Ch 63: What now!!?

As Hina and Benimaru sat in the castle's discussion room, the atmosphere was tense yet familiar. Flicker and Kanade were busy interrogating the captured bandits in another part of the castle, leaving the two to talk privately.

Benimaru, still reeling from the earlier events, started the conversation. "So, what will we discuss today, Goddess Hina?"

Hina sighed, clearly exasperated. "Benimaru, will you drop the 'goddess' part, please?"

Benimaru scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward. "Okay, princess."

Hina's face puffed up in frustration. "I said just call me Hina, okay?" she huffed, her cheeks puffing out in a way that was both serious and endearing.

Benimaru chuckled, but Hina quickly interjected, "Benimaru, this is not a laughing matter," she said with a cute, yet serious expression. Her soft voice echoed slightly in the large room, the tension between them palpable.

"Alright, Hina," Benimaru replied, his tone turning more serious. He scratched the back of his head, the sound of his fingers brushing through his hair barely audible. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Hina, why didn't you use your power in the first place? You could have easily restrained them. You're the most powerful being and the daughter of two goddesses."

Hina looked hesitant, her eyes downcast, reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns that lit the room. "It's because I can't summon my magical power at all. It's been three days, and nothing has happened," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. Tears began to well up in her eyes, catching the light and making them glisten like dew drops.

Benimaru's expression softened with concern. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, feeling the slight tremor in her frame. "Maybe it's because you used too much magic and pushed yourself beyond your limits? Turning into the Exodus Wand must have caused a lot of strain on your body. Please, take care of yourself," he urged, his voice filled with genuine worry. The faint scent of the garden flowers they had walked through earlier still lingered on his clothes, a subtle reminder of the peaceful moments they had shared.

Hina wiped her eyes, feeling the warmth of her tears against her skin, and replied, "If I hadn't used that power, we all would have been goners. I had to make a hard decision to ensure our survival." Her voice was steady, but the taste of salt from her tears lingered on her lips, a bitter reminder of her sacrifice.

"I understand," Benimaru said, nodding. His eyes, usually so bright and determined, now reflected a deep concern. The room was silent except for the soft rustling of their clothes and the distant murmur of castle activities.

Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and Kanade burst into the room, her face flushed and breathing heavily. Flicker trailed right behind her, her eyes wide with urgency. "We know where to find them," Kanade announced breathlessly, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. The urgency in her tone sent a shiver down Benimaru's spine.

As Kanade spoke, the metallic tang of sweat mixed with the faint scent of leather from her armor filled the air, a testament to the effort she had put into the interrogation. Flicker, still catching her breath, looked at Hina with wide, worried eyes, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a grim determination.

Hina's heart pounded in her chest, the sound echoing in her ears like a drum. The taste of fear and anticipation was almost tangible as she waited for Kanade to continue. "Where are they?" Hina asked, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of her desperation.

Kanade, still panting slightly, looked directly at Hina. "They've been taken by a slave trader. They're hiding in the mountains near Ingraysa," she said, each word filled with urgency and determination. The room seemed to close in around them, the gravity of the situation pressing down on everyone present.

Benimaru clenched his fists, the rough texture of his gloves grounding him as he prepared for what lay ahead. "Then we have no time to lose. We need to move out immediately," he said, his voice steady and resolute. The faint clinking of his armor as he shifted reminded everyone of the battles yet to come.

Hina nodded, her resolve hardening despite her weakened state. The lingering scent of parchment and ink from their earlier discussions was replaced by the palpable tension of their new mission. "Let's bring Lefa back," she said, her voice firm despite the flicker of fear in her eyes.

As they left the room, the weight of their mission settled heavily on their shoulders, each step echoing with the promise of what was to come. The castle's stone walls seemed to close in around them, a silent witness to their resolve.

As they were about to leave, Benimaru paused, a thought striking him. "Wait, Hina, you can't come with us," he said, turning to face her with concern etched in his eyes. "You can't use your powers right now, and it's too dangerous."

Flicker and Kanade turned simultaneously, their expressions mirroring Benimaru's shock. "You can't what?" they exclaimed in unison, their voices tinged with disbelief and worry.

Hina, however, did not hesitate for a moment. She stepped forward, her eyes burning with determination. "I will still come. I may not have my powers, but I trust the three of you with my life. We're a hero's party, and I know you will protect me along the way."

Her words struck a chord in Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade. They exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They straightened up, their expressions shifting from concern to pride. In that moment, the bond between them solidified, each of them standing taller, their resolve strengthening.

Benimaru placed a hand on Hina's shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "We won't let you down," he vowed, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. The weight of his promise hung in the air, a silent oath that resonated within each of them.

Flicker, her eyes shining with determination, nodded vigorously. "We'll keep you safe, Hina. You can count on us," she said, her voice steady despite the flicker of anxiety in her gaze.

Kanade clenched her fists, a fierce light in her eyes. "We'll protect you with everything we've got," she declared, her tone leaving no room for doubt. The air around them seemed to hum with the intensity of their resolve.

Hina smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest at their unwavering support. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her gratitude. The taste of fear and uncertainty lingered, but it was overshadowed by the strength of their bond.

As they stepped out of the castle, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The faint scent of blooming flowers mixed with the crisp evening air, a reminder of the beauty they fought to protect. The sound of their footsteps echoed with determination, each step a promise to bring Lefa back safely.

They moved as one, their movements synchronized, each of them acutely aware of their roles. The familiar weight of their weapons, the comforting feel of their gear, and the rhythmic sound of their breath all served to focus their minds on the task ahead.

Benimaru led the way, his senses heightened, every detail of their surroundings scrutinized. Flicker and Kanade flanked Hina, their eyes darting around, ever watchful for any sign of danger. The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but their hearts were united in their mission.

As they ventured into the unknown, the memory of their shared promise bolstered their spirits. They were a team, a family forged in the crucible of battle and bound by unbreakable trust. No matter what lay ahead, they knew they would face it together, their strength drawn from the bond they shared.

The night air grew cooler as they approached the mountain range near Ingraysa, the silhouette of the peaks looming in the distance. The path was arduous, but they pressed on, each step bringing them closer to their goal. The anticipation of the impending confrontation heightened their senses, every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, putting them on edge.

Finally, as they neared the bandits' hideout, the gravity of their mission settled heavily upon them. They exchanged one last look, a silent affirmation of their resolve. Hina stood at the center of their formation, her eyes reflecting a fierce determination despite her physical weakness.

Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade tightened their grips on their weapons, their hearts beating in unison with a shared purpose. They were ready. They would rescue Lefa and bring her back safely, no matter the cost. And in that moment, they knew they were stronger together, united by a bond that no power in the world could break.