Memories and Shadows [Rune Factory 4]

Strength

It would be the final battle, the ultimate contest of good versus evil. His life was at stake, but more than that, everything—and everyone—he loved was in danger, too. He couldn't afford to lose, and he knew it. Everyone rallied around him, sending him and his companions forth with all their hopes and dreams.

Then, quite some time later, his companions returned, alone. Bloodied, scorched, battered, and barely conscious, they collapsed together at the town gate, returned by the homing spell that had instantaneously removed them from danger, leaving him to face it alone.

And that was why I knew I had to summon all my strength, all my courage, and provide him with whatever aid I could provide, even if it cost me dearly.

Because I loved him.

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"Dolly? Dolly!" I heard the echoing cries faintly, as if from a great distance, through the haze that had enveloped me.

I gripped whatever it was that I leaned against tightly, and dragged myself up to my knees. A hand grabbed hold of my arm, and slowly I realized that it was the kindly doctor, my adoptive father, whom I had fallen against, and it was his leg that I clutched.

He helped me to my feet and looked at me closely, and I could see worry clouding his brilliant blue eyes. I shook my head to clear it, and struggled to stand unassisted, Pico hovering close by and fussing at me. "I'm fine," I assured him as I let go, still swaying slightly. "I... I just... I spent such a very long time imprisoned here, channeling runes to Venti from this very same spot. It... overwhelmed me for a minute."

Nancy looked at me searchingly, then smiled, and seeing that she was not deceived, I turned red with embarrassment. She didn't give me away, though—didn't let slip that she understood the real reason for my sudden weakness: I was terrified. Terrified that I would lose him in this dreadful battle taking place high overhead. And in that moment of stark terror, I realized just how much he meant to me, how deeply I had fallen in love with him in spite of myself. And that, too, terrified me.

There wasn't time for such fears now, though, and I steeled myself to do what I could, what needed to be done. For his sake.

"Hang in there, Dolce," I heard Kiel say, and although I didn't open my eyes, I did smile.

"All right. If everyone is ready, it's time we start. Pray with all your might and all your heart for him, and I'll channel that energy through this rune spot to him."

"All right! Let's do this!" Kiel shouted, and again I smiled.

"Piers, be strong! You can do it! We believe in you!" Nancy called, and I felt a surge of power course through me, like a painless bolt of lightning.

"You can do this, Piers. I trust in you—we all trust in you. You have the strength and the courage—you can overcome him!" Jones added, and the power doubled.

"C'mon Piers! Yeah! You can do it, I know you can!" Kiel cried, and the power tripled, surging through me like a storm. I felt my legs grow shaky from the effort, and I steeled myself once more, holding firm.

"Piers! You HAVE to come home, or Dolly will cry! I'll never forgive you if you make Dolly cry!" Pico screeched, and despite her non-corporeal existence, the power surged again, quadrupled.

"All our hopes are on you now. I know you can do it. You're strong enough to bear the burden of our prayers and hopes."

Then silently, for him and him alone, I thought, "Please come home safely, Piers. Nothing else matters to me."

Then the power exploded through me as I channeled all our prayers to him, sending him whatever strength I could in his hour of need.