The Untrusting Hero From Another World

Seven and a Half Months Since Summoning Day, Hailey, Age 18

I groan as I lay on the sleeping bag the villagers made for me. Traveling has been exhausting, but at least it's been slightly less lonely with Dante. He mostly kept to himself, but when I finally managed to get him talking, oh boy, would he talk. He would joke around, tease, and tell all kinds of stories about the Srac, an evil race of mechanical monsters he and his team were summoned to fight. Apparently, that's why most vehicles are so far behind. Right now, we have just crossed the border into the Vypari Wastes. The contrast between the starry sky of Dai Shi and the clouded purple mist that filled the air was enough to give me whiplash. It was like what I imagined a Greek hero crossing between Elysium and Tartarus. To think we had to sleep here was sorta nerve-racking, "Hey, Dante. What's with this place?" I asked, looking past the fire to him. He turned to me, calm as ever before, laughing.

"What's wrong? Scared? Don't tell me the Slayer of the Demon King is spooked by a change in climate!"

"Just answer the question!" I huffed, rolling over to look at him. Once his laughing died down, he nodded.

"Alright, alright, I don't know the full story, but basically, this is where Darkness was first discovered."

"Darkness? What? Like actual darkness? Because I'm pretty sure you just need to look down at your own shadow for that?"

"Nope, not that kind," he said with a sigh as he looked up at the clouds, "Darkness here isn't just shadows. It's a corrosive substance; it eats away at whatever it touches, twisting them into something darker and the longer they're trapped in it. It created both Demons and Vampires, probably whatever those generals are, too. Anyway, they found it here, and it infected the entire land. A specific piece, though, was made uninhabitable save for the Demons who held it back. King Thaddeus saw the danger and used the remaining WMDs from the Unity War to split that piece off, creating the Dark Island you're going to."

"That's horrible! Why didn't they try to save them?" I exclaimed, jumping right up. Still, he seemed unphased, just shrugging it off.

"If they tried, more people would be turned. Even now, Darkness travels underground to infect this world. If not for the Dwarves and Vampires, it may have done so already. Would you risk that happening even faster just to save a few people who have already been changed?" As much as I hated to admit it, he made a good point. I slowly backed down, and he gently patted my shoulder, "It took a lot of sacrifice, but this world is so much better than ours that it's not even funny. I'd say it's worth it. Now, get some rest. We should reach a small fishing village by tomorrow if we hurry."

The Next Morning, Ritto, Age 856

"The tests are going quite well. While none of them are stronger than Cassandra was when she had all the captured souls, they've each gained a significant boost in power. You must be so proud of the Arch Mage you raised, correct?" I asked, looking down at my malnourished father. He struggled to speak as he looked up at me.

"What... do you care? You're doing this... to spite... me..."

"Spite you? Don't assume you're so important? You're but a speck on this despicable world," I answered, breaking one of his chained arms. His roars of pain from earlier barely even sounded like grunts now. He must be used to this, "I'm doing this to spite the world that took away the chance for me to live my life, carve my own destiny. It started with you, but I've had seven hundred years since then to think, and the further back I look, I realize my fight was chosen from the start. So if I'm going to be a demon, I'll be the demon who ends two worlds."

"T-Two... Worlds..."

"That's right. Oh, I didn't tell you?" I asked, grabbing him by his scalp and roughly pulling his head back, "I learned how to send things to that other world your hero buddies come from. That's right, your son, who couldn't even produce a damn fireball, can now go to your home and cause all the havoc he wants," I mocked, but he managed to let out a pained laugh.

"You're... just a sham... a leech, taking credit... for the power... you siphon off me..." I wanted so badly to kill him in that very moment. But that would be counterproductive. I simply walk out of the hidden room. To my shock, Sonya was standing there in shock. Damn it! I must not have noticed the motion sensors going off. Even while in captivity, he finds ways to ruin my day.

"May I help you, Sonya?" I asked, with my best attempt at a warm smile. Still, she shrunk back with unease.

"I-I just came to get some documents... for the new Shadow design."

"I see. Well, I can handle that. How about you go spend time with Cassandra?" I insisted, and she slowly placed the documents on a nearby desk before slowly walking out, holding her breath. That was too close. I must be more careful with my emotions.

Sonya, Age 55

I grabbed at my heart as I was finally able to catch my breath. That hole in the wall had never been there before. It's supposed to just be a bunch of desks for use to perform experiments with Magic and a testing area to safely show the results. That was unnatural, and I need to talk to someone about it. He suggested Cass. Does that mean she knows? I think it over when suddenly, "Hey, you okay?" I nearly jump out of my skin, latching to the wall as I turn to Cass and Riley

"Wow, you're jumpy. You've never done that before," Riley teased with a soft smile crossing his face. He always seemed so gentle around me. It was actually quite odd.

"Well, I try and act as human as possible," I remind and nervously peel myself off the wall, "I thought you two were training."

"Eh, we're taking a break. Now, what's up?"

"N-Nothing! Don't worry about it."

"Sunshine, I'm not in the mood. Please just tell me," Cass insisted with pleading eyes, something that shocked me. Cass would shout and command but rarely beg. With a sigh, I explain everything to her. They didn't seem at all phased by the hidden room and simply told me, "Got it. Well, just don't tell anyone, and you should be fine."

"What's in there?"

"It doesn't matter. Just let us handle it. You and Leon are still hunting that Green, right?" Riley completely dodged my question, and the two walked away, with Cass teasing him. Something about his sister was the only defense I could make out before rushing to my room in frustration.

Hailey, Age 18

I groan and shift back from my hero state as I sit down on the hotel roof. Me and Dante had just finished a sparring match, leaving me exhausted once again. "You're picking up on this pretty quick. You fight a lot back home?" he asked, reaching his hand out to help me up, which I gladly accepted.

"I'm the daughter of a cop and sister to someone with a hero complex. You learn a thing or two in that situation," I joke and look around. Despite the dreary purple sky with clouds that block out the sun, the village we stopped in was surprisingly vibrant. Vampires just lived their lives alongside tourists from other races without much care. They'd use their physically stronger bodies to race along the rooftops, sip blood from wine cups together, and some would even fly on leather wings. It wasn't lacking in technology either. With artificial sunlights for tourists and agriculture that wouldn't harm the natives and the usual holographic TVs, including a massive one in the town square where everyone could come together and see the latest news. Normally, a group of Vampires all grouping together from every angle would be terrifying, but for some reason, it felt calmer. Looking over at that TV, though, the news just enraged me with what it showed

"Just yesterday, the nation of Dai Shi faced a harrowing scandal. Queen Min openly confessed to taking bribes from Demon Arch Mage Ritto. In exchange for the revival of her husband and son, she allowed the so-called Hell Hero Yellow to kidnap Princess Eliza of Zordonia. This resulted in a brutal attack, which left countless citizens drained of their souls. While the four heroes, as well as the mysterious Hero White, who was revealed to be the princess herself, and a mysterious red and black man, managed to stop it, many are still left without souls. Queen Min's execution has been put on hold, and she will take care of them in the meantime. But this begs the question, who can we trust?"

"What?! Damn it, Ryan!" I growl, clenching my fist. Again, he decided to risk his life when I told him I'd handle it. Dante must have seen my annoyance and quickly hit me over the head with a towel, "Ow!"

"I told you he wasn't gonna quit, so stop getting annoyed. It's what heroes do."

"How can you be so calm? He's already died once! He's not coming back if it happens again!"

"So his life is more important than the people he's saving?" He asked very bluntly, no jokes or quips. He looked at me with a gaze I couldn't bear to meet, "Everyone lives and dies, Hailey. Would you really stop him from living the way he wants?"

"I know, but... no, you're right." I slowly start to leave, but he grabs my wrist

"We still need to get a boat, remember? I'm not saying you should give up on this crazy plan of yours just because Ryan's gonna keep going," he insisted with a smile. I meet his grin with my own as we start to leap from building to building until we reach the docks. The ships here look much more advanced. The docks were made out of some type of metal to deal with the head of the massive thrusters, which were powered by massive tubes of energy built into the sides.

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"You know, for a place that still uses carriages, these things are pretty cool."

"Well, unlike cars, there isn't a faster alternative," Dante noted, and we both jumped down. Walking along the docks, we look for anyone even remotely resembling a Captain. It was actually stunning seeing how effective they were, carrying massive piles of materials to repair damaged ships. Shame my awe was cut off by shouting. A big, burly man with long white and black hair was shouting at some of his employees.

"You morons! That's not how you patch a hole! Were you even listening?!"

"Wow, shouting. Because that always works, right?" I ask, making him snap to me, his red eyes practically glowing with rage

"And just who the hell are you, human?"

"Hailey Howell. I'm looking for someone who'll take me and my friend here to the Dark Island," I answered, glaring to try and look tough despite my quivering legs. He looks down at me, his angered expression cracking just a little, "Something funny?"

"Yeah, but I get the feeling you've already been laughed at enough for such a dumb plan." He was clearly trying to hold back his own laughter. Seriously, can I tell anyone without turning into a laughingstock? "Hate to break it to you, but most people wouldn't willingly go there. Even us Vampires can be turned even further by the Darkness that even fills the air there."

"And the few who will?"

"Well, I'm the few. But why should I?" I hum and try to think. Going by this world's logic, even if I had money, I doubt that's what he's expecting. Looking at his ship, though, I could tell it was a bit beat up, and inspiration strikes.

"Need help with repairs? That's what you were hollering about earlier, right?" I suggested, and he hesitated, thinking it over before reaching his hand out to shake before asking something that made me sweat bullets

"Do you even know how to repair a ship?"

Meanwhile, Leon, Age 1125

As we march through the desolate Vypari Wastes, silence is all that fills the corrupted air. There was a distinct tension, but why? It cannot be hunger. My men are Shadows, incapable of anything beyond combat. No, it was coming from the young girl beside me. She said Ritto made her uncomfortable, but he was nowhere in sight, "Sonya, what is wrong?"

She gasped, jumping a few mere inches off the ground before turning away, "The Hell Heroes will deal with it. We should focus on our own target." I could feel the uncertainty in her soft words. She seemed like little more than a meek rabbit, not like the rest of her typically aggressive species. It almost reminds me of myself when I was young. Without much else I could do, I patted her on the back, accidentally making her stumble with my unchecked strength.

"If it's not done by the time we return, I will do whatever you need," I assured. Though I have no face, I would hope that the smile in my mind would reach her and assure her that it would be alright. She nods softly, the tension lifting before I draw my sword, "But for now, we fight! Find and destroy Elven Hero Green and the Shining Lion by any means necessary!"

I swear I will help this young child forced into war, But first, I will complete my duty as general of my Queen's armies. The Shadows rush toward the village, wasting no time. They would attack. Anyone who attacked would have their entire street leveled by bombers. Most heinous of all, though, was the newest one, watching as it turned to mist and filled every hole in the human body, its eyes only flashing red before becoming identical to the human form until it was time to strike. It was horrid, but such is war.

Hailey, Age 18

I sigh and finish hammering in the remaining repairs. The Captain, apparently a man named Carlos, showed me the basics, and after that, Dante and I just sorta ran with it. Carlos came over to check my work and whistled, "You sure hero work is your calling, kid? We could use someone actually capable for once."

"Sorry, but I have my own stuff."

"Yeah? Like what? Protecting your kid brother all your life?" He asked, and I let out a squeak. I turned to him, my eyes narrowed.

"Dante told you?"

"He told me all about why you're doing this. It's admirable, but one thing sticks out. Everything he tells me involves this Ryan kid somehow. But who are you?"

"Who am I? I told you, I'm Hailey Howell."

"Yes, but what does that mean?" He asked, and I went silent. It's true that I did have goals. I wanted to be an athlete. But then Ryan died, and everything got lost somewhere. I couldn't really answer. But one thing's for sure, he's alive, and I intend to keep him that way. Before I could answer, we began hearing cries of fear coming from the town.

"This is bad! Shadows! Leon, too!" Dante called out, jumping down to us

"Guess our chat will have to wait. World's Combine, Heroes Unite!" I call out and fire my Drago Blaster, transforming me on the spot

"Wild Ranger Roar!!" Dante called out, shifting as well before we hurried off, leaving Carlos to repair the ship in the meantime. We immediately get to work, Dante slashing through the standard Shadows while I blast through the cores of the Bomb Shadows. It was going so well until suddenly, I was tackled out of the sky by a Vampire. It began chomping at me, trying to break the armor. In a panic, I open fire. The blood splashed across my visor as the black smoke left and flew away into another panicking civilian. I didn't have time to take in the shock as I rushed back, firing at their limbs to disable them. I can't kill them. I just can't do it! My attempts to stop them just resulted in me getting swarmed until, suddenly, they were blasted off. Looking to my left, Carlos was there with a massive blaster.

"Are they-?!"

"They're just stunned! Let's go!" He insisted, but I refused. If Leon's here, then he's gotta be controlling them. I sent him packing once. I can do it again! I intentionally avoided every single Shadow, trusting them to handle it until I found the man in the lion armor. I immediately opened fire, only for him to hide behind his shield. If I can just send him flying again, maybe he'll leave. The second I got close, though, I had to dodge his sword swing, and the wave after

"What did you do to those people!?" I shouted with fury in my heart as I jumped back, firing upon him

"A disgusting abomination, I agree. Sadly, I do not have the luxury of choosing who fights at my side." He began swinging his sword wildly, sending waves all over. I did my best to dodge them, but even I got grazed a few times, and my armor was slowly torn apart. I need to think fast. Otherwise, I'll be the one sent flying! I kept my distance as best I could, kicking him back whenever he tried to close the gap and even knocked off his helmet. Imagine my shock to see there was no body. There was a symbol, though, and I took aim. Just before I could fire, though, I felt a sudden pain. My vision got hazy, but I could make out a large stream of blood going through the air just before my eyes. My stomach felt... empty. I lay on the ground, struggling to fire that final shot just before he put his helmet back on.

"My apologies, young lady. When we first met, I mistook you for a delicate flower. I did not make this mistake a second time."

Meanwhile, Dante, Age 20

I claw through the Shadows with ease. These claws of mine could rip through the metal armor of the Srac without issue, so these things are paper by comparison. But I need to regroup with Hailey. She's way out of her league, and if she's already killed one of those things that can possess people, she can't be doing okay. As I'm carving my way through, I'm suddenly hit by a blast of purple flames. I quickly jump back, rolling on landing to try and put it out. Looking in the direction of the attacker, I see the Vampire girl from before and, without a second thought, rush at her. There's no point in talking, so I'll finish her, then hurry to Hailey. I try my best to get close, but any chance I do, that damn purple fire sends me back. Before I know it, the flames rise up and form a cage, "You moron! Do you not see what they're doing to your own people?" I shout, trying to appeal to her since combat isn't working. She looked at me with clear disgust.

"My people? You mean the people who were reviled for so long and just took it, hoping things would get better? I may only be fifty-five, but even I remember that. The other races have just pointed their hate toward a new target, the people my friend sides with. They have shown me nothing but kindness and respect, so I will protect them!" She lectured, but in her emotional state, she didn't quite realize what I was doing. I didn't have much in the way of Magic, but I did have some control over the very ground we walked on, as well as the water below. I shake and pressurize it, making sure no carbon dioxide escaped before suddenly creating a hole for it to funnel through and launching it out like a massive soda bottle. The water not only put out the flames but created a smoke screen for me to hurry to Hailey. When I got there, I was horrified. Hailey's armor was torn to pieces, and a massive hole in her stomach.

"You really didn't hold back, did you?" I asked Leon, who looked at me. Even without his body, I could see he took no joy in it. I picked up Hailey's body, and he simply watched, "What? Not gonna stop me?"

"Why bother? She's dead. Do as you wish to honor her." I grit my teeth and run towards the boat. She can't be dead, right? All that passion just to fall short before she reaches the island?! The Shadows began to leave as I walked to Carlos, who looked shocked.

"What happened?" Carlos asked, his eyes latched to the wound. When I laid her down in front of him, though, he immediately cut his own wrist, "Open her mouth, quickly." Confused, I complied with his demands, "From what little kindness remains in my black heart, my tainted blood shall return this pale form to life. Arise, my ghoul! Feel the breath of undeath and rejoice!" He chanted three times before the blood entered her body. I watched with bated breath. Finally, she let out a cough and jolted up.

"What the...? But she was-" I started to ask but was too dumbstruck to finish.

"Vampire blood is more than a mere liquid. It's corrupted power. We can use it to make ghouls. Your green friend here is unbound, though, due to the chant."

"Why would you do that?" Hailey asked between coughs, looking up to the man who merely turned around

"We had a deal, one you paid in full and then some. You repaired my ship and defended this village as best you could. Now come. The sea is growing impatient."

Sonya, Age 55

"Are you sure it was smart to let them leave with her? What if they find a way to revive her?" I asked as we returned. I'm getting used to this whole teleportation thing, so I was able to walk around the castle with ease when, before, I would have to puke my guts out first.

"That doesn't change the fact that she was once dead by my blade," he answered, seeming unconcerned before kneeling down and removing his helmet, "Now get in. Let us investigate that hole in the wall." His voice had a determination that was lacking before. With a loud gulp, I complied and got inside. His armor was slightly too big for me, but I was able to stick to the sides and see through his eyes. We walked through the dark halls to the lab. It was eerily quiet, "Point me to the wall," he commanded, and I complied. He walked over and slashed through the false wall like it were the air. The other side of that wall shocked us both, people in clothes I'd never seen, their bodies thin and pale, teeth and nails lining the floor as their starved voices weakly groaned and moaned. However, one stood out, an old demon man, only in slightly better shape than them. We inspected them before coming to the man, "You are..."

Leon's assertion was cut off by the feeling of a blade piercing his armor. With me inside, he couldn't move lest the attacker become aware of my presence, "Oh my, I didn't expect you to come here. I really should increase security in this room. It's clear the motion detectors are not sufficient." Ritto's voice sends a chill up my spine as I hold my breath. I could feel his bloodlust, allowing me to just narrowly duck as the dagger was thrust through the back of the armor's neck. "Now, I need to come up with a convincing story. Perhaps I could say that seal of his was greatly damaged during his battle with Green. I'm sure that will work," he thought aloud, clearly lamenting the situation before turning to the man, "What do you think, father?"

"I think... you just made... a big mistake..." he answered, only receiving a scoff and a kick in the teeth for his troubles before leaving. Finally, after a few minutes to ensure he was gone, able to release my panicked breaths, I scurried out of the armor. Leon's sword is too heavy, even with my enhanced strength, but his shield should do the trick. I quickly bash the shackles on the man until they break.

"Who... are you..."

"No time for that! We need to leave before he comes back."

"Indeed... but first..." he muttered, getting a feel for his newly freed hands before looking to Leon's seal. Gently taking the shield from me, he cut his finger on the edge and painted an exact replica with his blood, "We can still save him... eviveR sihT louS..."