Chapter 19
With appreciative words and somber goodbyes, Tensei, Tento and thefour boys parted ways as they trotted back to the ParkGold Motel. The weather was just as icy on the trek back, as it had been on their initil hike. The mountains of snow however, were easier to navigate due to the trampling and churning that was done by the massive four wheelers that many Aspeuean citizens drove. In addition, the gales of wind that previously thrust through there garments and faces subsided substantially. The heavy winter coats Tensei and Tento provided them with made quite a significant difference. Tenya was the snuggest of all four, while Denki's fur coat draped over him like a blanket.
After hours had passed the group arrived at their motel room, surrounded by the familiar fog, and the resonances of pattering feet from the vermin that dwelt within the walls. While Denki, Tenya, and Bakugou all dozed off the moment their bodies hit the beds and or sofas, Izuku lie awake. He rewound the film that AC had displayed the day before. Izuku felt as though he was invading the woman's privacy, rewinding the tape countless times. Although the video itself was horrendous to watch due to the battering, he felt as though it was his obligation to bare. Izuku sensed he could find some clue, however minuscule, that could lead to him discover the origin of this tape, and at the same time help the soul in need.
After what seemed to be the hundredth time playing back the audiovisual, he let AC return to standard state, with his wide lilac lens gazing down upon him, faintly illuminating the whole apartment in the process.
"I don't suspect you have any idea where she is now do you AC?" questioned Izuku longingly. Much to his dismay, the machine flickered his lens horizontally, which Izuku recognized to be a resounding no. With that final tid bit of bad news he rested his eyelids and drifted off to sleep. The next morning all woke up refreshed, and with a new sense of purpose, with a newfound plan and newly required hope for the future. They stored their belongings in their knapsacks and cases like the nomads that they were. They then proceeded to leave the motel the very next morning to encounter much finer weather than they were previously accustomed to.
After the blanket of snow had finally melted the city floor revealed itself as polished cobblestone, with slight dents and cavities here and there from the decades of trampling feet and tire walloping. On their way to the train station they passed many neighborhoods, each one vastly altered than the next in terms of wealth and status. Regions in destitution had citizens wandering the streets in rags. Springless mattresses strewn about from lawn to lawn, with unkept meadows that bore weeds that flourished more than most of the public.
Not a two-minute walk away from these slums were properties that shot from the ground to the sky. Properties with lofty iron fences and sheltered gates that would be suitable for most prisons, if only their contents weren't so luxurious. Izuku pondered if those skyscrapers could even bear witness to the masses below, from the highest stories of their decedent mansions.
An uplifting breeze revealed itself from the direction of the Great Sea as they found their way to the train station. With many questions and directions being given, they finally found themselves on the correct train to Ceederwood, hopeful for the future. They now sped through province to province at a commendable speed, but still paced enough to be able to observe the locals that walked about through the furnished train window.
Izuku noticed something peculiar, the closer they arrived to Ceederwood. The public that roamed the streets began to meld together into segmented conglomerates. Commonalities could be discerned, as clothes and accessories began appearing in patterns. Many bore the same accoutrements as those who scraped at the tavern, in addition to many fixtures Izuku had not yet seen.
"Hey Tenya, are you noticing what's going on out there?" asked Izuku speculatively.
"Um, not really. How about give me some context," Tenya said amusingly.
"The people out there, the ones that have different patches and weird gloves, do those have to do with the different clans you were telling me about?"
"Exactly, I don't know much about each faction, I just remember groups here and there that Tensei schooled me about while he was under service."
"Well why don't you tell us a little bit about them?" asked Denki curiously. "What's up with the boys in patches?"
"Those that bear the winged staff crossed with the sickle give themselves the name of Ketsubutsu. Tensei tells me they are one of the more entitled factions. They believe that the masses should ultimately hold the power, that all who work have an equal say, regardless of titles, riches, or influence," he said explanatorily.
"Sounds like anarchy to me," said Bakugou in reply.
"That is what it aggregates to yes. Those who take part in this faction are usually the most impoverished, with nothing to lose and little regard for those with status. Tento mentioned radio reports of them all the time, committing vandalism, petty robbery, and many assaults," he said in a more muted tone.
"Got the message, we'll stay clear of them," Denki mentioned cautiously.
"And what about those with the leather gloves?" said Izuku, pointing to a sharp example outside the train's window frame to a large man. His goggles and mustache gave him a distinct appearance. He wore a top hat, the same hue as the gauntlet he sported. The gauntlet itself was thick and appeared hefty, the chrome symbol that was bonded to it somewhat resembled a shield.
"If my memory serves me correctly, those that wear the gauntlet call themselves Shiketsu. Unlike Kesubutsu, they do believe in some system of hierarchy, though their pyramid is much more horizontal than it is vertical. That is to say, the way the Aspeuean government is run calls for many rungs. This entails the president being at the pinnacle, while hundreds of titles and government issued statuses trickle down the ladder. On the bottom you get the labor class, which constitutes roughly ninety five percent of the Aspeuean population."
"Ok yeah so what's so different about Shiketsu?" Bakugou asked inquisitively.
"Firstly, they are one of the larger clans, creating somewhat of an administration beyond the borders of Aspeuean law, and for that they are treated especially heinous by others who oppose them. The key difference, however, is that their hierarchy is more inclusive. There is not one leader but several, though the subordinates host the most influence." As Tenya spoke it was aware that he himself was surprised regarding the amount of information he retained about the different parties of Aspeu.
"And what about the guys with all those belts draped around their shoulders? Seems pretty nonfunctional if you ask me," asked Denki.
"Wow you guys are just full of questions today, now aren't you?" said Tenya good humoredly, though slightly exasperated.
"Hey, it's important to know this stuff. From the looks of it we're going to be seeing a lot of these guys, might as well know about them," said Denki, gesturing towards the window at the many masses that continuously whizzed by the train.
"Alright, well those folks I'm not so sure about. I think they have some sort of religious affiliation, though I can't seem to recall their name. They are very antigovernment that's for sure, and very bigoted I hear."
"How so?" questioned Izuku.
"They believe in what people call the titles of old." Those who first colonized Aspeu over five hundred years ago hold certain surnames. The trend is the eldest and traditional of the bloodlines, are granted the most say and influence."
"I'm assuming we wouldn't be greeted with open arms then?" asked Bakugou with a gruff pitch.
"Exactly, they don't take to kindly to foreigners, it's best we just avoid them as to not cause any trouble," said Tenya cautiously. It was at this point where Izuku withdrew from the conversation, while retrieving AC from his knapsack. As the others debated over the absurdities and qualities that the several lawless and unconventional parties possessed, Izuku toyed with AC.
Prodding at the knobs and revolving many segments, Izuku continued to peruse new algorithms in a routine attempt to discover just what secrets lie within the orb. He was entertained by his curiosity, furiously working at it until the train arrived at the station, and the party found themselves in Ceederwood.
Given that Ceederwood was merely thirty minutes away from Astrovale, the weather had not altered at all, though the same cannot be said for the architecture. There were fewer grandiose edifices, and more run-down shelters, giving the area a more shanty appearance. Though it had a certain charm about it, in Izuku' humble opinion.
The three-story building's that plastered the entirety of the town gave it a very uniform appearance. Several bridges and elevated pathways appeared to unite household to household several meters above the ground, weaving the town together in unison. The many alleyways that made up the town were sprawled with street art, the streets themselves were unkempt as tufts of grass spawned from the streets many crevices. The vast majority of windows pertaining to households had the shades drawn, some were even affixed with bars as to prevent home invasion.
"Could be better, could be worse," said Izuku endeavoring to be positive.
"I'm with you on that one, it kind of reminds me of where I grew up," said Bakugou, with a reminiscing gaze. "I dig the street art," he claimed with a grin.
"Of course you would," Kaminari rejoined.
"What's that supposed to men? You trying to throw shade shit-stain?" Bakugou barked in an infuriating manner.
"What? No not at all what, me? Your crazy man, no way?" he began to sputter The daybreak had fleeted into midday, while the group became somewhat weary of traveling.
"How about we grab a bite to eat, then we can head out to the nearest job center. From there we can find another motel to crash in," said Izuku authoritatively.
"You know I'm starting to get sick of these rickety motels we keep swarming into," said Bakugou impatiently.
"Well hey if that's the case, buy a house," Izuku said facetiously. "Right now, we don't have a choice. The cheaper the better especially now with no stable income." With that the assembly gathered to the nearest diner they could find. Though grumbling and soft profanities poured out of Bakugous mouth, he reluctantly agreed, knowing full well it was Tenya and his brother's income that was financing the majority of their trip.
By the time they had come across a motel that suited their very low standards of living, the day was supplanted by darkness. Though sleet nor snow bombarded their jog to the motel, the air itself was cold and dry. It seemingly afflicting every street walker, as well as the tufts of grass and preocular vined fauna that sprung from street to street, like patches across a quilt.
They opened a splintered timber door, greeted by the sound of a common entrance bell suspended from the door frame. Izuku and company entered a small lobby, one with candles that gave the room a medieval esthetic to the chamber, leather furniture of poor eminence was propped up, resting upon a hardwood floor that made the whole dwelling smell of oak.
Directly ahead of them was a wooden counter, behind which stood a friendly looking man. A bowler hat rested on his crown, his flimsy mustache and frizzled mane gave him an unusual appearance; a welcoming one in contrast with the individuals that Izuku had been running into recently.
The typical glasses he wore were foggy from the heat being exuded from his cherry face, making it tough to see the onyx eyes that lie behind them. His floral vest fit him nicely, as did the smile he provided to the crowd.
"Welcome fellas, to the Ceederwood Inn. What can I do for you today?" He said cheerily. While Bakugou and Tenya were slightly on edge, not accustomed to affability being provided by Aspeuean citizens, Izuku and Denki welcomed his approachability, as they proceeded towards the counter.
"Hey there! We just arrived and were wondering if you had any rooms available," said Izuku, returning the friendly salutation.
"Absolutely we do! We haven't had much business as of late and have plenty of rooms. Say, you guys aren't from around, here are you?" He questioned, gingerly rubbing the mustache that rested on his lip.
"What gave it away?" Tenya asked, starting to warm up every so gradually to the man's friendly characteristics.
"Why your inflection, your wardrobe, and the agreeable suntan ya'll seem to be rocking. Where exactly are you from?" he said with a wide grin, reveling a golden molar in the rear of his teeth.
"A place called Galliedenn, across the Great Sea. I won't blame you if you've never heard of it, it's a pretty minor country," said Izuku hesitantly. Given the limited interaction he had with Aspeuean citizens, the fear of unacceptance and nationalistic tendencies instinctively prodded at the back of his mind.
"Oh wow you guys hopped the pond? That must have been quite a journey! Well, let me be the first one to greet you with open arms. Consider my home your home!"
"Ironically enough I think you actually might literally be the first one to greet us kindly," said Tenya in a relived chuckle.
"Oh that's a shame to hear, though trust me young man we're not all that bad," said the man warmly. "I would however be careful if I were you, this part of town can get a little dodgy depending on the folks you happen to run into. Not a big police or military presence here either, hopping that won't scare you fellas off."
"Oh I don't think we'll be to bothered by that," Bakugou said with a grin, one that suitably fit his fugitive status.
"So, tell me, what brings you all the way across the pond to Ceederwood of all places?"
"Work mostly. The economy in Egrary isn't doing too well now a days. We hoarded enough credits to hope on the first blimp here, hoping for better luck," Izuku said truthfully.
"Well you've come to the right place, if there's anything Aspeu is lacking is more proletarian work. Coal digging, machine loving grease monkeys such as yourselves are always welcome. Here, I think I can actually lend you guys a hand," as he trailed off about the town and the scenery's there were to take in, the man veered his back. He floundered around carboard boxes and cubbies in an attempt to unearth something or other.
"Ah, here we go." Out of a rusted Iron shelf he retrieved a map, which he proceeded to lie flat out on the head of the counter. From what Izuku and his company could gather it appeared to be a map of Ceederwood. The friendly stranger clutched a pen, fastened on a flap in his vest pocket, and proceeded to circle location after location, muttering unintelligibly to himself all the while. After a minute or so he placed the pen back in his holster, cocking his head up looking pleased.
"These are all the employment centers in the area, if you're ever going to find work it's bound to be here," he said cheerily. All members beamed up in excitement, even Bakugou who rarely expresses any sort of contentment.
"Wow I don't know what to say, thank you so much Mr., I apologize I didn't even catch your name," said Tenya extending his hand out for a pleasant handshake. The stranger clasped it firmly, satisfied with the help he could provide.
"Mr. Izumi, it's a pleasure to have made your acquaintance. Now for the matter of your room. The four of you will be residing in apartment number N290, my son Kota will help escort you to your room." As if on cue a figure appeared from a door frame fastened with a beaded curtain. A child appeared, one who could not have been older than ten. The dress coat and shorts that he sported were of the same tint and material, the shoes he wore were tattered and worn in. His hair was short, enclosed by a hat with two distinct horns on the front.
"Follow me please," said Kota while walking down one of the many hallways that connected the lobby. He gestured towards the group, and with that they followed. Despite his height and stature, the way Kota spoke and carried himself made it abundantly clear that he was very mature for his age, wise even.
"So Kota, you're awfully young to be working, shouldn't you be in school or something?" said Denki, in an attempt to strike up a conversation.
"You can never be too young to work. The father needs all the help he can get if he wants to keep this motel afloat. School is not the priority, the experience of residential management is more useful than you might think," he said dismissively.
"I can relate, I also used to work alongside my Grandpa Yoroi as well. Mechanics mostly but I can see where you're coming from," Izuku said politely. A minute smile appeared across Kota's face, as he related to the relationship Izuku had with his grandfather.
"If there's anything you need to know about the city and its residents let me know. I've grown up here, and know it like the back of my hand," he responded in a helpful gesture.
"Well thanks, we'll be sure to do that," Izuku responded in kind. After a short walk they reached their apartment door, exchanging farewells to Kota and proceeding into their new residence. At first glance the apartment itself looked a little sooty, with small cobwebs lining the corners, and a small amount of dust collecting on the countertops. Izuku found the space quite pleasing however, envisioning what it could become, rather than what it was currently.
"Well gang, let's move in," said Denki enthusiastically.
"Let's" Tenya replied complacently. "With any luck we can lay low here for quite a while and leave all this mess behind us." Nods of understanding dispensed like a wave about the room. Unfortunately, the pacific future Tenya yearned for would not come to pass.
