I opened my eyes and woke up on a familiar scene. There is a computer table with a stack of papers. Used clothes littered in the floor and even and a dog sleeping near the door. I recognize this place. This is my room. Am I really back or this is a dream again? I rose from my bed and put and got dressed. Nothing fancy, just the usual shirt and jeans. My dog Cosmo noticed that I was up and quickly ran to me. I kneeled and hug the very old but, oddly still energetic mutt. I then exited my room and the nostalgic smell of bacon and pan cakes fill the air. I followed the smell and found myself in the kitchen and my heart was quickly overwhelmed by feelings that I can't describe.
My mother was there, cooking bacon and pan cakes for breakfast like always while my father was sitting in the dining table reading the morning newspaper. Most importantly was the little girl who quickly ran towards me and hugged me as soon as she saw me enter the room. My sister, Anise. At that moment, all the feelings I held back gush forth like a flood as tears rain down from my eyes. My parents quickly ran to me when they saw me crying. All of them were confused on why I am crying, asking what is wrong. I just hugged all of them, telling nothing is wrong. Far from it. Everything is now all right.
Is this a dream? If it is, please let me dream forever. I just miss them so much.
A faint voice can be heard from a distance as I feel my dream starts to slip from my mind. I knew it couldn't possibly be true. But still, to be able to be with my family, even in a dream is something dear to my heart. The voice is becoming louder as the eminent end of this sweet dream comes close. I hugged my family for one last time before I start to open my eyes, and once I open them they will be gone but the memory of my love ones will forever be in my heart.
I slowly open my eyes as the familiar voice of Anna filled my ear. I sat up in my bed and noticed that my eyes are wet with tears. "You're finally awake Cloud. I was worried when daddy woke me up for breakfast and saw you were crying." The child said, her face is filled with worry. "Did you have a bad dream Cloud? When I have a bad dream my mommy sings me songs till the bad dreams go away. Do you want mommy to sing you a song Cloud?"
"No little girl. I didn't have a bad dream. Don't worry about me." I answered. When I look at Anna, I can't help but think of my little sister Anise. They were both sweet child. So innocent, kind and loving to others. The memory of my dream starts to come back to me again as I feel my tears starting to well again.
"See, you're crying again. You sure you don't want mommy to sing you a song? Won't you sing us a song mommy? Cloud is sad see." She started tugging at her Mother, Neera who looks at me with concerned look while his father Vash is unloading a large basket full of food and setting them in their cell.
"Nonsense little Anna. There was just dust in my eye. Now it's gone, see? By the way, I see you have a new doll. Where did you get it?" I asked as I noticed Anna was hugging a toy doll. A real doll, not the ones we made from potatoes.
"You like my new doll? I named her Micah. Daddy gave it to me this morning. He said an officer gave it to him along with the food. Would you like to join us for breakfast? I also want to give some to Mr. Alfaro since he doesn't look good for a couple of days now. But daddy won't let me." She pouted, clearly trying to convince Vash to give some to Alfaro.
"Don't worry my little angerl. Your daddy will give him some food, but if only if he behaves. Won't you darling?" Neera said trying to help her daughter as she hands me a plate full of freshly cooked meat with some fresh vegetables on the side.
"Ok, ok. I will give him some. Hear that? You're lucky our little girl here is so forgiving." Vash grumbled as he puts some food in a plate, to give to Alfaro who is just lay there in his bed. Vash tried to call him again but he didn't respond, so Vash just left the plate of food on the floor of Alfaro's cell and then we proceeded to eat.
"Thanks for the food Vash. I guess General Romulus finally had a change of heart, since they are starting to treat us better eh?" He left us the other basket last time, and now he gave us more food. I guess he is not such a bad guy afterall.
"Yeah. General Romulus." He seems to be distracted by something as he gaze at his family. The look that he gave them is a look that someone gives when he is about to go somewhere far away. Weird.
"My love. Why are you looking at us like that? Is there something wrong?" Neera asked.
"Nothing my beloved wife. Nothing. Its just… I just…" He was about to say something but stopped midway and just hugged his wife and daughter.
"Vash?" Neera whispered and I just looked away since it was a private family moment. Instead, I just looked at Alfaro. Who is still lying there, sleeping.
For all of the time I was here in prison, Alfaro is asleep for almost a day, everyday. Whenever he wakes up, he just eat whatever food the guard left him and goes back to sleep and now he also looks too weak. I would pity the guy if only he didn't hurt a child just for food.
A few minutes later, a guard entered the jail and escorted Vash out. Before he went with the guards he said to his family, "Don't worry sweethearts. I will be back soon, and when I get back, we will finally be free from this prison." He declared as he exited the room.
So, they are about to be freed. Good for them.
"Great news eh? You will be freed from here soon. I hope I could get out of here soon too." I told Neera and Anna. Anna was happy about the news but Neera just sat there, quietly.
"Hey whats wrong? Aren't you happy of the news?" I asked her.
Seemingly brought out from her deep thoughts, Neera answere. "I am. I'm just worried about my husband. For a couple of days now he keeps on acting weird. I just hope nothing bad will happen."
I noticed it too. Vash normally an energetic guy who always try to entertain his child with either stories or games but lately he has been aloof. Barely even interacting with his family. He just sits there gazing at them longingly. Really weird indeed.
We stood there silent for a few minutes while Anna is busy playing with her new doll. A few more moment Neera spoke again.
"Don't you worry Cloud. I may just be imagining things. He must be just thinking about what he and the Prince talked about. I bet the prince asked him to join them in return for our freedom. My husband is strong you know?" She stated. Yeah, I used to hear him tell stories about his time in the army while we were bored and Anna was asleep. Apparently he was a captain and he was nicknamed "Reaper" for how he killed his enemies as easy as a farmer reaps his harvest. If that is true, then he would really become an asset for them and since they have his family, they will be sure that he will stay loyal.
"I guess so. Just don't forget to send me letters once you get out. It will be lonely here when you're gone." I replied. We continued to share stories and talk about what they will do when they get free as we take turns playing with Anna and her doll. After an hour or so, another guard entered the prison.
""Hero" Cloud. I am here to escort you." The guard wearing a decorated armor. Clearly an officer.
"So Eleazar finally remembered to call me eh? He used to call for me earlier, I wonder what happened?" I stated as I returned the doll to Anna and patted her head before rising from my seat and proceeded to walk towards the officer.
"I wasn't instructed to answer any question. I was just ordered to escort you to your destination." The officer stated then signaled me to follow him so I just waved goodbye to Anna before accompanying the officer out of the jail.
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We continued to walk in the hallway until we passed the turn towards Eleazar's laboratory. "Hey, we just passed Eleazar's lab. Shouldn't we go back?"
The officer did not answer.
"Hey, are you listening? The old man will surely pop a vein while waiting for me if I don't go there soon." I once again stated while walking faster trying to catch up with the guard.
"We are not going to the Arch Mages lab." He promptly answered. His voice devoid of any enthusiasm.
"Then where are we going?" the man just keeps on walking while not even bothering looking at me as we go to an unknown destination.
"You don't need to know "Hero". Just follow me and shut up. We are almost there." He answered rudely, disdain clear from his words.
I would like to argue but the man is armed and from the looks of it, have something against me. Although I don't have a clue what. I haven't really interacted with other people other than Eleazar, Romulus and the Prince so I know what I did to anger this guard. Unnecessary questions might end me dead by suicide by stabbing myself in the back with a sword, twice. So I suffered in silence as I wonder where on god's name he is leading me.
It did not take long till we arrived outside towards the courtyard which is filled by a large crowd. This is the first time I've seen the world outside ever since I got transported here and got my ass thrown in prison by the asshole Prince. The guard led me towards the center of the courtyard where there is an area surrounded by a fence.
"We're here." He stated then a group of soldier arrived with a set of armor that has gems slotted on each piece of equipment from the helmet to the boots. I have to admit that it looks cool, but also I also imagine that it will be too heavy for a person to move in.
"Wear this." He then said. I just looked at him. Confused. "You asked me earlier where were going. To answer your question, you're here to fight."
"Me? Fight? Why?" I stuttered. I know I imagined that I would look cool wearing the armor, but even so I wouldn't, in any circumstance, want to fight. Especially if it would require me to wear such an armor for it only means one thing. The fight will be dangerous.
"The men are restless. For weeks now they haven't seen any action and needs for something to take away their pent up stress. So Prince Arthur, with his overflowing wisdom, arranged this duel for you, the "Hero" of Krishna, to showcase your abilities in the field of battle, and what is the best way to show them other than a duel to the death against a traitor of the kingdom?" he declared as I recognize the person across the arena from me. Oh my god. It cannot be.
"Vash?" I shouted at Vash, who was wearing his prisoner clothes with an addition of a chain in his neck. Just earlier he told his family that after this day, they will be free. That by conscripting to their army, they will grant them freedom in return. So why is he---. No…
As I fell deep in my thoughts, the pieces finally makes sense. So this is his agreement with the Prince. Kill me and be free. "So this is your decision Vash? You gonna kill me for your family? Hmmm. I guess that was a stupid question. Of course you will."
He continued to put on the pieces of his armor which consists of leather and some strips of metal sewed on it. "Yes. I am sorry that it has to come to this, Cloud. Don't worry. I will tell Anna that they freed you and gone to a better place." He stated as he put on his boots and finally grabbed a normal looking short sword. "I know that you treat her like a sister, I can see it from the way you look at her. I am grateful to you for being my daughter's friend. But I will do what I must. For my family."
"I know." I answered. I do understand why he is doing this. Unfortunately, I will not just lie down and die even to save another person. I also have a family to go back to. Even if I have to kill Vash and make Anna sad, I will do it. Just to stay alive and have a chance to go back, I will kill once more.
I started to put on the armor and found it heavy. Each piece weighs at least 5 kilos minimum with the chest plate is about 20 kilos. After I finished wearing all the pieces, my weigh almost doubled from 80 kilos to 150 since the sword and shield they gave me is at least 10 kilos each. My god! How in Lucifer's ass do people move while wearing armor as heavy as this?
"Are there any armor lighter than this?" I asked the officer.
"You ungrateful little---" He paused while biting his lip, clearly trying to stop himself from saying something bad towards me. "You must be thankful "Little Hero". You are wearing a state of the art armor set in his Majesty's possession. Anyone here would kill to wear that armor you wear."
"But it is so heavy, I can barely move much less fight." I replied, moving my body in sluggish fashion to show my dilemma.
"Ooops… I forgot, you can't use mana to strengthen your body. Good thing this armor got you covered." He said as he proceed to put his hand over the glowing gem in my chest. After chanting something that I can't hear, the gems started to glow and at the same time the armor felt light enough that it felt I am just wearing a jacket if it weighs a kilo.
"There, this armor doesn't just feel light for once the gems have been activated, the armor will be sturdy enough to weather blows from magic and other magic enhance weapon. Against an enemy who is wearing a magic sealing chain and using an ordinary steel short sword you are basically invincible." He was like a salesman who is over praising all the features of an item in hopes they will buy. His voice was loud enough for the other people around us to hear which cause the spectators to get excited in the prospect of seeing such a wonderful armor in action.
"Your weapon and shield are also made from the finest steel combined with Mananite which will amplify effects of skills as long as you apply mana while holding its hilt and handle. With all of the gifts given by the generosity of the heart of our dear Prince Arthur, it would be impossible for our "Hero" to lose especially against common rabble. So don't hesitate "Hero" show us the strength that will save the kingdom!" The crowds cheered after the officer finished his speech. The sound of almost deafening as they await blood to rain today.
Across from me, Vash still looks calm even after hearing all the wonderful effects of the armor that I wear. His really is a veteran. Only those who have been in battle for all of their life stays that calm and focused even in the face of someone that should be better than them. I would know, that is the face Vincent always wear when he faced the world champ or master.
I once also knew to calm down before a battle. But the battle I am going to have today is a lot different than what I was used to. Today were not fighting with just our fist, with just a slim chance of dying if you are hit in a bad spot. No. Today we fight with weapons, weapons made to maim and kill until only one of us stay standing, and for what? For the entertainment of these people who can't even be bothered to look for another way to relieve their boredom?
I feel unfamiliar steel at the palm of my hand. This is the first time I am going to fight with swords. Although I don't know how to properly fight with it, I think I can manage as long as the officer's words were right, that this armor is invincible.
Once I completed wearing all of the pieces of the armor, Prince Arthur stood from his chair overlooking the impromptu arena and gave his speech. "Settle down, settle down. Ladies and Gentlemen may I have your attention please?" his voice could be heard clearly like he is speaking besides me, just like a phone. Magic truly is a wonderful thing.
Using grand gestures he continued "We are gathered here today to witness something great. We have in our midst is the hero who slayed the sworn enemy of our people, The Great Kaizer." Cheered once more erupted from the crowd as the Prince one more tries to silence them. "Today, he will entertain us with a show of skill! Using the best equipment our Kingdom can offer, he will use his prowess to fight this man, a traitor of our Kingdom, and execute him for all the blood of our brethren in the name of JUSTICE!" another thunderous roar from the crowd erupted. The officer pushed me forward, a clear way to tell a man that he's got to fight so I continued to walk forward until we were only a few meters apart from each other.
"Are you sure you want to fight?" I asked Vash. "The officer said that this armor makes me nigh invincible."
"Don't bother with what Pariston said. Whatever that armor is, it will not change the outcome of this fight." He decalred.
"Is the outcome of the fight you mention is the one that I win?" I retorted. I know that he is more experience than me so I must do what I can to keep him off his game.
"Sharp tongue as usual. I can see why Prince Arthur is angry at you. Although not to the point that he leads you to a slaughter. Not that I care." He twirls his sword in a figure of eight motion. "You know, I our level different is so vast that it is nigh impossible for you to hit me much less win right? Before you retort, let me just show you."
His dash was sudden and quick that I failed to guard against it as his sword lands squarely at my stomach. I felt the air forced out of my lungs as even when the armor was undamaged, I felt the impact of his hit down to my bones. He didn't follow up on his attack and just jump back, easily avoiding my own attack.
"See? You can't even react to my attack and that is without Reinforcement. You can't win. You will die here for my family's freedom." He declared, his posture relaxed, like he was strolling in the park.
Breathing deeply to catch my breath I answered. "You say that like it is already set in stone. But I believe otherwise. It is not over until you give up hope." I readied myself for another attack once I regained my breath.
As he walks towards me, I felt like there is something different about him. "It looks like you still haven't grasped the vast difference between us. How about this. I will give you a chance since you have been good to my daughter. I will let you attack me ten times. I won't attack you back. Show me your best, and I will show you how much they lack in front of real strength."
He then threw down his sword and proceeded to use his sheathe as a weapon.
This is the second time I have ever felt so underestimated in my life.
"If that is what you want. Then don't blame me if you die." I answered and attacked.
Anna, I'm sorry. I have to cut your father down. Please forgive me.