Strength

Later in the afternoon, Terrence and Lorica were still going at it in the training hall.

He slashed twice at her, and she simply parried both strikes and jabbed at his shoulder. He sidestepped to avoid it, but winced as he was still cut. Even so, he tried to step in and deliver a right hook to the Elf’s cheek.

She effortlessly caught his fist in one hand and pulled him in, while dismissing her rapier so she could pound the air out of him with her own punch against his gut. Then as he backed away and doubled over, she finished him with a swift kick to the face.

As he curled into a fetal position and held his bleeding nose, Aquare hurried over to play a Soothing Melody. Terrence sighed in relief as he was given aid for the upteenth time, and got up on wobbly legs.

“O-one more time…” He panted.

Aquare looked at him in concern. “Terrence, that’s enough. Even magic can’t stop exhaustion, so…rest for a while, okay?”

Recalling what he had been told about allowing himself to relax, Terrence nodded and sat down heavily. Bjartbrandr took human form at his side, and laid his head on her lap.

“You’ve been working hard, you deserve the respite.” She said gently.

At that moment, Aquare’s Sacred Treasure became human as well.

Symphonia looked to be a Nymph of about thirty years old, possibly older, with a face that showed a more mature beauty than the other girls in the room. She wore a set of blue and white robes, which had silver linings and fell just above her ankles. Her great volume of silver hair was contained in a braid that went over her shoulder, and her golden eyes held a soft warmth.

“We’ve all done enough for today,” She said in a kindly manner, clasping her hands. “so let’s recuperate together. Master Aquare, will you sing with me?”

Aquare smiled and nodded, and together they took a breath, then began to vocalize in a gentle harmony.

Oh Goddess Aqua, mother of the ocean blue

A maternal soul who offers you a peaceful rest

With soothing hands to cradle you against her breast

Healing your mind and body for you to rise anew

As the Nymphs sang, Terrence could see their magic spreading outward with their voices. He had heard of the musical talents of Nymphs, which allowed them to channel their magic into song. But until he met Aquare and Symphonia, he hadn’t felt this power himself…

Slowly, his eyes began to close, as their harmony compelled him to drift into a peaceful slumber.

_____________________________________________

This time, Terrence dreamt of his own childhood.

He was on the rooftop with his father, watching his mother and Mai tend to the garden. The woman and the young Cait Sith were smiling happily together, as they harvested vegetables to be stored for later.

Such was the simple life Terrence’s family had, and back then he had the curiosity to ask his father a certain question.

“Father, what made you move away from the capital?”

A shadow passed over Stephan’s eyes, and he answered in a hesitant manner.

“Well…it was too crowded for us. We also wanted to try our hand at making our own home, and our own food.”

Young Terrence let out a sound of awe. “Ohhhh, I get it. Hard work makes things more rewarding.”

“Heh…that’s right. And it’s all worth the effort, because I get to see Marcia and you smiling every day.”

Stephan’s expression brightened up, and he smiled at his son. Young Terrence returned it with his own grin, and the two continued to relax until his mother called them down to help haul the harvest into the house.

Back then, Terrence took his father’s words at face value. But now, he realized Stephan, or rather Steven, had ran away because of difficulties regarding his duties as a prince. Or at least, that was one reason.

Still, the truth of what happened twenty years ago was a mystery…and Terrence hoped he would get the full story one day. And that was partly why he wished for his parents to be okay, so he could ask them directly whenever they reunited.

_________________________________________

He woke up in his room at the crack of dawn, and was surprised to find that he was more energized than ever before. Nymph music was really a marvel…

He sat up and looked around, and smiled warmly as he saw Mai and Bjartbrandr beside him, cuddling up with each other.

“Good morning, you two.” He said brightly.

They groaned and rose groggily as they were roused, and Bjartbrandr was the first to respond.

“Mmm…Good morning, Master.”

“Why are you…ah, up this early?” Mai murmured, stretching her arms.

Terrence smiled wryly. “I just feel better than usual. Come on, let’s get everyone else and start training.”

__________________________________________

In the training hall, the Heroes of Arum, except Mea, were gathered near the fighting ring, though most of them were still half-awake.

Lorica stifled a yawn. “Hah…I don’t understand why you woke us up this early.”

“Because I had an idea I want to try.” Terrence said in a confident manner. “Lorica, is it possible to strengthen your body with magic, like you would a weapon?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh, figured that out, have you?”

Terrence recalled the battle at Cocola, and how Elijah had broken the town’s gate with a surge of power.

“I saw Elijah do it before. I was wondering if I could do that, to give me a better chance in future battles.”

Hearthstone frowned at him. “Hold it there, my friend. First off, what you’re thinking of is Reinforcement. Yes, it’s magic that pushes your body to its physical limits. But it takes a great toll if you try to use it for extended periods of time.”

Lorica crossed her arms. “And as you currently are, I don’t think you’d be able to last more than a few seconds with such magic. And even if you could last longer, you’d still be limited by the amount of mana in your body.”

“And if you try to push past that limit, you’d just use your life force instead, which would get you killed.”

Bjartbrandr looked at Terrence in concern. “Master, even I think the risk is too great…”

He remained firm. “Even so, it’s the only way I’ll be able to keep up with stronger foes. If I want to succeed in the Trial of Power, I need to put out all the stops.”

After a moment of thinking, Lorica sighed. “I suppose you have a point. We’ll begin training at once, but don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With that said, both combatants equipped their Treasures and went to face each other in the circle, while everyone else watched them from the outside.

“Please be careful, Terrence.” Mai pleaded with her hands clasped.

He gave her an assuring smile, then focused on Lorica and took a stance. She focused on him in turn, taking a posture that was different from usual. Slightly crouched, one hand forward, and blade held parallel while drawn back.

When her eyes narrowed with a certain ferocity, Terrence couldn’t help but tense up. She was actually being serious for this match, and that made him second guess whether he actually wanted to try this or not.

“It’ll be okay.” Bjartbrandr said gently. “Just relax and focus…”

He could feel her holy warmth throughout his body, helping his nerves settle down. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, then began to focus on his magical energy. Letting it flow through him…and fill his body with power…

“Reinforcement.” He muttered.

He let out a gasp as his muscles throbbed with great pressure, and the air around him swirled slightly. As his body shook in an almost violent way, he realized Lorica was right…

“It’s…so much…” He groaned, wincing a bit.

The Elf scoffed. “Then why don’t you quit right now, and save yourself the trouble?”

“No…I need this!”

With that declaration, he lunged forward at blinding speed, making the air whistle behind him. In a split second, he closed in and went down to cut at her thigh. But in that instant, she created a small gust in her palm and released it, buffeting him back a little.

As he recovered, she took the offensive and jabbed at his abdomen. He could barely follow her sheer speed, but he was able to turn his body and deflect the strike. He was able to keep his balance and retaliate with a slash at her back. She was quick to turn and block, and the air around them burst as their sacred blades clashed.

Terrence gasped as he felt his magic quickly run out, along with his surge of physical power. He stumbled back and doubled over, huffing heavily from exhaustion.

“You’re done.” Lorica said with finality.

She stepped forward and struck him with her palm, dead center in the chest. He coughed out in pain as he was knocked back, and he landed spread eagle on the floor.

Naturia took human form and crossed her arms, giving the fallen Human a glare.

“Serves you right!” She said haughtily. “The nerve of you, risking yourself so recklessly!”

Lorica shook her head. “Naturia, calm down. Still, she’s correct. You’re a fool for trying Reinforcement when you’re not fit enough.”

Terrence groaned and sat up. “E-even so…I’m not giving up.”

“At least rest before trying again. It’ll take some time for your mana to recover, even if Aquare were to alleviate your fatigue right now.”

The Elf’s expression softened into a smile, and she looked around at everyone.

“With that in mind, how about we all bathe together? It’d be a nice way to bond as a team.”

Aquare nodded shyly. “Mhm…that sounds nice.”

Hearthstone grinned. “The water better be hot!”

Terrence nodded, then looked at Mai. “I suppose I can do that. Will you join us?”

She hesitated, shook her head. “I’m going to try speaking to my sister again. We only have so much time left until you all leave, so I’ll take every opportunity to try and get through to her.”

_________________________________________

The four Heroes were now relaxing in the bath, along with their Sacred Treasures, except for Hearthstone’s.

“Ahhhh, this really loosens the muscles!” He said as he floated on his back.

Lorica nodded in a sagely manner. “It’s important to bathe after a hard workout. Though on the road, it’s harder to do.”

Naturia leaned against Bjartbrandr. “Mhm…it’s more difficult to care for yourself without proper facilities. But I’ll be sure to take care of you and Lady Lorica, my dear Bjartbrandr!”

Bjartbrandr laughed softly. “Thank you, but you should care for your own health as well.”

Aquare sighed in relief. “Even though we Nymphs can travel on land, our skin quickly gets dry without water…”

Symphonia looked up thoughtfully. “Even divine beings like us need the benefits of a good bath.”

Terrence looked around at everyone, feeling rather awkward as he was sitting away from them. Everyone seemed to be familiar with each other, while he didn’t know them all too well. Not beyond some tales of their heroics on some occasions.

Noticing his hesitation, Lorica gave him a pointed look.

“Is something wrong?” She inquired.

He looked aside bashfully. “Well…you all know each other, don’t you? I feel kinda out of place, being the new one and all.”

“I suppose that’s natural. You were never introduced to us until now, after all.”

Hearthstone laughed. “Don’t worry lad, we’ll do our best to make you feel at home!”

“We’ll be great friends, I assure you.” Aquare said with a soft smile.

Terrence nodded, then his expression turned pensive as a question came to mind.

“That aside…Hearthstone, is Iotun not coming out?”

Hearthstone chuckled and hoisted himself onto the edge of the bath.

“He keeps to himself most of the time, don’t worry about it. Besides, he wouldn’t be able to fit in here with all of us! He’s what we Dwarves call a Giant!”

The Human was taken aback for a second. “Oh, I’ve never seen one before. I hope to meet him during our journey.”

Lorica cut in, frowning sternly. “Once you complete your Trial, yes. But you’re not ready yet, are you?”

“Not really. But if I keep training, I should be able to take the Trial in a couple of days.”

“You think Reinforcement will be enough, I’m guessing. I suppose that’s the best thing you can do. Still, we need to work on your sword skills. You can’t just rely on a stronger body, you need finesse as well.”

Terrence nodded, looking serious. “I know, and our last session proved that. So please, keep teaching me, Lorica.”

The Elf Princess smiled with a bit of pride. “Of course, who else would? I’m not giving up on you just yet, Terrence.”

“Don’t act like you’re the only one showing him the ropes!” Hearthstone declared, flexing an arm.

“And I’ll be here to relieve his fatigue.” Aquare added with a serene smile.

“Everyone is helping you, so you better become a proper Hero for her!” Naturia said haughtily, hugging Bjartbrandr.

Terrence smiled wryly. “As always, I’ll keep doing my best.”

His Treasure smiled in encouragement. “We all believe in you, Master.”

Even though he was getting closer to his greatest challenge, and his training had become even tougher…knowing that everyone had his back made him feel all the more better. Even if he wouldn’t be fit for his Trial of Power, at least he would feel confident enough to go through with it.

________________________________________

In Mea’s room, she and Mai were sitting on the bed. While Mea had a cool and composed look, Mai was fidgeting, and her ears and tail were twitching with anxiety.

“Tell me, why do you keep trying, when you know I’ll just turn you away?” The dark-haired sister said coldly.

Mai glanced aside. “Um…because I just want us to be sisters again. I know what you said last time, that you will never forgive me for abandoning you…but I know you feel like I do, wanting to be close again. Isn’t that true?”

“...Even if it were, you hurt me too much to be trusted again. And aside from that, you are not being honest with yourself, or those close to you. Will you continue to hide your darkness from Prince Terrence?”

“...I don’t even know how to explain it to him, without being rejected. You know how people feel about…”

Mea scowled. “Demons, just say it. If you’re so afraid of your descent being known, then at least try to destroy your inner Demon. You can’t keep pushing it away forever, you know that.”

Mai looked down sullenly. “So…you were able to become completely human?”

“...I admit, the Demon blood still remains in me, there is no changing that. But the darkness in my soul, I vanquished that, and retained my humanity. You still have time, so just…try to fight it. Don’t let your darkness take over.”

Mai looked up to see her sister’s yellow eyes, and noticed the little shimmer in them. Despite Mea’s harshness, she still cared about Mai, and wanted what was best for her.

Yet, even knowing that…the red-eyed Cait Sith still found it hard to stir her own courage. When she considered if she would be strong enough to overcome the darkness in her heart…

“I…I’m not sure I can do it.” She murmured, touching her cheat. “I’m not like you, Sister. I’m not strong, in mind or body.”

Mea closed her eyes and sighed. “Then in the end, this talk was pointless. Get out, and do not bother me again.”

With a crestfallen expression and drooping ears, Mai gave a compliant nod and retreated to the door. Once she was gone, Lionheart appeared by his master’s bed and gave her a thoughtful look.

“Will you not tell Prince Terrence about this?” He inquired.

She glanced aside in a contemplative manner, remembering something the Human Prince had once said.

“I let him go because…there are still a lot of things I don’t understand. The Demons, and even their monsters, act in ways that remind me of humanity. It makes me wonder…is fighting them really the right way?”

“...I admit, he may be trustworthy.” Mea said quietly. “But this is Mai’s secret as well. If she truly trusts him, she will tell him everything.”

“And if she’s too afraid to tell him?” Lionheart pressed.

“...Then I will judge him myself, during our Pilgramage.”