“Where is justice when it is called for? Where are those that would protect the weak when they are threatened? Where are those that stand for the downtrodden? If our rulers believe us to be part of their society, part of their nation. Then should they not care for us? Should they not protect us? Why is it that when raiders come, it is us who suffer?”


    - Unknown Traxian Peasant Agitator, Disappeared, “Speech Before Spring Imperial Riots”


    <hr><hr>


    Hanabi had little inclination to let down her guard. Whatever was happening, the festivities being held by the city seemed far too premature. Martial law and a proper lockdown of the city’s districts were about to be implemented but had been stopped by the news that they had felled the demon. It was then, a mix of fortunate, misfortune, and altogether bad timing that had seen the supposed leaders of Arteria out in the field looking to win a public relations campaign.


    What they failed to notice is that despite the joy at having put down the demons and containing the aftermath of the mana bomb. Many of the soldiers with them had to grapple with the somber realisation of what had exactly happened. Of how many people died and how many more are suffering like the ones in front of the Arena. Worse still was that they intended there to be some ceremony of sorts to acknowledge the efforts of those who had fought so desperately.


    I can’t imagine that’d go down very well, Hanabi almost grinned at the thought.


    She had been through a whirlwind of experiences in the little time that she had gotten to know Aryana and her friends. Even more so after having signed up with Sophie and Mila as adventurers. There was always this sense of being able to see and do things that she never could before, and she got paid.


    Yet, nothing had unnerved her as much as seeing the empty look on Sophie’s face when they had killed the demon. It was almost like she didn’t even care. Though the hurt in her eyes was unmistakable when she had ended the life of her friend. Hanabi only remembered the name, Keely, and that it was someone whom Sophie had wanted to visit in the morning. Now, they were but one of the thousands fallen in the crisis that had gripped Arteria.


    She looked up. Evening hadn’t even set in yet. God, what a mess. It’s been less than twelve hours. Feels like a whole lifetime''s passed by today. Her expression dimmed as she reflected on what had happened. And for many, it really has.


    It had all disgusted her but she wasn’t surprised. Back when she had been with the church, they had some lessons on the foes they might face as Saints, prime amongst them the demonspawn. Pictures, drawings and grotesque descriptions of demonic biology and function had been dutifully recorded by church scribes through knowledge gathered by mercenaries.What she had seen resembled those that were in her lessons, though of course, even according to the inquisitors present, this specific one had mutated due to the mana in the air.


    Perhaps the only thing that had truly shaken her was where the demon attacked and the immediate aftermath. She hadn’t clocked onto what had happened at first, believing that most of the inhabitants had merely been slaughtered or consumed. That would have been a small mercy given the sights she had seen afterwards. The moment of revulsion when she noticed how one of the corrupted monsters had a swollen belly, and then even more so when she saw the pained faces that dotted the demon’s actual body. It was then that she understood why Mila seemed to harbor such a great hatred for such creatures.


    What irked Hanabi about everything was how quickly the city seemed to be acting in the aftermath. Teams of bluecloaked soldiers sealed off the arena and the streets surrounding it. The more regular redcloak troopers were only permitted to patrol the outer edges of the arena district. Worse, the survivors were already slated to be shunted off into yet another corner of the city until Captain Urden intervened. With the aid of Templar Commander Rosenfeld and one of Mila’s Inquisitor friends, they had strong-armed the Trinite Guard into moving the survivors to the Cathedral of the Stars instead, where they could receive proper care under the supervision of temple staff.


    It reminded her much of her world. Of a place where, despite the truth being known, when it comes to the people in power, corruption and secretive scandals are the way of the world. It unfortunately gave that much more credence to Sophie’s worry about a Braveskull company conspiracy. The exiled child returns to the fold with a ‘clean’ slate after the mana bomb at their former headquarters, conveniently wiping everything there out.


    It left a bitter taste in her mouth, doubtless even more so in Sophie and Mila’s. Though whatever plans they might have were interrupted by the arrival of Trinites under direct command from the city’s Chamber. There was to be an impromptu ‘ceremony’ for those who had fought in Arteria’s defense against all odds, and they were ordered to participate.


    At first she had seen her friends and their reluctance and disgust. But upon speaking with the adventurer called Arnold, Hanabi saw a defiant spark spring to life within Sophie’s eye. On her face was a look that called out for defiance, for rebellion. Despite not knowing Sophie’s plan, Hanabi was glad. At least someone would fight for the memory of the fallen.


    Hanabi herself had originally wanted to slink away, still uncertain about the idea of garnering attention after her days as a delinquent back in her old life. Even now, she had already split from the church and was working on her own. She found little desire in being acknowledged for this operation and even less in receiving or being congratulated in front of a crowd.


    But whether it was Mila’s insistence or Sophie’s mildly disappointed look. She eventually agreed to tag along, they were an adventuring party, after all. If anything, she consoled herself with the fact that whatever it was that Sophie planned, she would get a front row seat to see all of it. If anything, she could at least help the two should trouble arise.


    Trying to distract herself, Hanabi looked at her bruised knuckles and chuckled. She found that she quite enjoyed punching things. And though she agreed not to punch demonic creatures often for fear of corruption. She did it a bit more than necessary during their fight in the arena. She still felt mostly fine, and unlike the poor souls in the arena, she didn’t notice any unnatural twisting or mutating of her flesh.


    Taking her attention away from herself, she took a deep breath and grunted. The air wasn’t just sweet, it was almost flavorful, but unsettlingly so. She suspected it was partly due to the mana in the air becoming almost physical. If Mila was to be believed, the amount of concentrated mana required to create a detonation of the scale that Sophie had described about the sight was enough to keep the city’s mana reserves topped up for a month at least. Even with the demon absorbing a fair chunk of it, she could still somehow tell that the skies of Arteria would be mana charged for at least a few more days. The sticky, almost film-like sensation that often irritated her arms is a likely result of more mana dense areas in the streets.


    Arriving at the southern side of the Noscali gates, there was an air of awe from the civilians gathered around it that made her immensely uncomfortable. Panic had seized the city in the initial hour of the explosion, and when news of the demons reached Mila and her, the southern section had already been completely cut off in case the chaos spread.


    It was only when nobles or a few more important individuals reached the gates that a side channel was opened for them. That’s what she assumed based on the one noble who she watched enter the northern side that way. For according to one of the gate guards, until the church’s ad-hoc strike force had been assembled and rushed southward. The main gates themselves had remained closed after a senior officer ordered it to remain shut.


    When it finally opened before them once again. Hanabi couldn’t help but feel a little strange. For if they had failed to subdue the demon. The people trapped on this side of the wall were as good as fodder for the creature beyond those already in fortified buildings or Castle Clover. What made her feel even less grateful was how she could already see city officials standing on the walls and offering empty applause at the convoy of soldiers and adventurers slowly transitioning to the north.


    Those that had fled first or were able to, were the first to pretend that they truly appreciated the effort the soldiers spent fighting the monsters. The ones who had left the rest of the city to die.


    And so nothing ever changes. Hanabi mused to herself. Neither here, nor anywhere.


    A few hushed whispers were even directed at her. People speculated about who she was. A possible saintess or that she was perhaps a Tosakuran adventurer. Hearing that, she made a mental note to inquire more about this place. Only having ever heard of Tosakura in passing. A land where the Vermillion trading company is claimed to have hailed from. And considering their products reminded her of a lot of more traditional souvenirs and toys from home. She wondered if it would be possible to convince the others to go with her to this strange land.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Pleasant thoughts were little comfort however. For as the gates swung open to reveal the mass of people on the other side and a hastily erected stage of sorts. Hanabi felt her anxiety and unease quickly worming their way back into her mind. Shouldn’t have let them talk me into this.


    There were questions and shouts of joy, of jubilation and excitement as the gates fully swung open. For the beleaguered defenders, it marked an end to their struggle. While for the people of the city, it meant that they were safe once more.


    “People of Arteria! We are protected by the very finest that realm has to offer. And while I must insist that martial law remains in effect across the Southern and Port districts of Arteria. As we can see here, I am pleased to announce that we are safe. And that we have persevered, and come out stronger than before.”


    Someone spoke from atop a stage with a hastily erected podium. The somewhat portly man was well dressed and groomed. Clearly having decided that even a disaster in the city wouldn’t shake him from his routine.


    A round of cheers echoed after his declaration. The mood in the square was running high, which was in stark contrast to confusion and tension that had the city in its chokehold mere hours ago.  Now, especially with the gates reopened, it felt like a shadow had been lifted off of the land. People were slowly more free to wander the streets in safety once more.


    “To our tireless soldiers. Our guardians and protectors. We thank them for their service and for diving headfirst into danger for the sake of all of us. For that, we thank you. May we be blessed by the stars.” The speaker continued.


    His voice sounded familiar yet Hanabi clearly knew that she had never heard of him before.


    “While I understand that many of us would like to thank our brave warriors personally. I would instead invite you here, to collectively honor our heroes, together. To let them know that their deeds will not go unrecorded in our proud city''s history.”


    Hanabi looked over to her companions. Mila’s scowl had deepened and Sophie seemed more resolute than ever in whatever her plans were.


    The ceremony initially began without much In this respect, they were t. The speaker called up soldier after soldier, decorating them  with medals and praise. Adding to that cacophony of noise, the crowd beyond the Noscali gates were also actively cheering, rendering the ability to try to listen to whatever words that speaker was whispering to those who stepped onto the stage to receive their accolades.


    Hanabi kept scanning the crowds. Searching for either traces of hostility or the first signs of friendly faces after these past few hours. A people in adventurers garbs, she recognized as patrons of the guild in the few times that Sophie and Mila had taken her there. But for the most part, it was like wading headfirst into an ocean of strangers.


    For her, trying to visualize herself walking onto the platform, made her feel deeply anxious. But seeing the resolve that was in Sophie’s eyes, she figured that she’d at least do this for her comrade.


    “Let me offer my thanks too…”


    “Captain Felix Urden, Clover Legion. Sir.” The captain acknowledged the official, giving the man a snappy but weightless salute.


    “Let us thank Captain Urden of the Legion and of course, the legion as well, for their fine service in securing Arteria and halting the advance of what are reportedly creatures of the deadlands.” The speaker continued.


    Hearing the word ‘the deadlands’ seemed to have an effect on the crowd gathered around them. More hushed whispers and concerned voices questioned about the true  amount of order that had been resolved to the city. I remember the lessens. The land where demons reside after some magical disaster or something. If that thing we fought was from there, I wonder if the rest of them are worse.


    “It is thanks to heroics like his, that this city continues to stand. And  once more, we thank you for your service to the greater good. And hope that you will continue to aid us in battles yet to come.


    A far more muted cheer answered this new declaration. Hanabi got the sense that most people were just as surprised as she was and that despite the good news, they too, were a little wary.


    But after Urden was dismissed, the city official moved to the Trinity Guards. Hanabi could still not find anything outright amiss that called to her attention. She searched for answers from Mila and Sophie. But the latter was squarely focused on the stage. While the former was just exhausted and barely clinging on. It would seem that the overtaxing use of magic on the body had finally caught up as Mila’s adrenaline levels returned to normal.


    Hanabi carefully scooted a little closer to support the girl in case she was too tired. Mila flashed her a soft smile, she had noticed the movement and appreciated it. For now, Hanabi supposed that all that was left to do is wait. And to be thankful that both Sophie and Mila would receive their praise ahead of her and be the ones to set an example for what she might have to say when it was her time to be up there.


    The trio quietly waited for some more time. Any energy that they still had left over from the battle was beginning to quickly fade away. Hanabi felt a wave of aches as her arm’s endeavors against the demonic horde had also begun catching up. Letting out a soft groan, she earned herself a quick chuckle from the inquisitor. It was now Mila’s turn to offer some reassurance and the girl simply gave Hanabi a few supportive pats on the shoulder.


    It was appreciated, though not very effective.


    “A thanks to Private Waltzworth…” The speaker continued to a more subdued cheer from the crowd.


    Ah, a bluecloak, not the biggest fans for the common folk. Hanabi noted.


    Sophie seemed increasingly nervous, now actively fidgeting with her hair. She’s definitely planning something troublesome.


    Knowing that, Hanabi decided to scan the crowd, less worried about the amount of people and instead on what threats might there be.


    Aside from the guard contingent that she had arrived with and the church folk. There were also the ones already stationed in the square numbering around two dozen redcloaks. Around the stage and  besides a few city officials were another dozen odd bluecloaks. Flanking the main speaker were two more who appeared more heavily armoured and armed than the others of their contingent.


    Those two specifically seemed to be taking their orders only from the speaker. They would lean in every time the official had something to say before moving to fulfill the command. Without any other sign that indicated otherwise, she tagged them as the most likely to cause Sophie grief should the half elf try to start some trouble using words or otherwise.


    “And let us extend a well deserved round of thanks for the common folk and adventurers who rose up to the occasion. Who charged headfirst into danger alongside the brave men and women of the guard. To acknowledge their efforts and that trait that we so often admire. Embodiments of common heroism and the sense of duty that we each feel in our hearts.” The speaker continued.


    The trio stiffened up, Sophie finally trading a nervous glance with Hanabi and Mila.


    “I’m sorry if I make trouble.” Sophie mouthed.


    The duo just nodded for her to carry on. Likely neither of them believed that they could truly stop her even if they could try. Beyond that, Hanabi was almost certain that Mila had also caught Sophie’s look of anguish back when they had slain the monster. Neither of them would deny her the grief she felt.


    “It’s like we’re rushing headfirst against a brick wall, huh?” Mila muttered to Hanabi.


    “Always seem to be getting into trouble, that one.” The outlander affirmed.


    “Or maybe trouble just finds her, heh.”


    “Mmhmm.” Hanabi mumbled as she glanced back at the stage. The other adventurers were taking the stage. Those less connected to the victims still smiling and speaking to the crowd as if this was all in a day''s work. And perhaps for them, it was. But she could tell that Sophie was practically on the verge of starting a riot.


    "Hey, Mila." She asked.


    "Hmm?"


    "Any idea what Sophie''s got planned? So I can at least prepare myself?"


    Mila snickered and shook her head, "No. Though after what''s happened today, I doubt her opinion of the Chamber of Justice and the heads of Arteria have improved whatsoever. And given that most of them are around and likely to try and make themselves known when she speaks... well..." Mila sighed as she gestured towards the officials nearby.


    "They''ll ask for trouble?" Hanabi tried to guess.


    "Something like that. I''d guess that Sophie says something more than disagreeable to them. They retort and then... I suppose that''s where we come in. Smooth things out a little."


    The two let out a simultaneous grunt to express their dissatisfaction with the impending collision course with the city officials. Judging by how Mila also eyed up the two armoured guards, Hanabi knew that she had rationalized that the probability of another fight on their hands was higher than zero.


    "I offer my heartfelt condolences to anyone who knew someone that either perished due to the mana bomb or the demonic assault. Both are clearly hostile acts and for the number of people caught up within them, my only regret is that we could not help as many as we could." Arnold spoke at the podium.


    Mila leaned a little closer to listen. Hanabi followed her example and also strained her ears to pay attention.


    "Today is indeed a dark day for us all. But we survived. We persevered. And in that, I must offer my thanks to true heroes who put down the final demon themselves. Throwing everything on the line even when the possibility of help was uncertain."


    Arnold shot Sophie a look, one that saw the half elf nod.


    "If the Primus wouldn''t mind..." He motioned towards Sophie, even shooting the elf a wink.


    Having sensed no ill will at the suggestion, the Primus clapped his hands to thank Arnold before beckoning Sophie forward. The girl glanced at the duo one last time, the resolve in her eyes now clear for all to see. Yet, the same ''sorry'' still lingered, a flicker of an apologetic expression. She''s definitely about to start something, Hanabi grinned to herself, her hand instinctively balling up into a fist once more, ready to deliver blows to whomever might need a brute force reminder to not hurt her comrades. I can''t believe it, she stifled a laugh, they''re just letting her get on stage. She''s going to land us in a whole heap of trouble, isn''t she?