Chapter 3: A Hero's Legend?

Iris watch on nervously; she wasn’t sure what to do. Nathan hadn't said anything for the last fifteen minutes, he just stood there, grasping his tail. Laser focused, he pulled, twisted, poked and bent it every way possible.

"….................Iris, I have tail."

"Y-Yes "Hero", what you have is indeed a tail.

"…………Iris, do you have a mirror?"

"Mirror, not that I recall but, give me a moment."

With that she flew over to the bucket of water. Her hand began to glow and the water began to rise out of the bucket. With a wave of her hand the water became ice. Another wave of her hand and the ice split in two, one half became a solid circle, while the other became a frame. Finally, placing the two pieces together, she looked over her handy work, then turned to Nathan.

"Is this to your liking?

"What was that?”

"I made a mirror, is that not what you ask for?"

"No, how did you do that?"

Element manipulation is basic in the arcane arts.”

“Arcane…………Magic!?”

Iris nodded in confirmation.

"Magic, the same thing you did with the lights earlier?

"It is as you say."

Magic, of course there would be magic in a world where fairies exist. He had so many question to ask, but first he needed to check his appearance. He step in front of the mirror.

“Who!?”

What Nathan saw, was a young woman staring back at him, he waved his hand to confirm, it was him. Long black hair that cascaded down his back, slender body like a doll, his dark skin was basically the same but his face, it was something he rather forget. More surprising, his ears had change position, from the side of his face, to the top of his head, and they were no longer human ears.

"What happened to me, why do I look like this?

"Is there something wrong with your appearance?"

" My physique, these ears, my hair, a tail, why do I look like this?

"I don't understand, are these not common traits for all races?"

"Of course not, what human you know has a tail..........well, there was the special on tv about that one kid............but he definitely didn't have ears like a do-, wol-, Canine.

“You think your human?”

“Of course, what else would I be.”

"Are you not, “Lycanian”.

"Lycanian, what is that?”

"Lycanian is a race among the "Therianthrope"

"Therianthrope, I don't have a clue what you’re talking about, but I can assure you, I’m human and I was not like this before I fell in that hole.”

Iris was still a bit skeptical, no matter what he said, his appearance said otherwise, but who was she to question the Hero, if he believes himself to be human, she would not say otherwise.

"Iris, was I was like this when you first woke up?"

"It is as you say."

"Well, I didn't have it before I fell asleep and you didn’t do it, so "Amelia" must have done something to me before you awoke and while I slept?"

" "Hero", you don’t trust “Lady Amelia”.

"Well it's not like she given a reason to trust her, she locked both of us in here, she left you to take care of me, and I’ve been violated…………repeatedly.

Nathan looked back to the mirror and turned to examine the rest of him. A beautiful petite girl was all he saw, truth be told, Nathan always was a bit feminine. With looks like his model of a mother, he had often been misunderstood by men and women alike. Some would even go too far in their assumptions, leading to Nathan putting them down. Many times he had to Judo flip grown men away just to get them to leave him alone, this lead to the rumor of a “Man Hating Doll”. Eye witnesses had saw a petite doll like girl in a red dress, throw a man twice her size, clear across a parks fountain. Similar rumors started to pop up around the neighborhood, all of a doll like girl throwing men. He could have ended the rumor, but he had been modeling dresses for his mother whenever his sisters were busy, and to clear the rumor, would be to admit to wearing a dress.

“Is your new appearance unappealing?”

“Well no, to be honest, I kinda, sorta, like it, it’s just, tell me how you would feel if you woke up to discover that you had been remodeled?”

"I would ….... find that most unpleasant."

"Exactly, Wouldn’t you want to know why you looks have change so drastically, and the person who could give you all the answer, is nowhere to be found?”

Iris nodded in confirmation, no one would want to wake up looking like a different person, especially when they had no problems with their original looks.”

““sigh” Well, standing around venting is not going to help, if we can’t ask Amelia, then maybe that legend has some information.

Iris eyes lit up.

"Hero, you want to know your legend?"

"That’s the plan, it might have some information as to why I look like this, besides, how many people get a chance to know their own legend, you usually have to be dead, do you mind?

"Of course not, it would be a pleasure. If you will follow me I take you to the library."

With that she excitedly flew out and disappeared down the dark hall.

"…..................IRIS THE LIGHTS!"

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"Hey, can I use magic?"

"Huh?”

After a few adjustments to his attire, Iris begin leading Nathan through the study. Nathan was sure from the way things looked that this Lady Amelia was very wealthy, this place was huge. The ceiling itself must have been twenty feet, the walls and floor were paved with glistening stone he had never seen before, it was like a mansion more than a study. The main hall they had enter had a giant staircase that lead down two floors. It also acted as divider for the entire Study.

Each floor had two halls, one to the left and right or the stairs respectively. He had to think Amelia must be someone of high status if she called a place like this a study. Nathan would think about these things whenever he drifted off from Iris's hero ranting, it's only so long one can listen to much praise them person before they begin to tune it out. He needed a subject changer and this was the best and most interesting thing he could think of. Though really who from a world without magic wouldn't want to learn.

"Can I learn magic, like you did with the water and lights?"

"I don't believe so."

"……………Oh.

"Hero you misunderstand, it is possible for you to learn magic, just not the magic I utilize."

"FOR REAL!?"

Iris who hadn't seen Nathan so excited since he had woken up was startled at his sudden outburst. With a gleam in his eye and a wag in his tail, she subconsciously compared him to a dog, yet it was another thing she would keep to herself.

"Actually where we are headed now there are tomes that have magic that may interest you.

"Alright, if It's one thing that anyone who has ever come to a different world must do, it would be to use magic.

I’m happy your excited, but please do be careful, it could be dangerous.”

"Yeah I’ll be careful, but like I told you earlier, fairies and magic don’t exist in my world and the closest we get to it are parlor tricks, you can’t expect me, not to be excited.

As they arrived at the study’s library. In front of them set of doors, twelve feet tall and at least in a foot thick. One of the doors had been pushed open slightly, indicating Iris’s constant travels. A simple wave of her hand was all it took to the fully open the sturdy obstruction.

Nathan’s jaw dropped upon seeing the huge Library, books upon shelves, upon walls of literature, that seemed that stretch on forever. With no hesitation Iris flew in and disappeared around a shelf of books. Nathan on the other was slowly progressing, these bookshelves were pretty high and bulging with books, he reached for the closest book to him, shapes he never seen decorated it’s cover, he couldn’t tell if they were words or not. He opened it and it was more of the same, just like the cover, he could not make out the inside. Try as he might to comprehend, it was nothing more the symbols to him, he reached for another, but placed it back wants he saw Iris retuning.

"Hero, this is it."

"That was fast.…. Whoa!"

Floating behind Iris, was a monster of book.

"This is a really big book; no way this is all about me."

"Of course not, this book contains the history of this world.”

“Oh, how old is it?”

“Hmmm, right here on the spine it says 859 X.D., though even from this I cannot tell how old it is, this study has no means in which to tell time.

Nathan was well aware of that, to begin with their not a single clock, the study must be underground since there isn't a single window to be found, so no daylight which rules out any natural ways of telling time. It was as if the very concept of time did not apply, you could be here for decades or just a few hours, yet nothing changes, besides the two nothing can be heard. One would go crazy under these circumstances, at least the old him would, the him right now he wasn't so sure. On the other hand, Nathan thought Iris was pretty strong for not losing it long ago, she must have the patience of saint. Iris herself was busy flipping pages, only to stop at the section she needed with pinpoint accuracy.

"(Exactly how many time did she read this monster?)"

"Hero from here is where your tale begins."

"Oh let's have a look......................................Iris it seems we have reached an impasse.”

“What’s wrong?”

"I can't make heads or tails of this."

"The Hero...............is illiterate, I had no idea."

"That's because I'm not, I just can't read this language. I'm not from this world remember."

"Then how will you allow me to read it for you?"

"I was just about to ask before you offered, if you don't mind?"

"It would be a pleasure."

"Well in that case."

Nathan turned the book over to Iris who promptly turned the book back to the first page to begin.

"Wait, hold up a sec. Just to clarify I only want to hear about me becoming the hero."

The world around Iris shattered, in the light in her eyes dimmed.

"….................sigh, I understand."

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Spring, 1101, two years after the other worldly heroes vanished without trace, a Lycanian by the name Elphina, claiming herself to be the new Demon Lord, sent envoys declaring war on the world war on the world. Not many knew about Elphina or where she came from and fewer still took her threat seriously. Humans, Demi-Humans, Beastmen and Therianthrope the four races of the world, though each were sent envoys, the fourth race the Therianthrope were the only race to begin preparations for war urging the others to do the same. This action only brought about ridicule for the fourth race and Elphina's threat were only seen as the rantings of a fool.

Winter, 1101, The cold weather had taken its toll on the Human capital of Ziltharth, Elphina with three followers and a horde of “Regrest” made good on her threat and attacked the Human capital city Ziltharth. The human army, boasting the strongest military force in the world with their ranks stretch across the continent due to the sudden appearance of low to mid rank Regrest, were completely outmatched. The human leaders, were quick to lead an evacuation, even if they were to call their army back, with the heavy snowfall, none would arrive in time. Elphina in the course of two days had decimated one of the world's largest cities.

Reaching out for support from the other three races proved futile, for at the same time the Beastmen capital Suvari, the Demi-Human capital Vlladd, as well as the Therianthrope capital Anorera were also under siege. The Demi-Human saw little reason in recklessly fighting an enemy of such large force decide rather to abandoned their city then to needlessly waste lives on a war they did not prepare for. The Beastmen suffered the heaviest losses due to their prideful nature and fighting to the end, though civilian casualties were low, there armies were nearly completely decimated. The Therianthrope to the world's surprise, were able to push back the invasion, despite their small numbers. Even without the therianthrope capital, with three of four capitals’ now under her control, Elphina begin her siege on the world.

Spring, 1102, Elphina with her forces had nearly completely cease their expansion. It seems that once she controls over the capital and the surrounding cities all attempts for conquest had stopped. Attempts to reconquer their capitals were seen with heavy resistance. Those who were foolish enough to try were overwhelmed and decimated. It seemed as long as they stayed clear of the capital and its surroundings, Elphina would not pursue.

With Elphina's sudden cease fire, the leaders begin their search for the four summoned heroes who had left them, as well as summoning the fifth Hero, who they had failed to summon before. These efforts fell in vain, with no news of their whereabouts, many believe they were abandoned, others believe that Elphina had already felled the Heroes. As for the fifth, no matter how many rituals they performed it seems their cries fell on deaf ears. The people of the world believe that all hope was loss.

Summer,1102, With no hope left, the Therianthrope the only race that was able to repel Elphina, sent envoy to each of the other races. Elphina had made another attempt on the Therianthrope capital. With almost all their resources exhausted and military might be dwindling, it seemed as if Anorera would fall. However, with victory assured, Elphina's forces suddenly withdrew. The Therianthrope leader a wise man believed that this was suspicious move and urge the other races to unite. The leaders of the other nation were appalled, such a course of action as unheard of, but the Therianthrope leader believed that if they were to come together, they could reclaim their lands. With reluctant hearts the world leader's agreed and the coalition was formed.

As easy as it had been taken, the world was being reclaimed. One after another each races respected land was being recover, almost as if Elphina was letting them win. With almost little effort the coalition had proved to be a remarkable success and in what seemed like no time at all the capital's taken back from Elphina's forces. At this time the Therianthrope leader urge the other races to check their treasuries, during the last attempt on their capital, the Therianthrope discovered that one of the four sacred relics had vanished. The therianthrope leader believe this to be the true purpose behind Elphina's conquest. If the four relics were ever brought together they become an ancient and powerful weapon that could ripped the planet asunder. As he had predicted the relics had been stolen, the entire war was nothing more than a ruse, given Elphina enough time to search and seize them. Accomplishing her goal, Elphina and her followers abandoned the cities leaving just enough Regrest to leave the world believing she still took up residence within their walls. The world begins a massive manhunt for Elphina, they needed to locate her before she could utilize the weapon, but alas, no matter where they search, all sign that an Elphina had even existed was gone. Even with their cities recovered, a death cloud hung over the world, with no way to trace the sacred relics and Elphina in the wind, all they could do was bide their time until Elphina decided she wanted to be found.

Summer,1104, When all seemed to have gone quiet, word of a powerful magic being erected on the central continent, had spread across the world. Such a tremendous spell could be no one other than Elphina. Though the world leaders were reluctant to send their armies into the unknown territory that was the central continent, they had no other choice. With a combined army of 550,000,000 troops, the coalition marched on the continent, two months’ travel, the world's army arrive in a desolate area, the ground scorched from failed spell attempts. In the center of this tainted land, an altar stood, as if erected fairly recent it seemed completely out of place. Atop this massive altar, Elphina and her three followers, each holding one of the four sacred relics, took no heed of the approaching army and continued to chant.

Elphina herself was within sight, yet no one seemed to notice, above her, hovered a massive ball of energy. Glowing an ominous red, every pulsation like the beating of a heart, an oppressive aura covered the area, it robbed of air and replace it with a burning suffocating smog. Drawing energy from the sacred treasures and growing with every passing second, at any moment the mass could be unleashed and all would be lost. They could allow this to go no further, Elphina, whatever the cost she must not be allowed to finish her spell. It is with this thought the leaders of the world gave their army the signal to charge.

Autumn, 1104, The battle rage for months, as the coalition forces drew ever closer to the altar, not once did Elphina or her three followers take notice of the battle that rage around them. This was a most frustrating to the leaders of the army, with no knowledge of the spells length and the red sphere growing ever larger, they feared the inevitable conclusion. They sought to redouble their effort, the leader's pulled back one thousand of their strongest warriors and spell casters to begin preparation on the strongest spell known to the world "Nirvana". It is a long range spell and would take days, if not months to complete, and they had no other choice but to thin out Elphina's forces before they could utilize the spell.

Though the requirements were less than optimal, but there was no other choice. In a desolate area of the battlefield, far from the main battle but close enough to alter the small force begin to cast "Nirvana". In a day's time some of the Regrest had taken notice of the spell and begin an assault, though small in number the warriors who were chosen were nothing if not elite. Encircling the mages, the, the warrior saw to decimate any who drew near. At the same time, some of the main army had gotten close to the altar, and were shocked to find that a barrier of unknown origin was preventing any form of attack.

Word of this got back to the leaders of the coalition, though they were unfazed. They had already deduced that Elphina's sheer disregard for their approach, had taken measure to assure she would not be disturbed. They merely told the army to continue to thin the hordes of Regrest from around the altar. Within days Nirvana would be complete, they only prayed that it be enough time.

Autumn,1104, The battle had reach a standstill, with neither side giving way, the main armies morale was fading. With a death cloud over their heads and no news from their leader's the main forces had begun to despair. In that moment a blue light had could be seen to the east. It was Nirvana, it had been complete. The leaders quickly sent word to their forces to withdraw. With their armies clear, Nirvana was activated. A blast of immense energy ripped through the heavens.

Once it had reach optimal height, it descended. It barreled toward the altar in which Elphina stood, with an earth shattering devastation, Nirvana hit its mark. It was a sight to behold, an azure light enveloped the area, clearing away the what remained of the “Regrest”. The leaders of the world along with the coalition, begin to cheer in victory, for nothing could survive such a massive explosion on energy. However once the smoke had cleared, all forms of cheer had cease. The altar, Elphina along with her followers, all remained untouched, not only did they fail to stop, it seemed as though the energy from “Nirvana”, was absorbed by red energy ball causing it to double in size.

The mistake they had made became increasingly obvious, the four women standing atop the begin to laugh, not a sinister laugh, no it was a very endearing laugh, such joyful laughter that one would believe it to be children at play. Such a warm and gentle laugh, did nothing but to fill those surrounding with a since of dread, with the extra energy from the world’s strongest spell, the energy ball rose into the sky. Blocking out the sun and bathing the world in a velvet curtain, in a last desperate act leaders of the world ordered their armies to attack, to end this madness, but what could they do. There was nothing left, if Nirvana could not wipe out the barrier, let alone Elphina, then nothing could. All they could do was watch on as Elphina ended them.

As the world lost all hope a mass of light descended from the sky. Like a meteor, it soared across the sky, a radiant blue light that cut that cut through the curtain of red. Everyone eyes were locked the object, even Elphina who had ignored the armies, looked up at the dazzling azure object. The meteor headed straight for the Altar, but none expected much, if Nirvana who mana output was hundreds of times stronger than this, what chance could have. To everyone surprise the hurled itself into the barrier, and shattered it as if it was glass, but as it shattered, the light around the object vanished revealing not a comet but something else. Even with the impact with the barrier, the object did not stop. Not believing what had just transpired, Elphina was slow to react and met the object head first, knocking from her perch and rendered her unconscious. With one pillar of energy gone, the flow of energy that once flowed in now seeped out. The three followers could not support the energy alone, having nothing to contain it, the energy disperse and the sky slowly returned to its former self.

The area became dead silent; no one was sure of what to make of the situation. Suddenly, a new form replaced the meteor, a man of unknown origin, rose from the smoke. Everyone wonder, who this man was, then one word was muttered ever so lightly “Hero”. No knew who uttered it first, but with came a thunderous cheer, whether that statement was true or not did not matter, he had single handedly done what the world could not do united. With the barrier now gone, Elphina was defenseless, the leaders would not miss this opportunity, with renewed vigor, the coalition charge the altar.

Victory was assured, they just needed to fight alongside this man, Elphina would not stand a chance. However, as they were mere moments away from reaching the altar, a rage infused scream could be heard atop the altar. Elphina, with her plans lost, went into a maddening rage, and with almost no effort plunge her hand through the back and out the chest of the man, ripping his heart from his body and crushing all in one motion. Instantly, the life from his eyes vanished, like a marionette, the body dangled from the arm that pierce it, as the blood cascaded to the ground.

The army, could not believe what they had just witness, altogether went into a murderous rage. Their eyes blood red with anger, stormed towards the altar, this was no longer a fight to save the world, but now a manhunt, they wanted only to spill blood one who took away their savior. Several feet away, yet another scream was let out from Elphina, a sorrowful scream, of horrified disbelief, as if she had made a terrible mistake. However, that did not matter to the coalition, their blood lust was too great for them to even take notice. Right when the armies were in attacking distance, a burst of light blinded them for only a moment, it was in that moment that Elphina, her three followers, even the corpse of the Hero all vanished without a trace. Elphina, her followers, as well as the Hero body all vanished.

With each leader, reclaiming their respective relics, they immediately set for home, where they would begin a massive manhunt, but Elphina would never show her face again. To add to the grief of the loss of the Hero, with no body, the world could not even hold a proper memorial. The world which to show their thanks, with his name unknown, those who witness his decent that day bestowed him the title “Azure Comet” and to this day is he is honored, the man who gave his life to stop a mad woman, in her senseless plan. Those he will remain a mystery, his deed that day will always never be forgotten, in the worlds darkest hour, they were gifted with a Hero.