Hero Stories: Diverging Faiths

I'm back!

Mhmm.

Phew... I'm exhausted. I haven't done so much running around in a long time.

How are things out there?

...

What?

...Nothing.

The village is in chaos, of course. They were attacked in the middle of the night, how could they not be?

Looking at the aftermath of the fighting, it's clear they were attacked by a joint force of Humans and Suin.

...I should have known.

They must have seen it as an easy target because it's the farthest from the forest and has weak defenses.

Entire sections of the village have been razed to the ground and much of the soil has been ruined, but honestly it could have been a lot worse.

How could it possibly be any worse?

Fortunately, there are quite a few survivors. They were hiding in a safe place nearby.

Are you saying they knew the attack was coming and evacuated beforehand?

They told me that a group of Wicked came and guided them to safety.

Something about coming to save them thanks to a revelation from Aheldad.

I see. They did it again...

I'm sure they wouldn't keep helping us if they had nothing to gain from it, but I can't help but feel grateful regardless.

But, Suthan...

Yes?

Why did you come back alone? Didn't you go with Amid?

Oh, she said she had something to do and left before me.

*sighing*

So in other words, she took off again? Urgh, this girl...

You should get some rest. I'll go out and find her.

Good luck!

Amid...

Aria! What are you doing here?

What am I doing here? Are you serious?

Ah... You came looking for me again...?

Why are you always so careless?

No matter how well you know the forest paths, this is no time to go walking off on your own.

Danger hides behind every tree.

Aha! Is this it?!

Huh?

This herb. I've been looking for it for so long.

I came across someone injured, and I couldn't just leave them be, so I was going to help them out before going home.

...

...I'm not totally sure this is the herb I want, though. I've found a few other similar looking ones too.

If I'm not careful, I could end up making them even worse. I was worried, but you showed up just in time!

...You're so shameless.

Since you're here, you may as well help me out! Come on, the sooner this is finished, the sooner you can drag me back home.

*sighing* Fine. Show me the herbs you found.

Okay! They're just over here...

All right, if I just apply some of this...on your injury...

Urk...

Please bear with it. It will get better soon.

The forest can be very dangerous after dark. You have to get out of here as soon as the pain dies down.

...Thank you.

Go straight that way, then turn right once you come across a really big tree and you'll be out in no time.

Thank you so much. Truly.

Anyone else would have done the same. All right then...

Let's go.

A-Aria! Wait!

Don't leave yet! Take this. I want to repay you...

...Oh?

...

I don't have much to offer, but please accept this token...

Oh my! What a pretty piece of jewelry! Thank you, but I don't need any reward.

Please. I could never forgive myself if I didn't give you at least something.

But...

All right, if you insist. I will treasure it.

...Tsk.

A Human?!

...

You really are too kind-hearted for your own good...

Human, Shadow Elf, cat, dog... All living things deserve help when they are hurt.

There is no greater joy one can experience than saving the life of another.

Look, that Human gave me this as a thank you.

Who cares? It's just some worn-out piece of jewelry.

That's not the point. You'll understand what I mean if you ever save a life too.

But a Human?! Are you out of your mind?

Humans and Suin are killing our people! The days when our races could be friends have long passed.

You just saved an enemy soldier.

How do you think other Shadow Elves would react if they heard about this?

That Human was only some unfortunate traveler, not a soldier.

*sighing* There's really no getting through to you.

...

You two are back late.

Father was looking for you, Amid. He's waiting in his office.

Me? What for?... All right, I'll make my way there.

Did you two get in another fight?

...

What was it this time?

Same as usual. I was helping her with something stupid.

Aha, more of her private volunteer work?

She's too carefree...

One of these days, she's going to get hurt.

It's not like you can fault her for it. She's doing it purely out of the goodness of her heart.

So, I should let her run around aimlessly while the situation we're in continues to get more and more dangerous?

Well, no...

But it's not as if she would sit at home quietly even if I told her to. *sighing*

But...don't you think you stay inside a little too much?

What are you trying to say?

Well, you know...

One sister is always running around all over the place, while the other refuses to even leave the house. I'm worried about your health.

To be born from the same parents, yet be complete opposites. Is that why I'm stuck somewhere in the middle? I like going out as much as I like staying home.

...

Err... Haha, that's right. Did you tell father about what we talked about?

...

You didn't? Are you ever going to?

...

Oh, come on! You know I was just kidding! There's no need to glare at me like that...

...I'm not going to tell him.

Telling him won't change anything. You and I can take care of it ourselves.

Hmm... Okay.

I know Father said he would leave early today, but I didn't expect him to be gone since dawn.

He went to inspect the new settlement, so I suppose it's best for all of us if he gets there quickly.

But was there really any need for him to leave so early?

Was he hoping to avoid encountering any Humans or Suin by going in the early morning?

At least he didn't forget to leave a letter behind. Let's see...

Aria, forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. Do not fret, I simply thought it prudent to hurry as I have a long way to travel.

I left you this letter because there are things I need you to do while I am away.

Not so long ago, I decided to accept Amid's suggestion. I think it would benefit the Half-Elves as well.

However, they have lived all this time in Natalon alongside the Shadow Elves, so I expect it will not be easy for them.

That is why I intend to prepare protection and resources for them ahead of time so that they may settle down on their own.

Someplace they can use temporarily until they establish their own settlements and adapt to their new lives. I need you to find a suitable location.

...

The remaining areas where the Half-Elves do not settle will be given to serve as residences for the nomadic peoples.

Construction started recently on shelters, but I was unable to check on the progress before leaving, so please do so in my place.

It is imperative that they can be used freely by any race.

Amid has been accompanying me while you were busy, so she can show you the way.

Aria. My daughter. My heir. I believe in you with all my heart and I know you will make me proud.

I will be home soon.

...Ha.

He made sure I wouldn't be able to refuse... Of all the things to ask of me...

I will never understand those two...

I knew Father would come around eventually!

...

You heard too, right? I was fretting over it for days before asking him.

Of course, the Half-Elves will come with us when we leave, but I'm sure some of them will be a little scared about settling elsewhere.

It's dangerous here, but for halflings like them, living among full-blooded Shadow Elves may have been even more uncomfortable.

...

That's right! Do you remember how Father wanted to see me when I came back with you before? He asked me about the Half-Elves then...

...Oh?

...Suthan.

Aria. Amid.

What are you doing here?

Umm... Well...

The weather is so nice today...I thought it would be nice to go on a walk and take a little break.

What a cushy life you have. You're fooling around now because you finished all your work...right?

Well, I didn't finish everything...

...Why not?

*chuckling* I can just finish it tomorrow, can't I? It's not exactly urgent. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and enjoy nature.

But where are you two off to? Not having fun without me, are you?

We're on our way to check on something.

Oh? What is it? Let me go with!

I don't even have the time to scold you. We have to get going.

Well...at least she's being kept busy.

There's always so much to do when helping out Father. Come on, let's go.

Father decided that, did he...?

Yup. All I did was tell him we need to be considerate of the Half-Elves.

The last thing I was expecting was for him to pass on the entire village to any of those who wish to stay.

Oh, so that's why he wants to beef up the defenses and stockpiles while making the space suitable for the others?

Recycling an abandoned village... It's a good idea.

Right? Father is always so smart.

...Do you really think that's a good idea?

Hmm?

Think carefully. Are we in any position to be helping out others?

But Sister, I think Father really thought this...

Have you forgotten why we're leaving this forest in the first place?

We are leaving our home, the only place we have ever known, because we can no longer fend off external intrusions.

But even in a situation like that, must we worry about others? Sometimes, kindness is a luxury one cannot afford.

If we're leaving anyway, we may as well make sure everything will be okay for those who stay behind.

I'm not saying we must do more than we are capable of, only that we do the best we can. It's the thought that counts.

The point isn't to be kind or to expect thanks. I just...want to do what I can for them.

"Them"...? You mean those people with the blood of our enemies coursing through them...?

"Blood of our enemies"? Seriously?

They share our blood, yes. But they also share the blood of Humans, or even Suin.

They can never be perfect allies to us. How can we guarantee they will never betray us?

...

...We can't.

Amid, you...

Hey! Calm down, you two!

The weather is wonderful, and there's a lot to do. Arguing on a day like today will only give you wrinkles.

...

...

If you don't trust them not to betray us, why not cut them a deal?

What kind of deal?

Something like "we'll help you settle here if you promise to protect us while we go north to board the ship."

It can be their way of paying us back.

...

Oh, but what was that thing you mentioned earlier? They're building shelters for nomads too, and you're on your way to inspect them?

What about it?

Are they supposed to be free for any race to use? Meaning not just Shadow Elves, but even Humans and Suin too?

In exchange, do you think they'll let us rent out their prairie so that we can laze around for a while? I mean, we will have to go home too, so ask them not to hit us and maybe we can broker some peace while we're at it.

That would be nice. The prairie where the Suin live is so beautiful.

As if that will ever happen. Be realistic.

...

Right, it's ridiculous...

If it was that easy, peace would have been achieved long ago. Enough wasting time spouting nonsense, we need to hurry.

...

I was just trying to make a joke to lighten the mood...

*facepalm* Did she think I was being serious? Does big sis not have a speck of humor left in her anymore?

She doesn't have the free time to relax like that.

Still, there's a limit...

I'm sure she knows you were just trying to lighten the mood.

You know better than anyone, despite her cold exterior, on the inside she's more caring than anyone.

Can't she just be nice and kind on the outside too, like you are?

*giggling* Her inability to share her true feelings is part of her charm.

What are you two whispering about back there? Come on!

Coming!

A-Ah! Yes!

They've made a lot of progress since I was last here.

This place is a lot nicer than I was expecting. Very roomy. Hmm...

Huh... This area is blocked off with tree trunks. Did they use the trees that were here already to create a defensive wall?

Looks like it. Just like back in our village.

Oh, and look at this! I think it's meant to be a bowl, but it looks kind of weird. Like something the Suin would use.

Maybe...? The Suin have a lot of differently shaped faces, after all.

Since this place is meant to be open to all races, it needs to be full of items everyone can use.

Now that I think about it, a long time ago, when I went to Theranhad with Ran and Zahhak...

I looked around a few Human villages, and it was so interesting how different they are to ours. They use lots of strange tools, too.

Really? Do they use those tools to make up for their general incompetence?

Maybe that's part of it, but isn't it also quite smart? I'm sure we could make good use of a few of them ourselves.

I should tell Father about them and ask about getting some put in here.

Good idea. Although, this place is only meant as a temporary settlement so who knows if they will really be necessary...

Amid, tell Father that everything is proceeding smoothly.

Hmm? Oh, right!

We've seen enough. We're leaving now.

...

But shouldn't we walk around and think of some helpful ideas we can share later...?

It's already dark.

Our village is always dark, regardless of the time of day.

*giggling* You have a point.

It's late, you should go now. I'll go to Father's room....

Aria! Aaariaaa!

What are you making such a commotion for?

I-It's your father... He...

He... He's... Oh, goodness... *sobbing*

It couldn't be...

F-Father... *sobbing*

...

I can't believe this. This is not how he should have met his end... Why... It's so sudden...

...I will never forgive them.

Suthan...

Never! Humans... Suin... I'll kill them all!

No matter how bad things got, Father only ever tried to help them, and this is how they repay him?!

Suthan, we can't just blame them without solid evidence...

Even now, you keep making excuses for our enemies?! Or are you calling our uncle a liar?

They killed our father, Amid!

...

I never liked them from the start. They're always fighting amongst themselves, and it made so little sense why they would decide to attack us now too.

Yet Father kept trying his best, so I kept quiet. I tried as hard as I could to understand them!

Even though they made our lives difficult at every chance they got, I never imagined that they would go this far!

These ingrates have no decency, it's pointless to show them any mercy. Why should we help them?

Calm down, Suthan. I didn't mean it like that...

I will not turn a blind eye to this horror either. Nor do I want to trust all Humans and Suin without question.

It's just... We can't rely on our uncle's testimony alone.

...

I know that an attack on Father would be an attack against all Shadow Elves.

And that those most likely responsible are the Humans and Suin. But...

We have no proof other than our uncle's testimony. Can we really rely on that alone?

I want to know the full truth.

...

FWIP!

...Aria...

Will you look after Suthan?

Where are you going?

I need some fresh air. I won't be going far.

We can't just stand by and do nothing!

...

Didn't I tell you all this would happen eventually?!

This is what comes from associating with Humans and Suin! This is how those vile creatures repay us for all we've given them!

My dear brother endured so much...

No matter how much they betrayed and persecuted us, he refused to waver from his mission.

But... This path has only led us to more danger, and now we've lost our leader at their hands.

What else is this but total ruin?!

Uncle...

Aria?

We've reached this point because we have nobody to rely on but ourselves.

Noias cared little about our desire to save Natalon and has scorned us ever since we left Erasia.

Silvana smiled upon us for a time after we arrived here, but now the Spirits slumber after using up all of their power, and we are once again without protection.

We have been abandoned by the Spirit Lords!

How could you say something like that?

I agree with Noah! Our lives have steadily gotten worse ever since Silvana disappeared.

By helping others, we lost everything.

But if we go home, do you think they will welcome us back with open arms?

You have to realize the crisis we are in, Aria!

It is not purely out of luck that we have survived this long.

But because a new protector has extended a hand to us. You know that as well as I do.

I know the Wicked have helped us a lot, but...

What are you saying? Did you not listen to what they said?

The Wicked are not helping us of their own accord, but per the will of Aheldad.

Aheldad has tasked the Wicked with protecting us. How can you still be so ignorant?

He is displeased with how long we have kept him waiting, otherwise he would never have allowed this to happen to your father.

If we hold out any longer, we may miss out on our chance at salvation!

What are you...

We must repay Aheldad for his kindness and apologize, before he gets any angrier.

Are you suggesting we join forces with the Wicked? How could you entertain such an idea...

Have you still not gotten it into that thick skull of yours?! Our only hope at salvation is in Aheldad's hands!

If we are to receive his protection, we must join forces with them! Or would you rather we all die!?

...

You are all out of your minds.

You gathered everyone here just to share this nonsense?

Rather than mourn the death of your leader, you are busy arguing over treachery and protection... Does that make any sense to you?

Ran, there are a lot of people here...

Hmph... Of course, I have no say in these matters as a half-breed. How frustrating.

I understand how desperate you all must feel.

But right now, we must focus on how to deal with my father's passing.

Also, leaving the position of leader vacant for too long may make us more vulnerable to our enemies.

Uncle Noah, we have to focus on doing what we can for now. We can think of joining with the Wicked later.

...

Aria.

Uncle Noah, you're back?

Yes, I returned a short while ago.

You keep fighting so far from the village. It must be hard for you.

I came here to tell you something.

Oh? What's that?

A sacrifice to Aheldad has been decided upon.

...Excuse me? A sacrifice?

Remember what I said at the meeting. We must repay Aheldad's kindness.

The only way for us to do that is to offer a sacrifice.

Yes, but we agreed to deal with that later...

There is no more time to delay. If we keep putting this off, we will only suffer.

...

What is this sacrifice?

Amid must be given.

...!

The ritual must be held in the land of the Wicked. They will help with it, so there is no need to worry...

You want to sacrifice my sister?! Is this some kind of sick joke?!

I am being entirely serious.

You're out of your mind!

Sacrifice Amid!? She's family! She's your niece! How could you be so heartless!?

This decision was not reached lightly, but it must be done for the sake of our people. This is the only way to achieve peace!

As our future leader, are you willing to have us all suffer for the sake of one simply because she is your sister?

Did you not think to consult me, the "future leader"when making this decision?

The elders have already come to a unanimous agreement. Your opposition would be overruled.

W-What...?

Tell her, Zahhak. Tell her how the elders feel.

Those who participated in the fighting refused to even let it be discussed and agreed with Noah immediately.

I discussed it individually with the elders here as well. There were no objections.

Tell me, child...

Do you think it is right to throw away our people's future to save one life?

...

Sometimes, it is necessary to sacrifice one for the sake of many.

H-How could you...!?

Do you understand now? This is not something you can overturn on your own.

But... But what if there's another way?! One that doesn't require a sacrifice!

There isn't. There is no hope for this land.

What are you saying?

So naive... Do you really not understand?

We are being forced into ever-smaller territory as we are pushed deeper and deeper into the forest. Our land is being stripped from us and our resources are depleting fast.

Our people are starving, Aria. I'm sure even you can work out how that will end.

...

My brother knew we were at our limit, and that's why he was so eager to leave. But he held on to the foolish hope that Noias would change their mind.

Noias has turned their back on us. They will not save us.

Aheldad, however, has promised us a new home if we follow him.

And this way... We can get vengeance for what they did to your father.

Vengeance...

So that was your goal all along... To wage war against Humans and Suin.

It is either that, or doom for our people.

We cannot survive on our own. We need to hold this ritual to gain Aheldad's power.

But why Amid? Surely there are other sacrifices...

It must be her.

She is all Aheldad has asked for. Blessed as she once was by Noias.

How could...

Do you understand now? Do you recognize the choice you must make for your people, as their leader?

...Give me some time. This is all too sudden, I've had no chance to think.

...Fine. But I will not wait for long.

Zahhak, inform Aria of the ritual procedures. We must make plans for moving south, there is no time to delay.

Of course.

*creaking*

*sighing*

Aria...

Must you do this right now? Leave me alone, for today at least.

This isn't about the ritual. I wanted to tell you something else...

Which is?

...

The...truth about Noah.

Traitor!

You covet power so badly that you murdered your leader and brother with your own hands! You make me sick!

Kill him!

I-I am no traitor!

I did this for the sake of our people! This is the only way for us to live on!

You understand me, don't you, Zahhak? Nobody understands what I envision better than you do!

Tell them! Tell them now!

...

...Carry out the execution.

...!

Zahhak! How could you!? You... You thankless half-breed!

Do it.

Yes, sir.

Zaaahhaaak!

It is done.

...

A proclamation must be prepared to inform the public of the truth, however...I'm sure you're distressed. Though he was a traitor, he was still your blood relative.

Would you prefer if I made the announcement in your place?

I would.

Understood.

The sentence has been carried out. The traitor is no more.

But this alone will not bring an end to our suffering...

...

Yes, it is true that Noah was responsible for the betrayal and murder of our leader, Ledan.

But he did so out of fear of his people's demise.

Ledan wished to leave this place and return to Erasia. He still held faith in Noias, who has long since abandoned us.

How can anyone guarantee that Noias will embrace us again?

Returning to Noias? How could Ledan think of something so ridiculous...

So, when Ledan said he had found a new place for us, he meant he had found a way back to Erasia?

Unbelievable... What could he have wanted with a Spirit Lord who has forsaken us?

If we return to Noias, it is clear we will forfeit the protection of Aheldad.

It is under his protection alone that we have managed to endure this long. But if we turn away from that kindness...

...then we will forever suffer under the yoke of this calamity. I am certain none of you wish for such a fate.

...

Aheldad has promised through his Wicked that there will be a new home for us.

If we follow him, we will find prosperity, here in Natalon.

This is the only way to prevent the extinction of our race. Which is why...

We must still offer a sacrifice to Aheldad.

Come on, everyone! Pray!

We must offer our prayers to Aheldad so he does not abandon us as Noias did!

Only Aheldad can save us from ruin!

The sacrifice must be made immediately!

Do you see now? The rage and longing of the Shadow Elves cannot be held back any longer.

Zahhak... You used my uncle simply to gain power and influence for yourself.

How dare you insult my father and act as if you're the leader!?

What are you talking about? I merely informed them of the decision you and the elders had reached and why.

Surely you cannot be telling me that you still value the life of one family member over those of all of the people you lead, Aria?

Urgh...

We must begin preparations for the ritual. There is a long road ahead. You must hurry, Aria.

Stop. I cannot allow you to go any farther.

Get out of my way.

I cannot. I will not.

I refuse to allow you to proceed with this madness.

...

Think. Is that really the right thing for your people?

They are blinded by promises of a new home and prosperity. They aren't thinking straight.

Do you not see the contradiction in sacrificing one of your kin for the sake of all of your people?

...Stop pretending to be the voice of reason.

I know full well that the only reason you wish to stop me is because the sacrifice is Amid.

I should say the same to you. The only reason you're going along with this is because you have been swept up in the rhetoric.

Are you of all people trying to criticize me right now?

If you were thinking straight, you would never dream of sacrificing your own sister. Have you no respect for life?

What makes you any better than Noah?!

You've gone too far, Ran. Lower your sword.

Zahhak? How could you...

Noah acted foolishly and impulsively out of fear. This is different.

Many have testified that they are only alive today because of the help from the Wicked.

And Amid is the only offering suitable for the power of Aheldad.

"Offering"? Zahhak, how can you talk of Amid with such cold disregard?

Are you intending to betray her? And betray me?

...

I am the sole leader of the Shadow Elves of Natalon.

Nobody wishes death upon a member of their own family, but sometimes you are forced to take actions you would rather not for the sake of your people.

There is no other way, no matter how ardently we wish for there to be.

A half-breed like you would never understand the desperate desire to protect one's own people.

No. I understand it all too well.

As a Half-Elf, I know more than anyone the desire to have somewhere you belong, and the desperation of trying to keep that place safe.

But...this is wrong. You are being tricked.

...

Stop wasting our time.

You haven't changed. As ever, you are getting in my way, caught up in your trivial emotions.

Zahhak...

I understand how you feel, but there is no time for hesitation.

Disposing of you will be much quicker than wasting time trying to convince you.

Argh...! Ack!

You are no match for me alone, yet you hope to take on both of us? You have guts, I will give you that.

Take him away.

Yes, sir!

Let go of me!

SMACK! CRASH!

Ack!

You still have the strength to resist?

"Still"? I will never stop fighting you!

I will fight against your lunacy until the last of my breath is taken from me by force!

...Ignorant fool.

...

Ran, stop.

...!

A-Amid...

Stop fighting and go home.

How can you say that? Do you not know what they intend to do to you!?

I know everything, yes. They intend to sacrifice me to Aheldad.

Then, why...?

How can you accept it so willingly?

How can you expect me to let them do this to you?!

Forgive me, Ran.

No matter how strongly you oppose it, I will do as they ask of me.

...!

Let me go, Ran. I beg you.

...

Finally, he's settled down. Restrain him, anyway.

Right away, sir.

Even if you are willing to forfeit your life for the sake of your people...

...I cannot accept that. There is nothing I dread more than the thought of losing you.

I refuse to let you go like this. I won't give up on you, even if it kills me.

...

Beg as much as you like, it will not convince me. So don't waste your breath.

I will save you. Wait for me.

...Ran...

...

Amid...

Don't worry about me.

But...

I mean it. Do what must be done.

H-How can you...

I...met a seer.

...!

This is the right choice. This is the only path our people can take.

Please... don't throw everything away for my sake.

...

...I...understand...

...

You're here today too? But it's so late...

Suthan...

I get that you have a lot of work to do, but you still need to make some time for rest. It's bad for your health.

Ever since you were a kid you would get sick from staying indoors all the time.

I'm fine. You're here because you had something to report? Out with it.

Umm...

May I warm up a little first? It's freezing out there.

Maybe that's why you're acting even colder than usual, Sis.

Well, come tell me when you're ready. I'll be here.

...

Even if it was only to scold me, she used to at least react when I said things like that...

A lot of time has passed since the incident with Amid. It changed Aria a lot, and she hasn't changed back.

She's colder and less affectionate. Behind her eyes all I can see is...longing.

I can tell you're busy. It's nothing urgent, so I'll come back another time.

Just promise me you'll get some rest tonight, okay? Do it for your little brother's sake.

...*sighing*

Why am I suddenly so caught up in the past? I can't concentrate on my work...

I thought I'd managed to forget about it all, that I was focusing on my immediate reality. But I suppose not.

...

CLINK

Amid...

There is no greater joy one can experience than saving the life of another.

You don't know that feeling so you can't understand. Someday, when you save a life, you'll know what I mean.

I made the choice to save the lives of my people.

I prioritized the greater good over my personal feelings, and thanks to that, many people are still alive today.

It was the right choice to make. You told me the same, Amid...

Even if I could go back, I would still need to make the same choice. I have no regrets.

So please tell me...

...why can't I feel any joy at all?