The end of the second wave brought caution to the knights of Leviere. The change in difficulty from the first one caught everyone off guard and motivated them to get stronger. The batch of magi-knights from allied kingdoms were experiencing the opposite when approached with the idea. Fighting for a kingdom they’re fighting with for the benefits if they survive, were beginning to look out of reach. Many of these soldiers backed out shortly after the end of the second wave and joined a carriage heading to their kingdoms.
At the dead of night, Zack and the Royal Knights made their way to the front of the castle where they saw the first carriage of soldiers being carried out, along with Queen Nefrai watching from a distance. Zack approached the blonde high elf with concern riddled across his face. With his helmet hanging by his waist, he bowed down in front of her.
Queen Nefrai: [Raise your head, Zachary. We’re more than familiar at this point.]
Paladin Zack: [I have to show the others that no one is beneath you, your highness.]
With a slight blush, the queen chuckled and shook her head. As Zack stood up, the Royal Knights behind him got down to their knees.
Paladin Zack: [Any progress on Hilda’s healing?]
The queen lowered her gaze and dropped her smile.
Queen Nefrai: [The doctors say she might be in a deep sleep. Whoever did that to her, managed to shut down her entire body. Luckily enough, the cuffs are maintaining her mama flow. It will take a moment, but she will be back on her feet soon… hopefully.]
Paladin Zack: [They’re capable of doing that?]
Queen Nefrai: [As long as they are equipped before the incident, they’ll lock the flow of one’s mana so that none goes in or out. Because of mana’s healing nature, a condensed amount of it will mend her body in a way no potion can.]
Paladin Zack: [Shit. Is there any evidence behind who did it?]
Nefrai shook her head.
Paladin Zack: [We’ll find who did this.]
Queen Nefrai: [Thank you, Zachary. You were her best friend. I don’t expect you to let her down.]
Paladin Zack: [Of course not.]
He then turned to the third carriage of magi-knights preparing to leave the kingdom.
Paladin Zack: [What’s going on here?]
Queen Nefrai: [A few of the transfer magi-knights decided to stop supporting the alliance.]
RK Sophia resentfully: [Pathetic.]
Queen Nefrai: [It isn’t kind to spite them for taking care of themselves. This battle wasn’t theirs to fight in the first place. I sympathize with their worries. Had I not been the queen of this kingdom, I would’ve dropped everything to take watch over Hilda.]
The three turned to the queen and were shocked to see the tears flowing down her face.
Queen Nefrai: [I have a responsibility to watch over this kingdom above all else.]
Paladin Zack: [Your highness…]
His concerned tone snapped the queen back into reality and allowed her to notice the stream of tears caressing her cheeks.
Queen Nefrai: [My apologies… how ignorant of me!]
With a sniff, she hid her face and called for a maid. Zack turned to the Royal Knights which carried the same expression. As soon as the maid finished clearing out the queen's tears, she moved aside and bowed.
RK Ali: [You don’t have to apologize. You have all the right to feel how you do. If it means anything, you’re doing a great job of handling the kingdom.]
Queen Nefrai: [Thank you, Sir Hussein. I appreciate your kind words.]
Paladin Zack: [You wouldn’t happen to know where Didus is, would you?]
Queen Nefrai: [Is there something you need from him?]
RK Sophia: [It’d be best for you to aid your daughter, your highness.]
Nefrai looked to Sophia with surprise.
RK Sophia: [I know I’d like my mother to be there if I woke up from a coma.]
Queen Nefrai: [You’re right. Currently, Didus is speaking with the foreign support and Paladin OJ in the castle garden.]
Paladin Zack: [Thank you.]
He did a short bow.
Paladin Zack: [Take care of yourself, okay? I don’t know what Didus would do if the two people he loved most fell unconscious.]
Queen Nefrai: [I will. Thank you for your support.]
With a nod, Zack and the Royal Knights walked into the castle leaving the queen behind to watch the remaining carriages.
The three of them silently walked through the white and gold halls up until they reached a long corridor that led to the dim red lights of the outdoors. As they walked towards it, Ali started up a conversation.
Ali: [Who do you think the foreign nation is?]
Sophia: [Are you seriously asking me that?]
Ali: [What? Did you read his mind?]
Sophia: [Obviously! You didn’t think he could say something so vague and get away with it, did you?]
Ali: [There are people you shouldn’t be reading, Sophia. The king is one of them.]
Zack: [Ali’s right. Just because you have the power doesn’t mean you can use it recklessly.]
Sophia: [Oh, shut up! You guys are just as curious as me!]
Zack: [I’m not going to confirm or deny that.]
Ali: [Since you already know, who is it?]
Sophia: [A nation from the west. All I could recognize from the name are the people. They are usually small and blonde with a thick accent.]
Ali: [The nation of Santanna.]
Sophia nodded.
Ali: [Why would he ask them for help?]
Zack: [Santanna and Leviere have been in close relations for several decades now. It would only be fair for them to lend their hand when we’re at our lowest. I doubt they're being generous for no reason, though.]
Sophia: [Yeah, but that doesn’t give Didus any permission to keep it a secret from us.]
Zack: [I’m surprised her Highness didn’t tell us anything about it.]
The paladin of wind firmly pressed his hand against the knobless door and pushed it forward.
Zack: [We shouldn’t be questioning our king, though. He must have a reason.]
???: [Oh my, questioning the acts of your king speaks volumes about his rule.]
A soft voice said followed by a giggle.
???: [Perhaps I don’t have a place here?]
Before the door had opened, a feminine voice with a heavy accent spoke out after having heard Zack’s comment and began laughing in the silent garden. Her almost dorky laugh, full of snorts and chuckles was very different from anyone Zack had heard from this world. As soon as the doors parted, he made eye contact with the foreigner sitting between Didus and OJ in a patch of flowers.
A short pale girl with luscious blonde hair and sparkling, narrow blue eyes, had her elbows pressed against the glass table and arms holding her head up. Her intrigued stare at the fully clad Paladin and his face of shock and uncertainty left the entire room silent. Sophia’s hair quickly turned purple as she turned towards the blonde woman in the garden, to which she also grew shocked.
Paladin Zack: [Y… you’re…]
Unable to get the words out of his mouth, Zack stepped back and bumped into Ali’s arms.
???: [I’ve been wanting to meet you, visitors from another world. May the gods shine a light on this bountiful day.]
OJ’s sudden laughter caught the woman’s attention.
King Didus: [It’s about time you made your way here, Sir Zachary.]
Didus stood up and approached the three at the door with open arms.
King Didus: [What took you so long?]
Zack: [Madison…]
Completely ignoring his king and focusing on the woman behind him, Zack walked forward and passed Didus without a second thought.
Zack: [They got you too?]
???: [Madison?]
The woman answered, tilting her head sideways.
???: [Do I resemble someone you recognize, Sir Zack?]
Zack stood speechless as she smiled.
???: [I go by Madelyn Eqinza. I’m something like a Paladin for my nation. I know everything about you and the world travelers, and I plan on learning more.]
Zack dumbfounded: [What do you mean?]
Madelyn: [For a moment, I had thought you’d known about me. I’ve gotta say, I’m quite disappointed.]
Zack: [I’m not sure what you’re saying.]
Paladin OJ: [She’s saying that she knows everything about the fact that you’re not from this world, Paladin Zack.]
Madelyn: [That’s correct! Matter of fact, I know how to get the bunch of you out of this dilemma, and that everything you’ve been doing so far has been for nothing.]
Zack: [What?]
King Didus: [I’m not sure what she means by all of this, but the only way to get Santanna’s support was by allowing Madelyn to question you on several topics.]
Zack turned to Didus with narrow eyes.
Paladin Zack: [What about Aveay and the other northeast forces?]
King Didus: [After the first wave and what happened at the late Roshan’s castle, Aveay decided to only support with technology and keep their forces out of the fight. Jime was also hit with a lack of resources.]
Paladin Zack: [You’re telling me this now?!]
King Didus: [You’ve been awfully busy after the first wave. I didn’t want to cause panic within the crowd, so I called for our last line of defense.]
As Zack narrowed his eyes at the ignorant king, Madelyn took the opportunity to continue her conversation.
Madelyn: [Santanna had used technology introduced to us by a world traveler once in the past. That node of motor technology has since been outdated and drove our nation into a deprived state. For decades, we built ourselves back to our flourishing state. I wish to gain information on the future of technology to better improve Santanna, and I cannot do so without your help.]
Paladin Zack: [You said you know about the world travelers. Do you mean you know about the fairies, then?]
Madelyn: [I know anything and everything this world has to offer. However, this other world sparks my interest. Due to this, I’m willing to put myself on the table to learn about everything you know.]
Paladin Zack: [What you’re telling me is hard to believe. How do I know you’re not an NPC or spy for the demon lord?]
Madelyn: [Do I speak like a damned ‘NPC’ to you, Zachary? Also, it’s quite disrespectful to call a woman a slave to the devil, don’t you think?]
Paladin Zack: [Disrespectful or not… I’m having a hard time trusting you.]
Madelyn: [After my forces and I defeated the hoard of gremlins that were trying to attack the city, I thought we’d get better representation around here. Maybe you’ll speak with me after I let you have your way with me?]
Zack jolted back in shock and hesitated to respond. OJ began to laugh out from deep in his lungs.
Paladin Zack stuttering: [What are you–!]
The woman’s strong resemblance to someone he knew from the previous world threw him off guard when she offered him her body. Zack’s face turned beet red with the thought that this could be who he thought it was.
Madelyn confused: [Why are you surprised? I said I’d put myself on the table, didn’t I?]
Paladin Zack embarrassed: [I didn’t think you meant it in that manner–!]
Madelyn: [Why not? I’m willing to do anything for this information, Sir Zachary.]
Paladin Zack: [Maybe you should have a little self-preservation before you offer your body to a stranger!]
Madelyn: [I know more about you than you think. I wouldn’t offer my body to just anyone, you know. I’m not a whore!]
Paladin Zack: [I wasn’t calling you one!]
RK Sophia: [How about we bring an end to that conversation and get on with why we came here?]
Madelyn: [I’d rather not pause our negotiations here. I have much to say to Sir Zachary.]
RK Sophia: [If all you need to talk about is your theory on the world shifters, the queen of Penn knows more about it than Zack. It would be best for you to let us handle our duties.]
Madelyn: [Although I have nothing against the queen of Penn, I believe she is far too young and ignorant on how any of this works.]
Sophia narrowed her eyes in spite.
RK Sophia: [Mentally, she’s almost older than the both of us combined, so I’d be careful trying to work your way around her.]
Madelyn puzzled: [Her mental age is older than her physical? Is this a cause of the world traveling?]
RK Sophia: [Hell if I know. All of this is as confusing to me as it is to you. As I said, talk to her about this shit. We don’t have the time.]
Madelyn: [Regardless of her mental age, I refuse to speak to a child.]
RK Ali: [Miss Ekans, or whatever they call you, could you at least wait until the waves come to an end to bring all of this up? There are more important things to be talking about.]
Paladin OJ: [As much as I also want to know about this stuff, there will be no information if the people involved don’t live to see tomorrow.]
OJ lifted the empty teacup in front of him and turned to Madelyn, who was enraged at the Royal Knights trying to persuade her to hold her message. Her usual calm and pleasing demeanor was being tested every second.
A maid noticed OJ’s empty teacup and rushed to fill it up. Everyone remained silent as the clear liquid poured.
King Didus: [Let us go to the conference room, then.]
Madelyn: [Either you leave Zachary with me, or we stop supporting this kingdom during the waves.]
Everyone turned to her as OJ took a loud sip from the cup.
King Didus: [I’m afraid you don’t have the authority to conduct such terms. DeMarcus strictly stated that no information can be given until the end of the waves.]
Madelyn tightened her hands and took a few heavy breaths.
Madelyn calmly: [Fine then.]
She got up from the silver seat and crossed her arms with a spiteful stare.
Madelyn: [The waves won’t come to an end until the elder fairies have left the kingdom. What he’s after isn’t any of your pitiful land.]
Paladin Zack silently: [Elder fairies? You don’t mean…]
Madelyn: [Until you guys find out where the elder fairies reside, you should expect to fight until your last breath.]
Paladin Zack: [What…? How would you know something like that?]
Madelyn: [How many times do I have to repeat myself? I said I know anything and everything this world has to offer. There isn’t a single thing that goes over my head.]
The maid standing behind her in a blue-tinted uniform, rested a palm on Madelyn’s shoulder.
Madelyn: [Remember that for next time, Sir Zachary, as I'm sure we'll cross paths again in the near future. For now, I wish you the best of luck on the next wave.]
The two of them vanished into thin air, disappearing as if they were illusions cast away into the mist.
Zack turned to Didus with his eyes downcast and full of confusion.
King Didus: [Drop the long face, Chagnon! Now is not the time to wallow in pity.]
Zack let out a heavy breath and raised his head.
King Didus: [If what she says is the complete truth, I’m afraid we won’t have any luck finding the elder fairies.]
Paladin OJ: [Well, since they split ways, it’s been almost impossible to find them. I’m honestly surprised that the demon lord knows one is in this kingdom.]
The dark-skinned paladin stood up and approached the three near the garden doors.
Paladin OJ: [What do you plan to do once you find them, Your Highness?]
King Didus: [Bringing an end to the waves is my first priority. As much as I’d like to question the elder fairy, discarding it from the kingdom would be best.]
Didus turned to the Royal Knights.
King Didus: [Let’s head to the conference room to discuss our plans for the third wave. Afterward, we go on a fairy hunt.]
Zack watched everyone leave the garden room with his eyes narrowed. He saw a strand of Sophia’s hair light up before she shut the door behind her, while sighing with a face of disappointment.
Alone in the room, Zack stared at the closed doors with a fist beside his waist.
Zack silently: [Hey, let me in.]
Expecting an immediate response, he patiently waited another moment with the natural ambiance around him.
Zack: [I want to see your face.]
???: [I understand that you’re angry, but I’m still a woman, y’know? I’d like the strong, and handsome man of my dreams to call me by my name every once in a while. Maybe even a pet name, or something to claim me as yours… like babe.]
Zack: [Now isn’t the time to joke around!]
???: [Fine! Just close your eyes.]
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Zack listened along and forced his eyes shut, only to then feel the warm hands of an angelic being covering his eyes.
???: [Keep them closed, I’m not ready yet.]
Zack: [You can’t be serious! It hasn’t even been an hour since you last called me!]
???: [I’m not sure if I’m into this rude side of yours.]
The voice sighed with a pout. Suddenly, the warm hands covering Zack’s eyes moved away.
???: [You can open them now.]
As Zack opened his eyes, he found himself back in his subconscious plane with the woman in chainmail pouting with her arms crossed.
Zack angrily: [You need to explain something, fairy.]
The woman in chainmail widened her eyes in shock.
Zack: [What was Madelyn talking about?!]
???: [Don’t call me Fairy, Zack. How would you feel if I called you Male?!]
Zack: [Don’t dodge the question!]
???: [My name is Mia! I’m not going to answer you until you show some respect!]
The woman crossed her arms and turned away from the Paladin. Watching her act like a child, Zack pinched between his eyes and groaned.
Zack: [Jesus Christ! Why do I have to put up with you!]
Mia: [Choose your next words wisely, Zachary!]
The paladin stopped himself from continuing when he noticed the frustration in Mia’s eyes and the buildup of tears forming along the edges.
Zack: [S… sorry. I didn’t mean to–]
Mia: [You better be!]
She wiped off the tears.
Mia: [Sometimes I just want you to talk to me… like any other human.]
Zack lowered his head as Mia took a large breath.
Zack: [I’m sorry, but Madelyn brings up too many questions that I need immediate answers to.]
Mia: [You mean the woman that was trying to throw herself at you? You’re welcome, by the way, for holding you back from accepting her with open arms.]
Zack: [You can control my emotions?]
Mia: [I try my best to restrain my power over you, but I couldn’t stand that bitch.]
Zack nervously: [If you’re going to make me an ass to anyone that shows a hint of attraction, I’d like to formally ask you to let me live my life.]
Mia: [I’m not going to let you cheat on me!]
Zack: [It isn’t really cheating if we aren’t even together.]
Mia turned her head exclaiming ‘Hmph!’
Mia embarrassed: [Regardless, it hurts to see you so entranced by another girl.]
Zack: [Don’t worry about other girls.]
He smiled and rested a hand on Mia’s straight brown hair.
Zack: [If anything, you’ll be by my side more than anyone else.]
Feeling his gentle head rubs above her head, Mia’s heart began thumping and her face slowly turned red. She couldn’t think straight as she smiled and didn’t break eye contact with Zack.
Mia: [You…]
Zack slowed his head pats and tilted his head.
Mia: [You do too much.]
Zack: [Is this not what you wanted?]
Mia shook her head and reached for Zack’s arm. Pulling it down to her chest, she wrapped her hands around it and shut her eyes.
Mia softly: [I haven’t felt this way in forever.]
Zack nervously chuckled while she moved their hands down, now holding his fingers between hers.
Mia: [I’ll tell you what you want to know. All you have to do is promise me you’ll visit often, and not just to have your questions answered.]
Zack: [I promise.]
Mia giggled and her blush spread passed her face.
Mia: [Close your eyes for me, just for a second.]
Zack: [You aren’t going to do anything weird, are you?]
Mia: [Nothing that’s unusual for a couple.]
Zack: [We aren’t a couple, though!]
Mia laughed to herself and rolled her eyes.
Mia: [It was only a joke! Just do it… for me.]
Zack sighed as he shut his eyes.
Mia: [You can open them now.]
Zack opened his eyes to find himself in a flower field of yellow pedals and a bright blue sky.
Mia: [Have a seat. We have much to discuss.]
He looked down at Mia sitting on a patch of flowers her legs folded to her side. She was dressed in a red dress that stood in stark contrast to the flowers beneath her. Zack sat down with his legs crossed and noticed his armor had completely disappeared with no trace of its existence.
Mia: [Feel free to ask me anything, and I’ll run through the knowledge I’ve gained through the mega-annum I’ve been alive.]
Zack: [I have a lot I want to ask you, but I’m afraid there isn’t enough time to listen to everything.]
Mia: [Don’t worry about time. Anything that happens here quantifies as a millisecond in the outside world.]
Zack dumbfounded: [Seriously?]
Mia nodded with a smile.
Zack: [Then… I don’t know where to start.]
Mia: [Why not from the very beginning?]
Zack ecstatic: [Yes! Tell me everything!]
The two of them sat in the flower field and had back-and-forth discussions on the history of the world Zack was randomly thrown in. As Mia spoke on the events that happened throughout the years of her existence and beyond, Zack couldn’t stop himself from pointing out the similarities the world shared with his. A lot of the information she gave him was vastly different from the books he would read during the year of his time here.
What would have realistically been 14 hours of storytelling, only felt like a few minutes in Zack’s mind as Mia continued to tell him the truths behind famous tales and mangled history. He lived a million years in the eyes of a fairy and continued to invest in her tales. All of the various things she had to say about her life as a fairy and the evolution of the species on this planet left the paladin in awe. If it wasn’t the war stories or religions, it was her love life and the centuries she spent alone. The tales of war, though engaging, paled in comparison to her desperate struggle to survive in a world that only wanted her dead.
According to her, she was the person that initially taught Elliot Bengt how to use fairy magic, more commonly known as Od. Even with her millennia of experience, Mia fell in love with him and was manipulated into following his every word. All while conscious, she turned against her siblings and brought about “The Summoning” that forced Zack and his friends to be transported.
After she told him the tale of Elliot Bengt in detail, Mia requested she teach the Paladin how to use the way of the fairies.
Zack concerned: [Are you sure about this?]
Mia: [Yeah! There's nothing to worry about!]
Zack: [History tends to repeat itself, Mia. Maybe you shouldn’t go around teaching people magic that can alter worlds.]
Mia: [In my defense, I didn’t know it could do that.]
Zack: [Well, to stay on the safe side, I’m going to stay away from that.]
Mia: [Your loss!]
Zack: [Okay, let’s go back to the part where everything went wrong.]
Mia nodded.
Zack: [What exactly happened?]
Mia: [One of the fairies interfered with The Summoning, which then led to the corruption of the dimensional borders. The fairy that did that is the current demon lord.]
Zack: [If I were to guess who would’ve done that, my bet would have been on you.]
Mia: [That’s rude!]
Zack: [Well, you did love him. It’d only make sense if you screwed with the summoning to stay by his side.]
Mia: [Yeah, I messed up at first, but my sister threw me back into the right mindset.]
Zack: [You have a sister?]
Mia: [Not entirely. She’s more like a best friend I’ve had since I was little. We’re practically family, considering we’ve done everything together.]
She continued to tell him the countless amount of times her sister saved her from imminent doom and chaos, as well as the clumsy times when they both seemed to share a single brain cell.
Zack: [So what exactly were you guys trying to summon?]
Mia: [A hero among heroes. Someone within the multiverse that could withstand the power of the seven fairies and fight against Elliot’s treachery.]
Zack: [Since we can’t handle the power of multiple fairies, you decided to split up?]
Mia nodded.
Zack: [That makes a hell of a lot more sense.]
Mia: [I’m glad you’re getting something out of this, but that brings us to the present day. Any more questions?]
Zack: [Oh, I have plenty!]
As Mia grinned, Zack felt his body weaken and the sudden urge to yawn.
Mia: [Looks like you’re getting tired.]
Zack: [I take it as a sign that I’m almost out of time?]
Mia smug: [There’s no timer here. Keep that in mind when you ever come here for a long night]
With a wink, she giggled to herself.
Mia: [Your mind is getting exhausted. I guess I fed you too much information.]
Zack: [Yeah, but it was all useful information.]
Zack smiled softly.
Zack: [Thank you for that.]
Mia proudly: [You’re welcome!]
Zack: [Anyway, onto the main reason I called you. How come Madelyn knows so much about The Lost?]
Mia: [That’s one thing that I cannot tell you. As much as I would love to, I’m not in the position to know such things.]
Zack: [She’s out of your league, huh?]
Mia: [Yeah… the main reason is due to being stuck in this form. I don’t know anything about stuff that has happened within the last fifteen months. Anything that I learn comes from your eyes.]
Zack: [I see…]
Mia: [I don’t want you to see me as useless, so there is one thing I know about her that I can tell.]
Zack leaned forward and pressed against the flowers beneath him.
Mia: [Madelyn doesn’t work for the demon lord. She hasn’t even seen him before.]
Zack: [How do you know that?]
Mia: [Anyone the demon lord has seen carries a scent. I didn’t smell or see one on her. Also, anyone that has interacted with him has a scar,]
She tilted her head and exposed her neck. As she pointed to a star embedded on her neck, Zack squinted his eyes and exhaled.
Mia: [just like this one. Normally people have both, but it is possible to touch him without him seeing you.]
Zack: [I don’t smell the scent on you…]
Mia: [Only people that can use Od can smell it. People that are efficient can see it clear as day.]
Zack: [I see.]
Mia: [I’ll be sure to warn you in case you encounter someone with the scent. The boy you set free earlier has both the scent and scar, just to let you know.]
Zack: [I figured. I doubt he isn’t working for them.]
Mia nodded.
Zack: [So… do you think what she said about the demon lord’s true goals are true?]
Mia: [I wouldn’t reject it as a possibility. Daemon has never been the kind of person to act rashly. If all he wanted was to get the elder fairies, he wouldn’t have recklessly declared war on a kingdom.]
Zack: [Then what do you recommend we do?]
Mia: [We?!]
She smirked.
Mia: [If you wanted to be partners, you should’ve asked first!]
Zack: [You can’t be serious.]
He let out a yawn as Mia giggled.
Mia: [The last thing we want to do is let the demon lord get his hands on the fairies. If we consider the chance that this is a Fairy Hunt, your best option is to let me go.]
Zack: [Let you go? As in…?]
Mia: [I leave your body and travel the world once more as a spirit.]
Zack: [I can’t do that. Are there any other options?]
Mia stuttering: [Wha- why not?]
Zack: [Your life as a spirit only brought you severe hardship. I won’t let you experience that again.]
Mia: [It’s fine, Zack. I’ll go searching for the other elder fairies in the kingdom and take our leave. Last thing I want is for everything you worked for to fall apart.]
Zack: [Not happening. I’d much rather leave with you than stay without.]
Mia blissfully widened her eyes.
Zack: [Now that I know you, I want to work together as a team. You’re my most valuable asset, and I can’t believe I went so long without knowing.]
Mia embarrassed: [It’s okay, Zack! Really! I’ll be fine on my own! You can’t just leave everything behind!]
Zack: [I won’t let you leave without me. If you do, I’ll spend the rest of eternity looking for you.]
Mia: [Brave words from a cowardly man!]
Zack: [I’m being serious.]
As her face was cherry red, Mia could hardly contain her embarrassment through fidgeting fingers and unfocused eyes. Zack’s confident stare into her soul turned her bashful and forced an emotion she hadn’t felt in decades.
Zack: [You aren’t going anywhere by yourself.]
Mia: [Fine then!]
She firmly planted herself on the ground and looked back at Zack’s staring eyes.
Mia: [We leave together! Everything we do from now on will be together! We share our experiences and emotions, share the same eyes and mind. A dynamic duo is what we’ll become!]
Zack smiled softly which caused the fairy to hesitate.
Mia: [Let's work together, Zack!]
With a nod, Zack let out another yawn, this one longer than the last.
Zack tiredly: [How long has it been?]
Mia: [Almost two days.]
Despite his lack of energy, Zack’s eyes widened as he flinched back.
Mia: [Don’t worry, not a second has passed in the real world. It’ll be like you just blinked.]
Zack struggled to keep his eyes open and look at the beauty sitting in front of him. The hours he spent with her didn’t seem to be enough.
Mia: [When you return, you’ll feel really drowsy. Make sure you get some rest, okay?]
She placed her soft hands on his cheek.
Mia: [Don’t forget to hold your end of the promise.]
Zack returned to his physical body in the blink of an eye and stumbled back feeling drowsy. Pressing a hand against his head, he tripped on himself and fell face-flat in a thorn bush.
Just as he collapsed, Sophia walked through the doors to the garden and stared at his unconscious body on the ground. With a sigh, her hair turned purple and eyes musty green. Without moving a muscle, Zack’s body began floating and hovered to her side.
Sophia silently: [You two are really making me hate my job.]
She walked out of the garden while Zack floated by her side.
Sophia dragged Zack’s unconscious body with her to the castle infirmary where she gently placed him on a bed and left the room. Despite his condition, she needed to be there with Ali and Didus to discuss their plans for the next wave. A doctor entered the room shortly after to do a check-up.
Several hours later, Zack opened his heavy eyes and struggled to take in the light coming from the outside. Once his vision came to him, he noticed a fluff of black hair from the corner of his eye. With a single turn, he saw Ali sitting next to him while fiddling with his fingers. As soon as Ali noticed, he smiled and said,
RK Ali: [Good evening, boss.]
Paladin Zack tired: [How long was I out?]
RK Ali: [A little less than ten hours.]
Zack shut his eyes and sighed.
RK Ali: [We’ve got a few hours until the next wave starts. From the look of it, it’s gonna be a doozy.]
Paladin Zack: [I’ll check in with Didus later to get caught up. Have you seen Madelyn since the garden?]
RK Ali: [She swung by to speak with Ruby. It didn’t look like either of them was too excited to see each other.]
Paladin Zack: [Who threw the fit?]
Ali turned to Zack with a look of confusion. It took the bedridden paladin a moment to realize that his speech was unfamiliar in this world.
Paladin Zack: [I mean… who caused a problem?]
RK Ali: [There was no argument… at first. Madelyn quickly turned the conversation into a quarrel once Ruby mentioned her age.]
Zack sighed again.
RK Ali: [I had to step in before Sophia used any telepathic abilities.]
Paladin Zack: [She needs to learn that she can’t control regular people without permission. It violates their privacy and freedom.]
RK Ali chuckling: [It’s even more strange when you add the fact that she hates making physical contact.]
Zack surprisingly stared back at Ali as he smiled and continued fiddling his fingers. Ali quickly noticed and cleared his throat.
RK Ali: [Anyway, Ruby didn’t take the news about the dragon tamer so lightly.]
Paladin Zack: [I didn’t expect her to be happy about it, but it was the best I could do. If we kept him around any longer, we’d only be causing more problems for the kingdom.]
RK Ali: [Speaking of which, Sophia told me about your dreams. Is it true? Do you really have an elder fairy inside you?]
Zack nodded somberly.
RK Ali: [Then Didus wants to talk speak with you, Ruby, and Sophia. You know the reason, right?]
Paladin Zack: [I’ll be leaving the kingdom soon, and with it my title. It’s likely that Sophia is going to take my spot as Paladin.]
RK Ali: [And you’re okay with that?]
Paladin Zack: [I have no other option. It’s either that, or I’m executed.]
RK Ali: [Sophia said that you can let the fairy go, but you refuse. She thinks it’s because you secretly want to leave us and go on a journey.]
Paladin Zack: [Don’t believe everything Sophia tells you.]
RK Ali: [But she was being serious!]
Ali’s voice steadily grew louder.
RK Ali: [Her Highness broke into tears because of you!]
Paladin Zack: [I’m not leaving because I want to!]
The two began yelling at each other’s faces without concern for the other patients in the room.
Paladin Zack: [If I wanted to leave this place sooner, I would’ve without looking back!]
RK Ali: [Then why didn’t you?! Why did you build bonds if you planned on leaving so soon?!]
Paladin Zack: [This is a decision I had to make after what Madelyn told us! I have no other choice, Ali!]
RK Ali: [Just let the fairy go and we’ll be set! No one will have to leave, and nothing will have to change!]
Paladin Zack: [Her name is Mia and I’m not letting her go out alone! I won’t let her go through all that suffering again!]
RK Ali: [What is wrong with you?!]
He slammed a hand against a wall and narrowed his eyes.
RK Ali: [This fairy has done nothing for you, yet you risk everything for it! How does this make an ounce of sense in your head?!]
Paladin Zack: [I’m not going to hand her to the demon lord! After everything she’s been through, she needs someone by her side!]
RK Ali: [What about Hilda, huh?!]
Zack flinched back in surprise. His eyes widened and he looked around the room. On the bed beside him, Hilda rested with a pair of cuffs holding her arms together.
RK Ali: [She needs you now more than ever! What happened to finding her attacker or making up the months you left her alone?! Don’t tell me you already forgot!]
Zack lowered his eyes.
RK Ali: [What kind of Paladin are you if you can’t even keep your promise?!]
Paladin Zack coldly: [Why do you care so much?]
RK Ali: [This kingdom is in ruin and you’re our last hope!]
He sat back down and closed his eyes.
RK Ali: [Before you came, we were this close to crumbling to the ground. Sophia might hate to admit it, but it’s thanks to you that we actually managed to get back on our feet. You were like a second king who did a much better job than the first.]
Paladin Zack: [I didn’t do anything.]
RK Ali: [Don’t humble yourself.]
The two fell to a dreadful silence that echoed the winds from outside. Continuing to fiddle his thumbs, Ali looked away from the bed-ridden Paladin and sighed.
RK Ali: [If you’re feeling any better, meet the others in the conference room.]
He walked up to the door and stopped as soon as it opened.
RK Ali: [Don’t keep them waiting.]
Ali shut the door behind him and left Zack to his thoughts. The castle infirmary fell silent again. The silence allowed Zack to think thoroughly about the decision he made. He came to realize that the sudden choice was brash and selfish and that he was going to be leaving a lot of people behind if he did choose to leave. Zack dug his hand into his hair.
He took a moment to think things through. The thought of leaving everything he built up for a girl he just met gave him a headache. Everything was happening too suddenly. The promises he made, the oath he swore, and the family and friends he attained. Was he going to throw that all away? Was the life of a fairy that had to endure so much pain, worth dropping everything and saving? Staying without the fairy is an option that she brought upon him. Like nothing had ever happened, he could stay and live the life of the “Strongest Paladin,” or… did he deserve it?
It was without question to him that this experience was only temporary and that his return to the real world was only a matter of time. He came to the idea that his decision on this matter either increased or hastened the speed at which he left. This wasn’t his world, yet the obligation to keep it safe grew stronger the more he thought of the princess sleeping beside him.
As he clenched his teeth and began scratching his chest, he heard a knock on the door that startled him. He immediately stopped himself and raised his head. Standing on the other side, with her arms crossed and shoulder pressed against the door, the queen of Penb watched the Paladin staring back at her.
Paladin Zack: [What are you doing here?]
Ruby: [You were taking too long, so they sent me to get you.]
She walked up to him and took a seat on the chair Ali sat on.
Ruby: [You’ve made a lot of enemies, huh?]
Zack averted his eyes and sighed.
Ruby: [What is it with you boys? I’ve been doing nothing but taking care of you guys since I got my memories back.]
Paladin Zack: [I’m not sure what you’re talking about…]
Ruby: [You aren’t the only one that is having heroism problems.]
Zack looked back at Ruby’s prideful smile as he pushed her chest out.
Ruby: [Once again, I’ll be the one to bring you back to your feet.]
Zack with a chuckle: [I’d rather not be scolded by a freshman.]
The two laughed with each other.
Ruby: [But seriously, Sophia and Didus are waiting for us in the conference hall. If you aren’t going to show, I’ll be sure to tell them.]
Zack: [What do you think I should do? I’m really debating whether–]
Ruby: [Follow your heart!]
Interrupting him, Ruby proudly held her ground.
Ruby: [One thing you should keep in mind is that this isn’t your world. If I go any further, I’d start scolding you.]
Zack: [... You’re right.]
Ruby: [Your friends started heading south to search for their friends. If you decide to find them, take the weight from Abrianna’s shoulders. Dealing with three idiots could become too stressful for her.]
Zack: [Then… I think I’m going to find them. First, I have to clear up a few things.]
He stood up from the bed and lifted his cape from the frame.
Zack: [Thanks for helping me decide.]
Ruby: [I wouldn't say I did much of anything. I had the feeling you already knew what you wanted to do before our talk.]
He walked past her and opened the door.
Ruby: [Just don’t be too reckless, okay?]
Ruby got up and walked out the door. Zack remained behind and looked at the sleeping princess in the infirmary.
Zack silently: [I realize I’ve made all sorts of empty promises, and for that I’m sorry. There’s something that I have to do that has been causing me a great deal of stress. It’s too important for me to push to the side any longer, which I’m sure you’d be able to understand. I’ll be back for you. I promise.]
He shut the door.
Ruby and Zack made their way to the conference room with a few pit stops along the way. Before entering, Zack slammed the doors open with a confident smirk. The bright light encompassing them from the hall shined what looked like a golden aura around them that confused the two sitting on the other side. With their eyes full of sorrow, Sophia and Didus watched their paladin stripped of his armor, storm his way to the center table. Ruby held his cape and rested it on the chair Zack once sat on.
King Didus: [What’s the meaning of this, Zachary?]
Zack confidently: [I RESIGN!]
Didus’ eyes widened in shock.
RK Sophia: [What’d I tell you?! He–]
Didus shot an arm towards Sophia which silenced her.
King Didus: [I want to hear it from Zack.]
Zack: [I have a fairy in me, and I don’t plan on letting her go anytime soon. I’ll be leaving the kingdom and joining my friends to find our way back home.]
King Didus: [Have you thought this through? Don’t you think this is a bit too soon?]
Zack: [I’ve thought for a bit, and it’s a decision I don’t think I will regret. If Madelyn is telling the truth about the demon lord’s goals, my leaving is for the best.]
RK Sophia: [We have no reason to believe her! We’re not giving up our best fighter on chance!]
Zack: [On the slim chance she’s telling the truth–]
RK Sophia: [You know how slim that is? You’re going to leave us to die!]
Zack: [I’ve already thought about that. OJ is still in the kingdom and more than willing to help out with the waves. There’s also Queen Ruby, ready to help out with little cost. If firepower is your biggest concern, they’ve got it covered.]
King Didus: [And on the off chance that Madelyn is telling the truth, our kingdom will be ranked lowest in the alliance in firepower. As strong as Royal Knight Sophia may be, she proves utterly useless against monsters.]
Queen Ruby: [I can teach Sophia how to use Od. Once she gets her hands around it, she’ll be strong enough to take on any monster.]
King Didus: [That leaves us quite vulnerable during that time.]
Zack: [You’ll have more than enough time to build up your defenses.]
King Didus coldly: [You’re going to go through with this?]
Zack nodded.
King Didus: [Theres no changing your mind, is there?]
Zack shook his head.
King Didus: [... Fine then… you may leave.]
Sophia: [You’re pathetic.]
With a smile, Zack nodded her direction and walked out of the room alone. He walked to the outside of the castle and took a deep breath of the air around him. As he closed his eyes, he felt the atmosphere around him instantly change and the warm scent of daffodils surrounded him.
Mia: [You’re actually leaving Leviere?]
Zack turned around and saw the fairy sitting in the field of flowers.
Mia: [For me?]
Zack: [There’s more to it than wanting to keep you safe.]
He sat by her side and stared up at the blue sky.
Zack: [I have a world to get back to. Regardless of the family I make here, my mom and dad might be worrying about me. Reality is more important than fantasy, and it took a freshman to remind me about that.]
Mia: [I’m shocked. Do you know where we’re going first?]
Zack: [My friends need me. We head south to catch up with them, and then we begin the real hunt.]
Mia: [Aye, aye, captain! You take the wheel!]
The ex-paladin immediately returned to the front of the castle and opened the map that was mostly grayed out.
Zack: [Here we go.]