The Untrusting Hero From Another World

Nine Months Since Summoning Day, Ryan, Age 15

I had never expected to miss the sun so bad, but as we crossed back from the Vypari Wastes, I couldn't help but bask in the warmth. "Wow, you're acting like a plant. Did the tough guy get scared of the dark?" Makoto teased, elbowing my side lightly

"Who do you think I am? Jaune? It just feels good, okay?" I insisted, but it wasn't just that. This sun isn't our sun. It's the sun of the world we may be leaving in a few days. We have the cure. We just need to let Xandric present it to his dad, and our job is over. No need for any further war. The Demons can move back without being a danger to any humans. It's been a long nine months, but I really wouldn't trade them for anything. Though I could do without...

"Are you done reminiscing?" I jump back, almost kicking King Necroli. As I was saying, I could do without the blood sucker creeping around, "We'll be landing back in Eltaria soon. The other Rulers should be there too. They'll wish to hear the good news."

"You don't sound too thrilled about it," Makoto noted

"If they're going to come back, Zeddral and Thaddeus will likely reconnect the Dark Island to the Wastes. Safe to say I'm still not fond of them being at my front door. But a peaceful solution is what most people want, so I will endure it."

"A slave to the people. Wish we had more leaders like you in our world," I joked and watched as we landed on the platform Thaddeus had set up. Sure enough, he was there along with the other Rulers.

"Dad!!" Eliza exclaimed, rushing to hug Thaddeus, who happily embraced her, "See? I told you I could handle myself."

"If by handle yourself, you mean hold the line until a miracle saved you," He snarked back, patting her head like she was still a child before muttering, "Yes. You did good. Your mother would be proud."

"And what about you, Old Man? Normally, you let Felmi deal with us," Jaune asked, going towards King Magna to shake his hand, to which he happily reciprocated.

"Well, he's a bit busy restoring the mind of that monster you five caught. Besides, the end of a war is certainly an occasion for a King,"

"That's what you need him for?" Xandric asked, joy filling his face as he bowed, "Thank you so much! If we can cure Ritto's monsters instead of killing them, I would appreciate it!"

"Easy there, Lad. While we can fix any mental changes, such as Bersercar's madness, the physical alterations are sadly permanent. Simply put, there is no complete cure."

"I understand, but I'm still grateful! I'm certain not all of his monsters were so willing to go along with this."

"Now, let us begin!" Shay insisted, his feathers spreading out with his declaration. We all moved into the castle. Down the winding hallways we haven't seen in a while, and entered a meeting room, similar to the meeting room in Dai Shi. The only major difference was the abundance of red. Thaddeus took the center stage and cleared his throat, "I will make this quick. We have a cure for the Demon's Void. It is a flower native to Dai Shi known as the Fireheart Rose. On its own, it is but a mere flower. However, when crushed into a powder, it actively seeks out abnormalities in the brain and attacks them. If we can get every Demon to ingest it, they will be no different from anyone else on our island."

"But how are we meant to get it there? I doubt Zeddral will just let us walk in and state our case," Min asked.

"You're correct. That is why we will be sending Xandric with the Heroes as his guards. The return of his son should mean he will allow them an audience. When he agrees, we can send the Heroes home. Speaking of which, have you been keeping track of Hero Green?" he asked, to which Min nods, pulling up a display beside him. I had known where she was for a while now. The suits have built-in tracking devices. They let out a ping every time they're used, allowing us to find their last known location. Sure enough, she was already on the Dark Island. I can grab her and bring her back with me. Thaddeus smiled and nodded, "Good work. Are there any other matters to attend to? Then I call this meeting to a close. Enjoy your time in the Kingdom of Zordonia before you return home." His statement was directed to all of us as we stepped out. It felt good. Too good. What sort of story wraps up this easily? No big fight? We barely even talked to the big bad! Still, I guess I can't complain. I got to be a hero and make friends for once. So my next challenge will be finding them when we finally go home. But first...

Xandric, Age 116

I sat on the bed that was prepared for me when I first joined, already shifted. I did not have much stuff to take. All my clothes were temporary. I merely wished to look back through everything. I did not even realize how many pictures my suit had taken. After almost every battle, I had an image of us celebrating. I could see Ryan as he slowly opened up, Jaune getting flustered as the mother of our band allowed herself to just act her age and tease. They had all changed in my eyes, and I could only look back on these images with utmost fondness. "What are you doing?" a voice called out to me, snapping me from my trance and prompting me to remove my helmet. Turning around, Makoto stood there, arms crossed and smiling.

"Oh, nothing. I merely wished to be alone before we depart."

"You don't want to go out and have fun?" She asked, sitting down beside me

"I should be asking you that. Having fun was your main goal, wasn't it?"

"Eh, it was more just relaxation," she admitted with a sigh, "I spent so much of my life stressing, worrying how I would care for my brothers. But being here, I was able to relax and sorta go with the flow."

"I see. I think I somewhat understand. Just replace the two brothers with millions of demons," I joked, earning a giggle from her. Eventually, Makoto stood up and walked out.

"That's exactly my point. You'll be King soon. So live a little while you have the chance. Speaking of Demons, though, I was wondering about something. If the Void is in the brain, what was that thing I saw back during the first meeting with the Rulers?"

I tilted my head in response, trying to think about it, "Hmmm, if I had to guess, it could have been an illusion spell we subconsciously cast. Our brain believed there was a Void in our hearts, so it created one, even if it was purely visual. Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just curious," she answered before continuing her leave. She was always the most invested in how this world worked. She even started dressing like she was from here. I'm glad everything they have seen hasn't dampened that curiosity one bit.

Jaune, Age 15

Walking back through the streets of School City, a wave of odd nostalgia rushed over me, as if I had not been here in some time. No, I really haven't. My body came here for Student Council business, but my actual mind was always on Hero Work. Outside of that night with Eliza, I had not been here in ages. It was only a matter of time before an excitable Demi-Elf tackled us both to the ground, "You came back!"

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Eliza giggled, gently petting him, "You seem happy!"

"Of course! I was so worried when we didn't see you guys on the news as much! Is everything okay? Are you hurt?" His questions couldn't help but make me smile. I couldn't remember the last time anyone in my world cared enough to ask if I was alright. Mom had been long gone, and that only left one horrible human being in my life. For the first time, I can't help but feel an itch at the back of my mind, making me want to stay.

"Yeah, things are okay. Better than okay. I may be finally going home soon," I answered, my tone somewhat bittersweet. I could see Merric twitch before his upset demeanor faded as he bowed.

"I see. Then thank you for everything you've done for us!" he exclaimed before dragging us both away, "Now let's make your last day in School City one to remember!"

Ryan, Age 15

Dodge, Block, Counter. This was the repeated process of my sparring with Kai. His strikes were actually surprisingly hard. I wouldn't be surprised if Xandric's Shadow Soldier had him do some extra workouts. His movements were slow and predictable. Anyone who knows how to fight could handle it, but the strength sent vibrations through my entire body. Eventually, I grabbed his arm and started to throw him before, in that same instance, catching him, "Mix up your strikes. We don't just do the fancy moves for fun, ya know. Even though it is fun"

Kai grinned, kicking me in my gut before using his tiny legs to send himself flying back, "Like that?" he asked, a massive grin crossing his face.

"Yup. Really caught me off guard there," I admitted, putting my fists up to fight some more before we heard the sharp sting of someone clearing their throat. I remember any time my mom did that, I was in deep shit, so I quickly stood at attention. A woman with long orange hair looked at us like a disapproving parent, striking fear into us both.

"Need I remind you that you're fighting a child. Try not to get too into it."

"Yes ma'am..." I groan as the owner then turned to Kai

"And as for you, you have been slacking on your chores to train. I love your new attitude, but there must be a balance. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am..." Kai answered before going inside. Despite his tone, the owner smiles as she motions for me to come help her with lunch. One of the maids was sick and couldn't make it, so me and her both covered for her. If it takes two people to make up for one, she must have a real good worker. However, through the quiet, she spoke to me.

"You know, I just want to thank you for all you've done. The orphans have been so much happier with you around," she said, a warm grin crossing her face. I couldn't help but chuckle nervously. Being thanked never really gets old, "But if I may ask, why did you come to us? Ever since you arrived, you've visited and helped whenever you could. Most are too busy going about their lives, so beyond their monthly tax, they don't contribute much."

I freeze for a moment, wallowing in the memory. I could hear every moment of that day again, the Shadow tearing her apart as she screamed, me being too scared and powerless to help her. With a sigh, I simply answer, "I was an orphan. I know it can be rough. You guys take a lot better care of them than they do in my world, so I wanted to lighten the load a bit."

"Oh? I'm sorry. I didn't..."

"It's fine. Besides, if you wanted to ask any questions, now's your best chance. We won't be here much longer," I answered bitterly. Honestly, I had buried that memory deep within my mind for a while now. I said I would never be helpless like that again, and instead of moving past it, I tried to hide it. It was the total polar opposite of the years of wallowing I had done, but it worked. I focused on the happiness I felt with my new friends, the joy I got from being a Hero. But now that it's resurfaced, I can't help but be sad that it's all about to end.

"Won't be here much longer? Then does that mean...?" Her question was interrupted by the crashing sound of a plate. Kai stood there, shocked. Tears began to swell up in his eyes, and his body began to twitch before he burst into a dash.

"Wait! Kai!" I call out, chasing after him. I navigate through the halls, struggling to get past the hungry children lined up for their servings while he's carelessly pushing them all aside. Once I reach the outside of the building, I don't see him anywhere, "Kai! Buddy, come on! Let's talk this out!"

Kai, Age 10

I hid in an alley, behind the trash. I couldn't control my tears. I knew this would happen. The Heroes come from another world to save us, then go home. So why does it feel like I've just been stabbed through the heart? My tears kept streaming down my cheeks, and once I was sure Ryan had passed, I started walking. I needed time alone. Maybe I could clear my head. I walked through the streets, feeling many eyes on me, but it didn't matter. Because the most important person, my friend, who was almost like my older brother, wasn't there, and he would be gone soon. I didn't even realize when they started to run until I bumped into someone, a tall, horned man in clothes fit for a king. He looked down at me, his eyes dead, as if he had lost everything. Without a moment's hesitation, he tried to strike me. No, it was more of a slash that I could barely dodge. "This is your one chance, child. Run lest you share the same fate as your King," he warned. Share the same fate? He plans to hurt the King? I knew I couldn't abide that, and with shaking legs, I stood up and raised my fists. He looks to him, his saddened face growing even more sad, "Quite respectable. But I cannot allow anyone to get in my way." Even if it bought a few seconds, that was a few more seconds for King Thaddeus to notice and help everyone. I winced, bracing myself for a fatal strike when suddenly, a loud boom echoed through the air. It wasn't him, but a man in black dragon-like armor with bladed wings.

"Run!" The voice boomed, but I knew who it was. That's right, Ryan hasn't left yet, and he's still here to save me. The man stood up, brushed off his clothes, and took to the skies towards the castle. Ryan was going to give chase when, out of nowhere, a massive hammer came down on the back of his skull. Looking in the sky, portals began to open up in mass, Shadows dropping from all of them. I look at Ryan as he struggles to get up, his order echoing through my head.

"I'm sorry..." I muttered before running away. My leg would cleave through the Shadows, but they would eventually regenerate. That wasn't the point. I needed to get back to the orphanage and make sure they were safe. I was the only one who even slightly knew how to fight. Sure enough, when I got there, Shadows were already trying to get in. Gritting my teeth, I rushed in, turning them into smoke. I couldn't destroy their cores, but I could at least fight them off while they tried to get away. At least that's what I thought. Those delusions were cut off by a single explosion. I hit the wrong Shadow and it blew up in my face...

Jaune, Age 15

We barely had time to transform before we were attacked. Shadows fell from the sky, attacking the students. Merric was clearly frightened, but swallowed his fear to try to evacuate while we fought them off. The Bombers took priority. We destroyed their cores, then the remaining Shadows would be a simple strike of mana. It was going so well until suddenly, my claw was stopped by a chitinous hand with a firm grip. Before I could even look at her face, she sent me flying, "Wow, I didn't expect it to be that easy."

"Cass?! What the Hell are you doing?!" Eliza exclaimed, breaking her concentration. She was trying to use her Spirit Magic to heal the injured, but my pain snapped her from it. I really am quite a bother.

"My job! Look, I'm sorry, but this is for the best. If I survive, we'll talk more."

Makoto, Age 15

What the hell? I had just gone to take a nap when suddenly, the ground began to rumble. Shadows poured through their portals at an unprecedented rate. I stare in shock, unable to get over the carnage, "Makoto? Makoto!" Mera called out, and I pulled out both her and Hist, "Send us out. We'll handle the big ones."

"Are you sure? I won't be able to pilot you."

"We don't have that luxury. We won't be as effective, but as long as it's just the Shadows, we should be fine," she answers, and I know she's right, but I don't want them hurt. I hesitate before a nunchuck barely grazes my suit. On instinct, I dodge before throwing them out and making them grow.

"There you are. Alright, enough playing nice. You die. Right now," Jarred said, gritting his teeth beneath the helmet. I glare at him without saying a word. Because he already took them right out of my mouth

Xandric, Age 116

Father's here! I don't know why, but this could be disastrous if it's for an attack. But why? He has no reason to be! I need to talk to him. As I'm rushing in, though, I'm intercepted by the Warlords, "Well, well, if it isn't the traitorous prince," Riptar said with clear disdain in his voice.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

"Apologies, Your Highness. But we have been ordered to keep you from the King by any means necessary."

Thaddeus, Age 1129

I watch from my castle as my city is attacked, gritting my teeth. I want to protect them. But I have a more dangerous task, one that just landed behind me, "So you've arrived, old friend?"