Hero Stories: Two Wolves

Huh? Pavel! You were discharged?

...

So you'll be back with the Raiders soon! How do you feel?

Fine.

That's great! Did you eat the apple I gave you?

I don't care for apples.

Oh... I see.

See you.

...Does he know how to say more than five words at once? And he's picky too...

Hmm, still, he did save my life. I should try to clear this awkwardness between us. What should I give him next time? He said he doesn't like apples...

...

...

*howling*...

Ugh, of all people, it had to be him... Neither of us are saying anything. This is so awkward.

And why did the commander bring that wolf? It's so annoying...

Mmm... Uhhh, Pavel?

Yes?

Haha... Do you maybe know who I am...? I joined the Raiders around the same time as you.

I do.

Oh... Alright, great. Umm... I heard what you did in the last mission. I think it's amazing.

It was so brave of you to run to the post to get backup even with such severe injuries.

I only did what I had to.

It couldn't have been easy though. I even heard that the higher-ups were praising you and that noble purple lad.

You're so lucky. I wish they would notice me too, but I guess that's even less likely now with someone as talented as you around.

Is that so...

...

Of course it's raining. And on top of that, he's not saying anything, I'm bored, and that wolf is getting on my nerves...

Phew, today is definitely not my day.

*howling*...

Huh? What's wrong with it? Where is it going?

I don't know... Maybe we should follow it.

Huh? There's someone over there. And they look unarmed. What are they doing here...?

Who's out there?

Ah...

Huh, a girl? What's she doing out here in rain like this?

I've never seen clothes like that before. We should ask for some ID...

H-Help me.

Huh?

I'm lost. I haven't been here for long... I still don't know my way around very well.

I'm nobody weird or anything, I'm just an exchange student from another city. I swear.

...

Please, help me find my way back...

Hmm, what should we do? We still have some places left to patrol.

We can't just leave someone who's lost alone in a dangerous place like this. Let's help her out of here first.

...! Th-Thank you! I'm Cerise, an exchange student from Aakhen.

...Pavel.

Wait, hey... That's it? Don't you think we should give her a proper introduction? Nice to meet you. We're Perland Raiders, and I'm...

Wait, wait! Who are you? Stay away from her!

...What the...

Who...?

She's mine. Now, get lost, unless you wanna die here.

...Is that true?

Of course not!

So they're stalkers...

What?! Who do you take us for?! We're not just some random thugs!

We're the notorious Bloody Daggers. I'm sure you've heard the name. And you kids just set foot in our district.

*chuckling* ...Pay up if you wish to pass. I'll be generous and accept that fancy jewelry of hers instead of cash.

...So you are thugs.

Oh yeah, I think I've heard of these guys. Bloody Daggers... Aren't they the group of lowlifes we took care of some time ago?

You're right. I thought they looked familiar.

Gangsters...and lowlifes?!

You little...! I'll make you regret that!

You guys have got a death wish!

...Cerise, was it?

Huh? Oh... Yes.

Step back, it's dangerous.

Wah...!

I should have known! You're all bark and no bite!

Th-They're stronger than I thought...! At the rate this is going, the only things we'll get out of these guys are lost limbs!

Hmph... Let's retreat for now!

H-Hey, wait for me!

Where do you think you're going?

...Wait. Stop.

Huh? You want me to just let them get away?

It's getting dark, and it's pouring rain. We need to get her back to the village.

...I guess you're right. Let's get going, Miss.

Okay... But are you two alright?

Of course, we're fine. Let's head back before it gets too dark.

The rain stopped.

That's a relief. Alright, Miss Cerise. You see that village over there? Just keep going straight, and you'll get there no problem.

Thank you so much for your help. I would have been in big trouble if it weren't for you two.

I'd like to make it up to you, if you have some time.

Oh, then I'll gladly...

...We're good.

Huh? But...

Dude, what's wrong with you? She wants to thank us. Don't you think it's a little too rude to say no to that?

We were only doing what we had to. Come on, we should continue patrolling.

Huh? H-Hey... Wait for me! Well, then. Get home safe, Miss!

...Thanks.

Hey, that was the perfect chance to finally have a nice meal. Why did you say no?

Because we didn't save her so we could be rewarded.

I know that, but it would have been great all the same! We could have had a nice dinner, made a new friend...

...Wait, I think I know why you rejected her. You get embarrassed in front of girls, don't you?

No.

Are you sure?

I'm certain.

Hmmmmm, really?

...

Heh, he didn't seem like the type. How surprising.

What is it today...? There's no time for us to rest lately.

...Huh?! Pavel! You're Pavel, right?

...Oh.

Well, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. You have no idea how flustered I was when you left like that.

Are you going out to patrol?

Yes.

When will you be finished? Really, I'd love to make it up to you if...

It's fine. I'm on duty now, so take care.

Huh...?! Hey, wait...!

...And he's gone, again. *sighing* ...He must be avoiding me.

If Pavel's report is accurate, then we must make it our priority to wipe out the remnants of the Bloody Daggers.

And I believe it's only reasonable that those formerly assigned to this mission see it through to the end. So I'll leave it to you.

...You want me to go? With this guy?

...

Yes. As the first reporter, he will have a stronger grasp on the situation than the others. And since you took part in the mission, I assume you're familiar with the details as well.

Mmm... You're not wrong, I suppose. Alright then. I'll do as you say.

We'll be back, then.

Wow, you truly are observant. How did you find the remnants of the Bloody Daggers anyway?

I just got lucky.

Well, they say luck is its own kind of talent.

Anyway, I'm honored to work alongside the Raiders' most talented member and the man who saved my life!

...Just keep walking.

It doesn't seem to be this way... Did you find anything?

Not yet...

Hey... What about that wolf? Is it really searching? Did it find anything?

*sniffing*...

Doesn't seem like it.

Hmmm... Just where could they be hiding? These guys must be pretty clever if a genius like myself is struggling to find them!

Mmm...

*sighing* I should be at the tea party in the square right now, you know. Enjoying a lovely conversation with some beautiful ladies...

...

Hmm? Have I piqued your interest? Well, I heard there would be quite a few noble ladies this time.

Would you like to come with me? I'll find you the perfect lady...

Bark at him.

*barking*

H-Huh? W-What's wrong with this wolf!? Arghhh, go away! Shoo! I'm not food!

...Good boy.

...

*panting* ...That nearly gave me a heart attack. Why did he start barking at me all of a sudden?

Who knows.

Phew... But, you know, that wolf seems to be listening to what you say. How did you do that?

I'm just used to dealing with animals. You seemed pretty scared of him, though.

W-What are you talking about...? Nothing scares me. I-I was just worried that it hasn't been trained and might attack... Ahem...

So you're a wimp...

Huh? Did you say something?

Nothing.

What is it? Does my being a noble bother you?

Not at all.

Mmm... Is that so? Then just treat me like a friend. We did join the Raiders around the same time, after all.

Um... Why did you join the Raiders?

Me? Hmm... How do I put this? To fulfill my duty as a noble?

I've never seen a noble who jumps into this kind of grim work so willingly.

Well, yes, that's usually not the case, but...I think serving one's country in order to maintain peace is a part of our duty.

Of course, it's not a responsibility that should be left solely to nobles. But that doesn't mean it's not something we need to do, either.

Then what about you? Why did you join?

I'd planned to since I was a kid. I wanted to swear my loyalty to the city that took us in.

Wow, that's amazing. But what do you mean when you say Perland took you in?

My parents and I were nomads. We worked as guides wherever we happened to be.

But we were often chased by wild animals and thieves. That day, too...we were being chased by thieves.

But then the Perland Guards saved us and helped us settle down in the city.

...I didn't think there would be such a heartbreaking story behind it.

But the closer I get to that dream, the more excluded I feel. I don't know if it's because I'm not from here or because of something else...

I'm still not used to being a part of a group, and it's better to be alone than to be ostracized anyway.

So that's why you never say hello to me! I thought you were some loner who had cast the world aside.

Well, rumor has it you're an arrogant noble and a womanizer...

...That's unfair. I'm just an outgoing person who happens to get along well with women.

I can see that. For someone who's supposedly a womanizer, you're...

Stop. I think I know what you're going to say, and it will be very hurtful. So please keep it to yourself.

In any case, I realize now that you're pretty different from what the rumors say. I guess you must have your own things going on too.

Oh really? So now you see me for who I truly am? Are we friends then?!

...I'll have to think about it.

Alright! Thanks for allowing me to be your friend! I look forward to working with you.

...And now I know you don't listen to a word others say.

Huh? This is... Pavel! Come see this.

It's tree bark.

Uh-huh. But not just any tree bark. Here, don't you recognize this pattern?

...! It's them.

And there are lots of footprints nearby...

Look like they dropped this while running for their dear lives. They even forgot to get rid of their tracks.

Haha! That wasn't too difficult! I knew someone up there was looking out for me!

I think they're probably just stupid...

...*sniffing* *howling*

Huh? What's happening, why is he going that way?

Seems like he found something. Come on, let's go.

Oh, cool! That wolf is working harder than I thought.

...So you're saying you lost her?

I'm so sorry, Captain...

You idiot...! She's just a girl! And we could have used those valuables she had to buy a place to stay!

B-But there were those guys with her...

Guys? What guys?

Well... All I remember is they were called Perland something...

...That's the Perland Raiders, you fool.

Huh?! Where did you, ack!

...! Wh-Who are you?!

Listen up, hoodlums! I, Violet Harrison, have come to put an end to your sin!

Keep it down, you're embarrassing me...

Wait, I think I recognize him... He's the grape-head!

Stop calling me grape-head!

And that seaweed-looking guy! He's the one who stopped me that day!

...

*chuckling* Seaweed, he says...

What's so funny, grape-head?

These arrogant fruits and vegetables... You won't be going back alive! I'll have my comrades' revenge today!

Kill them, now!

Dammit, there are more of them than I thought... I'm getting exhausted...

Die, seaweed!

...!

In your dreams!

Ahhhh...!

Oh, thanks...

Phew, that was close, my friend! So it was I who saved your life today, huh? Wow. I'm really something, aren't I?

...

Oh, there's no need to thank me. I owed you for last time, and I only did what any gentleman should do.

Now, let's interrogate the leader of...huh?! Where did he go?!

He already fled.

Ah... Well, this is annoying. We can't just walk in there, they might have more weird traps like last time.

I agree. It seems like we're done for the day, so let's go back and come up with a plan to capture them.

Hmm... Aren't we good together? I mean, we're seriously like the dream team! And it's only natural since we're the two most talented Raiders! Why don't we become partners?

We haven't really spent that much time together...

Let's head back then, partner!

Now that we've delivered our report, I guess we can finally get some rest.

Alrighty. I'll excuse myself then. No gentleman would keep beautiful ladies waiting on him!

...

What a unique guy. Or should I say interesting...?

...Well. Shall we head back too?

...

I don't know how I ended up taking care of you.

Ah, Pavel! How was work?

...Oh.

There was something I wanted to ask you, so I've been waiting for you...huh? A wolf? How adorable!

Adorable...?

Yes. He looks brave and full of energy. Hey, what's your name?

He...doesn't have one.

He doesn't have a name? How come?

I only recently started taking care of him...

I see... Do you mind if I name him then? I just came up with a great name, Ralph!

It's not bad, I guess...

Right? Okay. You're Ralph from now on. Do you like it, Ralph?

Woof! *panting*...

Aww, how sweet. Look how much he likes his new name.

Thanks for giving him a name. I'll excuse myself then...

Wait, I told you I was waiting for you. You're not going to be rude and just walk away, are you?

...What is it?

Okay, I'll be straightforward then. Are you avoiding me?

...

I knew it. Why? Did I do something wrong?

No.

Then why?

It's just...I'm not used to being around people, and it makes me uncomfortable.

Hmmm, I see. So that was it?

...

I just want to be friends with you because I owe you for what you did, and you seem to be around the same age as me.

Why don't you start getting used to people by making friends with me? Do you simply not like interacting with others?

No, that's not it.

Then you won't have to avoid me. And there will be no reason for you to reject my offer anymore.

Oh... Uhhh... Alright.

Would you give me the opportunity to return your favor? And let's be friends, how does that sound?

Yes, ma'am... I-I mean... Sure.

Dammit... Dammit!

I can't believe this! We're running away from grape-head and seaweed! There's only two of them, how did we end up like this?!

We were already wandering all over the place since the Bloody Daggers disbanded...!

Captain... What if they tell their boss about us? Then we're all...

Shut up! Don't you ever think about that! We can't fail here!

...

Umm... Captain. You know the girl we lost last time...? I heard she's an exchange student from Aakhen.

And rumor has it that the daughter of someone powerful in Aakhen has come to Perland...

So what you're saying is...she could be that daughter?

There's this guy who sneaked into Perland to get supplies, and apparently he says she attends a high-end school where only the children of noble families go.

And her clothes looked expensive too. What do you say, Captain? We have no future in Perland anymore anyway...

Hmmm... The child of someone powerful... If that's true...

We can use her as bait.

Hmm? Is that Pavel over there?

Pavel! Where are you going? Paaaavel!

...

That's weird, did he not hear me? Where could he be going in such a hurry?

Pavel seems to have been going out a lot recently... He's not trying to catch the remnants of the Bloody Daggers all by himself, is he?

I should follow him, just in case he gets into trouble!

Let's see, what time is it...?

Good. I'm not late.

Hmm, I don't recognize this route, so he's not going for the Bloody Daggers. And he's dressed pretty lightly, so he's probably not going out on a mission...

Wait, I think that path leads downtown. *gasping* Is he playing hooky?

...Hehe. Being the ace of the Raiders and wonderful partner that I am, I can't just turn a blind eye to this!

I didn't realize I invited company.

Ha...haha... Hello, my friend! So this is where I get caught, how embarrassing...

...

...I was just bored, so I decided to see where you were going. I saw you and said hi, but you didn't hear me. You looked like you were in a rush.

In my defense, as your partner, I was just too worried to sit still and watch. You've been going out a lot recently!

That big smile on your face tells me otherwise. You seem more excited than worried.

Oops, you got me there. Haha!

So, where are we headed? You're going to do something fun, right? Can I tag along? Please, please, please, I'm bored.

Ugh... Whatever. I guess it should be fine if I bring you with me.

Really?! Alright. What are we going to do? Let's hurry!

We were supposed to meet here... But where is she? It's already past the time we agreed on.

Who are we waiting for?

Cerise. This girl I met while I was on patrol...

I knew you'd come to see her, seaweed.

You...!

What are they doing here? Are they on the guest list?

*chuckling*... The girl you're looking for is with us. And I don't think she's the one you should be worried about right now. You two are about to die.

No way... Did you kidnap her?

What? A girl? Kidnapped?! You insane hooligans, how dare y...

Ha! You bet we did! We'd been trying to track her down for days, and then we learned she was supposed to meet you today.

She got lost and wandered around until eventually there was no one around. Haha, how stupid of her.

She surprised me with how hard she fought back, but you know, just aim for a vital point and the rest is easy.

You nasty bastards. Did you really need to go th...

Oh, we have some business involving her. It's very important, you see.

What're you trying to do with Cerise?!

It's none of your business. I won't let the likes of you two throw a wrench in the Bloody Daggers' grand plan!

You won't be returning alive this time!

What a persistent hooligan you are. I don't care to take part in unexpected battles, but I suppose we have no choice.

Same here. Let's get this over and done with for good.

Spit it out. Where is Cerise?

*chuckling* ...I can't tell...

If you don't open your mouth now, I'll make sure it stays shut forever.

W-W-Wait! Put that sword down! I'll tell you...!

Ugh... Our captain took her outside the West Defensive Wall.

Outside the West Defensive Wall? Are they going to Aakhen?!

Yes... They must be near the wall by now.

I don't know what exactly is going on, but it seems we're running out of time. Pavel, let's go straight to the...

Dammit...!

Ah, wait for me!

Arghh!

Where do you think you're go, ack!

Ugh, these weaklings... All they're doing is delaying us.

Move, you fools! We just have to pass this wall and we're there!

C-Coming! It's just that...we have too much stuff to carry, and this girl too...

Who told you to bring all of that and slow us down?!

A-Actually, you did... And most of this is yours too...

That's it. Stop right there!

...! How did they...?!

It looks like they've defeated the others, Captain!

Wow... I didn't want to believe it, but you truly did kidnap a lady! How could you do such a vile thing?!

Let her go now. I'm warning you.

I'm seriously getting tired of seeing your faces...but I can't blow this opportunity.

You're one to talk.

Get rid of them!

Pavel, behind you!

Argh!

Good timing.

I told you, we're the dream team!

Ugh... I'm getting sick of these guys...

Nng...

...!

Dammit, is she already waking up?! Things are about to get more complicated...

Why are you just standing there?! Go stop them!

Y-Yes, sir!

W-Wait, where are you going, Captain?!

Isn't it obvious? I'll have to steal her away while you're stopping them!

You're not running away, are you...?

O-Of course not! Just shut up and stop them already! I'll be waiting outside!

C-Captain! Wait!

But you can't just leave us here alone like this...! Captain! Captaaaain!

He's trying to escape!

Pavel! You should go after them while I deal with these guys!

Alright. Thank you!

It's over now. There's nowhere left to escape.

Ugh... Seriously...

I've taken care of all your subordinates too. Why don't you just save your breath and surrender peacefully?

This is your last chance. Release her now.

Otherwise, I'll make sure that none of you ever see freedom again.

...I thought you guys were two little weaklings after you walked right into our shoddy trap last time, but I guess I underestimated you.

Unfortunately, we can't give her to you. She's very important bait that we need to sacrifice for the sake of the Bloody Daggers. *chuckling*...

So you wanted to use Cerise to make a deal with Aakhen?

What? A deal with Aakhen?

Yes. We've got nothing to do with Perland anymore. Aakhen sounds like it's a good enough place to set up shop in.

And there's no better sacrifice than her.

You really think that's going to work? You're bigger fools than I thought.

You won't even be able to cross the border between Perland and Aakhen, let alone negotiate a deal.

This is our last opportunity to revive the Bloody Daggers! I'm not giving up!

Urghhhh! You brats! I'll kill you both!

*panting* ...How did they...?

Get so strong? I wonder that myself.

Let's end this already.

Ugh, this really has been going on far too long.

I didn't want to resort to this, but you've left me with no other choice...

Have you fools forgotten who I have here?! If you don't stop right now, I'll...

H-Huh? Where did she go?!

Are you looking for me?

What... Ack!

Phew... I never expected to wake up in the middle of such chaos.

Pavel, are you alright? And you there, are you okay?

...

...

So what exactly is your relationship with this scary woman...?

...We're just friends.

What's wrong? Are you hurt...?

No, I'm fine.

Do not fret. There's not a mark on either of us.

I'm more worried about you, my lady. I hope that in the midst of all this fighting you didn't get a scratch upon your beautiful...

...I understand that you're worried, but do you need to be holding her hands?

Ah, hahaha... I'm okay too. Thank you for saving me.

Pavel, you've already saved my life twice now. I can never thank you enough.

Well... I was only doing what needed to be done.

...Hmm?

Well, well, what's going on between you two?

...What now?

I'm sensing a little something here, Mr. I-don't-talk-to-anyone. Why are you speaking so softly, huh?

*sighing* ...It's nothing like that. Just hurry up and light a flare. There are a lot of people to arrest, and we're going to need backup.

Hmm...?

What a monumental day! We finally defeated all the remnants of the Bloody Daggers.

You're right. You did a great job.

Haha, you too.

Wonderful job, you two. Pavel and, umm...

Oh, please forgive me.

Allow me to formally introduce myself. I'm Violet Harrison, ace of the Perland Raiders and Pavel's best friend.

Since when...?

Nice to meet you. Cerise Klaut. I'm an exchange student from Aakhen.

From Aakhen? Might you be...?

Oh, I guess you heard the rumors. You're right. I'm the daughter of General Furious Klaut of Aakhen.

Oh... I see...

What's wrong?

Mmm, nothing. It's just surprising to hear the rumors were correct.

Anyway, thanks for walking me home.

Hahaha, no problem. It's our duty to save a beautiful young lady like yourself.

Huh.

And I'm sorry that things turned out this way... Please show me around Perland next time.

Sure, no problem. Take care.

Thanks.

...Pavel, so that woman...is the daughter of Aakhen's general?

Apparently.

I think we'd better keep our distance from her.

Why...?

Well, according to the nobles, the relationship between Perland and Aakhen is tense right now.

We might even see major conflict soon. If that is the case...

...Seriously? This is the first I'm hearing of this. I had no clue.

Just letting you know, just in case.

Alright, thanks. But let's try to take that with a grain of salt.

Mmm... Okay. I'll try.

I hope nothing happens...