Two days have passed, and Hideki is still uncomfortable with what happened. His discomfort does not come from the fact that he fainted, but rather, with the voice he had heard during this period. A voice that the young man could not identify if it was female or male. And a specific phrase caught his attention:
-"Protect her"...
Hideki wonders:
-Why should I protect... they told me the same in the complex, now they tell me here...
Someone knocks on the bedroom door, it's Misori, asking to enter. Hideki gets up and opens the door, then Misori says:
-We're going to the center of the village with Makoto and Mai, do you want to come?
-S...Sure, why not?
-Are you okay...?
-And... I'm just...thinking a little bit.
-Want to talk about it?
-I think it's better to just ignore it, let's go.
-I see... Alright then.
Misori is intrigued by Hideki's annoyance, becoming slightly worried. In the lobby of the inn, Makoto and Mai are talking to Shiro. Mai says:
-So you're the blue boy's new friend?
Makoto adds:
-I didn't think the blue boy would make friends so fast.
Misori goes to them, saying:
-Let him breathe, Makoto, Mai. It's too early to fill him with questions.
Hideki is silent, thinking:
-Why "Blue boy" though?
Arashi comes to Hideki, and asks:
-So, how do you feel?
-Well... a little tired, but fine. What about you?
-Same here. Hey, did you remember anything important since that day?
-Only memory flashes... kind of disconnected from each other.
-I see. So, we go to the center of the village, to do some favors for old Marui, to make some bucks.
-Are we out of money?
-I don't think I've seen anyone working these past few weeks, right?
-I see...but who paid for our stay at the inn then?
-It was Yuri. I still don't trust this guy very much...but well, I'm not going to refuse help like that. It's more for Misori to be honest.
-Kensuke seems to be joining him.
-They are two crazy people, obviously they get along well.
-(laughs) I think so.
Shiro comes towards Hideki, saying:
-What do these two want with me? It felt like an interrogation.
Arashi responds:
-I think they liked you, kid.
-I don't know...these two scare me, that's for sure. But what about you, Hideki?
Hideki responds:
-Me?
-How's it going with Misori?
-W...what do you mean by that?
-You know very well.
Arashi shows a mischievous smile, and says:
-Hmmm, what are you guys doing? HI DE KI?
-Is nothing! I don't know what they're talking about!
Arashi and Shiro laugh at the situation, while in the background, Rukka and Kensuke just watch. Rukka says:
-I think those three already get along well (laughs).
-I agree. Shiro and Hideki already act more freely around us, that makes me happy.
-But I saw you getting happy with something else.
-What do you mean?
-You weren't looking at Mai just now?
-I think I'll call Arashi.
-N... No! Wait! It was a joke!
-(laughs).
-You're bad when you want to know?
-All the more reason not to play these games.
-Hmpf.
Misori says:
-Guys, let's get going.
-Yea!
Arashi tells Hideki:
-Come on, the day will be full. Tomorrow is the start of training.
-O...of course.
Shiro asks:
-Training?
-Arashi will help me better understand how my powers work.
-Powers?!
-I'll explain to you later, Shiro. The truth is, I didn't even get it right.
Arashi says:
-Let's go.
-Yea.
Everyone gathers, and finally leaves the inn, where Yuri is waiting outside. Yuri says:
-Good morning, young people. All ready for today?
Kensuke says:
-I think as much as possible.
Mai says:
-Hey, old man.
Makoto says:
-Hi old man.
Yuri gets a disappointed look, and says:
-You don't really learn, do you? Don't you know it's impolite to call others an old man like that?
Makoto asks Misori:
-What got into the old man, Sister?
Yuri responds angrily:
-I'm not an old man!
Misori says:
- (laughs) good morning, Yuri. Don't mind them, okay?
-Of course. See? At least your sister still has common sense.
They both show their middle fingers to Yuri to tease him. Yuri says:
-(Sigh) Anyway, let's get going.
Hideki thinks:
-"Apparently I'm not the only one with an affectionate nickname of these two here."
The group heads to the village's commercial center, guided by Misori's siblings. At noon, they finally arrive at old Marui's shop. Sumire receives them:
-Hello young people, good to see you again.
Arashi says:
-Miss Sumire! How long!
-(laughs) Hi, Arashi. You've grown up since the last time we saw each other, haven't you?
-I'm already an adult, Miss Sumire (laughs).
-Even so, it looks like you've grown up. Come on young people, come in.
Yuri says:
-I'll stay here until they finish.
Sumire says:
-You too, Yuri.
-I think... better not.
-Are you really going to refuse a lady's request? This is not polite.
-No... that's not it...
-I've already talked to Marui, he has no problem receiving you, since that's what worries him.
-R...really? I see...
-Come in.
-All right. Excuse.
Inside, everyone gathers while Sumire serves tea. Sumire asks:
-And who is this young man here?
She looks towards Shiro, who replies:
-I'm soldier 051- I mean, my name is Shiro.
-Let me guess, you came from the complex, just like Hideki, didn't you?
-H...how do you know?
-First, he greeted us in the same way, and second, you're in uniform, young man.
-Oh yeah... I forgot about that.
Everyone laughs lightly, including Hideki, who asks:
-Where are Marui and Garou?
-They went to the Tamuri Forest to pick some fruits. Come back at noon.
-I see.
Misori says:
-Sorry to bother you early, Miss Sumire. But we have something to ask Mr. Marui.
-Don't worry my angel, you would never bother. Can you say, what do you want?
Arashi says:
-We were wondering if you guys are in need of some help at the store.
-Help? Are you struggling my young people?
- You understand quickly.
-(laughs) Well, now that you mention it, me and Marui are having trouble delivering the goods, after all, we're not that young, and Garou is too young to deliver.
Rukka says:
-We deliver!
-(laughs) Always excited, aren't you Rukka?
-Uhum.
Mai says:
-But the question is: is it enough for you to keep yourselves?
-Marui and I pay a hundred coins per delivery.
Misori says:
-But, that's too much Miss Sumire, wouldn't it be unfeasible for you?
-My dear, we're the biggest shop in the village, we're fine with our legs (laughs).
Hideki thinks:
-I didn't imagine it would be so good.
Misori responds:
-It would be of great help, Miss Sumire.
-I'm glad to be able to help you. Now, I want you to enjoy the tea while Marui doesn't arrive, okay I'll open the shop.
-Right, and thanks again, Miss Sumire.
-No need to thank me, my angel.
Sumire leaves the room to open the tent in front of the store, while the young people await Marui's arrival. Rukka says:
-Miss Sumire is awesome.
Kensuke answers:
-She's always so receptive, there's no way to dislike her.
Shiro says:
-I liked her, and the tea is wonderful!
Misori says:
-I remember how Hideki loved coming here. Of course, the first time was kind of troubled, but after a while, he started to love it.
-Have you really known each other for a long time?
Hideki responds:
-Apparently, yes.
Misori looks at him in surprise and smiles, Hideki adds:
-I believe that I will remember some things sometime, when that happens, it will be very good for me.
Shiro is surprised, and says:
-And were you really a couple?
-Shiro!
Misori laughs along with the group, and says:
-We'll let him remember first.
-Good, if you say so.
Hideki is still intrigued, but tries to hide that feeling for now. Time passes, and finally, the clock strikes noon, now it's just a matter of time before Marui and Garou arrive.
After a long wait, Marui and Garou finally arrive. Marui says:
-Sorry for the delay, we had some unforeseen events on the way.
Misori says:
-Are you all right?
-We are, my little one, don't worry. Garou, go get Mommy.
Garou goes to the back, and as he passes by Hideki says:
-Good morning, Uncle.
Hideki responds:
-G...good afternoon, kid.
-Why that face, Uncle?
-What do you mean?
-You look upset.
-I'm fine.
-Well, okay then. See you later, silly uncle.
-See ya. I don't like that nickname one bit.
Marui leaves his stuff in the corner of the room and sits in a small chair. Sumire arrives, with even more tea, and greets him:
-How was the harvest, darling?
-Tiring, but it was good. We had a lot of fruit this season.
-That is great. I'll go with Garou to finish setting up the tent, you talk to them.
-Alright.
Sumire leaves the room, and Marui asks:
-Why are you so hidden in this corner, Yuri?
Yuri is surprised, and says:
-W...well, I...
-Come here.
-S...sure.
-Tell me, how can I help you?
Rukka says:
-Sumire said that we could help by doing some services for you.
-I understand. How much did she say in terms of value?
-A hundred coins.
-And what was the job she mentioned?
-Deliveries.
-Very well. Well, I have an idea.
Marui looks towards Hideki, and says:
-Mr. Yamada, I would like to share it with you.
Hideki says:
-O...of course.
-Well then. My idea is: some of you help with the deliveries, while the other part helps me with the Banshees in Tamuri Forest.
Kensuke asks:
-This was the unforeseen event you mentioned?
-Exactly, young man.
Arashi gets excited, and says:
-That's right! Let's end the race of these monsters!
Marui laughs, leaving Arashi confused:
-Hey, what's so funny?
-(laughs) I like your enthusiasm, Arashi, but you'll help with deliveries.
-What?! But why?
-Because you're extremely fast. By the way, it's not a lot of weight, using the Vital Reinforcer, you won't spend that much mana.
-Awww, come on.
-Hideki, Misori and Kensuke come with me, while the others help with the delivery.
Hideki gets up and says:
-Mr. Marui...
-Yea?
-I... still don't know how to control my abilities.
-I understand. Well, you got Ballista training, didn't you? It's enough.
-But...
- Relax, Hideki. Everything will come out according to us. Misori, do you mind joining us?
Misori nods:
-Of course not. Let's go.
-Excellent. Let's get going?
Kensuke and Hideki agree and prepare to leave. Shiro comes to Hideki and says:
-Go with care, okay?
-Leave it to me, Shiro. Will you be okay here?
-Relax, Arashi said he'll help me if I need it.
Arashi in the background says:
-That's right! Keep calm. Kensuke, take care of this one, see?
Kensuke answers:
-Leave it to me. Come on, Hideki.
-R...right. See you later, Shiro.
-See you, Hideki.
They both touch their fists and then Hideki leaves the place with Marui and the others. Marui then, before leaving, says to Yuri:
-Yuri, take care of everything here.
Yuri is surprised, and says:
-Okay.Leave it to me.
Both then start the trek towards the Tamuri Forest. As they walk, the sun gets stronger and stronger, everyone feels exhausted except for Misori, who enjoys the heat all the way.
After an hour of walking, the group finally arrives in the Tamuri Forest. Its tall trees and dense woodland call Hideki's attention, who asks:
-Is this the forest?
Marui responds:
-Majestic, isn't it?
-Yes, a lot.
Misori asks:
-How long have figures been seen around here?
-It's been a few months now, they've been coming from somewhere in the thickest part of the thicket.
Hideki says:
-Is there an army institution here?
-As far as I know, not. Because?
-Just to make sure.
Misori tells Marui:
-We suspect that the army is using the figures to fulfill its objective.
Marui is silent for a moment, and responds:
-So the rumor is true...well, I don't want any of these things near my village.
-We'll take care of that.
Hideki gets thoughtful about all that, something that catches Kensuke's attention, who asks him:
-Do you also think there's something missing from this story?
-Well...I...
-The figures are aggressive and irrational creatures, they only appeared due to the exploration of minerals in the deserts, where would they be useful for the army?
-I thought the same... and besides, it wouldn't make sense to train us to destroy them, if the intention is to use them.
-Exactly...I'm starting to think we're really just working with our hypotheses.
-What do they plan...?
Marui then says:
-Well, no time to waste! Come on.
-Yea!
Finally, the group enters the dense forest, looking for the trail of Marui. As they enter the forest, Marui and Kensuke look at a map, and Misori walks with Hideki. Misori looks calm, while Hideki looks uneasy. Misori realizes this, and asks:
-What's wrong?
-Ah...I...I was just thinking about this whole issue of the army and the Figures...
-I see... you're also not very convinced with this story, are you?
-I...well, yeah.
-Honestly, I don't believe much either, but, at the moment, it's the only information we have.
-The figures are irrational... after all, how could they use them in favor of something? And why would they tell us to destroy them?
-I asked myself the same thing...
-Could it be that... Yuri lied to us?
Suddenly, a loud sound echoes from within the forest, startling the group. Marui says:
-Dammit.
Kensuke warns Misori and Hideki:
-You two, get ready!
Hideki draws his sword and tries to use the power Arashi taught him. Misori extends her hands upwards, and slowly projects a light, which will channel and form the shape of a bow. Hideki is impressed, and tries his best to use his skill.
Creatures emerge from the bushes little by little, and they look a lot like the creatures that attacked Hideki and the group in the woods a few nights ago. Marui then says as the creatures surround them:
-That doesn't make sense, we still have two hundred meters to reach their focus.
Kensuke asks?
-Did they feel our presence?
-It's possible... Tsk, these bastards...
An even bigger creature comes out of the woods, and it wears armor and a sword. The group has no reaction, and Kensuke says:
-A...a black ogre...?!
The ogre looks towards Hideki and says:
-Knight...
Hideki raises his sword, afraid, and thinks:
-"He's...after me?"
Marui responds:
-Stay tuned!
The ogre roars, and says:
-Kill the knight... retrieve the receptacle.
The creatures suddenly advance and the battle begins. Misori tells Hideki to back off and prepares an arrow of light, which eliminates three of the monsters at once. Kensuke says:
-Go straight to the underworld, where you belong! ELEMENTAL ATTRIBUTION N°35! CYCLONE SPEAR!
An overwhelming blow hits the monsters, almost reaching the great Ogre. Trees fall around, and more monsters reveal themselves. Trapped, Marui uses a bomb, but it has no effect on his target, which is the Ogre. Marui says:
-And now...?
Suddenly Hideki's voice echoes:
- ELEMENTAL ATTRIBUITION N°40! Cutting storm!
A blast of ice goes towards the ogre, who defends himself with his sword. When he opens his eyes, he notices that his blade has been frozen, and then it breaks in front of him. The ogre is furious, and goes towards the group. Misori unleashes a flurry of arrows at him, stunning him, while Marui and Kensuke use a joint attack to take him down.
Hideki feels that pain again in his right eye, and is left incapacitated on the ground, kneeling, leaning on his sword. Kensuke and Marui push the ogre away, who in turn says:
-You are impure... will condemn themselves...
The ogre heads towards the forest again, and disappears from view along with the other monsters. The group heads to Misori, who is treating Hideki. Misori says:
-It was impressive, Hideki.
Marui answers:
-Let's go back, Sumire will help you.
Hideki feels weak, but beyond that, he feels confused and apprehensive, thinking:
-What is happening...?
His pain increases more and more, and then, Hideki goes unconscious. Misori and the others rush him back to Marui's shop to find out what's going on.
On the way back, Misori says:
-I've never seen ogres in this region... that's not normal.
Marui responds:
-I didn't think there would be one here. There's something wrong...
Kensuke says:
-Hideki is managing to control the seals again, that's a good sign. If it weren't for his attack, we wouldn't have that opening attack.
-You're right. But now he doesn't look so good, I believe Sumire can help him as soon as we get there.
Misori says to herself:
-I hope so... Hideki, what have they done to you...?
The walk, again arduous, finally ends, and the group enters Marui's shop.
Sumire is there, and welcomes them:
-By the gods, what happened?!
Marui responds:
-We met the figures in the forest... and a black ogre was with them.
-What?!
Misori says:
-Miss Sumire...I need you to help Hideki.
-Oh, of course, my little one. What happened to him?
-He unleashed an attack on the ogre, but he passed out right away.
-I see...he must have pressed his mana gate too much...Marui, bring a Vital Reinforcer.
Marui goes to the back to get the item Sumire requested, while she, Kensuke and Misori stay with Hideki. Upon Marui's return, Sumire begins the recovery procedure with the item Marui had brought, breaking the crystal at its tip and dumping the material into Hideli's chest. Sumire says:
-He should wake up in a few minutes.
Kensuke answers:
-Will he be okay?
-He will stay yes. He pushed the mana gate too hard, he must recover as the days go by.
-I understand...
-Let's wait for the others to return.
Marui asks:
-Where's Yuri?
-He said he needed to see something in the center of the village a few minutes ago.
-Yuri... well, let's wait for him to come back. The same goes for the others.
Hideki, again dreams of the empty place he had been, which makes him more confused:
-W...where am I?
Again, the same voice as before echoes through his mind:
-"It's good to see you, knight."
-Yeah... you again.
-"You still have many doubts, I think I should solve them".
-Great... so you read my mind.
-"Indeed".
-Then tell me.
-"His doubts about the white army are pertinent, however, his theories are wrong."
-What you mean...?
-"The white army is acting in the shadows, against the church itself."
-Wh...what?
-"Hideki...a war is coming...please protect it".
-Why do you keep telling me that...
-"I see... you're bothered".
-When I was at the complex, I was bothered with the fact that I had to protect something, and when I finally get out of there, I find that this is my role out here too...maybe I'm just a pawn...
-"Young knight, you will understand the meaning of "protect" in your life soon, so stay tuned."
-Stop talking in riddles and explain everything at once!
-"How could I? That way you wouldn't learn anything."
-And since when are you a teacher?
-"Hideki".
-What?
-"She needs you, so come back."
-One last thing...
-"I already know. You want to know why they've been after you since she appeared."
-Yeah...
-"She is the key, Hideki. The white army has lost sight of you for the time being, but don't be accommodated, they are on the lookout."
-What do they have in mind?
-"They are waiting".
-Waiting for what?
-"Weakness. Now go, Hideki. Soon, we'll see each other again."
-Wh...what?
Again, the same bright light shrouds the place, and when Hideki opens his eyes, Misori is watching him, touching his head gently. Misori says:
-He woke up.
Hideki responds:
-Wh... what happened?
-You forced your mana gate and ended up passing out.
-Mana what?
-Kensuke will explain to you later. Now let him rest.
-Are you all okay...?
-Yes, we are, don't worry.
-I see...what a relief. Misori...may I ask you something?
-Of course yes.
-Why did the ogre call me a knight too?
Misori is intrigued, and says:
-I do not know. Because he...
-Misori?
-Why would he call you a knight without knowing you...? Hideki, let's stay tuned, there's something weird going on... I have a bad feeling.
-O...of course.
After a few hours, the others arrive, and Marui explains to them what happened earlier:
-Hideki needs rest, his gate is weakened.
Shiro says:
-I don't think you guys battled with an animal like that...Will Hideki be okay?
Kensuke answers:
-No need to worry, he'll get better. Arashi will help you prepare your mana gates so that it doesn't happen again.
Arashi responds:
-That's right! Hideki won't go through this again, I guarantee that.
Shiro sighs, relieved, and says:
-I'm counting on it, Arashi.
After a while, the group leaves Marui and Sumire's store, heading back to the inn, still with no sign of Yuri. Everyone goes back to their rooms, and Misori guides Hideki carefully to their respective rooms. When they reach the door, Misori says:
-I'll let you rest, okay?
-You... won't stay here...?
- (laughs) do you want me to stay?
-T... that's not it!
-(laughs) I'm just kidding you. You need to rest, so I won't disturb you. You can call if you need, okay?
-O... of course.
-Good night, Hideki.
-Good night.
Hideki enters his room, and can't sleep at all, so he goes to his corner table and opens his album again, this time on a blank page, to follow the instruction that the mysterious voice had given him the first time. who found him. Hideki holds his pencil for a moment, thoughtfully, and then begins to write:
-"Day 1:
That voice told me to do this... if this will help me remember something I don't know, but it doesn't hurt to try. I've been having flashes of weird memories...hearing voices and getting a lot of headaches...I've never been so confused. The voice told me to protect...but why me? I have doubts about who I am and who I was...they keep calling me a knight or something, and I don't understand any of it. I feel like I can ask Misori more tomorrow...but the most important thing is to know what Yuri really knows about all this..."
Hideki continues writing until he finally feels tired enough to sleep.
The next day arrives, and Hideki is curiously only the second to wake up. In the main lobby of the inn is Rukka, who greets Hideki:
-Hi, Hideki. Good Morning.
-Good morning, Rukka.
-Woke up so early? Did you get enough rest?
-I think so, I feel better than before, I think it's a start.
-I think so.
-But and you? What are you doing up so early?
-I couldn't sleep that night...
-Why?
- Worry, now. You went through a lot yesterday. Misori looked very worried...
-Yeah, I know.
-You know... I also want to understand what they have against us.
-Are you talking about the Church?
-That. They hate us for some reason...
-Misori told me that the elementals have something to do with Kyoshi's defeat, that must be why.
-So that's it...they are very bad people...people don't respect them, they just fear them...
-This is not a good thing in any way... to command based on fear and insecurity...
-Did you feel scared inside the complex?
-Well... stopping to think, yes. We couldn't question too much...fearing something would happen.
-How so?
-I'm not sure... we just avoided asking too many questions to not suffer any consequences... it was like a general consensus.
-I see...this shouldn't be comfortable at all.
-Trust me, it wasn't.
-It's interesting right? Have a reason to fight for something.
-I think so...
-I think how difficult it was before meeting people... having a family now is something priceless. Saw giving my all to protect her.
Hideki is silent, surprised by what Rukka has said. Rukka asks:
-Are you okay?
-Yeah, I just stopped to think a little...
-And what are you thinking?
-This whole issue of protection...I was taught in the complex that my only duty was to protect UTOPIA with my life, it never went down very well...but still, I accepted. Now that I've found out that I have a life out here... it's harder to just accept that it's my duty out here too... just... to protect something.
-Hideki.
-Yea?
-You shouldn't protect something out of obligation, if not, it's not protection, it's just being a barrier.
-How so?
-You will understand yourself in time.
-Even you're gonna do it now? (sigh) I hope so...
-You and Arashi are going to train today, aren't you?
-Y..Yeah.
-I hope this helps you remember what you were like, or at least help you become stronger to protect yourself.
-You know...this whole power issue and such...it's weird to hear that I've already done something related to that.
-Really they never mentioned anything about it inside the complex?
-It's not that they never mentioned it... we just thought there weren't people able to use it anymore. At least, that's what they made us believe...
-I see... well, Yuri is an alchemist, so he must have a sense of why they didn't mention something like that in there.
-Speaking of which, where is he?
-He went to the center of the village yesterday afternoon, but he hasn't come back yet.
-Did something happen...?
-Hope not. But at the moment, there's no way to know...
-You're right...
-Well, I'll go outside, get some fresh air, want to come?
-Of course.
Both head outside, into the inn's small garden area. Rukka sits on a bench in front of the garden's central fountain, while Hideki prefers to stand. Rukka says:
-Things have been happening pretty fast, haven't they?
-I'll tell you... it's very difficult to assimilate so much information...
-I guess it's really... You and Shiro are adapting fast too, that's a positive thing, don't you think?
-I agree... I already feel very comfortable, and I believe Shiro too.
-Look, I can't even imagine how it feels to have a past and not remember... even more, having gone through things inside the complex, forcing you to believe in lies...
-Well...until then, I didn't know I had any past, for me, I was just an ordinary soldier.
-Well, and how does it feel to know that wasn't true?
-It's hard to describe it with just a feeling. I would say it's a mixture of relief and apprehension, confusion and fear, something out there.
-I see...
-Was it like that for you too?
-When did Misori find me?
-That.
-More or less...it's nice to have a purpose again.
-I understand...
-I think they'll wake up soon.
-Are you waiting for someone?
-Why did that sound sarcastic to me?
-(laughs) sorry.
-Hmph.
-Why don't you talk to Arashi?
-A...about what? T...there's nothing to say...
-It's not what it looks like.
-W...well, if so, why don't you talk to Misori then?
Hideki is silent for a moment, smiles, then replies:
-I don't think it's a bad idea.
-Wait, really?
-It is clear. She treats me with a lot of affection...I think the least would be for me to understand why...
-She really is attached to you, Hideki. If you knew the stories she told us about you, I think you would be very happy.
-What did she say about me?
-Let me see... ah, she told the time she met you.
-Can you tell me?
-Of course. Well, she said that you saved her from some members of the army near the village, and that she had no idea where you came from. She said that in the beginning you didn't get along at all (laughs). She kept her distance from you and vice versa, but over time you started to get closer.
-Why didn't we get along?
-She said it was because you were very closed, and well, she didn't trust you.
-She She didn't?
-No. You were too cordial for what she said, reminded her of a soldier, which she always hated.
-So...how did we get closer?
-You said that your only objective was to protect her, nothing more, and that after fulfilling your duty, you would never see her again...but you decided to stay. She didn't go into much detail, but you guys started getting closer to the point where you didn't break up anymore...
-I see...I think I'll ask her more about it.
-It's a good idea, Hideki.
-I'll see how they are up there, maybe Arashi or Shiro have already woken up.
-Of course. Ah, Hideki...
-Yea?
-If Arashi is awake... can you ask her to come here?
-(laughs) Leave it to me.
Hideki then re-enters the lobby and heads for the bedrooms, with a feeling of tranquility. Something tells him the day will be good.