Their Story Begins

Hero of Light…Even though Terrence knew it was true…it didn't feel real to him. He looked at the divine sword in his hand, the Sacred Treasure of the Human race.

"How…why?" He muttered. "I'm…just a normal townsperson."

But though he said that, he knew that wasn't true. The more he stared at the gleaming silver blade, the more he realized…how he had always known that his life was a lie.

He was snapped out of that thought when the little girl spoke to him again, this time with more of an urgent tone.

"You must hurry, before more enemies come. Keep going west, until you reach the next town. You'll find some adventurers waiting for you there, and they'll escort you to Lucen, the kingdom's capital."

Mai got on her feet and hurried to Terrence's side, hugging his arm while looking at the girl in confusion.

"What about you? Aren't you here to protect him?" She questioned.

The girl hummed at that. "I'm merely helping the stars align in the right way. Don't worry, the Demons won't be on your tail. Now make haste."

With that, she turned and headed for Luminton. With no other choice, Terrence took Mai's hand and went with her to a river that flowed toward the town, and followed it upstream to the west. As their hometown faded into the night behind them, he thought of his parents and their fight with that Demon princess.

"Will they be alright?" Mai said, as if she was thinking the same. "Will…we be alright?"

"I hope so…" Terrence said solemnly. "But we can't go back. Let's just head to that town in the west, and we can start getting answers."

They kept going until they became too tired to keep moving. At this point, they had arrived at a field with trees scattered around. So they took shelter under one, and leaned on each other as they began to rest.

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The next morning, the duo woke up together. After giving each other awkward looks, they got on their feet and resumed traveling. However, a new problem quickly arose in the form of grumbling stomachs.

"Um…I guess we should find food." Terrence said with uncertainty.

After a quick look around, he spotted a deer a little away, grazing by another tree. He instinctively summoned Bjartbrandr and gave it a thoughtful look. He wasn't good at hunting, but he and Mai needed to eat. So he gave her a firm frown as he spoke.

"I'm going to catch it."

She gave him a worried face. "Are you sure?"

He nodded, then made his way around to start coming up behind the deer. He slowly crept closer, his sword gleaming as he readied a strike. Then suddenly, it stiffened up before turning around. Terrence froze in turn, and for a moment he and the deer stared at each other…

Knowing he was going to lose this chance, Terrence leaped forward and swung his blade. However, the deer hopped out of the way, and his face met dirt. He looked up to see it starting to gallop away, and for a second he despaired over going hungry for the rest of the day.

Then his jaw dropped in shock as Mai came up from the side, moving to intercept the deer. On all fours, she bounded with the swiftness and agility of a cat, quickly closing in on her prey. The deer skidded as it tried to turn course, but that just left it even more vulnerable. The Cait Sith pounced on the helpless animal, tackling it down to the ground and getting it in a choke hold.

The deer only whined and struggled for a second, then went limp as its neck was broken with an audible snap. Mai huffed a little as she sat up, then looked to Terrence with a bashful yet proud smile, her cheeks a little red.

"How about you get a fire started?" She suggested.

Terrence sweated a little. "Uh…A-alright…"

Luckily, Terrence did know how to get a fire started, and there were plenty of sticks laying under the trees. With his new sword, he was able to cut the meat as well. So now he and Mai were sitting close to each other, using makeshift skewers to hold their venison over the fire.

As the meat cooked, Terrence glanced as his best friend, thinking of how she had stepped in earlier. He was awed by her strength, and yet…he felt rather inadequate in comparison. He had offered to catch the deer in the first place, but ended up failing instead.

His thoughts turned to last night, when he saw her struggling against the Demons. He couldn't help but think he was being a burden to her. She didn't need to be fighting his battles for him…

"Terrence, your meat!" Mai shrieked.

That snapped him out of his thoughts, and he looked to see his venison covered in flames. He yelped and scooted away, waving the skewer and blowing on it to put out the fire. However, it was too late, and he was left with charred meat on a burnt stick.

"A-at least we still have plenty of food left." Mai said with a nervous laugh.

Terrence looked down and sighed. "Yeah…"

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By the time they reached the town, the sun was beginning to set. Terrence looked through the bars of the town's gate, relieved to have finally made it.

"We'll be safe now." He said tiredly. "Ugh, I need a real bed…"

Mai nodded wearily. "Mhm…Come on, let's go and find an inn."

They talked to the soldier that was guarding the gate, and were let in without issue. From there, the couple walked down a street lined with stalls, through a thin crowd of people. They asked an old lady for directions, and before long they were at the inn. As they entered, Terrence remembered something important, and brought it up to Mai.

"Hey, didn't that girl say some adventurers would meet us here?"

She nodded, looking curious. "Yeah, but who could they be?"

"So you're the ones, eh?" Someone cut in.

They looked to see a young man in a brown trench coat approaching them. He looked a little older than Terrence, and had a smooth face and tan skin. The stranger's dark brown hair was rather unkempt, and fell just above his shoulders. Just below his bangs, his copper-colored eyes communicated lightheartedness as he grinned at the couple.

Terrence gave him a raised brow. "Um…What do you mean?"

The stranger crossed his arms. "Let's see…a pink-haired gal asked us to keep an eye out for the Hero of Light and his Cait Sith ladyfriend."

Mai blushed slightly and nodded. "Yes, that's us. So you're going to escort us to the capital?"

"Yep, but not just me. Come on, let's go to our table and get properly introduced."

The adventurer turned and walked into the dining area, and the young couple followed him. He led them to a square table at the left corner, where another boy and a girl were seated. He gestured to them, grinning a bit.

"Well, my name is Cress." He stated. "Those two are Elijah and Satin."

Elijah was about the same age as his friend, though had a more chiseled face. He had brilliantly gold eyes, matching his wild mane of hair. His body was quite rugged, with an outline of muscles showing through his white shirt. His legs were toned as well, made bare by the black shorts he wore.

"So you're the Hero of Light, huh?" He muttered, eyes narrowed at Terrence. "You don't look like much."

Terrence tried his best to keep eye contact, but Elijah's warrior-like gaze was just too fierce. This was the kind of man that women everywhere would be all over, and could shake the hearts of most other men. Suddenly, Terrence felt his inadequacy rise…

Then the girl, Satin, reached over the table and gave Elijah a small slap on his arm.

"You're scaring him!" She chastised. "Lighten up, will you?"

She had to be the youngest of the group, maybe fourteen at the oldest. Her style was quite unusual, as she wore some kind of frilly pink top and matching skirt, which were decorated with many jewels. Her bright magenta eyes made her impish face that much cuter, and she looked even more like a doll with her elaborate curtain of silver hair.

Terrence could hardly believe that this tiny, doll-faced, oddly-garbed girl could be taken seriously…But to the new Hero of Light's surprise, the muscular man instantly softened up and gave him a wry smile.

"Oh…Sorry about that." He said. "I'm just having trouble believing that someone like you could be…well, one of the five Heroes."

Terrence returned the look. "Tell me about it…"

Mai gave Cress a worried look. "Do you three know what's going on?"

Cress's expression became more serious as he nodded, and he gestured for the couple to sit down. Once everyone was seated, he began to explain the situation.

"You know the story of the Lost Prince, yeah? Well for the past month, the Demons and their monsters have been searching for him. Or at least, someone descended from him. They want to eliminate the wielder of Bjartbrandr before he can become a threat. The kingdom's knights have ramped up their search efforts as well, trying to find their prince before it's too late."

Terrence looked down as he thought about that. The Lost Prince…Twenty years ago, the heir of the Human race suddenly disappeared one night. No matter where the King looked, no matter where he sent his soldiers…his son could not be found. Yet, people believed the prince was still out there…

"The Prince…was my father." Terrence said quietly. "I didn't realize it until now…but all this time, he had been hiding in Luminton, living like a commoner. And now…I've inherited the Sacred Treasure."

Satin gave him a curious face. "Wait, why are you here, if your father is still alive?"

His heart sank a little. "Demons and monsters attacked us and…my parents stayed behind to fight their princess. Mai and I just barely escaped with that girl's help."

Cress shook his head. "Should have figured something was up with her. You know who that was, don't ya?"

Terrence thought back to the pink-haired girl, remembering the wicked war scythe she held. What appeared to be a young girl, wielding a scythe with a crystal blade….Suddenly, her words about making the stars align made sense.

"She's the Overseer." He said in amazement. "The envoy of the gods and goddesses. She's the one who sealed Maladeus away all those years ago. After that, she stayed with humanity, and her wisdom has guided us all this time."

Elijah nodded, frowning a little. "Yep, and she figured out where you were. Or rather, it seems like she knew all this time, but decided now was the right time to move."

Cress smirked at Terrence. "Now we gotta make sure you get to the capital city safely, so you can meet your grandfather and the other Heroes of Arum. It's your job to take care of from there, mate."

Terrence sighed, already feeling the great weight of this new responsibility pressing on him. Could he really live up to a lofty title like 'Hero of Light'? Even though he was so inexperienced?

Mai gave him a concerned expression and patted his back, then looked at the adventurers with a strained smile.

"We probably shouldn't leave now though." She suggested. "We're both in need of rest, and it's getting late.

Cress nodded in understanding. "Yeah, we'll leave tomorrow morning."

Satin held up a hand. "But first, you must be hungry! Let's all eat together before turning in!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, then made orders to a barmaid for food and drinks. However, despite the decency of the meal, Terrence couldn't enjoy it. He had so many mixed emotions, and didn't know what he was supposed to do…

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Later that evening, Terrence and Mai settled into their room. There was a bathroom adjacent to it, which they wasted no time in taking advantage of. Of course, being a gentleman, Terrence allowed his furry-eared companion to take it first.

While he waited for her to come out, he laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. In this quiet moment, there was no keeping his negative thoughts at bay.

Why did his father run all those years ago? Was that man he looked up to… a coward who abandoned his duties as a royal? Now all of those responsibilities were being forced on Terrence. Could he really fulfill them, when he was not even prepared to do so?

"Ugh…I hate this…" He muttered, bringing an arm over his eyes.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened. He immediately looked, and blushed at the sight of Mai. She was dressed in a black lace nightgown, which Satin had given her. The Cait Sith's cheeks were red, but she returned Terrence's gaze.

"Um, it's your turn." She murmured.

"R-right." He stammered.

Once he was in the warm waters of the bath, Terrence felt his weariness start to fade. Somehow, it allowed him to think with a little more clarity. He realized that two things mattered most in this situation, Mai and her safety. He decided to talk about how he felt, and ask her what she was feeling.

After bathing, he got dressed and went to the bed, and saw Mai laying on her side. She was looking at him with a mix of bashfulness and expectancy, and it made him blush and got his heart beating a bit faster. The Hero of Light took a small breath for composure before coming to lay on his back.

"Hey, Mai…could I ask you something?" He said tentatively.

She propped herself on an elbow. "Mhm, what is it?"

"How do you feel about…this whole Hero of Arum thing?"

"Well…I am rather scared. " She answered uncertainly. "For you, your family, and everyone we ever knew in Luminton. I only ever wanted to live there in peace, and have a family with you. But that seems impossible now, huh?"

"I guess so…"

"...How do you feel, Terrence?"

Terrence looked up at the ceiling, thinking deeply on his feelings, and trying to get the words for them together.

"I…feel awful." He said with a frown. "I hate that I was torn away from the peaceful life I knew. I'm wondering what made my father abandon these responsibilities, and I hate that I have to pick up the pieces in his stead. I don't even know if I have what it takes to be the Hero of Light…"

"...It's really hard." Mai said quietly. "You're scared too, and wonder if you can ever be a normal person. It makes you…want to run away, right?"

"Yeah…I really do want to run."

Suddenly, she moved up and over, coming to straddle Terrence and place her hands on his chest. He looked up in shock, taking in the deep red in her cheeks, and the unusual gleam in her scarlet eyes.

"Then…why don't we run?" She whispered. "I'm sure we can find another little town somewhere, and have our own family in peace. You wouldn't need to worry about this destiny, if we just escaped from it."

Terrence gulped, his thoughts scrambled from the rush of emotions he was feeling. His heart was hammering, his face was burning up. Then the question formed in his mind…What if he did run away and settle down with Mai?

He was able to imagine it, their own family to raise and care for. Being a part of a small town like Luminton, and getting along with everyone there. Eventually, he and Mai would grow old, and die surrounded by their children and grandchildren…

Such a scenario sounded so incredible to him…and yet, something felt so off. But what…

He was snapped out of his thoughts when Mai spoke again, this time in a much softer and sweeter tone.

"What do you want to do, Terrence?"

At the moment, he didn't really have a full answer. But as he looked up at his best friend…no, his lover…he did know one thing for certain. So he took a deep breath, then answered her with a determined expression.

"Mai…I want to take care of you."

The way her eyes shimmered as she teared up, joy all over her face …was something Terrence was sure he would never forget.

"Th…thank you…" She whispered, wiping her eyes. "Sorry…I'm just…so happy right now…"

He smiled awkwardly. "I-it's okay. Take your time…"

Once Mai settled down, she gave him a more sheepish smile. It was only then that he noticed how her ears were twitching erratically, while her tail was swaying in an almost hypnotic motion. For the second time, he saw that passionate gleam in her gaze. 

"Terrence…I love you." She said coyly. "I'm so grateful to have met you. Your kindness is why I'm here now. I never got your answer before, so I'll ask again. Will you…make me your bride?"

Terrence's hands moved on their own, taking a gentle hold of Mai's waist. Slowly, he rose and laid her down, and her arms wrapped around his neck. Even though he felt nervous right now…somehow, his heart was becoming steady. This felt…right. Like it was meant to be.

"Mai…I love you too." He said softly. "I'll be happy to have you, if you're really fine with me."

And with that, he closed in and kissed her for the first time. Her lips were soft and warm, and her body felt even hotter…She let out a pleasant noise, and it encouraged him to keep going.

The night ended with her laying on top of him. They were both undressed and had the most contented looks on their faces. At least for tonight…any sort of burdens on their minds would be forgotten.

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The next morning, Terrence was standing in front of the mirror, checking how he looked in the new set of adventuring clothes Cress had given him. A black shirt and brown pants under a white coat, and a pair of brown boots. Slung over his shoulder was a travel pack, which contained necessities like medicines and food.

"You're really going out there?" Mai called out.

Terrence turned around to see her sitting up, her body under the covers as she was still undressed. Seeing her concerned gaze, Terrence gave her an assuring smile.

"I have to do this." He stated. "If I ran away, I'd just be doing the same thing Father did. I won't abandon my responsibility and let someone else take care of my problem. And…if I really want a peaceful life with you, I have to fight for it."

The Cait Sith got off the bed, taking the blanket with her as she walked over to her lover. She kissed his cheek and gave him a gentle smile.

"I see…Then I'll support you in whatever way I can. But what'll you do if you have to stay royalty?"

He chuckled a bit. "Well…You'll be my queen, simple as that. I mean, our children won't be Human…but we can figure that out later."

She giggled, blushing a little. "Children, hm…You know, I am in that stage. Had you forgotten?"

He turned red as well and looked aside. Oh right…Cait Siths had their heats in Spring…He was so caught up in the moment and had so much on his mind, it just slipped.

"Uh…Ahaha…" He mumbled nervously. "Crap, I better work harder now…"

"Haha, don't worry." Mai assured. "Satin gave me medicine too, so I took it after my bath last night. Girls have to be prepared, after all."

"Even so, well…If anything does happen, I will be there for you."

"Mhm, I know."

She looked into his eyes with a gentle smile, then kissed his lips and brought up a hand to cup his cheek. On instinct, he brought a hand to her back and another to her waist.
Needless to say, it took them a little longer to leave the room.

When the couple exited the inn, they found a horse-drawn carriage parked in front of it. While Elijah was taking the reins, Cress and Satin were in the carriage.

"What the hell took ya so long?" Cress complained, looking annoyed. "I was about to go up there and wake ya up."

Terrence and Mai blushed and looked at each other, then glanced different ways with bashful faces. Seeing that, Satin giggled with amusement, while Cress and Elijah gave her odd looks.

"What's got you worked up?" Elijah inquired.

"Lady's secret!" Satin said with a wink.

"L-let's just get going." Terrence stammered as he climbed onto the carriage.

Mai came up after him, and they held hands as they sat down together. Elijah snapped the reins, spurring the horses to trot down the street. Within minutes, they were out into the wider world, a frontier that Terrence hardly knew about.

He looked at his bride-to-be while she leaned on his shoulder. He had no idea of the challenges he would face, or if he'd be able to take them on. But one thing he did know for sure, was that no matter what, he'd do his best. For her sake, and everybody else out there who desired the same peace they did.

It was here, that his story, and hers, would truly begin.