The rising sun. Birds chirping, flowers blooming. A very nice morning. It may be a little different for Reito. Laying down on the earth ground, he felt the weight on his chest. His eyes slowly opened as he yawned.
Reito: That was a good night.
He said tirelessly. He tried getting up but failed. As if something was holding him down. He thought was his armor at first. Until he got a good look. He saw a hand, arm, head, hair, and many whitetails. He lost his breath. A woman laying on him while he slept. Still sleeping, too.
Reito: Huh...?
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Reito: Huh?
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Reito: HUH?!
He shouted as his echoes traveled through the trees, scaring the birds and spooking the woman. She got off as Reito was moving back fast before tripping over a log and falling on his back with his feet still in the air.
???: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you.
He flipped himself over as he looked over and saw a sight many would die for. A beautiful young woman with sparkling white hair, blue eyes, and clean and glossy skin wearing a white dress.
???: Good morning! Did you sleep well?
He was at a loss for words. He had nothing to say. Before shaking his head, he was able to think straight again.
Reito: Sorry. I guess I slept okay. Forgive me, but... Who are you? I feel like we've... Met somewhere before.
???: Of course, we met. We met last night.
Reito: Last night?
He glances past the woman and sees the nine white tails extruding from her back.
Reito: No way!
???: Do you remember now? I'm that fox you saved from the knights the other day!
Reito: Huh? Weird. I never thought the day would come where... This would happen to me. I see your left arm has healed quite nicely.
???: Of course. If I have enough magic, I can heal nearly any wound.
Reito: That sounds like an admirable feat to have.
???: Oh, my my, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Ahri, the White nine-tailed fox.
Reito: I'm Reito Takahashi. If it's not too much to ask, why were those knights chasing after you?
Ahri: It has to do with my species. We nine-tailed foxes are a rare breed of demi-human. We have powers that are considered 'supernatural' to humans. Humans have been killing demi-humans since the start of Melromarc. No, even before that. Since we're a rare species, we split off from other species and hid ourselves using magic. The knights wanted to take my power for themselves.
Reito: That's one of the things I hate about humans. Most of us are greedy creatures. One of many ugly attributes.
He stands up and stretches his body.
Reito: I should probably get going. I still have a long way to go toward my destination.
Ahri: Can I ask something of you?
Reito: What is it?
Ahri: Will you let me travel and fight alongside you?
She pleaded while bowing down. It took Reito by surprise.
Ahri: You went out of your way to save my life. I owe you my life.
Reito: You don't owe me anything. Can you stop bowing?
Ahri: I must! It would be insulting to not repay the man who saved my life. Please!
He'd be lying if he said the thought of a partner never crossed his mind. Ahri decided to play her trump card and pleaded with puppy dog eyes. Even waving her tails. Reito was a nice man. But seeing a woman beg for something was something he just couldn't stomach.
Reito: *Sigh* Fine.
Ahri: Really? Oh, thank you! Thank you!
She went to hug him but ended up tackling him to the ground. She started rubbing her head along his cheeks. He managed to push her off and stand back up.
Reito: Alright. Since we're going to be traveling together from this point on, I have one thing that I want you to follow at all times.
Ahri: Anything! If it's for the man who saved my life.
Reito: This will be easy. This is an absolute rule. I want you to think and decide for yourself.
Ahri: What?
Reito: I didn't expect anything in return when I saved you. I was just doing what I thought was right. You can come and go when you like. The waves are going to be trouble, so when we're fighting, I'll protect you and you protect me. Understood?
Ahri: Understood.
Reito: Good. I have a place to get to, so let's get going.
Ahri: Of course, sir Reito.
Reito: Drop the 'sir'. Just call me Reito. I don't care for formalities.
Ahri: Okay. Where are we going, anyway?
Reito: To a city. I'm on a mission. It's still many miles away.
Ahri: Lead the way.
Reito: Great!
He nods as they start their walk toward the city. After a few minutes in, Reito couldn't help but keep staring at Ahri's white furry ears on her head. He gave them a small flick, which Ahri reacted to.
Ahri: Please don't do that.
Reito: I just wanted to see if those were real. Along with your tails.
Ahri: Of course they're real. Do you wanna touch them?
Reito: Can I? Are you sure?
Ahri: Of course.
She turned around as her tails were moving back and forth. Reito gently grabbed a hold of one and calmly stroked up and down.
Reito: (Now that's soft.)
He does another pet down as a small moan escapes from Ahri's mouth. He instantly let go.
Reito: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that!
Ahri: It's fine. Our tails are sensitive, so we don't allow anyone to touch them normally.
Reito: I see.
After that, they resumed their journey. It took nearly an hour of traveling by foot, but they finally arrived at the city he was assigned to go to.
Reito: Here we are. You must be hungry. I'll find us something to eat.
Ahri: Are you sure I can go in?
Reito: Of course I'm sure. Why?
Ahri: Remember what I said about demi-humans? I feel like I shouldn't go in.
Reito: That's not a problem. Here, you can hold my hand while we walk. Will that make you feel better?
Ahri: Can I?
Reito: Of course. Come on.
She grabs a hold of Reito's hand and walks into the city. She managed to hide her blush as they kept holding hands.
Ahri: (His hand is so much bigger than mine. It feels gentle.)
Sticking out, Reito expected them to get stares, which they did. He didn't mind it and he eventually found a nice place to eat.
Ahri: So there are five Cardinal Heroes to stop the Wave of Catastrophe?
Reito: Yep. It took me completely by surprise when I was told that.
Ahri: Why didn't you tell me you were the fifth hero?
Reito: I didn't think it mattered. In all honesty, the fifth hero is there as a backup if the other heroes aren't doing a good job.
A few minutes went by and they ordered food. He was surprised at how fast it was able to be produced. When their meals arrived, they both dug in. It was a good and relaxing time. Then, out of nowhere, the restaurant doors flew open with enough force to nearly break the doors. Reito didn't pay any attention, but Ahri began to get a little nervous. he placed his hand on hers, which managed to calm her down. Knights came in and walked up to Reito and Ahri.
Knight: It's him! He's the one that attacked without reason!
He knew this voice. It was the voice of the knight who was trying to hunt down Ahri. He also had a feeling that this wasn't going to end well.
???: You, the one in the weird armor!
He turned his head and saw the person. A man with long blonde hair tied back and wearing maroon clothes with armor. A spear was seen on his back. And he looked like he could use it quickly.
???: So this is the one that caused trouble for our knights.
He heard a feminine voice and saw her red hair and green eyes. Also dressed like royalty. He's seen her before. In that book that brought him here.
Reito: Meh.
He shrugged as he went back to eating his meal. They didn't take too kindly to that as the one with the spear slammed his fist on the table.
???: Don't ignore us! Are you the one who's causing trouble?
Reito: Of course.
???: You dare to beat up on our knights with no weapons while wearing strange armor?
Reito: You're damn right. Not my fault they suck at fighting.
???: You will pay for your crimes!
Reito: What crimes are those? They're the ones that attacked me without warning. You can ask them yourselves. Just look at the leader. His face is like a fountain with how much he's sweating.
???: You dare put blame on the royal knights?
???: Just look at him, sir Motoyasu. it's obvious he's a criminal. End him.
He took out his spear but stopped when he looked at Ahri. He couldn't help but approach her.
Motoyasu: A beauty like you shouldn't waste her time on a spineless maggot like him. Why don't you join me, sir Motoyasu, the Spear Hero?
He attempted to grab her arm but was stopped when Reito grabbed him and got up.
Reito: You aren't going to touch her. Not with your filthy hands.
He threw his arm away as they stood face-to-face.
Motoyasu: You think it's funny to threaten a hero?!
He went to try and strike with his spear but was stopped before he could do anything. He felt something pressed against his neck and saw Reito holding his wakizashi blade at his neck.
Motoyasu: W-what speed...!
Reito: Not so fun being on the sharp end of a blade, is it?
???: You've just committed a criminal offense! Striking a hero is unforgivable.
Reito: You, in the sports bra, do not test me.
???: Sports bra?!
Motoyasu: Don't talk to the princess that way!
Reito: If I can get the drop on you this easily, imagine what I could do to everyone else in here. I suggest you leave us alone.
He glances over at the princess with a sharpened look.
Reito: I don't think the queen would like to hear about our scuffle, now would she?
The princess's face went pale with fear.
Reito: Listen, you may be a Cardinal Hero, but the people depend on you and the others to get rid of the waves. You have to set an example for them.
He took his blade away as he sheathed it back into his scabbard.
Reito: But don't let that stop you. Keep going if none of you care about making a scene.
Silence fell between them. Motoyasu saw this chance to aim his spear at Reito.
Motoyasu: You've got a lot of nerve saying that to us.
As the spear was pointed at him, Reito couldn't help but sigh.
Reito: If this is your way of threatening me, it's not working. I don't feel the least bit frightened.
???: Let's get out of here. We have better things to do than waste our time with a low-class warrior.
Motoyasu: Of course, Myne. This is your lucky day. The next time I see you, I will attack you, no matter where we are.
Reito: I'm looking forward to it.
They scoff as the Spear Hero exits the restaurant with his group. Reito sat back down.
Reito: Dickhead. He may be a hero but he ain't too bright. Now I understand what the queen meant. He's like a child. Are you alright?
Ahri: Yes. You didn't have to do that for me. You could've gotten hurt.
Reito: By him? Meh, he didn't scare me. The dude needs to work on his attitude. And his brains. I count zero brain cells in that guy. I swear, if all the other heroes are like this- I didn't sign up for this bullshit.
He said softly while rubbing his eyes.
Ahri: Thank you. He was forcing himself onto me.
Reito: No problem. We're a team, remember? We look out for each other.
Ahri: Of course!
Reito: Good.
He went back to eating.
Reito: (That's the first step of my mission. Now I just need to find a certain someone. Where are you, Shield Hero?)
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TO BE CONTINUED...