The early afternoon breeze sent my bangs fluttering in the wind as I stared forward, breathing through my nose to calm my frazzled nerves. I stared at nothing, sitting upon a wooden bench in a deserted park on the border on the noble’s and commerce district in Xadria. Leaning back, I tried to lose myself in the fingers that entwined themselves in my frustratingly long tresses. Behind me, Kato wordlessly fixed up my hair with her weapon form. “Apologies for asking this, Kato. I just can’t ignore my hair like this anymore.” I kicked a rock out from under my foot as I moved it to the side.

“It is of no consequence, Milord.” Kato demurred in her stoic, a hint of tenderness in tone. Her finger gently tugged at my locks, asserting her grip before I felt it slack with a silent cut. “Though you are skilled with my knife form, I am still superior in its use.” Kato proved surprisingly affectionate in the aftermath of my request.

It had been a few minutes since my talk with Alba and Sora. After collecting Briar and Marishka, I had left the Luvian manor in fuming silence, refusing to pay my newest companion’s worried glances any mind. Though I regretted causing her pain with my anger, I knew that I was only one concerned question away from snapping at her, something that she didn’t deserve. In the midst of that, I had resolved to change as much as I could, starting with something simple.

Without turning my head, I looked over to the right to see Briar showering Marishka with pets and cuddles. She sat on the ground against a tree with the black wolf wrapped in her arms and on her lap. Light, rumbly groans emanated from Marishka as she relaxed into Briar’s grasp, enjoying the attention.

Arce and Sora had yet to return from their respective places, so it remained the four of us until they met us.

“How short would you like the cut, Milord?” Kato interrupted my silent musing. She had already cut the back and sides.

“Ideally, I’d prefer a crew cut, but I’m not sure a knife could cut it that close,” I answered idly, staring to the cloudless sky.

“Crew cut?” Kato said as if testing the phrase on her lips. “I am…not familiar with such a term.”

I snorted, lips curling into a small smile. “It’s nothing important. I prefer it shorter than what this world could provide. So make it too short of grabbing in a fight.”

“I would not allow such a thing to happen, but I shall make it so.” Kato protested such an occurrence before returning her attention to my hair, threading her fingers through my hair once more. The feel of her gently massaging my scalp caused me to close my eyes in contentment.

The sound of approaching footsteps prevented me from losing myself to Kato’s ministrations. “More and more, you surprise me with your actions, Joey.” Sora entered the park, amusement in her tone. “I dare say that you surprised Alba and me with your reaction to her impertinence.” I didn’t reply to her words, just reveling in Kato’s gentle attentions. She huffed at my silence. “Already taking advantage of your subordinate’s skills to relax, I see.” The crunch of grass under footsteps approaching me was the last thing I heard before a weight settled down next to me on the bench. “Joseph, in all seriousness, are you okay?”

Sora’s concern seemed a combination of forced, uncomfortable, and oddly genuine. I’ll admit, on a bad day, her semi-robotic question would rub me the wrong way, but Kato’s ministrations felt strangely calming, so I could answer without snapping at her. “I thought I was, then I saw Luke’s name and heard that he'd be here soon.” I shrugged without moving my head. “Meeting up with Kacee and Arce joining us has made it easier, though.”

Sora hummed, her arm brushing against mine. “Our journey is a difficult one, so more support can only help.” She sounded frustrated as she spoke, discontent filling her tone.

I let out a laugh, eyes opening to regard her in my periphery. “We can’t do everything on our own, Sora. A little help here and there can only make achieving our goals all the more satisfying.”

She frowned, lips curling down as she turned to face me. “I know, but I must guide you. My duty is to show you Verum.” She crossed her arms, leaning back on the bench. “I just feel as though others infringe upon it more than my liking.”

“I told you before, and I’ll tell you again, nothing and no one can replace you.” I declared with as much resolve as I could muster. She turned to meet my eyes; her expression blank. “You were there when I pulled myself from that damn grave. You guided me out of Nyrill. Without you, I’d have no idea where to go, aside from ‘away.’” I narrowed my eyes at Sora, baring my teeth in a grin. “I’m not letting you go. Not for a very long time. If at all.”

Red colored her cheeks as Sora’s lips curled upwards, looking away from me to look towards Briar and Marishka. The wolf Beastkin stared at the two of us; her expression inscrutable as her ears twitched. Her study seemed intense enough for her to stop petting Marishka. Sora’s smile turned amused as she met Briar’s gaze. “Tell me, Empath. What do you feel? Have you become accustomed to me, yet?”

The girl grimaced when Sora noticed her before her gaze fell flat. “How…how can you live with that much fury?” Concern filled her tone, but her expression betrayed her disbelief.

“A Witch’s conception is not a story for the faint of heart, little wolf.” Sora shook her head, then rested her chin on a fist, elbow sitting on her knee. “I’ve long since become accustomed to how I feel for this world. It will not change, not without a forceful revolution.” She waved her free hand to the side, a tired scoff escaping her. “I’ve no desire to take such drastic measures to rehabilitate a race I detest. So, I’ll watch as they destroy themselves in with their hubris and greed.”

Briar frowned, looking ready to argue before reluctant understanding crossed her features.

Sora’s smile widened at the girl. “Of course, someone like you, who experiences the emotions of those around you, would understand better than most.” She slowly shrugged, not moving from her seat next to me. “I do not need to beat a dead horse. The state of humanity is something easy to see, so I’ll leave it be.” She then straightened her posture, facing Briar inquisitively. “Tell me, what exactly can Twin Flags offer us?”

As the two of them spoke, I noticed a shadow flicker over us for an instant. I threw my gaze upwards just as Kato pulled her hands from my hair. The empty sky hid nothing from my enhanced sight as I caught sight of a winged, white horse soaring through the open air, heading in the direction of the guildhall. Clad in glistening alabaster armor, the Pegasus galloped through the air as if walking on land; sitting upon the saddle was an indistinguishable figure in armor with a polearm attached to the side of the seat. “The hell…?”

“If my estimation is right, that is a Pegasus.” Kato murmured, frowning as she too stared at the soaring figure. “Which is strange, considering they’re exclusively reared in Holien. Primarily partnered with warriors descended from Valkyries.”

I blinked at Kato’s words, my gaze turning from the potential Valkyrie descendant to face the spirit given physical form. “Valkyries? From Norse mythology?”

Her lips curled downwards, and her brow furrowed as confusion crossed her normally stoic features when she looked down at me. “‘Norse’? You speak of thinks I do not recognize. Stories from your world, perhaps?” She mused rhetorically before shaking her head. “Regardless, the original Valkyries were warriors of unmatched skill and devoted themselves to a lord they saw as worthy.” Kato turned her head to face the direction of the retreating figure, her short hair swaying in the gentle breeze, lips curling down to a pronounced frown. “Why a descendant is here, in Veritas, I do not know. But it must be something notable for one to leave their monastery.”

“Why is that?”

Kato shook her head. “Descendants stay in Holien because their lineage grants them incredible power and potential, but they must fulfill a certain oath before it can be achieved.”

I didn’t like how that sounded, frowning as I faced Kato. “An oath.”

“Hm.” She hummed, inclining her head. “An oath of service to a lord. Forever offering her loyalty to one who will forever hold her future in their hands.” Kato noticed my disbelief, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards before she smoothed her expression. “As powerful they are, their services are kept within the Imperial Lineage. Honor Guards comprised of the most talented and highly-trained warriors of legend have protected the Emperors and Empresses of Holien for as far as back as the Empire can trace their history.”

“That much power contained within a single nation?” I mused with a frown. “Sounds like a powder keg waiting to ignite.”

Approval danced in Kato’s dark gaze as her lips quirked upwards. “Holien is the religious center of power on Verum; they’ve shown no inclination towards conquest and have happily cooperated with the other nations.” She then inclined her head. “Besides, the occasional descendant has been allowed to join with notable people, whether or not they affiliated with national heads of state. Select noble houses can boast about having Valkyrie blood within their lines.”

That seems…strange for a head of state to allow, even to foster positive connections. If Kato’s words are valid, then Valkyrie descendants are international resources all on their own, and allowing other nations to gain their allegiance would be a mistake. Then realization filled me as my eyes widen. “It’s the training they receive, or something within Holien itself, that allows Valkyrie descendants to grow as much as they do.”

“That is the assumption.” Kato’s muted response belied the hint of pride in her tone. “Countless nations have tried to discover their methods, but all have failed.”

I nodded as I took in her words, meeting her gaze with pointed regard. “You seem oddly informed about this topic.”

Kato did not immediately respond, her gaze falling to the ground. Her stoicism betrayed none of her thoughts, though I did notice her eyes rising to meet mine. “As the spirit of the blade you wield, I am sworn to follow you. I am neither forced nor compelled, to do as you order. It is solely my choice.” Deceptively lethargic, Kato turned to face the direction of the distance flying figure. “Due to that, I will likely have to face threats that threaten your life and the very freedom you cherish. Threats that can be anything, anyone.”

“Like a Valkyrie.” A sense of anticipation filled me. A rising desire to test myself against a legend, to see if my potential could reach them. If I were to meet one, to face one, aside from Eir, in combat, how would I fare?

“Not well.” Kato seemingly guessed my thoughts from my expression, if the stern stare meant anything. “The idea of being ‘born for greatness’ is oft-debated among scholars and philosophers all across Verum. Whether it is derived from a ‘destiny’ or an ambition, it is of little consequence. Potential is a nebulous concept that cannot be measured.” My usually silent companion spoke sternly, caution filling her words. “For the common man, that is indeed the inalienable truth. For Valkyries? They are born for war. For battle.” She emphasized that with a weight that drew my attention solely to her.

“From birth, all Valkyries show an almost preternatural preference for the art of warfare. None are their peers in that realm, save for the very rare anomaly.” Kato laid a hand on the bench, leaning forward to loom over me essentially. “If we were to meet a Valkyrie out for blood, Milord, I beg you to flee.” I blinked at the rare intensity in her words, taken aback at her sudden shift in demeanor. “There are three people in all of Verum that can face a Valkyrie in single combat and come out victorious. Even among them, it is not due to an abundance of combat skills, but their ability to even the playing field.”

“Who are they?” I asked her — three people who can stand against people forged for battle from birth. I can avoid them, study them, or use them measuring sticks for my growth. Honestly, I toyed with the idea of trying to get a Valkyrie sworn into my service, but brushed the thought aside, since it’d only put me on a radar I wanted to avoid.

“Reinhardt of Veritas. Ellewyn of Melia. Penemue of Terras.”

Hearing my Regent’s name and that of Veritas’ greatest knight, I furrowed my brow and considered her answer. “What makes them that powerful?”

“Reinhardt of Veritas is a Knight of excellent skill. Even at his age, his skills and strength have not dulled. He traveled with the current King in their youth, seeing the entirety of Verum in the hopes of aiding his King to gain the worldliness to be a better ruler.” Kato pursed her lips and furrowed her brow. “We do not know the specifics, but Reinhardt’s Affinity allowed him to face an Adult Dragon in single combat in his youth and come out victorious with nothing more than a broken arm and a shattered sword.”

I had no idea what to think about that since I haven’t seen a dragon to compare the two. Aside from Jeanne, who I’m sure skews the scale, I don’t know any dragons. Still, to face a dragon in single combat and come out with only a broken arm has to be a feat worthy of respect.

“Great Sage Ellewyn is a Mystic of the highest caliber, wielding magic from all documented, and some undocumented, schools,” Kato explained clinically as if reciting a book passage from memory. “She is one of the chosen few who lived and fought, in the era of the Hero King and Demon Lord. She has seen rise and fall of civilization; though, she currently lives in seclusion on the outskirts of Melia, furthest from occupied settlements.” Kato nodded, “Fitting, considering rumors state that her powers allow her to rewrite the laws of reality to fit her whims. I recommend that we avoid her at all costs.”

The old hermit, then. She’s seen it all at once and likely wouldn’t be surprised by anything brought against her. If she were the mentor type, then people would probably travel across the globe itself for an opportunity to even meet her.

Still, that brought me to the last name, the one that Kato had to explain to me, merely standing there in silence. “What of Penemue?”

Kato didn’t respond immediately, her lips curling downwards and arms crossing. “Lady Penemue’s full capabilities are unknown to me, even compared to the previous two. However, I have reason to believe that does nothing to discredit the rumors of her strength.”

“How so?”

“She defeated three of our four Generals in single combat, consecutively.” Kato’s matter-of-fact statement made me blink as I considered her words. Indeed, I had yet to meet them or see them in action, but if the stories of their capabilities were correct, then…

“The same Generals that have the whole world terrified at their mere mention?”

Kato nodded. “Yes. She faced Eir in a battle of pure martial ability and won. Lady Penemue still carries her broken sword, a remnant of their final clash.” I did remember the broken blade she held when I met her in Nyrill. “She then challenged Jeanne’s mystical aptitude immediately afterward, snuffing every flame; desiccating every conjured ocean. Penemue matched and overcame all of Jeanne’s attempts to destroy her, before forcing Verum’s most powerful Dragon to kneel in defeat.”

Kato then shrugged, facing where Sora and Briar spoke beneath the shade of a tree in the park. “Compared to the first two battles, Mina could not muster much to challenge Penemue. The Vampire Lord summoned a horde large enough to drown most nations in bodies in bodies, but they were wiped out with but a wave from Penemue’s hand.”

“What of Kaede?” I asked her, trying to put all of this into place. As powerful as Penemue seemed to be, why was I here? What point would there be for what was mainly a group of nobodies that my class and I happened to be? If there were already people as powerful as Kato claim there to be on Verum, then why summon students to fight their wars for them?

“She recognized the futility of challenging someone as superior as Lady Penemue and forfeited her right of challenge.”

“Why have my class and I summoned then?” Kato faced me, her gaze intent, and searching. “In a world like Verum, with people and groups as potent and powerful as you say, why call upon a group as powerless and pointless as my class?” I couldn’t help the desperation that leaked out. Hearing all of that, putting the pieces together and coming to a conclusion made me feel…like it was all pointless. What could I, someone who can only master what he touches, do to change a world where there are already people who could reshape maps with a flick of a finger?

That feeling of insignificance chafed in ways worse than the idea of returning to that damn cage.

Kato didn’t reply, meeting my eyes stoically. The smallest, most minute, shift of her expression told me a myriad of potential answers I wasn’t sure I’d like, but I had to know.

“Verum, for as long as most know, has been chained by the concept of prophecy. Of predestination.” Kato began, her voice was soft as she turned her gaze upwards, towards the sky. “Though they are far and few between, giving the illusion of freedom to most, the few that are in place tell of events that are doomed to come to pass, regardless of, or perhaps in spite of, outside intervention.” She shook her head, bangs dancing with the movement. “There have been attempts to avert prophecy, but all have failed. Whether they lacked the resolve to follow through, or the prophecy expected such attempts, it mattered not. Predestination remained.”

Then her gaze honed in me, an unknown emotion dancing in her dark orbs. “Your class, however, is an anomaly. The summoning spell the DeVere Monarchy used normally could only summon one person.” My eyes widened at that, causing Kato to nod, lips curling upwards. “Yes. Something interfered. Something that Lady Penemue could not foresee. All of a sudden, instead of one guaranteed Hero King candidate, there stood thirteen. Thirteen opportunities to throw the prophecy into chaos. Thirteen chances to take the final prophecy and break it, before it could ever gain traction.”

I frowned as I studied her, taking in her words — breaking prophecy. The idea of self-fulfilling prophecies came to mind almost immediately. How much did they change only for events to forcefully line up to inevitably fulfill the prophecy’s real goal? How much could I do to change the world in a way to facilitate that ambition? What part of my history would make someone think I’m capable of sparking such a revolution in a world as vast as Verum?

“And you think I’m that chance?”

“All it took was a single choice,” Kato stated. She motioned towards me, holding her knife form out to me handle first. “We do not know who the one meant to become Demon Lord was, according to prophecy, but it was not you.” I took the knife from Kato and stood, facing her. “For someone who called himself ‘powerless and pointless,’ you helped to loosen the chains that prophecy holds on Verum. You willingly accepted the Mantle you now carry. You continually embrace the Power that flows through you.” She lifted a hand, hesitated with a flinch, but then reached forward to grasp the hand that held the knife. “The journey has only just begun.” Kato lifted my hand so that the blade pointed skyward. “It is an inevitability that you will gain power. A power that will affect Verum. Live how you wish to live.”

Kato squeezed my hand, her eyes meeting mine with a beseeching gaze. “You are still afraid, still hesitant about what stands before you. Strides have been made, yes, but true resolve takes time.” She hardened her stare, lips set into a straight line. “Until you can move forward without indecision, use me to strike down your foes. Until your fear no longer shackles you, let me bloody my hands in your stead. I am your blade, Milord. The unfeeling killer that will enact your will without hesitation.”

That same fury from before rose, sending icy chills down my spine. I couldn’t refute her words. I wanted to; I yearned to deny her statements, that I wasn’t afraid. I made my choice. I would walk this path, without looking back. Still, that cloying sensation on my ribs, the weight in my stomach; nausea that refused to abate filled me without cease.

What held me back? What stopped me from denying her accusations? What could I say that would-

Say.

Words. Words changed nothing. Just speaking has done nothing for me during my time on Verum. What caused things to change for me? What sparked change?

Action. Deeds. Combat. Catharsis. Compromise. Doing something instead of just talking about it.

This isn’t some Saturday morning cartoon where talking about your problems resolves them. No. I lived in the real world. Single moments of reflection wouldn’t address all of my fears, my hesitations. I needed to grow and evolve beyond the person I was. I needed to become something more; not change, but progress further and become more than the person I am at this moment.

“I refuse,” I whispered, but with no less strength. Kato flinched, eyes widening as hurt flashed across her stoic features. “I will not use you as a crutch. I will not force what I need to do upon you, Kato. My burdens? I will accept them, even as I accept help to shoulder them.” I offered her a smile, even as forced and shaky as it was. “I’m not there yet, but will you stand with me, until I become the Lord you deserve?”

Kato’s eyes widened even more, her stoicism practically shattering as shock pervaded her expression. Hand falling from mine, she dropped into a single knee, heading bowed and almost touching the ground. Surprise filled me as I looked around for errant pedestrians. “There is no need to question it, Milord. I will stand with you, at your side, in your shadow, whenever you wish it. Your goals are mine to defend; your ambitions, I will do my utmost to see them fulfilled. Your hopes, I will pursue to the very end of my life.” She turned her gaze upwards, her dark eyes filled with a red hue and lips pulled into a fierce smile. “This Knife is yours to wield, Milord, until the day I shatter.”

The emotion with which she spoke floored me, taking my breath away. I stared down at her, red clashing with red, as I stood above her. Disbelief warred with a primal satisfaction deep within my chest even as I lowered my hand, Knife resting loosely in my grip. When…did it get to this point? When did I deserve such devotion from someone I had known for such a short time? What did I do-

Our hands are hands that are meant to command that which must be practiced in others. […] Our skill is without match, without loss. […] Our […] is held aloft by that which our hands rest upon.

A pulse in the back of my skull caused my eyes to water, a knot to settle in my throat. Eyes watering, I blinked and stared down at Kato, meeting her red-hued dark eyes. No. No time, nor need, for indecision. I had a path I chose to walk; a path from which I will not be deterred. Too many people counted on me.

“Rise, Kato. I won’t have you kneel; not when I’m still just another guy.” I whispered to her, extending a hand. “I won’t ask for your loyalty. I won’t ask for fealty. I won’t ask for your life.” She furrowed her brow as she took my hand, and I pulled her to her feet. “All I ask is a chance. A chance to earn what you’re willing to give me.” As I said that, I couldn’t help but notice the red disappearing from her eyes as her expression fell into its usual stoicism. “Will you do that for me?”

Kato didn’t reply for a few moments, silently studying me. Then she nodded. “Call me when you need me, Milord.” She vanished from my sight.

I turned my attention to the weapon in my hand, adjusting my grip. It didn’t feel… Comfortable was the wrong word. Natural? No. I could wield it as if I’d done so my entire life, yet it always felt like the knife wielded me. All the weapons I’ve held felt like that.

They controlled me. Though, that didn’t feel wholly right. Control was the wrong word. Directed? Guided? Pushed? I don’t know. I didn’t feel like I wielded the weapon — a guiding hand that led my every swing; a whisper of a voice that directed my footwork. My Affinity, when I tapped into it, gave me these sensations.

My body? Does it count as a weapon? Am I even in control of that? How much of me if free?

“Joseph?” Briar’s concerned voice pulled me from my introspection. I turned to face her, sheathing Kato into the sheathe at my back. Her downcurved lips and widened eyes belied her attempts to hide her worry. “Are you…well?”

Did she read my emotions? I thought she has trouble doing so. “Maybe? I’ve got a lot to think about…” I frowned and looked down.

“Do you…want to talk about it?” She asked me.

I blinked as I met her gaze, unable to hold back the small smile, the upturn of my lips. “Not right now… Thank you.” I then looked passed her to see Sora, a perplexed expression on her face. “We have supplies, don’t we? Tomorrow’s expedition.”

The Witch nodded deliberately at my question with a searching stare. “Yes. Let’s…” She paused, brows furrowing as disbelief slowly left her, followed by a bemused acceptance. “Let’s go.”

Little did I know, I wouldn’t be away long.

I may not believe I’m a Hero, but…

I don’t think I’m a Villain, either.