The Shared Moments Before the Inevitable

[Klee POV]

After emerging victorious over Ifrit alongside Rimuru, we successfully rescued Shizu, instilling hope that life would swiftly return to normal. Unfortunately, that hope gradually faded, giving way to unsettling uncertainty about what lay ahead.

The aftermath of our triumph became evident as I surveyed the scene. The village lay in ruins, its houses reduced to charred remains. Observing the weary expressions on the goblins' faces as they returned to their devastated homes, a sense of despair washed over me.

Nevertheless, amidst the despair, the goblins displayed astonishing resilience. Despite their losses, they toiled relentlessly to rebuild their lives. Their unwavering determination left me both astounded and inspired.

"Excuse me?" I heard a voice calling out to me, so I turned my head and saw a goblin with a red bandana on his head.

Curious about his business with me, I responded, "Who are you, mister? Is there something wrong?"

"Well, my name is Rigur, and I have something to give you," the goblin introduced himself as he handed me the broken pieces of Shizu's mask. I looked at the mask with surprise and relief as I took it from the goblin's hand.

"I stumbled upon this amidst the ruins," the goblin explained, his voice weary yet filled with hope. "I thought it might hold importance for you."

As I held the fragment, gratitude washed over me, comprehending its significance. It symbolized Shizu's journey and our shared experiences—the battles fought and the resilience discovered amidst the darkness.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Rigur!" I exclaimed, my face lighting up with a wide smile, filled with sheer excitement. "This is incredibly important to my sister and me. I absolutely guarantee that I will deliver it to her with the utmost care and ensure its safety!"

The goblin nodded, his weariness blending with a sense of relief. He directed me towards the tent where Shizu rested, speaking with newfound hope and determination.

"She's inside that tent," Rigur pointed out, indicating the refuge. "Take it to her. She might need all the support she can get."

Grateful for his guidance, I expressed my thanks with a nod and proceeded towards the tent. Each step filled me with resolve as I approached the sanctuary where the courageous warrior rested.

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As I approached my destination, my eyes fell upon Rigurd, a large and vigilant goblin servant standing at the entrance. He exuded caution and curiosity, as if wanting to ensure my sincerity before granting me entry.

"What brings you here, young lady?" Rigurd asked, his voice tinged with wariness. "Are you here to see Lord Rimuru and Miss Shizu?"

"Yes, sir!" I replied, flashing him a warm smile, hoping to put him at ease. "I have something of great importance for my sister. It's a small piece from her mask, and I truly believe she needs it back."

Rigurd's serious expression softened as he contemplated my words. After a brief pause, he said, "Wait here, young one." He entered the tent, presumably to inform Rimuru and Shizu about my request.

Moments later, Rigurd emerged from the tent, his face filled with relief and reassurance. He gestured for me to enter, acknowledging the special bond between Shizu and me.

"You may go in now," Rigurd confidently assured me. "Stay safe, young one. Your presence brings her comfort."

Grateful for his guidance, I smiled warmly at the goblin and stepped into the room where Shizu lay.

Inside, Shizu peacefully rested in bed, her strength waning but her resilience evident. Rimuru, a small blue slime, faithfully stood by her side, exuding loyalty and protection.

"Hey, sis, I'm back!" I exclaimed, brimming with excitement. "And I have something special for you—a piece of your mask. It's like a magical keepsake that reminds us of our strength when we're together!"

Approaching Shizu's bed with care, I placed the fragments of her mask on a nearby table. Rimuru, understanding the significance of my gesture, expressed sincere gratitude.

"Thank you, Klee," Rimuru said, their gratitude palpable. "Your kindness and this gesture mean a great deal to her. In these challenging times, you've brought her comfort and hope."

"It's the least I can do, Mr. Slime!" I replied with determination. "Big sister has been through so much, but I'm eager to help her in any way I can. Our bond is strong, and together, we will conquer this challenge!"

Moved by our interaction, Shizu began to awaken, her tired eyes slowly opening. A gentle smile graced her face, conveying gratitude for the familiar faces surrounding her.

"Klee... Mr. Slime... I can't find the words to express how grateful I am," Shizu warmly said. "Your presence and kindness mean everything to me. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart."

Hearing Shizu's heartfelt gratitude filled me with joy. "You're welcome, big sister! I'm so glad I could bring you some comfort," I replied warmly, feeling a sense of peace and happiness.

Shizu showed her gratitude and motioned for me to come closer. I happily approached, and she then hugged me tightly. With heartfelt appreciation, she softly spoke, "Your existence mean a lot to me. Thank you, Klee."

As I listened to Shizu's words, my heart swelled with happiness. It was a precious moment, knowing that I had made a positive impact on her well-being.

However, the joyous atmosphere suddenly shifted. Shizu's once cheerful expression transformed into one of solemnity. With a deep breath, she gathered her strength to share a painful truth.

"Klee, my dear elven friend," Shizu began, her voice filled with sorrow. "My time left to live is running out."

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Shizu's words struck me deeply, leaving me shocked and broken. The weight of her message was immense, and I struggled to comprehend its gravity. Time seemed to stand still as profound sadness washed over me, enveloping my heart and drowning me in grief.

"I... I can't believe this is happening," I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief. The harsh reality was almost too much to bear, and I desperately clung to the hope that there was a way to save her. "There must be a way to save you, big sis. The thought of losing you... it's unbearable."

Rimuru, renowned for his wisdom and kindness, approached me with a grave expression. "Klee, I understand your disbelief and you're longing for a different outcome," Rimuru explained gently. "But I must tell you the unfortunate truth. Shizu's condition cannot be reversed. Without Ifrit, her time left to live is limited."

Sadness and frustration mingled within me as I grappled with the weight of the situation. It felt as though a heavy burden was pressing down on my chest, making it difficult to breathe.

A deep sense of sorrow overwhelmed me as I tried to come to terms with the seriousness of the situation. My voice trembled with innocence and sorrow as I voiced the burning question in my heart.

"Why? Why did this have to happen?" I managed to say through sobs. "It's just so unfair! It feels so wrong!"

Shizu reached out, sensing the anger and turmoil enveloping me, offering comfort and understanding. Her voice was gentle as she tried to console me. "Klee, I know it's incredibly difficult to accept, but let's find a way to channel our emotions positively. We cannot let anger consume us."

Her words resonated deeply within me, and I clung to Rimuru's explanation, desperately seeking a glimmer of hope. A small spark ignited within me, and I pleaded with him, desperation and longing filling my eyes. "Please, Mr. Slime, there must be another solution! Can't you bring back Ifrit for big sis? She deserves to live and find happiness!"

The sadness in the slime's expression deepened, and they shook their slime body gently. "Klee, I understand your desperation, but bringing back Ifrit would only lead to more problems. He would once again possess Shizu, and that would cause chaos. We cannot risk that."

"How... How can this be?" I managed to say between sobs, my voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and disbelief. "Shizu... she means everything to me. I can't bear the thought of losing her."

Shizu reached out, her touch warm and comforting as she gently wiped away my tears. "Klee, my dear, I understand your pain," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy. "It hurts all of us, but we have to find a way to face this together."

Rimuru placed a hand on my shoulder, offering support in their own unique way. "Klee, I know it's incredibly tough, but we cannot let despair consume us. We must make the most of the time we have left with Shizu and cherish the moments we share."

Their words resonated deeply within me, and through my tears, I nodded, finding a flicker of strength amidst the overwhelming sadness.

Together, we would navigate this painful journey and create meaningful memories with Shizu, ensuring that her presence would forever be etched in our hearts.

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After calming me down, Shizu felt compelled to tell us about her past. I leaned in closer, interested by the mystery around her, anxious to learn concerning her story.

With a hint of sadness lacing her voice, Shizu began recounting her harrowing experiences during the war. She vividly described the heart-wrenching hardships she faced while fleeing her war-torn homeland with her mother.

"There were explosions and chaos everywhere," she started, her voice trembling. "We were merely trying to survive."

My curiosity piqued, I leaned forward, gently urging her to continue. "Please, go on, big sis. What happened next?"

She spoke of the heart-wrenching moment when a fiery vortex engulfed her, forcefully separating her from her mother. Shizu's voice carried anguish as she recalled the intense heat and the despair of losing sight of her mother in the chaos.

Moved by her story, I couldn't fathom the pain she had endured. "I can't even begin to imagine what you went through," I murmured, filled with sorrow.

With a mixture of grief and determination, Shizu shared her memories of awakening in an unfamiliar castle. The cold, forbidding stone walls and flickering torches left her feeling bewildered and disoriented.

Intrigued, I asked, eager to delve deeper into her story. "What did you encounter within the depths of that castle?"

Shizu hesitated, her voice uncertain, as she spoke of meeting a formidable figure named Leon Cromwell. He was unlike anyone she had ever seen before, commanding attention and surrounded by an aura of mystery.

Rimuru, equally captivated, joined the conversation. "What was your impression of him? How did he make you feel?"

Reflecting on her thoughts, Shizu's face showed deep contemplation. "At first, his gaze intimidated me," she responded. "But as time went on, I realized there was more to him. There was power, but also a sense of oppression."

Her words resonated with me, stirring both curiosity and concern. "What did he do? How did he change your life?" I asked anxiously, eager for her response.

Taking a breath, Shizu's voice filled with solemnity and regret. "Leon Cromwell... he granted me the power of Ifrit," she revealed. "But I had no idea of the consequences it would entail. I became bound to the fiery spirit within me."

Her revelation left a profound impact, and I empathized deeply with the tremendous transformation she had undergone. "That must have been an enormous change," I empathized gently.

Shizu nodded, her gaze reflecting longing and sorrow. "It was a destiny I never asked for," she said. "Carrying the burden of Ifrit's flames shaped my life in ways I couldn't foresee."

Anxious to learn more, I couldn't contain my curiosity. "Who is this Leon Cromwell, Big sis? How did he impact your life?"

A fleeting shadow crossed Shizu's face as she grappled with her memories. With experience weighing heavily in her voice, she unveiled the story of Leon Cromwell—a powerful and menacing demon lord in this world.

Leaning closer, my anticipation grew as I asked, "Why was he so interested in you, Shizu? What drew his attention?"

Shizu's sorrow was evident as her shoulders slumped. She sighed deeply, carrying both sadness and determination. "Initially, he saw me as a failure, but later he discovered something hidden within me. He bestowed upon me the name Shizu and summoned a mighty entity, binding it to me," she revealed.

Her words left me in awe, overwhelmed by the depth of her experiences. Barely above a whisper, I said, "So, Shizu isn't your real name?"

Meeting my gaze, Shizu's eyes shimmered with vulnerability and strength. "No, it isn't. My true name, before this tragic encounter, is Shizue Izawa."

A rush of emotions filled me, deepening our connection. With a gentle smile, I shared, "Shizue Izawa... it's a name that holds both beauty and resilience. I feel honored to know your true name, Big sis."

Gratefulness appeared on her face as she expressed her appreciation. "Thank you, Klee. Your words mean more to me than you can imagine. And what about you? Do you have a real name you'd feel comfortable sharing?"

Considering the trust that we had built, I took a moment to gather myself. With courage, I revealed, "My real name is Sarah Mochizuki."

Shizu's eyes widened, mirroring my surprise. "Sarah Mochizuki... it's a name as radiant as moonlight. Thank you for sharing your real name with us, Sarah."

Observing our interaction, Rimuru finally joined in. "Since we're revealing our true names, I suppose it's only fair that I share mine too. My real name is Satoru Mikami."

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The revelation of our true names hung in the air, fostering a profound sense of vulnerability. Shizu, determined yet pained, continued her story. Her voice trembled as she recounted a heartbreaking moment when she was forced to make an unimaginable choice.

"At one point, Leon Cromwell commanded me to do something unspeakable," Shizu began, her voice laden with sorrow. "He demanded that I kill a dear friend and even our loyal pet."

A gasp escaped me, and a heavy sadness engulfed my heart. The cruelty of that demand was beyond comprehension, and the thought of the anguish Shizu endured was unbearable. Rimuru wore a somber expression, clearly empathizing with Shizu's pain.

"I couldn't refuse," Shizu continued, her voice quivering. "Ifrit took control of my body, and with its fiery power, I was compelled to end my friend's life, consumed by the flames."

As Shizu revealed her story, a surge of emotions coursed through me. Empathy and anger mingled within, and tears welled up in my eyes.

I gently reached out and touched Shizu's shoulder, offering whatever comfort I could. "Big sis, I'm truly sorry for what you had to go through," I whispered, my voice filled with sorrow. "But remember, we're here for you. Mr. Slime and I will support you every step of the way."

Rimuru nodded, his eyes reflecting compassion. "Shizu, your strength in sharing your story is remarkable," he reassured her. "Although we cannot change the past, we will stand beside you and support you as long as we can."

Shizu's eyes filled with gratitude as she responded, "Thank you, Klee... Mr. Slime," her voice brimming with emotion. "Having friends like you means the world to me."

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As Shizu continued her narrative, she delved into the events that unfolded years later. She spoke of two remarkable individuals who entered her life after her encounter with Leon Cromwell. They were a valiant swordswoman and an elf witch who became her saviors, rescuing her from the clutches of Leon Cromwell's castle.

"In the years following my encounter with Leon Cromwell, two individuals appeared," Shizu spoke with heartfelt gratitude. "The swordswoman was a fierce warrior who gifted me the mask I used to wear."

Moved by her words, Shizu reached out instinctively for a broken piece of her mask. However, unable to retrieve it herself, I gently picked it up and handed it to her, feeling a surge of compassion.

"Thank you, Klee," Shizu whispered, delicately tracing the mask's jagged edges. "This mask holds the memories of my past and the strength it gave me."

Continuing her story, Shizu recounted how the swordswoman eventually entrusted her into the care of an elf witch, who became a loyal companion, providing care and support during their arduous journeys. Shizu also mentioned their encounter with a powerful demon named Noir.

Listening attentively, I felt an indescribable connection with the elf witch. Unable to contain my curiosity, I couldn't help but ask Shizu for the witch's name.

"What is the name of the elf witch, Big sis?" I asked eagerly, wanting to know the witch's identity.

Shizu hesitated for a moment, searching my face. "Her name is Alicia," she revealed, her voice tinged with nostalgia and earnestness.

The name struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I was astonished. Alicia, the Dodo-queen from my dream, was Shizu's companion. It was an unexpected revelation.

Reflecting on this new information, I marveled at the twists of fate. Alicia, the one who had appeared in my dreams, had been walking alongside Shizu all along.

Shizu mentioned that Alicia had left her a few months ago, leaving her feeling saddened and alone. Her departure had created a void in Shizu's heart.

Remembering Alicia's message from my dream, I felt an urge to convey it to Shizu. "Big sis, in my dream, Alicia wanted me to let you know that she apologizes for leaving," I softly disclosed, aiming to provide comfort to Shizu.

Shizu's expression changed from sadness to relief and gratitude. She felt comforted knowing that Alicia was alive and her departure wasn't forever.

"Thank you for telling me, Klee," Shizu said sincerely. "Please let Alicia know that I forgive her. I understand that we sometimes have to make tough decisions, and I don't hold any grudges. Tell her she'll always be in my heart."

I nodded, moved by Shizu's forgiveness and resilience. It showed how strong she was.

Taking a deep breath, Shizu turned to both me and Rimuru, speaking with a resolute tone. "I've shared my story, and I appreciate your presence and support," she declared. "But now, I confess that I'm ready to face death and embrace my destiny."

Her words lingered in the air, carrying the weight of her experiences and burdens. My heart ached for Shizu, but I knew her journey wasn't over yet.

Shizu then looked at Rimuru, her gaze filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "Mister Slime, I have one final request," she said softly.

Curiosity piqued, Rimuru asked, "What is it, Shizu?"

Taking a deep breath, Shizu's voice trembled as she made her plea. "Please, consume me," she whispered, her eyes filled with solemn resolve.