"Have fun, love birds." Kuritah grinned as she watched the makeshift family depart. "You chose a good one, Little Tamanari."
Alistair heard Kuritah and his face turned red as the three of them left Kuritah's shop. He held onto Keiko as the three of them walked through town together. Given his sharp sense of hearing, Alistair heard every word. Every remark. Every insult shot their way. He just shrugged off their hateful glances and kept walking side by side.
Keiko started humming a tune to herself as she snuggled into her Papa's chest. 'Papa is something else.' She giggled innocently as she looked up at this tall man and continued humming the same tune.
Alistair felt a pair of eyes on him and chuckled softly. "Yes, my child?" He looked down at the little girl in his arms.
"Hehe. Nothing, Papa. I'll tell you later." She grinned mischievously.
"Keiko." Alistair reached his hand up and gently placed it on her head. "Where did you learn that tune?"
"I made it up, Papa. I'm trying to write a song..." Keiko covered her mouth and cut off her sentence.
"Oh, a song? I would love for you to sing it to me." Alistair smiled softly and kissed Keiko's forehead.
"Okay, Papa!" She nodded enthusiasticly. 'It's actually for you, Papa. I want to repay you and show you how I feel.' She thought to herself.
"Well, I wanna be there to hear it, too!" Tamanari chimed in as she laid her head on Alistair's shoulder. "This is nice. It's almost like we're a real family." Tamanari whispered.
"My lady, saying such things in public is embarrassing." Alistair complained as he scratched his cheek shyly. "But I find myself in agreement."
"The restaurant is just up ahead, my darling." Tamanari pointed down one more road to a dead end street.
"Yay! I'm hungry!" Keiko giggled innocently.
"Yes, I know, Keiko. Eat your fill today." Alistair smiled softly at the young neko. 'Soon. We'll be able to eat like this every day.' He clutched the coin pouch in his pocket tightly.
"Okay, Papa. I wanna walk now!" Keiko smiled at Alistair as she carefully climbed out of his arms. She grabbed his hand and held on tight.
Alistair's heart melted as he watched Keiko hold his hand. 'You are something else, my child.' Alistair thought to himself and chuckled silently. They came to a stop in front a rather impressive and upscale looking restaurant. Alistair paused and looked over at Tamanari.
"It's okay, love. We'll be fine." Tamanari whispered some reassuring words as she stepped inside, gently tugging Alistair inside with her. Keiko was gently pulled along, as well.
The inside of the restaurant was well lit and decorated in a more modern style. The tables and chairs were made of fine wood, covered with silken cloth. The scent from the kitchen coaxed a grumble from Alistair's stomach. "It all smells so good, Tamanari." His tail was wagging back and forth from the delicious aroma.
"I can tell." Tamanari giggled softly. She leaned over quickly and placed a gentle kiss on Alistair's cheek.
"Papa! I'm hungry." Keiko pouted.
"I know, sweetheart." Alistair smiled at his daughter as an elvish waitress walked up towards them.
"Good evening, welcome to Arnoldos. Just three joining us tonight?" The waitress offered a warm smile to the little girl.
"Yes, ma'am." Alistair replied and brought Keiko closer to his side.
"Of course. Table or booth?" She turned around and started leading them towards the dining area.
"Booth, please, and could we please get a booster seat for the little one?" Tamanari piped in as she snatched Alistair's hand in her own.
"Of courses, ma'am." She grabbed a booster seat from the rack as they passed. "You can have this booth here." She slid the booster seat into the booth and laid down three menus. "Your server will be right with you." She smiled and walked away towards the front again.
"Here, sweetie." Alistair lifted up Keiko and slid her into the booster seat. "Look at the menu, see if you can find something you'll eat." He handed a menu to his daughter as Tamanari took a seat opposite the father and daughter. "Hmm." Alistair gazed at the menu for awhile, scanning all the different choices.
"Not seeing anything you like, love?" Tamanari reached over and squeezed Alistair's hand.
"Hm? Ah, no. Just unsure what to order. There's a lot of variety in the menu." He scanned over the items for another minute before closing his menu. "I'm ready. Keiko, did you find something, sweetie?"
"Mhmm. The fish and chips sounds yummy. I know what fish are, and they're delicious, but I'm curious to see what chips taste like." Keiko giggled happily as she swung her legs back and forth under the table.
"You're so cute, Keiko." Alistair cooed and gently rubbed the top of her head. "What about you, Tama?"
"Chicken Alfredo. It's my favorite dish here." Tamanari smiled across the table as she watched Alistair's interactions with his daughter.
"I'm getting the biggest steak possible." Alistair smiled as his tail swayed back and forth.
After a few minutes, another waiter approached their table. "Are you folks ready to order?"
"Yes, sir. I'm gonna need the fish and chips meal for her. Keiko, what do you want to drink?" Alistair turned to his daughter.
"Milk, please!" Keiko giggled innocently.
"With milk for the drink, please, and I want your biggest steak and a sweet tea to drink. Tamanari?" Alistair completed his order and looked at his lover across the table.
"I would like the chicken alfredo and a water with lemon." Tamanari grabbed the menus and put them together for the waiter.
"Of course. I'll go get your drinks and have them start preparing your meals." The waiter finished jotting down their orders and walked away.
"Papa, will it take long? My mouth is watering for that fish." Keiko looked up at Alistair.
"It shouldn't take long, sweetie. Be patient, okay?" Alistair reached over and grabbed a piece of paper. "Here, Keiko. Draw Papa something pretty while we wait." He grabbed the crayons and placed them in front of her.
"Okay, Papa!" Keiko giggled happily as she picked out a few crayons and started drawing on the blank paper.
"Seriously, Alistair, how did you become such a great parent overnight?" Tamanari smiled at the handsome wolf. She squeezed his hand gently.
"Ah, that's a fair question. Honestly? I couldn't say. Maybe it's a trait I inherited from Mother." Alistair shrugged as a light red appeared on his cheeks.
"Hehe. I hope Papa likes my picture." Keiko whispered as the waiter returned with their drinks.
"Okay, water and a lemon for the lady, a sweet tea for you, and a glass of milk for the little one. Your food will be out in a few minutes. If you need refills or anything else, please don't hesitate to ask." The waiter bowed and returned to the other tables.
"Milk!" Keiko giggled happily as she carefully grabbed her glass and took a few sips.
"Good girl." Alistair leaned down and gently kissed the top of Keiko's head. "How's Papa's picture coming along?" He asked and tried to sneak a peek.
"It's not ready, Papa!" Keiko squeeled and covered up the picture with her arms. She stuck her tongue out at Alistair. "Patience, Papa. Like you told me." The little neko giggled mischievously.
"Why, you." Alistair grinned and gently pinched Keiko's cheeks. "I'll wait. I promise. Keep drawing, sweetie. The food will be here before you know it." He started to gently rub the top of his daughter's head while she continued to draw her picture.
'Wow...' Tamanari thought to herself and couldn't help but stare at her Wolfborn lover. "I love you." She whispered and squeezed his hand once more.
"I love you." Alistair blushed. 'Maybe...things are starting to look up for us. Maybe...' Alistair looked over to Keiko and smiled. 'No. I will give you a better life, my child. Papa will buy our freedom when we return and we will find a place to live...as a family.'
"I'm sorry for the delay." The waiter returned carrying three plates of food. "Here's your order." He carefully laid down the three plates and placed down some silverware. "Please enjoy your meal."
"Thank you." Alistair watched the waiter leave. "Alright, time to dig in." He picked up his silverware and began to cut into the massive steak placed in front of him.
"It smells so yummy!" Keiko cheered and grabbed her fork. "This is a chip?" She looked over the fried item in front of her.
"They call them chips, but in reality they are french fries. Just prepared differently." Tamanari explained as she started to gracefully dig into her own dinner.
"Oh, well they are still yummy!" Keiko exclaimed and picked up another crayon. She was going back and forth between eating and drawing her picture for Alistair.
'Keiko.' Alistair smiled as he stole a glance towards the little girl. 'I'll always protect you, my precious child.' He ran his hand across the top of her head and smiled warmly before returning to his steak.
[Twenty Minutes Later]
'How did I get so lucky?' Tamanari sighed happily as she watched her lover dote on the little neko girl. She finished eating before the others and gently dabbed a napkin against her face. "Wow. I haven't eaten here in a long time. The taste has only improved in my absence."
"I'm glad you recommended this place, Tamanari. That steak was delicious." Alistair wiped his mouth with his own napkin.
"Mhmm. It was delicious, Papa!" Keiko added as she finished the last of her fish. "Nothing beats a good fish." The young girl sighed happily and went back to drawing.
"I hope everything was to your liking. Here's your bill. You can take care of that whenever you're ready, and we hope to see you again." The waiter returned with their bill and bowed before leaving as quickly as he arrived.
Tamanari reached for the bill, but Alistair was quicker. "Let me, Tamanari. It's the least I can do for everything you've done for us." Alistair smiled and looked the bill over. "300 Valis? That's actually not as bad as I was expecting." He commented and fished for his coin pouch.
Ding! Lost 400 Valis!
Alistair laid down the coins for their meal plus a tip for the waiter. "How's your picture coming, sweetheart?" He looked over as she was putting on the finishing touches.
"Annnnndddd....done!" Keiko exclaimed and held up the picture. "Here, Papa!" She held out the paper for Alistair.
It was a simple drawing, but it was made with love. The picture was of Alistair and Keiko standing in front of a house. She had drawn a sun and a small pond surrounded by flowers. Alistair smiled for a moment but then tears started falling from his eyes.
"Alistair? What's wrong, sweetie?" Tamanari moved around to sit beside her lover and look at the picture with him. Tamanari smiled when she saw what made Alistair cry.
Written at the top were four simple words. I love you, Papa.
"Keiko." Alistair scooped up the small girl in his arms and held her tightly to his chest.
"Hehe. I love you, Papa!" Keiko repeated the words she had drawn on Alistair's picture.
"And I love you, my child." Alistair held her close, sobbing softly so he didn't alarm the little girl.
"I love both of you." Tamanari smiled softly as she wrapped her arms around both of them. 'He has such a sensitive soul. I couldn't imagine giving my heart to anyone else, my love.' She thought to herself as the three of them shared a loving embrace.
'Wait...' Alistair looked up and sniffed the air a few times. "No."
"Alistair...?" Tamanari looked to the Wolfborn when she felt his body tense up. "What's wr--"
Boom! A loud bang shook the whole building, rattling the restaurant and knocking over anything not nailed down.
"What's that?"
"Something shook the building."
"What are those guards doing?"
The restaurant filled with voices as everyone started standing up from their tables.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"We have to go." Alistair picked up Keiko and jumped up from the table. "Come on, Tamanari!" Alistair grabbed her hand as the three of them rushed out of the restaurant.
"Papa? What's going on?" Keiko questioned as they rushed towards the front gate leading out of Denerim.
Then came more pounding, louder and more aggressive. "They are at the front gate." Alistair growled as he sat Keiko down on the ground.
"They...?" Keiko looked up as Alistair unsheathed his blade.
"Undead. A lot of them." Alistair looked over towards the nearby guard who was just as confused as everyone else. "You! Gather your men, quickly! Undead are going to breach the gate!"
"Breach the gate? Undead? Are you insane? No undead has been able to break through our gates." The guard scoffed at the demi human.
"I'm not joking!" Alistair grabbed the guard by his shirt. "You need to arm your soldiers and get them here now!" He barked at the guard.
"Ggh. Fine, but if this turns out to be nothing you are going to have some fines on your hands, mister." The guard dashed off towards the barracks to rouse his sleeping comrades.
"Clear away from the gate! You have to get away!" Tamanari screamed as she rushed towards the gate where a small crowd had gathered.
"Papa?" Keiko grabbed the bottom of Alistair's shirt. "I'm scared."
"I know. Princess. Just stay close to me. I won't let them lay a finger on you. Tamanari, get back!" Alistair placed his hand on Keiko's head. "Be strong for me, Keiko."
"Yes. Be strong child, Papa and Auntie Hina will protect you." Hina piped in and yawned softly. "I missed a lot of fun while I napped. Master, there's a lot of them."
"I know, Hina. I can smell them. They are the same ones we encountered in the forest. Did he come for us?" Alistair watched as the gate continued to rumble from whatever force was ramming the gate.
"Alistair!" Tamanari called out as she sprinted back to his side.
One last attack landed on the gate before it finally succumbed to the damage. A loud crash rang through Denerim as shards of splintered wood rained down around them.
"The Gate! The Gate has fallen!"
"Evacuate the citizens! Now!"
"Knights of Denerim! Hold the Line! Push back the enemy!"
Orders were being issued as a dozen armed guards took up position forty feet from the now destroyed gate.
"Such lovely specimens. You all will make a fine addition to my army...wait..." The voice paused as a few skeletons and several zombies shuffled through the hole. "Ha...hahah....hahahahah!" The laughter sent shivers down the Knights spines. "I found you. I didn't think it would be so easy. Now I can kill you, demi human."
"It's the Necromancer!" Alistair growled as he rushed forward and took up a position near the Knights. "We have to hold them back, Knights Of Denerim! But leave that bastard to me!"
"Hold the line, men! For Denerim!" The knight's readied their shields as the undead force drew near.
"Analyze!" A magic rune appeared over Alistair's right eye as be scanned the army in front of him. "They are all over level 10, but none of them are a match for me. Hold them here, Knights. I need a minute." Alistair stepped back as the Knights formed a line in front of him.
"Why are we listening to this demi human?" One knight growled.
"I'm not sure, but if he wants to fight them, then I say let him."
"Papa?" Keiko watched as Alistair closed his eyes.
"Ready, Hina?" Alistair started channeling his mana.
"Give them something to remember us by, Master." Hina giggled excitedly.
"A pitiful attempt. Kill all the villagers, but bring the wolf to me, alive!"
"I don't think so." Alistair grinned. "Stat Enhancement, Double Stat Enhancement, Speed Boost, Double Speed Boost." Alistair chanted as his body started glowing faintly.
Ding! Stat Enhancement activated! All stats multipled by 1.5! 100 Mana Lost! 10 Mana is consumed every 10 seconds!
Ding! Double Stat Enhancement Activated! All Stats multipled by 2! 150 Mana Lost! 15 Mana is consumed every 10 seconds!
Ding! Speed Boost activated! Movement is doubled! 200 Mana Consumed! Effect ends in 3 Minutes!
Ding! Double Speed Boost Activated! Movement is tripled! 300 Mana Consumed! Effect ends in 3 Minutes!
Ding! All Stats Increased by total of 3.5x!
Ding! Speed is now boosted by total of 5x!
A series of status screens appeared. Alistair ignored them.
"Push them back!" A knight ordered as his comrade's tried to push the undead back towards the gate.
"What's Papa doing?" Keiko questioned as she stared at Alistair in awe.
"He's using the Heaven and Earth Body Boosting Skills!" Tamanari watched in awe, as well. No matter how many times she watched him, she was always mesmerized by those spells.
"Now...die!" Alistair raised his arms above his head. "Rain...of...Fire...!" Alistair shouted as his body trembled.
Massive balls of light appeared above the attacking undead. These balls quickly descended from the sky as fire rained down from above. The screams of the undead were quickly drowned out from the resulting explosions. The smell of burnt undead covered the city of Denerim. "Ha...ha..." Alistair trembled more as he tried to catch his breath. "I've never...tried that before..." Alistair managed to stand up straight with some difficulty. 'My knees feel like they are going to buckle any second. If that didn't end this then...' Alistair's eyes went wide as more undead crawled over the burnt corpses of the fallen.
"Impressive. I don't know how you came to possess the Heaven and Earth boosts, but that just makes me want your power more." The voice laughed as massive footsteps shook the ground. As the figure came into view, the Knights eyes went wide.
A massive amalgam of undead from a variety of species was mashed together into a massive skeleton that easily dwarfed the walls of Denerim. "No freaking way, man! They want us to die! We can't beat that thing!" One of the Knights went to turn around and flee.
"Hold your ground! If I see you flee, I'll kill you myself!" Alistair growled. "We have to take down the leader!"
"Papa!" Keiko fell from the sky and landed on all fours near Alistair. She spun around and unholstered her guns in one, fluid movement. "I'll fight! If you can stare down death, then, I'll have the strength to stand by your side, Papa!"
"Keiko..." Alistair looked down to his daughter.
"You aren't alone anymore, my love. We fight together! Keiko, cover Alistair but stand behind me. I have to channel a lot of mana, but it should end this before things get bad!" Tamanari stood up beside Alistair. "Lioness that dances through the moonlit sky, powerful and untamed! Heed my call and hasten to my side!" A magic circle formed in front of her right hand. "Come forth, Zeta's Rod!" She stuck her hand through the magic circle and removed a plain looking rod. "There." She gripped the rod tightly and started feeding her mana into the staff.
"A...Priestess...? We can win! We can win!" The Knights cheered loudly, their morale and fighting spirit restored. "Men of Denerim, push these invaders from our home!" The Knights rallied with newfound vigor. The dozen Knights that remained formed a defensive line in front of Tamanari.
Keiko climbed on the roof of a nearby building for a better line of sight on the gates. "I can do this. Papa is counting on me." She tried to psyche herself up as she took aim at the nearest enemies. Gunshots rang through the city with every trigger Keiko pulled.
Bullets whizzed past Alistair and the Knights. 'I have to...keep fighting...even if my body tears itself apart...' Alistair stood up straight and gripped Hina tightly. "I need your power, Hina."
"Master. Why do you desire more power?" Hina spoke, but it wasn't her voice.
"W...what....?" Alistair held up Hina in front of him. 'Why do I...desire more power...?' He thought to himself as his eyes drifted to Tamanari and Keiko.
"Again. Why do you desire more power?" Hina vibrated in Alistair's hands once more.
"Why do I desire more power, you ask?" Alistair questioned rhetorically as he stood up straight. "It's simple." His body started glowing a fierce bright white. "To protect those who cannot protect themselves. To have the ability to keep my promises. And most of all." He looked back at his lover and daughter. "To keep them out of harms way."
"Hmm. You are...different. Your words have convinced me, Alistair." The voice faded and Hina, Alistair's weapon and partner, started glowing in his hands. The entire weapon was covered in a warm light, then it shattered. Arondight's appearance shifted and began to change shape. The blade grew longer and began radiating a Heavenly aura. The hilt and guard shifted forms, as well, adopting a more divine appearance. The pommel's form shifted into a lion's head.
"My eyes..." Alistair try to shield his eyes to no avail. He slowly opened his eyes and his jaw dropped slightly. "Hina...?" The greatsword in his hands radiated a warmth, but also a staggering pressure.
Ding! Arondight has evolved!
Ding! New Evolution Unlocked! The Divine Blade: Heaven's Wrath Acquired!
Attack +500 ---> +750
Defense +300 ---> +400
Mana +500 ---> +600
"Master." Hina's voice was now her own again. "We can do this. Just hold on. Keep those boosts active."
"Hina...?" Alistair went to question her but another status screen popped up and Alistair was once again left speechless.
Ding! Over Soul Unlocked!
Over Soul: Yang
----------------
By sacrificing the ability to cast spells, your physical prowess becomes unmatched among mortal beings. Your eyes become more focused on combat and your enemies movements appear sluggish. Your body hardens from years of combat, reducing all incoming damage by 20% for the duration of your Over Soul.
Lasts for 3 minutes or until deactivated. Can not be used again until 24 hours have passed.
-----------------
"My...Over Soul...?" Alistair looked over at Tamanari and smiled warmly. "As long as I draw breath, I promise they won't reach you." Alistair slung Hina up on his shoulder and started walked forward. "Hina."
"I'm here, Master. Until the end of time, I will serve you. Now, let's put these undead back where they belong!" Hina exclaimed.
"Alistair..." Tamanari smiled as she stared at his back. 'Go for it, my love.' She returned her attention to channeling her mana into her weapon.
Alistair brushed past the Knights and kept walking, inching ever closer to the giant undead. 'I can do this.' His knees still trembled and his body felt fatigued. 'I have enough Mana left for a few more minutes.'
"Hey..hey!" One of the Knights tried to grab Alistair's attention as he brushed past.
"What in the world is he doing..?" One of them questioned in disbelief.
"Don't let a single one past. The big one is mine." Alistair smiled as he kept pushing forward. Every step was agonizing, but this time, he wasn't fighting for himself. He was fighting for other people, people who had come to rely on him.
"Facing me by yourself? I realize your strong, but even an idiot should lie down and die when he knows there is no hope." The Necromancer snickered and eyed Alistair suspiciously. His footsteps never faltered. "Very well." He sighed and shrugged helplessly. "Kill him."
The massive skeleton reared back it's right arm, a moments pause and the skeleton's fist slammed into the ground. "Huh? All that barking, and you died in one punch. I guess I was wro--" The Necromancer's words trailed off as the skeleton's arm started to tremble.
"Twin...slash..." Alistair's voice echoed from beneath the skeleton.
Two beams of white appeared on the arm of the Necromancer's abomination. "What...?!" The evil mage gasped and watched as his creation's arm was obliterated.
"This power..." Alistair grinned. He hoisted his greatsword up with one hand and pointed the blade at the mage. "I thought you were a bigger deal. I guess it's my turn." Alistair took three steps forward before he disappeared from view.
"Alistair?" Tamanari watched from a distance. 'Just hold on, love. My spell is almost ready. A few more seconds.'
"Papa." Keiko watched her father vanish. She tried to track his movements. 'He is so agile. I can't keep him in my sights for more than a second. You can do this Papa.'
"Hold!" The Knights were being swarmed as the undead clashed against the massive tower shields, all of which possessed the symbol of Denerim. "For Denerim!"
The abomination turned his head from side to side, scanning for the Wolfborn.
"Where are you looking?" Alistair questioned as he tapped the skeleton gently on the head.
The creature turned it's head to the side to see Alistair standing on his shoulder, opposite of the mage. "Two Attacks." Alistair held up two fingers towards the mage.
"You..You mock me!!" The mage growled and the skeleton quickly raised it's arm to slam it against his own shoulder.
Alistair watched as the seconds ticked by and he just grinned. 'So slow.' He jumped up onto the abomination's head and readied his blade. "Armor Break!" He lifted Hina high above his head and slammed the blade down into the skull. A flash of blue light washed over the skeleton.
Status Effect Applied! Enemy defense decreased by 15%!
"Now to end this thing. Twin Slash!" Alistair shouted and dragged his blade through the skull twice.
"Gh...rawrrrrr...!" The skeleton screamed in pain as it's skull was pierced and then slashed open. With the core severed, the amalgam of death couldn't sustain its own weight and started to collapse.
Alistair jumped down and ran along the skeleton's arm before jumping down to the ground below.
Ding! Yang time limit reached! Deactivating Over Soul! Your stats are decreased by 10% for 5 minutes!
"Crap." Alistair collapsed to one knee as he dug Hina into the rubble of the destroyed gate. 'My Mana is dry. I can't cast anymore spells, and my body is so heavy. Tamanari. Hurry!'
"Papa!" Keiko leapt from the roof and dashed past Tamanari. "I'm coming, Papa!" Keiko shouted as she popped a few shots at the stragglers trying to swarm Alistair.
"Keiko, no!" Tamanari called after the little girl but her words went unheaded. "Damn. I can't stop now. Just ten more seconds!"
"Keiko. Stay back!" Alistair stood up and cut a nearby zombie in half. "Ha...ha
..ha..." Alistair's breathing was ragged, and he didn't have the strength to retreat now.
"Well." The Necromancer popped up through the rubble and started dusting himself off. "That's twice now that you've foiled my plans. I wanted to turn you, but..." He started taking steps towards the Wolfborn. "You are to dangerous to be kept alive any longer." He raised one finger into the air above his head. A ball of dark energy started to form in the air above him.
"Phew. Finally ready." Tamanari quickly slammed the butt of her rod into the ground. "Mass Holy!" A sphere of light encircled Tamanari's body before it quickly expanded outwards in all directions.
"No!" The evil mage covered his eyes as the spell washed his body. All the undead in the vicinity of Denerim were burned to ashes from the divine light. "My powers..." The mage collapsed to his knees, his skin became wrinkled and aged rapidly. "No...immortality...I was...so close..." The
mage fell to the ground, and like the undead around them, he also turned into ash.
"Victory!!" The Knights of Denerim cheered loudly as the citizens of the town started to leave their homes.
"Ha...ha....finally...over...." Alistair exhaled heavily before slumping to the ground.
"Papa!" Keiko dashed towards Alistair and dropped to her knees beside him. "Papa!" Keiko started shaking Alistair, rocking him back and forth.
"Shh. It's okay, Keiko." Hina cooed softly. "He's just run completely out energy."
"Alistair." Tamanari called out as she struggled to take steps towards her lover. She started to fall forward after tripping over her own feet.
"Priestess." One of the Knights stopped her fall. "Sit down, Priestess, and rest. We will take care of your companion. After all, he put his own life on the line for this city. We owe him more than we could ever give back."
"Papa." Keiko's eyes teared as she threw herself on top of Alistair's chest. "Stupid Papa. What if you had died?!" Keiko sobbed loudly into his chest.
"Keiko..." Hina cooed. 'She really does love you, my idiot Master.' She thought to herself.
The Knights all rushed to Alistair's aid as the citizens started to clap their hands and rejoice in their victory.
Keiko was still sobbing on Alistair's chest as Tamanari reached his side with the aid of one of the Knights. "You did so well, my love." Tamanari dropped to her knees next to Keiko and wrapped her arms around them both. "Both of you did so well. I'm so proud of you." Tamanari cooed. "Please, help me get them inside."
With the battle over, the town started to return to normal. The Knights, along with volunteers started to clear the rubble and requisition supplies for a new gate. The rebuilding was estimated to take several weeks.
The battle took several hours before all the undead had been cleared. The moon was already reaching its apex by the time the fires had been extinguished. A new day was fast approaching.