John Ericsson's Point Of View

  As the carriage finished transporting us, we got out right on the outskirts of BlackStone City. Sarah took out a potion from some kind of a square hole that had appeared at her right side. It turned her hair a mute blue and her eyes black. I asked what she just did.

  " This is a potion to disguise me! If the Princess just walks on down the street, A mob will form. How will we enjoy our date being constantly interrupted?"

  " Fair point."

  " I have one for you to, you look too Human. You'll be found out easily. Don't worry, this is another potion my Mother made!"

  * Wrap!*

  After being handed the potion, I drink it. It tastes like apple juice. A feeling like being wrapped in a net overtakes me, then disappears. My skin went from the pale tone it usually is, to the color of gingerbread. I look at Sarah and she obviously likes what she sees. I ask her what my appearance looks like now.

  " Your eyes are pale yellow and your hair is amber colored now. I like how you usually look, but variety isn't bad."

  " Well, I prefer how you look normally. I thought something bad happened when your hair started changing color."

  Sarah's cheeks went red, and she started nibbling on her bottom lip. She started to whisper something but seeing as I couldn't hear her, I asked her to repeat herself. I bring my ear closer to Sarah as she speaks.

  " It's unfair of you to attack when I'm not expecting it!"

  " Well, just consider this payback for all the times you blindsided me."

  " Unfair, John."

  Sarah jumped into my chest and lightly hit my chest with the bottoms of her fists. I simply held her until she calmed down. Once she did, she had a request of me.

  " I want to hold hands while in the town, is that ok?"

  " I don't see a reason why not. You are my guide today. What the guide says, goes."

  After saying that, Sarah grabbed my arm and tangled her arm around it. She then Interlocked her fingers between mine. We began to walk into the city gates. The first thing I noticed when walking into BlackStone is the tall, long wall made up of BlackStone. Like a black bar that was several stories tall and what must be wrapped around the city, except for the lake that can be seen to the city's side of course. It was perfectly viewable from our carriage ride into the city. Sarah and I entered the city after Sarah showed the gate guards some papers she had in what she told me was her Magic Storage. I spoke to her about that Spell.

  " Can I learn that Spell?"

  " I'm not sure actually. If you can, my Mother will most likely teach you. However, I hope she doesn't."

  Confused at her statement, I couldn't help but question it.

  " Why is that?"

  " Because if you don't know it, then you have one more reason to need me!"

  " Well, we can see when we get back. Worst comes to worst, you'll be in charge of luggage, I guess? I hope I can count on you when the time comes."

  " Of course! It's the duty of a Wife to support her Husband!"

  Sarah cuddled up to me and tightened her grip on my hand. We started walking into BlackStone City. The first thing that drew my eyes was the construction of the city. Tall buildings made of multi-colored stones. I asked what the type of rock was called and Sarah answered me happily.

  " Those are known as rainbow stones! They are made by Enchanting Mana into a type of stone called a Colorless Stone. You find them in mines all around Gaia. But enough about the architecture. The important thing to see is the food stalls and shops. BlackStone is the Capital of Diablos for a reason!"

  Sarah's eyes sparkled as she spoke about the shops. Seems shopping, most definitely, is in my future. We began to make our way to the side streets of the market district of the city. We started browsing the wares in the shops. lots of strange items were around. what caught my eye was the number of items that had black aura's coming out of them. When I brought this up to Sarah, she began to speak to me.

  " It seems you can see curses, John. It must be because of your Job Class."

  " I suppose that can be useful?"

  " It is, in fact we should tell my Mother about this. For more practice using your Holy Magic. Exorcising Curses will be good experiences for you. Heck, you healed me once and your Ability got stronger right?"

  " I suppose so. Maybe we can even head to a Hospital or Orphanage? Then I could heal people too."

  " That sounds like a great idea!"

  We found ourselves in an even better mood from thinking about how I could help some people out as well as gain experience. Also, it would be nice to visit the city again with Sarah accompanying me. After looking through the shops, Sarah found a few dresses and a bit of jewelry, she wanted to know my opinion on how she looked in her new clothes, but she left me spellbound so I don't know if my critique was a good one. she took a liking to and bought them. When we entered the 7th jewelry store, I found a necklace that had what looked like white jade for the chain and a light Amethyst gem as the jewel. I decided to sneak it to the shop keeper. He sold it to me for 5 silver coins after I haggled him down from 8. All in all, a good deal I thought.

  We entered the next shop. There I found a pair of earrings with light emerald gems. I saw a Hardworking Maid in the light reflecting from the sun off of the green jewel. I bought it for 6 silver coins after haggling it down from 9. After finishing our shopping, we decided to eat lunch. Sarah guided me to a small shop away from the bustle of the city. We walked in to find a pretty calm cafe.

  Sarah guided me to a seat in the back of the cafe away from the windows, never letting go of my hand through the process. As I went to go sit down, I felt a tug on that same hand. I looked and saw Sarah looking at me. Seems I made a small mistake. I pull out a chair after getting her to release my hand and she sits on the chair as I held it. I then sit down opposite to her. While we waited for a waiter, I began to speak to Sarah.

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  " Today has been nice, Sarah. Thanks for guiding me."

  Sarah smiles at me with her head resting on her hands on the table. She begins to speak after staring at me for a few moments.

  " You're welcome, John. I've enjoyed today as well."

  " Well, I'm glad you said that, otherwise this would be awkward."

  " What do you mean?"

  Sarah looked at me in confusion. I pulled out the necklace I bought from the jewelry store. I begin to speak.

  " I saw this in a shop, and I thought it would great on you. Can I put it on you?"

  Sarah, seeing the necklace, looked shocked and tears filled her eyes. It didn't take long for her to speak.

  " Yes, John. You can."

  She began to nod just in case I couldn't make out her words, I guess? After putting the necklace on her, Sarah immediately held it in her hand. She smiled while staring at it. The waiter came, Sarah through her fascination with the necklace didn't notice the poor guy. I asked him if there was a house special, he said yes. I ordered 2 of them. Between the time of the order and the food arriving, I tried to get Sarah's attention, but to no avail. I decided it was time to snap her out of it before the food got here, so I put my hand over the necklace blocking her view. Then I spoke with a smile.

  " Sarah, I understand you're excited as it's the first gift I bought you. But you'll have more than enough time to stare at it later. Let's focus on what's in front of us for now. Okay?"

  " Wait! John! don't be mad at me! Please! I'll do anything!"

  I was surprised at her reaction. I guess the smile seemed like I was angry at her, I decided to tease her.

  " I don't know. How could I forgive you for being so rude."

  I rubbed my chin and looked to the side. I look at Sarah and she has no idea what to do. I couldn't hold it back and I started laughing.

  " I'm sorry, Sarah! I couldn't help but tease you! I'm not mad at you, I promise."

  Sarah started to pout. I felt a little bad, so I apologized. She obviously felt awkward and asked when a waiter would come, I informed her a waiter did come, but she didn't notice since she was busy staring at the necklace. She started to turn red from embarrassment. I told her it was water under the bridge. Soon, the food arrived. It was good for a lunch time meal. After we finished, Sarah wanted to show me the sights. I smiled and asked her to guide me. And again, her arm was coiled around me like a spring.

  As we walked, Sarah told me about the history of the locations we went to see. It was pretty interesting. From tales of Kings winning the Peoples' love through smart governance, or repelling invaders from other nations. You could really feel the history. After around 3 hours. We reached a gate with guards around. Sarah flashed them a different paper than the one from the entrance to the city. We were allowed to pass through. We entered a beautiful park with a view of the lake front. We continued walking until we came to a white platform decorated with elaborate carvings in the stone of the platform. I asked Sarah where we were. She answered while looking at the lake.

  " This place is the were every Marriage of a King and a Queen of Diablos happened, since the first King Lars and his Queen Sadara. The tradition has continued to the present day. My Parents also Married here in front of all their Loved Ones."

  Sarah then turned to me, waiting to hear my reaction to this. She didn't have to wait long.

  " Is a Human even able to become a Demon King?"

  " No, but I simply wanted to come here. My Mother always mentions to me about her Marriage here and how happy she was."

  Sarah looked melancholic as she spoke. I was enraptured by her for a few moments. I decide to speak.

  " Sarah I...."

  As I began to speak, smoke rapidly surrounded us. I run to Sarah's side, thankfully she is still there. I start to speak.

  " Seems we have some uninvited company. Can you fight in your dress?"

  " What dress?"

  At her question, Sarah uses Wind Magic to blow away all the smoke. I turn to look at her and she is in armor with a sharp halberd in her hands and a ready look in her eyes. As I look at the same place Sarah does. I see an approaching mob. I speak to Sarah as they approach.

  " Seems that mob you talked about came regardless. I guess I should dress to impress them."

  " I've been waiting to see you in that dashing armor again. I like how you kept it in my color."

  " What can I say? I can't keep purple out of my head these days.

  I smile at her then activate Julia's bracelet. It begins to glow, and I'm covered in purple armor before long. I begin to speak.

  " I look forward to working with you, Julia!"

  " Same for me, Little One!"

  As I hear Julia's reply, I activate Scarlet's bracelet next. It glows and in my left hand, a scarlet blade with a black handle is in my grip. I begin to speak to it.

  " Sorry for keeping you in for so long, Scarlet! But now we get to fight!"

  " I suppose I can forgive you, Partner!"

  After confirming they were both ready, I turned to Sarah.

  "Are you ready for this?"

  " As long as I am with you My Love, I'm ready for anything!"

  Another blast of smoke comes. By the time Sarah blows it away, the mob is upon us. Even worse, there is a man in a black cloak right next to us. Sarah yells.

  " I'll handle this man, John! You handle them!"

  " Got it! Watch your back!"

  * Swing!*

  / Thud!/

  " !"

  * Jump!*

  / Woosh!/

  After agreeing to Sarah's idea, we start to fight. The mob is weirdly slow. I go to slash one of the men in the chest. My sword went through his torso.... He didn't dodge!? Even more so, he kept coming forward. I take Scarlet out of him and jump back. At this point, I use my Mana Blade and get ready to attack.

  / Bang!/

  As I'm about to launch an attack, I hear a loud bang. I look over to where I heard it. The man in a black cloak is hovering over Sarah, who is on the ground and not moving.

  * Run! Grip!*

  I rush towards him, but get held back by the numerous men in the mob. I see him pick Sarah up and walk away. I need to get to her! But these fools are in my way! THEY NEED TO DISSAPEAR!

  * Power!*

  / Woosh! Boom! Ding!/

  And like that, I felt my Mana activate. A blast of Holy Mana shot out in front of me. The light was blinding, so I closed my eyes. By the time I opened my eyes, only 1 member of the mob was left behind me and in front of me was a pile of ash.

  " What the hell?"

  The shock of what happened calmed me down, but I couldn't help but ask that question. But that was only for a moment! I still need to get to Sarah! Before I go any further, I decide to test something.

  * Thrust!*

  / Thud!/

  I impale the guy who is crawling towards me now with Scarlet. He still comes towards me. I use my Mana Blade and cut him again.

  * Retract! Thrust!*

  / Sizzle!/

  He turns to ash? These guys must not be live creatures. I think they're zombies. It explains the disregard for their wellbeing at least. Now that I'm calm, I start to think how to find Sarah. While I'm thinking, Julia chimes in.

  " I can guide you to her though our mental connection, Little One!"

  " That's great, Julia! You're a literal lifesaver!"

  " Who's a lifesaver!?"

  I hear a voice next to me. It's Cynthia!?

  " Cynthia! what are you doing here!?"

  " Don't worry about me! We need to get my Sister back!"

  " Don't worry! I can find her!"

  " How!?"

  I explain to her about Julia, she shows understanding and begins to calm down. She speaks to me after calming down.

  " Let's go get, Big Sis!"

  " We will! Just give me one second!"

  " What could you possibly need to do!"

  I ignore Cynthia, and I turn to the water. I try to imitate the feeling from right before the mob was destroyed. I channeled my Mana and I shot a bolt of white Mana out at the lake.

  " Good, I can do it on command now."

  " What was that!?"

  " A ranged attack I can use in any position. Without a sword even."

  I answered her question, but there was something else I need to say right now as well. I turned to Cynthia and started to talk.

  " Listen, Cynthia! You want to come and save Sarah, I understand that. But we do this my way or I find a way to ditch you and go myself. Do you understand me?"

  " Why?"

  " Because you are a Princess. An important person to Diablos. If they wanted to just kill a Princess, Sarah would already be dead. The fact they took her, means they need her for something. And I bet they would love to have a spare just in case. We need to work together, so tell me what your Job is and what can it do?"

  " My Job is Spell Dagger, it's like the Demonic Warrior class, but for daggers.

  " Got it, so you have access to Magic and Close Combat Skills?"

  " Yes! Also, I have a 2nd Job, Demonic Tracker. It's how I followed you both today."

  " Good let's get moving. Watch your back from now on. I don't know what we're walking into."

  " Alright."

  And like that a young Princess and I start walking into a battle to save my Fiancé who is also a Princess. We passed the gate to see the guards are dead. Cynthia grabbed tightly onto my arm from the shock. From there we followed Julia's directions until we stumbled on an old, abandoned building. This is where they have Sarah. I'll save her no matter what!