They Found the Hero

A month has passed since the attack on Ambertown and most have recovered after the Demon Lord’s attack. The Gargoyles that were being controlled by him fled the area the moment he was slain. The casualties were small but the town stood strong and gave them a proper send off. A few groups of adventurers support the town in reconstruction. Many were confused that the attack was short lived. No one seems to know who killed the Demon Lord and why he attacked them.

Himari stayed silent about her newly awakened powers and even begged her grandfather not to tell anyone. He agrees but he is someone who is loyal to the gods and worries about her decision. Before leaving to the Adventurers Archives she grabs a bag and waves at her grandfather.

“Where are we going today, Young Himari?” A floating white rabbit spirit appears behind her then rests on top of her head.

“I need more knowledge on the 4 Gods of Origins. You said you were one right?”

“Yet you believe that human knowledge passed down throughout time will guide you?”

“You did refuse to answer some of my questions, so yes! You stress me out sometimes, Poppy…”

This rabbit that Himari named Poppy is a spirit that claims to be one of the Gods. While it can’t do much, it can guide and train Himari on how to use her powers. A few times she has gone to the mountains nearby to learn how her powers work. Poppy can’t be seen or heard by anyone and Himari can communicate verbally or mentally.

According to Poppy, the Divine Magic she has inherited is based on light. While the light is similar to Holy Magic made by humans, the light she has is far more superior. In this world, Holy Magic was made by humans of the past to replicate the first Hero’s powers. While it can cure malice that affects humans, it can not purify demons and areas corrupted.

Divine Magic is the secret key that the 4 Gods of Origins gave Himari. There are still lots to learn however one thing she has discovered is that she can heal far faster than anyone. She accidentally gave herself a small cut while handling some food prep. Suddenly her finger healed within 3 seconds while leaving a temporary light mark on the wound.

“I would prefer you to go to the Demon King right now. His seal can break at any moment. In five minutes to perhaps a month from now.”

“I don’t want to be hasty. In addition to that I didn’t ask to be a hero! I prayed for a hero to save us all!”

“ Yes yes I am aware. But your heart is what we are looking for.”

“Ugh….”

***

Sunset was fast approaching and Himari arrived at her family’s Inn. Her mission on finding more information on the Gods have failed once again. One info she did learn from a traveling priest is that more information on the Gods are in the royal capital library. But traveling to the capital would take a month to get there. Two months if you take the absolute safest route.

While she can defend herself now, leaving without some guide will cause major issues. Poppy already informed Himari that she is still mortal so any wrong move will end her life. What a predicament. Himari decided to take a bath early since the guests will be using it after dinner. Normally she bathes quickly so she doesn’t bother the guests.

Meanwhile her grandfather continues his duties at the front. He pours a cup of tea that smells of peppermint.

“Excuse me…? My name is Estelle, one of the guests here... Where are the baths?” A cleric dressed similarly to a nun approaches Howard.

“Oh my, what about dinner?”

“Ahh... We were wandering all day and feel too sweaty…”

“Ah, is that so? Down the hall over here and then turn left. The women’s bath will be there. My granddaughter should be there so I hope you don’t mind.”

The cleric bows her head before walking with a half elf girl. The two talked about not finding the hero in the past week. They can’t tell everyone that a hero is here yet otherwise there could cause some slight chaos around. With some chances of some claiming to be the hero. Their only lead is to find the 4 pointed star marking just like in the other 3 heroes of the past. It is a mark that one of the Gods chose them.

“This must be it. Geez! I am so tired of this!”

“Are you worried, Alice…?”

“Are you even listening to what I just said, Estelle? I said I’m tired! Is it possible the hero already ditched town?” The half elf named Alice scratches her head.

“Maybe… But we must not return with nothing. Just wait, the Gods of Origins will bless us real soon.”

“For not being a nun you sure talk like one.”

The two enter the women’s changing room to prepare for a bath. This inn was built around one of the 3 hot springs of the mountain. It gets even busier here once winter arrives. The minerals of the mountains are considered the third best for the body in the entire kingdom. Adventurers tend to go to the inns with hot springs for the health benefits. On special holidays saints visit different hot springs and offer blessings to the waters that last a few days.

“Oh there is someone here. He said it was his what exactly?”

“Oh sorry! I should leave so the guests can enjoy the baths in people-” Himari pauses as the two girls stare at her.

“Um Alice… Look on her chest. That is the mark of the 4 Gods of Origins…?”

“Huh?? Seriously!? Wait! That isn’t a normal tattoo! That must mean you’re the chosen hero!!”

“E-Ehhh…!” She grew pale.

Himari quickly passes them and wraps a towel on herself.  Alice follows while using magic to put her clothes back on as she chases Himari. Estelle leisurely strolls into the bath with an innocent smile as the warmth of the water fills her soul. Himari locks herself in her room with Alice banging on the door.

“Why are you running!?”

“This isn’t the mark of the hero!”

“Yeah! It’s not the mark of the hero! It’s a mark symbolizing that ALL 4 GODS OF ORIGINS HAVE BLESSED YOU TO BE A HERO!!”

“Go away!”

Himari tries to keep the door barricaded with some crates and her desk. Despite their best efforts to block the door, her efforts were futile. The door unlocks itself and the furniture slowly moves out of the way.

“Found you at last…!” She uses her magic to gently reorganize the room.

“N-Noooo!”

***

A new morning rises and the two girls who came for Himari are waiting outside. Himari’s grandfather brings Himari out. She is wearing a different outfit compared to the Inn’s uniform. The black skirt with a pouch on each side was from her late mother who used it in her merchant days before settling down here with her father.

The night before when Alice confronts Himari, her grandfather arrives to check on the noise. Alice then remembers that Howard stated that his granddaughter was in the baths. Putting two and two together she gives him a letter from the Great Sage. Once Estelle finished her bath they continued their conversation. Eventually Himari’s grandfather agrees to let Himari go with them. His beliefs are loyal to the Gods so if they have chosen her then he wants to believe they chose correctly.

Himari never wanted to be the hero but has learned how to use her powers quite a bit. Poppy pushes her to go fulfill her destiny which proves that nobody wants her to stay put. She worries about her grandfather and the town’s safety but he reassures her that the adventurers will always be around.

“I’ll miss you Himari. Come back home safely and tell me all the stories you have experienced.” His smile is full of warmth and pride.

“I’ll miss you too…” She hugs her grandfather and proceeds to follow Alice and Estelle.

“For now…we’ll take the shortest path to the capital. It’ll be about a month so ya better get used to us.”

“Okay… Um…”

“I’m Alice. That is Estelle. We both serve under the Great Sage for different reasons. Ahh I can’t wait to get a bonus pay after this! About damn time I get to treat myself to something special soon.” Alice stretches as she moves ahead.

“I see…” Himari notices how casually Alice speaks. Her name sounds so pure and innocent that she thought Estelle’s name was Alice.

They finally reached the town’s exit. Himari stares at a tall sign that offers a prayer to adventurers who leave.

To All Travelers Departing Ambertown,

Beyond our borders lie both adventure and hardship. Walk your chosen path with courage.  Should fate bring you here again, share with us the stories of your travels.

May the 4 Gods of Origins smile upon your journey.

Himari felt a gentle tap on her shoulder to see Estelle smiling at her. Her pure smile made Himari slightly embarrassed.

“Let’s be friends, okay Himari…?” Estelle speaks much slower and more monotone. Yet her face shows a gentle figure with eyes that make her feel safe.

“Mm… Friends huh?” Himari blushes slightly with a small smile. This is the first time she made friends with someone close to her age. Normally she’s too busy with the inn to befriend others. She has not stepped outside the town much in her life besides the mountain right next to them. Now she sees Ambertown getting further away, making her heart sink a bit.

While she is worried about all this, she remembers that the royal capital library has information on the 4 Gods of Origins. Perhaps she can use this chance to learn more about Poppy and the reasons there are heroes and demons. There are a lot of questions she has so she prays that she will find the answers soon.

“At last you are going to fulfill your destiny!” Poppy appears on top of her head.

“Yes but I’m not ready yet…” Himari responds with her thoughts.

“We gave you Divine Magic. You will be fine. These two do not look like much, however they are strong. You will be protected until you have mastered your skills. And when a demon shows up, you can handle it with ease.”

“Ughh…”

“Yo Himari? Are you feeling alright?”

“Y-Yeah…” Himari brushes her bangs while looking down.

Estelle reaches out and holds Himari’s hand causing her to flinch. Alice sighs and grabs her other hand.

“This should help… You seem very nervous, Himari…” Estelle’s cute and gentle voice helps her slowly relax. Himari can feel the slight roughness of Alice’s hand and the softness of Estelle’s fingerless leather glove. She smiles at them and continues to hold their hands a little while longer as they return to walking.

Himari is blessed to be a hero chosen by all 4 Gods of Origin. She marches on to meet the King of Lapispire with the hopes of gaining some knowledge of the Gods.