I don't really have much to say to start off the chapter but I do need to address a question that was asked.
Artemis only remembers the very early things of what happened between her and Issei. She doesn't remember all of it just yet. It'll come back in time but I won't say what will and when.
Also we've come to a big point where Sylderia has asked Issei to help her regain her memories, so let's where that takes them.
Chapter 26: The First Reclamation
Issei awoke the day after his talk with Sylderia, feeling unusually hungry. Then he remembered to what happened the previous day. He'd just unleashed some of his powers that he'd kept sealed for centuries. Explicitly, he remembered that he used the [Herald's Shadow]. Because his armor was sealed away, he could only manifest a spectral manifestation of the armor to help him in battle to suffice for not being able to equip it. It served as a partner in battle for him and it was meant for crowd-control and for dealing with larger opponents.
It was previously impossible to use until he broke the 25th seal on himself.
Going down to the Cafeteria for breakfast, Issei sat alone again, hoping to think about what to do next. He then shifted in surprise as he remembered that Sylderia had asked for his help in regaining her memories.
How was he going to go about that?
While waiting for his breakfast to arrive, he brainstormed, hoping to find a solution that would restore Sylderia's memories without adding him in there while making it convincing. He was thankful that she didn't know any deities from outside of Mu, yet. That way, he could maintain some cover for a while. He didn't want anyone to use his real name around her, even if there was a chance that she had forgotten that too.
Lost in his thoughts, he failed to notice that a familiar woman had seated herself in front of him.
"Long night?"
Issei looked up and found the last person that he wanted to see. Just being with her sent him into turmoil.
"Not really." He sat up.
"You look tired, though."
"I'm fine, Sylderia." Issei rebuffed her,
"If my request is bothering you, then I will retract it. I don't want to bother you more than I already have." She sadly declared.
"It's fine. This is of no inconvenience to me." Issei shook his head.
'Rather, it makes things smoother for me to work with.' He added.
Sylderia still looked unsure of her decision, despite Issei's reassurances.
"Now, let's talk about what you've tried so far." Issei sighed, hoping to get some momentum started.
"I've just tried a few approaches. Things like exercises to try and stimulate old memories are some. Other attempts are through magic, like potions and spells. I've even tried magitech but it hasn't worked at all." Sylderia had a bit of hopelessness when she said that.
It wasn't necessary to explain that, given how she explained it. She even elaborated on what sorts of things she had used. That made Issei assume that her amnesia was caused by a strong seal on her memories, or they had been taken, instead of stored away in some pit of her mind. The magic and scientific innovations of Mu should've been adequate for the job, if it were a regular case.
"I see. If that's the case, then I can try a potion that I know. However, I'll need a few things to do it." Issei offered.
"What would they be?" Sylderia questioned.
"Raskovnik, Yggdrasil dew, Aether, and Diltar sap."
"Diltar sap?" Sylderia resounded.
"It's a magic sap that increases brain efficiency and improves mental activity." Issei explained.
"Are they easy to obtain?"
"All of them are, except for one. Diltar sap isn't easy to come by anymore. Still, I have access to it." Issei noted.
"So what will this potion do?" Sylderia pressed on.
"It will help your mind remember things at a slow pace. I have stronger potions, but for your safety, this is the farthest I will go. If you suffer psychological harm, then unknown detrimental effects could take place." Issei warned.
"I see."
Issei looked at his watch and decided that he could skip breakfast. The less time he spent with her, the easier things would be for him. Before he could get up, however, the waitress brought their food over.
'Damn. It'll be awkward if I leave after my food arrived.'
Why did everything have to get complicated?
He should've never said that, as two individuals walked over.
'I hate fate.' Issei cursed the primordial force.
"Hello, Yorugami-san." Mulan greeted him casually.
Issei noticed that she was a bit more relaxed with him this time. Perhaps it was because he helped with defending her home.
"Hello, Ms. Hua. Greetings, Lord Elzer." Issei bowed.
"Good Morning, Yorugami-san. Sylderia and Mulan told me a lot about you. I'm honored to meet someone of your prestige." Elzer shook Issei's hand in a friendly fashion.
"Were we interrupting something?" The Nobleman asked.
"Not at all." Sylderia stated.
"We were merely thinking of ways to get Sylderia's memories back."
"Anything come up?" Mulan asked, a bit of skepticism in her voice.
"Just one. I can make something for her, but I need to get the materials before anything else."
Mulan was wary of Issei, not fully trusting him, especially with the memories of her dear friend.
"What do you plan to do?"
"I'm just going to get the materials, then make the potion. There's not much more to it." Issei explained.
He knew that they didn't trust him, which he couldn't blame them for it. He was a sudden stranger that had been thrown into their lives during a time of chaos. Then, he was suddenly trusted with a sensitive deed. Who wouldn't be suspicious?
"I see. What sort of effects will affect Sylderia?" Mulan questioned.
"The potion will help her slowly remember her memories. It will come in random intervals and won't be all that clear. It merely starts the process, with the rest of the work being done by her willpower and concentration."
"Then, let's hope this helps." Mulan sighed.
As much as she didn't like this, she felt that it was necessary for Sylderia to do this.
"When do we leave?" Sylderia asked.
Issei looked at her, blinking twice with a serious face, as if he had failed to register her words.
"Excuse me?" He leaned in.
"When are we leaving to get the materials?" Sylderia enunciated, feeling quite excited.
"Ah, it seems I caused some confusion. I meant to say, only I was going. My methods of travel and the places that I'll be going to, don't usually tolerate outsiders." He cleared his throat.
"Oh? Well, as for methods of travel, I'm willing to endure it. As for the places you're going, I have permission to access them, through my placement in the Alliance if they're one of the realms signed onto the contract."
'Damn it! The places that I'm going to, are signed onto the contract!' Issei froze.
He had to think of something, and it had to be fast.
"True, I think it would be a good idea if she were to go with you. It just might jar something in her mind." Mulan encouraged.
"If you need anything like supplies and funds, I can help with that." Elzer smiled at Sylderia.
"Thanks, Elzer." Sylderia chuckled before returning her attention to Issei.
"Well, I planned to go to Olympus and get some fresh Aether, so we can go down the list of places after breakfast and after you've packed." Issei recounted.
He bit his lip, wishing that he'd have been cold enough to refuse her request. Even after all these years, she still had him wrapped around her finger. The worst part was that she didn't know that!
"Great." Sylderia pepped up.
'Somebody just kill me now.' Issei drawled in his mind.
"Do be careful." Elzer looked at Sylderia with heartfelt concern.
"I will, Elzer." Sylderia gave him a sincere smile.
Issei had been in a relationship with her long enough to know that there was something between them. It hurt to know that. Whilst she had moved on from him, he had never done the same with her. The wounds inflicted upon his heart by her perceived death had permanently scarred him. Yet, he felt a little glad. He wouldn't have to worry about her finding someone. However, he needed to ensure that Elzer was a good man. He would not allow someone kind and loving like Sylderia to fall prey to scum.
Still, he could tell that they weren't in a relationship yet.
Now that he thought about it, he realized how out of place he was. He was sitting at a table of three friends, who knew each other for a long time, with himself being a stranger. Still, it wasn't his fault since they came to him. Regardless, it made him recall more pleasant times. There was once a time where he would eat together with others, living a merry life. Yet, it had all been taken away from him. Treachery had crawled back into his life and caused a chain reaction of tragedy to engulf his life again.
Oh, how much he hated fate.
"So, Mr. Takeshi, was it you who made that giant spirit?" Sylderia's voice shook him out of his thoughts.
"Yes, it was." He calmly replied.
"That was certainly amazing. I thought somebody knew had come to the battlefield. How did you learn that? Also, how did you learn how to warp? Nobody here can do it. Only the Prime Minister and the General can do it, and it's nowhere near as effective as yours." Sylderia droned on, fascinated.
'This chattiness is fairly new to me.' Issei sweat-dropped.
"I taught it to them. All that you saw were natural abilities that I developed." Issei then sipped his drink.
"That makes sense." Mulan mused.
"So, that was your doing? I saw the battle from where I was. It was awesome!" Elzer excitedly remarked.
"It's not as amazing as it seemed."
"Still, that pretty much ended the battle at the gates." Mulan complimented him, giving him a small smirk.
Issei gave her a grateful nod for her comment before trying to shift the conversation to a more mundane level.
"Hm, the lava cake is still a thing here." Issei muttered.
"It's incredible. I think that's the most popular dessert here. If anything, Fulcrum Tower could be a restaurant if it wanted to. Of course, I love it too." Sylderia giggled.
'At least we're not talking about me anymore.' Issei sighed in relief.
"So, may I ask what you do, Mr. Yorugami?" Elzer asked.
"I'm an inventor, although I tend to just work in the Human Realm. I dabble with technology and medicine."
"Cool. My family manufactures medicines. If you ever need some, then I'll gladly help." Elzer gave a friendly smile.
"I'll make sure to keep that in mind." Issei returned the expression.
Soon enough, Issei was done with breakfast and was about to leave with Sylderia.
It was quite breath-taking to see her change in clothes. They weren't very casual or formal, but settled for being just right for travel.
She wore a white jacket over a short-sleeved red shirt, with black pants, and brown boots. Shouldered on her back was a bag that was filled with extra clothes and supplies. She wasn't sure of where she would be going or what she'd be doing, so she had quickly prepared for all situations.
Issei shook himself out of his stupor, trying to remember what he was here for. Even now, her beauty still continued to entrance him. Her long pale blonde hair were like ephemeral rays of sunlight, reminiscent of the fact that she used to be the light of his life. Her captivating green eyes had threatened to swallow him like the sea, making him force himself to resist falling into the waters that had trapped him before.
That's when he remembered that he had a very important question to ask.
"From when you first came here, who cared for you? I'm familiar with Mu Law, which states that the ill and amnesiac with no family are put into facilities or are taken in by families that are approved by authorities." Issei asked the beautiful woman.
"I was actually taken in by Mulan's family." Sylderia answered.
That must've been sad. Considering how she was, in loose terms, a goddess. She must've lived through several generation till now.
"However, they became immortals after centuries of servitude to the Jade Emperor, also known as Yu Huang Shangdi." Sylderia explained.
That was peculiar. Then again, Issei remembered that immortality had been bestowed in several cases in the past, so this didn't surprise him much.
"Impressive. It takes much to earn immortality from him." Issei mused.
"I see him from time-to-time. He visits Mulan's home to check up on us every few centuries."
"That's good."
Issei noticed that she was grinning brightly when she walked beside him.
"You're awfully excited."
"Of course! I've been on Mu for as long as I can remember. I've never gotten the chance to leave until now." Sylderia chuckled.
"And why's that?"
"It's because my superiors deemed me to inexperienced and liable to fatal situations, given my amnesia." She sadly explained.
"I see. I can't blame them for that. Still, at least you finally get the chance to accomplish one wish, right?" Issei smiled at her, warmly to boot.
"Yeah." She nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.
Issei then caught himself. He realized that he wasn't being as stoic as he had sworn to be. It was just that being with her, brought out some…softer or bright side from the hidden depths that he had buried within himself.
The two warped away upon Issei's discretion to Olympus.
Arriving in Asclepius' temple, Issei walked up to the god of medicine, who was busy working away on his next creation.
"Oh, Issei, how might I help you?"
"Shh! I go by Takeshi Yorugami for the foreseeable future. Don't ask me why. It's a long story." Issei shushed him quickly, hoping that Sylderia didn't hear any of that.
Asclepius only nodded in compliance.
"Well, I needed Aether, so I just thought I'd let you know about it." Issei cleared his throat.
"Of course, just take however much you need. You forgot to tell me the last time, you know."
"Right, sorry about that. I was in a rush." Issei nodded.
"All is well, but remember to tell me. Aether may be what we breath, but it is still a very strong magic substance."
"I'll remember."
Walking away, Issei tread over to a cloud of Aether, taking out a container. Using a small version of [Chaotic Avarice], he vacuumed some within the black hole before sealing the container.
Suddenly, he noticed that footsteps had stopped behind him. Issei recognized the presence, and immediately understood why he sensed some hesitance behind him.
"Hello, Zeus." Issei flatly greeted.
The sky god was nervous, as he wanted to know about the reason for his and Artemis' breakup. He figured Zeus was angry with him, but he didn't really care if he was. That was the least of his worries.
"Hello, Issei. Can we speak in private?" Zeus shifted uncomfortably.
"I'm pressed for time, so it'll have to wait." Issei sighed.
"I can wait. Please take your time." Sylderia called over to him serenely.
'Seriously?' Issei deadpanned, exasperated.
"Very well. Let's talk." Issei stood up.
Zeus led him to his temple, which made Issei curious. His temple was also the place where he could amass the most of his power.
Zeus caught Issei's cautious gaze and shook his head.
"I'm not angry. I'm just confused. I want to know the whole story of your break up. Artemis refused to utter a single word to me." Zeus raised his arms in exasperation.
Issei debated about that question. Perhaps it was his 'human' mentality talking, but he decided that it was necessary to tell Zeus everything.
As he told every detail, Zeus' expression became more disappointed and negative with each passing minute.
"I see. So, it was a ploy." The King of the Olympians sighed.
"Pretty much. And before you ask, Artemis is clean of any sort of taint. I checked her, myself. I've grown accustomed to picking up traces of Procuro, and she had none of it. We are simply strangers at this point. Now, let's speak of this no more." Issei declared.
"One more thing, Is-Takeshi." Zeus stopped him before he could walk away.
"Did you truly love her?"
Issei paused, unsure of his answer.
"I did, yes. But, that's a dream that I'm letting go of."
"And that woman, is she someone you know?" Zeus looked at Sylderia with a worried look.
He was concerned that Issei might be seeking comfort through other woman, since he could see heartbreak quite well.
"A mere acquaintance and nothing more." Issei muttered before taking his leave.
"I really am sorry if my daughter caused you grief, Issei. She's been through a lot. I hope you can forgive her, since I know her well enough to understand that things didn't end well." Zeus called out.
"It doesn't matter. It's in the past." Issei responded with a flat tone.
When he met up with Sylderia, he found her browsing around the home of the Olympians with carefree fascination. Her eyes lit up with wonder as she looked at the pristine and white stone architecture. She must've been cooped up in Mu so strictly that even this sort of sight was a wondrous marvel to her.
"Enjoying yourself?" Issei walked over to her.
"It's so beautiful here. A city above the clouds with unlimited sunlight and refined temples everywhere. I can't help but admire it." She smiled.
"Unfortunately, we have to go now. I believe that your memories take priority." Issei gave her a wry smile.
"True." Sylderia sighed.
Their next visit was to Asgard.
Obviously, the only way to get Yggdrasil dew was to purchase it or harvest it. Yggdrasil dew granted mental abilities for a limited time and strengthened the mind exponentially. It could even impart wisdom and give precognitive abilities by a 0.5% chance. Naturally, the dew was highly protected and sold at very high prices. Not only that, but worthiness was needed to even get the chance to buy it.
Issei warped into one of the city squares with Sylderia, who found the place to be much more festive than Olympus. It was more lively and merry songs echoed from the taverns.
"It's certainly more energetic than Olympus." The amnesiac commented.
"Asgardians are merrier than Olympians during normal times. When parties come, the Olympians go all out." Issei chuckled.
"Issei!" A voice called out.
He turned around and found a familiar face running up to him.
"H-Hey, Brynhildr." He waved at her casually but his gestures were awkward.
'Crap. This is gonna be awkward.' He panicked in his mind.
"Issei?" Sylderia looked at him, completely oblivious to his real identity.
Issei started sweating, as he wondered if hearing his name would start a reaction. Luckily, Sylderia only looked confused about his name.
"It's one of my aliases. You never can be too careful." Issei shrugged, chuckling nervously.
"Who's this?" The Valkyrie took notice of the woman behind Issei.
"This is Sylderia, an acquaintance of mine. She asked me for help so I needed to come to Asgard and see Odin."
"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Brynhildr." Sylderia bowed in respect.
"Likewise." Said woman returned the gesture.
She couldn't understand why, but Brynhildr felt her position come under fire. Just seeing them together gave her a feeling that something was off. Issei's awkward aura didn't help the matter, either.
"Well then, allow me to take you there." Brynhildr offered, though it sounded more absolute rather than a suggestion.
"Er, yeah." Issei sheepishly chuckled.
"So, have you heard that the Mu Continent has joined the Alliance?" Brynhildr asked.
"Yeah, I was there. Sylderia is actually from Mu." Issei nodded.
'I knew it!' The Valkyrie cried out in her head.
She knew how much of a charmer that Issei was. Any woman in their right mind would be attracted to him. He was powerful, yet he wasn't arrogant. He was gentle and helpful, even to the point of being self-sacrificing. He was also very patient, but he didn't yield to what he disapproved of.
When she found out that Issei had broken up with Artemis, she felt horribly bad for him. Still, she couldn't deny that the situation had made her impulsive and caused her to kiss him without thinking too much about it. She did feel guilty, since he had just let go of Artemis, whom he clearly loved dearly.
Yet, this new person put her on even higher alert. One false move, and she felt that Sylderia would take Issei away with ease. Somehow, she felt as if they were connected.
"Something wrong?" Issei's gentle voice drifted to her ears.
"Eh?" She yelped, jumping in surprise.
"You looked out of it. Is something wrong?" Issei reiterated.
"No." Her tone sounded uncertain.
"You don't sound alright. Tell me what's wrong." Issei pushed on.
"It's nothing. Guys wouldn't understand." Brynhildr huffed.
"Oh…" Issei chuckled.
That certainly threw him off.
When Issei entered the Throne Room, he found Odin already waiting.
"What brings you here, Issei?" He casually addressed him.
Issei had realized that he had failed to think of this issue. If his name was repeated enough, it might cause Sylderia to remember him. If that were to happen, chaos would ensue.
"I came for Yggdrasil Dew. I need it for a potion."
"Well, that can be easily obtained, as I have a bottle on me." Odin chuckled.
Issei forgot that Odin had that power. In exchange for his right eye, he was gifted with wisdom and knowledge. However, he had also gained slight precognition, as well.
"On the house." The Asgardian lightly tossed it to him.
"Thanks."
"By the way, what sort of potion are you making?" Odin curiously asked.
"It's a memory potion to help someone I know." Issei cryptically replied.
"You know, that dew will have side-effects, right?"
"I do. I'll make sure to make it as safe as possible."
"So, is that lady outside the one you're trying to help?" Odin pointed at the closed entrance into the room.
"Yes."
"Is she a goddess? I sense very powerful light energy from her. In a way, it's different from that of an angel." Odin noted.
"She's an immortal, yes. However, I don't know too much about her either." Issei lied.
"I see. Then I'll warn you to be careful. Light can be volatile at times. Sometimes, when you play with it, it could burn you and blow up in your face."
Issei had the feeling that Odin had an idea of what was going on, specifically, it seemed as if Odin knew what he was planning.
"I'll be sure to remember that." Issei waved before leaving.
Outside, Sylderia and Brynhildr had been chatting before Issei came out.
"So, how did you meet Issei?" Brynhildr asked the woman sitting on a bench across from her.
"We meet about a week ago. He came to Mu on personal business and I was to escort him around. Then, things happened and I ended up asking him for some help."
"That sounds like him." Brynhildr chuckled.
"How did you meet him?" Sylderia returned the question.
"It was a long time ago, when we met. Issei saved me from retribution that was misplaced when I was young."
Brynhildr gave sweet and fond smile.
"He didn't know me at all, yet he brought me home, marched right up to Odin and beat some sense into him. I thought he was crazy at the time, but I understand now, that he was doing it to fix wrongdoings."
"Then how is it that Lord Odin would even allow him entry here, much less not get revenge?"
"I guess it's because Odin understood where Issei was coming from. Despite the damage he inflicted, Issei never killed anyone. If he hadn't done that, then Odin would've been a tyrant and gods and goddesses would still be mistreating mortals. We also learned that Issei wasn't the terrifying individual that he appeared to be. Deep down, he's as nice as anyone else can be." Brynhildr mused, staring off into the distance.
"Wow, he sounds even more amazing now." Sylderia chuckled.
"Just you wait. If you requested for his help, he's going to pull off something amazing for you. I guarantee it." Brynhildr giggled.
"So do you like him?" Sylderia brought out the one question that never failed to shake her calm demeanor.
"Eh?" Brynhildr froze.
"I mean, given how you behave around him and the way you talk about him, you seem to have feelings for him." Sylderia plainly spoke.
"Uuuuhhh…" The Valkyrie pursed her lips bashfully.
Talking about this subject always made her a blushing mess.
"I promise not to say anything." Sylderia chuckled.
"He already knows." Brynhildr muttered.
"What?!" The amnesiac baffled.
"You see, some things happened so I'm not pressuring him to make a decision. He's been very busy and we're immortals, so time isn't an issue."
Sylderia felt a little awkward at that moment. Luckily, Issei opened the doors, entering the room.
He noticed that Brynhildr was blushing heavily and Sylderia looked a bit unsettled, making ihm assume that something was going on.
"Uh, did something happen?" He looked back and forth.
"N-No. We were just talking." Brynhildr laughed nervously.
"I see." Issei passively responded.
"Well, we do have to keep to a schedule, so we have to go." He walked forward with Sylderia.
"Say, Issei." Byrnhildr called out.
"Hm?"
"Be careful out there. I don't know what's going on, but I know that trouble's coming. If you ever need help, don't ever hesitate to call me, okay?"
She sounded more pleading than declarative, but Issei understood that she was merely trying to show her concern.
Brynhildr felt that what she was saying was small, but she couldn't help it. She felt as if he was getting more and more distant. Not just from her, but when he interacted with others, he didn't have the same positive emotion that he used in the past. It felt forced now or even bland.
"I promise, I will." He gave her a grateful nod before warping away, leaving the Valkyrie alone.
"Why do I feel like you're lying?" Brynhildr muttered while she clutched her heart, feeling sharp pain there.
The next place was Russia, where Raskovnik would be. Now, things were a going to get a bit complicated. The Slavic Pantheon had yet to join the Alliance, so he and Sylderia had to maintain the cover of humans, which was easy for him. As for Sylderia…that was a bit of an issue.
"Sylderia, are you able to mask your aura?" He decided to ask her that question before they set foot in foreign land.
"N-no, not really. I always had trouble doing that. No matter how hard I tried to compress my presence, I can't bring it down to human levels." She sheepishly chuckled.
That was an issue that Issei could easily rectify.
"Alright, lower it as much as you can." Issei prompted.
Doing as she said, Issei could feel her aura decreasing in size, compressing into a more refined state. Unfortunately, her lowest levels made her feel like a superhuman, radiating unnatural energies to a barely-noticeable degree.
"Here, I have something to finish the job." Issei reached into his bag and took out a silver wristband before handing it to her.
"This will help restrain your energy and prevent others from noticing you."
"Thanks."
Sylderia couldn't help but notice how decorated the band was. Curvy lines were carefully etched into with sapphire waves painted onto it. When she put it on, she didn't feel different, but Issei certainly knew that the magic worked.
"Now, this'll make things easier for us. We need to tread carefully since this territory isn't allied with the Alliance, so let's avoid getting into any fights." Issei warned.
Thankfully, they were close to some meadows, which contained what Issei needed. He looked around the area, hoping to find some hedgehogs.
"What are we looking for, exactly?" Sylderia wondered.
"A plant that looks like a four-leaf clover. It's very similar, so it isn't easy to spot it. However, if you look at it carefully, you'll see that there are small grey lines at the base of the plant. It's notorious for being difficult to spot." Issei spoke while taking close looks at the ground.
Luckily, he'd harvested them enough to know what was what. Then, there was his [Solemn Vision].
Sylderia aided in the search and noticed that a four-leafed clover was embedded in the ground, and at the base of the ground, were small gray lines that curved around it. Gently plucking it from the soil, she walked over to Issei.
"Is this it?"
He looked and smiled at it.
"That's exactly it. Still, we need to get 10 of these to make the potion strong enough."
However, the task was relatively easy to get down, given the people searching for it. In contrast to her behavior, Sylderia had sharp eyes and strong intuition. That part of her hadn't changed at all.
Before he noticed it, it was only 12:00 pm. Given how the Diltar Sap was stored at his house, there wasn't much left to do. Then, a thought occurred to him. Ever since they left Mu, they'd constantly been on the move, preventing Sylderia from actually enjoying anything. Now he felt incredibly guilty. He had been so caught up in his usual habit of focusing on nothing but work that he had been denying her a simple wish.
He owed it to her to let her enjoy life with her new fresh start.
"Well, the next item that we need is at my home, and seeing as how it'll be relatively quick, we can take this time to explore several places. That is, if you're not in a rush to recover your memories." Issei thoughtfully looked at her.
Sylderia thought about this idea for a moment before answering.
"I've gone several centuries without them. I think I can go another day without them." She smiled giddily.
"Anywhere you wanna go? I can literally take you anywhere." Issei asked.
"Japan. I've always wanted to visit that place. I've heard a lot about it from others." Sylderia immediately replied with the enthusiasm of a child.
Issei knew exactly why that was her reply, too. It was because he'd told her a lot about Japan. Back when he was a child, he'd tell her stories of his life there and the things that could be experienced. Sure, it hadn't been advanced or modern like her life had been, but it was still something.
"That could be easily accomplished." Issei nodded compliantly.
Warping to Tokyo, Issei decided that Kuoh was a place that he wanted to avoid, due to the high levels of supernatural events that occurred there. If a fight came, then chances would be higher in Kuoh.
"So, that's Tokyo tower, huh?" Sylderia analyzed the tall red and white structure with glee.
"Yep. Tokyo has a lot to offer, so I think there'll be lots of things for you to enjoy."
Sylderia trusted Issei to lead the way as they went to the first place to visit, which was Sensoji Temple, one of the capital's oldest temples.
"Although, biblical religion has spread all over the world, Shinto practices are still strong, even today. Japan still has countless shrines and temples in memory of their culture, attesting to that fact." Issei informed her as they walked around its vicinity.
"It's huge. I also find it quite respectable that it's still standing after so many years. I bet the people take great care with it." Sylderia chuckled.
"Indeed. Contrary to general beliefs, humans hold a strong connection to their culture, and they aren't as callous with it as one would believe."
After they were through visiting the Temple, Issei decided to take her to see more mundane things in Tokyo.
Their next stop was Nakamise, the Shopping District. It was located right before Sensoji and offered traditional tourist goods. Red paper lanterns were hung on several shops, with an assortment of different items to choose from.
"Here in Nakamise, they sell foods, yukatas, folding fans, and other tourist goods that have good symbolism for Japan. However, if you're interested in Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, then I suggest that you hold off until we get to other places."
Sylderia nodded in recognition of his statement, but stopped when she spotted a shop that caught her eye. When Issei looked where her line of sight tread to, he felt a little exasperated, even a bit wistful. It was a yukata shop.
Just how many times was this going to happen to him. As soon as he stepped past the boundary of the shop's door, he wanted to cringe as cold sweat trickled down his back. It was regretful to know that he wasn't completely over her.
"Are you okay?" Sylderia leaned over, her face mere inches away from his own.
He jumped back, as he disrupted her attempt to get a good look at the color of his face. He had to stop making a habit of zoning out.
Sylderia looked at him worriedly. He'd just started staring off into the distance all of a sudden, which concerned her a bit.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just wondering if I've been here before." He lied.
Sometimes lies did no harm, at least, that's what he believed.
Before anything else could be said, the shop manager walked over to them, eyeing them as prospective customers.
"Ah, welcome to my family's yukata shop. Can I help you with anything?"
"Yes, I'd like to look at your selection of yukatas. I'm interested in buying a few." Sylderia instantly took charge of the moment.
"Then, this way."
Sylderia browsed around with glee, taking in the sights as she scanned around, hoping to find a few that satisfied her tastes. She finally caught one that appealed to her greatly.
"May I try this one?" She excitedly picked one yukata out.
"Of course. Changing rooms are that way."
Issei gave her a nod to signal for her to take her time, as he sat down. He wished he had steeled his heart before she came out since he wasn't ready for the display.
Walking out of the changing rooms, Issei's jaw fell like a meteor.
Sylderia, in all her elegant beauty, had her hair tied into a ponytail with a black ribbon, with a white yukata that had a black silk obi around her waist, with blue swirls and curvilinear lines patterned across her clothes. The silver ornaments in her hair gave her royal-like appearance an even bigger boost.
Issei could swear right then and there that Artemis and Sylderia had been equaled in divine beauty. Actually, Sylderia might've outmatched even the moon goddess. That was saying something.
"How do I look?"
"Uh…" Issei simply sat in his seat, gobsmacked.
"It would seem that he's too stunned to even form proper sentences, ufufu." The Manager chuckled.
Sylderia only playfully joined in the laughter, clearly not showing any shyness or bashful behavior.
"I think it suits you quite well." Issei cleared his throat in an effort to regain composure.
"Then, I guess I'll take this one, then." She nodded, satisfied.
Leaving that shop behind, they visited the Tokyo Skytree, which was the tallest tower in Japan, reaching 634 meters in height. It was also the main site for broadcasting and radio services in the Kanto region.
It looked like a spike of gold at the base to the middle of the tower, with sapphire lights reaching the peak of the structure.
Sylderia was quite fascinated by the sight, though it paled in comparison to some of the towers in Mu.
Next, they went to one of Issei's favorite Wagashi shops in Tokyo: Toraya, which was quite cheap but had a long history behind it, contrasting with its price range. For 500 years, they'd made sweets for the Imperial Court, and eventually opened to the public.
Entering inside, Issei and Sylderia dined in at one of their tea rooms. Ordering some Anmitsu, which was Issei's favorite Japanese confection, he took a bite, noticing that it was sweeter than usual.
"It's a shame that Mu doesn't get wagashi often. Whenever our stores sell anything, it's only mochi, and it's for a limited time too." Sylderia smiled with delight as she ate Ogura Jiruko, which was a sweet adzuki bean soup.
"True. Mu often tries to limit a healthy amount of imported goods so as to make a self-reliant economy, but small delights like these could be indulged." Issei agreed.
"Right? I mean, Mu is a pleasant place to be and the people are quite nice, but at times, things get stale, even stagnant."
"Still, the history behind it is quite sad. At least, that's what they say." Issei alluded.
"I've read history texts about that. Apparently, parts of the outside world turned on Mu and launched an attack on the Continent. However, the siege was repelled and Mu closed itself off from the outside world." Sylderia summarized.
"That's what they say, but we don't know if it's true." Issei shrugged.
"Perhaps."
After that somewhat grim topic was closed, the two ate in silence. Issei decided that it was time to reign in his emotions. He didn't want to get too attached to her again. He cursed himself. Why was it so hard to let her go? If he truly loved her and wanted her to be happy and safe, then it was for the best that she stayed away from him.
Soon enough, it was time to depart.
"Well, the night is growing late, and the only ingredient that we need now is at my home. I will see you tomorrow morning with the potion, as it will take time to make it." Issei turned to her with a finalized tone.
"I understand. I thank you for taking so much time to help me with this selfish request. Here." She handed him a wrapped package.
"What's this?" Issei looked at her, oblivious.
"It's a gift to say thank you. You fought in defense of my current home and have been working nonstop to help me. I decided that this was the least I could do for you. I got it before we left Mu." She smiled brightly.
Opening the package, Issei saw a sapphire wristband that was made of smooth crystal, with black magic seals carved into it.
"It's intended to protect you from physical harm and bless you with pleasant dreams. It's not much, but I hope that it proves useful." Sylderia bashfully looked at him.
"I appreciate it, greatly. I can't thank you enough for this." Issei slipped the wristband on, clasping it around his left wrist.
"That makes me quite glad." Sylderia giggled happily.
"Are you able to use a magic circle for teleportation?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thank you for today. I can't remember when I had this much fun, then again, I can't remember much of my past." The amnesiac beauty gave him a heartfelt smile, which was bright enough to put the Sun to shame.
"You're very welcome."
With those final words, Issei warped away at the same time that Sylderia left.
When he reached his home, he immediately got to work on the potion in his lab. The potion was quite tricky to make, in accordance to the effects that it had.
Boiling the ingredients in a cauldron, he used water to form a basis, while adding in the ingredients in minced and powdered form, dissolving them into the water. He spent hours stirring and controlling the brewing conditions for the concoction. One misstep and he might create a strong side-effect.
When the potion had finished its last steps, Issei added an extra one. This step, however, wasn't a part of the process. It was a meddling of his own design. Using a memory spell, he altered the potions properties to make it so that Sylderia would remember everything but him. It would be as if he never existed. If she even tried to remember, it would just be a simple blur to her. He wasn't too afraid, since the memory gap would be so small, that she would never notice.
Issei, her lover, would never exist again.
Very few knew of their relationship, with the ones who had knowledge, being dead. Zaylen and Klauze also knew, but barely enough. Everyone else that came from the future and the past, either didn't know her or him, so he wasn't worried about plot-holes either.
The next day, Issei went back to Mu to find Sylderia. He found her playing with a few children in the park. At first, he wondered if they were her children, but they looked far too different to be hers.
"Ah, Takeshi!" She noticed him and waved in cheerful greeting.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
"Nope. I'm just playing with the kids." Sylderia chuckled as said children paused in patience.
"Are they yours?" Issei couldn't stop himself from asking. For him, it would simply determine when he'd cut ties from her. If she had a family, then all the more reason to stay away for their own safety.
"No. I just help take care of them." Sylderia put down the 7-year-old that she was holding, who proceeded to run off and play with others,
"The children here are the Hua family's. I just regard them as little siblings." Sylderia chuckled.
"I see." Issei gave an understanding look before taking out the potion that he made.
"It's done. However, I recommend that you take it while sitting down or before you sleep. This will knock you out before the process begins for regaining your memory." He handed her the bottle of honey-gold liquid.
"What about my current memories?" She asked, sounding hesitant.
"They will remain intact. The potion will merely act as a key to open the lock on the memories kept hidden in your mind." Issei gave her a smile to try and reassure her. It always used to work on her back then.
"I see."
Sylderia looked at Issei with a touched expression, feeling utterly grateful for all his hard work.
"I can't thank you enough for this. I know this sounds crazy but I feel like you've always been a friend to me, even if we only met not too long ago. Hopefully, if we met before, I can remember it."
Issei bit the inside of his mouth. A part of him really hoped that it would happen, yet the more dominant part of his mind wished that the day would never come.
"Well, I certainly don't remember meeting you before, but if you remember, then remember me as I am now." He joked lightly, causing the both of them to break into laughter.
"You make this sound like goodbye."
"Well, it's not but, hey, impressions could change." He joked.
"I doubt I'll ever stop considering you as a friend." She smiled serenely at him.
"I feel the same way." Issei felt like he was stabbing himself in the gut when he said that.
Despite all his love for her, he was betraying her feelings and his own. The only thing that pushed him forward, was the thought that this was necessary.
"Ah, by the way I was hoping to get your log into my magic circle. That way, I can contact you more quickly." Sylderia asked.
With powerful hesitation, Issei gave her the signature to contact him via magic circle.
"I'll contact you after I've taken the potion." Sylderia promised.
"Make sure you do." Issei eagerly responded.
Hours later, Sylderia fiddled with the bottle in her hands, feeling that something was off. While she didn't sense anything bad about the liquid, she felt that something was just plain off. Yet, her heart urged for her to take the potion since it was the key to bringing closure to her spirit.
For over two millennia, she'd wondered if she had left family behind. Did they miss her? Were they even alive? Where were they? And what of the life that she left behind? What was she like before she had amnesia?
These thoughts swirled in her mind, overpowering her better judgement. With one quick gulp, she drank the entire contents of the memory potion.
Rather quickly, she became drowsy before she felt herself collapse onto her bed, falling into a deep sleep. Her eyelids had grown too heavy for her to keep open and her body had followed suit.
While her sleep continued, memories of her past flowed into her mind, piece by piece, she remembered who she was and what kind of life she used to have. And true to Issei's wish, she didn't remember him at all. Anything that involved him was gone, being rewritten as if he weren't there or the memory became a blank.
It was truly one of his more ingenious and intricate spells. Her memory would adjust itself so that there wouldn't be any gaps for her mind to notice.
When Sylderia awoke, she found Mulan and her parents looming over her, worried sick if going off of the expressions on their faces.
"How long was I out?" Sylderia woke up, feeling drowsy and disoriented.
"About 18 hours. We had to take you to the hospital. What happened?" Mulan put a hand on her friend's shoulder in worry.
"I took the potion that Takeshi gave me. He told me that it would make me fall asleep and I would remember things gradually." Sylderia held her head as she felt powerful pulses in her brain.
"And do you remember anything?" Mulan's father, Hua Fan sat down.
"I do." Sylderia nodded, cracking a small grin, though it was sad.
She remembered her parents, her childhood, and several other events in her life. Still, there were some blank spots in her mind, but they were slowly starting to fill in.
"I remember my parents, my original homeland, and my heritage. I also remember some of the people that I know." Sylderia bit her lip.
She removed the blanket off her and tried to get up until Mulan's mother, Hua Ju, stopped her.
"You are still not well on your feet yet. Until you're feeling better, you will stay in bed." She adamantly finalized.
For these past many years, these two had behaved like surrogate parents for her. She was utterly grateful towards them and owed them so much, but she felt that this matter couldn't wait.
"I'm sorry, but I need to go." She desperately pleaded, moving past the family.
Ju tried to stop her out of worry, but Fan raised a gentle hand to her shoulder.
"We cannot deter her on this path. Her past has returned and now she must rise to meet it and uncover what she has lost. For her comfort and her soul, she needs this." He advised his wife.
"I know, but I can't help but worry for her."
"She'll be fine. She can be naïve, but she's strong in heart and capability." Mulan reassured her parents.
Sylderia discharged herself from the hospital at strong behest before heading to Fulcrum Tower, where answers awaited her.
She entered Zaylen's Office with haste, finding that the Prime Minister and Klauze were both in there.
"What's wrong?" Zaylen looked at her, stunned.
The anxious way that she entered the room had been cause for alarm, since she was usually calm and bright. Right now, she seemed nervous and disoriented.
"Where are my parents?" She asked.
"What?" Klauze stood up, feeling slightly unnerved.
"I've regained most of my memories. I remember you two. I know that you've been hiding things from me." Sylderia walked over and sat down across from Zaylen.
"How?" Klauze questioned.
"Takeshi gave me a potion that helped me remember a lot of things." Sylderia curtly retorted.
Klauze and Zaylen sat silently, unsure of what to say. Issei had contacted them earlier, telling them to avoid mentioning his real name and connection with her at all costs. It had been a very aggressive moment too. They had argued fiercely about what to do. It would've been no overstatement to say that all of Fulcrum Tower could've heard them.
Much to their frustration, Issei refused to reconnect with Sylderia and swore the both of them to secrecy. He even used the fact that they owed their lives to him to keep his secret for the good of Sylderia. Knowing her, she would chase him and confront him.
Issei, had explained that he knew that something big was coming and he didn't know what would happen. He vehemently stated that things were best as they were now. He had spent much time arranging the board so that all pieces fell into place. He didn't need Zaylen and Klauze to interfere in a matter that he considered 'small'. Of course, he didn't say that to them.
The two were going to break the promise but remembered the desperation in Issei's eyes when the argument happened. They'd never seen him plead like that before. He looked as if he were pouring his very soul into his words, angry as they seemed.
"What do you want to know?" Zaylen relented.
"Where're my parents?" Sylderia reiterated.
"You're parents in an unknown location. We've tried finding them, but all attempts at establishing contact have failed. We assume that they're on Lemuria, as that was the last place that we saw them. However, Lemuria is even more 'lost' than Mu. We can't find it. The last that we heard of them, they were alive and well." Zaylen recounted.
"And what happened to Atlantis? It can't have just sunk on its own."
"Atlantis was struck down by someone. We truthfully don't know who did it or why." Zaylen didn't lie about that part.
Nobody actually knew of Issei being the Grim Herald, aside from certain deities. After Issei's past with Mu ended, he had almost ceased all contact with the lost land.
"Fine. Now, tell me why you acted like you didn't know me. Why did you hide the fact that we're friends?" She looked at the two of them, feeling a bit hurt.
This was something that they had tried to prepare themselves for. Sadly, they still felt caught off-guard.
"We wanted to tell you. We really did. However, Zaylen only found out about you a few days ago. I found out a year ago but it was too much of a tumultuous time to talk about it. The nobles revolted and we had to do a reconstruction of our society. Eventually, I never remembered. I didn't want to unsettle you and do any damage to your psyche. People with amnesia tend to have fragile minds. Given all you know now, and who you are, I knew that it would only hurt you. I wanted to wait for an opportune time to talk to you, but I was just too irresponsible for it."
"I'm sorry." Klauze bowed her head in honest regret and apology.
Sylderia only looked at her sadly.
"I'm not angry or upset with you. I just wanted to know why. I know that a lot happened within the past year. If anything, I'd never met either of you until a short while ago. The matter could've waited, since I wasn't going anywhere. I also know just how harmful memories can be." Sylderia gave a sigh.
"Now that I have those answers, I know what I need to do now." She stood up.
"What would that be?" Zaylen asked, feeling a bit of dread.
"I'm resigning from the Muknights. I need to go find my family. As Crown Princess of Lemuria, I need to return home." She declared.
Zaylen had no arguments with this decision. Keeping her with the Muknights would only restrain her. However, this was rather impulsive.
"I know that you just regained your memories, but I think you're moving too fast." Klauze warned her.
"I'm not. I've been living idly for over the two millennia. I don't know what's become of my family or my kingdom. I need to find them and know what's happened." Sylderia shook her head in disagreement.
"I'm going to settle my affairs here first, then I'm going to leave." She declared before leaving.
"You know, you should at least let your friends help." Zaylen called out.
"I knew that you two would insert yourselves without me saying anything." Sylderia chuckled.
When Sylderia returned home to the Hua mansion, she explained her plan and proceeded to wait for the verdict of her foster family.
A long silence echoed throughout the Living Room of the mansion as the patrons of the House came to a decision.
"For over two thousand years, have we taken care of you. From teenage years to adulthood, we've watched you grow. You've become like a daughter to us and you've always done what you could for the family. Now that you remember your own, we can't stop you from looking for them. You have our blessings to leave. Remember, you will always have us, no matter what happens." Hua Fan promised.
"Thank you." Sylderia bowed before going to her room.
She was happy to know that she had saved enough funds to pay for her journeys. She wasn't too sure of where to go or what to do, but she knew that research was always an option. She said her goodbyes to the children of the Hua house and finally went to say goodbye to Mulan.
They sat down for tea, which had been prepared by her sister-figure. However, what she never expected, was a packed bag sitting next to her chair.
"Surely, you're not- "
The Princess was cut off by a snort.
"Surely, you didn't think that I would let you go off on your own, did you?"
The bond between them was strong enough that they didn't need to trade words to get to a conclusion. Sylderia would leave for her home and Mulan would go with her. They could only give each other a smile of understanding and gratitude.
Then, there came the last person to join their troupe.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to pack for all kinds of situations." A voice called over and it was masculine.
Sylderia looked to see Elzer marching over, wearing an emerald jacket, a purple shirt, and tan pants with boots. Slumped over his shoulder, was a significantly large bag that clinked with the sound of multiple items inside.
"Elzer?"
"You didn't think I'd let my two best friends leave without me, did you? I figured since you two were going off on a dangerous journey, I wanted to help. Mulan told me everything." He smiled reassuringly.
Sylderia gave Mulan a scolding look.
"He heard about the sleeping incident, so I told him what you told me." She shrugged.
"I promise, I'll do all that I can. I may be a healer, but I know magic too." He swore.
"We know. However, before we set out, I need to try and get one more person on board." The Lemurian Princess announced.
"Who is it?"
"You've already met him." Sylderia gave a serious look before creating a magic circle.
Issei had returned home after his long spat with Zaylen and Klauze in a gruff mood. That was probably the most intense argument that they'd ever had. In hindsight, it seemed petty. Perhaps that was what happened when neither side was willing to compromise.
He wanted to avoid contact with Sylderia, but he figured that he would help her make her way back home and tie up loose ends before ending his connection with her. It felt wrong to leave her alone like that and he owed it to her and her family to bring them back together.
He had watched her parents carefully and saw just how tormented they were over the death of their daughter. The Lost Kingdom of Lemuria had been floating adrift across the seas, unknown to the sense of other lands. It had closed itself off after what had happened to Mu, for the King and Queen feared that they would be next to be targeted.
They ruled well, but their hearts were still rent apart by the grief of losing their eldest daughter.
He needed to fix his mistakes before moving onwards.
Just before he could go anywhere, a magic circle appeared in front of him. The caller was none other than Sylderia.
"Takeshi, is this a bad time?"
"No, what's up?"
"I need your help again."
"With what?"
"Can you help me and my compatriots find Lemuria?"
Issei smiled to himself. Fate really was mysterious in how it worked, for he had the same idea.
"Alright, I'll be there." He promised her.
And now Sylderia finally has her memories back, or at least most of them. However, Issei has decided that she's better off not remembering him and has altered her fate so that she has truly forgotten who he is.
A rather sly move on Issei's part, but considering his current mentality and drive, it's typical of him.
And it's also come to light that Sylderia is the Crown Princess of the Lost Kingdom of Lemuria. Pretty unexpected, right?
I decided to make her a princess because of future events that are coming and because I thought it'd mix things up a little.
Let me know your thoughts on the chapter and I will see you next time.