Two days had passed since Takeru's first encountering of the oversized Tabeyume. On that afternoon he and Sakuya reported the details back to Kiromachi High's principal. The outcome of the battle was as well surprising to the raven-haired, lightly-mustached principal. It was all quiet in the said principal's office today, as it is a Saturday afternoon. The setting sun's rays raced through the windows, topping the room's furnishing an orange hue. Matsuda Fujitaka alone sat comfortably in his leather chair, his elbow rested on the large, wooden desk while his crossed fingers supported his head. Deep in thoughts, he casually glanced at the translucent, pure white orb no larger than the size of his palm. In front of him it lay still on the desk, reflecting the afternoon sun off its smooth, clear surface.
The opening of the oaken double door disturbed the silence. Silver-haired Joe Weatherforth came through from the hallway with a folder filled with pieces of paper. "Welcome back, Joe-kun. I see you are early as usual." the school principal greeted the returned English teacher.
"It's good to be back, sensei," returned Joe. "Here are the records of dimensional crossings the British Dimensional Gate Guardians submitted to the Magical Central Authority as you requested, filed in chronological order."
"As efficient as ever, I appreciate your effectiveness. I trust obtaining this wasn't too difficult?"
"It took some time and authorization to get to it, but there was not too much trouble," Joe reported. He placed the files down onto the wooden desk, directly in front of his magical instructor.
And with that, Fujitaka fell silent as he opened the folder, retrieving and perusing the contents within. Meanwhile Joe stood in front of the desk, awaited in idle silence. Few pieces of parchments were inside the file, each with the identifications of individuals who utilized the dimensional gateway within the last few decades filed to the Magical Central Authority (the largest mage organization in this world, it oversees all magical affairs). After a brief moment had passed, Fujitaka lowered the papers, "As I expected…no suspicious individuals or those who were blacklisted that came through from Guardia…"
"Sensei, is that significant? I mean, isn't it good that no suspicious characters came to Terra?" Joe asked.
"While that would generally pertain to that, I still have my doubts. After all, how else can you explain the summoning circle witnessed by Takeru-kun?"
Joe could offer no answer to Fujitaka's inquiry, "Sensei…does that mean the Byakuya Gate's seal is weakening? But that's not possible, you said yourself that the Kinomoto's sacrificial rite five hundred years ago was so powerful that it was to be final and eternal."
Fujitaka sighed heavily, "While I believe in my forefather's ability, we simply couldn't ignore that possibility. I'm afraid to say that unavoidable calamity shall strike here in the near future, and all we can hope for is that fate will be with us. Joe-kun, I'm sorry since you had just returned, but I have another task for you."
"Let me guess, sensei, you want me to find traces of the culprit?"
"Yes and no. Firstly I want you to go to Guardia with Hsiro-kun for the time being and dig up all you can about the Blessings of the Seven Saints."
Joe Weatherforth was surprised at the mentioning of something that wasn't at all tangible to their current dealings, "The ancient elemental regalia, but why? What do they have to do with anything?"
Seeing that Joe was befuddled at the development, he picked up the previously ignored Orb of Light and handed it to him, "Take a look at this."
Joe received the orb from the middle-aged principal and carefully examined it. He then looked at his master with incredulous eyes, "But it can't be…this is Avalon's Light!"
Fujitaka sighed heavily, "So I was right…"
"But…this had been lost along with the other six for well over a few centuries! Why would it appear here?"
"That is what I would like you to investigate, Joe-kun. I know this request is unreasonable, and perhaps impossible, but it is really important that we know more about these regalia."
"I, understand, sensei. I shall depart tonight then," Joe said. "and if I may add, sensei, shouldn't we inform the Matsuda main family about this turn of event? While I know Sakuya-kun had cut all ties with them, don't you think they should at least be contacted?"
Fujitaka stared at Joe for a while, and then smiled, "I believe they have already caught wind of this and will be contacting us soon, so don't worry about it. My little brother is no fool, after all."
"Understood, sensei. And another thing, what should we do with this?" Joe was referring to the Orb of Light he was holding.
"If you may, will you leave it in the care of Sakuya-san and Takeru-kun?"
"But…are you sure it is wise for her to be near it?"
Fujitaka pondered for a minute, and then responded. "Nothing is for certain, Joe-kun. But, I believe that is where Avalon's Light will be the safest."
"I see, then I shall trust your judgment, sensei. I will take my leave." Joe bowed respectfully and left the room.
After Joe departed, Fujitaka again sighed heavily, with much mixed feelings. There are many things still untold but…I believe it is for the best course of action for the time being, he consoled himself.
Back at the Yagami Inn, the blonde western mage stood in front the inn's iron-gated entrance, idly staring off at the sleepy town of Kiromachi below the hill. Takeru was quite disturbed at how such a peaceful town could have such a huge problem lurking in its shadow. A gate to the demon world huh…it's still hard to believe, even by my standards, Takeru thought. Even so, he began to understand the importance of his assignment, and with Sakuya's help he wishes to protect this land with his own hands.
"It's a beautiful sight, isn't it? The afternoon sun covers everything in such sad, lonely colors," a voice came from behind him, making Takeru turn his head. It belonged to Yagami Hikari the manager. "It gives off such sorrowful, gentle beauty. But I still like dawn sceneries better. That's when everything gains vibrancy in their colorings." She smiled at Takeru as she closed the gap between the two, and proceeded to stand next to him, side by side. Takeru's glance shifted from her back to the scenery of the Crossroad Town. "Hikari…this town…do you like it?" Takeru asked suddenly.
Hikari turned her head to look at him, a bit bewildered at his sudden questioning. "Do I like this town? Why Takeru-kun, you should know without asking. Of course, I love this town!"
Hearing her response, Takeru also smiled, and stretched out his right hand toward the town, and closing it into a fist as if swearing an oath, "Then I shall protect it, along with everyone, no matter what!" Having affirmed his new found determination, Takeru seated himself down on the stone steps and continued to embrace the beautiful scenery. Hikari was confused by his comments, but too followed suit and sat down. There they sat for a long while, both deep in thoughts but still enjoying each other's company, until the sun's last rays with finality of the day disappeared into the horizon.
"Hikari, let's go back. I'm getting hungry," Takeru said while getting up and dusted his pants.
"It's a wonder how much you can eat, Takeru-kun. Never before did I have anyone that enjoys my cooking so much."
"You'd be surprised how lacking English cuisine can be, so every day your food is like a gourmet meal to me," he commented, praising his chef.
"Ahaha, after such sweet words I really have to make something for you then," and with that she also brought herself onto her feet. But she had risen too fast, and became faint, resulting in her losing balance and began to fall forward.
"Watch out!" Takeru cried as he reached for her right arm and pulled her toward him. The action caused her to spin around toward Takeru's direction and fall into him instead, which caused him to lose balance as well and fall backward. With a loud thud, the pair of them landed on the concrete ground, with Hikari on top, her face buried into Takeru's chest while he cradled her in his arms. A few seconds passed before Hikari regain control of her own body. She lifted her head and faced Takeru apologetically, "Ah…sorry Takeru-kun…I'm clumsy as ever, ehehe."
"No…it's not your fault. You're not hurt are you?" Takeru asked with a worrisome face.
"Nope…just sudden blood rush to the brain since we've been sitting for too long."
"That's good, we can't afford for you to be hurt now, can we?"
"Ah…so you mean you wouldn't have saved me if I wasn't your ticket to dinner?" she pouted, pretending to be angry at his remark.
Takeru fell for it nonetheless, "No…of course not!" he quickly answered, thinking he had offended her again.
"Ahaha…Takeru-kun you fall for it every time!" she said, playfully sticking out her tongue to jest the young man.
Takeru was stunned silent, both by the teasing and by the innocent, lovely smile that was at the moment just a few inches from his own face. Takeru could not help but study the young innkeeper's smooth, lightly-redden cheeks and the strands of pale, sepia-colored long hair that hung about the two mesmerizing scarlet eyes which stared deep into his own blue ones. Beholding her slender figure within his arms, he truly, for the first time, noticed just how beautiful the girl on top of him was. His heart palpitated faster and faster as they lay on the ground with her in his embrace. But as much as he was entranced by Hikari, and as much he wished this moment to last forever, he soon became aware at just how awkward their positioning was, and how easily misunderstood anyone would be if he or she saw them. He prayed that no one would.
"Yo! Good evening you two lovebirds." But, it was just his damn bad luck that someone intruded in their moment. The voiced belonged to Joe Weatherforth, who was ascending the stone stairway. He wasn't wearing his usual grey suit, but rather a black sweater, coupled with black long trousers and a white, heavy traveling coat. His left hand rested in his coat pocket while on the right hand he held a traveling bag. Hearing the sarcastic comment, the two instantly jumped up away from each other and were on their feet in the matter of seconds. Both Hikari and Takeru's cheeks glowed as red as the previous sunset with embarrassment, and their eyes strayed away from each other, avoiding direct contact.
"Ahaha! Takeru-kun, working your magic with women as usual, are ya?" Takeru's older friend teased.
This made both of them glow even brighter. "Joe-san, it's not like that at all!" Takeru replied franticly.
"He's right, Weatherforth-sensei. I just lost balance on the stairs and Takeru-kun prevented me from falling, so we ended up like that…" Hikari started explained, her voice reduced gradually to a level barely audible.
"Is that so? That's no fun. There I thought a new couple had been born," Joe sighed, sounding mightily disappointed.
"So what brings you here at this hour, Joe-san?" Takeru asked quickly, wishing to shift the topic.
"Would you like to come in for a cup of tea, sensei?" offered the polite young manager, studious of her role to make visitors as comfortable as possible.
"Thanks, but that won't be necessary. I'm just here to tell you that I'm going on a business trip, to England, in fact." Joe answered.
"England? Then you're going to Gua-" Takeru began to asked, but quickly restrained himself, remembering Hikari was right next to him.
"That's the plan, anyways," Joe said, understanding his intended question. "Fujitaka-sensei's given me quite a weighty task this time."
"For how long will you be gone, sensei?" Hikari asked.
"Depends, but at least a month for sure."
Takeru and Hikari didn't ask any more after that. Even though Takeru did have many questions to ask Joe, he couldn't risk it in front of the innkeeper. Seeing that the two fell silent, Joe knew that it was time to leave. He then took out his left hand from his pocket. Within its grasp was the translucent white magical orb Avalon's Light. "Here, Takeru. Fujitaka-sensei told me to leave this in your and Matsuda-kun's care," the silver-haired English teacher said, stretching out his hand for Takeru to take it.
As confused as Takeru was as to why the principal decided to place the Orb of Light in his care, he took it without words.
"Well, it's getting late. I best be going now then. Give my regards to Matsuda-kun and the rest of the tenants, Yagami-san," Joe turned around and started down the stairs.
"Have a safe trip, Weatherforth-sensei!" Hikari said, bowing at their English teacher.
"Take care, you two," Joe said lastly, waving his free hand while not looking back, and disappeared into the street below the hill.
"I wonder why Weatherforth-sensei is going to England all of the sudden?" Hikari asked while the two turned around to back into the inn.
"Well…it's probably a business trip? He did say Principal Matsuda gave him tons work." Takeru replied hastily.
"Hmm…I see," she stopped her inquiring, remembering that it is not her business to pry. "By the way, what's that thing he gave you?"
"Ah…this? I dunno…probably a birthday present for Sakuya?" Takeru lied.
"But…it's only January…Sakuya-chan's birthday's not until October…" Hikari leered Takeru. "Are you hiding something from me, Takeru-kun?" she inquired.
"Ah…well…um…I really don't know?" Takeru again lied unconvincingly.
Hikari sighed and gave up, and took the orb from his hand, holding it up to the light of the inn, which made it…sparkle with radiance?
"Whatever it is, it sure is pretty!" She then gave it back to Takeru. As soon as the sphere left the light source, it lost its luster. "Well, we don't want you to lose it now, do we?" she said with a smile.
Takeru then stuffed the relic into his pocket, "Probably not…" he said. Was that a trick to the eyes by the inn's light? Takeru pondered. For a split second he thought that Avalon's Light reacted to Hikari's touch, but he quickly passed it as simple imagination, since for the whole time he had known her she never once exhibited any signs of magical talent.
The two made their way into the kitchen. Hikari, outfitted with an apron, headed to the refrigerator to retrieve necessary ingredients. Takeru folded his arms and leaned against the kitchen wall, his eyes followed her every movement, not allowing her to leave his sight. Hikari must have noticed him, though, since as she was finishing chopping up the carrots and throwing them into a wok on the stove, she turned around to face Takeru. "Is something the matter, Takeru-kun?" she asked.
"No, of course not! I'm just anxious to eat your cooking, that's all," Takeru replied.
"Well, hold your horses! It will be ready soon," she giggled. "Can you go call Sakuya-chan for dinner in the meantime, Takeru-kun?"
"Why, of course," with that said Takeru turned to walk out of the kitchen. He headed toward Sakuya's room's direction. The usually lively hallway was now unusually quiet. The Takehara siblings were out visiting the orphanage in which they used to live. Furude Fumiko was busily at work in the university. Even the usually at home Shiratori Ryushi was, tonight, meeting with his publisher about his new book. The only ones at home are Takeru, Hikari, and Sakuya. Sakuya had been doing some intense research on the certain magical artifact that they acquired from their last battle, and locked herself in her room ever since, not leaving except out of necessities. Takeru halted his steps when he arrived in front of Room Four, and knocked on the door. No response. He knocked again, but still no response from the inside. That's weird…Takeru thought to himself, and reached for the door knob, and turned it. The door was unlocked, and it swung on its hinge, revealing Sakuya's room. How careless…not locking the door. Takeru thought, and entered.
The room was dark and cool, with all curtains closed. Books and scrolls were littered everywhere. Knowing what she had been doing, Takeru gently closed the door and traversed skillfully through the messy room to reach Sakuya, who sat in front of a still glowing laptop screen resting peacefully with her head in her arms. As Takeru closed in, the content on the screen became readable. On it were articles written by scholars on the Blessings of the Seven Saints: Avalon's Light, Firaya's Ember, Ivaldi's Spark, Elric's Dew, Arya's Zephyr, Gaia's Stone, and Kyrios' Shadow. Takeru was amazed at how much Sakuya was able to dig up in just two days, and was reluctant to wake her up since she had been working so hard. But it seems that his snaking around the room had caused too much ruckus, because when he arrived right next to her, she slowly lifted her head, looking with those drowsy, tired eyes right at him. "Morning…Takeru-kun," she yawned.
"It's still nighttime, Sakuya. How long have you been up?" Takeru asked.
"I don't know…I'm not even sure when I fell asleep…"
"Doing research is one thing…but Hikari will have your head if she saw how tired you are, you know?" Seeing that Sakuya is okay, Takeru set his sight on the mess of the room, and began picking up books and scrolls that were lying on the floor. Sakuya gradually got up and followed suit, and within half an hour the mess was organized and returned to the secret compartment hidden behind a poster of a famous male movie star.
"Nice hiding place, Sakuya." Takeru said with an impressed smile.
"Yeah, I just hope Hikari-chan won't be mad that I drilled a hole into her wall…" Sakuya said with some fearful concern.
"Ah…speaking of Hikari…we're supposed to be downstairs for dinner like a while ago…" Takeru said, remembering the purpose for his visiting Sakuya's room in the first place.
"Really? Then let's go. I'm starving!" With that said she hurriedly went out the door. Takeru shook his head, chuckled, and followed her, remembering to close the door behind him. As the two mages approached the kitchen waves of delicious aroma enveloped them. Sakuya had stayed in her room practically the whole day, and because of that her stomach began to growl loudly. Embarrassed by her bodily reaction to food, Sakuya glowed with pale red while Takeru laughed at her as they moved into the room. Three dishes lay on top of the table, as well as three sets of dining utensils and three bowls of rice. When the two entered, Hikari was just beginning to come out from under the table.
"Hikari…why are you under the table?" Takeru asked, puzzled at Hikari's intentions.
"Well…I was waiting for you guys to come…but out of nowhere there came this earth-shaking noise, so I thought there was an earthquake," she said, with a terrified outlook that was clearly an act. Takeru could not help but broke into laughter again.
"You're terrible…Hikari-chan…" Sakuya protested, her face even redder than before.
"Alright, enough joking around, let's eat!" Hikari said with a big smile and sat down. Sakuya and Takeru did so as well, and soon after all the plates were emptied. Hikari and Takeru gathered up the dishes to wash while Sakuya went back to her room to catch up on some sleep.
"Sakuya-chan seemed really tired," Hikari commented while she placed the dishes into the sink. "Takeru-kun, thanks for your help, but I can do this much dishes by myself."
"Really…well then I guess I'll head back to my room then. Good night, Hikari." Takeru said.
"Mmm…good night, Takeru-kun."
Takeru left the kitchen and headed for his own room. But when he passed by the door of Sakuya's room he stopped short to knock on the door. Steps can be heard approaching the door, and soon it opened, revealing a drowsy Sakuya, who now wore a white sleeping robe.
"What's up…Takeru-kun?" Sakuya asked, and yawned.
"Sorry to disturb your sleep, Sakuya. But can I borrow your laptop?"
"Eh…my laptop? Go right ahead, and close the door behind you when you leave please," with that said Sakuya stumbled back to her bed, pulled up her blanket, and was sound asleep in no time. Takeru then walked to her desk, picked up his item desired, and left the sleepy chamber. When he returned to his own room, he placed it on his table and turned it on. The system was on standby, so the article that Takeru saw while back at Sakuya's room was still there. Takeru then sat down, and started to read the article.
…the Blessings of the Seven Saints are relics passed down by the seven legendary heroes that fought alongside the Goddess of Dawn Micaiah against the God of Destruction Malpercio approximately a millennium ago. The seven heroes are Altina Avalon of Light, Zest Firaya of Fire, Artorius Ivaldi of Thunder, Chrono Elric of Water, Winston Arya of Wind, Hohenheim Gaia of Earth, and Pelleas Kyrios of Darkness. These heroes were granted divine powers of the seven elemental spirits to combat the Malpercio's army of Demons…
It's a commentary of the book History of the Two Guardias, which Takeru was most familiar with, given more than half a year ago a section of his graduation exam was devoted to its contents. Tired of reading history of the founding of Guardia that still daunted him in his sleep, Takeru scrolled down a few more pages before stopping.
…Seven Saints' regalia take the shapes of round orbs. Their powers are absolute control over each of the seven elements that makes up the world which we live in: light, darkness, fire, water, earth, thunder, and wind. Whoever possesses the orb will be granted immunity to whichever element the orb was designated, as well as heighten ability to command the spirits of that element…
No wonder that demon had light immunity…Takeru thought, and scrolled down to the last page.
…last known resting place of these important relics was the Temple of Heaven, located in the Guardian capital Ostia, next to the palace of the Avalons, ruler of Kingdom of Guardia. The relics was usually kept behind powerful seals of magic and curses, and would remain there, other than occasional rituals that required them, even then they would be placed under heavy guard by court magicians. The relics were the symbol of the Avalon dynasty itself, representing its founding and its continual prosperity. They also serve as a reminder of the covenant that the Guardians made to the goddess that they will not stray from their devotion to the Heaven.
However, the worst happened five hundred years ago, under the reign of King Valerius Avalon. On one stormy night during a ritual offering to the Goddess, an unsuspected thief murdered the praying temple priests and swiped the Blessings of the Seven Saints from the sacred altar. The thief was confronted by the court mages guarding the altar, but overpowered them and took off without a trace. Attempts were made to uncover the mysterious marauder, but had all but been successful. To the present, the locations of theses seven sacred relics still remain unknown.
Takeru was especially fixated on the last line of the article. If the relic had been lost over five centuries ago…why would Sakuya recognize it at first glance? Takeru was puzzled, unable to even produce a conjecture. He took his eyes off the screen and lay back onto the floor. Something must have happened in the past for the Eastern mages to know about the Blessings of the Seven Saints, he thought. He also thought it strange that she had referred to it as "Orb of Light" instead of Avalon's Light. Many questions entered Takeru's mind, and they made his head spin with dizziness. Thus he shed all the concerns and decided to take a bath. Let's use the onsen for once…just so I can think more clearly. He then gathered his bath towel, soap, shampoo, and fresh change of clothes and headed toward the center of the inn, where the spa bath was located. Soon he arrived at the inner courtyard, which was filled with plants and flowers. But the middle portion was walled off by tall stones and lumber boards that created the boundary of the onsen. Takeru walked toward the changing room and headed inside. The changing room was small, with white-tiled floors and a wooden bench in the center. To the right there were cubicle cases where clothes and personal belongings were placed. With many things on his mind, he quickly stripped off his clothes and placed them in an unused cubicle, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He then head off toward the entrance of the bath with his shampoo and soap, not taking even slight notice of the small straw basket of female clothing at the foot of the door.
The spa bath is a mixed bath. All guests or tenants are allowed to use it. But there were always a discreet agreement among every tenant as to when the guys and when the girls would use it. Takeru was also briefed about this when he first moved in. But since this was his first time in the spa bath, not to mention he had a lot on his mind, he had completely forgot about this rule. When he opened the door, he headed straight into the spa without even looking around, and dipped his head into the water to try to clear his mind. Takeru stayed submerged for a while, and then arose. He shook the water away from his eyes, and slowly opened them. As his vision focused he for the first time became aware that someone was right in front of him, watching him the whole time since arrival.
"Ara…Takeru-kun is a pervert!" a familiar, playful voice rang in Takeru's ear. That voice belonged to no other than Yagami Hikari, who now was in front of him, her body well submerged in water so that only her head showed.
"Yo…Hikari…fancy meeting you here," Takeru greeted her normally, still not registering the situation. But the ignorant bliss did not last for long. A second later he practically jumped three feet into the air and landed back into the water. "Hi…Hi…Hikari? What are you doing here?" he exclaimed.
"Why else? Bathing of course," she replied calmly, clearly taking pleasure in seeing Takeru freak out.
"But but but…ahhh! I'm gonna be labeled as pervert for life!" As he panicked, Takeru's arms swung up and down at full speed.
"Takeru-kun! Calm down!" Hikari loudly ordered. But that didn't work well. It just reminded him that she was there. With no other option, Hikari rose from the water and forcefully clapped his cheeks with two hands. The suddenness and pain brought Takeru back from wherever he was.
"It's okay, Takeru-kun. I have a towel." Hikari said, reassuring him. True enough a towel was wrapped around her bodily curves. But no matter what it was still a treat to the eyes that would make any man's blood rush with excitement.
"This isn't very assuring, Hikari-chan…I'll go and wait until you're done," Takeru said and was about to head back out when Hikari grabbed his arm, stopping him.
"What is it, Takeru-kun? Am I not good enough for you to take a bath with me?" Hikari asked, clearly teasing him but tried to sound hurt.
But Takeru took the bait like always, "Of course not, Hikari-chan! You're a very beautiful girl, which is more the reason I…" he stopped himself, his mind finally process what had just come out of his mouth. Embarrassed, his cheek glowed bright red.
Hikari originally speculated that he would probably panic again and run out the door, and that would have been the end. She apparently had not anticipate this response, because she was speechless, quite taken back by his comment. Her cheeks also glowed red. "Th…Thank you, Takeru-kun," she said. "and…please stay. You're already wet anyways, and you might catch a cold. Plus I'd probably take forever in here so..."
Takeru was raging battle inside. On one hand, this was a godsend opportunity, to bath with a girl. Other than with Nina-san and Mogusaki when she was younger, he had never taken a bath with a woman before, not even with Rika whilst they were going out. But he was also bounded by simple, yet stringent moral conduct. "Thanks, Hikari-chan. It's not your fault or anything, but I just don't think I can handle this. I will see you later," with that he quickly left the premise, leaving a somewhat relieved, yet disappointed Hikari behind.
Hikari sank back into the water, and began chuckling at the surprising turn of event, "That Takeru-kun…trying to act like a gentleman and everything…how cute." Her face still glowed, however, with joy that a man had just called her beautiful.
Meanwhile, Takeru panted hard in the changing room, still not quite over the whole thing quite yet. Man…I came here to clear my head…that sure did it…he thought with his troubled mind. Wanting to avoid awkwardness when Hikari comes out from bath, Takeru decided to just take a shower in the other bathroom. Not even bothering to dry off, he then quickly threw on his dirty clothes and left the changing room. What a night…Takeru thought to himself as he headed toward the shower room.