There are many hellish and monstrous creatures that plague the known world of Zeria and beyond. The F.A.B.L.E.D Monsters that ravage this world and live only by following their origins and instincts. The worshipper and traitorous servants of the Dark and Fallen Gods that toil the living for power. The filthy ancient pure-blood vermin that infested this world since the conclusion of the apocalypse. Even the individuals with ambition, power and God by their side must always turn and look their way when they emerge.
For there is an ever-present threat in the darkest pages of history that seeks to destroy all sense of order and reason. Few, are those that know of the silent. The lurking menace that lies hidden from the deepest dungeons and the concealed archives. They are always waiting, biding their time, scheming plots that are unseen across the lands of all races alike. An evil threat that lurks under your skin without no one knowing.
With the right time, and the right place. These vassals are capable of slaying or taking over any living or undead, steal any piece of information hidden deep inside the darkest memories, infiltrate any society of all living race, and commit any acts of inhumane activity it is required to continue their ever-growing kingdom of flesh and blood.
Fear the six eyes you see, fear all those you know for they may be one of them. The six eyes of nightmares that haunt the dreams and miseries of all living being is always there. Men, ancients, and all races alike tremble with disgust and fear upon the presence from the vile children of the Monster King.
Kaoru who heard the tales of how many societies had to change thanks to this figure called monster king. Even this Confederation had its whole tradition and laws reformed thanks to that Monster King. One of the famous ones is where people from thousands of years ago, all the monuments and graves built in the ancient past was torn down and the bodies of the heroes and legends were dig up to be burned and many people protested and revolted.
It is a chaotic time for people to live in in the past. Though it isn't as bad noe, she would never forget the stories her master suffered from the Monster King. So, it is in her imperative that she and the strongest of the group dealt with it before anyone weaker could know. Even for her, this is the first time she had seen one so powerful, and unknown. The soldiers who never train to see the truth inside the eyes can never understand the graveness of this situation. And Kaoru can only suck it up and improvise upon this situation as she saw the corpses and limbs piling up all around.
(Then again, maybe I'm just seeing things since I'm pretty tired... But I can't be too careless). (ﾟωﾟ;)
A single item pulled from her robe cause the soldiers beside her to open their eyes in shock. When they thought victory was within their grasp, Kaoru fired of the retreating flare crystal, lighting up the entire area in bright white firework only known to them. The soldiers confused and baffled by her order can only follow it. After all, if that's what the people's champion wanted then they would follow it.
The soldier retreats in mass, burrowing to the holes from whence they came. Since only a few of them left, it didn't take long for many to return. Being individuals with thoughts and emotion, some stayed beside Kaoru.
"So you're here to stay? (◠‿◠✿)"
One of the soldiers walks close to her replying:
"Of course without you, none of us would be doing any of this. And I wouldn't be here without your help either. So if you're going to the maws of hell then I'll come along with you!"
"Yeah!", "You said it!", " Even if this crusade failed, I'll still fight for you!"
Kaoru can't help but smile at their responses replying:
"Alright then, listen up! What you're about to face is an adversary unlike ever before! That thing standing before you is a monster in human skin! Our job is now to stall her while everyone retreats and when they're done, it'll be our turn!
ヽ(`д´;)/"
"Alright!", "Let's do this!", "For the Xuju!"
*************************************
As the gallant rat-kin riles up the few soldiers behind her. I ready myself thinking.
(I may be late, but I'm still on time).
I hold Pasha on his shoulder asking:
"Um, you're still alright right?"
Pasha whose face seems so dark that I can't even see his eyes. I wonder if it's because of the blood? Pasha face me and nods saying:
"I'll manage... But man aren't you late?"
I leer away saying:
"I-I got lost okay! Nobody told me there would be splitting paths!"
"Haha, well ain't that unfortunate... Good luck then, I'll be taking a rest. And be careful, she can somehow disrupt your qi and breathing without using the skills of a qi-blocker so there'd that."
"I see... Even then, leave it to me!"
I march forth with my weapon in hand. When I look at the gallant rat-kin, my body feels like it burns from the inside. A raging flame ravaging my innards as it tempts me to devour her. The Gallant Rat-kin takes a step forth and leans her scythe forward as if she's ready to attack. I keep marching forth as I gather all kinds of power from my body, trying to figure out my magic as I enhance myself with qi. Halting just a few meters away, we stare at each other looking for an opening...
(Or that's what she's doing. To be honest, I'm not good at doing that stuff and just follow whatever happens).
"Say, may I know your name? Mines Kai, just Kai. (ω・｀)"
Surprised by her polite tone and question, I can't help but tilt my head and answer back saying:
"It's Sova, Sova Anmao."
Kai nods a little replying:
"Anmao? So you're not a servant? (⊙.☉ )
Either way... ( ′～‵)"
We stare at each other for a while before finally,
"Here I come! ε=(っ>~<)っ"
Kai dashes forth disappearing from my sight while the four soldiers left behind run forth with their expensive weapons trying to hit me... To be honest, right now, they are painfully slow compared to all the foes I face till now. Noticing how Kai will attack me from the right, I twirl my halberd on the right parrying her attack and easily plunging her scythe to the ground. Combining that attack with a horizontal wheel strike using my waist as a pillar to swing my halberd in a 360° angle attacking all side.
*cleave* *clang*
Kai manages to pull her scythe in time as she counters with the attack from below but I dodge easily by stepping back. But one of the rat-kin that got close instantly got sliced in half as if cutting a paper...
(That's weird... Am I always this strong? Unlike when fighting Gorbachev, I don't think my attacks are this powerful or my opponent being this slow. I dare say Gorbachev was faster than Kai in this instance... I wonder if it's that burning sensation I'm feeling right now?)
I continue my assault, with a downward strike. But she blocks me and gets pushed back instead. I attack again from her shoulder down but she manages to block it and parry my halberd down as she counters back with a thrust where I hold the tip of her scythe and halting her moves immediately. She tried to struggle from my grip while I raise my weapon and she lets go, jumping back as swing my weapon down...
(Is it me or is my battle instincts doing terribly right now? Most of the attacks are pretty static, slow and predictable! Is this what Pasha meant when he said she can manipulate my qi? Since magic doesn't work on me means that's her qi technique).
With no weapon this time, I throw away her scythe and continue my assault, not letting her taking out another weapon. I attack again and again with a low to upper combo strikes along with piercing attacks but she somehow manages to deflect my blow with her arm and dodges it time and time again. Two soldiers appear while Kai was being pushed back, trying land a hit on me. I quickly swing my halberd at them, cutting them in two. As their body falls, Kai emerges from between them with a new scythe swinging it down at me.
(Guess I better try it now...)
I jump back to gain some distance and dodge, but rather than letting her scythe hit the ground. She swings her weapon up creating a giant qi blast coming at me. I twirl my halberd to gain momentum and counter-attack with another giant qi blast while still mid-air thinking,
[Almighty roaring tiger technique, Fury Path: Wrathful Tiger Claw!]
My qi blast burst forth, from one branch into five qi blast. Kai dodges with grace and destroys the last qi blast with her own when,
"Argh!"
One of the qi blasts she dodges hits the last soldier, slicing him in two before he could dodge while Kai looks back in a panic saying:
"Ain't that the tiger technique!? Σ(゜゜)"
(Now!)
While distracted, I dash forth with all my strength destroying the road below me. I jump high and hold the end of my halberd, readying for a strong downward swing while bending my body back.
[Invincible Dancing Monkey's technique: grand slam]
*stab*
"Huh?"
As I saw a sword's blade appearing from my stomach. I look back to see one of the rat-kin who only had his upper body left thrown his sword in desperation.
(Really!? I have no time!)
When I continue to swing my weapon down, Kai with enough time raises her scythe and uses the tip of her weapon to direct my blow by swinging her tip to the ground. As my halberd slide forth her scythe, her fingers move fluently to avoid my halberds axe while she pulls her scythe which is pointing at my side, to make a full swing. As I try to let go and dodge, her crimson hair shines bright and so does her red eyes. Her face filled with fury and hope make her blade even bigger while her weapon shines making her even faster.
"Dieeeee!!! |┛*｀Д´|┛"
*puncture* *smash*
Her scythe punches through my left waist as the tip exits the other side. As she tries to swing further and dissect me in two, I grab the handle below the scythe's blade as she swings me down, pinning me to the ground as her scythe stabs deep turning me into those kebabs.
With my weapon being stepped, I can't even pull it out as she struggles to pin me down and pull her scythe and open my stomach with all her strength as her eyes shine so bright it leaves trails wherever she moves her head.
(Dam rabbit! Is this all I can do! Am I going to lose again! Is this karma since I'm the one doing the surprise attack now? Bull brownies, like I believe that yam! And since this doesn't hurt, I better push my self even further!)
I let go of my weapon and use my right hand to stand but she persistently pushes me down while I try to pull the scythe away. But with my overwhelming strength, I manage to slowly get on my knees. Seeing how this is not going to her favour, she lets her scythe go and backs away. When I pull the scythe out, the wound left on me soon stops bleeding and close by itself. I continue to pull the blade out of my back and grab my halberd while she pulls another rod and attacks as to not let me take my weapon.
(Let's try something else).
Since I can see her attack, I ignored my halberd and grabbed her scythe with my right hand instead. I pull her scythe to the right leaving her head open. With my left hand, I pull it back and delivers a hook to her head but she dodges back but this time without letting her weapon go...
(Gotcha!)
With my left hand now above both her arms, I wrap my left arm over both of Kai's arms like a bed coil. I pull her down as she bends her knees and looks down at me. She struggles to move her arms but to no avail, she's trap now!
(Who knew the technique that defeated me would work wonders! Defeat truly is the mother of victory. Thank you, Yosova).
As my right hand let go of her scythe and ready to smash her face in. Kai becomes desperate as she starts to knee me with her right leg but I easily sweep her other one, causing her to fall. I quickly use this chance to get on top of her while still constricting her arms. Now not only capturing but pinning her down too.
"Shit- (ﾟД((( "
*smash*
I didn't hesitate any further as I hammer my fist to her face causing her to shut up and soon another and another and another...
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
With the sound of gunshots, I lose part of my arms and body as I could see my flesh and blood flinging away.
(Another sneak attack!? Rrrgh!)
When I realize another attack is coming from behind me, I hastily let her go and jump away.
*sheen*
With the sound of a clean-cut, what remains of the giant gate leading to the inner district along with the building around got severed as it floats in the air. A surreal sight even after Kokkan's show of strength.
(Wait, is Pasha okay?)
"Stay away from her!"
Someone screams as I can only hope for his safety and look up where the sound came from. I could see the rat-kin who went and fight Kokkan. He's filled with cuts, gunshots and part of his armour missing...
(Did Kokkan...)
Unbridled fury rises from within me as the flames that heat up my body surge beyond measure as I felt like never before. And not before long, the whole area soon becomes a deep and dark purple colour once again. I started to move with my instinct and pulled my halberd with an invisible force. As I saw him swinging his blade with so much killing intent and black qi bursting from his body, I return the gesture and swing my halberd up thinking,
[Immortal calamity dragon technique, chaos path: Hex Apocalypse Roar]
I gather most of my qi and magic and swing forth against him. This time, 6 giant dragons in mutated form burst forth flying toward the black armoured rat-kin. But he summons forth his darkness and pulls out another sword and gathers his qi.
*slash* *BOOOOM*
A giant black cross-cuts apart my qi dragon. The fireworks coat the entire sky blacker than the darkest of corners. A unique black shadow comes out from the black fireworks with his armour more destroyed than before and will soon reach me. As he gathers qi on his twin blades again, I gather mine on my halberd and ready my self for another close combat.
*clang* *crack*
He swings both his blade down at me while I block his attack diagonally as the ground beneath us cracks. I push him back with all my might as I swing my halberd but he boosts his distance by kicking my weapon instead. As he lands, he disappears with speed faster than even the Commandant and I can only use my instincts to guess. Feeling an attack from my right, I swing my halberd with all my strength.
*clang*
He manages to block my attack with his twin blades as the buildings behind him got cut and float in the same manner he did just now. Our weapons clash time and time again, like if steel and fury mixed together to create a technique. With using every part of my halberd to its full extent, from the axe, the hammer, the tip and the pummel. I was able to pin him down on the defensive as he tries his best to deflect and parry my myriad blows, with each swing pushing him back and leaving his arms shivering and his blade cracking.
Before I knew it, purple qi seems to gather around me like a swirling maelstrom. Picking up stones, pebbles, limbs and bodies of everyone near it. With the coming of this unknown power, I had an idea of what to do now. Giant magic circles soon appear all around the black armoured rat-kin. But he parries my halberd down and grabs the collar of my robe with his right hand, surrounding us in darkness and the whole area becomes black. As I grab his hand and pull it away forcefully, I force his arm to bend in a weird way. Raising my halberd to swing it down,
*crack*
"Urgh!!!"
Pain jolts my system as I could see his blade almost cutting my left hand off. His eyes widened as his sword only manage to cut half deep into my arm. Using this chance, I waste no time to swing my blade and,
*slash*
To my surprise, he cut his own right arm off and jump back into the darkness, disappearing through the dark. The darkness that surrounds me soon dissipate as it was never there and he too has disappeared both sight and presence. I let go of his dismembered arm and went back to Kai when I realize she's not there...
(Is she somewhere else?)
I look around and realize she's not anyway near the inner district gate...
(It seems he has taken her away...)
"Like I'll let that excuse run off!!!"
The rage within me took control and I begin to swing my halberd randomly. My vision blurs and darkness overtook my eyes...
"Rrraaaagghhh!!!"
*************************************
When my vision returns, I could taste blood from my lips and teeth. Everything around me has been grounded to dust as all the buildings disappear. My body seems to have fully recovered as all the part that got torn off and my half severed arm seem to attach itself back.
(I wonder if this is all Mary's doing? But now, it's time to actually take a breath and calm down).
"Either way, it seems they have all retreated. This is a win... But Kokkan, he..."
(Is this what it feels like to lose someone? I haven't known him for so long but to see him disappear like that suddenly just...)
I walk back slowly to the kneeling Pasha who is covered with rocks and dust. I shake him a little saying:
"Um... Are you still alive?"
Pasha cleans his eyes looks at me replying:
"Huh sorry? Can you repeat that again?"
(Is he seriously asleep through all that!?)
"I manage to repel them away. It seems they've all retreated.
"Oh? Hahaha, good job! I could hug you right now if you're not a lady."
Pasha stands up again and his broken leg has seemed to be fixed too.
(That's a quick recovery! Then again, my body did stop a giant bleeding hole in mere seconds).
"Hmmmph, fuaaah!"
Pasha takes a deep breath and lets it out loud as he stretches his arms wide. Pasha walks past me and looks around before looking back at me asking:
"So... Are you alright? I mean you're crying as you speak."
"Huh!?"
I wipe my eyes and realize it seems I am crying. But... I can't help but shake away this dark feeling inside. I look back at Pasha asking:
"Tell me, is it weird that I cried when my companions died but not when I killed my foes? Saya told me that all life is the same but why... Why do we keep discriminating."
Pasha pats my head replying:
"That's just a normal reaction. But the fact you realize that yourself means that you're taking the right path. But don't dwell too long for that will lead you to another darker path... Bah! Then again, I'm not the person to tell you deep answers like that. So take my answer with a grain of salt. Because I usually bury the hatchet deep and dig it out only when I need it. That's how I deal with my problems.
So why don't you go back inside and tell them the good news first? A good vibe will always make you smile. I'll run around trying to explore and find if there are any more survivors."
"Uhm, sorry for asking such a weird question."
He nods before replying:
"Don't worry my same interest companion! Now, I'll be going first then. If by then you're still down. I guess I got no choice but to give you one of my prized possession."
Pasha contrary to his size jumps from one building to building without destroying it as if he's as light as a feather. As the purple gloom that shroud upon this district returns back to how it was before the invasion. I disperse my soul weapon and head inside the inner district one again.
This feeling, of rage, guilt, sorrow, pain, and remorse all mixing together... It hurts... It stings and... Is this how those who kill feel?
"I hate this..."
*************************************
*drip* *drip*
Droplets of water ring across the empty chasms that glows with a blue light. A rat-kin with one arm supports another rat-kin who looks like she went through a painful ride. She twitched and looks at the one supporting her...
"So... Ra? (๑-﹏-)⋆* ⁑⋆*"
Kaori tries to hold his left arm but realize it's not there.
"Sora... Your arm-" ∑(ﾟﾛﾟ〃)
"It's but a small price to pay for saving you."
Sora cuts her off and answers back swiftly. Kaoru holds him tight in return saying:
"What do you mean a small price!? Don't worry when we return, we'll fix you back up. （＾³＾）～♪"
"Don't, I plan to keep it like this."
"Huh? Are you crazy!?
Ah! (ﾟρﾟ; )
Wait, I take it back, none of us is sane after born here. (´･_･`)"
"True... Especially Yui, I think she's the weirdest of us all now."
Kaoru halts Sora's steps saying:
"Hey, can we rest here for a while?
(_ _|||)"
"Sure."
Sora looks around and found a small cave pond that seems to shine beautiful glow like an opal stone. Sora places her in one of the pillars of the cave near the pond and rests beside her. The serene, quiet and beautiful atmosphere prompt their body to lax without any command. And soon, Kaoru wraps her arms around Sora's neck. Hugging him tight in her arms as if she hugs a pillow. Sora looks back at Kaoru with surprise.
"Kaoru?"
"Hey, Sora... Why don't we retire? (ﾟｰﾟ*)"
"Huh!? Now that's more crazy no? I mean where do we even plan to go?"
Kaoru tried to smile with her bruised face replying:
"Since you ask that, that means you're ready to retire to huh?
(๑•̀ㅁ•́๑)✧"
"Yeah..."
Sora looks up at the cave and sees the glowing lights akin to the shining stars beyond the night sky.
"Yui and I are the newest members of the Xuju no? And there's still 6 of us missing out there. I never tell you what happened before I join did I?"
Kaoru shakes her head to indicate no. Sora hugs her in return with only his one arm and leans his head on hers.
"To simplify, I was once a hero tasked with protecting the Eclipse Empire's royal throne. In the end, I failed and was close to getting executed. It was thanks to all the friends I made along the way, I somehow ended up getting exiled. And with nowhere to go other than up, since the south is nothing but a death wish... That's where I met you guys. To be honest I was tired of fighting and was ready to put my blade down..."
"Ah! Well, sorry... (´.＿.｀)"
"Don't be, so your plan?"
"Huh? Ah! (ﾟO ﾟ ), Right!
I plan on going to the northern peninsula and live in a secluded mountain or something.
（*＾ワ＾*）"
Sora lifts his head to look at Kaoru asking:
"Northern Peninsula? Do you mean you want to live in one of the kingdoms beyond the witch's forest? Yeah, that does sound to be a good place to retire."
"Yup! Man, don't we feel like some old folk? (ᅌᴗᅌ* )"
"Well combining our previous age, aren't most of us already nearing our 40's? And let's not discount the one who probably reincarnated earlier. Like me, I'm already on my late-thirties. Plus my old age, I'm already in my mid-fifties nearing the late stage."
"Ugh, don't talk about ages! You're making me conscious! ヽ(`д´;)/"
Sora leans his head on her again asking:
"And who do you think started it?"
"S-Shut it! (｀Д´)"
Kaoru pushes his head away with hers in retaliation before replying:
"Anyway, so are we in agreement?
(◡‿◡✿)"
She rests her head on his shoulders as she asks. He returns the gesture with the same act replying:
"Yes, and since we're alone now... I want to say something I kept since back during our past lives...
I love you Kaoru. Ever since you saved me in that alley back during our middle school year."
Kaoru hugs him tighter as if to never let go replying:
"I love you too, Sora... You're quiet back then but you never complained and help me a lot all the time as the voluntary vice president. Now I know why... Thank you. (✿◠‿◠)"
Sora with his only hand intertwine his fingers with her and she clasps them to tie them together. They rest peacefully beneath these fake starry sky as they dream for their future to come.
"Oh, why can't you teleport us back home already? Did you use all the long-distance one? (゜_ ゜)"
"Yea, one for Wei, one for teleporting the crystal and the other for both of us... I think we're pretty close to the major settlement in the Rabbit Sector though."
"Ah, if it's the rabbit then whatever... I'm going to sleep. So your first job as a boyfriend is to be my pillow! （*＾＾*)"
Sora smiles replying:
"That I am happy to do. Sleep all you want."
*************************************
As the flames of war died down, ruins are what remains of this once prosperous district. The people who are unbeknownst to such an event can only pick up what remains of their blood, sweat, and toils. But it's not over yet, while the light of the great district has returned, the people are still alive, no matter how much they destroyed the fields and home, as long as the people, the root is still intact, the leaves branch shall always grow. Maybe, much more splendid than before.
The survivors pour out from the inner district and rejoice for their lives but they can't help but fall silent as they saw their city. Tannan jumps forth from above, landing on the tallest building she could find.
"People of the Jaguar Sector! We may have suffered now, but it's never too late to rebuild anew! Let us work together and help each other in this time of need! Clean the debris, pick up the boulders and reconnect the district once more! I'll help you all through all this so in exchange I hope you all can do the same!"
"Yeah!", "We'll stay by your side!", "Let's build this district better than before!", " If our ancestor could build this place from nothing, why can't we do the same! No, we'll do it better!"
The people were roaring from the top of their lungs, their eyes burn with determination to rebuild their district, their home much better than before. The only one that came out were people who didn't get hurt during the invasion while the ones whose hurt is still resting inside the inner district.
"We shall mourn for the dead when we actually have a place to remember them. But for now, let's get back to work! Starting from this place!"
Tannan jumps down and picks up a huge boulder twice her size and walks away. The people follow her example and started to clean the streets up, either with magic or physical work. From the youngest to the oldest, both Owlians and Zerians cooperate they in harmony to rebuild this city. I walk near Tannan asking:
"Say, what can I do?"
"Huh? Oh, why don't you rest Suowa? I don't want to get indebted to you even more. You defeated the two most powerful enemies here you know?"
"But-"
"Oh, shush it! When Xin and Tanwa wake up, I'll ask them to bring you to the nearest station where you can get to the Turtle Academy. Don't worry, we got this. Even though there are problems above. If we can't deal with the one in front of us, then I better cancel Yuwei's offer.
If you really want to help, you could always ask your Sis when we're finally under her rule you know? And this may not be appropriate for me to say, but don't you think you should go find your companions first? Like that rat-kin... Shala? I haven't seen her after the peak you know?"
"Oh right! Um... Very well then, I'll go find them first then. Good luck."
(Yes... I better find Kokkan's body. Last I check, he was flying this way, I think...)
I jump on top of the building and went to where Kokkan was fighting. As I look around searching for a place where Kokkan might be fighting. When I look around, I found a place with lots of clean cuts and buildings filled holes that make it looks like those cheese.
"Is it here? Where's his body?"
I run around looking for him, I hold my voice back since no matter how much I shout, the dead wouldn't answer back...
(Oh, please let me find him! So that I can bring it back and maybe, just maybe ask Sis to revive him or something! He's a Zerian after all!)
I run, looking from one place after another, picking up boulder as if they're as light as a sponge.
"Is he not here"
I run to the alleyways checking, but all I found were corpses of rat-kin and humans... I don't know how much time has past but I search one corner after another.
*bump* *crash*
"Huh?"
As I bump to someone or something. My eyes widened at what I found. He slowly rises up dusting his broken armour saying:
"Sorry- huh? Sova? What are you doing here? And here I was wondering who was the crazy person running around in circles."
Before I knew it, I was hugging him tightly on his body shouting:
"Oh thank goodness! Kokkan, you're alive! Oh, you're alive!"
(My friend is fewer than what my two hands could count. So each one I lost really hits me hard... Not to say he's the very first guy friend that actually acts like a guy!)
Thanks to his height, I was pretty much hanging as I hug him. Kokkan supports me by hugging back from my waist saying:
"Sova... Heh, I guess this time, you're the one hugging me too tightly. Seriously though, what do you mean?"
"I mean I thought you died when that black armoured rat-kin returned to fight me. Do you know how worried I was!? Unlike any of you experts, I can't sense qi too far! Or can I sense magic since I'm an Owlian! And not only that, you're one of the few friends I had, I don't want to lose you!"
He pats me gently and when I look up, I could see him smile sweetly saying:
"Sorry, my lady. It seems I worry you a lot. But don't worry. I'm back. And I'm sorry to say this but... Your hugs are actually hurting me can you loosen it a little?"
"Ah! Sorry!"
I let him go and push him away. Landing on my feet, I look back at him and realize some part of his armour actually has a dent from where I hug...
"Um... Sorry, it seems my hug has dented your armour."
"Hmm?"
Kokkan looks down saying:
"Ah, don't worry about it, my lady. This is a special armour crafted in the Eclipse Empire. It is specially tuned for warriors like us where it has the ability to repair itself. So no matter who we face, we could always travel from one battle to the other without any maintenance."
(Such armour existed! Why didn't Sis Yuwei just give me that! And weirdly enough, Sis Fei never talked about it either...)
"That's amazing! And Kokkan since we're alone now let me tell you this..."
"Yes, my lady?"
"I'm saying this one more time but I'm a guy okay! Don't call me my lady! And Don't get the wrong idea Kokkan. I don't swing that way either."
"Sure you are, my lady. Sure you are."
"Ummph! Don't brush it off like that! Then tell me how I can prove that I'm a guy then!?"
Kokkan turns his back on me as his shredded cape that's filled with holes flutter. He looks back only showing half his face replying:
"You know... In our country, when in doubt, we could always take a bath together when we return back to the palace."
"Wuwuwu WHAT!? NO!"
I retorted back loudly, only for Kokkan to raise his shoulders replying:
"Why not? Aren't we guys? It's normal for us guys to see each other's willies you know. Skinship is important for us males."
(It is!?)
"No! That's embarrassing! I mean we're not even kids anymore!"
(The last time I bath together with someone was with Nicole and that's like back when we're still kids! Or even the closest is when Nicole gave me a head massage with one of the shampoos he brings but even then we're not naked at all!)
Kokkan holds his chin and looks up as he tries to remember something replying:
"Really? Before I left the Empire. I was taking baths and showers with my fellow warriors all in the same room and tub. Side. By. Side."
"That's... That's ridiculous! Are they not embarrassed!?"
He turns around with his right arm raised shouting:
"Of course not! Why should we? We are brothers in arms and we fight together from one battle through the other. Why should there be shame among us? It should only be camaraderie and friendship!"
"That's... Then what if I'm a girl then? Won't it be even weird!?"
(What the fudge am I saying!?)
As I strangle my inner self, Kokkan suddenly chuckles at my question, replying
"Hahaha, what are you saying now? Okay, let's say you are (which I believe is true). And it's weird and a shame to your culture. But from where I came from, there's something called public mixed baths or mixed onsen. And can you guess what they do?"
As I felt a brick hitting my head and a revelation flashes before me. I take a step back muttering:
"N-No. No way...!"
Kokkan hangs his weapons on his waist guard before raising both his arms replying:
"That's right! A place where all male and female, young and old all come together and bathe under one big hot spring! For context, it's kinda like the huge bath at the palace. But made out of rocks and is filled with boiling hot water along with being surrounded by forest, nature and sometimes animals might come and join in too."
I cover my face as my cheeks burns.
"Then what did you say about me having no modesty or shame!?"
"Sova... That's a public bathroom where people are doing it out of necessity or some could wear a swimsuit or towel but who wears that during a bath? But YOU! You were in an open public place! How could I not be worried!?"
"Wha!?"
Kokkan pries my hands open as he stares down at me with passion burning in his eyes shouting:
"So, will you take a bath with me or will you not!?"
"Ah, fine! I won't, I won't!"
Kokkan lets me go and back away replying:
"Hmph, that's what I thought."
*sniff* *sniff*
(Will this be my fate from now on?)
I fall on my knees and look at my hands asking:
"What just happened?"
I can't help but asked myself and contemplate my decisions when Kokkan pats my head and let me wear his cloak saying:
"I'm sorry, Sova. I guess I went too far. But very well. If you don't want me to call you that, I can always call you my lord. Will that suffice?"
"Um..."
I nod at his suggestion and Kokkan grabs his weapon and pulls me up saying:
"Now, let us return. We don't want to make them wait, do we?"
I nod before realizing something. I grab his hand to stop him before saying:
"Hold up, can you help me find Saya too?"
Kokkan tilts his head asking:
"She's not with you yet? Very well, let's look for her together."
We travel to the ruined district as we search for Saya... Hoping she's okay...
*************************************
"She's nowhere!"
I can't help but express my anger but Kokkan stills retain his composure as he looks around the area.
(Could she... No, that's crazy! Don't be too paranoid, Sova!)
Kokkan holds my shoulder saying:
"Well, why don't we help escort these survivors to the inner district first? One of them is hurt after all."
Kokkan suggests me as I look back at the small group we escort and the girl whose hurt I carry behind me. When we travel searching for Saya, we found Pasha escorting some survivors and he asks us to escort them instead as he tries to find more survivors.
"Yea, you're right. Let's return back first and get her treated."
I gave up looking and hasten our trip back to the inner district, as we get close, we could see the streets becoming more crowded as the people are doing their best to clean up the debris and destroying the broken props that block the streets. As I spotted Tannan ordering groups of people into different parts of the streets, I yell at her shouting:
"Tannan! We got an injured here!"
Tannan looks down at us and looks back at the other group shouting:
"Group 3 burn as many corpses you can find, group 5 and 6 combine your might and help the new survivors! Follow me!"
Tannan jump and a group of people gather around her saying:
"Oh, thank you very much, Suowa! C'mon, let me carry her now."
As I hand the wounded to Tannan, the people behind her quickly escorts the survivors behind us.
"Oh, and that companion of yours, Shala. She's inside the inner district resting. Go visit her."
(Shala? Oh right, that's what Saya name sounds like in Runician).
"Really!? I'll go do that immediately then!"
I nod and head off into the inner district while Kokkan follows beside me. I follow the trail I remembered and found myself inside a small opening with many wounded people resting on top of sheets and blankets. I look around and found Saya deep inside sitting near a wounded person. When I run, swiftly and silently inside I call her saying:
"Saya finally found you. Where have you been?"
Saya whose looking like she's the one who's not tired of us all only sits quietly before she heard me replying:
"Oh, Sova. Well, while all of you are busy fighting I was dealing with another enemy who had the idea to strike from another side. Basically saving her..."
Saya looks down at the sleeping patient and I look at where her eyes fell...
"Sutra? She's attacked? And here I was wondering where she went when the invasion began. You really think things through huh? I should learn more from you."
Saya folds her arms with a smug plastered on her face saying:
"Of course, I'm your senior after all. And... I think you should go get your clothes changed. Don't you feel uncomfortable with holes in your robe? And your sash is about to get loose."
"Oh! You're right!"
"Shhh!"
One of the nurse and caretaker in the cave gesture me to be quiet and I bow down saying:
"Oops... Sorry... But who am I suppose to ask? I mean do you bring extra clothes?"
I stand back up and Saya ponders saying:
"I don't know, I mean you could always just go on with those clothes. Why don't you go ask Tannan?"
I nod and look at Saya and realize how her dress is still clean and pretty as if it's just finish cleaned and dried up. All the cuts she had when we met at the cave was not there...
"You know I wonder but can't you just use some magic to fix my clothes up? I mean, the cuts on your clothes seem to disappear."
"Hmph, it seems you're finally using your head for a bit. Very well."
Saya gathers magic on the tip of her finger and moves it in a circle creating a spiral. The light soon disperses and cover the holes in my robe, apron and sash. Sewing it together with nothing and covering it up while also cleaning all the dirt, dust and bloodstain left from the battle. It now looks brand new and proper.
"Woah..."
(Magic sure is cheating... I wonder if I should learn housework magic first rather than those advance stuff?)
I hold the headband on my head and realize how it's fixed too.
"Thank you so much, Saya!"
(Hmm, if she can do this, I wonder why didn't she do this back when I first met her? Her clothes look so worn and tattered. Could it be she's actually getting better at magic too?)
I hug Saya in joy to thank her but Saya tries to push me away in vain as my strength overwhelms her and force her to accept it.
"Dammit, let me go!"
"Shhh!"
The nurse warns us again and I bow down pulling Saya along saying:
"I'm sorry. Why don't we continue our conversation outside?"
I carry her up and started walking outside. Saya pushes my head away with her tiny hand saying:
"Fine, so just let me go, damn you!"
She shouts while still whispering close to my ear. I hold her tight replying:
"I'm sorry Saya but please just let me have this hug a bit longer... I just realize what it feels like to lose your comrade suddenly. And the more I think about it, the deeper the wound gets..."
Saya stops pushing me away and instead pat my head saying:
"Fine, but only until we reach the entrance okay!? After that, you better let me go!"
"Yay! Thanks!"
"Urgh!"
I hug her tighter when she taps my head twice and went limp for a while... I loosen up my hug and can't help but mutter:
"I might have overdone it... What do I do now!?"
(I better train how to use my new strength as soon as possible).
"Don't worry, Sova. It's just a lack of oxygen. Just leave her for a while and she'll gain conscious immediately."
"Really!?"
"Yea, I suffered the same fate once too."
"Oh..."
(Isn't that just dangerous and sad!?)
*************************************
"I see so something like that could happen huh? Interesting..."
Saya who had finally regain consciousness receives my apology and sits with her legs crossed way beyond me as to distance herself. We rest on top of the gathered pile of rocks that look like remnants of a roof while Saya's the only one who sits on the chair.
"Yea, I guess Martial Artist could be unique on their own. And some of them have even more unique weapons."
We decided to tell each other what we see and experience during the battle to past time. Most of the rat-kin we fought are all pretty powerful after all. Since Tannan refuses my help so that I don't waste any energy, Kokkan who won't do anything unless I do it and Saya who has a physical body of a kid can't really do much and how her spells are mostly offensive ones.
(I suddenly feel even less useful since I can only fight... It's a very depressing feeling).
"Either way, what time is it now Kokkan?"
Saya asks at Kokkan whose sharpening his blades. Kokkan looks at his wrist saying:
"It's now 11 pm in our time zone. But I think we'll arrive at the Turquoise Turtle Sector... Pretty late."
"Very well, then we'll just rest until those two wakes up."
Saya places her hand on the back of her head as she slides down a little.
"The concept of time still baffles me even today."
"You'll get used to it soon Sova. I was forced to get used to it when I was 12 and was travelling across the empire for battle. So I'm sure you'll understand eventually."
"I think you're just crazy talented Kokkan."
"Talent? Hmph, if we're talking talent, then I say you're the one who's crazy talented. You told me that you only trained for a year, but you have the ability of someone who has trained their entire life. Now that's what I call talent. The only thing you lack is experience."
(I can't really say most of my power now comes from my inheritance and Mary but...)
"Yea... I guess that's true. But I'm what you call a building with a weak foundation. So that's why I'm going to train even more when I get back without any complaints!"
"Heh, now that's the spirit. I'll help you out too, Sova."
"Thanks! And... Hey, Saya, what're you gonna do when we arrive? You did say you wanna do something..."
Saya looks at me while still leaning replying:
"Really? Did you forget already? Well, I guess I can't blame you since we're in the middle of stopping an invasion. But I was planning for shopping."
"Shopping... Ah right! All the stuff I brought her for Sis Fei is disintegrated in the previous battles! What am I going to get for her now?"
Kokkan pats my back saying:
"You could just buy it when you arrive at the Turquoise Turtle, since they're going to open a grand festival soon, you can bet all the stuff they'll be selling would be wonderful and maybe foreign."
"Whoa, you're right! But I wonder what I should get her? I mean won't she know if I just buy the stuff from there it'll feel like I'm lazy?"
Saya gets up and looks at me replying:
"Really Sova? When did you start to care about how to give gifts?"
"Hey, I admit I don't have many friends but it's because of that I'm always trying my best for them okay!"
She folds her arms and leans back once again saying:
"Heh, you can be pretty amiable sometimes. Don't worry, let me help with the gift selection."
"What do you mean by sometimes? I'm pretty amiable all the time!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure. But just remember you're still on your job so don't break character so easily either."
"Oof!"
I can't help but take damage from what she said. And realize how much I'm not acting like the Silencer I'm told to since I defeated that brawler rat-kin...
"Don't worry, Sova. I think you do well acting just the way you are. After all, if we follow Saya's advice, kindness is pretty intimidating... But only when you finally get a real mission."
Kokkan pats my back again and I can't help but sigh saying:
"Haaah, yea, you're right. I'm lucky that this is just a mission where I can't fail. But I'm still going to try my best!"
Saya finally gets close and give me a pat in the head saying:
"Hehe, good. Now, I'm gonna rest and wait. So why don't you two do whatever you want while we wait."
She decides to sit beside me and lie down on the stone.
"Okay... Say, Kokkan, I've been wondering."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Well, I'm just wondering but what's the Eclipse Empire like? I mean from the books I heard it's a place of ancient tradition and beautiful sceneries."
"Oh, really? That's one weird book you're reading. But, I guess if I have to say, the Eclipse Empire is the land of Imperial ambition."
"Imperial ambition?"
"Yes, a land where the royal family always try to revolutionize... You know what, I'm not gonna sugar coat them. To put it simply they're weird."
I tilt my head mumbling:
"Oh?"
"Hey, Sova, do you know you can describe many known world countries with just one word?"
"Really?"
Kokkan nods and grabs one of his blades and write on the piled-up sand saying:
"Say, why not give me the list of countries and I'll give you their description and why they're called that."
"Oh, now I'm curious... Say, does Sectors or Segmentum counts as countries?"
"Well they fall into the category of independent state and city but I guess yes by their sheer size."
"Oh, oh, then let's start with the Phoenix Sector."
"Haha, I guess that's a given..."
Kokkan draws the phoenix emblem and writes in the common tongue.
[Doctors]
"Doctors?"
"Yes, don't you know? It's in the ancient script I read back then. Before Rucina found the phoenix group and establish his reign. The Phoenix are nomadic groups of healers and physicians travelling around the land and seas healing people for free while also sharing food and caring for anyone they meet. They became so popular, all the people in the Rucina frontier would open their gates for them unconditionally and line up for their services. Especially during wars and plagues they would travel and heal the wounded, sick and try to persuade them to stop...
They are the few good people travelling around. In fact, you can say that they're one of the main factors why the Confederation was able to retain such a huge population even before the Liberation Era. They are so kind, Emperor Rucina is so smudged he gifted the rich lands they live now as gifts for their massive generosity for helping him."
"Woah! Really!? Why didn't I learn any of this back when studying history!?"
(Like all the material May teaches me is pretty much all about the Phoenix when they are under Rucina's rule).
"So, who's next?"
I hold my chin saying:
"What about... Theocracy?"
"Oh! Well, they're..."
Kokkan draws the symbol of their faith and...
[Gay]
Baffled, confused, bamboozled, I can only look at Kokkan with widened eyes asking:
"... Why?"
(Is he always such a person?)
"Pfff, sorry this is a joke from the Aologi Empire. I thought you should have known."
I shake my head saying:
"I've only lived there until I was 8. I didn't learn much of anything about my country."
Kokkan pat my head replying:
"Oh, I'm sorry... Let me change it then."
Kokkan brushes off the word and writes something else...
[Lunatics]
"... Why?"
I look at him confused again and he leans back replying:
"Tell me Sova, massive genocide and doctrine of discrimination against Owlians, sacrificial rites of pulling up your knees and wailing it around and spraying blood everywhere. A lax Government that lets their subjects do whatever they want, that they establish their own rules, cults, purges and all the massive invasion that cost the death of millions every single day, an alienated society that only chooses their companion base what they Goddess picks and that's only a few. The only good thing they do is providing free health care with their churches and the latest magic tech around the world and that's it. And that also comes with a price too."
"That I totally agree. You sure know your stuff, pretty boy."
"Please call me by name, Sarah."
Saya leans on my back as she replies back to Kokkan. I clench my hand looking at Kokkan replying:
"Why do all of you keep saying that!? I mean I don't get you all! You keep saying they're bad but you're all still asking them for help!"
Kokkan stare at me and started drawing something else replying:
"Yeah, that's the point. They're kinda like an old joke. Just like the next country you're probably gonna ask..."
Kokkan finishes drawing a giant owl enveloping a shield with 4 stars where two of them are bigger than the others.
"Um... What's that?"
"You really don't know about your homeland... This is the symbol of the Aologi Empire. Or I guess was since the United States change the flag already."
He continues to draw before finally writing...
[Assholes].
"Hey, pretty boy. For your looks, you really can't handle conversations well huh? I mean turning cheery mood into such a gloom fest."
Kokkan looks down, closing his eyes saying:
"Really? I'm sorry Sova..."
"Well, as long as you understand. But why do you bad mouth things like that?"
"Sorry Sova, I was just trying to follow what your empire view as comedy. After all, a famous comedian once quote that laughter is taken by another one's sorrow. I guess even if you're born in the Aologi Empire, you're still a Confederation citizen..."
Saya pushes me from behind, making me bend down as she rests on my back asking:
"But how do you know a lot about stuff from the Aologi Empire? Heck, even I have a hard time about them. They didn't call their capital the locked city for nothing ya know?"
Kokkan brush away all the drawings he made with a swipe before looking back at us replying:
"Oh, you don't know?
"Well I wouldn't be asking would I?"
"Uhm! Can you tell me more about my birthplace?"
Kokkan nods and draws a flower resembling a crescent moon and the Aologi Empire emblem once again, this time they're both crossing weapons with each other. The crescent flower holds a Katana while the Aologi Empire holds a gun.
"To put it simply, the Aologi Empire and the Eclipse Empire actually have a military Alliance I dare say they have so much connection even their economy is intertwined. And a pretty deep one."
"A What!?"
"Military Alliance? What's that?"
"It's basically a treaty between two nation to help with their military endeavour. You gain military access on land, sea and air, and you're duty-bound to help each other in need."
"Wait then what are the Eclipse Empire doing when the Civil War broke out?"
Kokkan looked down at the pile of sand and cuts the cross saying:
"Simply put, we abandoned them. Not only did the United State or Federation bribe the Eclipse Officials to stay away, but they also gave us a much better treaty where the United States would not benefit from it... So the message was pretty clear, don't interfere yet the Eclipse Empire government can't help but worry since their economy is dependant on them. But that's only one of the problems why we accept, the Eclipse Empire must also deal with the daily invasion from the Confederation too since the Aologi Empire is now too busy dealing with themselves, so they really can't spare anyone to even help. In fact, the only time the Eclipse Empire sent any voluntary force after the war is only during the yearly defence for the Baratai Treaty. And that's only to help the United States so they don't fuck things up even further."
"Hmph, you talk like you actually saw the event yourself."
Kokkan nods once again replying:
"That's because I am. But, I thought you want to know more about the Aologi Empire?"
I shake my head saying:
"Hearing you talk about your home is pretty interesting too... Say, won't you talk about what your home looks like? Like what's the most famous store? Or maybe some famous restaurant?"
"If that's what you wish I could tell you a lot. Maybe remember this when you'll actually visit. But I will be in the shadows if you visit since I'm pretty much a criminal there."
"Okay!"
Kokkan starts to wipe the previous drawing and sketch a new one... We listen to Kokkan tells of his home. From a city of modern technology and magic to a museum housing a thousand Gods in housewares, restaurants that only serve raw and fermented food, people living in the blasted eternal winter from the south and even a certain curse rock in the middle of nowhere, the Eclipse really is... Weird.
(Maybe I'll invite all my family there when I reunite them... And maybe I should write a journal to make sure I remember all the spots when I get back, I hope Sis will let me have one book, maybe a picture diary will suffice since I can also draw map alongside the notes.).
*************************************
*vroom* *shine*
Rather than the morning shine, what greeted us was the glittering nightlife. The serene scene of standing above while great skyscrapers can easily fit between my fingers... This surreal scenery burns through my eyes as I wonder if the night has always been so beautiful beyond the small window.
"I can't believe it's already in the middle of midnight... Sorry Lord Suowa, we're still a long way before the station so I suggest you rest your eyes for a while. I'll wake you up when we arrive."
Xin whose driving the "van" looks at the small mirror in the middle of the ceiling as he talks with us. I nod at his suggestion as I feel my eyes getting weary saying:
"Yea, why not. Saya's been sleeping the moment we got on the van."
I look at Saya whose leaning on my shoulder as she sleeps calmly.
(She's actually pretty cute when she's this calm).
I lean my head on her and look at Kokkan whose gazing at the glittering Sector asking:
"Aren't you going to sleep to Kokkan?"
"Hmm? Oh, don't worry about me, Sova. Just get your rest, I have a magic item that nullifies my need to sleep."
"Really? But... Isn't that just bad?"
"Don't worry, Sova. I'll get all the sleep I need when we return to the palace."
"I see... Well, just make sure you don't get sick okay?"
Kokkan nods and gazes outside once more.
"Um... Lord Suowa, here!"
Tanwa whose sitting on one of the two sits infront offers me a blanket. She looks a bit gloom and continues saying:
"I'm sorry for troubling all of you back then but... I'll try my best to improve myself next time. The nightlife in the jaguar can become cold sometimes, so here, to keep yourself warm."
I take the blanket from Tanwa and nod saying:
"Thank you, Tanwa. And not only that, but you also lent me these clothes too. I really can't thank you enough."
"Huh!? N-Not at all! It is me who's in debt to you. Just make sure you visit next time okay? It's sad that we can't partake in the festival but I'll be glad if you can have my share of the fun too."
"Of course, I'll make sure all of us will. Especially with Sis Fei guiding us."
"Fei huh? Well-"
"Hey, Tanwa. I'm glad you're becoming talkative for once but why not just let her sleep? She fought the invaders all day long at the very least you can leave her to rest."
"Eh!? Oh, you're right! I-I'm sorry! Please rest up! If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me!"
"Okay then... Good night."
I close my eyes and wrap both Saya and me in the blanket Tanwa gave. As I think of sweet dreams, the scene of the burning city flash before the darkness but I didn't feel any different, it just felt... Normal
(Sis Fei... I wonder what you'll show me?)