The cold air hovers through the room, the sweet smell of flowers permeates through, erasing any stench of the food that was left, while the sound of dragging steel drags outside.
"I'm not gonna go to details but simply put, the guild master of the hunters back at that branch wants to cut any loose ends. Since I'm a huge threat to his image, he really wants to "clean" me up. He even sends in THAT group of hunters at me."
(That?)
Saya leans back with her hand behind her head and raises her feet at the table before continuing saying:
"Either way, we were vastly outnumbered and outmatched even with Kokkan killing more than 10 of them which is pretty impressive on his own."
Saya pats my shoulder before continue saying:
"And if it wasn't for that Order Guards you sent, we would've been burned to ashes already. So thanks a bunch, you really saved our skin back there. Besides, I'm more curious about how did you get those Order Guards to move anyway? You need at least someone from the Noble Houses to move a team but there's like a whole platoon there."
"Ah, well..."
As I scratch my head to give an answer when Kokkan cuts in saying:
"Rather than that, won't you at least explain to her why you're targeted? Like what did you do? She warrants that much info no?"
Saya smirks saying:
"Fine, to do that, I guess I'll have to tell you a bit of myself Sova. So listen close... I was, in simpler term a spy and a broker. As a rat-kin who doesn't live in the walls, my life was horrible. I barely have clothes to wear, my diet is pretty unstable that I never grow up and if I ever go into the light, they would just spit at me and throw me back into the darkness. It was by luck that I found the Turtle Sector Hunter Guild Master hiding behind a cloak in some alleyway and I found him looking for some sweet, sweet information. As someone who lives in the sewers, you'll be surprised by how much information you could gain from underneath there. And how much you can infiltrate into people's house from there too.
So in exchange for the information of certain something inside somewhere, he would pay me up for reasonable prices and I would only meet him when he's in my domain just in case he got any funny ideas. A simple deal with simple proposals. But lately, he has gained so much power that the information I gave him is simply unnecessary since he can crush them head-on now. So contact with him stopped entirely, and without any support, I return back to my previous life once again. He probably thinks I died somewhere or something."
Kokkan stayed silent with her story as he folds his arms with a pained face. He taps on his arm with his arms still folded before asking:
"Then why did you aggravate him then? If you never show up and just leave it alone, this wouldn't have ever happened!"
"True... But... This is something personal."
Saya for once with a sad look in her eyes pulls out a certain dagger from her bag. It was a beautiful black dagger that seems to be very expensive. But from the size alone, it makes it look like Saya's carrying a short sword...
(How did she even keep that thing inside her bag? Is it magic too?)
"All those stupid things, I did it for this."
"For a dagger?"
I ask Saya and she keeps it replying:
"Half right, since this is not the last time I visit him... And I do this to shit on that asshole too. Those Order Knights will quickly uncover who hired those Hunters and topple him soon. And when he is the most vulnerable and went to that place, that's when I...
Say, Sova, remember back at the diner when I told you I had a Guardian back then?"
"Sorry, but no."
"Hahaha, well, either way, he was a good man, too good for his kind. And to be continued next time."
"What?"
"If you want to know more then find me at the palace for more in part 2. I'll tell you more by then... Probably."
"But that's unfair!"
Saya pat my head replying:
"Don't be like that. I'm more curious about you, Sova. And your sisters."
Kokkan nods saying:
"I have to admit, even I'm curious to know how you manage to have so many connections. I mean, if you wouldn't mind me knowing, Sova."
"I don't understand what you mean by connections."
"It's the people you knew. Like I wondered how an Owlian even manages to meet the Royal family of the phoenixes before Yuwei took control. You're always so full of mysteries, Sova."
Saya replied back as she closes her eyes. I nod saying:
"I see, so that's how you see me? What about you, Kokkan?"
"I'm kinda numb with surprises by this point, thanks to the events with the Eclipse Empire's shenanigans and you... Well, beheaded. I'm kinda too tired to even retort back. but I'm always curious too with you."
As we tell each other about our past. I learn more about this city in the process from Saya, like how the cities in the Confederation is being classed by tiers. Where the lower the number the bigger the city and how Rucina, the city we live in is considered tier 0 since nothing can compare to it yet. While I learn more about practitioners from Kokkan and how in times of peace, a lot of practitioners degraded which cause a huge divide between True or real practitioners and the normal ones.
When I start telling mine, since I don't remember much about my childhood, I started telling the time I started moving in with aunt Palka and May in our new home. How the Phoenix Sector was when I first arrive here.
(Now that I remember, I didn't know Sis Rubeca until she appears before me as I was still working with aunt's friend in her convenience store. Her height was so tall that she had to duck when she enters while having to push away the hanging lamps to pass through and crouch down to take the groceries she wanted. I thought she was weird and her presence sends fear and awe like the first time I got to see Aunt Palka in her entirety).
As I continue, they kinda stopped me from speaking before I could tell about Sis Rubeca. They thought most of my life consists of being bullied and teased by May's friend and the unknown tourist and hunter coming in the district.
Saya even nods in understanding saying:
"I see, so the reason you act so girly is that you always spend your time with girls and sissies... No wonder. You should really go find some male friends, Sova."
Saya speaks as she covers her mouth and grabs my shoulder with a saddened face. While Kokkan looks at her confused saying:
"Well isn't that a good thing? Though I'm more worried about you being harassed all the time."
"Oh, please, you don't need to. My best friend and Sis thought me to ignore them. And sometimes some of the people I know would help me out so it all turns out fine somehow."
We continue to converse with each other when the curtains outside start to brighten up. I decided to open the curtains a bit, and as the light pours in, Kokkan and Saya follow my gaze as we look upon an ever expending grass field. It's the same view I got when I first saw the fields around that mountain citadel...
(Wait, where is the mountain- oh! There it is! Yup, still looks like an evil castle no matter how many time I see it).
The morning sun shines bright with its ever bright glow of white and gold. They say the sun is yellow but I can't help but wonder if that's true from what I see. I touch the window and felt the warmness outside while still feeling the cold air inside this train. I let the curtain open and turn back to them saying:
"The concept of time still baffles me. It was night when we enter the train and it's now sunrise. It sometimes scares me that I didn't sleep for a day."
"You'll get used to it, Sova."
Kokkan replies back to me and I can't help but ask back:
"I mean why did they even create such vehicles? I heard that we could teleport from one end of the planet to the other with magic."
"That's because it's expensive and wasteful. The only ones who could afford such luxuries are the ones who created them... The Theocracy and the ancient races."
"Oh?"
Saya replied back to me instead and she put her feet down and rest her hand on the table to continue saying:
"I mean, that's why they are one of the most feared in the world. If you ever try to cross them, no matter where you are they can just teleport beside you in a snap of a finger. There's no even point in hiding. Got an army in a good position? They just teleport theirs in a much better position or right beside your weakness and that is only talking about teleporting."
I nod replying:
"For the bad things, you said about the Theocracy they're pretty powerful and know what they're doing."
"Well duh! How do you think they've been staying relevant for more than 3000 years for being not only the strongest but also the oldest nation in the known world. Rivalled only by the Aologi Empire until just recently. Now the only one who can oppose the Theocracy is few that you can count in one hand. And that is if the Theocracy is being lazy."
"I see... To be honest, I'm starting to wonder what I need to learn? I mean sometimes I wonder if I should learn any of this? I want to understand many things so that I don't get left behind and become out of touch but..."
"Tch!"
Saya clicks her tongue and points at me and brings her finger close at my nose saying:
"Don't start making doubts now, Sova. You can do that after you understand the true meaning of such a question. So keep that question deep and ask again once you have a real dream. If you get a chance, you better learn as much as you can. After all, knowledge is power, keep it well."
"Yeah, you said that a lot... Dreams, huh... What are both of your dreams?"
I ask back at Saya and Kokkan. Saya smiles, folding her arm and look up as I swear I could see her nose getting longer as she says:
"Duh, it's to live a life of luxury! Who cares if I have no money, as long as I have a place to relax in some expensive villa, my dream is fulfilled."
"That sounds so futile."
Kokkan answers back but Saya retorted by slamming the table saying:
"For me, the true treasure of life is what you can get with money, not money itself. Then what about yours then, huh!?"
Kokkan scratches his chin as he looks at the meadow outside. He then looks at me with a smile saying:
"I guess I just want a happy family. It doesn't have to be related by blood either. As long as I have that, I'm more than contempt."
I nod replying:
"That sounds nice."
"I have to agree, I guess many warriors like him have such dreams. Well, you asked us. Now it's your turn to answer back. What's your dream, Sova?"
For some reason, I don't feel surprised by her question. Maybe it's because I already predicted she would ask back or maybe because I always thought of it deep inside. Is it to reunite my family? But after that what then? To bring them around the world? What then? That's right...
I close my eyes and can't help but picture something in my head.
"At first, I wanted to be a hero, or maybe a mighty emperor like Rucina or maybe travel the world with my family but... First things first, I want all the people I love to be happy."
*************************************
Entering a familiar dark tunnel I can't help but look around at the place. Even though I can't see very well in the dark with only the leaking light from the train to light the way, I could still feel the humid air, smell the stench of burning flesh and blood hovering in the air.
"Finally back at our Sector- rrghh!"
Sis Fei walks out of the train, stretching her arms high. Seeing the relaxed Sis Fei I can't help but relax and just walk.
"Hey, Sis."
"Hmm, what is it, Sova?"
"Do you think this station would get rebuild?"
"Definitely, but when, I don't know. Go ask Sis for a better answer if you can."
"I see..."
"Why do you ask, Sova?"
Sis walks beside me as she rests her hand behind her head. I shake my head replying:
"No, it's just that after seeing the Turtle Sector station back there, I wonder if we'll ever get something like that."
"Of course we will, I say, we'll get an even better place!"
"Yea!"
*teneneneteng* *tetetetete*
As I reply back, the sound of an unknown instrument plays, creating a relaxing mood as if a story is just beginning.
"And ello~!"
To my surprise, I could hear a girl's voice greetings us in the common tongue while I hear her footsteps getting closer. She appears from behind a pillar and even in the darkness, I could somehow see her smile. Her large pink tail sways back and forth while her large ears twitch in delight as she walks closer to us.
"Sup~! Why you all so quiet?"
She speaks to us again and Kokkan walks in front of me with his hand on his blade while everyone's on guard except Saya. Saya waves back at us, gesturing to put our guards down saying:
"All of you, relax. I'm the one who invited her by Yuwei's suggestion."
"Ah! I see."
Sis Fei seems to understand what's going on and put her guard down. Still confused, I tilt my head asking:
"Wait, what do you mean you invited her? And Sis Yuwei's suggestion?"
"Anyways, she's coming with us. So, mind introducing yourself?"
"Well, this place is quite dark. So let's lighten it up a bit for now, yes?"
She takes out a short black stick and,
*click*
With a single sound, the entire room was brought to light. With a much better vision, I could see her clearly now. A rat-kin with long flowing crimson hair and bright crimson eyes behind her thick glasses, she wears the same military uniform Coryn wears with the difference in the medals hanging on her coat. She bows a little saying:
"Much better isn't it? The name's Ana Burnside, but I implore you to call me Abe. Say it with me, A-be, okay?"
"Ana Burnside? Wait, I know of you."
Kokkan breaks his stance and looks at Abe with surprise. Saya looks back at Kokkan curiously asking:
"You do?"
He nods replying:
"Of course, not only is she the youngest General in the loyalist side. She has proven to win countless major battles, earning her many merits in the Aologi civil war, so much so she gains the title of Crimson Butcher since she led her man in the heat of a melee."
" "Wait, what!?" "
We all retort back in surprise. Abe fixes the collar of her coat saying:
"That's right~! Ain't you a smart pretty boy? Not to brag or anything but yeah, I'm that Crimson Butcher but my allies call me Bloody Wing... You can praise me more~ Go on."
Kokkan sighs with a disappointment saying:
"Though she still pales in comparison to the Phantom Bullet or the other Heroes and Generals that's been fighting much longer than her."
"Hey! Don't compare me to them or her for that matter! She's not called the "Restorer of Order" for no reason ya know! And besides, I'm still much much cuter than her side comb-bowl hair and more flexible than most of those hard-assed old guards."
She brushes her crimson hair at the last of her words before she opens her eyes wide and hit her palm saying:
"Oh right, and I'm taking this cute kid with me. Just think of her as my luggage or something. Her name... Just call her chibi or something for now."
She pulls someone out from behind the pillar. As I wonder how much people can one pillar hide, another rat-kin girl comes out. A little girl wearing a sack of grains like a dress, shivering and barefoot. Like the other rat-kin I killed when I arrive here, her pale white skin is filled with rashes and bite marks while her messy short black hair covers her eyes. She surveys us one by one while hugging Abe's leg. When she looks at Saya, she immediately hides behind the pillar.
"Shdujanjaysgba?"
Abe speaks in an unknown language before she looks at us asking:
"Hey, do you know this kid? She's totally afraid of you fellow kin."
Saya nods saying:
"I guess, she's probably part of the group of rat-kin that ambushed us when we first arrive. We kinda- Nah, we totally slaughtered her entire group."
She pulls the rat-kin girl along with her and walks beside us saying:
"Oh... Well, either way, she's coming with me. Found her huddling and crying in the ceiling. I just can't help but drag her along with me. Don't worry, she don't have a bit of a fighting spirit."
"Do what you want. Either way, come with us."
"Sure! So... Do all of you mind introducing yourself too? Especially you, cutie pie."
She looks at me with the biggest smile before I nod replying:
"Oh right, I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name's Sova Anmao, please to meet you."
"Aren't you the politest servant I have seen! Sha Sha Sha..."
She wraps her arm at me and continues to rub her face close with the rat-kin girl in her other hand.
(Ain't she too friendly?)
"You're an Owlian too... Wait, this place is filled with dangerous parasites, so hold still."
She attaches the black stick on her shoulder strap, lighting up the way ahead of us when she pulls out a can of spray.
*pssshhh*
And just like that she sprays me from top to bottom but to my surprise, unlike the ones in the convenient store, this one doesn't have any repugnant smell at all. No, I couldn't smell anything at all.
"There, with that, those nasty parasites would never approach you. It's one of the latest techs that helps us traverse the forest back at home."
"Really!? Thank you so much!"
(Oh yeah, without my armour I'm sitting ducks out here. And wait, is she an Owlian?)
She continues to hug me even tighter replying:
"Oh~ yesh! No problem at all, just let me embrace you more, you... You adorable!"
When I feel my hand being grab from behind, I got pull back and embrace by Sis Fei. She now hugs me close saying:
"Okay, that's enough, keep your hands off of him. This guy's mine."
With a hostile air around Sis Fei, she feels like a mother protecting her child. Abe tilts her head asking:
"Him?"
As I see Kokkan looking away Sis Fei nods grabbing my chin saying:
"That's right. This fine-looking young lady is in fact, a man."
(Wait, with this, Kokkan will finally acknowledge I'm a guy right?)
As I try to look at Kokkan's reaction, the music stops and something else grabs my attention.
"Haaa, haaa, haaa~ haha! Even better, SLUrp!"
Abe pants heavily with a flustered face. She looks at me with such depraved eyes and smile I can't help but feel shivers running down my spine. The sensation of fear clutching me tightly with its claws similar to that time with Rana.
"Hey, you better learn your boundaries newbie. You haven't got hired yet so you better keep yourself in check. That... Guy, is actually someone very important to the Sector and so is the girl hugging him."
Abe scratches her head replying:
"Really? Heh, sorry I guess. But I'm still waiting for introductions, ya know."
"I'm Sarah, and that's all you need to know for now. C'mon, we're leaving, I can't stand being in this parasite infested dump."
"Oh, okay then. Lead the way boss!"
Saya nods with a triumphant smile replying:
"That's more like it."
Saya gestures us to follow and we finally continue our journey back home.
(I wonder if I should call her that too? She seems pretty happy).
*************************************
Passing the devastated district without meeting anyone we know. We walk past the gate guards and enter the palace, the view of the burned and wilting garden comes to view. Even with scorching heat and dry winds, I don't feel parched at all. In fact, I felt refreshed, since we have finished a mission and now returning triumphant. Awaiting us on the stairs leading to the great phoenix palace gates is a middle-aged man with long black beard and hair, highlighted by a deep blue colour. It's none other than Libing hiding his arm behind his robe. He walks down the stairs with grace and as he gets close enough, he bows down saying:
"Welcome back Mistress Fei and congratulation on completing the mission... It seems you brought a new servant Mistress Fei though I have a question if you wouldn't mind, where's Sova?"
I raise my hand replying:
"Shifu, it's me."
"Prrrfffff!!! Sorry, what!? You just realize you thrown any semblance of your manliness out of the window, right!? And..."
When he looks at Abe, she closes her mouth as her smile leaks out saying:
"Whoa, Corporal long John, suuup~ almost didn't recognize you with that long beard and hair."
"Ana?! Wait, a rat-kin kid and someone from the Elite Auxiliary is here too...? Now you got me confused. It's only been 2 days and I'm so out of touch."
(Wait, they know each other? And wait again, why does Libing know her?)
Libing wipes his face with his robe, changing his baffled expression with a tired face before he continues saying:
"Well, whatever it is. Please get inside, Sova and Abe please follow me, and the others well... Thank you for your attention and sorry to hold you back. If you'll please excuse us, may the spirit bless you all."
Abe raises her hand asking:
"Corporal~ can I bring this little one along?"
"Huh? Oh, I think it's better to let the servants take care of her. But, for now, yes, bring her along."
"Alright!"
He bows down and gestures us to follow him. Bidding farewell to Saya, Kokkan and Sis, I follow Libing and wave back at them as we seem to go further away from the phoenix gate. As we travel further and when the others are out of sight, Libing looks at Abe saying:
"It seems you've grown much, Ana. I thought you died during the peace treaty."
(Wait, what?)
"Aw~ you think those federation cultists could ever kill me? Besides, I'm glad you actually cared. I thought you don't give a shit after you ran away."
(Huh? I think I should just sit this one out... But wait, I never really think much but there are Zerians living in the Aologi Empire!?)
Libing looks down with regret replying:
"Forgive me..."
"Nah, it's fine. I kinda understand why many of you old guards ran away. Besides, I couldn't give two shits for a country that doesn't exist anymore. Cause now, it's all about me finally surviving in this new world and abandon the old laws."
"I see, unlike home, this place is more comfortable and laxer at least... Just this Sector for now though."
"Yea, yea."
Libing looks at the cowering little girl who doesn't seem she can take what's happening to her at all asking:
"Say, That girl-"
"Just leave her to me. I decided that I'll take gooooooooooooooood care of her since I told her I'll adopt her. I'll even use my savings if I have to, so no worries."
Libing nods understandingly replying:
"I see..."
"Anyways, you got yourself a fine subordinate. What's his? Deal anyway?"
Abe looks at me as she asks Libing but he merely shakes his head replying:
"Oh, him? The Empress herself appoint him to me. She may not look or feel like it but she is definitely someone you don't want to mess with."
"Heh, I heard the same thing already. Still, what kind of girl do you take me as? I'm a General for a reason ya know."
"Says the girl who got filed 100 sexual harassment suits in a day. And even wearing a mask doesn't seem to help either. In fact, I think it just makes you creepier."
"Hey! That's before my promotion. I'm a changed woman now."
"Sure. And we have arrived."
Ending up in a whole new building, I can clearly see the old age of from the state it's in. Mouldy walls, disappearing paint, detached windows and removed doors, this place is the definition of unmaintained and under construction.
"Woah! This place reminds me of my first office."
Abe shielded her eyes from the bright sun above as she leans forward inspecting the place. The rat-kin girl keeps following Abe along when Libing holds my shoulder saying:
"C'mon let's get some shade."
"Shade?"
"Just follow me."
Libing walks inside the building and we follow suit. Looking around the place, I could see boxes upon boxes push to the side to make way. He soon grabs a bell in one of the stacks of card boxes and rings it aloud before we head deeper.
(Right, Nanny did the same thing when she calls the maid).
"Hmm? What's wrong chibi?"
Abe who's walking slower behind us asks chibi what's wrong. When I look back, I saw the little girl holding her crotch with tears in her eyes.
"Ah! Yes, yes... Hey, Corporal."
"Please don't call me that anymore. I'm not part of the imperial army no more."
"Sorry, it's a force of habit. So, Long John-"
"Just call me Libing please."
"He~ okay, Libing... Do you know where the bathroom is?"
As we arrive in a crossroad, Libing points to the right saying:
"It's far to the right. Literally, at the end of the road, you won't miss it. When you're done, just go that way, also till the end of the road."
Libing points ahead of our direction and Abe nods carrying Chibi in her arms replying:
"Alrighty then! Thanks, Libing!"
Scurrying away leaving the two of us behind. As we proceed further, I can't help but ask:
"What's with this new building? And why here?"
"Well, since you're stationed here, I decided to make an office so we could have an easier time meeting up. And for your other question, the Empress really wish to make the palace as empty as possible for some reason so when I propose to put it out here, she immediately agrees."
"Oh! Wait, so this is like my new workplace yes?"
"Yup! It's still new and all, so at least we gotta unpack it all. You're helping of course."
"Sure! With my new strength, I feel I could lift so many items."
"Hahaha! Of course, we'll put you to test soon enough."
(I can't help but feel excited since this is something wholly new to me).
As we speak, I could hear noises from afar, I could hear something being moved and placed down and I can't but ask again:
"Say, is there somebody else here?"
"Oh, right. My apprentice is helping us unpack things. I guess you've seen him once during the gathering a few days ago. But you two haven't properly greeted each other yet."
"Oh? I guess I should thank him too for helping us out."
"Nah, not really, he will be stationed here too since it won't be long until we declare our isolation over and we need to be close to the place that'll be easily heard."
"I see...? Well, I feel excited! This is the second time I got to finally unpack things like my new home."
"Hoh? That spirit is good. And by the way... You still have that medal with you right?"
He asks with worry in his voice and to ease it. I rummage inside my apron and pull it out replying:
"Yup! To be honest, I guess I never really ask you what it does back then. And I was caught surprised by how much people are afraid of me when I show this."
"Heh, I guess that's my fault too. I taught you would actually know since it's common to know. Don't worry, I'll teach you about those stuff before the next mission so you don't get any shocks."
I place the medallion back inside replying:
"Thanks!"
"No need, it's my duty after all."
As the sound of rummage gets closer, Libing opens the door at the end of the hallway. Inside is what I expected, full of boxes, with only a long table. There, his pupil's wearing the cleaning get-up. Complete with a mask, apron and a dust brusher in his hand doing his best to clean the place. As the golden sun shines past the windows, I could see the dust sparkling with a golden glow. This place may not be the best but it sure feels it will.
Hearing us enter, he turns around. Even with the mask on, I could see him smile shouting:
"Shifu, welcome back! And you also brought a servant with you, perfect!"
He runs over to us and when he looks at me closely, his face quickly turns red as he hands me the bucket, towel and mop saying:
"U-Um, h-h-here are the tools. You can start cleaning the empty floors."
(Ah right... I guess that's fine).
"Okay."
I replied back and he nods a little before rushing off to Libing, he continues saying:
"Shifu, help me clean the windows."
Libing pats on my shoulders saying:
"Introductions can come later. Let's clean this place first okay?"
"Okay."
Pleased, he then holds his pupil's shoulder and shakes his head as he walks past him folding his sleeves up to his shoulder revealing his trained up arms that are easily twice my size.
(I guess he really is a soldier...)
"Alright, with this many people we can finish this soon."
His pupil proclaims as he rushes to the window he was cleaning earlier. I proceed to enter deeper into the place without any boxes and begins to mop the place. Rolling my sleeves up above my shoulder, I mope the wooden floor, soaking the water and turning it darker, I don't know how big this place is, but slowly I mop the floor and use the towel to clean the cracks and edges the mop can't reach. Without any magic, I can't really clean like Libing or his pupil who levitates the brush and towel and compress it easily with magic. Manually I squeeze it with my hands and luckily thanks to the new strength I have, I can easily wring the towel dry.
"Libing~ I'm back~! Oh? Are you cleaning? Let me help."
Abe and the rat-kin girl have arrived. Chibi seems to look even more healthy too.
"Eh? She's wearing the same uniform as you before you join, Shifu."
"Oh, she's a new recruit. We really are lacking a lot if we're having even the unemployed recruits to work. Very well, help out with dusting off with the windows while I organize the boxes. I'll write some stuff to appease the Supreme Secretary and Supreme Marshals in the reports for your effort."
Abe salutes replying:
"Okie Dokey! Chibi, you help too."
The little rat-kin nodded and follow her along. Everyone's doing their part and I can't help but double my efforts too. I wonder what awaits me next?