Reuniting the team: part one

 In a distant village in the kingdom of Aurelia, two legendary figures of the realm's history were deep in discussion inside a church.

"So, let me get this straight: while you were sleeping, you had a strange dream where the Holy Mother appeared before you, telling you that Hiroshi's world is in danger and that only we, his old comrades, can save it. Am I following so far, Liz?" Mark asked, summarizing the important parts of Liz's dream to ensure he understood correctly.

She noded with security while saying:

"That's right. I accepted right away, of course, and promised to do my best to convince the others. But before the dream ended, she said Hiroshi must be stopped, no matter what. And then I woke up." Liz replied, worry evident in her voice over her former lover's predicament.

"I see, I see. Maybe the goddess wasn’t clear, and some enemy is controlling his mind. Do you remember when we fought against the hypnosis demon? What was his name? Sino, Hipo... something with..."

Mark folded his arms and closed his eyes, trying to recall as he muttered names aloud.

"Of course, how could I forget? But Mark, I don’t think he's involved. Don’t you remember that we killed him? What matters now is to quickly gather the team and figure out what’s going on."

Mark stopped trying to remember the demon's name and snapped back to the moment.

"Right, it's time to bring the band back together!" Mark clenched his fists and shouted enthusiastically.

"Are you sure about this, Mark? We have no idea what we might find in Hiroshi's world. It's uncharted territory for us," Liz trembled at the thought of what might be happening to Hiroshi and didn’t want her friends to get hurt.

"Of course I'm going. Hiroshi is my best friend. Whatever’s happening, we’ll be there to help him. Besides, I promised him I'd protect you. No matter where you go, I'll be there by your side." Mark placed a reassuring hand on Liz’s long, silky green hair, trying to calm her with a smile.

"You're right. Let’s do it—another adventure awaits us."

"So, who are we going to see first?" Mark asked, unsure of where their old companions might be.

"Isn’t it obvious? We’ll head to the kingdom's capital, where the castle and our former paladin, Verena Aureliana II, are," Liz said firmly.

"Heh, I was already looking forward to seeing our Iron Princess again."

With those words, a new journey began. Together, they bid farewell to the village of Coy. Mark gave the villagers some advice on protecting themselves and reminded them of the training he’d provided over the past two years for just such an occasion.

Mark and Liz traveled together by carriage toward the capital. The warrior handled the horses, while Liz sat in the back, reading books by religious philosophers.

The journey was long; they passed through many cities where they were warmly welcomed, remembered for their heroic deeds of the past. Mark would recount to the citizens various adventures with the hero Hiroshi, while Liz always visited the churches to see if she could speak with the goddess again.

After two weeks, they finally arrived at the capital. Upon their arrival, the citizens recognized them and held a grand celebration in their honor, showering them with gifts. In the town square, people danced around a statue of the heroes. Mark couldn't stop himself from devouring everything handed to him, but Liz was eager to get to the castle. Once she convinced him, they headed to their former comrade's location.

When they arrived, the royal guard opened the doors without requiring any permission. As they entered, a servant announced their arrival:

"Princess Verena, it is my pleasure to announce the arrival of Mark Tiger, also known as Red Fists, and Elizabeth Van, the Great Priestess."

"Charles, no need for introductions; I know who they are," Verena replied from her small throne, wearing a vibrant one-piece red dress adorned with glittering accessories befitting a princess. Her long, silky hair flowed freely.

"Whew, it's odd to see you in a dress. I have to admit it doesn’t quite go with those muscles," Mark teased.

"Hmph, you’re probably relieved I’m not wearing armor, considering all the times I beat you while I had it on. Thinking it better I don't think I'd need it to knock you down now," Verena replied, smiling mischievously at Mark.

"Oh, you want to test me? Those times were because I hold back against women, especially a princess. But sometimes I forget—you look more like a man."

They exchanged sparking glances, ready to clash.

"Ahem, could you two save the banter for later, please? We have important matters to attend to," Liz interrupted, annoyed.

"Yes, sorry, Liz. It’s good to see you both. But what did you think of the celebration?" Verena came back to her princess bahivior.

"It was fine, but I didn’t like our statue. They made me look smaller." Mark made an observation

"Oh, really? I think your size is just right; don’t you remember they took measurements?"

"Why, you…!" Mark replied furiously, looking like he was ready to attack.

"Mark, enough. Please stay quiet." With Liz's words, the fighter stopped and fell silent.

"What’s going on, Liz? Why are you both here? I haven’t seen you since the group disbanded. I hope it’s important—I have a lot of duties as a princess."

"Well, Verena, we need your strength again."

Verena couldn't understand and showed a worried face.

"Eh? What do you mean, Liz? The demon king is dead; we’re in an era of peace—mostly, at least. And besides, my father was very clear that he doesn’t want me wearing armor anymore, no matter how much I wish otherwise," Verena said, looking down and clenching her fists sadly.

"I know, Verena. But we need the whole team because you see…"

Elizabeth shared her entire dream with the princess and explained the reason for their gathering. Verena only listened like nothing without putting in doubt the word of her friends.

"I see… So, another world is going through what we did, and Hiroshi might be responsible. Alright, I’m in." 

Verena showed her support and started to move out from her throne.

"Eh? That quickly? What about being a princess and daddy’s little girl?" Mark interrupted, surprised.

"Don’t underestimate me. Do you really think my father could stop me? He couldn’t 12 years ago, and he won’t now. Besides, as a knight and princess, I swore not only to protect my kingdom but to help anyone in need. It’s my duty."

"I knew we could count on you, Verena!" Liz clasped Verena’s hands and jumped with joy. With that, their group became three, and they only needed three more. But then:

"Don't think I'll let you go that easily, Princess," said a man in royal attire, smoking a pipe. He had a tired look. He had been hiding behind one of the pillars that supported the entire hall. "I've been listening, and I can't let you leave without your father's permission—not again."

"Esteban..."

"Who is this?" Mark asked, not understanding who they were facing.

"Esteban Von Manfred, head of the royal court and my father’s right-hand man. Esteban, please, let me go. People may be dying," Verena pleaded anxiously.

"People not of our world, dying at the hands of the invincible hero Hiroshi. Princess, you must stay and serve the kingdom. Without you, there would be a drop in morale."

"Please, Esteban, the kingdom has never been better and will remain so in my absence. I know that you and my father can handle things without me. I made a vow, and I will keep it, even if I must renounce being a princess." Verena fixed him with a fierce gaze as he continued to smoke.

Esteban paused, thinking deeply before sighing and replying, "Alright, do as you wish. We cannot lose an heir to the throne. Go; I’ll explain things to your father. And you two, promise me you’ll protect her, no matter what—don’t make me have to come and take your heads."

"Yes!" they both replied enthusiastically, smiling.

"Thank you, Esteban. I promise to bring you more tobacco as a reward."

With that, the group left the castle and strolled through the city streets.

"So, who’s next?" Verena, now in armor but with a helmet to hide her identity, asked.

"We were hoping you’d know where the others are," Mark replied with a grin.

"Well, Lemos and Roxy are outside the kingdom; the only one here is… oh shit," the knight groaned, putting a hand to her head as if they were speaking of the devil himself.

"Eh? What’s wrong? Did something happen to that bastard Jack? Has he finally kicked the bucket after fighting like a madman?" Mark joked.

"No, but right now he’s the kingdom’s most wanted criminal. He’s killed six nobles since the beginning of the year. Neither the royal guard nor the shadow assassins have been able to catch him."

"Wait, wait, Jack wouldn’t do that—there must be a misunderstanding" said Mark angry but then he started to think "Wait, it doesnt seem rare if you think about his past"

"There isn’t a misundertsanding. The wounds on the nobles could only have been made with his magical spear. Though, to be honest, his actions weren’t entirely wrong."

"Eh? Look at the rebel princess! I’ll tell your daddy."

"Shut up, idiot. The nobles he killed were corrupt, involved in slavery, prostitution, and drugs, despite all of that being forbidden. But the royal court doesn’t care; they only see that their lives are at risk. I’ve tried to reach out to him, but he doesn’t trust that I’m on his side. Right now, he’s probably in a bar in the dark zone of the kingdom. But, as a princess, I can’t enter that kind of place."

"Then I'll go," said Mark, smirking. "This is a job for a man. I can't let two beauties, well, one not so much, walk into a place full of criminals and rapers."

Verena swiftly kicked him hard in the leg becasue of don't considering her beauty, and Mark grimaced in pain.

"Alright, if you're so eager, you handle it. Liz and I will wait for you at the kingdom gates so we can leave quickly before my father finds out I’m gone. You’d better come back with Jack. Let’s go, Liz," Verena said as she turned to leave, her armor clinking with every determined step.

Liz followed, but before going, she cast a quick glance at Mark and spoke softly, "Be careful."

Mark responded with a nod and a smile. Once they had said their goodbyes, the warrior set off towards the most dangerous part of the kingdom, where his former companion Jack Stormrider, now branded a criminal, awaited him.