As they walked further the buildings were less decayed. Black Rabbit led them up a small hill to a reservoir for use of Izayoi's water tree. The reservoir was enormous with a bridge to a pedestal in the middle. Aqueducts that ran down shallow slopes would have been used to deliver water throughout the No Name's territory. Most ducts were blocked but one that wasn't had children with various tools cleaning out dirt and debris.
"Black Rabbit!" A child exclaimed prompting the rest to rise and swarm.
"Look, look! We cleaned it!"
"Welcome back Black Rabbit!"
"Are they those people!?"
"Are they cool and strong!?"
"Yes! They're very strong and charming people! Everyone lineup and I'll introduce them to you."
Black Rabbit snapped her fingers and the children moved into two lines, about ten in each. One thing all the problem children noticed was the animal-like ears on most of the children.
"Okay! So from the right we have Sakamaki Izayoi-san, Kudou Asuka-san, Kasukabe Yo-san, and S... Soma-san. They are all very talented Gift users. As all of you know, those who cannot participate are to support those who can in anyway possible." She then turned to the four Gifted and said, "These ones here are the oldest children. They can't participate in Gift Games, but some have beast-type Gifts! If you need anything done, don't hesitate to ask one of them. Right everyone?"
""""""Let's get along from now on!""""""
"Haha! How lively."
"I-indeed."
The weight of new responsibilities was finally set upon their shoulders.
"Now that you've all been introduced, let's plant that Water Tree! Izayoi-san, please take it out of your gift card so I can put it on the pedestal."
"Okay,"
Kasukabe looked around curiously. "This reservoir is big. Almost like a lake."
"Yes, before we had a Water Tree and Dragon's Pupil, that's why it's so big! Unfortunately, that too was taken by the Demon Lord so the reservoir wont fill completely."
"Dragon's Pupil? Sounds fun, I want one, where can I get it?"
"Hmm, who knows? Black Rabbit wouldn't tell Izayoi-san even if she knew." The blond would definitely run off if he knew where to get one.
"Don't worry about it." Jin diverted the conversation to its previous topic. "Because we blocked all but the channel leading to the main mansion and dorms, there should be more then enough water."
"We had to bring water in buckets before." Said a certain fox-girl, "And half of it would spill before we got back."
"Where from? By chance would it be from that river kilometers back?"
"Yes, Kudou-san." Jin answered her because Black Rabbit was busy preparing the sapling. "We had to draw water twice a day to meet our needs because unfortunately, Black Rabbit isn't allowed to bring water from outside the Little Garden."
"... I see."
"When Black Rabbit unties this ribbon the Water Tree's roots will take hold. Please watch everyone!"
Having pulled the string and leaped away, Black Rabbit turned to see a bit of the Little Garden's magic. Roots unfurled and anchored to the pedestal. The trunk thickened and the branches, well, branched! Water flowed from the roots and gushed from the fruit that hung among the leaves of a now fully grown Water Tree. The younger children oohed and aahed as the reservoir held water.
"Everyone, lets go back before night fall!"
The little kids cheered as they ran ahead to tell their family all about the newcomers to the Community.
"Black Rabbit,"
"Yes, Soma-san?" Almost naturally the older children broke off into pairs. Izayoi talked to Jin, Asuka conversed with Yo, and Soma stayed in the back with Black Rabbit.
"You said we can ask one thing of you, right?"
"Eh- um, yes! What is your request?" She was hoping they would forget about her promise to do anything, but she lost fair and square... kind of.
"Do you have a codex I could use?"
"Uh... ko-decks? Sorry, Black Rabbit isn't familiar with what that is." Soma nodded and thought of a way to reword his request.
"Do you have anything with information stored in it?"
"Information? You mean like books? We do have a library you're free to use. Jin-bocchan!" After having finished his conversation with Izayoi, Jin let the others pass him until the one who called him caught up.
"What is it Black Rabbit?"
"Could you show Soma-san where the library is? Black Rabbit wants to get the bath ready since the girls really wanted to take one."
"Okay, leave it to me."
The sky was clear and a cool breeze rustled the leaves on near by trees. Soma laid atop the roof of the children's dorm. Hands pinned beneath his head, one leg up and the other used as an anchor, he gazed at the stars. Prior to this he was in the No Name's library and fortunately all the books were written in the strange language, the one that read itself to him. Unfortunately, books were horrendously inefficient compared to a codex.
Soma took the opportunity to think over the day's events.
He was transported to an entirely new dimension called The Little Garden, A place with many new species and powers.
He joined the No Names, a community dancing on the edge. Soma didn't mind. In the past overcoming insurmountable odds was common place.
He had new comrades; Black Rabbit, Kasukabe Yo, Kudou Asuka, Sakamaki Izayoi, Jin, and over one hundred or so other children.
Black Rabbit: Moon Rabbit - Easily flustered girl with impressive physical ability.
Kasukabe Yo: Human - Blunt but soft spoken girl who inherits abilities from other creatures.
Kudou Asuka: Human - Prideful girl with some form of mind manipulation ability.
Sakamaki Izayoi: ? - Arrogant and hedonistic boy with immense physical strength and an unknown ability that probably cancels other powers.
Jin Russell: Human - The one bearing the title of leader for the No Names.
All of the other children were weak and most of them weren't human. Soma couldn't help but wonder how they were fairing in this enviornment. One without adults.
An explosive sound interrupted Soma's empathetic thoughts.
It appeared that Izayoi would be the one to deal with the intruders. Lifting his leg, Soma slid down the incline of the roof and landed silently. He would have gone unnoticed if Jin hadn't opened the front door.
"Ah!" Jin was surprised when the older boy nearly landed on him. "Wa-er, what was that noise?" Soma was impressed Jin was able to keep calm after an explosion and jump scare duo. He might become a reliable leader after all.
"Sakamaki Izayoi." Soma pointed towards the trees where the intruders were hiding. Jin nodded and ran to confront the blond. Soon after the leader left a swarm of children flooded the main hall. Even though there was only moon light he could see their eyes. They were scared.
He walked in and quietly closed the door. The children moved back to make room for him and he crouched down.
"Hi, I am Soma." He gave an earnest smile and petted the head of a nearby child. "Don't worry, I won't let anyone hurt you."
It was the next day and the Problem Children followed Black Rabbit and Jin to Fores Garo's territory.
"Customers from yesterday! Are you going to your battle right now!?" A cat-eared girl in a pink outfit, Carol Gundark, called out to the passing group. "The Boss told me to cheer you on! We've had enough of them as well. Fores Garo did whatever they pleased, so please teach them a lesson and make them pay for their heinous crimes!
"Yes, that's our intention."
"Ooh! Nice response!" The cat person's cheery facade faded and her voice became a whisper. "Actually, I've something else to tell you. I heard rumors that Fores Garo won't be using their Stage District for this Game. Instead they've chosen to use their Residencial District."
"In the Residential District?"
"Black Rabbit. What exactly is a this 'Stage District'?" Asuka asked.
"Its a district built exclusively for holding Gift Games."
Gift Games: a way to gamble fame, fortune, and honor.
Stage District: a place created to host Gift Games.
Why would Fores Garo hold their game in the Residential District?
"That's not all. They even chased out all the Communities they rule from there!"
"...Hm, that is indeed a stange thing to do." Asuka looked at the others and they all seemed just as puzzled.
Accepting a few more words of encouragement the No Names continued on their way untill they reached their destination.
"Everyone, look! We can see-... Fores Garo?" Black Rabbit doubted her eyes. What was once a Residential District looked more like a jungle. Interlocking canopies of dark wood trees was all they could see over the stone wall.
"... Jungle?"
"Well its a Community where a tiger lives, not that strange really."
"No, this is very strange." Jin corrected, "Fores Garo's Residential District should've been perfectly normal. And these trees..." He reached out and touched an overhanging branch. "These are demonified?" he muttered, "That can't be..."
"Jin-kun, there is a Geass Roll up here." Everyone gathered round the gate where the parchment titled 'Hunting' was held. The more she read the more mortified Black Rabbit became.
"Galdo himself is the win condition... And a designated weapon!?" Both Black Rabbit and Jin began panicking.
"Is this Game that difficult?"
"No, the Game itself is simple. The problem is this rule. Because of it you can't control him! Even Izayoi-san wouldn't be able to scratch him because he's being protected by the Geass. By puting his life on the line he overcame the powers you have!"
"Evening the playing field by risking his life? That sure makes things more interesting." Izayoi said with a shrug.
"How carefree... These terms are quite severe you know. There is not even any mention of what the designated weapon is."
"You'll be okay," Black Rabbit tried to alleviate some of Asuka's worry. "The Geass Roll clearly states a 'designated' weapon. If they fail to give some kind of hint then its an automatic win for us! As long as Black Rabbit is here, they cannot use foul play."
"Don't worry Asuka-san. We have Black Rabbit's assurance and I'll do my best." Yo did a small fist bump to show her enthusiasm.
Asuka smiled at her companions encouragement. "Well, with this great a disadvantage we will surely crush the pride of that monster. Jin-kun, Yo-san, lets go. This scoundrel won't get the better of us."
As the trio passed through the gate the first official Gift Game of the new and improved No Names began.
A feral roar shook the trees and scared birds from their perches.
"Wh-what a ferocious roar..."
"Kasukabe must've turned into a lion."
"Oh... Wait that can't be true!"
"Right, right. Then it must've been Jin-bocchan."
"Enough with your stupid remarks!" Black Rabbit pulled a large paper fan from her Gift Card and bopped Izayoi's head. They both shot a glance at Soma. He sat atop the cobblestone wall near the gate that lead into Fores Garo's Residential District. Despite their humorous exchange Soma's eyes remained glued on Calico Cat who was tangled in trees roots. It had been a while since the game began and for those not participating there was truly nothing to do but wait.
Izayoi sighed, "Can't we go in and look? Just say we're your assistants or something."
"No, unless its decided before hand thats forbidden." She pointed to her long ears and showed a small smile. "As long as Black Rabbit's ears can graps the situation from here we can't go any closer." The blond clicked his tounge and kicked an unfortunate pile of dirt.
"Noble birth my ass."
"At least say it when Black Rabbit can't hear you!"
Soma pushed off the wall and landed without a sound. He began to walk away when Izayoi called out.
"Hey, where you going?"
"I arranged a meeting with Shiroyasha-sama."
"You got an appointment with Shiroyasha-sama!?" Black Rabbit knew just how busy the Floor Master could be and was shocked that Soma got an appointment on such short notice.
"Then can I come along too?"
Soma stared for a few seconds before he asked, "You don't need to be here when they win?" He overheard Izayoi's parting words to Jin.
'If you lose this Game my strategy won't work. If that happens then I leave. Got that Ochibi?'
Soma assumed the plan was to use the moment of fame after beating Fores Garo to gain reputation. A way to beat the stigma of being No Name. If Izayoi left he might miss that moment.
"Heh," Izayoi's eyes narrowed and smirk widened. "I guess you're right. Have fun then."
"Ah- Say hello to Shiroyasha-sama for me!"
Author's Notes
Mwahahaha. Over the last few months I read all of the Mondaiji things and I can safely say that Soma will be able to fit in nicely.
Epic Powers? Check.
Arguably troubled background? Check.
Mythological mumbo-jumbo to explain things in a confusing manner? Check!
Yay. The only problem now is how far I'm gonna try to push Soma's character.
Actually now that I think about it, at this pace I'm probably gonna be old and haggardly by the time I finish this story. RIP future me.
FallenAngel231312: You're very welcome!
Jack vile Ripper: Even if I wanted to I doubt I'd just abandon this fic.
I'm gonna write the next chaper in present tense because passed tense is a pain. Also, by next chaper there will be edits done that fix spelling mistakes and other things that I thought I fixed but clearly didn't.
~Bai
