Chapter 13: Peace and War

{Meanwhile- Uto: Realm of Peace]

I frowned as I stared at the Titanos soldiers patrolling our streets. They were an unusual sight. Not just because they stuck out like sore thumbs with their pitch black uniforms, but because soldiers in general hadn't been a thing in centuries. Our ancestors had gotten past war, creating a peaceful agrarian society.

Our people no longer knew how to fight back, even if we wanted to. There was little need for the soldiers to patrol us. We were no threat to Titanos's rule.

"What's the matter, Goerld?" a familiar voice asked.

I turned and saw a pretty white haired girl run over at me. She was Nera, my next door neighbor and childhood friend.

"Oh, hey, Nera. How are you doing?" I said, smiling.

"Fine. But, what about you? Why are you staring at the soldiers?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Well, they're weird, aren't they?"

"A bit. They are really imposing. But, I guess that's the point, right? To intimidate people."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But, why do we need soldiers? It's not like we're a threat."

"You're worried, aren't you?"

"Yeah. It's just... I feel like all of Uto might change forever."

Nera patted my back. "Don't worry, Goerld. Everything will work out. Plus, who says change is bad? Maybe we'll get to see new things."

"True, but we're not really a big enough planet to be noticed. What could we possibly have to offer Titanos?"

"Hmm, that is a good question. What could we have?"

"Nothing, really."

"There must be something, don't you think?"

"I dunno. I guess our food is pretty good."

She laughed. "That's true. But I doubt that's why. Although, I can't say for sure. I have no idea what their food situation is like."

True. Maybe the universe they came from was more desolate than our plentiful worlds.

"So, are you busy?" she asked, leaning forward.

My face heated up. "N-not really. Just wandering around."

"Cool. Let's go get some ice cream. My treat."

"Sure."

We headed to the nearby parlor and ordered two cups of chocolate and strawberry ice cream.

"Mmm, this is delicious!" she exclaimed.

"It is," I replied.

"Hey, Goerld, do you think we can go see the stars tonight?"

"Maybe. Why?"

"Well, I heard there was going to be a meteor shower. It's supposed to be pretty spectacular. Do you want to go watch it with me?"

"S-sure," I stuttered.

Her lips curved into a smile. "Great. I'm looking forward to it!"

I smiled and walked back home to work on the fields.

As I was tilling the soil, I thought back to Nera. She had always been a bit of a tomboy. We grew up together and she would always come over and play. She was like one of the boys.

But, now, she was acting a bit different. She was being a lot nicer to me. And acted more lady-like. Not that I minded the change.

"Hey, Goerld!" she called out.

"What's up?" Nera said.

"Mom wants you over for dinner. She's making your favorite."

"Oh, thanks."

"You're welcome. I'll see you later."

"Okay."

I finished tilling the fields and went to my room to take a shower. Once I finished, I headed to Nera's place.

"Goerld!" a red-haired lady said, running toward me. She was Nera's mom.

"What's wrong, Mrs. Lorn?"

"Nera, she was taken by one of those soldiers from beyond!"

My eyes widened. "What? How?"

"We went to pick some herbs in the forest. On our way back, one of those soldiers said he wanted her as a consort. Then, he grabbed her and flew away!"

"Did you tell anyone?"

"Yes, the police are looking for her, but I don't know if they'll be able to find her. Or do anything against one of their own."

"I'll go look for her."

"No, it's too dangerous. Stay here. I'll have the police handle this."

"But, Nera..."

"I'm sorry, Goerld. Please, stay safe."

"Okay."

I returned to my home and grabbed my pickaxe. While I didn't know how to handle something meant only as a weapon, I did know how to swing one.

"I have to save her," I told myself.

I headed into the forest and began to look for the soldier.

"Let go!" Nera yelled.

"No, tonight, you're mine," the soldier said, kissing her neck.

"Please, don't."

"I'm sorry, but I can't. I've been waiting for this night for a long time. You're the most beautiful woman in this village. I can't resist you."

"Stop it!"

"Shut up! I'm not going to hurt you. I love you. Now, be a good girl and obey."

Nera struggled, trying to free herself.

"Come on, stop squirming. I'll be gentle."

"She said to let go!" I yelled, swinging my axe at the man's back.

"What the fuck?!"

The axe cracked through the armor, but not deep enough to puncture his skin.

He turned around and glared at me. "Who the hell are you?"

"The name's Goerld. I'm here to save Nera!"

"Scram if you know what's good for ya, kid!"

"Then, I'll make you stop!"

"Fine, I'll show you what real power is."

He raised his hand and a bolt of lightning shot at me.

I managed to dodge it, but it was close.

Nera got up and ran.

"Damn it, you bitch!"

He chased after her, leaving me behind.

I ran after them.

"Get back here!" he yelled.

Nera was fast, but he was faster. He was able to catch up with her and grabbed her arm.

"Let go!" she screamed.

"No, I'm not letting you go. I'm taking you with me."

"No!"

I ran up and hit the man in the back again with my axe.

"Gah!"

He let go of Nera and she ran off.

"You bastard!"

He raised his hand and a beam of energy shot from it.

I jumped to the side and dodged it.

"I'll kill you for making my prey run away!"

"You talk a big game, but you haven't landed a single blow," I taunted.

"Shut up!"

"What's the matter? Can't hit me?"

He growled. "You're going to regret pissing me off, boy."

"Bring it!"

"Fine, I'll show you why we are the rulers of the universe."

He charged at me and hit me with a blast of electricity.

I stumbled back, but managed to keep my footing. I used my mana to resist his ki blast.

"How's that? Not so cocky now, are you?"

I smirked. "It'll take a lot more than that to beat me."

"Don't be so sure."

"You're all talk. I can't believe you call yourself a soldier. You're just a bully."

He grunted and unleashed several bolts outward, setting the forest on fire.

"Shit!"

"That's what happens when you mess with a member of the Imperial Army."

"You're no soldier, you're a monster."

"A monster? How cute. But, you're wrong. I'm a man. And I will take what I want."

"Over my dead body."

"If that's what it takes."

I swung my axe at him. He blocked it with his arm and sent electricity coursing through it.

"Agh!"

I dropped the axe and fell to the ground.

"Looks like I win." He kicked me in the gut, sending me rolling into the burning trees.

"I'm sorry, Nera," I muttered.

"Goerld!" she yelled, running up to me.

"What are you doing here?! Run!"

"No! I'm not leaving you!"

"Nera, please."

She put warped her arms around me and kissed me. Her lips felt soft. I could feel the mana flow between us.

"Thank you, Goerld. Thank you for saving me."

I smiled. "You're welcome."

She let go and helped me up.

"Come on, we have to get out of here."

"Right."

We ran as fast as we could, heading for the village.

"We're almost there!" she said.

"Yeah, just a little further."

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck in front of us, blocking our path.

"Didn't he go the opposite direction?" Nera asked, horror in her eyes.

I nodded. "Seems like he can fly with that thing on his back."

"Why do you want a poor powerless farmer?" the soldier shouted. "I am much more powerful than he is. I can give you whatever you desire. Just name it and I'll grant it."

"I already have what I desire," Nera said, gripping my hand tightly.

"And what would that be?"

"Someone who cares about me."

"Ha, that's a weak answer."

"It's true. And it's stronger than you'll ever understand."

"How dare you mock me!"

"I'm not mocking you. I'm just telling the truth. You'll never understand what love is. And even if you do, you won't be able to accept it."

"Love is a foolish thing. A weak emotion. A waste of time. I'll destroy it."

"You can try, but it will never die. Love will always survive. No matter how hard you try to kill it, it will still be there."

"Is that so? We'll see about that. I'll make you wish you never met that fool."

"Nera, run," I muttered. "I'll hold him off."

"No, we're both going."

"Nera, please."

"Goerld, you're not fighting alone. We'll fight him together. I rather die with the man I love than to be taken by such a scum."

I blushed.

"Then consider your wish granted!" the soldier roared!

We both focused on our mana in front of us to serve as protection. While world was peaceful, we did know defensive and healing techniques to protect against natural disasters and the like.

The soldier fired a bolt of lightning at us.

We both managed to block it with our barrier.

"Damn it, why won't you just die!" the soldier roared, unleashing a torrent of lightning at us.

We both tried to defend against the onslaught, but the attacks were too powerful.

"Gah!"

"No!"

The lightning struck us and we both fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Hmph, weaklings."

Suddenly, something rushed past us like a blur.

"Stand down, soldier!" a female voice echoed. Suddenly, a fist connected with the man's gut, flinging him backwards.

"What the-" the soldier said, coughing.

"I said, stand down." The female figure wore a blue outfit and a helmet that obscured her face. Her body was covered in scales, but her eyes were clear as day.

"C-Captain Wilneth, what are you doing here?"

"Taking you back. You've caused quite the ruckus here. Do you have any idea what you've done?"

"I just took a consort, what's the big deal?"

"You attacked civilians, which is not allowed. Now, surrender peacefully or I will have to resort to drastic measures."

She put her foot against his abdomen and smirked. "Now, be a good boy and come with me."

He grumbled and nodded.

She yanked him by the arm and pulled him away. "Sorry for the ruckus Private Qhales made. This will be dealt with appropriately."

"Thank you," Nera said, nodding her head.

The captain stared at the shattered armor of her rogue soldier. She glanced at us.

"Which of you damaged his armor?"

"The boy did," Qhales said, glaring at me.

I gulped.

Wilneth smiled at me. "You must be pretty strong, to have done that." She stared at the pick axe.

"Well, his muscles are just for show," Nera said, hugging my arm.

My face reddened.

Wilneth laughed. "I see that now. You should consider joining our army, young man. We could use more heroic people like you rather than guys like this one."

Qhales face turned red from a mix of embarrassment and anger.

"Well, have a nice day." She flew off, dragging the soldier with her.

Nera looked at me and smiled.

"Let's go home," she said.

"Yeah," I replied.

We walked back to the village in silence.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by our friends and family.

"Oh my gosh, Nera! Are you alright?" her mother exclaimed.

"I'm fine, Mom. Goerld saved me."

"Thank goodness. I'm so happy you're safe."

"Me too."

"I'm glad you're okay, Goerld," Nera's dad said, patting me on the shoulder. "You're a real hero."

I felt embarrassed. "It was nothing, really."

"Well, I'm glad you're safe. We should celebrate. How about some dinner?"

"Sounds great," I said.

"Excellent. Come, let's go."

Nera fidgeted as we made our way to her house. Why was she acting shy about? Oh, right. She just admitted she liked me...

My face reddened. I wasn't sure what to say. Although, I did feel ashamed for being unable to protect her. If not for Captain Wilneth, we would have died.

"Hey, Goerld. Thank you," Nera said, taking my hand.

"Y-yeah. Anytime."

"Really, thank you."

"Of course. I'd do anything for you."

She blushed and looked away. "Um, so, about earlier. You know, when we kissed..."

"Yeah?" I said.

"Um, do you think maybe, we could do it again?"

My heart stopped. Was she serious?

"M-maybe later," I said.

She giggled. "Okay! I don't mind waiting."

I smiled and thought back to Captain Wilneth's offer. She and Qhales were both strong. Maybe if I joined the Titanos's army I could become stronger. Then, I would be able to protect Nera better.