Meanwhile, in the deeper parts of the forest.
A figure walks among the fauna, passing through flowers. Their form is surrounded by flames yet their touch doesn't light the sensitive leaves and petals.
It was none other than the Fire Princess, who was uncharacteristically walking in the dark forests, seemingly clearing her mind.
Or is this in character of who she really is?
Lalahon reaches a clearing in the forest, the canopy barely spreading apart to show sunlight. In the middle was a flower, a single lonely flower.
She slowly approached it, kneeling down to observe. Then she reaches out her hand to touch it's petal, and there it began to ember away as her fires consumed it.
Her jaw dropped slightly, and then she signs before sitting down beside it, her arms hugging her knees.
"This'll be over soon." Lalahon muttered.
"My companions... My commanders... They will do their jobs well, I hope." Lalahon then looks up, seeing the sun.
Her hand reaches for the sky, splayed open as if asking something to take her. But she clenches it strongly, flames forming around her arm.
"Then I'll be free..."
And then we go back to the main group, where they gathered to interrogate Kilat.
Viktor, Cali, and the mixed group of adventurers, Ex-Knights and monsters awaited for his answer. Especially when Pan, Clara and Crispina stood with menace in their eyes, intimidating Kilat.
"Jeez, you guys... Can I get a break? It's been 3 days you've defeated me, Pan." Kilat chuckled nervously.
"They've fed me nothing but scrap and miniscule water. Cut me some slack, I have no power to fight back... My wounds barely healed."
Pan nodded before standing up, her body has barely recovered as well. She only had one functioning core.
"Crispina, heal him." Pan asked casually.
And without question, Crispina nodded and approached Kilat.
The others were surprised by her actions, Basilio was even more shocked to see Crispina follow through with Pan's orders.
Viktor was indifferent, but he was curious on what kind of interrogation technique Pan was doing. He was a cruel man to monsters, this wasn't his norm.
Pan then kneeled down before magic gathered around her hands. And slowly, the smell of bread fills the room.
Crispina was healing Kilat with her magic. This approach shocked Kilat.
"Here, something to eat." Pan says as she lends Kilat bread. And in her other arm, an orb of water formed.
"W-Why?" Kilat asked in confusion, his body now in less pain thanks to Crispina.
"Well, I wouldn't want to ask you questions while you're hurt and hungry." Pan says before smiling.
"Besides, you're not a bad person. Sure, you've hurt my friends but that's out of Loyalty, and a mission."
Kilat was unsure, but his instincts tells him that Pan had no malignance in her eyes. So he just sighs before leaning in to take a bite.
And instantly, his eyes light up with shock and joy. His tail wagged and his mouth drooled.
"T-This bread! I've never tasted something so good!" Kilat then starts munching on bread, eating everything out of Pan's hand.
"Good boy." Pan smiled happily.
"He's not so bad after all. I had my doubts, Pan. But I trust everything you tell me." Crispina says before looking at her.
"After knowing that monsters are just like us, I think I'm more open to what Pan has to say." Clara kneeled down to Kilat and the others, she then gently pats his hair.
"Heh... Well, I have to do business. Are you up to talking now, Kilat?" Pan says as she lends him the orb of water.
Kilat quickly gulped the water down, burping and sighing. He then nodded reluctantly but he was a little on the edge
"Their judging eyes bother me." Kilat muttered, looking down with a bit of nervousness.
"Alright." Pan then looks to Crispina and Clara.
"Give us some space."
Crispina and Clara nodded before standing up, they then ushered away the others, giving them the two some distance.
"Basilio, stand guard with me." Crispina says without hesitation.
"Ah- Sis, really?" Basilio was a bit surprised to hear that from her.
"Come on, will ya? Pan asked for some space." Crispina gestured to approach him, and Basilio can't do anything but follow.
"Aye-Aye..." Basilio followed and stood guard with her.
Liit-Liit and the other monsters did the same thing, and Cali as well. So Pan and Kilat are finally comfortable enough to speak.
"Is this better?" Pan asked.
"Y-Yes... Thank you..." Kilat says.
"They're so eager to follow her orders. Is she a leader? A high authority figure?" Kilat thought.
"Alright, Kilat. I just want to know the reason why you'd want to invade this village." Pan sits down, getting comfortable.
"I know you guys are affiliated with this big darkness in this continent, but what exactly are you guys planning?" Pan asked casually.
"Hmm..." Kilat looked down, a bit unsure to answer.
His loyalty to Lalahon and his loyalty to the Fire Kingdom was clashing.
"Still nervous to answer?" Pan asked.
"I'm not sure of your intentions... You've defeated me, one of her majesty's commanders... Its obvious that you have the power to possibly defeat her." Kilat says before looking back to Pan.
"I sense no evil intent in your eyes, but you're affiliated with humans. As enemies, you have a goal to takedown the princes, do you?"
Pan looks at the others, glancing at each of their reactions. Notably, Viktor was there to glance back, and so was Basilio and Cali.
"Well, these folks are living in a tough era..." Pan looks back to Kilat.
"I feel hatred for each other. Monsters and Humans are at their throats because of this war." Pan was solemn, Kilat was curious.
"You're strange for a monster." Kilat leaned a little, his tail wagging slightly as if engaged.
"I'm not a monster, you know? I'm not from this world." Pan says.
"What?" Kilat was confused for a moment, but his eyes widened as he realized.
"A champion!?" Kilat leaned back in shock.
"Yeah..." Pan smiled before chuckling awkwardly.
"N-No wonder... I've never seen a slime that's made out of flour or dough..." Kilat chuckled.
"Then, there's actually 6 champions... I thought there could only be 5..." Kilat muttered.
"Hm? You know the other champions?" Pan asked.
"Only by their title, I've never seen them in combat before." Kilat answered.
"There's the champions of Earth, Fire, Air, Lightning and Water. But you're the 6th one, so that means you're..." Kilat squints his eyes.
"The champion of creation?" Kilat tilted his head, confused.
"H-Hey, we're getting off topic..." Pan sighed.
"If you can't tell me your plans, then I'm just gonna ask this another thing from you." Pan smiled.
"Tell me about Princess Lalahon."
"Huh?" Kilat was shocked once more.
"Yeah, I want to know what kind of a person your Princess really is!" Pan says with a bit of excitement.
"Y-You're asking me for the princess... Not out of any Intel?" Kilat asked in confusion.
"Hm? I mean, maybe? I just wanna hear about her." Pan scratches her cheek, looking down.
"You're someone close to her. And the way you spoke about her..." Pan looked back at Kilat.
"I feel like she's an interesting person, so tell me about her."
"I..." Kilat's eyes widened, seeing her expression and those eyes.
"I sense no malice... She's genuinely curious about her..." Kilat thought.
"Is there really someone like you in a world like this? Even for a champion, you act strange..."
Kilat smiled before comfortably leaning back, his body relaxing as he closes his eyes.
"Maybe there is a chance... That you don't have to go through this hell, Lalahon..." Kilat thought.
"Maybe she can save you after all..."
"Fine then, I'll tell you my experience with Lalahon." Kilat smiles softly.
"My story with the graceful 'Flower Princess"
Back when Kilat was 10 years old, he lived in the vast yet cruel Fire Kingdom.
It was a kingdom where strength was law. All mosnterkind were put on a hierarchy based on their power, which spawned a powerful military in the kingdom, but the living conditions are cruel.
Kilat was a son of a Wolf Beatsman, but his genes and strength are below average, putting his family in the lower parts of the kingdom. Where they work day and night just to get food to eat.
He once had a mother and father, and two younger sisters. Even though they lived poorly, they were happy.
"Big Bro, Kilat!" One of his younger sister called for him, they were in the forest, training as much as they can.
"Mirasol, Sampa." Kilat turned around, looking at his younger sisters.
One had the dark blue that he had, the other was grey. Both had red eyes to show off their wolf genes.
"Mother called for us. We should get home before those meanies bully us again." Mirasol says.
"Right, I'll be right with you. Go on ahead, and don't stand out." Kilat says as he prepared to pack up.
Mirasol and Sampa nodded before walking away, Kilat stayed as he was tasked to actually collect firewood.
So when he finished, he hurried on home, avoiding the big streets and dark alleys of this kingdom.
The lower and poor towns were gloomy and depressing. They didn't get much riches due to this hierarchy.
Criminal Orcs, Goblins, Hobgoblins and other Beasts roamed with depressing and desperate eyes, it was almost lawlesss here, besides the cruel military guards that roamed around.
But for now, Kilat returned home, smiling with joy as he can't wait to eat supper with his family.
His home was small, made by scrap wood and other materials. It was in some corner, near the kingdom outskirts.
Kilat reached home, sighing with relief as he looks at the door. But his instinct told him something else.
"Huh? Hey... What is this scent?" Kilat muttered before he crouched, the door was slightly opened and he leaned in to peak.
With just one glance, he saw dead eyes and his mind formed an image of bodies. The bodies of his entire family on the floor, slaughtered like pigs.
"I killed a band of beastmen... They're strong, they would put me in the upper kingdom..!" A Snarling voice says, it was a desperate hobgoblin.
Kilat's eyes shook in fear and shock, but his instincts told him to run and hide. And so, his body did that, he ran away into the Shadows and lived in both fear and hunger.
Months passed since that incident and he adapted to becoming a thief, with his skills of being a wolf beastman improving day by day.
But still, he's not as strong as the average. He ate scrap to survive and his body is skinny.
Though one faithful day, when he got braver and attempted to steal from higher authority, he was chased by high ranking guards and ran with all he had.
"Stop that fool!" An Armored Orc shouted, as spears and arrows flew at Kilat.
Kilat's instincts helped him dodge attacks, but slowly, he was cornered. And now he was forced to stand his ground.
"You have guts stealing from the Princess!" One of the Guard says.
"We'll make sure your skewered!"
Kilat just growled at them in fear and defiance, he will not back down but he doesn't have skills to back it up.
And eventually, all of the guards jump to attack Kilat but as quickly as they attacked, they were pushed back with powerful strength.
Kilat was protected by two imposing figures, one covered in magical armor and the other had 4 arms.
And finally, a third figure approached, just above where the two jumped off.
"Come on, you two. I asked you to help him, not take out the guards." A Casual yet kind voice spoke from the figure, who was fashioned much more differently than the rest of this place.
"I wouldn't want that bossy asshole to scold me again."
Kilat looked over to see a flaming beauty, noone could mistake who she was.
"Princess Lalahon? We were just punishing this thief. He's stolen goods from you." One of the guards stood up and bowed, the rest followed.
"It's nothing, he can take whatever he wants from. Now leave us, and don't tell anyone what happened, okay?" Lalahon says with a cheeky voice.
The guards nodded and left the scene, everyone else did besides Kilat ant the Princess' Royal Servants.
"Hey, you okay?" Lalahon approached Kilat, shocking him.
Kilat growled at him in fear, expecting retribution as he clenched the wall with his claws.
But Lalahon just playfully growls back, chuckling.
"You're a brave one, aren't you?" Lalahon smiled.
"You hungry?"
Kilat couldn't believe what he's hearing, but he nodded quickly, his instinct telling him to accept.
"You're too young to going off on your own..." Lalahon looked around, seeing the cruelty of this place.
"Hm... What an evil kingdom..." She muttered before looking to her royal servants.
"Nevfalta, Kagitingan. Look after him, we'll be bringing him to my home." Lalahon says before she walks away.
"Huh? Y-You're taking me?" Kilat was confused.
"Yep, I'll make sure you get a bath and some hot food as well. Now come along, before trouble finds us." Lalahon says cheerfully.
Kagitingan and Nevfalta lended their hand to Kilat. Especially Kagitingan, who despite being large and broad, had a warm motherly smile.
"I'll carry you, it you want, child." Kagitingan says kindly.
Kilat's eyes lighted up but he just plays it cool and walks alongside them.
When that day came, he was a part of Lalahon's troupe. They lived in a cabin far away from the castle, in the middle of a wide meadow of flowers.
It was far from politics, bloodshed and the kingdom's law. In that flower field was Lalahon's personal kingdom of peace.
Kilat was raised by Lalahon's kindness, Kagitingan's motherly care and Nevfalta's training. Since he was taken in, he had to be strong and powerful to protect Lalahon.
For the next 4 years, Kilat lived a life without worry. He loved his newfound family, expecially Lalahon who he treated as his mother and his big sister.
With their guidance, Kilat went from scrawny and weak to being a powerhouse of a beastman. Deserving the title and strength of "Lightning Wolf"
Though, this couldn't last forever. As one day, when Kilat was roaming around the city, seeking supplies for Lalahon's home, he was once again called.
Nevfalta called for him, it was an urgent. It was about Lalahon and her flowery meadow.
Worried and nervous, they rushed back to the field only to see it burning in powerful flames.
The peace they came back to was now nothing but embers. Kagitingan was already there, looking at Lalahon as she stood, watching the flames dance.
And when Kilat and Nevfalta arrived, he had the most questions.
But he couldn't tell them, as when Lalahon turned around, her eyes had no kindness, only pure powerful magic.
"We're going somewhere... We have a new purpose." Lalahon says without emotion.
"Follow me, and lend me your strength."
Kagitingan looked down before she kneels down to Lalahon. Nevfalta followed suit, understanding her.
But Kilat was confused, afraid and angry. What possessed her to do such a thing? To burn her own peace?
What burned down the Flower Princess? What kind of flames has consumed her?
And now, we return to the present, where Kilat ends the tale there.
"And now, we're just following orders for this specific invasion. I'm hoping that if we do finish this, it'll be over, and Lalahon can come back as that kind woman once more." Kilat says before sighing.
"I don't know much, I'm still young. But I know there's something wrong about her, she wouldn't just do that."
Pan's eyes were dark, looking down at the ground as she pondered about the story. The others were indifferent, but Clara and Crispina empathized with him greatly.
"I wish I was a bit wiser, and maybe stronger... I could've protected her from that day..." Kilat says as he closed eyes, tears falling from his eyes.
"I'm just... Too weak..." Kilat says with a breaking voice, he started to sob and cry like a child.
He never had the chance to cry like this, not ever. And he continued to try and stop, but suddenly, a warm hand wraps around his head and pulled him in.
"Don't worry." Pan says calmly, rubbing Kilat's hair.
"I'll save her."
Kilat's eyes widened before he leans back and looks at Pan. Her eyes knows no fear, those eyes told Kilat that she only had determination.
"S-Save her..?" Kilat asked.
"Yeah! I knew she was interesting, but I didn't know she was that kind!" Pan chuckled.
"I promise you that I'll save her, no matter what!"
Kilat's sad expression slowly turned into a calm smile, his tail wagging with joy. There was once again hope in his heart that all of this can be stopped.
"And once I do... I'll marry her!" Pan declared.
"Eh?" Kilat's excitement disappeared.
Pan then stood up and looked at the others.
"Listen up!" Pan's voice echoed in the room and everyone looked at her.
"I'm still not in the condition to fight, and 2 out of the 3 Commanders are still out there." Pan says.
"I'm leaving those two to you guys. I'll be taking Kilat to somewhere same so I can train with him." Pan looked back at Kilat, pulling him up to stand.
"T-Train?" Kilat says with a bit of confusion.
"You showed me how I can get stronger, Kilat. And now we'll work together so we can stop Lalahon." Pan smiled before freeing Kilat's from his binds.
"I'll trust my comrades that they can do their jobs on stopping you friends, Kilat."
"I..." Kilat's eyes sparked before he clenched his fists.
He then powers up, his tail wagging with joy as he smiled.
"Okay! I accept! Just don't kill those two and I'll convince them. I'll also help you get stronger!" Kilat says happily.
Pan nodded and looked back at the group.
"Basilio, and Crispina. Be safe on your fight." Pan smiled.
"Are you kidding? Don't doubt the Ina Siblings, Miss Pan." Basilio says with a smug.
"Yeah! We got a lot stronger, you know?" Crispina says with a smile.
Pan nodded at them before glancing to Viktor.
"You too, Vik. I entrusted you to protect Clara, but don't get yourself killed." Pan says.
"You needn't worry, Pan. I don't intend on dying, as long as I have my debt for you." Viktor then starts walking to the door.
"I'll deal with that hobgoblin, Nevfalta, was it?"
"Y-Yeah... You have to be careful, human. He's covered in magical armor, I could never beat him." Kilat says with worry.
"Hmph... I'll see about that." Viktor then signalled his Ex-Knights to follow, they begin their mission at once.
"In that case, I'll put up a special mission for the adventurers present here. To search for the monster commander, Kagitingan." Cali says as he walks back to his desk.
"Basilio and Crispina will be party leaders, you may depart at any time. The money I'll give to it will be hefty." Cali smiled.
"Boo-Yea! That's what I'm talking about! Come on, guys. Let's prepare for another adventure." Basilio says before walking out the door as well, Crispina and the other adventurers followed.
Clara looked at the others before looking back to Pan, she approaches her and smiles.
"As for me, I'll watch over you for awhile, until we're ready to face this princess." Clara says softly.
"Yeah, I'll appreciate the company. And Kilat would love to taste more of the bread I made." Pan smiled before looking at Kilat.
"Yes! I want more!" Kilat chuckled.
"Well, come on. Let's prepare for that grand fight, shall we?" Pan then walks out, followed by Clara and Kilat.
And so, with newfound resolve, Pan and the rest of the group made their way to their respective missions.
Viktor and the Ex-Knights against the Dark Revenant, Nevfalta and his hobgoblin soldiers.
Basilio, Crispina and the Anihan Adventurers, against the 4-Armed Orc, Kagitingan.
And Pan's training with Kilat for her awaited fight against the Fire Princess, Lalahon.
The final climax of this saga approaches, will Pan be able to see it through?