Keyaruga sat in front of a large bonfire while the ice wolves joyfully danced around it. Men and women. Boys and girls. Even the elderly — everyone here looked like a big family. Setsuna was sitting down and enjoying some of the fire wine whilst talking to her old friend — a pregnant woman without her left arm, accompanied by a man with long black goat horns. They shared a history the man was already aware of — something about her trying to find her beloved, only to get ambushed by a cat-like monster. Ultimately, this outsider did save her, and they settled here forever. The lad tried to dissuade the huntress from poisoning herself with alcohol, but…
"Setsuna not child! Setsuna — warrior!" …was her only response. True, she drank twice as much as Freia and still had the capacity to gulp down even more. Unlike the Hero of Magic, who also took the challenge, but…
"M-m… Lord… Keyaruga… more…" The pink-haired girl was asleep, dreaming on her man's shoulder about their time together. Unlike Setsuna and her glorious success, the worst for the magician was still ahead.
"Don't worry, we'll avenge your mom." The healer spoke, while sipping murky booze. Something he wasn't a big connoisseur of, but drinking it with some fine venison proved more than delicious. Having a minute to relax, the man started to reflect upon his revelations.
Margurth was indeed something beyond human. A demon? A god? Something that, presumably, could barge into the dreams of others and raise the dead as mindless voidspawns. What was left of Reeharoze had to be put down to free her from her misery. Keyaruga didn't know if he could save that winged creature, but that alone made him sympathize with Freia even more. After all, he too was a cruel product of brutal tragedy. They were alone together, the heroes of Healing and Magic.
Yes, right after the initial praise, ice wolves wouldn't approach the saber-fencer anymore. They saw him much more as a benevolent god, an idol. Something to praise, and someone not to anger. After all, they saw him butcher at least seventy people without a single scratch. And even Setsuna was far more concerned about her friends than her savior. They even spoke a different language. The one the healer understood, but the alienation still felt too strong... So many people, so many souls, yet none wanted to see Keyaruga as a fellow man. He wouldn't mind, though. The man just got used to it while being treated as a crazed saint, sustained only by his companions' "benevolence" in the previous world. None of the healed wanted to see him as something more. Just like now.
But if anything, Keyaruga wasn't shortchanged. He got a huge marquee in the center of a settlement. There were amazing carpets, patterned textiles, and entire chests filled with dried meat — there was everything here. However, the man only needed a place to let Freia rest till the morning. And when he left the massive tent, he saw the bloody moon that was illuminating the earth down below it. "Another bad omen, huh?" — the lad spoke, motionlessly gazing upward with a wry grin on his face. Up until…
"Ale-fa-nis. Good to finally see a man we owe so much." — A scarred man with beaded long hair halted Keyaruga's trance with a warm greeting. His accent wasn't perfect, but it was the best of all the ice wolves here. And he also wasn't alone…
"Patiua, hota!" — The girl the elder held around the shoulder was none other than Setsuna. And her could be translated as "Stop it, dad". It seems like she never expected Keyaruga to understand her native tongue enough to even try using it instead of broken Phasian.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha! I'm glad you got me my daughter back. I'm so proud of her. When I heard they took my girl, I thought I'd never see her ever again! Oh yeah, I haven't introduced myself. Nogato, an elder of this tribe. Or at least of what's left of it." Setsuna's parent firmly shook the healer's hand with a broad smile. The red-haired man grinned wryly.
"Patiua, Setsuna tiba na…" — The she-wolf tried to explain herself, to say she was ready to leave her nest, but Nogato wouldn't even let her.
"Manuta hoti. Nanuko teda di si moza hitanta. Setsuna…" What the older man was trying to say was his wish for his blood to just stop making trouble, marry someone, and have children in peace. Although that would be for the best, Keyaruga had something to say.
"Nanuko fi la kukai." I am her man. "And yes, I do know some of your language. You've messed up, father. Twice, to be precise."
"Meaning?" Nogato grew tense, while Setsuna got closer to the hero.
"One — the water you've poisoned would've killed your daughter, if it wasn't for me. Two, have you even seen her fight today? Setsuna's strong, fast, and smart. She will surpass any of you, maybe even myself, eventually. I can guarantee it." This was a really wild guess, but considering the fact that ice wolves were the only remaining demi-human tribe here, he put down a bet. And when the elder's grin faded, Keyaruga understood he was right. "I'm taking her with me. We had a deal. Whatever you think, father, it's too late now."
"Fatiqua, Setsuna. La nanuko pida tah?" I'm sorry, Setsuna. Would you go with that man? Didn't I tell you I understand?
"Yes. Setsuna go from Taretanbi and get strong." — The girl responded in human language. She was shaken, but her resolve was not to be questioned. It wasn't a juvenile egoism, but a hard and rationalized decision of a grown up soul. "Setsuna leave family, start own way."
"Hmm… My daughter, I… I understand. If that's the side you've chosen, then go." Nogato paid her respects in the Phasian language. "Now, I have only one thing to say to you, the great hero. I know Setsuna has been weak, but I know about your powers. Some of us call you a god…"
"Please, get to the point." If there was anything he hated, it was the seed of arrogance.
"You walk difficult roads. Are you sure she can handle them?" — The elder inquired, staring right into Keyaruga's crimson pupils. His aquamarine eyes were similar to Setsuna's, but cradled cold power behind them.
"Yes, certainly. I will make her the greatest fighter on the earth." After all, the only thing that she lacked were levels. Something that the healer could offer with his essence.
"I understand. I have nothing more to say. Just take care of my girl." Nogato pleaded in sadness. Stern, but unadulterated.
"I'll have the whole world killed if something happens to my Setsuna." And Keyaruga eagerly swore his allegiance, kissing his toy on the cheek.
"You sound confident for someone threatening to destroy the world." And now the elder looked positively amused, searching his pockets. That was not a joke, if I have to put the philosopher's stone to use again, I will do so. "Take this." In the end, the old wolf handed Keyaruga an amulet. Its frame was made from a reddish metal, while the jewel in the core was as blue as Setsuna's eyes.
"What is it?" — Keyaruga asked, making the best efforts to appraise the item without using the jade eye.
"Our family relic. And Setsuna's… how do you, humans, put it?.."
"Dowry?"
"Yes! That word. I suppose it is you who should have it." The elder wasn't a fool. He only had to see them together once to grasp the situation. And now his daughter snuggled his arm so tightly that it didn't take much thinking. Setsuna chose to be his slave. She only had to say one word. But not here.
"I thank you, father." Keyaruga said while putting the amulet around his neck. He could sell it for a fortune, but such presents were meant to be valued. For this was the proof of fatherly approval.
"Now, if you and Setsuna want a place to stay, you can always stay here with us." — Nogato said, sitting right on the ground. And the healer with his huntress did the same. "We're welcoming strangers who help us."
"I'm afraid, I can't do that." No matter how much the hero filled his life with happiness, he couldn't shrug off his pain. Blade, Bullet, and even that old, wrinkled monster Margurth Rikil Jioral, who ruined his and Flare's lives, would not walk away with it. And Setsuna will help him with his vengeance, just like he did with hers. All that time she was silent, hiding behind Keyaruga's mighty back. But not now.
"Father, go. Get tribe and go." — The girl said, her eyes determined.
"She's right, father. Jioral is dangerous. Its people are cruel and resourceful, and its king is an abomination, even stronger than I am. They're strong, and they're many. If you stay, they'll get you. And this time there won't be two hundred thugs, but a thousand knights. They've been doing it for years, and the only reason your women and children are happily dancing right now — is me. You've lost too many already. Would you have your tribe die like this piece of land?" — This time, Keyaruga used all of his charm. Ice wolves, who mostly ignored their conversation, now gathered around. "I know you're proud, I know you can be stubborn, but there's a difference between shame and foolishness."
"Ha-a-a-a…" Nogato exhaled before standing up. "You are right. We have been fighting to survive. And we will do so again, even if we have to leave the cemetery of our dead kingdom." While the youth may disagree, the old wolf recognized the gravity of the decision. Yet, even so, it was hard. So Setsuna wished to support him by placing her hand on his shoulder. She was so tiny to those who were dear to her and so massive to the numerous foes slain by her claws. "Now tell me, great hero. Could you accompany us? Your sword will help us a lot. You can marry Setsuna and live a happy life. If not, I will stop bothering you."
"Hm… I may marry her eventually, but no. As I told you before, and I'll tell you again — it's too early for me to settle down. I still have enemies and ambitions, But… I think I know a flamboyant fool who could help you. If I see him, I'll ask him. But no promises."
"I see. You've helped us enough already. You can stay here for two days then. After that, we'll walk to the north, in the Tourage ridges, to the lands of…"
"Mountain elves? Or fire foxes. I think they've formed a union. Now, Setsuna and I will take our leave."
"Gatuna, patiua. Fi fatuqua." Farewell, father. And forgive me.
…
Having left the village of Taretanbi, Keyaruga and Setsuna made their way to the forest, toward a small cave. The man momentarily got a bit worried about Freia, but with three hundred brave souls to protect her, she would be alright. The hero and his slave walked the trodden roads, lightened by quirky fireflies. Inside the cave was a small lake with a strange creature, a hybrid of an ape and a crab, bound by rusty chains. The water was brown, and the stench — absolutely horrible. Even after Keyaruga put the disemboweled corpse on the ground, the toxins would still poison hundreds.
"You do understand what it is, don't you, Setsuna?"
"Root of tagaba." — The ice warrior nodded.
"Yes. In their desire for revenge, your tribe almost killed you." And your father in particular. "I can sympathize with them, but let's not distract ourselves. I brought you here to give you a choice. I can either remove the toxin and even make the water into a cure, or make the poison much more potent, so that even more humans will die horribly. This would ruin my work, but the choice is yours to make." Keyaruga said, preparing his ultimate healing magic. He was more than ready to sacrifice the entire city just to please his new companion. And she already had an answer.
"Make water clean. Make cure." The girl said, startling the vengeful man. "Bad suffer — good. But good suffer too. Setsuna not want it." — The huntress stated, with an unexpectedly cordial tone. But that wasn't all. "Setsuna just… want fuckers killed with Setsuna's own claws!" Oh, now that's more like it!
Keyaruga smiled and sat near the lake. With his arms under the surface, the water first turned green, and then regained its crystal clear look. No poison, no filth. Just water and panacea, which will be delivered through underground currents. Even the bits of the carcass dissolved with a single touch.
"Now, as promised. Will you reveal your name to me, Setsuna?" The healer asked, breathing deeply with clean air from the now purified cave.
"M-m!" Before the girl answered, she passionately kissed her first man. Then, she moved her lips near to the hero's ear… "Nayuta"
And that... changed everything. One thing was to know a demi-human's name through their memories, and another — when they vocalized it willingly. That knowledge of a single word could either turn Setsuna's life into an endless nightmare, or forge an unbreakable bond between her and her savior.
"He-he. Now, Nayuta, tell me, what is it that you want?" — Keyaruga asked slyly. He noticed that calling his companion this way made her more tense and... aroused. After all, only spouses would do such a thing.
"Mate Nayuta, master." — That quiet whisper was so honest, so passionate, that it gave the martyred healer chills. Then, the girl jumped at the hero, her furry legs coiled around his torso while their lips violently collided in a series of lascivious kisses. Skirt, top, underwear — the man was agile enough to remove it all, and now, with his naked toy, he positioned himself on the harsh rocky ground.
"Climb on me." — Keyaruga commanded, revealing his rod from under his trousers. It was hard. The red-haired lad had been ready to plunge right into his new sworn ally. And she couldn't be happier.
"M-m… Master." The ice warrior put her hands on the clothed torso. Her fingers lurked under the vest and shirt, caressing his relief abs while her butt rubbed the raging manhood. They got tired of holding back, but the foreplay was just too sweet to skip it.
"How should I call you?" The man asked, pinching two scarlet nipples at once. So bright compared to the pale sticky skin.
"N-Nayuta. Call this, when… Only Master Keyaruga and Nayuta!" Yes, no other soul must be allowed to know that name. The red-eyed man nodded, then moved his head closer to the wolf's ear.
"Then take my strength, Nayuta!" And finally, the penetration followed. After just three days, this was easy and pleasant, although still tight.
"A-a-ah! Now, sit." — The girl got bold, her tail wagged, and her eyes started to burn with desire. She pushed her master to the ground, and then started squatting up and down, moving back and forth. Setsuna picked up quickly; her last two days were spent doing nothing but sex. It was a great opportunity to learn a few things. She was energetic, cheerful, and kind. This was how Keyaruga liked his girls. Her panting face commandeered happiness, as if… As if that cruel world stopped existing…
"No, they are still out there… Kiss me, Nayuta!" Although, without a ritual, that order contained no power, the girl obeyed — their lips sealed in another deed of utmost intimacy. Acting out of her master's volition filled her with bliss. He held her heart, but only Setsuna could allow the hero to control her. With time, the healer and his slave got faster, rasher, more reckless. The girl slammed her pelvis against him, as if trying to break it. With power came resilience, and this led them both to a bright and delightful orgasm.
"AH! AAH! A-A-A-AH!!!" — The girl screamed, as her love juices poured on the half-naked muscular torso. For a moment, Keyaruga even started to envy her, for even his power never allowed him to experience a woman's peak of pleasure. Was it all? As if…
Setsuna quickly stood up. Her legs trembled a bit, so she leaned on the cave's damp wall with one arm. Another alluringly raised her butt cheek.
"My, oh my. Are you seducing me, Nayuta?" Keyaruga asked wryly, raising his penis for another round.
"Master, give Nayuta future…" The girl asked pleadingly, wagging her gray tail.
"How can I refuse?" The Hero of Healing once again impaled his slave, much to her delight. They would spend many, many pleasant minutes here. Many…
…
An hour and a half. Even for Keyaruga, this was a bit too much. Naked and sweaty, he washed his body in the now cured lake. Setsuna sat on the rocky coast, listening to her master.
"…with this you have the seventeenth level. At some point, your experience will be drained, and you will have to kill to get stronger. Don't fret, though. We'll help you with that as well." — The healer said as he turned back to his companion. She sat on her knees without any discomfort.
"What you do to Setsuna's true name?" The huntress asked, painting circles on the water surface. She was already dressed.
"Nothing. We could play with it since you like me calling you Nayuta, but that's it. I will only ask you to follow and obey me, not with any convoluted rituals." Later, I could even marry you.
"Why?"
"Hm. I too was a slave once. A mindless doll without an aim, beaten and raped daily. I wanted someone to save me, to give me at least some vision of the future. But nobody did, and so I had to carve my own path. Now, I'll hunt them down, each and every one of these scum! They are hidden somewhere in Jioral, and I expect you to help me." — Keyaruga answered, putting on his trousers and boots.
"You help Setsuna, make strong. Now Setsuna help Keyaruga." Although weirdly put, this was an oath. The she-wolf would now forever follow her benefactor till death. His or hers. "And Setsuna protect Freia, like master want."
"I'm not your master, and you shouldn't keep those shackles." The man pointed at her bronze-looking handcuffs with a ripped chain.
"Master." — She stubbornly pointed at him with a clawed fingertip. If anything, the ice warrior chose her place, and even the red-haired lad couldn't change it anymore.
"Well, have it your way." With nothing to do about it, Keyaruga decided to change the topic. "Say, Setsuna. Do you regret killing so many?" — He asked her, sitting right next to the huntress, but there was nothing in her apathetic aquamarine eyes.
"No. Setsuna love kill slavers. Setsuna ripped, and stomped, and killed, and… And… Setsuna like every second. But then, Setsuna sad. And scared."
"What are you afraid of?" Keyaruga asked, hugging his toy.
"Setsuna wants kill more. Not tuqo tagaba (with plague), Setsuna… It has end?" The girl asked, saddened, although now her pupils were brazed with flames of vengeance.
"It will. It ends when I… When we demolish that fucking Jioral and slay its dogs. Will you help us, Reeharoze?" — the Hero of Healing asked, looking at all the sides of the cave.
But… nobody came.