Ch 62: What just happened?

Morning light streamed through the castle windows as Hina walked down the corridor, her body still weak and needing the support of her maid. She felt the lingering exhaustion from her recent battles, each step a reminder of her fragile state.

"Think system, how are you today?" Hina said softly, trying to connect with her internal companion. There was no response. She repeated, "System? Huh, what just happened?"

Confused, she tried to summon her powers. "Lightning Flare!" she commanded, but nothing happened. "Regulos Sword!" she called out, but the sword did not materialize. Growing more desperate, she tried again. "Magic Burst! Magic Shift!" But it was as if her powers had vanished entirely. She felt a rising panic. "It's like I'm just a normal human," she muttered to herself, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The maid, noticing Hina's distress, looked concerned. "Um, Princess, what are you doing?" she asked gently.

Hina paused, looking at the maid with a mix of confusion and fear. "I... I can't summon my powers. It's like they're gone. I don't understand what's happening," she admitted, her voice shaky.

The maid's expression softened. "You have been through a lot, Princess. Maybe your body needs more time to recover. Let's get you back to your room to rest."

Reluctantly, Hina nodded. As they turned back towards her chambers, Hina's mind raced. The loss of her powers felt like a deep, unsettling void. She had always relied on her magic, and now, without it, she felt vulnerable and uncertain.

Back in her room, Hina sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts swirling. She needed answers. "System, please respond," she whispered, hoping for any sign of her powers returning. There was only silence.

The maid, seeing Hina's turmoil, tried to comfort her. "Princess, you are still strong. Even without your magic, you have the courage and the heart of a true warrior. Rest now. Your strength will return in time."

Hina nodded again, though her heart was heavy with doubt. She lay back on her pillows, staring at the ceiling. The silence of the room pressed down on her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly alone.

As the day passed, Hina tried repeatedly to summon her powers, each attempt met with the same frustrating silence. The system, her constant companion and source of strength, was unresponsive. She wondered if her intense battle had somehow severed their connection, or if there was something deeper at play.

Despite her fears, Hina knew she couldn't give up. She had to find a way to restore her powers and protect those she cared about. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I will get through this," she told herself firmly. "I will find a way."

In the distance, the sounds of training and preparations for the next battle filled the castle. Hina's friends and allies were readying themselves, and she knew she had to do the same, power or no power. Determination flickered in her heart, even in the face of uncertainty.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow through her window, Hina made a silent vow. She would not rest until she understood what had happened to her powers and how to reclaim them. She was a warrior, and she would fight for her strength, no matter the cost.

As Hina walked through the garden, her footsteps were slow and heavy with a sadness she couldn't shake. The vibrant flowers and lush greenery around her offered little comfort as she tried once more to summon her system. "System, where are you?" she whispered, but there was no response.

Just then, she heard a familiar voice. "Good morning, Hina," Lefa called out, her face bright with a smile.

Hina tried to return the smile. "Good morning, Lefa," she replied, her voice softer than usual.

Lefa immediately noticed Hina's downcast expression. "How are you today, Hina? You look sad," she said as they walked together through the garden. "What is it, my little sister? You can tell me anything."

Hina hesitated, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. "It's just... I can't summon my magical powers anymore," she confessed, her voice trembling. "No matter how hard I try, there's nothing. It's like they've disappeared."

Lefa's smile faded, replaced with a look of concern. She stopped walking and gently turned Hina to face her. "Oh, Hina, I'm so sorry," she said, her eyes filling with empathy. "But don't lose hope. I'm sure your powers will return soon. I believe in you."

Hina felt tears welling up in her eyes, but Lefa pulled her into a comforting hug. "It's okay," Lefa whispered. "You will have them back soon. I believe in you, little sister."

Hina hugged Lefa tightly, drawing strength from her sister's unwavering support. "Thank you, Lefa," she said, her voice muffled by Lefa's shoulder. "I needed to hear that."

As they stood there, embraced in the warmth of their sisterly bond, the world around them seemed a little less daunting. Hina's heart felt lighter, and for the first time since losing her powers, she allowed herself to hope that things would get better.

They continued their walk through the garden, Lefa chatting about various things to keep Hina's spirits up. Hina listened, appreciating Lefa's efforts to distract her from her worries. The garden's beauty slowly started to seep into her consciousness, and she found herself smiling more naturally.

As they reached a small, serene pond, Lefa turned to Hina again. "Remember, Hina, your strength doesn't just come from your powers. It's in your heart, your courage, and your determination. You've faced so much already, and you've always come through. This time will be no different."

Hina nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. "You're right, Lefa. I won't give up. I'll find a way to restore my powers and protect everyone."

Lefa squeezed Hina's hand reassuringly. "That's the spirit. And remember, you're not alone. We're all here for you."

With Lefa's words echoing in her heart, Hina felt a surge of determination. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on, supported by the love and faith of her sister and friends. Together, they would overcome whatever obstacles lay in their path.

As they stood by the serene pond, Lefa suddenly brightened up with an idea. "How about we buy you some new clothes, Hina? A little shopping might cheer you up," she suggested enthusiastically.

Hina felt a bit hesitant and awkward. "I think I'll pass for now," she said softly, not feeling up to the task.

But Lefa was having none of it. She grabbed Hina's hand firmly and smiled. "No, little sister, you will go with me," she insisted, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Hina, still weak and unable to resist, could only muster a feeble protest. "Nooooo," she said, drawn out in an awkward moment as Lefa led her away.

Lefa's energy was infectious, and despite her reluctance, Hina couldn't help but feel a tiny bit uplifted by her sister's enthusiasm. They walked back into the castle, Hina's maid following closely to provide any needed support.

As they entered the bustling marketplace, the lively atmosphere began to lift Hina's spirits. The vibrant stalls, filled with colorful fabrics and intricate designs, drew her attention. Lefa led her from one shop to another, picking out dresses and accessories with an expert eye.

"Try this one, Hina! It's perfect for you," Lefa said, holding up a beautiful blue dress adorned with silver embroidery.

Hina hesitated but then allowed herself to be coaxed into the dressing room. As she slipped into the dress, she couldn't help but admire how well it fit and how the color brought out her eyes. When she stepped out, Lefa clapped her hands in delight.

"You look stunning, Hina! See, I knew this would be a good idea," Lefa beamed.

Hina smiled shyly. "Thank you, Lefa. I do feel a bit better."

Lefa grinned and continued picking out clothes, ensuring that Hina tried on a variety of outfits. Each time, Hina felt a little more like her old self, the weight of her worries lifting slightly with every beautiful dress she wore.

As they moved through the market, they drew the attention of other shoppers, who admired Hina's grace and beauty. Some even whispered about her resemblance to a princess, which made Lefa giggle and Hina blush.

After a few hours of shopping, Lefa finally declared, "I think we've got enough for today. What do you think, Hina?"

Hina looked at the pile of clothes they had accumulated and nodded. "Yes, this is more than enough. Thank you, Lefa."

Lefa hugged her. "Anything for my little sister. Now let's get you back and rest. You've had a busy day."

After finishing their clothes shopping, Hina and Lefa stepped out of the store, accompanied by a single guard. The bustling streets were filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and townsfolk going about their daily business. Hina, still feeling the weight of her weakened body, clutched Lefa's arm for support.

"How about we head back to the castle now?" Hina suggested, trying to mask her fatigue.

Lefa smiled brightly, "Yes, let's go. I can't wait to see how these new clothes look in the castle's light."

As they walked, the cheerful atmosphere suddenly darkened. Three menacing figures emerged from the shadows, blocking their path. The bandits, their eyes glinting with malevolence, sneered at the princesses.

"Where are you going, Princesses?" one of the bandits taunted.

The guard immediately stepped forward, drawing his sword. "Halt! Don't get any closer!" he commanded, his voice firm.

Ignoring the warning, the bandits lunged forward. The guard engaged one of them, but the other two were too fast. They aimed to abduct Hina and Lefa, causing a commotion that drew the attention of passersby, who began shouting for the city guards.

Hina, despite her frailty, tried to fight back. She managed to land a light punch on one of the bandits, but it was met with a mocking laugh. "Howdy, little girl," the bandit jeered, brushing off the blow.

Lefa, however, wasn't as fortunate. She was quickly overpowered and dragged away. "Princess!" the guard shouted, struggling to fend off his opponent. "Lefa!" Hina cried, her heart sinking as she watched her Friend being taken.

Determined not to give up, Hina threw herself at the remaining bandits. They easily overpowered her, one of them slapping her lightly. "Just let me kidnap you already," he growled. "You're making me look bad in front of the crowd."

At that critical moment, Benimaru arrived, his battle cry echoing through the street, "Huaaaaaaaaa!" Flicker and Kanade were right behind him. Flicker swiftly activated a trapping spell, ensnaring one of the bandits, while Benimaru knocked down the other two with powerful strikes.

Despite their intervention, Lefa had already been whisked away. "Damn it!" Benimaru cursed, frustration etched on his face. He rushed to Hina's side, kneeling down and speaking softly, "Are you alright, Goddess Princess? What happened here?"

Hina, battered and shaken, could only manage, "Let's talk at the castle."

Back at the castle, in the dimly lit interrogation room, Kanade stood over the captured bandits. "Where did you take Lefa?" she demanded, her voice cold and fierce. Flicker stood guard outside, her eyes wide with apprehension.

The bandits laughed derisively. "We are not just bandits, but assassins," one sneered. "We will not tell you anything."

Kanade's patience snapped. She punched the bandit in the face, blood spurting from his nose. "If you don't tell me where the princess is, I will kill you," she hissed, her voice deadly.

Under Kanade's relentless torture, the bandits finally broke. "Alright, alright!" one cried out. "She was taken by slave traders!"

Kanade's eyes narrowed. "Why did you kidnap the princess? Where is their location?" she pressed on, her voice dripping with venom.

Flicker, listening from outside, felt a shiver run down her spine. The bandit, now terrified, blurted out, "We hide the kidnapped in the mountains near Ingraysa."

Kanade nodded, a grim smile forming on her lips. "Good," she said. She then turned to the guards outside the door. "Jail them."

The guards complied, dragging the battered bandits away. Kanade looked at Flicker, who nodded in agreement. "Alright," she said.

*To be continue *