Triumphant Return

I was first to wake up the next morning. Sitting up I still felt the pain from taking the large Grievehood's blow. Looking around everyone looked extremely uncomfortable sleeping, except for the little girl we had rescued. She was sleeping soundly next to the captain. Exiting the building I checked our surroundings for any strays. I didn't notice any monsters in the surrounding area. Returning to camp I noticed captain Iseldis standing in front of the giant skeleton. Walking over I said, "Morning, Captain Iseldis. Sleep well?".

She answered, "As much as the rest of you. That was the first time I have fought such a large monster but compared to what you guys fought I feel like The Shadow Squad is gonna be stronger than the Jade Knights.".

I said, "Thank you for your kind words captain and thanks for fighting with the others, I didn't even notice the Corpsescreamer.".

She said, "After you crashed through the walls I looked toward the skeleton and was gonna help but I heard Takino shout out about the other monster.".

"The royal scholars are gonna have a tough time naming the evolved versions. The Grievehood is twice the size and the Corpsescreamer had a totally new set of abilities. Turning people that are still alive in an instant ", I said concerned.

Iseldis said, "Turning the living instantly into the undead. It might be the deadliest monster to exist. The big question is how it turns them.".

We stood in thought for thirty minutes until we heard rustling from inside the building. Checking on the others they were all groaning in pain. Arrion was next to Fumiko holding her hand. Steam was pouring out giving the idea she was overheating from last night. Looking like she was going to pass out Arrion kept releasing extremely cold air cooling her down. Mina was in the corner stretching her arms and just smiled as I walked in but when she saw the captain behind me she looked a little mad. Yukiko was helping Takino up and both of them looked like they could barely move. Considering their powers are not suited for long fights it's not surprising. Emelia was just sitting on the floor and jumped up when we walked in.

After looking around and taking in everyone's condition I said, "Good work last night. I know we were not expecting monsters of this caliber but we triumphed over this obstacle. And Emelia I'm gonna put in a request for you to rank up. You were our trump card last night and you did not disappoint. Captain if you would.".

Iseldis stepped up beside me, "Last night's fight was rough and I can see most of you are still affected by it. The child that was rescued will be returning with us and Rokuza will be taking care of her for a couple weeks.".

Upon hearing this I froze and turned toward the captain and she just smiled.

Iseldis continued, "As the last survivor of this village she will be given the last name of Beckinsale. It's up to the rest of you to think of a name for her. That is all.".

She strode outside leaving me stunned. I looked at everyone else and they tried not to make eye contact. The child came up to me and tugged on my shirt. She said, "I'll be in your care for a while.".

Compared to last night she was a little calmer. I picked her up and asked her, "Do you have a name or do you want us to give you one?".

She answered, "I don't have a name. I was left on the streets when I was a baby. The villagers all helped me survive. Please give me a name.".

We spent an hour thinking of a name. I decided on Helga and they all agreed. I told her, "From today on you are Helga Beckinsale.".

She cried tears of joy and gave me a hug. I led her over to Yukiko and Takino. I asked them, "Can you guys clean her up and find her some clothes?".

They both happily agreed and walked with her through the village going through houses. I walked over to Mina. Her cheeks were puffed up and she wouldn't look at me. I hugged her tight and she squeezed me back making my bones creak. I noticed Emelia speed out of the room. Mina said, "I heard you were launched through the building last night.".

I said, "I was trying to block that humongous scythe it swung but it sent me flying.".

"So what were you doing with the captain this morning?", she asked angrily.

I answered carefully, "We were discussing the mission and the abnormality of the monsters.".

She looked like she wanted to ask more questions but she held back and accepted my answer. I made my way over to Fumiko and asked, "How are you feeling?".

She answered, "Not too bad just overheating a little. Thankfully Arrion is here.".

I decided to leave them and look for Emelia. Walking around the village I noticed Emilia sitting on one of the porches wiping her eyes. I hurried over and asked her, "Are you all right?".

She answered, "Yeah, I'm fine.".

I sat next to her and patted her head. It sounded like she said something under her breath. She suddenly jumped up and was back to her cheery self. She said, "We should get going.".

I got up slowly. What was that about?

Before heading back to base camp I went to find Helga, Takino, and Yukiko. I found them exiting a house near the edge of town. Helga looked like a completely different girl now. She was no longer covered in dirt and wasn't wearing a sack but instead had a frilly dress on. She rushed over to me and I picked her up before heading to meet the others. Everyone was gathered outside the building waiting on us. Iseldis announced, "Everyone gather around were going back to the capital!".

Going through the gate we were in front of the academy. We made our way to the barracks. Captain Iseldis dismissed us and went to the castle to give her report. I feel like the next few days are gonna be busy.