Ch.21 - Self Indulgence

Training in a courtyard within a castle was a man. head strong and tall. well built and young for someone who also held the title of "Hero." This title had little meaning, to the church, and to the kingdoms who were allied and saw the same views as the church. the term Hero. however, it means and means far more. they were individuals hand-picked by the world tree, to be its divine protectors. to be there for the world when things get to reckless. however, this gift is far and few. and only two people have even been heroes at once.

The young man. was given power beyond measure, and trained tirelessly to hone his body because he was the newest hero. being raised by kings and noblemen who didn't see eye to eye with the church, he was able to define what it meant to be a hero for himself. in the eyes of humans, not corrupted by the church, he was a true hero, a blessing in this world.

a woman came back, who happened to be his wife and a childhood sweetheart. You'rer out training again?" she was concerned but never stopped him. His role in this world became far greater up until recently.

"Yup.. I have no time for rest..." he did stop , however, sweating as he now faced her.

"and yet you're stopping now to have a talk with me..." she chuckled and smiled very softly. "I just wanted to see how you were doing... my family was visiting the Holy Church and its kingdom, the Golden Citial, so we can trade goods overseas... I just wanted to see you before we left... it may be a while. "

"I still don't get why you have to go though," he said, unable to shake this feeling of uneasiness when the church was involved.

"I'll be fine, you know I'm not some frail damsel, my magic is up there with some of the other knighgs and mages. if I do say so, and I'm just going as a poster girl, if the beauty of the west shows up, I'm sure we can get home in no time and get to helping our people far more efficiently." she said, okay with her role.

"it sounds like you won't really be in any danger... and have a laid-back job... I'm probably worrying for nothing... anyways... Nichole... please be careful and eat plenty, okay? " he said to her. he walked over and gently touched her stomach. "And make sure it's enough for two."

she elbowed his stomach but then hugged him. "I'll be fine, you jerk... and they'll be safe and well."

"I know..." he held her back, and soon she eased away. waving off. he watched her until she was out of sight.

Gabriel went at it. training the rest of the evening. as the princess, his wife, got ready for the journey with her family and small force of troops.

At the same time, across the world, in the elven nation. the queen was seated in her dining hall, her eyes covered with black bandages. she was blind. However, that didn't stop her from having complete authority. within elven kind, the woman had superior control.

yet, in this case for a while, in fact, it was the king, the male took control, and rumors were spreading, that he had been a traitor to their queen and kingdom. but there was no proof. no evidence can be even discovered. as he was in control, he could order deaths and detain elves who got to close. and usually, they are never found again.

no one dared to call out the king. In fear, the queen may act, so it was a paradox.

the queen sat quietly, emotionless and no longer full of life. however. she did also have a royal gaurd. another woman, who's only job was to obey and follow the queen.

the king ate quietly and had another woman under the table serving him closely. the table was slammed as he finished with the Elf girl he brought, and soon got out from his seat. "Now to work... I'll see you later..." he told the queen, and with no care. she nodded.

"My lady... please do something about that man..." her gaurd said, and the queen remained silent. her guard couldn't accept the fact that this was her queen. a woman who once could hold the title of hero, was now just a husk, hardly even an individual anymore.

"My lady..." she said sadly. as it was only this devoted guard of hers that wished for the queen to be brought back.

she was never blind before, and it was only because of the war centuries ago that she ended up like this. the queen, as old as she was, was still divine, a gem to look, and even greater blessing to have as a partner.

her gaurd. always wondered when this curse would be lifted. when would there queen be back to her royal self. and after so long, it was just her now. who believed in her queen would return to her rightful position someday soon, but after all that's been going on. it seems like it could be too late, yet her faith wouldn't waver.

within the Golden Citadel. the holy church was experimenting on humans. deep and hidden in the church's darkest depths. they restored the dead, played with lives of all ages, nothing, and no one was safe. monsters, beasts, and humans. all manner of life were being probed and gutted harvest for their history and origin. for their life essence and bodies to use for their goal. their goal of creating a man made God. a God that would favor human, that would eliminate and destroy everything they called an enemy. they wanted humans to be only life on this incredibly large abundant world. They created their own hero's. there own forces of nature and special forces. the 7 heavenly virtues, the crusaders, and their own hero's, a small group of them, man made human borns and raised in labs, and still being in development. if they showed any complications, they would be killed and made again with the stronger genes and code. and this would be repeated until they had soldier's rivaling individuals of higher power. and this wasn't there only means for defense, but for war as well. with the church's influence and power, it nearly reached every corner of the continent, and those small few kingdoms, that don't share or wish to accept their values, a fate cruel is what's to be expected. there always came caution for any country or king that wanted to share trade with them, and few or most are successful. but not without a dark cost that is kept secret.

a secret that would open the eyes of the hero, how cruel and evil just how other humans can truly be.

it had been a week since the hero Gabriel saw his wife leave, and as he was training, a scream through his castle walls could be heard, and with it, bells alarms and fire spread. as he watched rocks barrel over his head and crash into his castle and town. when he reached somewhere high, she saw a horrible sight. people that appeared to be angels over the sky casting fire and earth spells, while on the ground, men in gold and silver armor stormed, killing men, women, and children with their enchanted gear and tools. anger quickly over took him, yet when even as he saw his enemy before him, the world tree denied him to fight. he was brought to his knees and attempted to stand up. a voice spoke to him. "You can not kill your own hero! or you will become a devil!" it was his only warning, and he knew what it would mean to become a devil. so, ultimately, he didn't raise his sword. he didn't protect his people, his home, his family as they all screamed for help. they were mercilessly killed until things were left queit. and he heard them.

"Prince and hero Gabriel! we've been told your wife, the princess to your kingdoms allies, has been negotiating with demons... as well had rejected our proposal for peace! we are left with no other choice but declaring war..."

this is was set the hero off. into a frenzy in his mind. his wife, who was pregnant. 'What? what did they do to her? she wouldn't jeopardize her life!? she promised! they... they are lying...' The grip on his sword grew all the harder, yet the tree made him resist.

and spoke again. "Demons... are you enemy..."

"But..."

"Demons are the enemy!"

"they... are killing other humans! let me provide justice dammit! this wasn't the deal!"

"Demons.... are our enemy!"

"Shut it... this is my sword...! My power! my life dammit..." he slowly began to pull his blade, shaking as the world tree made him, forced him, to keep resisting into his bloodlust.

the knights yelled again. "If you wish to see her again! and don't want the rest of your kingdom to burn to the ground. You must accept our church, surround your land, and maybe she will be returned unharmed!"

"she... isn't dead...!" This one fact was enough to ease him. and let go of his sword. he began to stand up and ran around. helping civilians to safety and do anything within his power while giving orders as he was now in charge of the kingdom. "Where is Mother... and father!" he yelled to his siblings as he went into the castle but saw no one. he heard no one for. hours, it seemed like he was alone of a sudden.

it took some time, but after enough damage, the church's war party left without any casualties, while Gabriel and his people were almost killed out. they overdid it, but out of Gabriel's selfishness, he only cared for his wife, and his family wondered what happened in that meeting. he wanted answers.

it was just a few days after he was finally allowed to leave, and even that was in secret. his kingdom was left with no ruler. that would only bring catastrophe.

Within that same month, news spread about the sudden attack and victimized the church and its city while making the other kingdoms look bad. and with no ruler, it would become a place of theft, rape, slavery and trafficking a crime hot spot.

Mason had been working on his own kingdom. with no interruptions. he was able to grow crops. harvest and farm animals. clothing was now also expanding, and so were training for a small gaurd to keep the peace of outside danger. he managed as well to get closer to his people and those trusted closely. faith and devotion grew for him, while trust also grew rapidly.

"Hey Mason, what exactly have you been working on?" Rebecca asked, looking down to him outside.

"A firearm... a few, actually, " he responded. Looking at a part, he crafted himself with magic.

"What's a firearm?" she asked, as it was a foreign thing. in this world.

"A took that shoots a project, using gunpowder and metal... it's kinda complicated... let me just show you..." he said, putting together a six cylinder revolver together and loading a single round. "Cover your ears..." He aims to the forest and to be safe at a tree.

she covered her ears, and even that couldn't exactly hide how loud the gun was when Mason fired. "fucking... hell Mason, why is it so loud?! and why do you need that if you have magic?" she asked and saw him lower the gun back onto a workbench.

"its loud because of the gunpowder... and it's more effective than magic... no casting, and I can fire this with magic rounds or standered rounds, meaning magical or physical opponents won't matter. here I'll show you the second fire mode. " he soon unhinged the whole barrel and cylinder, showing one large hole in the middle. he loaded a larger shell into it, and this frightened her.

"This is gonna be louder, isn't it..."

"Only a bit..." he closed it back, snapping it back, and fired. the tree was practically destroyed at its center.

she saw the damage it made and for such a small weapon. "As... intresting as this is..."

"You think it's not necessary?" he asked.

"Yes... sorry if that's rood to say..." her opinion based mostly because of the sudden loud bangs

"Not one bit, Im glad you're honest with me and so casual..." he softly smiled.

"So...."

"You want to know more?" he asked, soon turning to her as it was the first time he did properly look to her in the entire conversation. "Your hair is a bit longer..."

it was a sudden change of topic, and she grabbed the ends, walking to sit down next to him. "Yeah... is it weird? I would cut it... but maybe I keep long if you like it. " she looked at the gun more as they talked.

he gazed to the bench and then worked on the firearm again. "I do... but you should make it how you like it... you may be, sorry for this, manlyish or boyish... but you're still a woman outside and in your heart... wear and do what you like... I'll like you regardless." he took apart the gun and cleaned it.

"Sweet words won't get you anywhere with me..."

"I know... but do I really need to say that sort of stuff to you if I was planning it...?" he teased her.

"... no..." she mumbled, shy since he was being so sly with her. She did look at the different rounds he had. "Tell me more about this stuff. Maybe there could be use to all this weird magic tool of yours..."

"Hehe, alright, I'll accept this as your excuse to spend together." he noticed. she didn't like the sound after all.

"Hey! You could just take the hint!" she told him, punching his arm.

"Haha, I'm not one to care on those kinds of things... if you want to spend time alone... just ask... I have time you and the others if I don't ill make it..." he said, letting her know he would always make the effort for them.

"Still... just go with the flow... it's more charming like that, " she said, a bit disappointed.

"All right.. Alright... I be sure..." he said and then looked to her. "Okay... if you're serious, come closer already. You're gonna be a marksman..."

"I'm already good with a bow,"

"No, no... with this..." he got up and went to the closet where he pulled a sniper out of. A Mosin, he replicated a long rifle from the 1800's on earth.

"You are gonna work with this... and don't worry... I made these also for your ears." he showed small earbuds carved from wood. "You're gonna learn that this is far superior to any magic or bow you know of... off to the mountains we go, " he told her.

"Hey, wait!" she followed as he was already walking. "You're gonna make me fire that thing?"

"Of course... you'll be a far effective hunter, and have more weapons in your training.. you helped me work on my polearm and sword training, so you'll learn something I learn... I haven't shown the other girls this, so you'll be the first."

"Huh! your first!" it was all she thought and followed shyly closer.

he took her advice from a moment ago and stayed quiet, letting think on it. and just can't help but think 'this tomboy is just a roit...' he chuckled.

on the way, Mason was leaving he ran into elli. "Oh elli..."

"Yes, sir?" she asked, bowing her head and looking up at him.

"Would you mind cleaning up my workspace a bit... I'm taking Rebecca with me a while, so I also won't be back... be careful when you clean in there this time, okay? you already know. " he pat her head and left.

"Sure thing! don't worry, I won't cause trouble before... I'll clean it up very carefully, and I'll let the other Mistress know. Have fun, sir!" she spoke cheereful and rushed to his workplace. and all she did was lock up the room. not cleaning anything. she knew she wasn't allowed in there, so this was the only thing he meant. she also put up a warning just a hanged notice not to enter, for it was the masters workshop. she left hardly doing a thing of cleaning and went to make lunch for everyone.

Rebecca asked Mason "Hey you sure that was okay... that some dangerous stuff to lay around..."

"she'll be fine... she knows to just lock the door and put up a sign... i know what's in there is crazy dangerous. It's why she's the only one who I trust to lock it up. I also showed her a bit of what I was doing, she checks it on her a bit even. I might take her hunting like this... I'm sure she would enjoy it... or maybe not"

"Hey, that doesn't sound so bad! That little maid is far too adorable to leave doing housework... plus, it's kinda scary seeing her be so good at things she had to be to survive. I'm sure she'll be thrilled learning something new on her own and with her master no less, so take her next time. " even Rebecca hoped for a more cheery lifestyle for her and the others.

"You think?"

"I know a little fighter when I see one... I was queen of the Valkyiers, you know... so yeah, I'm sure she'll be one crazy fighter. " Behind Elli's back, she was getting plenty of praise and recognition.

elli at this time, sneezed.

"Alright. I'll bring her out next time... if she's good with this gun, I'll send her your way... and then we can train her up to defend herself agreed?" he asked her.

"Sound like fun... but she needs to be on board... no forcing that little lady. "

"Haha, of course, of course," he grabbed on her shoulder and pat Rebecca's head as they were close. "You'd make one hell of a mother someday and definitely one badass wife."

"Right!" she sparkled, leaning on him and laughing with him

"You know, it's hard to believe it has been a month now... we maybe a month and a half, actually... since you've opened up more and made this kingdom... kinda strange to think about it now that you were so scary... even after getting to know a bit when we met, you had a scary look and glare..." she spoke freely and calmly with him.

"I don't blame you for feeling you that way, I want to think it was the same for the others... I'm not exactly easy to look or get along with... but I'm glad I got to meet you all the first thing I got here..." he shared with her his own feelings

"Oh, why is that? three cute babe's to look at whenever you want to have at any point?" she messed with him.

"No, not like that, people... and strong allies... i can actually say I trust... I never trusted anyone before... but I know I can put my life with you all... if I said I wanted you to kill me, would you, do it?"

the topic shifted, but she didn't hesitate to answer him. "As if I could ever kill you... but... even if had such power... I'd first want to save you... then if all seemed lost, I'll mercy kill you, my lord... if that's your wish, " she said honestly. and spoke in an answer even she was content with.

Mason liked that answer. "And that is why I can trust you... and the other girls... your first want to save me... rather than kill me... should I go mad with this power... and for that, I love you all..." his tone was soft.

"we know, sir..." she smiled and kept walking at his side.

it was a quiet and nice walk up a mountain together, both at each other's side to get to a higher point. until there was an opening and flat ground up high.

"So, what are we hunting?"

"You! are hunting a Griffen... and your only weapon will be this weapon... and a single bullet... you can use any magic on the bullet, but it's the only shot you got, okay? " he told her, as he sat down. "Come here..." he said as he had his lap open.

"Uh... on your lap?"

"Yeah..."

she nervously sat down and asked. "Now what?"

"Now... you'll grab the gun..." he held the weapon in front of her. "Do not put your finger on the mechanism that fires it, okay... just hold the stock and the barrel for now... then I'll guide your hands."

"Uh, sure..." So she did. reaching and gently taking it from him. she held it. and soon Mason guides her hands. and even carefully moved to lay her on the ground. his body up against her slightly and along the side. "focuse okay... here's is how you load it..." he said, grabbing the chamber cylinder pulling it back, the round pushed in, and the cylinder pulled and pushed back, forcing the round In.

"Got it? now your gun is loaded..." he told her.

"I see..." her shyness went away, and she was serious. nervous still, but trying.

"Now, I'll repeat it... and this time you load it yourself..." he told her and did just that. he just repeated his actions, unloading the single round and giving it to her. "Now you..."

she did it slowly for her first time, grabbing the metal rod and pulling, gentle stuffing the round in, pushing the case back, loading the round into the gun, and once again, for him.

"Very good... you're a natural at this..." he said and soon fired the gun, as this surprised her when nothing happened.

a loud silent pause.

"That was scary, you know," she said, worried

"Relax... I'm here, remember... I'll ease you into this..." his legs shuffled on top of hers slightly, and he explained. "The gun has a safety. so nothing will. 'fire' get me. it's only when. it's disabled that it will shoot the round... so relax... now you try it. "

she fire and the gun did nothing. "Now... get in the habit. of firing and loading. fire five times and load..."

she then did it. again and again a few times. "Okay, I got it mason..Mason... now what's left?"

"Nothing... you got it all down..."

"Huh?" she was dumbfounded by how easy it was.

"Yeah, that it... just don't fucking shoot this thing at anyone that isn't an enemy... serious for your own safety too disarm and unload your gun every time... so here... your task now... kill a griffin with a round to it's head"

he gave the bullet to her, as she then felt him, get off her side and from behind her. a feeling she awkwardly missed already. since. he was basically almost mounting her.

"okay... I'll do my best..."

"we do this every day once until you complete it, so don't feel bad if you miss, there are a lot of things to teach you" he told her as all he taught her were loading and firing as well safety. nothing about bracing, velocity, time and distance. they were going to have a lot of fun together as she would find out just how complex firearms really were. and learn how her own experience with bows would help her.

"alright, hehe it should be easy enough... I don't know why this is fun..." she said and soon felt mason put those ear buds into her ears. "you'll still hear fine... it's just to suppress the sound, until you get use to it..." he told her, and then got up and stepped back. "wait here okay... I'll bring a Griffen out for you" he said. and soon left her side. she kept overlooking where she was aiming and Mason went further up the mountain. and grabbed a stone that was slight heavy. "this should do..."

Mason began using sensory type magic, a far compliment spell he made himself, he began to send pulses at the tap of his foot and got the land in second as he soon heard and felt the trampling of a Griffen down below. aiming his stone he then through it hitting the Griffin on its behind and this caused commotion in the forest Below until it came up flying smelling there scent as they had the intentions to hunt it. it sense there bloodhunt for it.

"take you time now... it sees us, and this should be easy for you... still I doubt you'll hit it..." he told her as it was focused on him and began to fly in his direction.

she focused on the hunt, as she soon watched it fly around rapidly. Mason was using wind magic to keep it away and make it hard on both of them.

"stay still you big thing..." she said and kept trying to fixate her aim. the gun was flat in her arms, so she was looking directly where the bullet would go. and sure enough, she fired out of the complex situation. dragging the bullet along the griffins hind legs.

this surprised and amazed Mason. "hey. nice damn shot..."

"I was aiming for its gut... but..." she felt bad it didn't kill it. she then got up, arching her back until she lifted herself and sat on her legs holding the rifle into her arms.

"You did good... I'm amazed... really, your first shot on a moving target, and at this distance... you'll be great at..." he praised her, and soon let the Griffen go as it flew away.

"That's to much praise from you... are you alright?"

"I'm fine... come on... let's go back down Rebecca... unless you want to do something else while we're out here..." he offered to her and walked back to her.

"uh. nothing comes to mind... though, I did want to spend time with you, so I'd say this more than enough... help a girl up." she said "my arms are shaking and I'm a littler to nervous to stand... this thing is pretty loud and strong..."

Mason nodded getting down and slight his hands into her armpits lifting her until she was on her feet, but then just grabbed her waist and held her like that. "I'm not to surprised... this weapon is one from my world... it should be strong, and have some power to it. and you were kinda laying down a bit to long... is the blood coming back?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine now... thanks Mason, and here" she said holding the gun back for him.

"nah, keep it. I was making it for you, so I'll be honored if you kept it... I'll still teach you of course... just remember this isn't a toy. it's a weapon, one efficient at killing. so take care of it okay"

"no way? are you sure? I mean, yeah I'll happily keep it and treasure it... and as long as you show everything about it I'll be more than happy to learn and put it to use" she smiled and happily looked to him.

"deal then..." gently he removed his hands.

"before we go sir, would you mind if we go for a walk?" she requested.

"a walk...?" he looked around them. it was a nice day out. and she clearly did want to keep this private moment going. "sure... I'll hold onto this... and this then..." he said, taking the fire arm, and then her hand also.

"Ah... uh... um, " he clenched his hand and walked with him. "This way..." She led and paced themselves together. they both went on a walk together. going into the forest after descending the mountain a bit. it was a quiet and peaceful walk between them, just enjoying each other company.

"Hey, this is sudden mason, but... how come you haven't taken any of us...? you notice our signs, haven't you? it's kind of been bugging us that you don't see us as women..."

Mason glanced over to her and saw her cheek and sadden eyes. and replied. "I don't it's exactly right..."

"Because your betrothed is out there somewhere?" she wondered, looking away still.

"Yes... if she found out, I went against my word with her... I wouldn't deserve her..." He says that, but it's not like he didn't want to repay them.

"But. we wouldn't mind... if you don't see us a woman. we still do want your companionship, sir... not just outside or when we take care of business working around... but in bed. we don't mind... we just want to know you love us..." she said, lying to herself partially.

"Is saying it not enough?"

"it is... but..." she looked up to him. "we ladies can get needy too, you know..." she embarrassingly explained.

"it's hard to think the queen of Valkyiers would be making such a face and telling me to have her in bed..." he admitted while also feeling flattered that she came to such a decision. however. it wouldn't feel right or real to him.

"jerk..." she said and attempted to take her hand away. Mason held onto her and pulled her close.

"Look..." he sighed. "As long... there is no kissing... then... I wouldn't mind helping you ladies with your needs... I'd hate to cause problems, and I don't think I can ignore any more of this... from any one of you... especially after someone dared leaving their wet garments on my bed..."

she was blushing mad and looked away. "No way... who did that... and are you for real? you finally make the next move?" she asked, hopeful. "No taking it back..." she was back to be happy and excited.

Mason could clearly see that she hasn't exactly had a partner in who knows how long or by when. "Yeah, I mean it..." he was reluctant and to be honest with himself. he was still holding back his own urges. he only agreed because they wanted it. and it looked like it was getting out of hand. he didn't want them to feel like they weren't cared for.

"Mason, I have one thing to ask also... when you find your wife here..."

"What is it...?"

"If she is okay with it... and if your daughters are too, would you marry all of us? it's not... unusual for kings and men or women with power to gain or have more than one wife and family... it would make us all really happy... I can't speak for the others, but... I've decided I really do want to spend my time with you master" she said honestly and looked up to him with hopeful eyes and a soft smile. he could see a weight was taken off her chest.

and this stunned him. he wasn't sure how to answer.

"I won't make you answer now... or anything, and I'll respect your choice, sir. just think on it for us, okay... I'll be waiting for tonight, okay? " she said cheerfully and left his side, taking back the gun and running off back home.

"Just... how can... I, at a loss of words, aren't i?" he told himself, watching her go. he stood still. "Can I do it? can I really just marry another woman? how would you feel? how would they?" he said, holding his chest. "I'm glad she said she'd wait... I'll definitely need time for this... I don't think I can..." he began heading home.

it seems it was clear now. In that prolonged time together, the girls didn't just get close with one another casually. but emotionally, and with Mason, their feelings only spiraled.

Mason had known. He wasn't so dense. but showing or acting on anything they did felt like a test of faith for him, and he just couldn't. he didn't think they were serious, but this, moment. made him realize there were women who saw him for him and wanted to be with him and spend time and there life with him.

"What am I a kid again... calm and firm your head, Mason... you may be a little younger here... but you are far older than they know..." he sighed and kept walking, easing his nerves after just being confessed in a unique way." she was far too forward with that... but. I'm glad we got to spend so much time together... all of us..." he came to a decision when night came around. he personally asked for Rebecca to his chambers.