IV

"The return date is April 14th, make sure to remember."

I smiled, watching the customer leave the building. Books in-tow as they just rented out some for what I presume to be studying.

'God I need a nap.'

I softly sigh, leaning on my hand as I watch over the library counter. The ticking of the clock and the soft murmur of quieted voices sounded, I close my eyes letting them rest hoping I don't accidently fall asleep.

"It's time to wake up."

My eyes snapped open, finding the space around me to be shifting. I quickly turn my head infront of me, my vision locked on the dark figure infront of me.

Holding a book, it's title one I couldn't quite make out it adorned a smile that made me shiver.

"We're just getting started after all."

-:-:-

"NYX! WAKE UP"

I gasp, feeling the blood trail down my forehead.

Glancing up I see master holding up his shield, a dark dome surrounding us as he breathes heavily.

"Those pieces of shits fired magic right on us, even when they knew we were right here!"

His face contorted in anger as I look around, realising we weren't the only ones here. An additional Raphtalia was right next to me.

'How did I... how did all this happen...?'

I flinch holding my head as a throbbing pain echoes in my head, feeling like my head was about to explode I reel in pain.

"You hit your head pretty hard, I know it hurts but I need you to help me fight!"

A look up to see a rare smile on his face, a soft blush flooding my cheeks. His voice gives me reasurance as I smake myself out of my momentary trance. I nod, standing as quickly as I could and readying my sword.

It's edge a bit worn, even though the last thing I remember is just having bought it.

'I can barely remember anything up to this point, did I really hit my head that hard? Or was it &@%#$@-'

I grab my head in pain, even remembering that dream made my head ache intensly.

I could feel something warm drip out of my nose, bringing my free hand to wipe it I see blood dripping out of my nose.

'What the hell is going on with me?'

"As expected, you're as tough as they say." A stranger says, seemingly to make sure to seem as much of a dick as possible.

Their armour clad figure walks near, I see Raphtalia ready her sword as I prepare to do the same. Slower, yet smoother to not ache my head further.

"The guard? Finally decided to show yourselves?"

I hear him speak, his anger laced voice showing his obvious dissatisfaction.

'They totally meant to kill us didn't they?'

I grit my teeth, my info on the situation was minimal but that didn't mean I wasn't ready to kick the shit out of his ugly mug.

Though it seems Raphtalia was one step ahead of me, as she clashes blades with the guard.

"So you mean to tell me, you fired off that magic knowing master naofumi was here?! Answer me truthfully, or we'll cut you down right here and now!"

Knowing who she meant by "we" I was completely on board.

The rest of the guards readied their swords as they got ready to clash with us, getting into stance I do the same.

My sword reaching past my neck angled at the ground as I got ready to swing at a moments notice, only flinching slightly as a wave of pain struck my head.

"All of the demon's were gathered in one spot, no matter the reason it was a good plan to get rid of them all at once. No matter the casualties it was the better option, besides. The shield hero came out just fine did he not? What's the problem?"

The guards snickers, his voice filled with animosity.

"But... but he's your ally-"

-:-:-

"Raphtalia, that's enough."

I cut her off, realising they weren't gonna get shit through their brains.

I watch the guard sneer.

"That's right, if you think it through you'l figure out we did nothing wrong."

A smile graces my lips, the looming shadow of a legion of monsters over the guards being the cause.

"You were right, I had too keep quiet. It'd ruin the show of seeing you get turned to fodder by all these momsters if I did otherwise!"

The demons roared in malice, as the soldiers shrieked in fear.

The air cut as a demon swung it's axe down at a guard.

Sparks flew as it's blade clashed with my shield, pushing with my legs I push it back.

"NYX!"

The demon almost falling off it's feet, the charging footsteps behind me showing no hesitation as she obeyed my command.

A footstep, fluttering midnight black hair, and a swing of her katana later it's armour might aswell have been butter as it's head dropped to the ground.

Landing on her feet as it's body fell, her hair swaying in motion.

My eyes lingering longer than they should before I spot a charging figure.

I extend my hand, clenching it firmly.

"AIR STRIKE SHIELD! RAPHTALIA!"

A glowing shield appears before Nyx, blocking the attack as she turns.

Raphtalia appearing behind her, a pivot in her step as she swings her sword severing it in two.

-:-:-

Charging foward toward the rest of the horde, fast paced steps reasuring me my companions were not far behind.

A blade entered my vision, a large demon swinging it's longsword in my direction.

I slide underneath. looking to my right I see Raphtalia slit it's tendons and glancing up I see Nyx step on it's blade, twisting on her heel and severing it's head in a swift motion.

I smirk at their cooperation.

Continuing like this we slowly but surely eliminate the threat, one after the other they fell.

Suddenly the ground shakes as a deafening roar shakes the town. A giant humanoid armoured demon stands tall.

"Well shit, looks like the big boss finally showed up."

I stand to my feet, wiping off the excess blood from my armour.

"Raphtalia, Nyx. Ready?"

I see them walk up to my sides, Raphtalia on my left and Nyx on my right. They nod in unison, charging foward with me not too far behind.

I could feel the breath slide inbetween my teeth as I clenched my jaw. The deafening sound of it's massive blade sliding off of my shield as I deflected it, sparks flying off at the heat.

"RAPHTALIA, NYX! STASIS!"

Without a moment of hesitation Raphtalia steps on it's blade pivoting on her heel building momentum as she dodged it's grabbing hand.

Severing it's right tendon on her way down, it collapsed loosing strength on it's right leg instantly.

My eyes widen as it swung it's blade directly at me the sheer force dragging the wind along with it.

"AIR STRIKE SHIELD!!"

A glowing shield appeared, stopping most of the momentum as the sword crashed right through, slamming it's way into my shield and arm.

I clench my teeth as I feel blood surface, my eyes swirled with adrenaline as I slid to a stop.

"PIERCE THROUGH, NYX!!"

Time slowed to a stop as she slid under it's blade, her form low to the ground as she gripped the handle of her katana with both hands. The tip raised foward, aimed right at it's chest.

Her gaze piercing as she focused her intent to a singular point.

Her breath leaving her mouth in a white trail as she pushed her limits, the dried blood under her nose cracking as she clenched her teeth.

Finally she thrusted forward, a piercing right through. Leaving nothing but a gaping hole in it's chest.

The demon limp out of motion, as Nyx re-sheathed her sword.

A swift, concentrated force. Beyond anything i've seen.

Such was formation stasis, a singular combo with Nyx as the finisher.

I walk foward, catching her faltering form.

"Good job, you did well."

I smile without even realising it, she smiles in return holding her head with her free hand as she laughed a very quiet laugh.

But yet... it sounded so happy.