Jurabi: Heeeeeellooooooo~! This is Espada Jurabi Therion, bringing you another chapter of The Oathkeeper Pirates. Before we start, I'd like to thank you guys for being very understanding of the long wait times for the chapters. Making an entire arc in one go isn't easy and it takes a lot of time. Plus, college has started up again and I need to find the right time to do all of this, so thanks for understanding. Anyways, let's get started with this chapter.

Previously on The Oathkeeper Pirates...

"Alright," Belle cheered, "Don't worry, Ackmor. I'll make our memory-recovering journey a blast."

"A…blast," Ackmor asked.

"Not that kind of blast," Belle said.

And now...back to making oaths...


Chikai Arc Chp. 2: Heat Surge

~~Udeno Town~~

Sakuya and Kaisetsu were walking through Udeno Town while continuing with their discussion.

"I understand now," Sakuya said as she walked beside Kaisetsu through the Chikai town listening to her story, "It's hard to believe you were chasing this guy down for that long and for that reason, Kaisetsu."

"Whether you wish to believe it or not, it's the truth," Kaisetsu said, "The fire that broke out last night along with the information I obtained from the last island…they both must be connected to Kadiri in some way."

"Quite the deduction you have," Sakuya said.

"Unfortunately, they are all hypothetical deductions at best," Kaisetsu said, "I first need to gather information about the fire. The marines have closed off the eastern forest where the fire took place, so I'll have to make do with what I have."

"Ooh, and you're acting like a detective of sorts too?" Sakuya pointed out with a cheeky smile, "Got that from your mom's side?"

"More or less," Kaisetsu replied as she took another look at the map of Chikai Island, "We're almost at the gate to the Chikai Mansion."

"There's a mansion here?" Sakuya asked.

"You didn't know that?" Kaisetsu asked back to the siren.

Sakuya shook her head in response, "I only got here just recently," She replied rubbing her head.

"That's no problem," Kaisetsu said before she showed her friend the map of Chikai Island, "In the middle here is the mansion. This whole island is shaped like a target symbol with rivers that pour out into the sea from the north and east. To the east of the mansion is the location where the forest fire took place."

"I see," Sakuya said nodding, "But if the water is coming from the north and east, how is it redirected to the southern and western directions?"

"Well since the mansion is at the center, it must have something to do with the redirection," Kaisetsu said, "Perhaps they have some mechanism that allows the building to change the direction of the current."

"That makes sense," Sakuya said, "So why are we heading to the mansion again?"

"To get information from the marines themselves, hopefully," Kaisetsu said, "Though, I doubt they'll tell people like us anything."

"Yeah, you can't even say your full name around the marines, Kaisetsu," Sakuya said, "What do we do when they ask for our identities?"

"That's the part I always get stumped on when it comes to marines," Kaisetsu said as the two arrived at the Chikai Mansion, "If only our parents weren't so damn infamous…"

"Whoa, that's a really huge building," Sakuya said in awe of the large, white building.

"It's not that impressive," Kaisetsu said not amused in the slightest, "Definitely not as big as Auntie Kaya's mansion."

Sakuya then noticed a few people standing in front of the gate, two marines and a boy, "Hey, who's that over there?"

Kaisetsu looked over at the gate immediately noticing the boy, "Guess we aren't the only ones curious about that fire," She said before she and Sakuya made their way over to the gate.

"For the last time, kid, that kind of information is classified," One of the marines to the boy's left said.

"Until the investigation is finished, none of us are allowed to disclose any information to the public," The other marine to his right stated.

"You sound so sure of yourselves," The boy said crossing his arms, "Neither of you are lying to me about that, are you?"

"Talking to us with that attitude won't get you anywhere, boy," Said the left marine.

"This 'boy' has a name: Yoshino Hoshida," Yoshino said, "It is in your best interest not to forget that."

"This little kid is getting on my nerves," The right marine said starting to lose his temper.

"I suggest you go back home," The left marine said, "You're obstructing the duty of us marines."

Both marines and Kaisetsu and Sakuya, who were watching, could tell a nerve had been struck with the boy seeing his scowling face.

"One more question," The boy said, "Is it true that the Mizu Blade was stolen from the mayor's mansion?"

"That information is classified as well," The left marine explained, "Sticking your nose into other people's business will get you killed."

"So…you have no intention on telling me anything," Yoshino said slowly losing his own temper.

"If you understand that fact, then buzz off!" The right marine said, "We don't have time for kids like you."

"…Very well," Yoshino said before he turned around, "Perhaps another time then," he said before he began walking away."

"There won't be another time, brat!" The right marine shouted, "Come here again and we'll arrest you!"

Yoshino let out an annoyed sigh before he stopped in front of Kaisetsu and Sakuya, who still had her ear muffs on, "You both saw that pathetic display from those men, didn't you?"

"Unfortunately," Kaisetsu said.

"That attitude is typical of marines these days," Yoshino said with a nerved face, "Thinking they can say whatever they please to whomever they want. Makes me sick to my stomach."

"I know how you feel, sir," Kaisetsu said.

"Anyways, if you're looking to ask them about the fire or the rumored theft, don't bother," Yoshino said, "All they say is nonsense like 'classified'."

"Theft?" Kaisetsu asked.

"In that mansion, there is an old sword on display called the Mizu Blade," Yoshino explained, "Rumor has it that when the fire started a few nights back, that blade was stolen from its mantel. Don't take my word for it, though."

"I see," Kaisetsu said.

"At this rate, I might have to check out the forest myself," Yoshino muttered.

"Hm?" Kaisetsu asked thinking she heard the boy say something.

"Don't mind me," Yoshino said, "Anyways, I should get going."

"Thank you for the information," Kaisetsu said, "My name is…Kaisetsu. Let me know if you find something useful. I'm searching for something too."

"Kaisetsu…" Yoshino repeated finding it odd that the girl didn't give her full name, "I'll be sure to do that if I have the time to. I'm Yoshino Hoshida," Yoshino then looked over to Sakuya found it odd that she was wearing only ear muffs, "You wear only ear muffs in this weather?"

"U-umm….I-I…" Sakuya stammered as her face heated up.

"Sakuya?" Kaisetsu asked finding Sakuya's sudden behavioral change unnatural.

"Are you okay?" Yoshino asked feeling concerned for the girl, "You're not hot, are you?"

"N-No…" Sakuya stammered, "M-my name, is Sakuya Reevus."

"Sakuya Reevus," Yoshino repeated, "Well if you're feeling hot, Sakuya, you might want to take those ear muffs off and get something cold to drink."

Sakuya smiled before clasping her hands together and saying, "Oh, my sweet prince Yoshino, I am grateful that you're willing to show so much care to a stranger like me~!"

A brief moment of silence fell onto the three before Yoshino said, "Prince…?"

"Sweet prince?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Ah, Yoshino-kun!" Sakuya said feeling her heart flutter, "Such a beautiful name for a handsome man. Shall I cook you something to commemorate our fateful meeting?"

Yoshino gave Sakuya a confused look before turning to Kaisetsu, "Is your friend…okay in the head?"

"I don't know either…" Kaisetsu said feeling awkward from just knowing Sakuya, now that this strange personality has surfaced.

"What would you like for dinner, Yoshino-kun?" Sakuya asked while holding Yoshino's hands, "Just say the word and I will travel across oceans and islands to find the best ingredients to make the best dish you have ever tasted! This I swear to you, my prince!"

Yoshino took a few steps back from the girl, "Okay…I have to go now…"

"B-but, my prince…" Sakuya said feeling she is getting rejected.

"Don't call me that," Yoshino said, "And don't add that ridiculous "kun" at the end of my name either!" He shouted angrily before looking at Kaisetsu, "I'll be going now. Don't let your friend do anything stupid."

"…Yeah…" Kaisetsu said hesitantly before Yoshino walked away from the two.

"What was with that girl?" Yoshino thought, "Doesn't matter. I need to figure out where the Mizu Blade is. Perhaps I should check out the unauthorized area those marines were talking about..."

"…Rejected…once again!" Sakuya cried while tears poured from her eyes, "I thought for sure that I found my one and only prince!"

"Hold on…you called that boy a prince and added "kun" to his name…" Kaisetsu said beginning to grow a smug smile on her face, "You're willing to cook the best meal for him…and you're face was as red as a cherry blossom when he said his name…"

"K-Kaisetsu," Sakuya said realizing the big mistake she made, "I-It's not what you think!"

"If I remember correctly…" Kaisetsu said with a smirk, "'I'm better than that' were your words from before when I talked about you acting like you did just a moment ago. Sakuya…don't tell me!"

"Y-You keep your mouth shut!" Sakuya shouted while blushing, "It's not my fault Yoshino-kun was so hot!" She shouted before she immediately covered her mouth in regret.

"Hahahahaha!" Kaisetsu ended up letting out a howl of laughter, "I don't believe it! Sakuya! You are like your father!"

"Stop laughing!" Sakuya shouted, "S-so what if I'm like my father?! You're no different than your daddy either, Kai! I still remember that day when you only woke up to the smell of my dad cooking dinner and nothing else!"

"Hey, sleeping is good for your body, Sakuya!" Kaisetsu shouted before she had a relaxed smile on her face, "Plus I like the feeling you get when you enter a dream."

"You're such a weirdo, Kai," Sakuya said glaring at Kaisetsu.

"Same to you, Sakuya," Kaisetsu said returning the same glare to the siren.

A tense moment of silence fell between the two before both of their intimidating faces eventually broke with their cheeks swelling up from the air of their contained laughter before that laughter broke out.

"Neither of us really has changed, have we?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Nope, but…I like it," Sakuya said, "After everything that happened in the past, it makes me happy seeing us both banter like this."

"Same," Kaisetsu said with a smile.

"So, what now?" Sakuya asked, "We won't be able to get any information about the fire."

"We might not have gotten crucial information, but we did get a lead," Kaisetsu said.

"A lead?" Sakuya asked.

"Remember what Yoshino said about the stolen Mizu Blade rumor?" Kaisetsu asked, "If that rumor is true, then my theory on Kadiri being connected to all of this might hold some merit of weight."

"You might be right," Sakuya said, "What other reason than money could a thief have to steal an old sword for?"

"But…how did that boy find out about that rumor in the first place?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Maybe we should ask him," Sakuya suggested.

"No, you would just fawn over him again," Kaisetsu said as she continued to think of a viable plan, "Perhaps we should go ask around the town. Someone has to know something, after all."

"Maybe," Sakuya said before a thought crossed her mind, "I wonder what Belle would do in this situation."

"How should I know?" Kaisetsu asked, "It's been so long a while since we last saw that girl."

"Yeah, I hope she's doing okay," Sakuya said looking down, "I know we haven't talked since…"

"No need to talk about that day," Kaisetsu interrupted, "I don't know what Belle would do in this situation, but I hope she hasn't dragged anyone into whatever she's planned on doing."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Seno Forest~~

Belle and Ackmor were traveling through the area of the burnt down forest.

"Whew, it's a relief that the ash in the air resided," Belle said, "I was afraid I'd have to wear my gas mask again."

"Belle, are you sure it's a good idea for us to be out here?" Ackmor asked staring down at the black, lifeless tree stumps.

"Why do you ask that?" Belle asked.

"Well this place was being guarded by marines," Ackmor said, "We were lucky enough that the marine we encountered was drunk and simply let us by when we said we were part of the investigation team."

"Yeah that guy was a dumbass," Belle said with a cheeky grin, "Wonder how many people like him I'll encounter on this journey. Think I should keep a track record of that, Acky?"

"Belle, this is serious," Ackmor said, "We're in a restricted area. If we get caught, we might get a severe punishment."

"Aw, don't worry about that," Belle said, "If the marines catch us, then we'll run. Simple as that."

"Run?" Ackmor asked.

"Um, yeah," Belle said surprised that Ackmor didn't know this, "I may be a pirate, but I don't plan on outright fighting marines and grabbing attention to myself so early."

"A pirate?" Ackmor asked.

"That's right," Belle said before she realized something, "Oh shoot! I forgot to tell you what exactly I plan to do during our memory hunt!"

"And what is that?" Ackmor asked.

"Hehee," Belle chuckled maniacally before she stood on a tree stump in a dramatic pose, "My ultimate goal is to visit every single island in the whole world with my most powerful crew of pirates! Neat isn't it?"

"It's an interesting goal and all, but what do you plan on doing afterwards?" Ackmor asked.

"Dunno," Belle answered quickly, "I haven't planned that far ahead, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there."

"And what about these powerful crewmembers of yours?" Ackmor asked.

"Well, obviously they've got to be the coolest people I've ever known," Belle said, "They also have to be either super strong or really smart or, better yet, both."

"Having people like that sounds like a good thing," Ackmor said.

"It sure is," Belle said, "I can already see it now. Myself along with 14 of my most trusted pirate brethren on the most thrilling adventure known to all of man!"

"Hm…so I'm going to be a part of this adventure of yours?" Ackmor asked.

"Of course!" Belle said jumping off the stump, "I did make a promise with you and when it comes to promises, I'm such a relentless completionist."

"But isn't there a saying about promises?" Ackmor asked, "Like 'Don't make promises you can't keep' sorta saying?"

"….That's…" Belle said as her face suddenly became emotionless for a split second, but long enough for Ackmor to notice, before smiling again, "Exactly right, Acky. You don't make promises you can't keep. I, on the other hand, swear to fulfill promises under an oath."

"Um…Belle…" Ackmor said wanting to talk about the change in attitude Belle just had.

"But enough about me though," Belle interrupted, "We better hurry and find what we need here."

"I don't know…" Ackmor said unsure of himself, "I don't even know what I'm supposed to be looking for here."

"Me neither," Belle said, "But we have to try and find at least one clue about your memories, and I think the river bank is our best bet," She added pointing at the dirty river stream.

"Why's that?" Ackmor asked.

"I found you washed up at a rocky area near the end of this river bank," Belle said.

"And I survived hitting one of those rocks?" Ackmor asked, "How did that happen?"

"No idea, but I intend to find out," Belle said as she and Ackmor followed the river current.

After a few minutes of searching, neither of them found anything.

"Nothing here either," Belle said.

"Do you think we're looking in the wrong spot?" Ackmor asked.

"No," Belle abruptly denied, "This is definitely the same river you floated on. That way is near the rocky area where I found you. Now we just need to figure out the how and why. Let's keep searching."

For the next 3 hours, Belle and Ackmor searched around the river bank, but still found nothing pertaining to a clue.

"Still nothing…" Belle groaned in frustration.

"How long have we been here, Belle?" Ackmor asked.

"I'd say around 3 hours more or less," Belle said.

"Well why don't we take a break?" Ackmor suggested.

"But I can't, Acky," Belle said, "Not while being nowhere near solving the mystery behind you."

"Who knows, maybe the answer will just happen to fall on our laps," Ackmor said.

"Hehe, nice sarcastic remark there," Belle said.

"Um…I was being serious," Ackmor said scratching his head.

"Whatever you two may be looking for, I advise you turn back now," A voice called from behind.

Ackmor and Belle stood up and turned around to Yoshino approaching them.

"Whoa, how'd he get in here?" Belle asked.

"The marines sure have issues with their men drinking on the job," Yoshino said, "He was slightly sober though so I doubt I could have gotten in a minute later."

"Who are you?" Ackmor asked.

"I'm Yoshino Hoshida," Yoshino said.

"Yoshino," Belle asked finding his name bizarre, "A rather feminine name for a boy…if you are a boy, that is."

"What?!" Yoshino asked in shock, "Feminine?! Were you ever taught any self restraint?"

"Belle…was that really a good thing to say to a stranger?" Ackmor asked.

"Hey, I was just checking," Belle said, "I mean, you have that long hair and that female name…"

"…" Yoshino shook his head before letting out a sigh, "And here I thought I would be able to have a normal conversation with the two of you."

"Sorry about that," Ackmor said, "We didn't mean to offend, right Belle?"

"I mean, his name is feminine. You can't deny that," Belle said before Ackmor gave her a hard, elbow nudge, "I-I mean sorry for my comment. I tend to say whatever is on my mind."

"So I see," Yoshino replied, "In any case, what are the two of you doing here in this forest."

"We're looking for clues pointing to Acky's memories," Belle said.

"Acky?" Yoshino asked completely bewildered by the odd name.

"My name's actually Ackmor," Ackmor said, "Acky's her nickname for me."

"Sorry I asked…" Yoshino muttered feeling kind of sorry for Ackmor.

"So far, we're nowhere close to finding so much as a hint," Belle said, "This place is close to the area where I found Acky."

"You found him in this forest," Yoshino asked.

"Unconscious, if I might add," Belle replied.

"What are you looking for in a place like this, Yoshino?" Ackmor asked.

"I can't answer that," Yoshino said, "It's irrelevant information."

"Wait, but what about what we told you?" Belle asked.

"About Ackmor's memories?" Yoshino asked as Belle and Ackmor nodded in response, "That is relevant information for me since Ackmor being found in this forest connects with the forest fire that occurred a few nights back."

"It does?" Belle asked.

"I won't know for sure until I can get into the Chikai Mansion though," Yoshino said.

"Can't you just go in there?" Ackmor asked.

"If I could, I would have done so," Yoshino replied before an idea hit him, "Wait…I can go in…but a certain condition needs to be met."

"Whatever it is you have planned, keep us out of it," Belle said, "We don't want to go to that mansion?"

"But would you do it as a form of apology for making light of my own name given to me by my own mother?" Yoshino asked with a sly smirk.

"Ugh!" Belle flinched, "I-I said I was sorry!"

"Sometimes actions speak louder than words, Belle," Yoshino said.

"Damnit….okay, what do you need me to do?" Belle asked.

"First, do you know how to swim?" Yoshino asked.

"I always sucked at swimming back when I was a little girl," Belle said, "Now I just stay away from water, period."

"Good, then all you and Ackmor need to do is simply react to what I do next," Yoshino said.

"Huh," Belle asked.

"Nothing personal, Belle," Yoshino said with a smile before he pushed Belle into the river.

"WHOA! WHAT THE HELL?!" Belle screamed before she fell into the water.

"Belle!" Ackmor shouted in surprise before turning to Yoshino, "Why did you do that all of a sudden?!"

"You'd best fish her out if she's as bad with water as she said," Yoshino said, "I'm going to get the people who will 'escort' us into the mansion."

"Huh?" Ackmor asked.

"Just do as I say," Yoshino said firmly, "I promise you will both come out of this with your skins attached."

As Yoshino rushed off into the forest, Ackmor quickly took a dive into the river to find Belle sinking at the very bottom drowning.

Not too far away were a group of marines taking a break from their investigations.

"A full day and a half of searching and still no clues," An annoyed marines groaned while knocking the ash out of his shoes.

"I know…no amount of salary is worth this," A tired marine complained.

"Hey, did you hear about the rumor surrounding the Mayor?" A tall marine asked as he sat on a tree stump.

"You mean the one about him always being in his room like he's talking to someone during the night?" The tired marine asked.

"I wouldn't call that, talking," The tall marine said, "I was on duty at the mansion last week and I could hear faint sounds of yelling in the hallway where the Mayor's office is at."

"Last week?" The annoyed marine asked, "If it was last week then surely the entire force assigned here would have told us about it."

"Maybe you just imagined yelling noises because you were bored," The tired marine joked, "You're head's empty enough to have creativity anyway."

"Shut up!" The tall marine shouted angrily at the laughing marines.

"HEY!" Yoshino's voice suddenly shouted putting the marines on guard. The marines then looked in Yoshino's direction.

"Oh, just a kid," The tired marine said lowering his gun.

"How the hell did he get past the guards?!" The tall marine asked.

"…One of us is drunk on the job again, isn't he?" The annoyed marine asked before he spoke up at Yoshino, "Citizens are prohibited from this area, kid!"

"B-but, I need your help!" Yoshino shouted in a fake but convincingly pleading manner, "One of my friends fell into the river and she seems really hurt!"

The tired marine groaned, "Citizens who can't follow simple instructions. That's obviously what I want to deal with today!"

"Quit your complaining," The tall marine said, "We all signed up for this job."

"We'll be right there!" The annoyed marine shouted as the three of them walked over to Yoshino.

"This way," Yoshino said hurriedly leading the way.

"This better not be a prank, kid," The annoyed marine warned.

Once Yoshino and the marines arrived back at the river, they saw Belle drenched in water coughing out the liquid she had inhaled into her mouth.

"Over there," Yoshino said pointing at Belle.

The marines rushed over to Belle's side to check for any fatal wounds.

"Thank goodness we got here in time," Yoshino said feeling relieved, but not of the fact that Belle is safe but that the marines are buying the story.

Belle, however, was absolutely furious with Yoshino, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR, YOU JERK?!" She screamed, "I COULD HAVE DIED!"

"Belle, calm down," Ackmor said.

Yoshino's eyes widen when Belle started messing up his lie, "O-oh no! The ash must have caused her to go crazy! Do you think you can help her?"

"Go crazy, my ass," Belle muttered angrily.

"The three of you shouldn't have been here to begin with," The annoyed marine said, "Damnit, we got to call this in now. She might be at risk with all the ash that polluted the river."

"Alright, I'll call up the mansion and see if they can get some doctors to look over the girl," The tall marine said as he took out his Den Den Mushi to make the call.

"Oh, thank you so much," Yoshino said clasping his hands together in fake gratitude, "Marines truly aspire to help the innocent."

Belle gave Yoshino an irritated glare, "He doesn't even give a shit about what he did to me. Oh, he is so getting it later!"

"Don't think that flattery is going to get you off the hook," The tired marine, "You three still entered a restricted area unauthorized."

"What will you do to us?" Ackmor asked worriedly.

"Nothing major," The tall marine said finishing his call, "We're just going to ask you some questions and let you off with one warning."

"For your sakes, this better not happen again," The annoyed marine warned, "Now come on. The sooner we drop you off, the sooner we get back to work."

Belle, Ackmor, and Yoshino proceeded to follow the three marines out of the forest and to the Chikai Mansion. Belle was still shooting menacing glances at Yoshino, who was only feeling proud of himself and his lie, while Ackmor just stares at both of them worriedly.

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Chikai Mansion~~

Kota walked through the white, clean hallway of the 2nd floor.

"Why in the world was I called out during my break time? This had better be important," When he arrived in front of the door to an office, he saw a blond haired man wearing a white investigator's jacket with a small cigar resting in his mouth.

"He called you too, Fugaku?" The man asked.

"Apparently," Kota said facepalming, "And on my break of all times."

"Same here," The man said breathing out a puff of smoke, "Bet it's related to that fire a few nights back and the theft of the Mizu Blade."

"Do you think those two events are connected, Kaiju?" Kota asked.

The man named Kaiju took out a lighter and relit his cigar, "It's Toryuka. Now that we're back on duty, we're back to those damn formalities."

"Yeah, sorry," Kota said rubbing his head.

"But to answer your question…" Kaiju continued, "I have a feeling—"

"AND DON'T COME BACK UNTIL YOU FIND A TRAIL!" Screamed a voice from the other side of the door.

"Y-Yes, sir!" A frightened voice replied from the other side before a marine rushed out of the office in a hurry.

"Oh boy…" Kaiju groaned, "Of course the Mayor's none too happy about his prized possession being stolen."

"Ah, Fugaku, Toryuka, come in quickly," Spoke the voice that was screaming at the marine earlier.

Kota and Kaiju wasted no time entering the office and took their place in front of a bald man who had a thin mustache and goatee.

"You summoned us, Mayor Sadow?" Kaiju asked.

"Yes," The man named Sadow replied, "I'll be blunt: I am not happy in the slightest. I'm sure you've both heard already about the theft of my family's prized possession, the Mizu Blade."

"Yes, it was stolen during the night of the sudden forest fire," Kota said, "That was what I was told on the Den-Den Mushi call."

"That sword is a treasure to my ancestors," Sadow said, "Many times it was the prime target for many thieves, pirates, and thugs, but for the past century, no one was able to even get close to the Mizu Blade until now. Hence the reason why I am so furious!" He said slamming his fists on his table.

"Then I am assuming you didn't call us here for nothing then," Kota said.

"Correct," Sadow said, "I want the two of you to remain on standby in case the thief returns to steal another one of my prized possessions. The investigation of Senu Forest is almost finished, but no clues have been reported to me as of yet."

"If I may interrupt, sir," Kaiju said, "I believe I have a theory on why the fire happened."

"Yes?" Sadow asked, "Go on, Toryuka."

"I believe that fire happened by pure accident and nothing else," Kaiju said.

"By accident?" Sadow asked standing up in pure disbelief, "What sort of nonsense are you spouting?!"

"Please, allow me to finish, sir," Kaiju said before he continued, "That fire may have been a complete accident, but it was exactly what our thief wanted: a perfect distraction to allow him to escape the mansion or even the island with ease. So, in other words, the fire and the theft occurring at the same time was pure coincidence."

"Why do you call it that?" Kota asked.

"All of the accounts of the people who saw the fire occur tell the same story," Kaiju said, "There was a sudden explosion that shook the entire island. Now ask yourself this: Do forest fires usually start with an explosion?"

"I get where you're going with this," Kota said, "Are you suggesting that the fire was started by someone unrelated to the theft?"

"That's what I think," Kaiju said, "But I won't know for sure until I actually find the person who did it. Sir, did the patrol unit in that area report any suspicious activity leading up to the explosion?"

"No," Sadow said, "No one is ever allowed into any of the forests without authorization."

"Then that leaves us with two explanations for the explosion occurring," Kaiju said, "Either the culprit brought explosive tools and used them to cause the explosion from outside the forest, or the culprit somehow caused the explosion while inside the forest."

"But if the latter occurred, wouldn't the culprit be dead then," Kota asked, "An explosion as big as the one that night is impossible to avoid when in close proximity of it."

"And the culprit surely would have been caught by patrol if they did the former action," Sadow said, "It's impossible for one person to carry enough explosives into a forest without getting caught."

"True, both explanations seem to be impossible," Kaiju said.

"But if what you say is true," Kota said, "Why would the culprit cause an explosion in the first place? Why put yourself at risk only to do nothing but bring attention to yourself?"

"Only the culprit knows the answer to that," Kaiju said with a shrug.

"Only the culprit…" Kota muttered to himself before a realization suddenly hit him.

"Man, this kid has several burn marks on him," Were Kota's words back when he and his mother took Ackmor in after Belle brought him to his home, "Guess he was in a bad spot when that forest fire hit."

"Fugaku, what is the matter?" Sadow asked.

"N-nothing, sir," Kota said, but he had a feeling Ackmor was connected to this, "Don't tell me…"

"In any case," Kaiju continued, "The only clue we have at the moment is that strange weapon that was found washed up at the river the day after the fire. Is there any information on that front?"

"Nothing as of yet," Sadow said, "No traces of the owner nor any clues on what kind of weapon it even is. Right now, we have it locked up in the weapon lab. To think we'd find such a thing without its owner…what in the world is happening on this island?"

That was when Sadow's Den Den Mushi rang, "Yes?" He asked after picking it up. He then breathed out an annoyed sigh after listening to the other line, "…Bring them in…" He hung up on the line and placed a hand over his forehead.

"Trouble?" Kota asked.

"Just a nuisance," Sadow said, "Apparently, three citizens failed to follow simple orders to stay away from the investigation scene. Would you two mind talking with them and give them the usual warning? I have some calls to make."

"Yes, mayor," Kota said as he and Kota left the room, but not before feeling the temperature rise randomly.

"Damn…when did it get hot all of a sudden?" Kaiju asked fanning himself.

"Yeah…it's not summer yet so we shouldn't be having this kind of heat," Kota said before something came across his mind, "Unless…"

"Maybe the air conditioner is on the fritz," Kaiju said, "Come on, let's meet those troublemakers."

XxxxxxxxxX

~~Udeno Town~~

Kaisetsu and Sakuya lifelessly walked back to the center fountain area where they first met.

"Dead end after dead end…" Kaisetsu said.

"Hey, maybe we should call it a day, Kaisetsu," Sakuya said feeling her legs aching from walking around before she sat down on the fountain, "We haven't sat down anywhere for hours."

"You should have told me," Kaisetsu replied, "You know I forget about everything else if I focus hard on one task."

"So that habit of yours hasn't died either," Sakuya said before she noticed six people walking by, two of which she recognized, "Ah, is that my Prince Yoshino-kun?!"

"Belle?" Kaisetsu asked noticing Belle along with Yoshino and Ackmor.

"And who is that…dashing young man with them?" Sakuya asked feeling her heart speed up at the sight of Ackmor.

"Cut that nonsense out, Sakuya," Kaisetsu said, "More importantly, why are they being escorted by marines?"

"Hey, maybe we should ask them," Sakuya said standing up and running ahead towards Belle, Yoshino, and Ackmor.

"S-Sakuya, wait!" Kaisetsu said rushing after the girl.

"Yoshino-kun!" Sakuya shouted, "Belle-san!"

Yoshino's spine shivered at the sound of the familiar voice, "Oh no…"

"Wait, that voice," Belle said before she turned around to see Sakuya and Kaisetsu running up to them, "Kai~! Saki~!"

"Belle, what kind of trouble did you get into?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Well…it's a long story," Belle said.

"Are you two friends with these three?" The annoyed marine asked.

"Um, something like that," Kaisetsu said, "Would it be alright for us to accompany them to make sure they stay out of trouble?"

"Stay out of trouble?" Belle asked before Yoshino elbowed her for silence.

While the three marines talked over Kaisetsu's request, Sakuya sneaked in between Ackmor and Yoshino and held both of their arms.

"Two darling princes," She cooed, "It's like a dream come true~!"

"Hey, hands off!" Yoshino shouted stepping away from the girl.

"But Yoshino-kun, what about our fated love?!" Sakuya cried.

"Fated love?" Yoshino asked with a scoff, "I already forgot your name and for a good reason. Just drop it already. I'm not your 'hot prince'."

"Fated love?" Ackmor asked, "Hot prince?"

Sakuya gasped before she clasped her hands together before turning to Ackmor with a smile, "At last, a handsome prince who finally understands!"

"Actually, I don't understand," Ackmor said rubbing his head.

"Might I have your name, my darling prince?" Sakuya asked bending her knee to Ackmor like a chivalrous knight.

"Will you cut it out with the prince nonsense?!" Yoshino shouted.

"Um…Belle calls me Ackmor," Ackmor answered.

"Ackmor…Ackmor-kun," Sakuya whispered before she placed her hands over her heart, "Such a lovely name for a handsome man such as yourself."

"Um…thanks?" Ackmor asked.

Belle and Kaisetsu were simply listening to the three while giggling.

"Wow…so Sakuya became like her father?" Belle asked.

"I always had a feeling the habits of that father of hers would rub off on her," Kaisetsu said with an amused smirk, "Ever since she did that in front of me, I guess she had given up her proper facade."

"By the way, what are you and Saki doing her, Kai?" Belle asked curiously.

"Saki's here for the men, but I'm in the middle of looking for someone," Kaisetsu said, "What about you? You're into getting laid by multiple men now?"

Belle took a step back in shock blushing, "K-Kai, where did that come from?! I would never!"

"I mean…you're with those two boys, you're wet and dirty, those three marines aren't happy to bring you in, and you have a suspicious, white cloth on your head," Kaisetsu said as Belle shook furiously, "I'd like to believe you're not that kind of person, but…"

"I AM NOT!" Belle shouted.

"Okay," Kaisetsu said before she let out an amused giggle.

"As usual, you have an odd way of messing with people for your enjoyment, Kai," Belle said as she remembered why she was really wet and dirty, "That Yoshino is so gonna pay for this!"

"We've decided," The tired marine spoke up getting the five people's attention, "We'll let you two girls in as long as you two don't cause any trouble."

"Of course," Kaisetsu said.

"And about your bow, kid," The tall marine said, looking at Yoshino.

"Oh, my bow?" Yoshino asked, "It's just an antique that I was asked to keep safe."

"An antique?" The tired marine asked.

"Yes, see," Yoshino said showing the marines the side that had now strings onto it like regular bows do, "A bow without any strings is just a useless stick. Not to mention that this particular bow is too old to be used as a weapon, but if you insist, I shall allow you to confiscate it."

"Forget it," The annoyed marine said, "The mansion's packed with guards anyway. What good would an old stick do?"

"That is a fair point…" The tall marine said, "Alright, you can enter as well."

"And lady," The tired marine said, turning to Sakuya, "Aren't you hot with those earmuffs on? I know I am with this sudden heat."

"I'll be fine," Sakuya said fixing her earmuffs, "Thanks for the concern."

"Well, everyone checks out," The annoyed marine said, "Now we can get back to our post. Yay for more investigating, am I right…" He asked sarcastically as the three marines began to walk back to their posts.

"I get the feeling that man doesn't like his job," Ackmor pointed out.

"Excellent deduction, Mr. Detective," Yoshino said.

"Yoshi, be nice to Acky," Belle said not liking the sarcastic remark.

"What did you just call me?" Yoshino asked.

"Yoshi, that's my nickname for you," Belle said.

"I never agreed to have a dumb nickname like that!" Yoshino shouted.

"As usual, Belle picks out the strangest nicknames," Kaisetsu said giggling.

"And I never wanted your permission after the way you pushed me in the river," Belle said.

"I'll pay you back for what I did later, just don't call me that ridiculous name," Yoshino said.

"Yoshi-kun…" Sakuya said as her face lit up at the cuteness of the name.

"Don't even think about it!" Yoshino said, glaring at Sakuya.

"Aren't we supposed to meet with some people in the mansion?" Ackmor asked.

"You are?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Yeah," Belle said, "I'm supposed to meet a few doctors thanks to Yoshi."

"Once they give you the okay, you won't see me again since you hate me so much," Yoshino said, "Let's go. Best not to keep the people waiting," He said as the five started walking into the mansion, but not before they noticed the strange heat.

"Oh no…not the heat," Sakuya whined before she took out a water bottle, "Good thing I brought these emergency water bottles."

"Emergency water bottles?" Yoshino asked.

"Now that you mention it, this place is oddly hot for a well paid mansion," Kaisetsu said.

"Really?" Ackmor asked finding it odd that he wasn't feeling a thing.

"Hehe, the owner of this place must be royally pissed," Belle snorkeled mischievously.

"So you are the troublemakers," A voice said as the group turned to Kaiju and Kota with a group of doctors behind them.

"Belle, Ackmor?" Kota asked surprised to see Belle and Ackmor in the mansion.

"Hi, Kota," Belle said waving at him.

"You know them?" Kaiju asked.

"Yes, they were staying over at my place for a few days," Kota said.

"Our friend here needs a check up from the doctors after falling into a contaminated river," Yoshino said.

"We heard someone will need a check up," Kaiju said, "Come with us. We'll get you checked up quick and send you off with a warning."

"Of course," Yoshino said confident in his lie.

"What a snarky little Yoshi…" Belle growled which made Kaisetsu and Sakuya giggle.

"Well, let's look on the bright side, Belle," Ackmor said.

"What brightside?" Belle asked.

"You're not sick and you met up with your friends," Ackmor said, "I'd say that our memory hunt led us to a good outcome overall," He said as he placed his hand on Belle's shoulder.

Belle felt a sudden surge of burning heat on her shoulder before she instinctively jumped away from Ackmor, "OOOOW!"

Everyone stopped and looked at Belle with confusion and worry written on their faces.

"Something wrong, Belle?" Kaisetsu asked.

"Ackmor…you're so hot!" Belle shouted.

"Hot?" Ackmor asked.

"Belle, you tangerine demon!" Sakuya screamed angrily, "Ackmor-kun is my prince! Go find your own!"

"What are you guys on about now?" Yoshino asked.

"No, I mean…" Belle said feeling the burning on her hand, "You are literally hot, Ackmor! When you touched me, it felt like I was touching a damn oven!"

"It's just as I thought…" Kota said to himself as he watched Ackmor stare at his own hands.

"You had already put the pieces together, huh?" Kaiju whispered to Kota, "I have my share of assumptions too now."

"What should we do?" Kota whispered back.

"Nothing rash for now," Kaiju said, "But that boy might be our prime suspect. You handle the questioning. I'll rally the men in case there are any...problems."

Kota had a hesitant moment of silence before nodding and saying, "Alright, but wait on my signal," Once Kaiju left, Kota spoke up to the rest of the group, "Whatever the problem may be, I'm sure we'll figure that out as well, everyone. Let's hurry up with the check up, shall we."

"Certainly," Yoshino said before he turned back to Ackmor, "I don't know what your deal is, but try not to get attention to yourself. My lie is only as strong as its participants."

"Since when did we became your participants?!" Belle asked.

"Enough," Kaisetsu said, "We'll deal with Ackmor and this phenomenon later. Let's not keep Kota waiting."

With that settled, the five decided to quietly follow Kota through the mansion. As they walked through the halls, the group passed by a certain, locked room. Inside that room was the mysterious weapon that was found in the river by the marines sitting against a stand until it suddenly began to glow red. The heat it generated was so high that all the other metal weapons in the room began to melt.


Jurabi: Alright, we are finally getting close to some conflict folks. Sorry for all the fucking diologue in the past two chapters. I never do well with beginning arcs and setting up the start of major plots, but we're finally getting their. I'm partially done with the next chapter, but it should be finished at some point this month at the earliest. I'm not sure about the latest time though, but I ask that you bear with me a little longer.

Anyways, I really am glad that you enjoyed this chapter, if not let me know why in the reviews. If you really loved this story and would want more of it, please leave a favorite and a follow. Final character introduction and the story will get started! Thank you for reading and I'll see you next chapter.