255Disclaimer: I still do not own the Shield Hero, or anything in relation to it.
Chapter 1 – To Own Another
Stepping outside the castle, Naofumi breathed in fresh air, a content smile upon his face.
"Damn. It feels good to be back."
When the war began, Melromarc had been the first Kingdom to fall. Many assumed it was done intentionally, as a means of inciting panic to the rest of the world.
"That theory never made sense to me." Naofumi had disagreed.
Their enemy was so powerful that she could have killed them all with little more than a thought on her end. It reminded him of those overpowered enemies he read about back in his Otaku days. Except this time, there was no 'bonds of friendship' power-up that gave them the ability to save the day. They lost.
"But not anymore." He shook his head. "If I really have travelled back in time somehow, I've gotta make the most of it."
To do that, he first had to ensure that he never got framed for the stupidity that the kingdom intended for him. This would take some setup, but thankfully, the bulk of the work had already been done for him.
Time to head to the bookstore.
"Welcome-!" the shopkeeper suddenly gasped. "Are you the new Shield Hero!? It's a pleasure to meet you! How may a humble shopkeeper like me, help you out today?"
Said shopkeeper was an older man with a rotund belly. Jovial in appearance, with glasses on his eyes, he looked like a stereotypical librarian if they were overweight. Naofumi merely nodded at him in greeting.
"Hello. I was looking for a couple books in specific for me, and my party." That he didn't have yet, was left unsaid. Closing his eyes in thought, he tried to recall his list. "First I'll need a copy of the Beginner Adventurers guidebook. It comes highly recommended from an acquaintance of mine. Following that I also wish to grab a monster compendium, and a comprehensive cookbook for the adventurer. Do you have anything of the sort?"
The man put his hand to his chin in thought. Nodding slowly, he left his desk and went to the storeroom out back. Naofumi put his hands in his pockets as he waited for the man to return. It took a little longer than expected, but eventually, he came back with a wide smile.
"I think I've found exactly what you're looking for young man!" he announced. Throwing the four rather thick books onto the table, he motioned to each one in order. "First, is the Beginners Adventurers guidebook you talked about. We only had one left in stock so you're lucky you came today! Next is the Monster Compendium; it has almost every race from here all the way to Shieldfreeden. Some larger, and far rarer ones excluded, of course. Then we have two cookbooks. One for more basic recipes for the beginner chef, and another for the most advanced palettes an adventurer could have. Just by the look in your eye, I can tell you know your stuff. So I decided I'd throw this one in as a free bonus. Most adventurers typically go for their meals in taverns, but I can tell. You enjoy cooking, don't you."
Naofumi was momentarily shocked by the kindness displayed before chuckling lightly.
"You're right on the mark, there. Thank you. I appreciate it."
The man nodded happily before tallying up the other three books.
"So that'll be 3 silver for the guidebook, 2 for the cookbook and 5 for the monster encyclopedia. If that is acceptable?"
Considering he got a far more expensive book for free on top of that? It was no issue. Naofumi placed the correct change on the desk before bagging up the items and walking out the store, waving his hand over his shoulder.
"First thing ticked off my list then." He pondered his next move. "I was initially going to go straight to the magic store and pick up the things I want there, alongside some new clothes at the tailors but…"
He turned in the direction of the slave traders' tent.
"Makes more sense to kill two birds with one stone, I suppose..." he paused in thought. Putting a hand on his chin he considered his options. "Would she still be en route from that asshole's place or has she arrived already? I know last time it was at least a week, maybe more, before I recruited her. So, what are the chances that she's here?"
Low. However…
"No sense in not checking, I suppose."
She was worth it, after all.
"Welcome, welcome! How may I help you today, sir?"
Naofumi had to hold back his smile at the over-exuberance of Beloukas. Strange character, and certainly scummy by almost every definition. But he was always one of Naofumi's greatest allies in the past, and he had no doubt their business relationship would only improve this time around.
"Yes, I had just started my adventuring journey today and was looking for some cheap help." He motioned to the covered cages. "I heard this was the place for that."
Beloukas's smile only widened.
"Of course, of course, mister Shield Hero!" he bowed low before walking ahead. "Do follow me. I'll show you my selection!"
Naofumi took in the sights around him as he listened to the slave trader go on about the Slave Crest and where he got some of his 'merchandise' from.
'If Raphtalia arrived then I'll be collecting her today. If not, then I'll just be on my way, after discussing terms with Beloukas.' He concluded internally. 'I hadn't really considered gathering any other slaves right now. If anyone jumps out at me, sure. Until then, I'll hold off. I already know the ones I need, and they aren't here. I'll be working to get them sooner, but there is no sense in sweating over things I can't yet change.'
"And here we are sir!" he motioned to the cage in front of him proudly. "My greatest fighter. Slightly maimed, admittedly… but nonetheless, his high level more than makes up for it! Would surely make an incredible addition to your team, especially for the first couple waves! And all he would cost is… 15 gold…?"
Naofumi scoffed. Some things never change.
"I know your tricks, sir." He mocked. "Show me your most expensive merchandise first, to make your others seem more appealing. An effective strategy, mind you."
If possible, the short mans' smile only widened that much further.
"Yes, yes! Oh, I just knew by the look in your eyes as you came in here that you would be my favorite type of man." He nodded eagerly. "Come, come! Let me show you my cheapest wares. I'm sure you'll find something to your liking."
Naofumi took in the sights around him, doing his best to look as inconspicuous as possible.
"So… I was just curious. As I'm new to this whole slave trading business, when exactly is it that you get new 'wares', as it were?"
The slave trader chuckled at the question.
"Well, that depends." He admitted. "Sometimes I get shipments every other day, but other times it can take weeks until collection occurs."
"I see…"
"Indeed. I just received a new batch this morning, as a matter of fact."
Naofumi felt his throat constrict at that.
"Is… is that, so?"
"Sir?" Beloukas raised a brow. "Are you quite alright?"
"Ah, yeah." Naofumi shook his head. "Yeah, I'm fine. Would you mind if I take a look at your newest selection?"
A grin.
"Of course, good sir. Right this way."
Naofumi nodded and followed along, his heart pounding in his chest in anticipation. He could no longer hear the older mans' rambling as he rapidly approached a particular cage placed just out of the way. Throwing back the tarp he almost broke open the bars to embrace the little girl he found inside.
"Oh, has that one caught your eye my good sir?" Beloukas shook his head almost sadly. "As a half-racoon, she is quite rare, but unfortunately she is diseased both mentally and physically. I got her earlier today, not even an hour ago in fact; but her condition could not be any worse. Her previous owner enjoyed his torture, I'm afraid. Truthfully, I'm not sure she has much longer left. I would recommend looking elsewhere-!"
"No. I'll take her."
It cut his heart to see the terrified expression she gave him as the slave trader went to open the cage and pull her out. But this was for her own good. Unlike last time, he would make sure she knew just how much he cared for her, and he'd do so immediately. She'd saved him far more than he ever did her.
It was time to prove he was worthy of owning her.
"For your new slave, given her condition; alongside the new slave crest, your total comes to 30 silver!" Naofumi idly threw a pouch down on the man's desk with a sizable heft to it. The man blinked behind his glasses as he tallied up what was in it.
"Uh, sir?" he sounded rightfully confused. "You just gave me 100 silver! Not that I'm complaining but-"
"There's a reason for that." Naofumi admitted as he took in Raphtalia's downtrodden expression. She seemed too out of it to listen. That made things easier. "I actually added that as a down payment for a favor I may or may not need from you. If nothing comes to pass, then just think of it as a thank you from one of your newest patrons."
The man appeared intrigued. He leaned forward.
"A favor, you say…? What does that entail?"
Naofumi smiled deviously.
"Well…"
Raphtalia found herself obediently waiting outside the tent for her new master. Having been told to stand-by until he finished talking business with the slave trader, she did so without complaint.
Suddenly, her ears perked up as bits and pieces from their discussion reached her.
"… being said, I have no intention of letting them walk all over me. So…"
"… hm, yes I see. However, one gold is not enough for such a job, good sir."
"I know… to pay more upon completion."
"Ten gold, sir?"
"Eight, and make sure to hold onto your end of the bargain."
"Of course, of course! Consider it done."
"Alright, thank you. I'll be off then."
"Goodbye, sir. I hope to see you again, soon!"
Raphtalia squeaked and jumped away from the tent flap as it was opening, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. Even with her advanced hearing it was hard to hear what the two men had been discussing. She knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help her curiosity.
Naofumi approached his slave with a faraway look in his eye. He idly considered his funds as he began mapping out their next steps. Then the smell wafting from the diseased girl hit his nostrils, and his choice was made for him.
"So what's your name?" he asked, with a raised eyebrow. She poked her fingers together, conscientiously. "Ra-*cough*Raphtalia, master…"
"I see. Well, my name is Naofumi." He nodded to her. "It's nice to meet you."
She cocked her head to the side at the introduction. None of her other masters ever did something like that.
"Alright, then." He ignored her confusion. "Now that that's out of the way, we're gonna rent a room at the nearby inn to discuss our plans for the day. Is that okay with you?"
She looked apprehensive about being alone in a room with a man she didn't know, but she also knew better than to speak up. Gently as he could, he took her shaking hand into his and gave her a small smile. Patting her head with his other he spoke quietly.
"I won't say much now, but don't worry. I'm not out here to hurt you, Raphtalia. Of anyone in this world, you're the last person I would ever do that to."
Her confusion only skyrocketed at that, but she felt hope sore from within. Could he really mean what he said? She had her doubts, but she also knew no one would ever be as bad as her previous master. She followed obediently behind.
"Welcome, sir!" the innkeeper smiled at the two who walked in; not seeing anything out of the ordinary between the two of them. Naofumi had smartly covered Raphtalia's slave crest with his hoodie before entering. She found it rather cozy and appreciated the gesture, though she had no idea why he had given it to her in the first place. Too dazed from the proceedings, she found herself not listening in to the conversation.
"How can I help serve the Shield Hero today? Would you like a room for the night? Though I was under the impression that all the heroes were to stay at the castle for tomorrow's debriefing…"
The man trailed off, puzzled by the young savior's appearance. Naofumi paid his confusion no mind.
"It's not an enforced thing, actually. We are allowed to start whenever and wherever we want. I just decided to get a head start on the rest of the guys." He shrugged. It wasn't technically a lie. After all, everyone in the kingdom knew he had a disadvantage with no weapon, so it didn't seem out of place. "I would like a room for my companion and I for the night. Preferably one of the five silver suites. An attached bathroom is a must."
The owner agreed to the terms rather quickly, and after paying the necessary funds, Naofumi took his slave to their assigned room. Locking the door behind him, he felt Raphtalia shudder in his hand. He knew exactly what she was thinking, and it disgusted him. To think torture and… rape could be things people would consider doing to others. He reigned in his anger and fell to his knees. Before she could react he took her in his arms in a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, Raphtalia." He muttered softly. Running a hand through her rather brittle hair he felt her shaking lessen. "I know you don't know me yet, but I promise you: I will never intentionally harm you, unless it is for your own benefit. I am here for you. And I'm going to spend today proving it to you."
He got back, unlatching himself from her with a small smile on his face. She stared at him with wonder in her eyes, as he grinned back.
"Alright, enough of that sappy shit. You smell pretty damn awful." He pinched his nose as a joke causing her to pout cutely. "But that's fine. That's why I made sure we had a bath to use. So go on. I'll wait in here for you to be done."
Her eyes widened drastically. 'He's going to let me bathe…?'
"Ano…" she spoke softly. The first words she uttered since they left the tent. "Are you sure…?"
He smiled encouragingly and gently pushed her towards the bathroom. Showing her where the shampoo and body wash was he demonstrated how to adjust the different nozzle temperatures before leaving her to her devices.
"Oh: one more thing." He said before closing the door. "Later tonight if you want to soak feel free, but I'd like us to head out soon so we can get us some new clothes and equipment. So just a quick wash for now, okay?"
She stared at him for a moment in shock before smiling widely. "Okay!" New clothes!? Was this really happening?
"Until then, I procured a clean set from the innkeeper downstairs. It'll be a little big for you I'm sure, but we'll head to the tailor's shop as soon as you're done." He placed the small pile of clothing on the floor in the bathroom before closing the door behind him. "Enjoy."
"Th-thank you master!"
Naofumi closed his eyes and laid back on his bed with a deep sigh. Smiling so much hurt his jaw. Still, it was a price he was certainly willing to pay to help Raphtalia recover quicker. He closed his eyes and breathed out as the sounds of a happily splashing girl caught his ear. In spite of himself, he felt a small smile tug at his lips as he drifted off to sleep.
"… master…? Master!"
Naofumi's eyes cracked open at the insistence of his slave. He yawned and reached his hands over his head sleepily. Looking over at the small racoon girl, he noted that she was clothed in the items he had given her. As he expected, they were far bigger than her small body had been designed for. As a bonus though, it also covered her slave crest. He patted her on the head.
"Feeling better?"
She nodded exuberantly, a cough tearing through her system at her sudden excitement. A tail wag accompanying it.
"Yes! Thank you, very much master!"
He responded with another head-pat before motioning to the spot next to him on the bed. She quickly hobbled up to join him as he considered how best to word things. Truthfully, he wished to put off this conversation as long as possible, but perhaps, it was best to do things now, so she didn't have a meltdown in public.
"Earlier I told you we are going to get you new clothes, and new equipment, right?" Raphtalia nodded in agreement before looking confused. Equipment? Naofumi chuckled. "I figured that would have gone over your head. I'm guessing that as soon as you heard 'clothes' you zoned out, am I right?"
She rubbed the back of her head bashfully at his accusation. She couldn't deny it. He just chuckled again.
"That's fine. I guessed as much. That's why I wanted to tell you now before we step outside." He lifted his arm up showing her the glowing shield. "When you see this, Raphtalia, what do you think that means I am?"
She scrunched up her face in thought. What that means he is…?
Suddenly realization hit her.
"Ar-are you…" she coughed. "The Shield Hero, master? I *cough* thought I heard the innkeeper call you that earlier, but I thought I made a mistake..."
"Yeah, I am." he confirmed. "I have to try and save the world from the Waves, but…"
He trailed off. Truthfully, he dreaded having to go through this again, but he had to. Raphtalia was his sword, and he trusted no one else to her position. It would require a bit of tough love, but it was necessary.
"I need someone to fight for me. To attack for me. Because, I can't do it." He shrugged, helplessly. "I'm strong physically, but not strong enough for what's to come, and I'm not allowed to use any weapons beside my shield. That's where you come in."
She looked apprehensive.
"Y-you want me t-to be your weapon…?"
When said like that, it seemed harsh. And it was. But it was reality, sadly.
"Yes." Naofumi sympathized. "I know it sounds scary, but I promise that so long as you attack for me, I will always defend you. Nothing will ever harm you on my watch."
He paused to let that sink in. Then he took her hand in his.
"Is that okay?"
The demi-human seemed the most surprised in that one moment. He was asking her if that was okay?
"I never want to force you to do anything, Raphtalia." He put an arm around her in comfort. She leaned into his side, immediately finding his warmth to be soothing. "I just won't be able to keep you with me unless you're able to fight alongside me.
She stiffened in his arms.
"You… you don't want me…?"
In the past hour she had known him, he had shown more compassion than all three of her past masters combined. Was all that a lie?
He hugged her tighter.
"No. I want you by my side, always. Don't doubt that. Especially so early on." He shook his head. "I just want you to know that I'll be going up against monsters. Monsters that want to do nothing but kill the innocent and ruin their homes. It's my job to stop them and keep children like you safe. But again, I can't do that, unless someone helps me."
He took her out from the safety of his side and put his hands on her shoulders. Looking deep into her eyes he spoke carefully.
"If that scares you. If you aren't one hundred percent certain that you are willing to help me then I will release you as my slave and find someone else." He shook his head. "I don't want to. But, it's your choice. All yours." It always was.
She was quiet for a few moments. Then she nodded resolutely.
"It's scary but… I want to help people." She looked into his eyes, with steel in her gaze. "I'll help you master. Just please don't throw me away…"
He held her to his chest as he felt his shirt become wet. Softly patting her head he spoke quietly.
"Never. I will never abandon you. So let's promise to always stay together, okay…? I defend, you attack. That way, neither of us will ever be hurt."
"Okay…"
It was odd, Raphtalia thought to herself as she sobbed into the man's sturdy chest. He was a complete stranger. Someone she had never met before. Her new master, of all people. But yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that she could trust him with her life. She didn't understand it, yet she didn't care. She felt… content.
A few minutes later, he lifted her chin before gently wiping her tears away.
"You okay…?"
She gave an affirmative with a smile adorning her cute face, making him return it. Getting up with a stretch he waved over his shoulder.
"Alright then, let's head out now before it gets dark. We've got a list of things to do before bed-!"
A loud thundering sound stopped his movement. He grinned before taking her hand.
"Dinner, first?"
Raphtalia nodded meekly. Tousling her hair again he led her outside.
"Alright. My treat."
Side Note: Massive thank you to all of you for the huge support on chapter one:o. For this fandom that's quite the response, I think. Keep it up :D. It made my day when I saw all of it :).
A/N (About Timeframe/Raphtalia): As said at the start, I realized I took some liberties here. Now while it wasn't said EXACTLY when Raphtalia arrived at the slave tent, it was implied to be at least a week after Naofumi arrived there. I realize that, but this is Fanfiction so I took some liberties:P. That will happen at times, so I hope that doesn't disappoint you guys too bad. I noticed most reviews pointed that timeframe out, but still. I truly hope you keep reading ^_^