Honsen village
The gang reached Honsen village, which was larger and more bustling than Kido Village.
''We made it!'' Yuzu cheered.
After the chaos in the forest, we can continue on our journey, right master?" Linn failed to respond. The two turned around to see Linn sitting on the ground with a dark cloud hovering over his head.
''Action figure…. Limited edition….. Last one…..'' Linn muttered, depressed. Tomodachi and Yuzu sweatdropped.
Yuzu whispered to Tomo. ''Was that toy really that important to him?''
''I remember that he has several of those of the same man in his room,'' Tomo whispered, ' I don't get it, but it means something to him apparently.''
''I feel bad…'' Yuzu said, looking down.
''Don't be,'' Tomo said. ''You were right; it wasn't worth risking our lives for. I'm sure the master understands that.''
Tomodachi walked up to Linn and patted his shoulder.
''Come on, master', you'll get another chance when we return to our world. We still have to find the girls.''
Linn got up and nodded, ''Yes, you're right. I'm sorry; I lost track. Come on, let's go.''
The trio entered the village, splitting up to ask for any signs of the girls. They later regrouped at the center to discuss their findings.
''Did you guys find out anything?'' Linn asked.
''Nothing,'' Tomodachi reported. ''None of the villagers have seen the girls.''
''Darn it….'' Linn said sadly.
''It's ok, Linn,'' Yuzu comforted. ''We'll find your friends soon.''
''I know, but I can't help worrying…'' Linn said.
''Don't worry, master,'' Tomodachi said. ''I'm sure the girls are fine; we just need to-.''
AHH!
Tomodachi was interrupted by a scream. The group turned to see a bunch of kids near an alleyway bullying a little boy.
''Please stop…'' the little boy pleaded. His plea was responded to by a punch to the face by a tall, lanky boy.
''Please stop…''The tall, lanky boy mocked. He then laughed. ''you hear this, guys? He wants us to stop.''
''I heard him, Bill,'' a fat boy said. He then walked up to the boy and punched him in the face.
And I don't care! hahaha''
''Nice swing, George,'' said a short boy with glasses. ''Now it's my turn.'' The boy wound up his fist and punched the poor boy in the nose.
''Nice one, Clark,'' a girl in a red dress said.
''It's your turn, Maggie,'' 'the lanky boy, Bill, said to the girl.
''Hmph! Punching is such a barbaric move,'' Maggie said. ''I have a better idea.'' She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out long fake nails. She put them on as she approached the bullied boy.
''You know, Makoto-kun,'' the girl said, addressing the boy. ''You have such chubby cheeks...'' Maggie grinned evilly.
''No, please,'' pleaded Makoto once more. His pleas were ignored yet again as Maggie grabbed him by the cheeks.
''So chubby it makes me want to rip them off!'' she starts stretching them, her nails digging into his skin.
''Owww…'' Makoto cried as Maggie's nails dug into his skin hard enough to cause him to bleed. The three other boys begin to laugh as Maggie continues to stretch out Makoto's cheeks. Linn and Tomodachi stare, horrified.
''What are they doing?!'' Linn yelled.
''It looks like they are bullying that boy.''
"Not on my watch!" Linn exclaimed as he stormed toward the group of kids.
''Hey!''- Linn began to say before Yuzu pushed him aside.
''What do you think you're doing…'' Yuzu said, darkly.
The kids turned around to see Yuzu brandishing her ladle, and they had terrified expressions on their faces.
''Oh crap! It's Yuzu!'' Bill said, scared.
''W-what is she doing here?'' George questioned, equally scared.
''I-I-I don't know,'' Clark said, Terrified.
Maggie eeped and let go of Makoto's cheeks.
"I thought I told you guys to stop picking on Makoto Kun…'' Yuzu said, glaring at the group of kids.
''We weren't picking on him,'' Bill said, sweating. ''We were just playing tag, that's all.''
Yuzu's glare deepens. ''And what game of tag involves punching someone in the face and pinching their cheeks until they bleed?''
The children continued to shiver while Yuzu smacked her ladle into her other hand.
"You guys obviously didn't learn your lesson last time," Yuzu said. "It seems like another spanking is in order."
The children shuddered and collectively held onto their bottoms.
"W-we aren't scared of you," Bill said, trying to sound tough. "We have the numbers; we can take you. Right, guys?" Bill turned around to find the rest of the kids running away.
''You guys!'' Bill shouted'' Get back here! We can take her!''
''Are you crazy?!'' Maggie asked ''I'm not messing with her! I don't want my bum-bum spanked again!''
''Yeah!'' George said ''my butt still hurts!''
''Sorry Bill'' Clark said ''you're on your own!''
And in an instant, the three kids disappeared from view. Bill stood frozen, his mouth hanging open. He looked at Yuzu, still holding her ladle, and Makoto, still sobbing. Without a second thought, he did the only logical thing he could do at that moment: run.
''This isn't over!'' Bill shouted as he ran away. And just like that, all the bullies were gone. Yuzu put her ladle back into her hoodie and walked over to Makoto.
"Are you okay, Makoto-kun?" Yuzu asked, concerned. Makoto wiped his tears and nodded.
''Yes, I'm fine,'' Makoto assured.
"Thank goodness," Yuzu sighed with relief as Linn and Tomodachi joined them.
''Wow, Yuzu, that was great!'' Linn cheered.
''Yea but I must say'' Tomodachi said ''I've never seen you so angry before.''
Yuzu giggled. ''sorry you had to see that, but if there's one thing I can't stand, it's bullying.''
''By the way, Yuzu,'' Linn asked. He pointed to the boy. ''Who is this?''
Makoto hid behind Yuzu and shivered. Yuzu patted his head and smiled.
''It's ok, sweetie, these are my friends; they're not going to harm you,'' Yuzu assured.
Makoto poked his head out, then walked over to Linn and Tomodachi.
''H-hello my name is Makoto Kusanagi.'' Makoto introduced himself.
Linn observed the boy. He was shorter than Yuzu and appeared to be around eight years old. He had messy brown hair, a black t-shirt, and gray shorts.
''I'm Linn Tsukiyomi, and this is Tomodachi,'' Linn introduced. Tomodachi waved.
Yuzu smiled. "Now that's taken care of, I need to take Makoto back to the orphanage. Come on, Makoto-kun," Yuzu said as she took Makoto by the hand and led him along, causing Makoto to blush. Meanwhile, Linn and Tomodachi exchanged a glance.
''Orphanage?'' They both said.
000
The gang arrived at a building that read "Honsen's Orphanage." Yuzu opened the door, and the gang walked inside.
''Finesse-san!' Yuzu called out. A woman who looked to be in her mid-20s came out. She had long, straight blue hair and wore round glasses, a green dress, and a white apron.
'Yes?'' the woman known as Finesse said. She looked towards the entrance and spotted the group.
''Oh Yuzu-chan!'' she said joyfully. The two hugged.
''When did you get back?'' Finesse asked.
"Just a little while ago," Yuzu replied. She broke the hug and looked at Finesse with a serious expression. "But we have a problem." She pulled Makoto to the front. Finesse gasped as she saw his state.
''Oh my god, what happened?'' Finesse gasped.
''It was them again'' Yuzu said.
"Oh, I see," Finesse sighed. She took Makoto by the hand. "Come on, Makoto-kun, let's get you cleaned up." Finesse led Makoto to a room. Meanwhile, the gang stood there.
''So Yuzu?'' Linn asked ''What's going on exactly?''
Yuzu sighed ''It's what you saw. Those kids were bullying Makoto-kun.''
''Do you know them?'' Tomodachi asked. ''They seemed very afraid when you showed up.''
''They are a group of kids that live in this orphanage.'' Yuzu begins explaining. ''I met them when I visited this village.''
''I see.'' Linn nodded. He then had a confused look on his face. ''Wait, you've been here before?'' Linn asked.
Yuzu blinked. ''Well, yes,'' Yuzu replied, ''Didn't I tell you that before?''
''Uh no'' Linn said.
''Oh, well, yes, I visit this place occasionally to do some trading and visit the orphanage to see Finesse-san and Makoto-kun,'' Yuzu explained.
''Is that where you met those kids?'' Tomodachi asked.
''Yes,'' Yuzu replied. ''They called themselves the justice warriors. Heroes that are going to save the world.''
Linn and Tomodachi raised an eyebrow.
''If they call themselves heroes…'' Tomodachi begins ''Why are they picking on Makoto?''
'' I don't know,'' Yuzu said. ''But I intended to ask Finesse-san. This has got to stop.''
''Wait, this has happened before?'' Linn asked.
''Yes,'' Yuzu replied. ''They pick on everyone, but Makoto-kun seems to get it the worst. They pick on Makoto-kun constantly. I catch them doing it.''
''So what do you do?'' Linn asked.
''What else?'' Yuzu smiled as she pulled out her ladle. ''When children are being bad, they need to be punished. So I take the liberty to punish them with a few swats on the bottom with this.''
Linn and Tomodachi sweatdrops. 'No wonder they are afraid of her,' They both thought.
Yuzu put her ladle away ''In any case, I hope Makoto-kun is alright.''
''He will be fine,'' a voice called out. The trio turned to find Finesse drying her hands.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I think I can explain the reason." Finesse said, "Come with me."
Finesse walked away with the gang following her.
000
The group was gathered in a dining room. Finesse served them tea and cookies while the children played and swiped cookies occasionally.
''Are you all comfortable?'' Finesse asked. ''I hope the kids aren't bothering you.''
''No, they're okay, not a bother at all,'' Linn said, smiling slightly but strained, as a little boy and a little girl on opposite sides pulled Linn back and forth by his arms.
''Yeah, they are real bundles of joy,'' Tomodachi said sarcastically with an angry vein mark as six kids climbed on him, pulling his ears and tail. Tomodachi growled loudly, causing all the kids to scatter.
Finesse giggled ''I'm sorry, I know they can be a handful…''
''Anyway,'' Yuzu interrupted. ''About the justice warriors and Makoto-kun.''
''Oh that's right'' Linn piped up ''why are they picking on Makoto?''
Finesse sighed. ''They pick on everyone, but Makoto-kun does get it the worst.''
''Do you know why?'' Yuzu asked.
''This is just my guess,'' Finesse replied. ''But it may have something to do with the empire.''
Yuzu gasped ''The empire?!''
Linn and Tomodachi cocked their heads to the side ''the empire?''
Finesse nodded. ''those kids and Makoto-kun weren't always orphans. They had families.''
''What happened to them?'' Linn asked.
Finesse looked crestfallen ''... the empire killed them.''
The gang gasped in shock.
''N-no… ''Yuzu teared up.
''Why?!'' Linn yelled.
''Wait, what does this have to do with Makoto?'' Tomo asked.
''Makoto's parents worked for the empire, and I don't know the whole details, but it was supposedly them that killed their parents.''
The gang just stared, speechless.
''Then what happened to Makoto's parents?'' Tomodachi asked.
Finesse took a sip of her tea and sighed. ''...they were also killed by the empire.''
''Oh my god…''Yuzu said.
Linn was visibly shaking as Tomodachi watched his master with concern.
''So you can see why those kids grudge against Makoto…''
Just then, Linn stood up and slammed his hands hard on the table, startling the three occupants.
''NO, I DON'T SEE IT!'' Linn yelled ''THAT'S NOT MAKOTO'S FAULT! WHY ARE THEY TAKING IT OUT ON HIM?!''
''I believe it's because they can't get revenge on Makoto's parents, so they are going after their son. It's like the saying 'sins of the parents are visited upon the next of kin,'' Finesse explained.
Linn sat back down. ''Well, that's a stupid saying,'' Linn said. ''They shouldn't be getting mad at Makoto; he had nothing to do with it. Makoto lost his parents too; they should all be mad at this stupid empire.''
At that, Finesse and Yuzu gasped.
''NO!'' Finesse shouted ''you can't say that!''
''She's right, Linn! You can't!'' Yuzu added.
Linn raised an eyebrow '''Why not?''
''Why not?!'' Finesse said, flabbergasted ''My dear, do you not know what empire is capable of?! Do you even know what the empire is?!''
''Not really,'' Linn said nonchalantly.
''Neither do I'' Tomodachi added.
''EH?!'' Finesse said, shocked, eyes whited out and comically foaming at the mouth.
Yuzu nervously chuckled ''I can explain…''
Yuzu quickly explained Linn and Tomodachi's situation.
''I-I See…'' adjusting her glasses and gathering her bearings.
''So, what exactly is the empire?'' Linn asked.
''It's one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world,'' Yuzu explains. ''They rule all of Seren with an iron fist.''
''I see,'' Linn nodded.
''Crossing them means certain death,'' Yuzu shivered. ''I hope we don't run into them.''
''Well, whether we ran into them or not,'' Linn said. ''They are not going to stop me from finding my friends.''
''As for the 'justice warriors, ' '' Linn continued. ''I need to talk to them and teach them what it means to be heroes.''
Yuzu cocked her head ''What do you mean?''
''I mean that picking on others is not heroic at all,'' Linn explained. ''As a fellow hero, I have to set them right-''
As Linn explained, the gang heard a thud and a small yelp. Finesse and the gang turned toward the kitchen door and found Makoto on the floor after colliding with a child. The child bowed apologetically and ran off as Makoto stood and stared at the group. He looked away shyly.
''Makoto-kun!'' Yuzu said, ``Are you ok?'' Yuzu asked, worried.
Makoto looked up and smiled. "Uh-huh!" he said, then looked at Linn. ''Linn-san, is it true? Are you a hero?"
Linn rubbed the back of his head Sheepishly. ''Well, sorta,'' he replied.
''Do you think I can be a hero?'' Makoto asked.
Linn smiled, bent to Makoto's eye level, and patted his head.
''Of course, you can. If you have a good heart, a sense of justice, and bravery, anybody can be a hero.'' Linn said. Makoto looked on in amazement.
*Horns noises*
''What is that?'' Linn asked.
Finesse gazed out the window and spotted a white royal chariot gliding through the town. "It can't be!" she exclaimed in shock.
''Finesse-San! What's wrong?'' Yuzu asked, worried.
''It's the empire!'' Finesse shouted.
Yuzu gasped ''WHAT?!''
''What are they doing here?'' Tomodachi asked.
''I don't know!'' Finesse said.
''Wait! Is it tax day for Honsen village already?'' Yuzu asked.
''No, that was last week!''
''Then why are they here?'' Linn asked.
''I told you I don't know! ''Finesse shouted, panicking. ''I can't stand here. I have to go!'' Finesse ran out of the kitchen and out of the house. The gang was left speechless.
''Ok?'' Linn said, confused.
''What should we do, master?'' Tomo asked.
''Follow her, I guess.'' Everyone nodded and left to follow Finesse.
000
All the villagers stood at attention as the white chariot stopped at the center of town.
There were four armor-clad soldiers, two in the front and two in the back. One of the soldiers opened the chariot, and a man in regal clothing emerged. He was tall, with straight blond hair, and wore an emblem of what appeared to be the sun on his chest.
The man cleared his throat as the soldiers stood beside him. "Attention, villagers of Honsen village. I, James Rhodonite, the 3rd, am here on behalf of the empire to bring some troubling news. May the mayor of this village step forward?"
The villagers moved aside as a man with gray hair and a brown suit stepped forward.
''I'm the mayor'' the man said.'' What seems to be the problem, sir?''
James looked at the man and walked towards him ''Ah yes, thank you. As you know, tax day was last week, and while the village has fortunately paid the amount, one of you still needs to contribute. The villagers gasped in shock.
''But that can't be!'' The mayor said'' I'm sure we all paid the amount. S-surly you are mistaken-''
At that moment, James punched the mayor in the stomach. The mayor fell to his knees and clutched his stomach. James grabbed the man by the hair. He had a twisted expression.
''Excuse me?'' James said. ''Did I hear you correctly? Did I hear you say I was mistaken?'' James pulls the mayor's hair. ''Because if you're saying I'm mistaken, then you're saying the empire is mistaken, and if you're saying the empire is mistaken, then you must mean the king is mistaken. So tell me, are you questioning our king?''
''N-no I would never… ''the mayor said ,frightened. James let go of the mayor's hair and smiled.
''Well, that's good then!'' James said. ''Now, back to business; as I said, one of you has not paid your taxes, and we have identified the individual,'' James snapped his fingers. One of the soldiers came with a piece of paper. He handed it to James. James took the paper and cleared his throat.
''We are looking for Miss Finesse Lamborough. Will Miss Finesse Lamborough please step forward?''
Finesse had arrived in front of the group of people and stepped forward.
''I am Finesse, sir,'' Finesse said, nervously adjusting her glasses.
''Ah yes, thank you,'' James said. ''As I stated many times, one of you has not paid the amount due, and we have identified that person as you, miss Finesse.''
''Yes, that is correct.'' Finesse said.
''Is there any reason why you have not paid yet?'' James asked.
''Yes, sir,'' Finesse said. She began by explaining, ''You see, I run an orphanage for young children, and most of the money I earn goes to feeding and taking care of them, so sometimes I can't afford the amount.''
''I see...''James said, ''Be that as it may, all villagers under the empire's protection must pay their taxes. You had a week to gather enough money, so surely you must have it now.''
Finesse gulped ''Well, you see, I… still don't have it.''
The crowd murmured in shock. James was silent.
''Um, sir-ahh!'' Finesse began before she was stopped as James had a hand to her throat. He had the twisted expression again.
''Excuse me?'' James growled. ''What do you mean you don't have it?!''
Finesse was gasping for air as the crowd watched, too scared to make a move.
''Do you have any idea what this means for me?! ''James continued. ''I had to take a week to count all the money only to find out that someone didn't pay! Do you know what that means?!'' James tightens his grip on Finesse. ''It means I have to come out to this dump of a village, having to look at you ugly and idiotic peasants to get the money, and you have the nerve to tell me you don't have it?!''
James was still strangling Finesse. Just then, a rock flew past the crowd and clonked James in the back of the head. James let go of Finesse and rubbed the comical bump on his head.
''WHO THREW THAT!?'' James roared.
The crowd steps back, revealing four familiar children holding rocks. They were the same kids who had been bullying Makoto earlier.
''We did!'' the lanky boy, Bill, said, ''You evil people of the empire, we have come to deliver justice.''
''That right!'' the glasses-wearing boy, Clark, said. ''Long of you plagued these villages with your evil ways, but today it comes to an end!''
''Yea! ''The fat boy, George said. ''We will no longer stand idly by and watch you torment the innocence.''
''Correct!'' Maggie, the girl, said, ''We have come to punish you in the name of justice.''
''For we are'' all four said ''THE JUSTICE WARRIORS!'' The four do a pose.
The villagers sweatdrop as James and his men just stared.
''....What is this mockery?'' James asked his soldiers. The soldiers just shrugged their shoulders.
James sighed and turned his attention to Finesse when another rock hit him in the back of the head. He whirled around and glared at the children with an angry expression.
''Don't ignore us! We worked super hard on that!'' Bill said. The other three agreed with him.
''What do you brats want?'' James said.
''We are here to stop your evil deeds and get revenge for our parents.'' Bill said ''we know you and Makoto are in cahoots. Once we take care of you, we will finish him once and for all.''
''...Who?!'' James said. He pinched his nose and sighed. ''This is why I don't deal with peasants…'' he turned to his men. ''You guys do something about this,'' he ordered. Three of the soldiers looked at each other and headed for the kids.
''Listen, kids,'' one of the soldiers said. ''We are on an important mission and don't have time to play with you.'' The soldier was replied to with a rock to the face by Bill.
''Hey, now it's not nice to throw rocks at people,'' Another soldier said for his words of wisdom. He was thanked with rocks by Clark and Maggie.
''Hey, stop that! We're serious! ''a rather pudgy soldier said. His words fall short as he is also clonked by a rock by George.
''Fire!''' Bill said as the kids released a barrage of rocks on the soldiers. The soldiers were defending as best they could. The barrage came to an end when the children ran out of stones. The Soldiers glared at the children.
''We ran out of ammo!'' George said.
''What do we do now?'' Clark said.
Bill looked at the approaching soldiers.
''One thing to do, run!'' Bill said.
The justice warriors comically ran away as the soldiers chased them. A wacky comical chase occurred, including Bill running away to a dead-end wall and one of the soldiers jumping at him, only for Bill to dodge, the soldier face-planting the wall. In another scene, Clark and Maggie are cashed by a soldier. They run into a dress shop, change their clothes, and come out as a couple on a date. The soldier came to the shop and asked the 'couple' if they saw two kids. The 'couple' pointed to the left. The soldier thanked the couple and ran off to the left as the couple walked to the right. The Soldier thought how nice it was to be young and in love. He also noticed that the couple looked precisely like the kids…he…was…chasing? A metaphor cuckoo clock was running in his head. The bird took out a mallet and bonked him on the head.
The soldier turned around and shouted at the kids. The kids took their fake clothes off and ran as the soldier chased them. One more scene involved the big-boned child and adult. A delicious smell was in the air as the chasing was going on. The two sniffed the air and turned to find a group of villagers having an eating contest. The two walked to the table and joined the villagers. As the villagers died down, they were the last two standing. As they were eating, George quietly left. The soldier was still eating and was declared the winner after he finished. He was given a trophy, cried joyfully, and thanked his mother and the academy for his victory. After a few seconds, he realized what he was supposed to be doing. He dropped the trophy and resumed his chase for the boy.
000
The justice warriors reconvened at the plaza, where everybody was still. The three soldiers arrived and jumped at the kids, starting a dust cloud fight, with the kids getting the upper hand. This went on until a gunshot went off. The fight stopped, and everybody looked towards the sound. It was James pointing a golden gun in the air.
''THAT'S ENOUGH!!'' James roared. He put the gun down and pointed at the three soldiers. ''What's wrong with you idiots?! You're letting children make you look like fools!'' The soldiers looked down in shame. James turned to the chariot to find the last soldier standing there. Unlike the three soldiers, this one had gold armor instead of silver.
''Domon!'' James yelled. ''Why are you just standing there?! These are your men; you should be disciplining them, not me!'' The soldier didn't respond.
''DOMON!'' James yelled louder. The soldier stirred awake.
''Huh? oh sorry,'' the gold plated soldier named Domon said ''I was thinking rather tomatoes were vegetables or fruits.''
James stared blankly at Domon. ''What are you…'' he shook his head. ''you know what, I don't care. Just do something about these damn brats.''
Domon gazed deadpan at the kids and walked towards them.
''Sorry kids,'' Domon said. ''But you disrespected a noble and, by extension, the empire. I'm going to have to take you in.''
''Over my dead body!'' Bill shouted as he punched him in the stomach. The blow does not affect Domon. Domon just sighed and slapped Bill across the face hard.
''Bill!'' The other three cried out. Domon then quickly punched Clark in the face, breaking his glasses, and kicked George in the stomach. The three boys fall to the ground in pain. Maggie was crying in fear. Domon was walking towards her next but was stopped by Finesse.
''Please stop! They're just children!'' pleaded Finesse, grabbing Domon by the arm. She was being held by her hair by James and thrown to the ground. James pointed his gun at her.
''Don't interfere, woman!'' James yelled, ''You still owe money, so you don't get the right to speak.'' he turned his attention to the crowd. ''That goes for all of you! Don't move a muscle, or this woman is getting shot!''
''Finesse-san!'' Maggie yelled. still crying.
''Don't worry about me, just run!'' Finesse said. She was then kicked in the side by James.
"I thought I told you that you don't get to speak," James said with a twisted expression. "Domon, hurry up so we can get out of here. I can't stand to be in this town any longer." Domon nodded as Maggie helped the boys up. The justice warriors began running, with Domon in pursuit.
*bang*
Silence filled the air as everyone stared in shock at the sound of James's gun going off. The justice warriors noticed that one of them had been shot. Maggie was lying on the ground, clutching her wounded leg.
''Maggie!" Clark and George shouted as they attempted to assist their friend. Bill restrained them.
''Forget her! We have to go!'' Bill said.
''But what about Maggie?!'' George asked.
''We can't just leave her!'' Clark said.
''You want to fight him? ''Bill said, pointing at Domon, who was looming over Maggie.
''If you want to, go ahead! I'm out of here!'' Bill said as he ran.
Clark and George looked at Domon fearfully and ran.
''Guys!! please don't leave me...'' Maggie said, still clutching her leg. Domon, still towering over her, looked at her, then turned to James.
''Was that necessary?'' Domon asked.
James blows the smoke from his gun, ''Just making things easier for you.'' He sighed happily. ''It's been so long since I shot a peasant. It feels good. Now grab the girl, and let's go.''
Domon shook his head and looked down at Maggie with sympathy.
''Sorry, little girl, but he's in charge. I have to take you in,'' he said as he reached to grab her.
"you wouldn't hurt a girl, would you?" Maggie pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
Domon stopped and thought for a moment ''Mother always did say not to hurt girls…''
Maggie sighed in relief. Domon continued ''I'll just pretend you're not a girl.''
''NOOO!'' Maggie screamed out as Domon was reaching for her.
''STOP!'' a voice rang out. Everyone turned to see Makoto running toward Maggie. He reached Maggie and protectively stood in front of her.
''I won't let you guys hurt any more people in this town!'' Makoto said firmly.
''Makoto-kun!'' Maggie said, surprised.
Makoto turned to Maggie ''Are you ok, Maggie-chan?''
She nodded slowly. ''uh-huh,'' Makoto picked Maggie off the ground.
''What is this now?'' James said. ''I said no interfering! Domon, do something about this!''
Domon didn't respond.
''DOMON!''
''Huh? Oh, sorry,'' Domon said. ''I was just thinking about the differences between an alligator and a crocodile.''
''For the love of… just take care of the brat too,'' James said, not amused.
Domon nodded and looked down at the kids.
''Sorry, little boy, but if you're going to help this girl, I have to take you in too.''
''Go ahead; I'm not scared of you. A hero is brave, protects, and never gives up, no matter how bad it looks,'' Makoto said determinedly.
''Very well then,'' Domon said as he threw a punch, Makoto and Maggie closing their eyes.
''Well said, Makoto!'' a voice said. Makoto opened his eyes to find Linn standing before them, holding Domon's fist.
"Linn-san!" Makoto cheered. Linn flashed him a smile as Yuzu walked beside Makoto, and Tomodachi picked up Maggie.
''Oh, now what?!'' James asked, livid. ''What part of 'do not interfere'' do you fools not get?! Do you not care what happens to this woman?''
Linn let go of Domon's fist and smirked at James.
''What woman?'' Linn asked.
''What do you mean what woman?! This one!'' He pointed to the ground only to find no one there.
''What?! Where did she go?!''
''I rescued Miss Finesse when you weren't looking,'' Linn explained. ''Now, I suggest you and your man leave this village at once.''
The crowd murmured in shock as the boy showed disrespect to a noble. James fired his gun into the air, silencing the crowd.
''Excuse me?'' James said, his twisted expression present again. He walked to Linn and pointed his gun at Linn's forehead.
''Do you know who you are speaking to? I am a noble of the empire. I'm smarter, stronger, fastest, richer, and handsomer than you will ever be in your lifetime.'' he pressed the gun harder to Linn's forehead ''I am high-class while you and the rest of these peasants are lower than dirt. I would call you trash, but that would be an insult to trash. I am above, you are below, I'm at the top, you are at the bottom. I am better than you in every way. Do you understand?''
Linn just started, unfazed. He took a deep breath.
''I have one question'' Linn said.
''Oh? The peasant has a question for me. Fine, I'll indulge you. What is it?'' James said.
''How strong is your jaw?''
''What is that suppose to mean-''
*Pow*