Chapter Eight: The Hero’s Jealousy
The days passed slowly in a way that was good. The more Shion thought about it, the more she dreaded leaving Chris. Not because she thought Vestiaa couldn’t take care of him, on the contrary, she knew her friend would take excellent care of him. No, Shion had come to truly care about Chris. He was like the little brother she never had and she wished she could stay by his side. Even with all his quietness, he was sweet and caring, always running up to Shion and hugging her.
But Shion knew what was best for him and decided to spend the rest of the time her and Nemis had with him having fun. She wanted to leave him with good memories.
She bought him treats, more new clothes, and a small keepsake so that he would never forget her.
She really did care about him.
All the worry she had felt in the beginning regarding him washed away and she felt ashamed that she’d even thought he’d have anything to do with the Demon King. Chris was so gentle that he wouldn’t even hurt a fly. Literally.
All types of insects and arachnids pestered them, seeming to think it was time to come out, and no matter how much either her or Nemis urged, he wouldn’t touch them. When she was swatting flies away left and right, he was picking up the spiders and placing them outside.
He was so gentle that it made even her stony heart ache. Why would someone hurt such an adorable boy? She would ask herself often.
There was really no answer that could assuage her.
They only hurt you because they are afraid of you. They only see what’s on the outside. They didn’t even care to get to know you. She wanted to say to him, but she was so afraid it would only bring up the bad memories that she couldn’t.
There was nothing she could do or say that would make up for all he’d been through. She could only grudgingly accept that humans were terrible beings.
And that included her.
Why do people hurt others? Why do people believe discriminate? Why do people hate? Those questions plagued her. Every time she closed her eyes she thought about Chris. How badly he’d been wounded. She thought of Nemis, who every time he left their room was jeered at and mocked.
The only answer she could think of was that it was human nature to be afraid.
Everything boils down to fear. She thought. We fear what we do not know. We fear being hated. We fear being different. Even I feared him because I didn’t know what I was going to find. She had looked to Nemis when she thought this. You weren’t afraid. You knew what happened to him instantly and you didn’t care. What do you fear?
That was a very good question. Lately Shion had been thinking more and more about Nemis as a person instead of as the baggage she saved.
Nothing seemed to faze him. Not even when one of the more unruly men had thrown a jug of ale at his head. Nemis lithely dodged it and kept walking. The only time she saw him get angry was when someone had tried to pull a similar stunt on Chris when the three of them had been walking in the streets.
She was sure he’d broken the arm of the perpetrator, but since she’d turned a blind eye, she wasn’t that certain.
Why is it that I can relate to Nemis and Chris, but I find everyone else worthless. Why do I hate my own kind so much?
Shion disliked most humans. She would much rather save a rock before she saved one of her own people. Most of the people she considered friends were half demon.
I seriously am one messed up hero. She told herself.
Finally the day came when her sword was fixed and they had no real reason to stay. That was the day she decided to take him to Vestiaa. Her and Nemis would spend the night and in the morning the two of them would leave.
He’ll probably be so excited that he wont even notice that we’re gone. She laughed sadly.
Smiling, she hid the part of her that felt sad about whole thing, and charge on, never letting Nemis or Chris see the regret that threatened to make her cry.
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The Hero was trying not to let her melancholy mood show. Peculiarly enough, he felt the same emotions creeping up on him.
He didn’t want to let Chris go. Nemis had really come to enjoy the young half-breed’s attention, reverence, and company.
And that was something that didn’t happen much anymore.
The Hero told him that the woman named Vestiaa would care for Chris well. Nemis had no reason to doubt her, after the Hero’s trip she had come back smelling of satisfaction and happiness.
What am I doing? He chided himself. Why should I feel upset about leaving the boy!? Damn it, we’re not a big happy family, I have nothing to do with him. He sighed. Because you remember. And because you do care.
His own thoughts turned against him as they walked to the woman’s house.
Chris was practically jumping with anticipation, his words jumbling into a mess in Nemis’ mind. Chris was half anxious, half excited.
Do you think that she’ll like me? He asked Nemis in a timid voice. Nemis shrugged and then grinned devilishly.
Why wouldn’t she? He asked, letting a touch of sarcasm fill his words. Kid, count yourself lucky. You’re going to be with your own kind and I hear there are two little girls in her care. You wont ever be lonely again. Nemis said.
You wont ever be lonely like I was.
Nemis had been lonely for the longest time. He didn’t want the kid to feel the way he did. He didn’t want the kid to be unhappy.
Who cares what happens to some kid? You only care about yourself.
He…reminds me…of my younger self…
Quit whining, you are the demon king. You don’t care about puny half-breeds.
I know.
Then why do you care about him?
Nemis didn’t know the answer. He still hated humans and could care less about others, but Chris was somehow different from all that. The Hero was different.
He saw himself, his younger, wounded self in the boy and for some reason he couldn’t get rid of the image.
It made him hurt.
It made him unable to fight back.
Excruciating thoughts came back to him, reminding him of a life he’d tried so hard to get rid off. The more he was with her, the more he kept remembering, the more he kept reliving. Maybe his conscience had returned and he was trying to change his past through his future.
Nemis didn’t know and it terrified him to the point that he wasn’t sure about anything. Those moments passed and he became himself again, but he could not forget the feeling of helplessness. And the more he tried to compensate for his lapses into humanity, the more it happened.
He looked down at Chris, who was deep in thought. He could almost hear what the boy was thinking. He’d felt the same emotions long before.
“What if they don’t like me?”
Chris, calm down. Nemis sighed inwardly. He really didn’t want to have this talk, as it made it all the more easier for his secret to be spilled. Yet, he knew he was going to have to tell the boy.
Yes, big brother?
You know how me and you are speaking, yes? The Hero can’t hear, its between our minds, right? Chris nodded. Would you like to learn how to initiate contact yourself, so that you can talk to the others? Chris nodded again, this time with a fervent passion.
Nemis grinned.
What do I do? I want to learn! Chris practically shouted in Nemis’ ear.
Calm down, don’t get too excited. I want you to first promise me that you will never tell them where, or who, you learned it from. Keep your mouth shut about my identity, or I will come back and rip your little head off your body and use it as a ball, understand?
Chris blinked, shivered, and nodded at the same time.
Okay this is how you do it…
Less than five minutes later, Nemis and the Hero found themselves at a little cottage. It was a quaint little house. It screamed warmth, even happiness, and Nemis grudgingly had to admit that it was the perfect place for a group of half-breeds. The hero, a pleasant smile plastered on her face, knocked on the door, and fiery red headed woman opened the door.
She reached out and pulled the Hero close. “Shion, you’re back! And you brought the kid.” The woman paused and glanced at Nemis. “That’s the man you’ve been traveling with?” She asked secretively, her eyes knowing something Nemis didn’t understand. The Hero nodded and pulled Chris over.
“Vestiaa Halif, this is Nemis, the young boy is Chris. Chris, Nemis this is Vestiaa.” the Hero said, her voice soft. Chris on the other hand looked terrified. He was still afraid that woman wouldn’t accept him.
Vestiaa only smiled and crouched down so that she was face to face with the boy.
“Hello Chris. Everything is alright. Don’t worry, I wont hate you.” she put her hand out and brushed away a lock of hair from his eyes. “I’m not going to say everything will be alright. Because I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. But I will tell you, I’ll try my hardest to allow you to live a peaceful life. I understand how it feels. I love you, Chris, understand that. Because you and I, and these two girls behind me, we will be a family.”
Chris nodded, tears in his eyes. Even Nemis, though reluctantly, felt at ease.
Then another a voice spoke. It was the little girl with light hair. A big grin on her face. “Vesti, he says thank you. He also says, he can talk. Though I think only to me. I’m not sure why, but I can hear his voice in my head.”
Nemis snorted. Only five minutes into the meeting and he decides to talk. He really is a kid. He better not spill my secret.
Vestiaa, although surprised, nodded. “Thank you Iri, and thank you Chris.”
The little girl, Iri, smiled brightly. “For the Hero… He says, he owes you his life. And he loves you. You made his world bright again.”
The Hero nodded, a sorrowful smile reflected back at the boy. “Same for me. You helped me understand something, Chris… I will never forget it. Once I am done with what I have to do, I will come back to see you. I promise.”
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Shion let herself be pulled away by Chris and Iri, who it seemed, in the few minutes they’d known each other, had become thick as thieves. With one glance at Vestiaa and Nemis, she let go and began to play with the kids.
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As soon as the Hero and the kids left, the smile on Vestiaa’s face fell. All that was left was sadness. She looked to Nemis, her green eyes wanting to say something.
“Shion is such a sweet girl. Did you know, she saved me. I was being hunted and she stopped the man that was going to kill me. She wasn’t even the hero at the time, but she bravely put herself between the man and I.” Vestiaa frowned.
It was clear on her face. The woman named Vestiaa really cared about the Hero. It filled the air. It was pure loyalty.
“Some days I think its so hard to be me, to a half demon. There is resting when people hate you for being born. But it worse for her. There are those that hate her and there are those who place their wishes on her back. Forcing her to charge ahead, she can’t rest. Not until she changes her fate…”
Nemis eyed Vestiaa very carefully, wondering what had spurred her words. There was absolutely no reason. And as suddenly as the grim mood had come, it lifted, and Vestiaa smiled brightly.
The Hero approached, the kids in tow. “What were you two talking about?” she said quizzically.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Vestiaa answered. She looked at Nemis and silently asked him to stay quiet about their conversation. “Nemis was just telling me about your travels together.”
With that, the two women began to chatter about something, and that was when Nemis felt someone tugging on his sleeve. It was Chris.
Big brother… I won’t tell them. I promise. I’m going to miss you though. Do you really have to go?
Nemis nodded. Even if he wasn’t planning on killing the Hero, there was no way he would be able to stay. Chris’ face fell.
Nemis bent down, his body moving with a gracefulness he knew could not be matched. He lightly smiled, and for the first time since he found the boy, it was truly sincere, and a heartfelt show of endearment.
Listen Chris, someday, in the near future; when you’ve come into your demonic powers, and your heart is at ease, I’ll explain anything and everything you want to know. You will always be welcome in Hell.
Chris nodded, his pure, innocent expression never faltering.
Thank you, big brother. Do you want to know a secret?
Nemis chuckled. Tell me, you little runt.
In a brief second, he went from standing next to the Hero, to pulling her towards Nemis. Placing the Hero’s hand on Nemis’, Chris backed off and smiled.
Big brother, you are a lot kinder than you know. Even sister knows it, kind of…
Chris was interrupted by Vestiaa, who giggled like a banshee. “Looks as though Chris thinks you two would make a great pair.” she winked at the Hero and then at Chris, who smiled just as deviously as the older half-breed. “Though I think he’s more of my type, a great bed warmer, I’m sure.” Vestiaa flirted.
The Hero pulled her hand away and blushed a deep red color. Nemis, stoic as always, didn’t bat an eye.
“Seems the Hero thought the same, though I must say, you meant it in a whole different way.” he snickered. “I’m inclined to say this, even if you cried afterwards, it still wouldn’t move me.”
Vestiaa’s jaw dropped with an audible gasping sound. She had to blink a few times before she could speak. Covering Iri’s ears, she had Mira do the same for Chris.
She looked at the Hero, who was about ready to burst into a rainbow of red. “My, you’re a sadist, Mister Nemis.” Nemis smiled slyly. He was liking the woman more and more.
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Shion just about choked, Vestiaa was flirting with Nemis, and he was flirting back. She felt stunned, even more so, she felt irritated. Something about seeing them standing together, exchanging lascivious words, it made her angry.
She’d become so accustomed to the banter between them that she was actually annoyed that he was talking that way with another person. Was she actually feeling possessive of Nemis?
Shion didn’t want to listen anymore, cleared her throat, and cleared her thoughts.
“Well, I’ll be back, I must go pick up my sword…” she said, her casual tone not betraying her mood. “I’ll be back, watch them for me. Okay?” With that, she hightailed it out of there.
She didn’t even wait to hear their responses, she didn’t even think she could handle it.
Shion was way too aware of Nemis. She’d been tempted to slip into his bed again. Something about his cool body temperature was alluring. It was comfortable and nostalgic. She couldn’t help but recall her childhood and the man she thought was her father.
He too had been colder than normal. And although she’d forgotten what his face looked like, Shion still yearned for the feeling of being safe in his arms. It was the same with Nemis. And almost the same with Ashthran.
Her mother had died when she was only eight winters old, and for a brief amount of time, Shion was left alone. It was a terrible experience and Shion was still mourning the unexpected loss of her mother.
The mayor of the town allowed Shion to live with him and his family until they found someone to take her in. Of course, no one wanted the drunkard’s daughter. Shion was so lonely. She remembered waking up at night, sweating, afraid that the next day would be the last warm one.
Then Ashthran happened to stop by, for he had the feeling he should see one of his old friends. He told her later one that he knew he needed to take her in, even before he learned who she was.
But Shion hadn’t known that. As soon as she learned he’d been the Hero, she pleaded with him to take her on as his apprentice. She begged him with all she had and even cried. She explained that she did not want to be a burden anymore, she wanted to live without the fear of not being able to care for herself.
It even suited her to live a solitary life. She also told him that she was going to be the hero and she was going to defeat the Demon King, something he’d been unable to do.
And so, Ashthran took her with him. During those first years, Shion still awoke at night, crying for no reason. Most of the time Ashthran had heard her, and would rock her back to sleep, soothing her.
Just like Ashthran, Nemis had broad shoulders. Just like Ashthran, Nemis made her feel at ease.
She made it back into the town, her mind full of nonsensical things. She wondered if it would be a good idea to send her teacher a message. She hadn’t seen him in over a winter. He probably thought she was dead.
Knocking on the door to Onraim’s, Shion was still thinking about it. She was wondering what he would think if he knew her mind was being taken over by a certain black haired man. He’d probably yell at her and tell her to meditate more. She needed a clear mind.
The door opened swiftly, and she half mindedly stepped in. She assumed that the apprentice would just hand her the sword so she could be on her way- that had been the plan- but it was Onraim that stood before her.
He grinned like a jackal, his hands holding an object wrapped in silk.
Her new sword.
“I was waiting for you, girl. Its finished.” With that, he handed her the sword and stepped back. Urging her to unwrap it, he watched with eagle eyes.
Weird. She thought. Normally he would just stomp off in a hurry. Even more so since he has such a big commission. What did he do?
All her thoughts dissipated. The sword in her hands was glorious. Its beauty, elegance, and strength overwhelmed her. And it looked nothing like the preliminary sketch he’d shone her.
It was much, much better.
Looking at it closely, she gasped. “This is mine?” she questioned. Onraim smirked.
“Keh, its yours. After you left, I had what you’d call an epiphany. You, and only you, are the one hero that has at least half a chance to take out the Demon King. You needed a better sword. I was ashamed that I’d neglected to notice this. If your last one had broken during a fight with Him…”
She looked closer at her sword. It was purely silver colored. Except for the bright colored stones at the bottom of blade, where the blade itself met the hilt. Stones she knew to be magick amplifiers. Precious gems. She counted one sapphire, two diamonds, and an emerald, each the size of her thumbnail.
“Its…amazing.” she whispered.
Onraim chuckled in pleasure. “Of course it is, I made it. In truth, I think it might even be my best piece of work as of yet. It’s can block any magickal attempts on your life. It will never break and never rust. All magick you use yourself will be amplified by at least thrice its normal capacities.”
She could only stare at it. It was thinner and maybe even longer, and she knew it was most definitely lighter.
“And unlike the sword of Rule, your sword is attuned to you. I haven’t touched it with my bare hands, not even while making it. From the moment you put your hands on it, its became your’s and your’s alone. It’s name is Aluna and you are now in possession of a very powerful piece of metal work.”
Hiding her face, she wiped away the tears that spilled from her eyes. Sobbing with gratitude, Shion hugged the master sword maker.
With her knew sword, she may just be able to defeat the Demon king after all. Now all she had to do was to wait for the two men that protected Coron. And after she found the third person, Shion would be ready.
Shion was going to do it.