Yuri had successfully carried out the lookout, no creatures had been spotted during the night, with sunlight finally crossing the top of the oak trees, awakening the youngsters one by one.
Hideki had slept little, with apparent fatigue in his eyes, a fact that caught the attention of Rukka, who asked:
-You couldn't rest?
-Ah, I slept little, but it's enough. What about you?
-I slept well, even with all this rush, I had a quiet night.
-That is good.
-Uhum.
-Ah, Rukka -...
-Yea?
-Can I ask you something?
-Of course, what is your question?
-I know it may seem a little rude, because I believe it's kind of obvious, but ... why did you sleep so close to Arashi?
Rukka looks at Hideki, and his face begins to turn a very strong shade of red. She then, not sure how to explain herself, says:
-W ... well, I ... I ... I mean ... obvious ...? W ... what is obvious? W ... What do you mean ...?
-You two seem close.
-O ... of course we're close, we're all friends ...
-You know that's not what I meant, do you?
-I ... I'm going to review the plan with Yuri!
- (laughs) all right.
- By the way, about your question ... we are friends, but I feel that we are close.
-I understand.
-Don't say anything to anyone, see?
-Leave it to me.
-I'm going, we're already leaving.
Hideki then, watching her return, sees everyone stirring and preparing for the long-awaited "day of rescue", with that, he thinks:
-I hope to find the answers about me today ... everything changed from one day to the next, in a way it bothers me, but on the other hand ... I wouldn't know I was capable of that ... so I need to find this girl, she has something to do with my past ...
Everyone collects their equipment and prepares for the hike. Guided by Yuri, they head towards the forest again, in order to cross it and finally reach the road, and thus continue for some time.
The road is finally reached, which in turn leads to UTOPIA, a city run by the Marmorian church and protected by the elite of the knights, Hideki was "trained" in order to protect the residents of these huge villages of the high nobility. Yuri brings the young people together and explains how the plan will succeed:
-Very well, here we are! The thing is, we will wait until the carriage and the escort guards arrive, and then Hideki and I will appear on the road to distract them.
-How is it?! Do you want them to see us ?!
Asks Arashi. Hideki replies:
-Yuri plans to use the fact that we are part of the army to distract the guards, we will not be exactly bait.
Yuri smiles in a corner, and says:
-Very insightful, indeed, Mr Hideki. You are correct, we will use this unfortunate feature to drive the guards away and take possession of the carriage, I believe they will appear at any moment now.
Rukka asks:
- So ... will you just wait for us?
-In short, yes.
Arashi says:
-Ugh ... I hate being still.
Kensuke smiles and replies:
-We know, Arashi.
-So ok ... let's stay here and see when they show up.
Then, following Yuri's instructions again, the young men wait hidden around the road for the arrival of the carriage where Misori is. Hideki is anxious and distressed, but he remains steadfast, preparing himself to the fullest for what comes next.
After waiting for some time, the carriage finally approaches, this one being guided by two young horsemen, and a cavalry patrol in front of them. Yuri gives the signal to the young men, who hide, and Hideki accompanies him to carry out the distraction maneuver. Yuri says:
-STOP!
The carriage stops, and the riders understand nothing, one then says:
-D ... Doctor Yuri ?!
-That's right! Where do you think you're going?
-We are transporting the elemental specimen, sir.
-Without consulting me? This is a very serious mistake, you know? I think I'll have to report it to your regiment superiors.
A low voice then comes out of the escort cavalry, saying:
-What are you doing here, Yuri?
-Who is it now?
A rider gets off his horse, and on his chest is a symbol, referring to his rank in the army. This then says:
-Want to report it to his superior, because I'm here. From what I see, my soldier is only fulfilling direct supervision orders, none of this has to do with you, Yuri.
-I didn't like your tone of voice, but anyway, tell me, what is this specimen anyway?
The knight is silent, Yuri then says:
-Well, if it's going to be like that then I'll find out myself. Coach, open the doors of the carriage.
-Don't even think about it, Yuri.
-What? If you don't want to say, then I'll check it out. Don't you think anything more than fair?
-You will not approach the carriage backwards, or I will restrain your strength.
-Uh? Your sword does not scare me, guard.
-I do not care if you are confident or not, what matters to me is you away from the affairs of the supervisor.
-You talk like that, right on the day I bring a gift.
-Where do you want to go, healer?
-Healer? That already hurt, but anyway, I brought the boy back.
Hideki, in hiding, looks in shock at Yuri, who in turn orders him out of hiding. The guard is surprised, and asks:
-T ... the 0466 ?! H ... How did you-
-I'll explain to you later, what matters is that he's here, doesn't it, Hideki?
Hideki looks at him furiously, and says:
-You ... how dare you ...?
The soldier then says:
-As always, despite the means, you still do your duty. We will let him pass to the carriage, can put the boy inside.
-How better. Did he see? It doesn't have to be so rude all the time, big guy.
Yuri guides Hideki towards the carriage, to arrest him next to Misori. Young people are furious about what they see, but they can't do anything, or they will be next. Yuri opens the carriage, and both see Misori, unconscious, Yuri then comes close to Hideki, and whispers:
-You're doing great so far, don't screw it up.
-W ... what?
-You will get in the carriage and wake up Miss Tsukihime, meanwhile, I will continue to distract these stupid ones, stay focused, if something happens, try not to destroy anything, your friends will support us if we need to.
-But ... I ... I thought-
-I thought I had betrayed you, didn't you?
-Y ... yes.
-Sorry for the bad impression, but these guys are hard to beat. I would never turn against Misori and her peers.
-I understand...
-Come, give the signal to your friends and go in, we don't have much time.
-R ... right.
Hideki looks towards the corner of the road, where his friends are, and gives a confirmation signal, the young people are surprised and confused by that, and wonder what is going on. Kensuke then says:
-So that's the plan ... That was a good one, Yuri.
Hideki enters the carriage, and the sight he has is overwhelming. A beautiful girl with silver hair, her fair skin and the pink on her nose, really draws his attention. Hideki then, following Yuri's plan, tries to wake her up, but is not immediately successful. His head again starts to hurt, and the closer he gets to Misori, the more the pain increases.
Yuri then distracts the guards and coaches, keeping them stationary for longer. With that, Yuri talks to himself:
-Come on boy ... they won't be here any longer hitting this useless chat ...
Hideki then comes as close as he can, and calls Misori's name:
-M ... Misori ... wake up, please ... Hey, hey, wake up.
Gradually, Misori's eyes open, and when they finally open, she says in a weak voice:
-H ... Hideki?
-Yes ... it's me, Misori.
-Hideki ... it's you ... you came ...
-Yuri helped me.
-Yuri ... he got it ...
-I ... I have many questions, but before asking them, let's get you out of here.
-Hideki ...
Misori takes Hideki's hand with the few strengths she has, and asks:
-You dreamed...?
-H ... how so?
-The dreams ... in which I appear ... have you had them ...?
Hideki is surprised, takes a deep breath, and says:
-Y ... yes, I already had them. These are the biggest reasons for my questions.
-I see ... you're overcoming the correction ...
-Yuri hinted at this in our conversations ...
-They tried to make me forget about you ... but they couldn't ... I was strong, Hideki ... as I promised.
-Hey, try not to talk too much, you're weak, you need to rest. Let's get you out of here, okay?
-All right.
-Only a question.
-Yea?
-Who is Cristal ...?
Misori looks him in the eye, smiles, and says:
-You have to find the answer yourself, Hideki.
-But why?
-Because you saw her ... not me.
-Me...?
-Exactly. When it is time ... know you will remember.
Hideki is silent, looking only at Misori's eyes, this one who smiled at seeing. The high-ranking knight then praises his voice, and says:
-Okay, enough of this bullshit! You did not do more than your obligation Yuri, now, we will take you both into custody. 0513, seal the doors of the carriage!
Hideki is surprised, the coachman was his friend from the complex, and that leaves him paralyzed for a brief moment. 0513 then, goes to the carriage door and his sight leaves him puzzled and surprised, his friend is with the girl they had captured, and now, he was in custody too. Hideki looks at him and says:
-Yeah ... is it really you?
Hideki approaches, but his colleague's reaction is not positive. 0513 says:
-Back, or I'll be forced to restrain you.
-W ... what? What are you saying, 0513? It's me, your friend, Hideki.
-I know very well who you are, you're a traitor! One of them! From now on, only one prisoner.
Hideki looks into his companion's eyes, and realizes in his eyes fear and sadness. Misori, watches this scene, and says:
-You don't want to do any of that, do you?
0513 is surprised, but remains firm:
-I'm following my orders and keeping my place, you should do the same.
-Tell me something.
-What you want?
-What is your name?
The young 0513 is silent for a moment, and then replies:
-I'm the class D soldier, code 0513!
-This is not a proper name.
-And what do you have with that ?!
-Hideki is your friend, I know you don't want to do this.
-I...
The rider sees 0513 with his head down, standing beside the carriage, and then warns him:
-I told you to seal the carriage!
The soldier moves toward the carriage, but Yuri stops him, saying:
-You're not going anywhere, big guy.
-Get out of my way, healer. I have no problem with seriously injuring you.
-I don't recommend you move now.
-Get out of my way. Now!
-Well ... I tried.
Yuri gives the signal to the young people, who attack the guards one by one. Arashi uses his speed and disarms them, while Kensuke uses his windstorm to throw them away. Rukka surrenders the coaches and goes to Hideki's meeting.
Misori sees Rukka and his friends, and immediately gets happy with that. Yuri joins them and says:
-We have to go soon, before more troops arrive from the cathedral.
Hideki says:
-Wait!
Then Hideki extends his hand to 0513 and says:
-Let's go friend.
-W ... why should I? You ... you betrayed the army ... you're an enemy ...
-The army is our enemy. They lied to us and used us for hideous purposes. I won't let them do this to you, after all, you were my friend inside.
-W ... why do you speak as if it were someone from outside ...?
-It seems ... I'm an outsider. We all are.
-I ... I must honor my code ...
Misori approaches the young man, and calmly says:
-Shiro.
-W ... what?
-Your name, Shiro. Now don't need that code anymore.
-B ... but ...
-We can protect you, give you a real home, Hideki can confirm this to you.
Hideki says:
-Despite my doubts, I feel safe with these people. After I discovered the truth about the army ... I mean, part of it, there is still a lot to discover ... but after that, I don't feel insecure anymore.
-I ... can I have a name ...?
-You already have, Shiro.
- (sigh) Okay ... if 0466 ... I mean, Hideki said it'll be okay ... I think it must be true.
-I'm glad you're okay, Shiro.
-Me too, Hideki.
Yuri smiles and says:
-Okay, okay, very beautiful, but we have to go now. By the way, it's nice to see you again, Miss Tsukihime.
Misori smiles at Yuri, and says:
-I already said you can only call me Misori, Yuri.
-Never. You deserve due respect. We must go, the Sun will be setting soon.
-Right. Come on, Hideki, guys!
Everyone agrees, and is guided by Yuri, back to the woods, to rest again and then return to his safe place. Hideki, brings Misori into his arms, while Arashi and Rukka accompany them further away. Kensuke is with Yuri and Shiro, leading the way to the clearing. Rukka then tells Arashi:
-Look at those two.
-Uh? What do you mean?
-Don't be slow, look at them. Misori, even being weak, still seems so content that she finds the strength to smile.
-It's good to see her like that ... she wasn't a big smile, right?
-Yeah ... I'm happy for them.
-What do you mean "for them"?
-I mean ... it is remarkable that they at least liked each other, right ...
-But ... Hideki doesn't remember anything.
-Even so ... the dream he had, is already something in favor of this theory, don't you think?
-I think so ... but, why do you pay such attention to these details, Rukka?
- (sigh) Forget it, Arashi ... forget it.
-You know, it's really cute. I really hope that he will recover from being with her, and well, that she can finally smile more now.
-We all need time ...
-You are right ... we are all together now, from here on, things can change a lot, but together we can proceed.
-(laughs)
-What?
-I think it was the smartest thing you said until today, Arashi (laughs).
-Hey! Don't treat me like an idiot!
-I'm just kidding with you. You would never be an idiot, even if you wanted to ...
-Uh ... really? Thanks.
-You're just really slow sometimes.
-How am I slow? Didn't you see how I disarmed those guards back there?
Rukka gives Arashi a light flick on the forehead, and says:
-Did you see? Slow again.
Rukka walks faster, and goes closer to Misori and Hideki, leaving Arashi very confused. Arashi looks at her smiling as she talks, and smiles without realizing it then thinks:
-Ouch ... You only know how to confuse me, Rukka.
The Sun finally sets, and the group finally enters the clearing where they rested previously. Everyone gets organized, now with two more members in the group, Yuri says where Misori and Shiro will rest:
-Very well, I'll find you a place to sleep, Shiro.
Shiro then asks:
-B ... but what about this girl?
Misori touches him on the shoulder, and says:
-I'll be fine with Hideki.
-You ... will you sleep with him ?!
- (laughs) something wrong with that?
-T ... that's not it ... it's just a little shocking, I would say.
-I think that sums up the current situation well. Well, I'm going, we all need to rest, good night to you both.
Both respond:
-Goodnight.
As Misori walks towards Hideki, Rukka calls out to her:
-Misori?
-Rukka, hi.
-How are you?
-Better now, with you.
-I'm glad to hear this.
-How about you?
-I'd say the same ... we were worried.
-You can't imagine how much I missed you four.
-Four? Ah yes, you have known Hideki for a long time.
-Exactly, we have been connected for a long time ... finally I was able to find him again, thanks to you.
-I think one thing led to another, we must thank Yuri for showing us the way to get here.
-He is a good man ... he will help us achieve our goal.
-We first need to strengthen ourselves, Misori. But first, we need to rest, tomorrow we will return home, so you can help Hideki remember you.
-You are right, as always sensible, Rukka-.
- (laughs) Good night, Misori.
-Good night, Rukka-.
Misori walks towards Hideki, and looks around for a moment. Kensuke and Arashi are sitting talking, and when they see Misori, they wave and smile, saying:
-Goodnight!
- (laughs) Good night, guys.
But something intrigues Misori ... Hideki is crestfallen, with a serious and distant look. Misori goes to meet him, sits next to him, and asks:
-Are you okay, Hideki?
Hideki is startled, and replies:
-Ah! M ... Mi ... Misori! It's you ...
-I am, are you okay?
-Y ... yes. I mean, not as much as I would like, but I am. And you? Do you feel better?
-Nothing that a good night's sleep won't solve.
-That is good.
-Uhum. By the way, did you not want to ask me a few questions?
-Ah ... about that ...
-Go ahead.
-Well ... why is this all happening out of nowhere? I ... I've been showing myself as calmly as I can but ... it looks like I'm about to fall apart ... I thought the complex was my home ... but it was my undoing ... you can't imagine how it's hard to accept that ...
-They explained who we are?
-They said we are such elementals, responsible for the security and balance of the world, or something like that.
-(laughs)
-What's it?
- (laughs) It's nothing, they just exaggerated a little.
-Like this?
-Our people do maintain the balance of life in the world, as well as most mystical creatures. Wizards, alchemists, sorcerers, fairies, half-humans, Elves, hybrids, and us, elementals.
-There are that many ?!
-The complex was so isolated, dear?
Hideki stops for a moment, and says:
-W ... what did you said?
-Was the complex so isolated?
-No ... not that.
-So what?
-The thing you called me ...
-Dear?
-Yeah ...
-I forgot that you lost those memories ... sorry.
-But ... what does that mean? You used to call me that in the dream too.
-It's a loving way to call the person we like, I learned that from you.
-C ... with me ...?
-You had more contact with humans than I did, so you knew their customs and taught me too.
-I ... I see.
-Hideki.
-Y ... yeah?
-What do you feel when you see me?
Hideki has no reaction, and as he looks her in the eye, he thinks about what his heart has been saying since the day he saw her:
-This girl ... I knew I had something with her but ... I didn't imagine it was part of my past ...
Hideki then says:
-I feel confused ... I don't know you ... but I seem to know you at the same time. My heart beats faster and my hands shake, I can't tell if it's danger or euphoria ...
-Hideki.
-Yea...
Misori hugs Hideki calmly, and says:
-You will remember your past ... but, even if it does not happen, know that I will be present in your future to help you.
-You give me a different feeling ...
-And is that feeling good?
-I don't know how to explain ... I feel confused, but at the same time, I don't feel insecure.
-I understand. Well, I don't want you to feel bad around us, especially me, so let's make sure you get over it as soon as possible.
-Misori ...
-You can say.
-Who am I?
Misori smiles at Hideki, and says:
-For me, you're my hero.
-Is that ... isn't it a bit exaggerated?
- (laughs) it would be, if it was a lie. You will remember who you were, Hideki, I know you will. Now, let's get some rest.
Misori lies in the same place where Hideki would sleep, he is surprised and asks:
-W ... what are you doing ?!
-Me preparing to sleep, why. You must do the same.
-B ... Bu ... but, here ?!
- (laughs) sorry, you have to get used to it first.
-H ... how is it?
-We always sleep like that, but if you prefer, I can let you sleep alone.
-Well ... me ... and where are you going to stay?
-I don't know yet, but I can fix it.
-Hideki looks away with his face completely flushed, and then says in a low voice:
-Y ... You can stay ...
- (laughs) what did you say?
-I ... I said you can stay ...
-If you insist (laughs)
-Hey! I'm not ... I'm not insisting ...
-I'm just playing with you, silly.
-Hmfp ...
Hideki also lies down and prepares to rest, and then says:
-Good night.
-Good night, Hideki.
Misori kisses Hideki's cheek in surprise, which makes him a little scared. She then says:
-Sleep well, okay?
-Y ... you too ...
Hideki is intrigued by this, and cannot sleep at all, as his mind does not stop and his heart beats rapidly. Hideki then thinks:
-Dude ... I, I don't know what to do ... this girl has a lot of connection with me, but I don't remember anything ... I know she wants to help me but, I have to establish some things ... but, on second thought, I had never been this close to such a beautiful girl ... Ahh! Don't think nonsense! Focus! Think about the rest tomorrow, now, you must rest ... but it will be a difficult task that way ...
Hideki tries his best to rest, and eventually he succeeds, and so the night fades, and the day finally clears over the clearing.
Misori is the first to wake up, she looks at Hideki, with a downcast expression, but then smiles in relief, as she is finally with him beside her again. While the sun's rays pass gently through the top of the trees, Misori closes his eyes and joins his hands, bathing in the tranquility of the light.
Hideki gradually wakes up and sees Misori, standing still, being covered by the light. A vision so beautiful, it makes her eyes shine, her heart race and the only thing that comes to her mind is the breathtaking wonder of seeing such a magnificent image. Misori realizes that Hideki has awakened, and says:
-Good Morning. The sun is beautiful today, isn't it?
-Y ... yes, the Sun ...
-Did you sleep well?
-It took me a while to get some rest, but when I did it was good.
Misori looks into Hideki's eyes, and notices the mark in her eye:
-Hideki ... what happened to your eye?
-This? It happened in the fields of IO ... just before Arashi appeared ... he told me that it is normal for elementals to have eyes of a different color from each other.
-Y ... yes, it's true, but ... white? And with that scar ...?
-It hurt a lot the moment it appeared, but it doesn't bother you so much now.
-I understand...
-Are you okay?
-Just worried about several things ... but okay, what matters, is that I'm with my family again.
-I'm starting to feel the same ... I'm glad you feel that way.
-Hideki ...
-Yes?
-We to the vilare rather than hideout.
-Village?
-In our old house ... maybe you remember some things.
-Do the others know that?
-I talked to them while you slept.
-So, you just waited for me to sleep?
- (laughs) let's say yes.
Hideki smiles, and a ray of sunlight come on his face, which makes him put his hand in front of him to protect himself. The top of the trees is illuminated in a beautiful and simplistic way, giving a warm and comforting air. Misori gets up, and says:
-I saw a stream while we were coming here, do you want to go there with me?
-A ... river?
-Yup, it was beautiful ... wanted to see it with you.
-Of course, let's warn Yuri first.
-Let him rest, he worked so hard to help us, he deserves a break. We'll come back before they wake up, okay?
-R ... right.
Both walk towards the forest, on a small trail, Hideki accompanies Misori, who walks gracefully, interacting with plants and birds, and slowly, time does not pass in the same way for Hideki. A familiar image sees his mind, like a déjà vu, where he and Misori laugh together, and Hideki keeps having these flashes in his mind the whole way, wondering:
-What is happening in my life ... I ... I want to know who she is so badly ... I have never felt such security in my heart since I met these people ... and I have never felt such security and comfort being around someone like when I'm around her. I need ... I need to find out who I really was.
-We arrived!
Hideki then stops walking, and looks ahead. Once again, a view so beautiful it makes your eyes shine, a beautiful stream, with small waterfalls until you reach a small lake. The water is crystal clear, and sparkles with the sun, Misori complements the landscape, looks at Hideki, and says:
-I know what you're thinking.
-And ... I didn't think of anything! I swear!
- (laughter) You fool. I wasn't talking about that.
-Oh no?
- (laughs) No.
-I see ... so, what was it?
-I know you thought you saw this before.
-H ... how did you-
-We went for walks in the woods and forests all the time ... you took me when I was sad.
-M ... me?
-You said that it made my eyes always shine, that's why it brought me to those places when the brightness diminished.
-How long has it been ...?
-I think ... a few years ...
-Since I told you to go down that alley ...?
Misori freezes, and her surprised eyes start to fill with tears. She then asks:
-D ... do you remember that?
-I dreamed about it the night before the rescue ...
-I...
-Misori ...
-Yeah ...?
-I'm very sorry.
-You are not to blame for anything ... I know you wanted to protect me.
Hideki goes to Misori and holds her hands, saying:
-I want you to help me remember who I am ... I feel like I'm finally going to know why I'm alive.
-You saved me ... so I'll fight to save you too.
-I believe you will ... you pass that confidence when I see you.
Hideki wipes the tears from Misori, who smiles in relief. Hideki stops for a moment, and realizes that he did it without realizing it, almost automatically, but leaves that thought aside, to take advantage of the forest climate.
Misori looks into his eyes and says:
-I missed you, Hideki.
-Thanks for picking me up, Misori.
-You picked me ...
-Well ... I think I promised to come back, right?
Misori smiles, and tears finally fall from her eyes. She then says:
-Yes ... you kept your promise.
-Let's enjoy the forest ... after all, for me, it is the first time that I visit such a beautiful place.
-Yes.
Both follow the stream, until it flows into the small lake. Birds sing and the sun reflects more and more on the water, making the view even look like a beautiful painting. Both sit by the lake and enjoy the light breeze of the wind and the calm of the place.
Hideki had never felt so quiet, and with that, he starts to think:
-It was all so sudden ... from one day to the next I discover that I had a life outside the complex ... I discover that the complex was nothing like what I thought ... and even more, I discover that there was such a person by my side all this time. Now, I have a complete family ... I haven't had time to digest these things yet. Thank you, Misori, I think I can finally get some rest after so much happening ...
-It's beautiful, is not it?
Asks Misori. Hideki then replies:
-Y ... yes, it's ... wonderful.
-The water has always left you calm ... with time I discovered why.
-And ... what was the reason?
-Water reflects the world in a different way.
-Like this?
-You said, even if the water is agitated, some time, it will catch up, and so you will be able to see things more clarified in it.
-But ... if I want clarity, why don't I look around instead of the water?
-Be it's the water you looked at when you didn't see anything else around.
-H ... how so?
-The water shows things you don't notice ... almost like seeing the world through other eyes.
-I understand...
-And even though the vision is turbulent at first ... it always calms down ... I understood what you meant by that just now.
-Really? Why?
-Water is life ... it was turbulent since they took you ... but you are here again ... I think the vision is clearing up again.
Hideki stops for a moment, and looks at the water, thinking:
-Turbulent right ...
-Why don't you look at the water up close, Hideki?
Hideki does that, and looks at her reflection, even blurred, she can see himself. Something catches his eye, but it's not his reflection. Misori is beside him, and Hideki looks at her reflection, which looks much clearer than his, intriguing him even more.
Misori asks:
-Hideki ... what was it like inside?
-You say ... in the complex?
-This...
-I was like a low-ranking soldier ... I knew almost nothing ... I just knew that it was my duty to protect UTOPIA, from something called "figure". It was an ordinary soldier's stay I suppose, without stewardship or anything ... just being another pawn on the board.
-Do you remember when you got there?
-Not much ... I was told that I would be of good use ... after that I blacked out and woke up in the infirmary. I was told that I was unconscious for two weeks, and that they managed to save me in time, but that I had lost my memories.
-I see ...
-It was on that day that I met Shiro. They had said something like him, so even confused, we have become friends since then. Sometimes ... I had some daydreams in the complex ... as if part of my memory inside disappeared from nowhere, overnight, you know?
-Like this...?
-It was as if I had drunk enough one night, and woke up in pain the next day, but without knowing why ... every day I felt it, I felt weaker ...
-Hideki ...
-Yea?
-Do you ... miss the complex?
-I wouldn't say I miss it ... I think I feel more strange being out of it.
-I know ... did they ... tell you our goal?
Yes, they did ... take down the army and get the E & D class out of there ...
-And do you know why?
-To prevent them from invoking the god of chaos again ...
-Not only that...
-Like this?
-We are not the only elementals, in fact, we are an entire people, and the white army, together with the Marmorian church, detests this fact. We have been subjugated by them for many years ... they capture us to use us in their favor. Maybe that is why you felt weak and are now having trouble remembering things ... after the correction, they must have tried to drain your power little by little.
-Well ... if that's it .... I think they got me out of there in time.
-Are you not surprised by this theory? After all, you trusted them.
-I am, but ... at this point, if something is not going to cause a shock, it is because there is something wrong. Maybe I should just go and see where I'm going.
Misori looks into Hideki's eyes, and his expression is surprised. Hideki asks:
-What's it? Did I say something bad?
-Hideki ...
-Yea?
-This phrase...
-Phrase?
- "Maybe I should just go and see where I'm going to stop."
-What about her?
-You said that when ...
-When?
- (sigh) I'll tell you later ... I think we better go, they must be waking up by now.
-O ... of course.
Both then, follow where they came from, until they reach the clearing again. When they arrive, they find Yuri in front of the fire, which in turn says:
-Good morning to you both.
Misori says:
-How long have you been awake, Yuri?
-I slept enough, Miss. Enjoyed the ride?
-You don't need to lecture us, Yuri (laughs).
- (laughs) sorry, just try to warn the next time so I don't worry so much. What about you, Mr Yamada?
Hideki replies:
-Me? W-what about me?
-It seems bewildered, apparently you had fun.
-Hey Hey! I ... it's nothing like that!
Misori and Yuri laugh at Hideki's situation, and preparations continue to leave for the village. All finally awakened and gathered, are finally ready to go on a walk.
Kensuke goes to Yuri and says:
-Have you ever been to a village like that, Mr. Yuri?
- Sometimes, just ... not in the way I would like.
-We will try not to cause problems there, I'm sure they will receive Misori warmly.
Rukka says:
-What are we waiting for? I want to visit the village again! It's been a long time.
-We won't cause unnecessary uproar, right?
-Hey, don't worry, we will act quietly, won't we?
Arashi then replies:
-There must be wonderful taverns there, right? Let's pass them all!
Misori sees her friends excited and happy, a fact that warms her heart and makes her show a simple smile. She then says:
-Let's make the most of it, I know our reception will be great!
-Yea!
Hideki is somewhat displaced, due to his internal conflicts, Shiro then comes to meet him, and says:
-Hey, you made friends and not so much?
-Ah! Why do you always have to scare me?
- (laughs) it's not my fault if you're distracted. But hey, these guys ... they are really cool.
-Yes they are. The way they are united ... they feel like I could never experience in the complex.
-They are curious.
-I think it's a good way to define it.
-I have not yet digested everything they told me about the army, but in fact, I am not surprised.
-How so?
-They always abstained from information about us ... and I knew there was something wrong with the nickname "pawns".
-I was the one who kept saying that to you, Shiro.
-You don't need to ruin my beautiful line of reasoning, right.
- (laughs) you really have no way.
-Indeed.
-Yea?
-Why didn't you say you had a girlfriend? Stallion.
-Hey! Don't come with that!
- (laughs).
-Hmpf.
- (laughs) let's go, before they leave us behind.
-Pff ... right.
They both join the group, and so they set off on a walk to a small village nearby called Ludriger, a small shopping center. Hideki is anxious, as it is the "first" time that he visits a populated place, with that, he shows concern.
As they walk, Yuri warns them:
-Remember, we must be cautious, not attract the attention of the army or the church, or we can be subjugated and risk innocents, understood?
Kensuke replies:
-We will try not to attract attention, we will be in a group, but being discreet.
-Good, we will wait for the dust to clear and we will be hidden, the army will probably be looking for us as soon as Misori's lack reaches the Supervisors' door.
Hideki raises his head, and asks:
-Yuri ... could you explain a little more about the Supervisors?
-Oh, of course. The Supervisors are the elite of the elite before the army, and the main lines of defense of the church, both politically and judicially. They are made up of five captains, five lieutenants, and five lieutenants, each with a number and a tower.
-The towers ...
-Huge lodgings, where troops gather for mysterious tasks.
-We ... can we take down the army?
-You are the best controllers of elemental magic among the seven kingdoms, however, your skills have not blossomed enough. At the moment, the best thing to do is to stay in the shadows, until you are able to enjoy your powers.
Arashi says:
-If we stay strong, we will be able to stop the army and overthrow the empire.
Kensuke replies:
-You make it sound extremely anarchic, Arashi.
-And it's not? We are young adventurers on their way to overthrow the tyrant empire of the Supervisors and rid our people from their hands.
-I know that, but, try to control yourself, we must act intelligently, not impulsively.
-You don't have to discourage me too, I understand.
Misori says:
-First, we get stronger, then we will go on a long journey, so we must prepare now.
Rukka says:
-Misori is right! We will be strong to save everyone, I'm sure!
Shiro, confused and surprised, asks:
-That sounds heroic and such but ... and what do I do?
Yuri says:
-I think I can try to teach you alchemy.
-Alchemy?! Wasn't it an extinct magic?
- (laughs) you were more isolated than I remembered. Well, having that in mind, we know what to do. We will bring down tower by tower, destabilizing their strength, until we reach the Supervisor General.
-Where did I come in ...
Hideki thinks about it a lot, and his expression is one of apprehension and confusion. Misori comes to meet him and says:
-No need to worry, Hideki, we will make it, and everything will be safe again.
Hideki thinks and says:
-That's not exactly my concern. R ... right.
-Let's going, the village is here nearby.
-All right.
The walk continues, and after a while, at last, they arrive in the village of Ludriger.
A small, peaceful community, full of stalls and shops, kids playing in the street, and small carts carrying boxes and fruits. The young people feel dazzled, especially Hideki and Shiro.
As they walk through the village streets, a distant voice comes to the group:
- Is it her ...? Should we check?
Misori then stops in a small tent, and calls Hideki to accompany her. Yuri then says:
-I will find a place to stay with the staff, you two don't get in trouble, you see?
-You can leave, Yuri (laughs), Hideki and I will be fine.
-I know, I trust they will, and be brief with the show, how are you?
-Leave it to me.
Yuri then goes with the group looking for a place to stay until they stabilize. Hideki asks:
-What do you mean "show"?
-You will see.
Misori then approaches the tent bench and says:
-Excuse me sir. How much does this fruit cost here?
The merchant turns around, saying:
-This one costs 5 coins-
The merchant is left without reaction for a few moments, then Misori says:
-It's good to see you again, Mister Marui.
-M ... M ... Misori ?! Are you really my dear ?! Sumire, Garou, come and see!
Two people come out from behind the tent, a woman and a small boy. The woman is then surprised to see Misori, the one who says:
-It's been a while. Good to see her again, Miss Sumire.
-Misori ...? Are you really my angel?
- (laughs) it's me.
-And this boy is the ...?
-That's right.
Hideki then introduces himself:
-Is a pleasure! Soldier 046 ... sorry ... I mean, it's a pleasure, I'm Hideki Yamada.
-Hideki ... it's you ...
The little boy comes running towards Misori, saying:
-Aunt Misori!
Misori holds him in his arms, and says:
-Garou! I missed you so much my little one.
-I also Aunt Misori! From the silly Uncle too.
- (laughs) I already told you not to call him that, Garou.
Hideki then says:
-S ... silly? How degrading, to be called that by a child.
-It's just a childish nickname (laughs).
The old Marui, goes to Hideki, and hugs him, saying:
-It's very good to see you, Mr Yamada.
-I ... did I know you?
Marui looks surprised and confused, and asks Misori:
-What does he has?
-It's a long story.
-I see ... well, you will have plenty of time to explain, please come and have tea with us at the back store.
-If you're not going to disturb him, Mister Marui.
-Bother me? Never! It makes me very happy to see you again.
- (laughs) So, I can't refuse. Come on, Hideki. Miss Sumire makes great cookies.
-O ... of course. Where will this go ...?
-We are in a group, sir irMarui, so we will have to stay for a little while.
Marui replies as they enter:
-Don't worry, my little one. What matters is to be here.
And so, Hideki finds another piece of the puzzle that is passed on from him. Maybe these people will reveal more about who he was, and can guide him to the right future.