The morning came early. Kaiko barged in, declaring, "It's time to get the day started!" Todd snored loudly in the background, but the healing ointments and spells Kaiko had used seemed to have done the trick.
Sitting up, Ty wondered how he had even managed to sleep. It felt more like he had been dead. Due to his flames, he slept on a block of stone to avoid setting anything on fire, which was already uncomfortable.
Not being able to control any of it, he refrained from complaining. He spoke up to Keiko, "It's been almost 12 hours. How far is King Yami anyway?"
Kaiko perked up. "His castle is only a few hours away, about 20 miles. I imagine he should be back soon. But to be safe, we need an escape plan in case he decides not to be as trusting as you hope."
"That's a good idea. What's the plan then?"
She walked over to his bedding and pulled out a small dresser. "All my shops come with a lever that connects to some outside tree or other area to act as a secret way in and out."
"Wow, that is impressive. You would fit in with my world as a military strategist," Ty said, giving a slight chuckle before continuing, "How did you even set all of this up?"
"When you have 10 years to run and hide, sometimes the best way is to hide in plain sight. No one could have expected the downfall and the death of Sogetsu, but all we can do is live and adapt."
Before Ty could respond, a bell rang in the distance. Kaiko quickly said, "Well, that's a story for another time. I think we have some customers. Go ahead and help me hand out some tea in the meantime while we wait for your sword friend."
Before Ty could respond, a bell rang in the distance. Kaiko quickly said, "Well, that's a story for another time. I think we have some customers. Go ahead and help me hand out some tea in the meantime while we wait for your sword friend."
The tea shop's entrance was marked by a simple wooden sliding door. As it slid open, the delicate tinkling of another bell greeted each visitor. The warm glow of lanterns flickered to life, illuminating the cozy interior. The paper walls of the shop diffused the lantern light, casting a soft radiance throughout. Wooden beams overhead creaked gently, echoing the footsteps of people above.
The aroma of fresh tea leaves wafted in the air, a comforting and inviting scent. Steaming kettles sang on their stovetops and the murmur of conversations blended with the clinking of ceramic teacups. A nearby water wheel added its rhythmic splash to the symphony of the shop's morning bustle.
People flowed in and out, their sandals shuffling on the tatami mats. Some were regulars, nodding in acknowledgment to Kaiko as they took their favorite seats. Others were travelers, their eyes wide with curiosity, drawn in by the shop's reputation and the promise of a warm brew.
As the clock hit noon, two guests waved through the door banners, a tall man and a short girl.
The man adorned with a Standard Robe with the overthrow of a Haori Jacket lined with red filings sent a shiver down the spine of Keiko as she walked out to greet them and get the two seated.
Based on his attire she could tell he was directly affiliated with the Yami King.
Taking a moment to catch her breath Ty noticed as she had sweat dripping down her brows as she composed herself walking up to the two as Ty finished serving another before walking off towards the kitchen.
"Good afternoon, you two," she spoke softly.
"What can I get for you and your daughter today? We have everything on the menu. May I also have the pleasure of knowing your names?"
A short moment paused as he blindly stared at her.
"So I can get it added to your ticket," the man said, giving a careless nod. "It's Masaru Hayashida, Ma'am."
"But to be honest, I'm not a fan of tea at all," he continued. "You can get the little girl, Nanako, a ginger tea, though." She brushed her hands through her dark blue hair.
The tiny girl grew angry and yelled at Masaru, "Don't tell me what I like just because I'm short!"
Keiko, slightly confused as the two exchanged banter, went to walk away before the little girl asked, "So why are you actively hiding a prisoner and a guard? It was kind of obvious, you know. Even if you are a ways away from the capital, you should have grown weary of those you trust."
Keiko paused for a slight moment as Todd walked out with a tray of tea for all the current guests. Nanako froze slightly as she waved at him, "Long time no see, Greeny."
A shock of horror painted over Todd's face as he proclaimed, "It has. Looks like you are still short as ever." He asked if they could let the guests leave first.
"Sure, what do I care about some random villagers living their best lives?" Masaru replied, maintaining a calm demeanor while keeping his eyes on everything around him.
Todd quickly clanged the tray and shouted, "Thanks, everyone, for stopping by. But for now, we have to close, and all drinks you've ordered are free."
As the bewildered patrons slowly got up and began heading toward the exit, Nanako voiced her concerns, "What if they intend to harm me, though? What if they are also traitors?"
"Nanako, please don't!" Todd urgently shouted at the small girl. Without hesitation, she snapped her fingers, and in response, Todd shoved an elderly woman out of harm's way. A massive bubble then emerged from his right shoulder, exploding with a deafening noise. Blood splattered in all directions as Todd cried out in excruciating pain.
The confusion among the onlookers stemmed from the sudden and unexpected use of supernatural abilities, which left them startled and panicked.
This caused a mass panic as guests began to scream and run.
Ty rushed out upon hearing the screams and Todd's pained cries, racing toward him. The man, Masaru, stood up, grabbing a staff from his back and slamming it into the ground. An invisible barrier materialized, preventing Ty from reaching Todd, who continued to scream in pain.
Confused by the barrier, Ty began to bank and punch it, causing cracks to form. Masaru looked surprised. "A skeleton with that much force?"
Straining to maintain the barrier, Masaru lost focus on his surroundings. Suddenly, Kaiko, now adorned in a slimmer suit and brass knuckles with oni symbols, slammed a punch into Masaru's face. Blood splattered across a nearby table upon impact, and the barrier dropped. Masaru turned to face Kaiko, catching her next strike. "You shouldn't hit people when they're distracted," he chided.
Kieko smirked, "That's the best time to do so." Meanwhile, Nanako snapped her fingers, transforming her pink and red kimono as it flowed across her body, held in place by a black obi belt adorned with symbols of the Yami King.
Nanako snapped her fingers toward Ty, who had managed to pick up Todd's head to check on him. In a terrifying instant, a devastating impact struck him from within, causing his skull to explode into bone fragments that scattered in all directions. One shard narrowly missed impaling the small girl's hairpin, causing it to tumble to the ground in the chaos.
Nanako let out a resigned sigh, "Well, I hope Yami won't be too furious about the demise of that skeleton. He's been quite worked up about it ever since he first heard." Her smug expression betrayed her belief that she had won the encounter.
Masaru, however, knew better. He swiftly dropped his ongoing battle with Kaiko and, in a split-second decision, hurled his barrier in front of Nanako to shield her from the imminent danger. The bone projectile came within inches of piercing the protective barrier that now separated it from Nanako's delicate visage.
Nanako, taken aback by Masaru's swift action to protect her, attempted to step back, but she was too slow. Kaiko swiftly drew in, sidestepping Masaru, and prepared to deliver a devastating blow before Nanako could react.
In the split second, before her strike landed, a resounding slam echoed through the chamber as Masaru slammed his staff into the ground. A wave of electricity crackled across the floor, freezing Kaiko in her tracks. The electrifying energy coursed through the room, affecting not only her but also Todd and Ty, both of whom let out signs of pain as the shock surged through them.
"Nanako!" Masaru screamed, his voice fraught with urgency. "Regain your composure! Deal with the traitor goblin, and let's be on our way with the skeleton." He snapped his fingers, encasing Ty in a protective bubble once more, while Kaiko dropped to the floor, writhing in pain. Masaru raised his staff, its tip hovering dangerously close to her neck.
"Impudent worms," he hissed disdainfully as bolts of electricity crackled along the length of his staff, ready to administer a devastating punishment.