younger.

[The guards at the gate open it up so that they can both step outside. She gives her nod of thanks before continuing her conversation with Akira.]

I still am really.

But you have a very heavy burden in your power. And you've made it this far, met me and I can't call you anything else but a kind person despite everything you may have felt as everyone's whispers poured into your heart.

[Fio looks at Akira with some renewed determination.]

So if you're able to stand here in front of me like this then... I'll keep doing my best too, Akira.

[Afraid of making a mess of things, huh? He felt that it was a similar experience like himself... Even now, he's afraid of losing control. But he had to remember that he was the one grasping these powers of his and not the other way around.

Her words felt like cold water hitting him in the face. He was worried about turning into something that even his sister wouldn't be able to look up to him anymore... But those words bought him back into reality. He's quiet as he follows Fio and ponders on her short speech.]

Heh... It's been a pain in the ass for sure, but I don't regret these powers of mine. I can use 'em to help people as best as I can. Even if I turn into a monster, I'd rather be one that can protect people.

[His forehead flickers briefly with a yellow light... Companionship, friendship, camaraderie begun to flow within his heart. Then he flashes her a very bright smile and gives her a thumbs-up. It was almost as if he was the sun itself.]

But thanks for the pick-me-up! As long as we stick together, we won't lose to something like hatred!

You're welcome.

[That's all that needs to be said really. But Fiorella is feeling a lot more heartened after their talk and she smiles back at Akira. The gates close behind them and the princess takes a deep breath.]

Alright. Time to get to work. Since we're outside the city, we have a lot more freedom of movement but we should keep collateral damage to a minimum if possible.

Okaaaaaay! I've dyin' to flex my muscles a bit!

[He takes a moment to stretch his arms and even strikes a little guts pose once he felt his body become fully relaxed. Physical strength was one thing, but what about his mind? That felt clear as crystal as well... Whenever it came to battling, Akira was a jack of all trades, but master of none. He was no martial artist, but he knew how to compete against the rest of them with his street fighting skills. And esper abilities could even put some magicians out there to shame.]

Since this is your home turf, I don't mind if you take the lead. If you can defeat the enemies up front, then I'll support you from the back! Healin' shouldn't be a problem for us either.

[He's even got that covered by being able to heal up some cuts and bruises! The less critical the wound, then the less time and energy it would take. Of course, he couldn't revive the dead or heal anything fatal... If so, then certain people that have already past on in his life would still be there.]

[Just being right outside the city, there aren't any immediate signs of danger. Having had the experience, however, Fio knows that after a mile or two they'll start seeing more.

The Singed aren't subtle creatures.]

We'll follow signs of smoke and burnt smells. It may be faint since any assigned mages are cleaning up the remains of their damage but we'll focus on the areas that haven't had the attention yet.

[Let's go!! Down the path they go and soon enough, emerging from some trees are the plumes of ashy smoke.]

Already? That's much too close for comfort.

[And with that, Fiorella summons her glowing daggers by her side and starts to jog ahead.]

Watch my back!

𝔀𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷' 🔪

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