Chapter 6

Things that needed to explain

[Location: Kinomouri forest – Campsite]

Rasenkai POV

I woke up as it was already afternoon, looks like I got lots of explaining to do when I get back. I look around as Undine isn't around me as I get up and Komachi wasn't there too. I thought it was all a dream until I still had the water mirror. "It's not even a dream at all. Could it be coincidence?" If I probably have the mirror, those two would still be here. Though, where is Undine and Komachi? When I was looking around to find those two, I heard water splashing as I recognized that sound as I follow the sound and it felt like it was just an ordinary wall... Until I hear giggling noises as I push the wall and the wall open an entrance that looked like a hot spring. "! Eeep! Rasenkai! What are you doing here!?" I look as it was Komachi and Undine as I run out of the spa with my face turn red of what I saw. "...Gaahhh! What the hell..." I started slapping myself as punishment and I thought things were going to work out. As I stop, I turn and Komachi and Undine were looking at me. "Girls, it was an accident okay. I did not expect that there would be a hot spa there. After all, I thought you two were not here, so I was worried." Undine shook her head "It's alright. We've should told you that there would be a hot spring." Komachi gave me a glare. "Don't ever do that again, I even thought you were a peeping tom" I shook my head "It was an accident, okay?" I scratched my head as I try to forget this "antic" of mine. "So, what now, man? I suppose there are things that need to be finish right?" Komachi asked me as I nodded. "Yes, we go back to my village, that way, you and Undine can fit in. I mean, look at the way you dress you two." They look at each other "And how do we fit in exactly?" They both answered at the same time. "Don't worry, I got it all under covered, I mean, I don't want anyone to know that Undine is the princess of the sea. They'll think she's crazy or so. I'm sure you can do how ordinary people do, right?" I look at Undine. "Yeah, I-I mean, it would be my first time acting like a villager or new foreigner." I think she knows how to act normal, but I don't know about Komachi. She would kinda attract too much attention and with that scythe of hers, it could also scare them. "Say, do you know farming? The scythe right there is exactly where it should fit. Just to be sure it's not a weapon or so." I said, giving a simple example. "Nah, don't quite know much. I mean sure, though you're going to show me how it's done." I nodded as I gathered all my stuff "So, we all ready you two?" I asked them and they nodded as we started walking out of the campsite and we head to the Kinomouri forest. "So, where are we now?" I then answered "We are in the Kinomouri forest, a forest that was once peacefully and taken care of the wind and earth spirit. Until things went out of control and chaos spread, since then monsters now prowl on these grounds. That's why my village is at least 10 mile away from the forest." Komachi nodded. "I see, so how come it was named Kinomouri for what reason?" I shook my head of the answer "That I don't know. I only heard stories about a student who went on adventures to explore and found a wind fairy. Since then, he never returns nor stepped into the village. He went missing afterwards, that's why these were dangerous ground that anyone should never enter, not with a faint heart." I continued walking more as I didn't look at the trees, because they intend to be creepy, though I should never explain of what they look like. "You alright Rasenkai, you seem to be shaking a little?" I turned to Undine "Y-yeah, I guess I'm just still a little scared after what happen. When I was at least seven, I was creep out by the looks of the tree. The tree itself intends to be dead-looking that has face, that looks like a human face." I explain as I still remember that. "Are you talking about the dead tree?" I nodded "Well... Can get moving, because the trees itself is already creeping me out." I nodded and understand their situation. "Then let's not dilly dally any longer, and get the heck out of here." We continued to walk as we were half way and I pulled out my lantern and shine it "Hey, Watch where you shine that thing! That really could've blind me!" I look at them as I apologize "Sorry, this is a [Flashing lantern], a gadget that I use when in dark places. It's also for getting out of tight situations." I explained "Sounds pretty handy when you explained that lantern of yours." I scratched my head "Let's just get going before something bad happens." Komachi nodded. About 400 miles from the village, I can't wait to tell Shinki about the water mirror. After all the hard work of helping Mercury and Undine including Grail, I was still happy that the city itself is safe.

15 minutes later...

After walking all the way from the forest, we finally reach the Rasenkai village as we were all relief after some time now. When got to the entrance, the guard saw and went to me "Rasenkai! What were you doing here?" The guard looked at the two new commoners as he was simply charmed by their looks "Holy, are these people new? I've never seen such beauty's in a long time!" I shook my head as I explained "So they were lost and don't have a home. Alright then, I let you off the hook." I was relief that he believe in my story. All three of us entered the village and some of the people looked at the two girls as Rais saw me "R-Rasenkai! What happen to you! I thought you disappeared!" Rais was completely worried of me as Lumeria jump on top of my head and including Shinki, even Laura came to me. Looks like everyone is worried about me the whole time by the time I returned from the forest. "Sorry to make everyone worried, I shouldn't left anyone alone or leave the village without letting them know." Rais went to me as he sighed "You entered the forest again, didn't I warn you that it is dangerous!?" He poked my head a lot of times as I hold his finger "Yes, you told me so. But I got to tell you about the new people I found in the forest. They were lost and don't where they are." The lying was for Undine, because she is from the sea. Though for Komachi, it was good for them to believe me "You mean you did this just to save to girls from their doom. That's awfully like you, saving two amazingly beautiful girls from there doom" Undine blushed, but I don't know about Komachi. "Y-Yeah, though one is a foreigner and one is new to the environment. Her name is Undine, I found her when..." I look at Undine as I try to lie but then Undine answered "When he saved me from a mob of monsters, he was brave" I scratched my head 'thanks for saving my bacon' I nodded "Yeah, it wasn't that easy. There was that many to go up against." I said, explaining how it happened. "So, that's what made you go back in the forest?" I nodded "And this girl right here is named Komachi, I found her when..." I look at Komachi as she answers too "When I was being attacked by a bunch monsters. I tried to defend myself but I couldn't, so he gets into the action and saves me from being eaten" I nodded "Another task wasn't easy, gladly those two were alright." Rais glared at me then stops "Alright then, but Rasenkai, don't ever do that again. You seriously made me worried." I should apologize for lying, though now is not the time. "Shinki, how were things doing? How is Mima?" I asked her "Things are still the same and for Mima, yes. If you want, go see her please" I nodded as I went to Shinki's house. I was glad that Mima is alright.

[Location: Rasenkai village – Shinki's house]

I knocked on the door as the door was open "Hey, Rasenkai, long time no see." I look and it was Mima, feeling all better due to rest "It has been Mima-san" I said with reply. "So, want to bring back what's mine please?" She knows I have the staff. "I can explain Mima" She shook her head "No need, Shinki explained to me on how you used my [Lunar Orbit]. That was quite the talent you did, and I would be guessing you have the water mirror?" My eyes widen, how did she really know "How so, I'm not even carrying it" She then answered "The mirror itself is giving out a huge aura reading. Mind if I see it please?" Since she said it so nicely, I pulled out the water mirror and placed it on the table as Mima's eyes widen by the look of the mirror. "This is indeed the very water mirror that Mercury had. I'm really impressed that you manage to obtain such a legendary treasure." I scratched my head "Well, Mercury trusted me to this mirror, because of my deeds of saving her city and her people." Mima gave that look, thinking I was crazy "You saved the city? How so, Rasenkai" I explained the situation on my part. "Wait, someone tried to use this mirror to revive the shark knight in order to get revenge!" I nodded "Though I manage to stop his plans from reviving the knight. Guessing that's why she entrusted me with this mirror." Mima somehow know believes my story. "Maybe you ain't half bad, though you still need your magic in order to catch up to me. Strength alone cannot save you, man. Perhaps I should teach you the spell. Though not now, talk to me later okay?" I nodded as I take the mirror and placed it in my bag "Take good care of that mirror now, it is rare now a days." Mima said as I leave her house as I look around and realize that I need to see Aurion. He did say he'd have a surprise for me. "Hey! You forgot to give something back to me!" I stopped and realize I still have the staff and pull the staff out as I run back and gave it to Mima. "Sorry about that, I almost completely forgotten about it" Mima nods "Bare that in mind will you" I nodded as I started running to Aurion's house.

[Location: Rasenkai village – Aurion's house]

I stop to catch my breath and enter his house as I hear hammer clanking the iron "Aurion, I'm here! You said wanted to me to come here" Aurion stop what he was doing as he went to me with a smile on his face "Glad you came. I wanted to show you something, once you come into my house that is and which you did" I look at him "So what did you want to show me?" I asked him "Oh, something you'll like. Please come this way" I followed him as he unlocks the door to the basement. When I was a kid, he had that door locked for good. I always wondered what's inside, but now since I'm 18, it's time I see what is inside the basement. "Watch your step now, it's a little dark that you might fall" I carefully did some baby steps to ensure I don't fall off right. As I got down, I smelled Iron in this room as it feels like it hasn't been used for a long time. When Aurion threw the light switch, my eyes widen from the sight. "Aurion, is this room... yours?" I said as he answered "Yes, this is my old workshop when I was at your age. I just can't believe it's still good and running" I look around when I saw a hammer that looked old "This hammer is yours right?" He goes to it and picks it up "It used to be, but now I'm giving it to you. You deserve it." My very own hammer... I always need the hammer to black smith stuff. This time I won't be using Aurion's hammer anymore. "Are you really sure Aurion, this is your old hammer." He shook his head "My youthful days are already over, now it's your turn to wield. Use it with care now." He said as I got a hold of his old hammer I hold it tight. "Thank you Aurion, I appreciate this gift, I will take care of it." I said "Though one thing, a hammer doesn't just forge swords..." wait a minute, I heard that one before. "It can forge a man!" I laughed a little "Y-yep, I still remember that time. Though it is true, and you taught me everything that I need to know." I looked at the Hammer as I have obtained the [black smith hammer]. After working hard, it's finally in my hands. "Say, why don't we craft something simple? Like a sword or an axe" I look at him as I nodded. "Sure, I want start experiencing with my new hammer now." We both went back as I show him my materials that I obtained while I was in the forest. "This is impressive Rasenkai, yet you manage to find rare material's that can be used. Like this [Sunny stone] here" I look at the [Luna stone], the [Sunny stone] and the [Sapphire] as I think of a weapon that can be crafted "Lets fuse these three materials" He then knows what I'm up too "Hm... now that is new. How did you think of that?" I shook my head "I didn't, I guess something made me come up with good ideas." He nods as I started smelting three [Sunny stones], three [Luna stones] and three [Sapphires] as I add in one [Gold ore] as I grab a sword mold placed the fused smelted lava in the molding as I closed it and wait for it to cool as I open it and the blade was ready. Aurion grabbed the almost ready blade with his iron pliers as he holds it and I started hammering it as I try to be careful. As the blade was 75 percent done, I cooled it with water we continued to hammer it "Phew, never knew black smithing can be a difficult job." I wiped off my sweat as I continued hammering the new sword that was about to be finish. After doing a lot of hammering strokes and cooling, the blade was finally done as I look at the blade. "Now that is a blade that you don't see every day." The blade wasn't too long or short, it was an average iron sword. Though since I used a [Gold ore], the sword was gold and it felt like it has power in it. "Wait a second! I know this combination of the blades type; it has to do with the residents of Gensokyo!" Komachi did tell me about that, but not fully. "What made you think of that? Does the blade have any resembling to the resident's?" I asked him as he answered "It has to do with the three mischievous fairies that play's pranks on people that they see. Though on the contrary, they seem cute that I just want to hug them" I sweat dropped on what he said, but of what he said. If it is true, then maybe I can be able to see them. I look at the blade as it was gold and the color on each part shows some pretty good designs of it. The hilt was still gold but with a hint of red on its sides, and the hilts end has the blue orb and the edge has little white color on it. I think of calling it the [Mischief Trio]. "How about the [Mischief Trio], it does sound better right?" I said "Hm, that doesn't sound bad at all; I mean it does match their name. Also one thing, if you did come across to them, they are named Sunny Milk, Star Sapphire and Luna child." That's the three fairy's name. Sunny milk huh? Why do I get the feeling like it's a slogan or a product, I mean it's the milks name. Okay jokes aside for now "Anyway, keep the blade with you. It's yours now; I mean you did work hard on making this blade. The design is quite neat and a little tacky." He does make a point there; the blade I hold does look cool. "Thanks, and also thank you for everything." I make it sound like I wasn't going to see him anymore. "Don't say that, it makes me depressed when you say that." I scratched my head "Either way, come back to my house if you want to black smith. It makes me feel better when you and Rais are here with me." I nodded as I go out and looked around as someone tripped me and got hold of the [water mirror]. "Hey! Give that back to me!" I shouted "For long years, I will be able to get a hold of a fortune." He runs away as I started chasing him. As I was about to lose him, he tripped as he drops the mirror as someone else caught it. I looked and it was my sword trainer as he looks at me "Is this mirror yours?" I nodded "Thank you, I don't know what would happen if the water mirror was lost" His eyes widen "The legendary water? So it does exist. Do you how much you would get for selling it?" I shook my head. I don't even know what the big deal about selling the water mirror. "People have greedy hearts; they all want is fame and fortune." I then answered back "Well that won't get you anywhere at all. It's sound tempting and all, but selling something important is just stupid. Sure you need it to buy stuff for your own, but I do not even want to sell this family heirloom for just money. I don't want money or anything that's too valuable." He gives back the [Water mirror] as I hold it and he puts a hand on my shoulder. "You're a good guy you know that. Anyway, I heard of what happen when you saved Mr's Shinki's baby from a crazy man. Quite brave of what you did there, entering the forest without heeding the warnings. Though that was quite risky when you enter the forest, if you're unprepared by the time you go deeper, it would be your last." I nodded but really "It's not much if a big deals, though I do have to admit that it was difficult." He then smiles "That's why I think you're ready to be an intermediate class. As you get better with the sword, life will be a little harder on you with each battle. So what do you say, quit being a junior and advanced right now?" I thought about it and maybe, I am ready to take the secondary title. With this training, I'll do what I can to become strong. This is a one chance of a life time, take it or not? "Yeah, I think I'm ready to take on the second rank. After all, I want to be able to protect the one's I love." He then smiles "That's what some would say. Anyway, just sign this and it's done." He hands out a paper that looked like a contract. I signed my named there as I only wrote Rasenkai, since I don't have a last name. "Alright, it's been done; you're now enrolled as a sophomore. Work and train hard Rasenkai, because I will be counting on you." he then left as I head back to my home. By the time I reach to my house, I saw a package that had the sword sign. "A package from my trainer huh? Never knew he would be this kind to send this in" I open the package as it was the intermediate pack for as I obtained an [sophomore uniform], [Iron chest plate], [Iron Arm brace], [Iron greaves] as I equip them. "They feel light, they even don't look heavy at all" I said as I head out and put the [Water mirror] in my bag. "Hey Rasenkai, you look like you got promoted!" Rais came to me as he was wearing the sophomore pack. "I see you too took his offer." I said as he nodded "We will be enrolled in the better class." I nodded "So tell me, do you have the water mirror?" My eyes widen. How did he know that I have it? He hasn't even seen it all. "I can't let you have it" Rais hold my hand "Hold on now; I'm not here to take it for my own." I look around as I took him to my house as I show the [Water mirror] as his eyes widen "So the legends are really true then. If you have that, then you must've been in the city." I nodded as I explain "The city itself was just amazing, and yet, it still alive and the queen herself are looking well." Rais also said "And she has a daughter name Undine if I'm correct" He knows that Undine is a princess "Yeah, I'm guessing you saw through me then huh?" He nods "I know you are lying Rasenkai, you don't have to lie about it. I'll understand man; I mean you're my best friend in the world." But the time he said he doesn't believe it "But you said you don't believe in such ridiculous stories that involve legends." He shook his head "I want to take back what I said about not believing in such tales. I guess I was in the age of not believing, but you always kept going and that just annoys me. Because of that, the only thing I did was doubt of what you said. I only wanted you to wake up from this childish dream and wake up in the real world." Being childish, who said of me being childish? "What are you talking about? I'm still me and will always be, that is all Rais" Rais was confused "You never even acted so childish? But why are you still believing like magic exist." I answered "It's because well... how can I explain this... When I still have those headaches, I thought it was just a disease or sickness, but I figured out that it was actually my keen's eye ability. I do have powers Rais." Rais thought I was crazy but it was true that I do have power, I just don't need to use that's all. "Rasenkai, I have to tell you something. It's about something I don't know, I also wanted to take back what I said about you know, thinking saving someone precious is a waste of time. I also learned that, if you have something to protect, then go on and let it out. What I'm saying is that, I have some strange ability like, whenever someone is danger and it's your precious, I go into rage mode." Rage mode? Could it be berserk, no it's not that. "Then has to be a power, there's no doubt about it" I said as he shook his head "No, it's something else that's different about it. That's why it feels like I look up to you instead man. You're like a role model" I'm his role model, why didn't I see it, the only thing I see as, is just a good friend of mine "Rais; I didn't realize you had that in mind. The only thing I see you as, is a great friend that will always be there help. I'm sorry Rais..." He puts a hand on my shoulder as he smiles "its fine Rasenkai, I guess I was jealous of you." I was confused "Jealous of what?" I said "Of you believing in yourself, you never gave up and you don't stop that I wanted to be better like you" Both him and I act like we were brothers and partners. "You don't need to follow my foot steps to be better like me, you don't need to be strong, and you don't even need a sword to grow strong. The only thing you need is courage" I place my hand on his chest where his heart is. "Is that what I need? Just need courage to believe in." I nodded as I stop and started to walk out "Courage is the magic that turn's dreams into reality, a quote taught by one. Those words were to make me keep going, and so do you. Without courage, how will the path turn out?" I said as I leave my house and try to find Undine. "Am I really such a role model? How can I not see it, I thought they were being a good friend, and I only see them as a friend." Then someone came up to me "It's because you're his son, and we wanted you to feel welcome as of now. Some people like to follow his footsteps, now some children want to follow your footstep. Because of the way you do, you never try to give up and get yourself into risky situations." It was Laura as I look at her "Laura is this really true, including you too?" She nods "After all, I did kinda like you Rasenkai when I saw you the first time. You're just really that typical cool kid that will always keep going" I smiled a little "I guess I can try to accept that, I mean it's complicated of what I'm in for." Laura giggles as she kisses my cheek "Laura, what was that for?" She smiles close to me "It's for helping me of getting back my doll back" She then just leaves as I look at the sky. "What will the complicated do now? Maybe time will come as I keep going"

Chapter 6 {end}