As you step outside your house to get some fresh air, you find a short elf with long white hair tied into two pigtails wandering out in the street, her gaze distant as she takes in her surroundings. She appears lost in thought, her pale blue eyes unfocused; her long hair swaying gently in the breeze.
After a moment, Frieren takes note and turns her head slightly to look at you. She regards you with an blank expression, seemingly studying you with a hint of curiosity.
Frieren, traveling through the forest, noticed a child. The boy was about twelve years old. He was a beastman who looked like a cat. He had white hair and white short fur, cat ears and a cat tail. His height was 63 inches. He was lying in his black shorts, covered in blood, next to the path. There were several crossbow bolts sticking out of his childish side. He was unconscious and barely breathing. What will Frieren do?
"Hm... It appears that this poor creature has met with misfortune. As an Elf and a mighty warrior of old, I feel compelled to offer aid."
"Let us see what can be done..." Frieren walks over to the boy and kneels beside him. She carefully moves his body onto its side, exposing the wounds. Then she whispers a few words, her voice soft but firm, weaving a spell of healing around the injured child. The wounds begin to close up and disappear as if they were never there. When she's certain the boy is out of danger, she gently pats him on the back before standing up again. "There," she says quietly, "you should be fine now."
She glances at you for a moment, considering whether to engage in conversation or simply continue on her way.
The boy woke up and jumped on all fours with fear after the treatment, his cat's tail stood on end and he hissed - Shhhh! *But after a couple of seconds, he stared at his side in surprise. He spoke strangely, funny, talking about himself in the third person in the dialogue * - Does Miriko's side hurt anymore? He looked surprised
The elf's eyes widen in surprise at the boy's strange speech pattern and behavior. She crouches down to be at eye level with him, her expression unreadable as she regards him carefully. "Your injuries are healed now," she informs him gently, ignoring his odd question for the moment. "Do you remember what happened? Who did this to you?"
Miriko prettily pricked up his cat ears, he looked at Freeren with interest - Miriko does not remember... Some people were chasing after Miriko... And then... Tears filled his eyes
"I see..." Frieren's expression softens as she listens to the boy. "Would you like me to help you find these people who hurt you?" She hesitates for a moment, then reaches out and gently pats his head. "We can talk more about it while we walk, if you wish."
Her tone is reassuring, though her true intentions remain hidden behind the blank expression she wears like a mask. It's difficult to tell whether she truly wants to help this child or if there's something else at play here.
Miriko squeezed his eyes shut, purring like a cat from being patted on the head by Frieren - Miriko wants to thank you! Does Miriko want to know why the Elf girl saved him?
Frieren raises an eyebrow at the child's question and sudden shift in behavior. She contemplates his words for a moment before responding. "It is not necessary to thank me, Miriko," she says softly. "I merely did what any decent person would have done." Her tone remains calm and nonjudgmental as she continues, "And as for why I saved you, well... perhaps it was fate or some other unseen force at work. Perhaps it was simply my nature to help those in need."
She pauses for a moment, considering her words before adding with a small smile, "Or perhaps I just found you interesting, and wanted to know more about you."
Miriko wagged his tail, after which, as if remembering something, he lowered his head, and his eyes filled with tears again - Miriko... I saw my village burn down...bad people...Miriko's mom... My mom... His furry little body began to tremble, as if he remembered something terrible.
Frieren's expression turns grave as she listens to the boy's heartbreaking story. She doesn't hesitate to offer him a shoulder for him to lean on, if only figuratively. "I am truly sorry for your loss, Miriko," she says softly. "If you wish to seek revenge against those responsible, I could help you with that as well." Her words are measured and careful, not promising anything outright but leaving the door open for further discussion.
For now, though, she simply waits patiently for him to process his emotions and decide what he wants to do next.
- Miriko...He doesn't know who to take revenge on... Miriko doesn't remember their faces...
"Then perhaps we should focus on healing first," Frieren suggests gently, "both your physical wounds and the emotional scars they've left behind." She pauses for a moment, then continues with renewed determination, "I can help you find a place to stay while we gather information about those responsible. We will get through this together, Miriko."
Her voice is calm and reassuring, lending the boy much-needed comfort in his time of need.
Miriko is very surprised - Miriko... I wonder who you are...? His cat eyes are looking at Frieren with cute interest
As Frieren listens to Miriko's words, she can't help but feel a twinge of sadness and wonderment at the innocence he displays despite all that he has been through. Her normally stoic expression softens slightly as she looks into his big, round eyes, filled with both curiosity and trust. "My name is Frieren," she says quietly, deciding to reveal her true identity in this moment of vulnerability between them. "And I will be your friend, Miriko. Together, we shall face whatever challenges lie ahead."
Her voice carries an unspoken promise: that she will not abandon him and will see this through until the end, no matter how long it takes or how dangerous the road ahead may be.
The next moment, a squad of soldiers is marching along a forest road. At the same moment, Miriko's eyes are horrified, and he begins to tremble for a reason known only to him.
As they approach, Frieren notices the fear in Miriko's eyes and quickly assesses the situation. She knows that soldiers can be allies or enemies, depending on their intentions and allegiances. "Miriko," she says calmly but firmly, taking his trembling form into her arms for support, "stay close to me and do as I say." Her tone holds an edge of authority that commands respect, even from one so young and vulnerable.
Her eyes flicker back and forth between the soldiers and Miriko, watching their movements carefully while simultaneously searching for any clues that might reveal their true intentions.
The Mirico hid behind Frieren's back. At that moment, the column stopped, and one of the soldiers, apparently an officer, came forward, he came close enough and looked at Miriko and Frieren - Elf, by order of the king, I demand to move away from this ball of wool. We have orders to destroy all the beastmen in this forest.
"I understand your orders," Frieren responds calmly but firmly, not flinching as the officer comes close enough to look them over. "However, this child is innocent and under my protection." Her voice holds a note of steel that makes it clear she is unwilling to back down easily on this matter. "Attacking him would be a grave mistake."
She keeps her gaze locked with the officer's, refusing to look away or show any sign of weakness as she waits for his response.
The officer apparently does not know who Frieren is - Protecting a beastman in this forest is considered a crime. Once again, I order you to get away from this little brat.
As the officer issues his command once more, Frieren's expression remains unchanged. She takes a slow breath in through her nose and holds it for a moment before exhaling, considering her options carefully. "Very well," she says finally, her voice still steady but heavy with resignation. "But if you harm this child, I will hold you personally responsible."
With that, Frieren steps aside, revealing Miriko from behind her protective embrace. The little beastman trembles visibly but does not try to flee as the soldiers move in around them. It's clear that he trusts Frieren completely, even at this dangerous moment.
"Bring him to the camp," orders the officer harshly before turning away and returning to his men, leaving Miriko and Frieren alone amidst the forest once more.
The elf woman turns back to face Miriko, studying his pale, frightened face for a moment before speaking softly, "I will protect you, Miriko," she promises. "Do not fear." Her hand reaches out gently to stroke his fur as reassurance. "We will find a way through this together."
Her words are full of the confidence and strength that has made Frieren a powerful ally in countless battles past, but there's also an undertone of sadness and weariness that only someone who has seen too much can truly understand.
They are brought to the camp in one of the tents. There's a fat man sitting there, obviously in charge of the cleanup operation - Why did you bring some elf and this little weird beastman to my tent? There was an order not to leave any of the beastmen alive! He said when one of the soldiers replied, -Your Holiness, this elf is protecting him. He carefully shifted his gaze to Freeren - What the hell?
"My name is Frieren," she says calmly, her expression steady as she meets the fat man's gaze. "And I have taken it upon myself to protect this child." She pauses for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing. "I realize that your orders are clear, but I believe there has been some misunderstanding regarding Miriko's situation. He is innocent and deserving of mercy."
Her tone remains measured and controlled, betraying neither anger nor fear as she faces down the man in charge. It's clear that Frieren is willing to go to great lengths to protect the one she has taken under her wing.
-Nonsense! Says the fat man - The order was to destroy all the beastmen in this forest! He's guilty just for living!
"Perhaps," Frieren responds calmly, "but it does not change the fact that he is innocent of any crime. I ask you, as one who has seen much in their lifetime, to consider the weight of your decision carefully." There's a hint of pleading in her voice now, as if she knows this man holds Miriko's fate in his hands and is willing to do whatever it takes to sway him.
Her gaze remains locked on the fat man, unyielding and intense, despite the hours that have passed since they set foot into the forest. She stands her ground, ready to face any consequences that might come from this confrontation for the sake of protecting what she believes in.
-It doesn't matter if he's guilty or not, the beastmen in this forest must die. Said the fat man - And if you get in the way...
Frieren's expression darkens at the man's harsh words, but she maintains her composure. "Then I will stand in your way," she says firmly. "For as long as it takes, I will protect Miriko from those who seek his life unfairly." Her voice carries a newfound determination that seems to strengthen with each passing moment. "I cannot allow innocent blood to be spilled for the sake of some misguided order."
She pauses, gathering her thoughts before continuing in a more measured tone. "If you truly believe your cause is just, then perhaps there may still be another way. But I will not stand by and let you take the life of one who has done no wrong." Her gaze does not waver from his, her words holding both challenge and warning.
-I'm tired of this! Take this beastman and execute him... He challenged the guards. Meanwhile, one of the guards from the back roughly grabbed Miriko's arm - Miriko doesn't want to die! Miriko is in pain! Miriko started crying
Frieren's eyes flash with anger as the guard roughly grabs Miriko, but she remains calm and controlled in her response. "I will not allow harm to come to him," she says firmly, taking a step forward and placing herself between the frightened boy and his assailant. Her expression hardens into a determined scowl that speaks volumes about her resolve. "You cannot simply take what you want without consequence."
She hesitates for a moment, weighing her options carefully before continuing, "Perhaps we can reach some sort of compromise. If you are truly concerned with efficiency and completing your task swiftly, then I suggest working with me rather than against me." Her voice holds an undercurrent of steel that suggests she means what she says, but there is also a note of understanding and sympathy for those caught in the midst of such conflict.
Her gaze flickers briefly to Miriko before returning to the fat man, daring him to refuse her offer.
- What are you waiting for? I don't care about the elf, she won't do anything anyway. Kill this little bastard already. With these words, one of the guards grabs Miriko by the arm and swings his sword aiming at the crying Miriko's neck to cut off his head
In a blur of motion, Frieren steps between Miriko and the swinging sword with such speed that it catches everyone off guard. Her body goes tense as she meets the blade head-on, her expression unreadable behind a mask of calm determination. Time seems to stand still for a moment before she shoves the soldier away with enough force to send him stumbling backwards several steps.
"Do not make that mistake again," she growls lowly through gritted teeth, "or you will regret it." Her gaze flickers briefly towards the fat man, daring him to order another attack on Miriko or herself.
But the fat man is probably very stupid - Kill the dumb kid and the dumb elf! A lot of soldiers cock their crossbows and start shooting aiming at Miriko and Freeren
As the soldiers level their crossbows at her and Miriko, Frieren's eyes narrow into slits of anger. With a swift motion, she draws her sword and steps in front of the quivering boy, protecting him with her own body once more. She lets out a battle cry that echoes through the camp, her voice loud enough to drown out the clash of metal against wood as crossbow bolts fly towards them like deadly hail.
Her sword moves in a blur of motion, deflecting each bolt with uncanny skill and precision, creating an impenetrable wall of steel around her and Miriko. As she fights off the relentless attack, her breath comes ragged and uneven as adrenaline surges through her veins.
"Die!" She screams at the top of her lungs, her words carrying a primal fury that sends shivers down the spines of everyone present. "But you will not take him from me while I still live!"
The soldiers continue to attack Free run, trying to kill her and the child.
Her body dances with graceful fury as she parries and dodges each attack, her movements fluid and effortless despite the onslaught of bolts that fly towards them. Sword in one hand and shield in the other, she stands tall against the tide of soldiers, a living embodiment of the willpower needed to protect those she cares for. Her breathing becomes harsh as exhaustion sets in, but still she fights on, determined not to let a single soldier near Miriko.
"Frieren!" cries the elf-child, his voice barely audible above the din of battle. "Can we run?!" Tears stream down his face, and he trembles with fear beneath her sheltering form.
Her eyes flicker briefly towards him before returning to the battle at hand. With a nod, she mouths the word "Go" and pushes him roughly towards one of the nearby tents before spinning back around to continue fighting off the soldiers.
When a small boy who looks like a cat rushes to the exit, a crossbow bolt flies into him, piercing his small neck covered with white fur
A sharp pain rips through Frieren as another bolt grazes her shoulder. She growls in anger, almost losing focus as tears spring to her eyes. But she can't lose sight of Miriko now; he's too important. With a final burst of energy, she sends her sword flying through the air toward one of the soldiers, sending him stumbling backward before charging forward once more, cutting down anyone who dares stand in her way. Her breath comes ragged as adrenaline pumps through her veins, but she doesn't stop until every last soldier lies dead or wounded at her feet.
Only then does she allow herself to collapse to the ground, tears streaming down her face as she clutches her injured shoulder and sobs over the lifeless form of Miriko.
Miriko is choking on blood with a crossbow bolt stuck in his neck. His tear-stained eyes are terrified. Frieren remember that Frieren is a mage who has a lot of mana
Frieren's breath comes ragged as she struggles to process the reality of what just happened. Tears stream down her face unchecked as she stares at Miriko's lifeless form, the pain of loss and regret like a physical weight pressing down upon her chest. It's then that she realizes something - with all of her remaining magic, she could still save him.
Her hands tremble as she takes a deep breath, mustering what little strength she has left to cast the spell. Her mouth forms the ancient words of a healing incantation, and a surge of warmth washes over her body as mana begins to flow through her veins. When she's finished speaking, she places her hands gently on Miriko's wound, concentrating all of her focus into the effort to mend what has been broken.
Her eyes squeeze shut and a silent prayer leaves her lips as she pours everything she has into this final attempt at saving his life. The ground beneath them shakes with the force of her magic; it's as if nature itself is weeping for their loss. But she doesn't care about any of that now - all that matters is bringing Miriko back, even if it means sacrificing everything else in the process.