As the crackling voice echoed through the ceiling, everyone's gaze turned toward the ceiling, revealing the icon of a sword handle that was bleeding through the roof.
Fear gripped Kaiko, prompting her to take a defensive stance, while a shimmering blade crashed to the ground, right between her and Ty.
This was because the voice was coming from none other than the sword itself.
"Sorry for the random barging in, but it took me a while to find you all after you ran away from the scene. It wasn't until Master woke up that I was able to locate you all," the strange voice explained.
Ty, still as confused as ever, inquired, "So I wasn't going crazy. You are an actual talking sword? And who's your master, anyway? It wasn't that flame guy, was it?"
"Sorry about that," the sword replied, perking up from its concealed spot and giving a slight chuckle as it continued, "Yes, he was my master for many years after he killed my previous master, gaining ownership over me. But now that he is dead and was killed by your hands, I am obligated to move on to my next master. So who better than the ma—skeleton who killed my former master," the sword suggested playfully.
Still maintaining her defensive stance, Kaiko asked, "So does it mean that you put a tracking spell on the bone boy or something?"
"No, I simply linked with him before he passed out. But for whatever reason, while he was unconscious, it was as if he were dead, and I wasn't able to track him. But that doesn't matter now. What matters the most is that I have found you, master."
With skepticism, Ty replied, "Sorry, my sword. But I can't say that I trust you completely, besides that, I am more of a 'punch you in the face' skeleton, even if I have been using a sword off and on ever since getting here."
Understanding Ty's hesitation, the sword persisted, "Your worry is understandable, but you are the first creature that doesn't get burned while holding me. So I feel I might be able to go all out in fights if you were to wield me. That sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it?"
Unenthusiastically, Ty responded, "No, not really, but you might have some usefulness if I want to take the relic from the Yami King."
Ty then inquired, "Are you always able to conceal yourself and take different shapes? You pretty much were a liquid for a split second while you entered the room before reforming yourself into the blade."
Meanwhile, Tod casually continued sipping his tea, observing all that was happening before his eyes.
"Yes, but I don't see how any of that is useful with fighting. I'm not a fan of killing someone who isn't going to fight back," the sword replied.
"That's good," Ty remarked cheerfully before he turned to Kaiko and suggested.
"Hey Kaiko, I think we might have had a breakthrough. Why don't we have this sword go do some recon work to find out where Elithira might be, and at the same time get an idea of the Yami King's schedule?"
Taking her seat, Kaiko rested her chin on her hand while lost in her thoughts as she contemplated what would be the best course of action.
"So," she began curiosity laden in her voice, "Are you some kind of relic yourself, Flame sword?"
With a touch of indifference, the sword replied, "I don't really know about that. I woke up as a sword about 80 years ago, and have been traveling the country ever since. My driving force has always been a good fight and while discovering my true self would be nice, it's not my primary concern for the time being. After all, why bother with something that's beyond my control? If you'd like me to conduct some reconnaissance, Master, I'm willing. Just don't run away again," he concluded, addressing his last few words to Ty.
"Like I said, I do appreciate that you want to help, but I don't think I will be using you often during a fight. And hopefully, my fighting will be limited most of the time, however, if you could help us in finding out the information we need, I Don't mind waiting."
Ty expressed and continued, "I am on a tight schedule though. So please don't take longer than a day."
"Sure thing, Master," the Sword stated before breaking into a wild shard of energy and fading away.
As the fiery presence of Flame Sword's fiery presence dissipated from the room, Ty felt a moment of solitude. He gazed at the door for a moment, thinking about the elemental sword's mission and how it had unexpectedly become an ally in his quest.
Turning his attention back to Kaiko and Todd, Ty realized that both of them were waiting for his response.
Taking a deep breath, he said with determination, "I appreciate your hospitality and the information you've shared with me. It's clear that the Yami King poses a significant threat, not just to this world but potentially to mine as well. If there's any chance of stopping him, I will have to confront him and retrieve the relic."
With a solemn expression on her face, Kaiko nodded, "We understand your determination, Ty. But remember, you're not alone in this. We'll do everything we can to assist you. Now, let's discuss our strategy."
Over the next few hours, the trio delved into a detailed conversation about their plan. They took into consideration the potential routes to the Yami King's stronghold, ways to garner support from the resistance and ideas for how they were going to locate Elithira. Todd, who had some knowledge of the Yami King's forces from his experience of working at the prisons also provided valuable insights.
While all of that was happening, Ty couldn't shake the lingering sense of displacement he had been feeling since the Flame Sword's departure.
Looking at Kaiko and Todd, his companions in this foreign world, he waited for an explanation. They gazed around in the room they were in now and realized that it was different from the one he recalled being in before they confronted the Head Captain.
"Where are we by the way?" Ty finally asked, his voice slightly echoing in the unfamiliar space.
Kaiko sighed, setting down the tray of freshly brewed tea and said, "After the confrontation with the Head Captain, we had to abandon our previous hideout. We're currently in another one of my establishments, a tea shop I run. While it's not as hidden as the previous one, it's safe enough for now."
Ty nodded, trying to piece together the events that had unfolded during his two-day slumber.
With many questions in his mind, Ty realized that unraveling the mysteries of this world would be his best chance of finding a way back home.
"I see. So, what's the plan?" Ty inquired, casting a curious glance at Kaiko with his hollow eye sockets.
Offering a warm smile, Kaiko replied, "First, we need to heal Todd's burns from the battle. Then, you and I are going to spend the day running this tea shop. We'll gather information, form connections, and learn more of what we can about the Yami King's stronghold and Elithira's whereabouts."
Embracing his role in the tea shop with an enthusiasm that even surprised him, Ty greeted the customers as they trickled in throughout the day with a friendly nod and a perpetual smile that never wavered, even after receiving numerous curious glances. Some were initially taken aback by his skeletal appearance, but Ty's warmth and politeness quickly disarmed their apprehension.
Ty would engage in light conversations with them before leaving them with a sense of warmth and a smile.
One elderly woman with a shock of silver hair, and a walking cane, approached the counter tentatively and said with her eyes wide open as she peered at Ty, "Oh my, what an unusual sight you are."
With a soft chuckle, Ty answered, his voice a spectral whisper, "Yes, ma'am, you could say that I'm a bit out of the ordinary. What can I get for you today?"
The woman ordered her tea, and as Ty prepared it, the two engaged in a light conversation about the beauty of the night sky and the pleasant ambiance of the tea shop. By the time she left, the elderly woman wore a warm smile and had completely forgotten her initial unease when she faced Ty.
Throughout the day, similar interactions unfolded. Ty's friendly demeanor and his genuine interest in the customers' well-being helped him win them over one by one. Whether it was a group of chatty teenagers or weary travelers who were seeking respite, Ty's ability to connect with people transcended the strangeness of his appearance.
Meanwhile, inside the tea shop, Kaiko's healing magic worked tirelessly on Todd's injuries. The once ominous black marks on his green-skinned back had started to gradually fade away, revealing unblemished skin underneath. Todd's gratitude was palpable, and he even joined Ty in serving customers during the quieter moments.
As evening descended, Ty and Kaiko stepped outside, leaving behind the cozy interior of the tea shop.
Nestled in a quaint corner of the town, the establishment exuded a rustic charm with the wooden beams on the ceiling that were stretched overhead being adorned with softly glowing lanterns that cast a warm, inviting light. Shelves lined with various tea blends and delicate porcelain teapots displayed the shop's dedication to its craft.
The night sky above was a masterpiece, with stars that glittered like celestial gems. Ty and Kaiko found some solace in this tranquil atmosphere as they gently sipped on their own cups of tea.
"To be honest, I really don't have time to waste," Ty mused aloud, his skeletal features contorting into an expression of contemplation before he continued, "But it is nice to slow down for a second and enjoy the view. I need to trust in Jade, and that she will be able to handle our situation. I will find a way to make up for the time we have lost."
His words hung in the air for a moment before his hollow eye sockets turned skyward.
A white streak of a comet painted the night sky, its tail adorned with a gentle hue of blue before it seemed to have crashed at a far-off distance.