One Week Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15
The three of us stood in the elevator in silence. You could practically cut the tension with a butter knife as Ryan and Princess Eliza glared at each other. It was the same thing every day and frankly it was getting old. She would try and talk to him and Ryan would bite back, questioning why she needs to rely on us. It was infuriating to hear him talk to in such a way but still I played nice for now. After all, my goal required me to be a hero and thus I needed to work with them. Soon enough, he will be gone and I will be king!Eventually the torturous ride came to a stop and we stepped out into the massive lab beneath the kingdom. Scientists of all races were working tirelessly on new technology, from hovercrafts to a microwave that can cook any meal in seconds. That would be quite useful for any Space Heroes out there. The king specifically was who we were looking for and it did not take long as we quickly had to take cover as bolt of light, "Ohoho! Sorry, you four!" Thaddeus called out, holding a massive yellow blaster with a massive grin on his face. How could such a man child possibly be king? Still, I smiled nervously as he approached
"What's royalty like you doing with a gun?"
"Testing of course!" He answered, "I'm always so fascinated with my daughter's inventions so I act as her tester, her guinea pig as your people put it" He explained, making the three of us look shocked at Princess Eliza who simply dusted herself off and kept walking. To have all this wealth and still pitch in when she could hide? I'm impressed. She lead us to the heart-like core that was in the Super Shadow, "Anyway, you said you made a discovery about the heart?"
"Well, I wouldn't quite call it a discovery. It's more like confirmation of what we already suspected," She answered as we walked down the white and blue halls, going past the variety of experiments being performed. At the very end was a massive room with a small viewport blocked off by a glass window. On the other side of the glass was the heart, "We contained it in case it was radioactive or capable of self destruction but so far, it's just what we thought, an artificial heart"
"Your normal Shadow is pretty large but nothing like that thing," Ryan commented, "I wouldn't be surprised if all of them had this thing and just destroyed them too fast to notice"
"Agreed but here's the interesting part. Not only does it essentially create new life but," She started before pressing a button and dimming the purple lights of pure unfiltered magic filling the room. A small chunk of metal came from the wall, inching closer and closer to the heart. Upon touching it, it took wrapped began twisting it, contorting it into something vaguely human looking as it floated down to the floor and began to walk around, "It can give life to nonliving items" she finished before turning the lights back on "However, just like the Shadows, they are vulnerable to magic"
"So how does that help us? From what we've seen, the demons exclusively use magic" Makoto asked
"Correct. That's why I made a special commission to the Dwarven Capitol of Korinthar and I will be leaving to pick it up shortly"
Thaddeus didn't seem to like that, his normally jolly face replaced with a stern glare, "I will send guards to retrieve this commission. You are to stay here where it's safe" he demanded
"No way! This was my commission. I deserve to be the first to see it and besides, I'm the only one who knows how the heart works"
"Then explain it to the guards and have them do it"
"It's not that simple. If Cass and the others were here the-"
"But they're not!" Thaddeus finally snapped, stunning her into silence and making the rest of us jump back. That wasn't normal, was it? Seeing everyone's fright, he took a deep breath and calm down "And that is why you cannot leave... They are our enemies now and they know you"
"Then perhaps I can go with her," I finally spoke up, standing between the two, "After all, one hero is surely more powerful than a group of guards. If anyone dare attack her, they will feel the sting of my lightning," I explained, maybe trying a bit too hard to sound cool. I hope it impressed her. Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, looking between me and Eliza
"Fine. Please, make sure she's safe" he plead before turning away to leave
"Sorry, I'd come along but I need to help rebuil-ow!" Ryan started before Makoto hit his arm "What was that for?! I wasn't even being an asshole that time!"
"You're not doing anything but getting to bed and recovering. You think I can't see your ribs?"Ryan scoffed and quickly covered his ribs, "Stupid Mer Eyes.... Be sure not to look any lower than that" he taunted with a smirk. Makoto just stared, her face glowing almost comedically red as we both began to snicker until suddenly Makoto hit him hard over the head "Ow!! Take a joke!"
Makoto merely huffed in response before dragging him back to the elevator. I simply looked to Eliza who had a soft smile on her face as she packaged up the heart, "What's so funny"
"Oh nothing. Just glad somebody seems to be able to talk to that idiot in a way he understands" She answered. Could she at least say it in a way I understood? Because all I saw was them fighting. Regardless we both left to get packed for the long trip to Korinthar
One Week Since Summoning Day, Leon, Age 525
I kneeled before King Zeddral's throne as he struggled to contain his rage. He had been most displeased with the Super Shadow's defeat and claiming of the heart. I have not seen Ritto in days and I fear the worst, "My King, I swear I will reclaim the heart. I will lay siege to the capitol myself if need be. Just please, give me the order"
Not a word escaped his lips, his hand just twitching. He could forgive the Prince's failings with ease but should I dare fail once? That could mean my life. Eventually, he stood up from his throne, "No need. The Princess has it and is on the way to Korinthar" he finally replied. If not for my helmet covering all but my eyes, he could see my shock. Is that true? Even if it was, how did he know? However, I dare not question him, "Take a small battalion to intercept them and do-"
His order was cut off by the large metal doors to the throne room being slammed open. Without skipping a single heartbeat, Prince Xandric was on one knee bowing his head, "Please father! Let me go with him!" he plead, leaving us both in stunned silence. King Zeddral's anger quickly faded, replaced with a look of concern"Are you sure? I would hate for you to-""I got arrogant, sending the Shadows away and expecting a fair duel. This is only one hero and I won't be alone. I can handle it," the prince insisted and with a sigh, he turned back to me
"Have you any objections, Leon?"
"If it is your will, I will obey" I answered without a second thought. The King's orders are absolute even if I didn't believe it was wise. I then stood up and went to leave, "Follow me, boy and keep in mind, I tolerate no insubordination. If you disobey, you'll never do this again. Understood?"
He simply nodded before suddenly Cassandra pushed him aside, still in her modified 'Hell Hero' Yellow suit, "Oh and just one thing from all three of us, Kitty Cat. Take the heart but don't you dare hurt Eliza"
"Or what? The traitors will betray again? Go ahead. Prove me right" I dared before taking my leave. The boy stayed behind for a moment before catching up
Jaune, Age 9
"A dancer?! That's where you two have been!?" I remember father exclaiming in rage and disbelief. We knew he would disapprove but mother was always so supportive of me. Even if she didn't entirely agree, she would push me towards my passions
"It's what he wants. What's wrong with allowing it?"
"It's unproductive! A waste of time! He could be learning to be a businessman or something that would get us out of here! I don't slave away every day for him to slack off and dance!" He argued, though honestly if he didn't spend so much time drinking, perhaps we wouldn't be in the 10th Arrondissement to begin with. Blew off our entire inheritance on his own vices and now he expects me to get us out? The nerve. Their argument raged on throughout the night as I ate what little food we had and prepared for bed....
SMACK!
A loud slap echoed through the house followed by a loud bang as something, no, someone hit the floor. I rushed downstairs and saw my mother on the ground, the floor cracked beneath her as the rotted wood couldn't handle the force from which she came down on it. Father was standing there in shock. He was neglectful certainly, but he had never gone as far as to lay a hand on either of us. Not thinking, I charged in and jumped on his back. Immediately I began clawing at his eyes "Mama! Run!!"I ordered. That was the last thing I remember before everything went black
One Week and Two Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15
I was staying up that night, guarding the camp we had set up in the woods. I had offered since I wanted to impress Princess Eliza. A small group of guards came with us of course. Her father wanted nothing left to chance and honestly, fair enough. He may be a buffoon but when it comes to his daughter, he goes a little crazy it seems. It must be torture for her but I wish my father would do the same. Still, I'll be able to rub it in his face soon if all goes well. Bored as I watched into the distance I began tapping my feet in sync with a the song I began to hum. That tapping then turned into a full-on dance as my feet began moving on its own. The moves weren't wild, all flowing naturally into each other to match the song. I would spin and twist to my heart's content until I hear the clearing of someone's throat. I quickly ceased my humming as I turned around, "O-Oh...It's just you, Princess..."
"You know you don't need to call me that, right? Eliza works just fine," She assured, sitting down on a log we had set up earlier. She was wearing a more rugged outfit, far removed from her usual white dress with snow patterns. Instead wearing a simply white and blue shirt, unreasonably tight pants and leather boots. The only thing that remained of her normal attired was her blue circlet that she wore around her head, "What were you doing? I thought you were standing guard"
"My apologies. When I get bored and nobody is around, I tend to dance," I explained, looking away. I guess even with this power, the fear of my father didn't just go away, "I see. Well your world's idea of dancing is certainly... unique," She admitted. Clearly we have very different ideas of unique. Eventually, she asked "So what are you scheming?"
"Excuse me? I'm sorry but I don't..."
"Please, don't lie," She plead, interrupting my attempts to do exactly that, "You're not as smooth as you think and my mother warned me that people from your world have a tendency to be nice when they desire something. So what do you want?"
"That obvious, eh?" I asked before looking away from her. She would likely be furious with me but lying would only make it worse so I answered, "Well.... I want to be king!" I exclaimed, probably waking up some of the guards. She just stared, dumbstruck. I could've sworn I was about to get slapped
"So when you went to comfort me after Ryan and I's fight, and all those weird words you called me, it was what? You trying to seduce me so..."
"So maybe I could marry you and become king," I groaned out, preparing my cheek for the inevitable slap. But she just sat there, tears swelling up when suddenly
"Ahahahahahahaha!!!" She burst out into laughter, holding her stomach. I just watched in confusion as she fell off the log, legs flailing as she acted like she had been sprayed with Laughing Gas, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, I just actually thought you may have liked me!"
"And...That's funny to you?"
"Yeah, and actually... Somewhat relieving," She admitted, only further adding to my confusion. I know it wasn't exactly nice to try and deceive her but I doubt relief would be the first thing she would feel, "Alright. Well how about this," she started before grabbing a stick. She then drew a table into the dirt, similar to a calendar. She then made one tally mark, "Why don't we play a game?"
"A game?" I repeated, growing more and more confused by the second
"We'll call it, the courting game. You and your teammates will defeat the Demons. That's your main goal so I'll make that about...fifty points" She explained, drawing for stick figures, one of which having wings. She then crossed it out and drew the numbers '5', '0' beside it, "You can get the other fifty by doing things I like. Let's say, five points each" she suggested, drawing four more tally marks, "For your honesty, I'll go ahead and give you the first five. That's ninety-five more and if you can get all one hundred, I'll marry you and you'll be king!"
"You're willing to gamble on that?" I asked but she just hummed, beginning to wipe the board she made before I reluctantly responded "Okay okay, we have a deal!"
"Good boy" she said with a devious grin, "Now the only rule is, no actually falling in love got it? You do that, we're done. Now get some rest. Let one of the others handle the watch" she insisted and, not wishing to push my luck, I complied. That went...much better than I expected but we'll see how it goes. The following morning, we reached a massive mountain range to the north of Zordonia. The maps we brought along said Korinthar should be around here, "Alright Prince- Eliza..." I corrected myself, remembering what she said, "Where is it?"
"Riiiiiight, here!" She said, slowly moving her finger left to right until she found it. To me though, it just looked like a regular rock. However, when she pushed in the right spot, the rocky wall scooted to the left, opening up to a massive tunnel. It was a shock to put mildly as the long tunnel seemed to stretch forever. Still, we wandered through the darkness with only a flashlight to guide our way. The length of the tunnel was no exaggeration as it took a solid ten minutes before we ever saw the light. When we finally arrived, we were met with a sprawling rock city. Shops and housing were carved out of the stone in levels, a massive arena was formed in the center where all dwarves could reach. But the most noticeable thing was the bright blue sky over it all, despite being in a mountain. I looked in shock and disbelief, my mouth agape until Eliza pushed it back up, giggling, "Right, I never told you. The dwarves use projectors to imitate our sky. It's actually the basis for our holograms back home"
"Aye and frankly I'm not too fond of it," a voice said. Looking down, it was a dwarf with grey stubbles wearing a lab coat
"Flemi!" Eliza exclaimed and kneeled down to hug him, who happily embraced her in return, "It's good to see you again, old friend"
"Same to you. Last time I saw you, you were the same size as me" he said with a warm smile before turning tome, "Who's this? New boyfriend?'
"Oh not even close! Meet Jaune, he's the new Hero Yellow" She answered, through her laughter. Could she not make it sound like dating me is such a bad thing? Regardless, I smiled and took a quick bow, "Pleased to meet you, sir"
"No need for the niceties, boy. We're not so formal here" Flemi assured me, patting my head before I recovered from my bow, "You know the rules, Eliza. Don't upset the Goliaths and your commission is in the Sun District"
"Think you can come with us? We can catch up" Eliza offered to which Flemi thought for a second before leading us along. In the streets, I saw dwarves fighting. I didn't know the reason but it happened around just about every other street corner. Only when one was near death would a hulking being of metal descend from the sky on rocket boots to break it up
"Is this...Normal?"
"For us, yes" Flemi answered, "Unlike you humans, we can't deal with peace. We always need an enemy to fight. We're warriors, inventors. If we're not finding new ways to stave off the Darkness, then we're not true Dwarves"
"King Thaddeus said this world was perfect besides the demons"
"Aye, well perfection has its own meaning wherever you go, lad" he assured "And for us, that's fighting the Darkness. If a dwarf doesn't like it, they can go to Zordonia, Dai Shi or even Animaria...well, if you could stand the stench"
I couldn't tell if that last part was a joke or not as we went up the elevator, going above the simulated clouds. I assumed judging by how quiet it was save for the sound of machinery, this was where they made new inventions, likely weapons if their love for fighting was to be believed. They had humans to test out new blasters, holographic shields presumably to lessen fatigue of carrying around such a heavy object, and overhead a massive golden bird with lightning cackling off it. One of these things certainly wasn't like the others, "And...What is that?"
"That lad, is your new partner. Eh, Thundaga!" He called out and the bird landed before us. He scanned Eliza and I before humming
"So this is the new Hero Yellow. How...unimpressive"
"We can duke it out right now if you want, you overgrown rooster"
"I am no mere bird. I am Thundaga, last of the Thunderbirds" He corrected, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "And it is not your power that concerns me. Moreso, it is your heart" he answered, causing me to glare. Great, so monsters can see our hearts now?
"Anyway, so what's the plan? Why do we need a Thunderbird for this?" Eliza asked
"Well, reading over your report, I concluded that if the heart is given a body but no soul, it'll simply be a mindless monster" Flemi answered, "So I called in a favor from a friend in Animaria to send a volunteer"
"Can we slow down a moment?" I asked, trying to be polite despite my annoyance at the overgrown chicken, "Does that mean you're going to put his soul into something else and use the heart to give it life?"
"Exactly, lad. Bigger than anything we've ever made," Flemi answered and with the press of a button, a giant mechanical bird, almost identical to Thundaga appeared from seemingly nowhere, though it was likely just some holographic technology or some such thing, "Behold, The Storm Goliath"
"You have no problem with that?" I asked, looking to Thundaga. My question then shifted to what I thought was obvious, "What could they possibly be paying you to get you to agree to this?"
"Some of us don't need payment to do the right thing"
"If this succeeds, we can begin searching for candidates for Red and Blue's Goliaths as well. For now, relax. Enjoy some of our finest ale in one of our many taverns" Flemi suggested and without a second though, Eliza pulled me away, likely before me and the rooster could get into a fight. We made our way back to the lower levels to relax. Let me rephrase, relax as well as we could with the constant brawls. Still, it provided some entertainment. I even started betting, my gold on them
"Never took you as the gambling type," Eliza noted, a giggling as the alcohol made her red in the face
"Well, I did always have an uncanny luck. Helped me make money when I was too young to have a job," I explained in between my cheers
"Why would you need money at that age? Didn't your parents take care of you?" She asked and I fell silent, stunning her as all joy left my body, "I'm sorry. If it's a problem, you do-"
"No, it's fine. After all, I did say I was gonna marry you, right? I'll need to tell you some day," I said, giving her a smile. It's not like it was really a secret anyways. It's just nobody thinks to ask, "My mother left when I was young. Father crossed a line he shouldn't have. She tried to get me out of there but since she had no legal source of income, the courts ruled that I stay with him. He blew off any money he could get on booze and drugs. So I had to pay for myself"
"I see...That's horrible. You don't want to go back, do you?"
"If I had a choice? No, but if I can become King even for a day, I'll have done more than he's eve done in his rotten life. That's enough for me," I assured, flashing her with a sly smile. She simply giggled as her drunken state got worse and worse. My mental image of a princess slowly began to crash as she slurred out words I could barely understand. Still, I found it endearing and caught her as she slipped out of the chair, "Easy there. I got you" I assured and carried her over to a bed in the back the dwarves kept for anyone too drunk or too beaten to stand properly. I could barely understand what she was grumbling about but I heard two words
"Thanksh ...Cass..."
She really seems to care about this Cass person. Maybe I should ask her some time. Regardless, I was about to rest when I heard a commotion followed by the ground rumbling. The dwarves immediately shot up, regardless of their beaten and drunken status. Thinking it wasn't best to leave Eliza behind, I picked her up and ran out with her on my back. It was completely absurd, seeing everyone pull out swords and axes of all kinds. I'm certain I even saw one child, pull a claymore from the back of their plush bear before running into the militaries ranks. Ignoring that insanity, I rushed to Felmi who was just hurrying off the elevator, "What's going on!?"
"See for yourself," He answered and pulled out a tablet. On the screen was...that prince from before and a man in armor I had never seen before with a battalion of Shadows behind them and a massive one like the one in Zordonia beating at the door, "Quite a small force, not one big enough to siege us. I was going to tell the commander right now"
"I don't understand. Doesn't that just mean that they are underestimating you?"
"You have a lot to learn about war," Felmi responded before continuing to the commander and for some reason, I thought it was best to follow
"Professor, what is the meaning of this? You should be in the lab where it's safe"
"Oh sod off with that, runt. I may be a scientist now but I was fighting in the Unity War while you were living it up in the womb. Now listen to me. That force outside is way too small. Leon isn't that foolish. Divert the bulk of our forces to the Black Quarter right now!"
"The Black Quarter? Are you saying-?"
"I don't know but do you want to risk it?" Felmi asked, causing the commander to go silent, "That's what I thought. Now get to it!" he ordered with shocking authority and without the commander even speaking, at least half the dwarves were already moving as quick as their stubby legs could take them. As they left Felmi sighed, "Poor folks. Can put down an ogre with one hand but no sense for basic tactics"
"Felmi...Who is this Leon?"
"Someone you're not ready to face. Get to the Sun District and expedite the merging process" He insisted in a calmer tone than he gave them, almost like pleading. I wanted to argue but instead just nodded. It didn't take long as within a flash of lightning, I zoomed to the Sun District, blasting up the wall before the elevator even got off the ground. It had used it during the attacks in Zordonia but if we're giving our powers names like 'Mer Eyes' now, how about Storm Step? In no time at all, I was back at the lab in front of the scientists as they were infusing the heart into the Goliath which I can only assume Thundaga was inside, judging by the screaming as black and purple sparks fired off of it
"Felmi said to speed it up and keep an eye on Eliza!" I told them, adding on that last part before turning to leave
"Where are you...?" Thundaga tried to ask before squawking in pain
"Isn't it obvious? People need help," was my only response before transforming on the spot. I said those ridiculous words, "Worlds Combine, Heroes Unite!" and in what must have been a flash of light to them, I was Hero Yellow. With a single Storm Step, I was back down to the main gate before using another to dash to the so-called 'Black Quarter'. The stone buildings were degraded, the holographic Sky untouched and puddles of a dark gooey substance I dare not touch was all I could make out. I presume that was the 'Darkness' Felmi mentioned. The army of Dwarves made it easy to find, a massive mob of men, women and children, all ready to fight even if they weren't soldiers. It was actually somewhat admirable, seeing them come together like this. If only it was like that back home. Despite their efforts, they were being slashed, stabbed and knocked away with ease by the Shadows. Though, the weren't as helpless as the Zordonians as their weapons actually managed to briefly halt the Shadows. I would have to look into that later. Still though, only I could finish them off with my magic weapon which after slicing through five in a row, I named "Divine Lightning: Taranis Claw!"I sliced through the Shadows with ease, even the dormant ones. The ones I missed, I had to trust the Dwarves to handle. Like a bolt of lightning, I dashed through them all before suddenly my claw was stopped. The armored man grabbed my wrist and clenched it tightly, crushing it. I screamed in pain but quickly Storm Stepped back, the shock forcing him to release me
"So you're the new Hero Yellow. Not impressive as impressive as the last one," he said, his gravelly voice sending chills through my body, "Still, you have potential"
"Praising your enemy? I take it you're one of those 'Noble Warrior' types," I mocked before Storm Stepping behind him and going for a slash only to easily be blocked by his shield and send me flying when he flipped in and hit my jaw. I suppose I should have suspected this from a general
"Your kind speak so strangely of 'Types'. Personally, I understand none of it," explained, slowly approaching me and tossing whatever Dwarves got in her way, "It's even infected the Prince's speaking somewhat. Regardless, I simply have an eye for capable fighters. Were you perhaps a soldier in your world? A recruit maybe?"
"I'm only fifteen"
"Ah yes. Forgive me. I suppose I am merely an old dog stuck in his ways. When I was your age, fifteen would be considered manhood. Then again, when I was your age, there was no such thing as 'Demons'"
Interesting information, but I couldn't care less. I continued to try to and attack from all angles, over, to the left, to the right and even burrowing underground to attack from below but he didn't budge. He grabbed me from the air and slammed me to the ground. He then pushed me toward a pool of Darkness. Despite my efforts, he began to push me in head first. My suit did its best to protect me, creating a mouthguard to prevent it from entering my body, but it was still quickly degrading, burning away. I desperately clawed at him, trying to push him off when suddenly, I felt the weight come off me. I quickly pull myself out and look into the reflection of my visor. My face had turned a reddish pink similar to that demon prince we had fought. I then looked to Felmi, who appeared to be my savior as he held a massive gun, "I suppose I should thank you," I said as my skin reverted to normal
"You can do that by doing what I ordered in the first place"
"And leave you here? I doubt Eliza would forgive me for that," I joked as my suit regenerated. As if my thoughts about my skin had manifested him, the prince flew down beside Leon
"General, may I join you?"
"Begone, boy. I've got this"
"With all do respect, he's one of the three who jumped me. I deserve retribution" He insisted, apparently angered by our previous encounter
"Again with your bizarre phrases. Very well. But follow my lead" Leon order, to which he agreed without question. He ran in first with the prince following suit, attacking Felmi but I quickly blocked it for him while he ducked beneath me and fired his gun, releasing what looked like a beam of light that sent him flying. Xandric flew over before diving at the ground and punching it so hard, it sent Shadows and Dwarves alike flying, some over into the magma pits below. I flipped back, catching Felmi and sitting him down before dashing at Xandric in an attempt to slash at him. He dodged, causing me to only barely cut a chunk of his right horn. In retaliation, he caught my hand before spinning around to throw me right into Leon who nearly ran me through had I not course corrected midair. I Storm Stepped back through a few Shadows to regroup with Felmi
"Quite the deadly dance we've found ourselves in. Any ideas?"
"I wish. So far all I can think to do is..." He started, pulling out a grenade of some sorts before suddenly, I heard beeping in his ear. He pressed into some sort of earpiece, "This is Felm, make it quick...What?... Slow down lad, what do you mean The Storm Goliath is-?!" He argued when suddenly a loud mechanical squawk could be heard throughout the cave city. Suddenly, the massive golden bird that contained Thundaga's soul flew through the artificially sky, firing lightning magic from its mouth with such precision that it eviscerated the Shadows without harming a single Dwarf. It then landed before me, sending the dust flying in our face
"Is that you, Thundaga?" I asked, worried only the soul may remain. To be stripped of personhood would be horrible. Instead of answering, he lowered his head, revealing a cockpit. Taking the hint, I hopped in. Immediately, I felt something lodge itself into the back of my helmet. It didn't hurt, but I felt like I was now linked
Jaune, Age 15
It was a bustling day at the station. We never managed to escape the 10th Arrondissement. Mother left after that day and used all her money as a um...dancer, to try and get custody of me. But it didn't work out and I was trapped with him. As such, I was forced to take up multiple part time jobs and put my luck to good use, making money through gambling. This lead to multiple busy nights which would leave me pleading for my creaky old bed. Just getting off the train, I saw a woman, no older or younger than I remember mother being when I last saw her, and the same skimpy attire she would wear to attract customers. It wasn't anything I'd call abnormal. However, she seemed to be off the clock as she had put on a coat to hide her modesty. That didn't stop one man from following her. Against my better judgement, I followed after them. I hid behind a nearby wall once they entered a nearby alley, listening in. If nothing bad happens, no harm no foul. However....
"Sorry, I'm done for the day"
"The hell you are, girl. Surely, you can take one more customer"
"I said, I'm do-!" Her protest were cut off by a scream as his hand met her cheek. He was about to do it again when I grabbed his hand
"I do believe the lady said she's done for the day. Should you wish to employ her services, you can do so tomorrow"
"Really? Buzz off kid before you get hurt" The man insisted, trying to snatch his hand away but my grip stayed firm. He pulled harder and harder but I wouldn't let go. He even tried throwing me but not only did I hold on, but when I recovered, I dragged him with me, getting him away from the girl. The last thing I heard was the honking of a horn as me and him fell out of the alley into the road
One Week and Three Days Since Summoning Day, Jaune, Age 15
I gasped as I snapped back to reality, "Thundaga...Did you see that?"
"Indeed," He answered, his voice ringing in my head "Along with everything else. A good heart, twisted by a cruel world. You have my sympathies"
"Well, how about we focus on the enemy for now, yeah?" I asked and using the controls, I fired lightning from Thundaga's mouth
"Our souls are one, Jaune Allard. From Now on, we fight together..."He assured me as were destroyed the Shadows with pure lightning. Our attention turned to Leon and Xandric, the prince specifically wanting to charge in but was held back
"Why are you stopping me? We can still win!"
"That may be. But can we defeat the Dwarves afterwards?" He asked before pressing some device on his wrist, "Ritto, bring us back!" he ordered and in a flash, they were gone. Safe to say, I was confused, but quickly snapped out of it by the cheering of the Dwarves
"It would seem, we've won. Anything you want to say?" Thundaga asked. In response, I just grinned as we both let out a triumphant roar, our victory echoing through the cavern halls
Leon, Age 525
We returned to King Zeddral, much to the prince's dismay. Can't say I fault him though. His failure at the capital bruised his ego. In my younger days, I would be much the same way. Still, he contained his rage around his father as we kneeled, "Forgive us, Father. We failed to reclaim the heart" the boy said, his voice quivering as if fighting back a well of emotions. The King then stood up and said two words
"I knew you would"
My head shot up in disbelief. How did he know? The King is powerful and wise, but to know that when he wasn't even there? Still, I stayed silent as he slowly approached, "Truthfully son, I knew you were not ready, but failure is a better teacher than any man. The Dwarves are not like the humans or elves. They are warriors, even in times of peace. While other races rely on their 'heroes' to save them while the guards do what little they can to fend off our Shadows, the Dwarves adapt and overcome. Even if you did defeat Hero Yellow and reclaim the heart, do you truly think you could have bested your foes in their own home?"
"No...father..."
"No because you know it? Or know because you tried and failed?" He asked, "Your pride drove you to insist on fighting the heroes despite your prior failings. It blinded you. Now that you have failed, learn. Do not let ego get in your way. Besides, your ego may be justified soon... Hero Black"