" ": You talking

' ': You thinking

* *: Narrator/Voice-off

Doctor: This... This is a curse. And a strong one. Was the dead dragon cursed with it ?

Naofumi: N-No...

Raphtalia: I touched its rotten flesh by mistake.

Doctor: I see... A curse is best cured by holy power...

"What is that ?"

Doctor: It's holy water.

Naofumi: Will it cure her ?!

Doctor: No, i'm only giving her first aid. It will take a lot of time to treat her... I recommend stronger holy water. You can get some in a village with a big church. Now hold on, this will sting.

Naofumi: I'm sorry. I should've protected you guys... But I decided to run away, because I didn't want to lose anyone, over this kind of thing...

Raphtalia: no, you weren't wrong. Courage and recklessness are two different things.

"Yeah, that, and also...Caution and cowardice are two different things as well. But, now that I think about it, I wonder why the dragon disappeared by itself..."

Naofumi: Certainly, my flame wasn't strong enough...

Filo: Maybe because I gulped it down ?

"Gulped what ? On second thought, I remember you ate something..."

Filo: Yeah... It tasted bad so I left it aside.

Filo: This was in a corner of its belly.

Raphtalia: Don't tell me it moved the dragon ?!

Naofumi: ... Why do you eat just anything... My goodness.

"Hey, that was a laugh, wasn't it ? You just laughed !"

Raphtalia: He really did ! I'm so glad !! You've been looking troubled ever since we returned here... Just as we care for us, we also care for you very much.

"You may have noticed it already, but We'll say it as many times as necessary. You're not alone, Naofumi. We're all together in this huge mess of a situation."

Raphtalia: Let's all work hard together.

Naofumi: ... Yeah. How reliable of you... 'They're no point in worrying alone... Heroes alone can't bring peace to the world...'

"And that's something the other three dumbass don't seem to understand."

Naofumi: Please stop reading my thoughts...

A few days later, we were back on business, currently making rounds around the village's perimeter, killing any monster we came across.

"Alright Filo, don't let your guard down. There could be a strong monster nearby."

Filo: Eh, but... Hm ?

"What's wrong ?"

Filo: Over there. There's a flock of yummy-looking birds.

"Yummy-looking... ?"

Naofumi: They're wild filolials ! they're your own kin !

Filo: I can finish them off right now !

"Filo, don't ! Don't hunt them down !"

???: Filolial... ?

Filo: Hm ? Are you talking about me ?

???: My, my, oh boy !! A filolial who can speak !! I can't believe this !!

"A human girl ?"

???: Filo... is your name Filo ?

Filo: Yeah ! That's right !

Meru: I'm Meru ! Hey, let's talk !!

Naofumi: Hey, aren't those wild filolials ? What happened ?

Meru: They were nice to me...

"Nice... ?"

Meru: oh, right, Filo. Care for some beef jerky ?

Filo: Wow ! Thanks !!

"So she knows filolials are gluttons..."

Raphtalia: That's right, even though she seems like a little lady. She must really care for filolials...

"... Say, Filo, why don't you hang out with that girl for now ?"

Filo: Huh ? Really ?!

"Yeah, just don't go too far, and come back before the sun sets."

Filo: YAY ! Let's go, Meru.

Meru: Yeah !!

Raphtalia: Are you really okay with this ?

"Filo is always good when it come to peoples. If she trust her, I think there is nothing to worry about."

Naofumi: Alright, let's look around for a bit, then go back to town.

Raphtalia: Yes !

"Is something the matter, Naofumi ?"

Naofumi: Maybe... Hey, Raphtalia ! Come and take a look at the party rooster !

Raphtalia: Yes ?

Naofumi: Next to your level... there's a star. Do you know what it is ?

"A star ? Now that you mention it, there's one next to Filo's level too."

Raphtalia: i'm sorry, but I have no idea of what its mean...

Naofumi: Maybe we should look up the help...

Filo: Master !! I'm back !!

"Oh hey Filo. So, did you have fun with Meru ?"

Filo: Yeah, she's my new friend ! She said she's been traveling many places like us ! She told me stories like filolial's myths !

"Good for you, you made a friend. But she's traveling all by herself ?"

Filo: No, she told me she lost her companion when she went playing with filolials.

Naofumi: Heh...

Raphtalia: Naofumi, are you listening ?

Naofumi: Huh ?

Meru: ... excuse me for coming late at night. But could you please let me travel with you for the time being ?

"You... You lost your group ? How is that even possible, there's no more dangerous monsters around..."

Meru: I know I'm asking too much... But I heard you're going to visit the city near Melromarc castle. Please take me there !

Naofumi: What are you in the first place ? A noble lady with a mansion near the palace or something ?

Meru: ... Yes. I was heading there, but I was separated from my guards.

"Guards... ? What kind of useless guards would leave behind the one there's supposed to escort..."

Filo: Hey master, please, can we take her with us ?

"I don't see any problems with that, it's not like we're lacking space in that wagon. Naofumi ?"

Raphtalia: I beg you too. we're going there anyway...

Naofumi: '... Well, things are turning out as planned, I guess ?' I'll make sure to get paid.

Meru: Yes ! I'll ask father !! Please take good care of me, mister saints !!

Meru: Wow ! How amazing ! I heard rumors during my trip, but I can't believe the "divine bird" was Filo !

"You really love filolials, don't you ?"

Meru: Yes !

Filo: Ehehe~ I've got to speed up a little bit then.

Meru: Can you ?!

"It's quite simple actually. Ready, Filo ?"

Filo: Let's go !!

Raphtalia: Huh ?! No wait, I can't stand going any fast-

"[SILVER CHARIOT] !!!"

Filo: I've caught you !

Meru: I'm caught ! Filo, you're fast, even in human form !

Naofumi: Are you okay, Raphtalia ?

Raphtalia: ... Yes...

Naofumi: Geez, we have to camp outdoors... And what makes them so happy ?

"I guess she really likes having a friend. Because it's Filo's first friend, it's only natural she's happy.

Later that night:

Raphtalia: Naofumi ? It's my turn for the night watch.

Naofumi: Okay, I'll leave it to you. They're really quiet now. It was noisy until a moment ago.

Raphtalia: ... Huh ? Look... Next to Filo... Are Meru's clothes...

Naofumi: Could it be... ! Filo ! Filo !! Filo, where's Meru ?! I know you're a glutton, but how could you do this...

Meru: Filo... You're so loud... Mister saint ?

Naofumi; Wh-What... What are you doing in that kind of place ?! More importantly, how did you get in there ?!

Raphtalia: Wow ! It's insane ! My hands are sinking in deeper and deeper... And it's so warm...

Naofumi: Raphtalia ! So... You took your clothes off because you felt too hot...

Meru: Filo's feathers are so fluffy, it feels really good ! Right ?

Naofumi: Geez, I was needlessly worried... That being said, where's Y/n ?

Filo: Oh, he's sleeping on the other side. Hey master, wake up...

She lightly shook her right wing, and I emerged, and immediately hit the ground.

"Hey guys... morning already ?"

(A/n: You're still clothed, of course.)

Naofumi: I'm not even surprised anymore.

Meru: Sirs saints, I'm greatly indebted to you.

Naofumi: Filo, Y/n, make sure to see her home and bring the reward.

"You got that. Let's meet here again in a few hours, I guess ?"

Meru: Farewell, mister !

After we took Meru to her home, which, very unsurprisingly, was some kind of huge manor with guards and all, Filo and I decided to take a stroll in the city, with her on top of my shoulders.

Everything seemed peaceful, until Naofumi passed right in front of us, running like the devil was on his tracks.

"That was odd... Should we check things out ?"

Filo: Let's go !

After chasing him for quiet some time, there was someone else confronting him, apparently having some new crotch armor since last time.

Motoyasu: I-I-I-I-I'VE FOUND HIM !! NAOFUMIII !!

Naofumi: Geh ?! Motoyasu ?! What's wrong with you all of a sudden ?!

Motoyasu: YOU SCUMBAG... HOW LOW COULD YOU...

Naofumi: WHOA !! Damn, What're you doing in the middle of the street ?!

Motoyasu: That's MY line !! Release her !! You slave-owning hero fucker !!

Naofumi: What ?! Are you talking about Raphtalia... ?

Motoyasu: NO !! I KNOW !! You've recently... MADE A NEW SLAVE OF A GIRL... WHO'S LIKE FREON-CHAN IN MAKAI DAICHI !!

(A/n: that's "Freon-chan". Now I smell copy-paste.)

Naofumi: ... What ?

Motoyasu: I... happen to have a thing for blonde moe angels...

Naofumi: ... Aah, Filo in human form... 'That's the bird who kicked you in the crotch, dumbass.'

Motoyasu: I'll save her !! No matter what it cost !

I was just about to step in, but a soldier butted in instead, standing between the two.

Soldier: PLEASE STOP !! SPEAR HERO !!

Naofumi: ... Aren't you that soldier from just now...

Motoyasu: Who the hell are you ?

Soldier: Where do you think we are ?! This is a residential area. Please bury the hatchet.

Myne: No, this is a lawful duel. I pronounce it so with my authority granted by the kingdom ! Don't interfere, or you know what will happen.

'That bitch... I wonder how rotten she truly is...'

Soldier: B-But I'm a soldier sworn to protect citizens... I think it's impossible for the Shield hero to have a duel because he can't fight back...

Myne: You insolent man ! Don't you know that when you disobey the kingdom's will-

Meru: A personal duel between heroes is not permitted. Please understand, spear hero.

'That voice...'

Myne: Wh-What... How come you're here...

Meru: It's been a long time, aneue. You'll be sorry, if you think you can cover up this disturbance with your power or the spear hero's.

(A/n: Aneue is one of the most polite way to address someone's sister.)

Meru: It seems you've been getting too mischievous...

Myne: I can't overlook that comment. I was doing my duty as a hero's support.

Meru: Do you call it your duty to drive them into a deadly fight in a street full of subjects ?

Myne: H-Hey, it's exaggerating to call it a "deadly fight", Melty.

'Is Myne... Being overwhelmed ?! What's going on ? Does the little sister actually have more power... ?'

Raphtalia: Naofumi !!

Naofumi: Guys ? When did you got here ?

"I saw you running around on the streets, so I followed you with Filo. But concerning what's going on, I'm just like you, I ain't got a clue..."

Naofumi: Let's resume things... Once again, that Motoyasu jerk...

Motoyasu: Lady. May I ask for your name ? And also why you're sitting on that failure of a hero's shoulders ?

Filo: I'm Filo ! And I like being with master Y/n !

"Don't answer him so honestly, Filo."

Motoyasu: I should've expected that... And here I thought you had some honor, Y/n... But I see you didn't hesitated to enslave such a beautiful young girl !

"Um... Actually, she-"

Motoyasu: Filo ! I can't begin to imagine what kind of things they made you do...

Filo: I like pulling our wagon !!

Motoyasu: Y/n, you scum... I can't believe you're making her do the work of that fat bird... I CANNOT FORGIVE YOU !!

Meru: I said, no dueling allowed ! No matter if it's the Shield or the Staff hero !!

Motoyasu: Get away from them, Filo ! They're dangerous ! Filo ?!

Filo:

Motoyasu: Huh ? When did I laugh at you-

She transformed into her bird self, this time with me resting on top of her head.

Filo:

Motoyasu: Huh... Don't tell me... You're the fat bird...

Motoyasu:

Myne: MOTOYASU !! TAKE HIM TO THE HOSPITAL AT ONCE

Naofumi: Ku... Kukuku...

"Pfrrrr..."

Y/n/Naofumi: AHAHAHAHAHAHA !!

Raphtalia: ... No way. They're laughing more pleasantly than ever !

"Great job, Filo ! Make sure to kick Motoyasu like that every time you see him again !"

Raphtalia: What are you teaching Filo ?!

Naofumi: What are you talking about ?! It's his fault. We've always been severely discriminated against. This much is...

Meru: Sirs saints... No, Sirs heroes.

"Hey... I think you owe us some explanations right now, Meru. Or should I call you your highness Melty ?"

Meru: Yes, I know. Can we please, have a moment elsewhere ?