The Palace
The group had arrived in the last village. They were busy finding necessary things in the village to buy before going to their last destination, mainly, foods and drinks that were deemed actually well for the health.
"How much for the dried plums?" Akko asked the human vendor selling dried processed foods and fruits.
"That will be 2 silver coins per pack, onee-san." She answered as she pulled out a small paper bag under her counter. "How many packs do you want?"
"Two packs, please." Akko said to the vendor. The vendor nodded and started putting dried plums inside the paper bag.
She looked at Suzako, who was simply browsing through the merchandise the village had to offer. From what Akko can see, nothing really caught the Nekomata's interest so far. All the products this village was selling were almost the same as that previous village close by the riverside.
She turned around a bit to look at the three Kamaitachi who were doing the same, except for Shigo, as she was currently buying stuffs, likely foods for their last trip since it would be the last village they would come across.
Deciding she wanted to eat some dried plum; she opened the pack to pick some and started eating, all while looking at the Nekomata who was approaching her.
"Have you decided what you wanted to buy?" She asked after swallowing.
"Not really." Suzako replied as she shook her head. "Where are the others, by the way?"
"I think Kohana and Onashi are at the post office, probably to deliver a message to the palace. As for the other four, I don't know, somewhere around this village, maybe?"
"Oh, I see."
"You know, I really wondered why Onashi didn't just simply send those Kamaitachi the letter to the palace. Isn't that the initial plan?" Seijun suddenly realized.
"Well, due to how our circumstances turned differently, she perhaps changed her mind after what happened to Hino after attempting to flee to warn the palace about those monsters. You don't know, they could be lurking around here somewhere, especially that ghost monster." Suzako explained.
"Ah, right. I forgot about that ghost." Akko scratched the back of her head.
"Anyhow, let's get back to Onashi and Kohana." The Red Oni followed including the Kamaitachi who were not that far from them.
XXX
(With Kohana and Onashi… )
"Here is the letter." Kohana gave the letter that informs them of their near arrival to the Tengu working at the post office, as they and the Water Hazard agree with. Strangely, the creature didn't consider the thought of it scary. They expected Water Hazard to think this through for a moment, but nope, he just said 'it's okay' and went along with them.
'Did that creature not find this dangerous at all? He seems to be complacent about it.' She thought.
"Thank you!" The Tengu bowed.
While the Tengu took care of the package, the other workmate, a woman, accepted their payment.
After all of that was done, the two left to regroup with the other warriors. And as they were walking, Onashi had thought about the letter and the palace, especially the likely reaction of the royals and his majesty. For some reason, this had brought fear to her that she couldn't discern, as if handling this duty of theirs wasn't enough already. Out of all of the missions that had been given to her, this thus far was probably the hardest in her opinion. Not only did they need to hide the monster away from the many prying eyes of this land, there was also the possible backlash coming from the royals that await them after this mission of theirs was finished. Maybe, the last part was a bit too much because of her still lingering paranoia towards the monster and their duty.
If not because of Kohana's decision, this duty of theirs would end in a more feasible outcome where all of them could benefit.
"Have if not for your decision to side with them, things would have gone smoothly as I intended to." Onashi spoke as they were walking through a dirt road filled with busy people doing their daily jobs. "Even after all you have said to me, I am still baffled by that decision of yours. What do you really have in mind, Kohana? Why risk with the unknown?"
"Personal reasons and beliefs, Onashi." Kohana said to her, sounding a bit… unsure for some reason. "I am just as cynical as you, Onashi. And I do fear the outcome of my decisions. Regardless, I must stand with it, be steadfast, and expect a better end result, even if it seems far too dim."
XXX
(With Seijun and Water Hazard… )
"Do we really need to buy some supplies? I think our food stocks are enough already for us since this is the last village before going to the palace." Seijun spoke as she accompanied Water Hazard into the village.
"It's better to be prepared than not." It was Water Hazard's short reply.
"And prepare for what exactly?"
"Oh, you know, just in case… Actually, you're right. Just help me find some spices and seasoning." He changed his mind.
"Alright." Seijun followed him close while warily eyeing the villagers, to see if someone had a bad intention towards her since she was a highly infamous mamono. To her, it was good so far after seeing none of them held ill against her… except for the few, of course, who looked to her with suspicion. It is not like she can blame at all. She was just too unfortunate to be born as a Ushi-Oni. And even despite the people's judgment towards her kind and other darker traits they naturally have, she was still proud of what she was. It was what her parents taught her, to accept oneself. Now only if those other darker traits she had would to be removed from her system. She understood what she was, but sometimes, her mind just cannot fight the urges without the help of seals. She admitted to herself that she was a fool for falling for it, and now she paid for it, painfully.
But if not thanks to what happened to her, she wouldn't have met Big Chill and Water Hazard; these monsters, who acted more human, strangely, than them, helped her to see the evil that she did. And for that she was thankful. To her, they were like companions to her, dear companions.
'If there's only a way to repay their kindness to me.' She thought wholeheartedly.
The duo was currently walking around the village and was looking around for a bit while the rest of the warriors were still on their own. While Water Hazard was searching for specific supplies they would need while also trying hard to conceal himself from the crowd around, he saw a woman who was getting frustrated out of something. He watched the woman try to encourage some people to enter her store, or so what it looked like.
Her store reminded him of that one store he saw in the village nearby the river that was selling various charms and offerings. He squinted as he leaned to look clearly and saw there was crystal on atop of a table just behind those charms she was selling.
"Hey." He felt a tap as Seijun called him. "Is there any problem?"
"No." He replied. "Just something that took my attention."
"Oh, really? What is it then?"
"Nothing important. I was just curious, that's all."
Seijun then looked where he was looking and saw what she assumed was a fortune teller of sort based on her attire, and was young, a little closer to her age, she presumed.
"Huh, fortune teller eh…" She commented plainly. "It's been a while since I saw one."
The so-called fortune teller who was frustrated yet eager in her job, landed her eyes at them as they were about to turn and leave. The expression she had quickly shifted and immediately chased the duo.
"Hey, you two!" She called out to them. "Wait!"
Both of them turned towards her with a questioning look on their faces. She stopped in front of them and took a breath for a moment before returning her attention to them.
"What?" Seijun was the first to ask. "Do you need something from us? Not really a fan of fortune teller, lady."
"Eh? Correction, I am a soothsayer, miss. Well, doesn't matter. What I want to invite is this person over here!" She stated with great enthusiasm. "Do you want to know your future?"
Water Hazard was not sure about it and stared at Seijun, who stared back at him before staring back at the woman.
"We're not really interested. As you can see, me and my friend here are busy at the moment." Seijun told her.
"I see, I see." She nodded. "You two are in a hurry, I see. But trust me, this will be short."
Seijun was not sure about this, so she looked at Water Hazard, who simply shrugged, unsure.
"We'll pass sorry." She said to the her.
"Wait!" The soothsayer pleaded. "Please, come to my shop and I promise that I will not ask for any payment! I can also tell you about your future husband if you accept my request!"
"Don't know. Sounds like a scam to me."
"I am not a- Wait!" She called after them again, as she saw them walking away from her.
"Sorry, lady. We're in a hurry." Seijun said to her, but the lady was still persistent and grabbed the robe of Water Hazard, causing them to stop.
"Just for a moment, please! I can help you! Especially you, the one with the robe." She pleaded with him.
"Seriously, lady? You being a bothersome, you know?" She ignored the Ushi-Oni.
The lady moved closer and tried to reach Water Hazard despite the size difference they had, and she whispered.
"I know what you are, hero." She smiled at him after telling him that, causing Water Hazard to stiffen before looking directly into her eyes.
Seijun, on the other hand, was confused after hearing it.
"Hero? Miss, you must be mis-" Seijun was cut from her statement when Water Hazard spoke in an unfamiliar tone. And the way he stood suggested that this was a serious matter to him from what Seijun could see.
"How?" He asked in such a tone that reminded the Ushi-Oni of someone she had met not long ago. "How much do you know?"
"Water Hazard?" Seijun uttered her name out of worry.
"Looks like I finally have your attention." The lady smirked before composing herself. "Now, if you want to know, you must come with me first."
"Not without me!" Seijun interjected while the lady simply raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, she's coming with me." Water Hazard supported her.
"If that is what you wish then so be it. She could come." The lady allowed. She examined her for a moment before nodding. "Yes, this one should be in our discussion. Come follow me."
Both Seijun and Water Hazard stared at each other before following the strange lady who called herself a soothsayer.
(Inside The Store…)
After the lady closed the store temporarily, she sat down on the other side of the table. She placed her hands around the ball that was in the center of the table, hovering as she prepared.
"Sorry if that takes a while. Just making sure no one will hear us." She tried to converse with them.
"I don't really mind. I am Water Hazard, by the way." He briefly introduced himself after replying, and bowed a little.
"My name is Atagi Seijun." Seijun also introduced herself, then she bowed to her. "Are you not going to introduce yourself?"
"You can call me Annaisha." Annaisha did the same as she bowed her head.
"Annaisha..." Seijun slight tilted her head as she thought.
"Please have a seat if you like." She told both them.
"I think we'll just stand." Water Hazard refused the offer. He leaned forward and spoke. "Now, tell me, how much do you know?"
"Please, sir hero, be patient. We are getting there." She told them as she closed her eyes to focus.
"Are you sure about this?" Seijun whispered to Water Hazard.
"Yes." Water Hazard replied in the same tone.
Seijun was now intrigued, curious, and a little afraid of him. It seemed that the word 'Hero' had triggered something within him after the lady called him that. Out of all things, the lady chose the word hero. She clearly heard it; she heard the lady call Water Hazard a hero, even if it sounded absurd to call him one because he was a monster.
She wanted to laugh at the thought, but then she remembered that Water Hazard and the rest of his group hold secrets that no one knows yet. While she and the warriors had their own theories and ideas about their origins, the obscurity of their traits and nature were definitely questionable. She may have lacked the proper education, but she was not that stupid, nor was she unknowledgeable about the history of the monsters in the past. Even an idiot would find something weird about them, especially with that manaless vampire.
This lady, however, seemed to have some answers to her question since she knew what Water Hazard was, and, possibly, also his origin.
"Before we start." Annaisha opened one of her eyes and looked at Seijun. "Try to be good woman, Seijun."
"Huh?" Seijun wondered.
The lady simply smiled before focusing on the ball again.
"The future of the many is usually connected with fate; however, this has not been the case ever since your arrival here, hero." The lady began. "This is the only and first case of someone who is not tied to it. Your future is hard to predict and your past, meanwhile, is a mystery."
"How?" Water Hazard was intrigued.
"My theory is that because you are not from here. You are an outsider. You are not from this world, am I right? You, who walk in many forms."
"Yeah, I am not from here. Not from this reality, to be exact." Water Hazard didn't deny which made Seijun interested in learning about him. In addition, she wondered what the lady meant by 'who walks in many forms.'
What the lady had been saying supported Water Hazard stories, well, partially, since he had been saying he was not like them. He was from a faraway land that was millions of oceans away from this place. Not only did it support Water Hazard's stories, if the lady was truly a soothsayer as she proclaimed to be, it also answered her questions as to why they remained in monster form unlike them. Though as ludicrous as it sounded, this was the only answer she could have as to why they were like this. These monsters were not from this world. Adding to the absurdity, they were also not from this reality!
She wanted to ask him personally, but she knew Water Hazard would not answer her.
"Well, that only explains things so far. If you wonder how I know who you are, it's because I have tried to pry into the future of others who you have intertwined with."
"Considering the amount of futures you have to look at, I'm actually impressed, like for real." Water Hazard couldn't help but complement Annaisha. She actually reminded him of a certain someone.
"Why thank you, hero. Now back to the true purpose of why I persuaded you to come with me. I am here to warn you of the many trials you have to go through. The pains that you have to suffer and the decision you have to make for what you believe to be good and right. I see through the eyes of those who you will help and fight against. This arduous path of heroism you will take is not an easy one. You will make enemies down this path. Many will try to tempt you and push you through your limits, man, mamono or otherwise." Water Hazard was not surprised at all, not a single bit. He expected this. He knew what being a hero was and how it was.
Seijun, on the other hand, felt dread of what the future holds for Water Hazard as the ball showed foggy glimpses of the future. She swore she saw a figure of a screaming person in the crystal ball.
The way the lady delivered those words was so foreboding that it actually made her spine chill. It looked like she dug a grave far worse than she thought. But they helped her, and she considered them friends, and was deeply in debt to them. But after hearing those ominous warnings, she began to doubt if it was right to escape and leave them, or to do what her conscience considered right. She promised to them and to herself, so she was confused.
She swallowed nervously before looking at Water Hazard, whose demeanor didn't wane, not at all.
"Are you sure you are prepared to face them? I may not know of your past, nor of your struggles. I still have to warn you of the impending dangers and threats you will have to face. Both the Light and the Darkness will be against you." No matter the odds, he will not back down.
"I am and I will." Water Hazard spoke with great confidence.
"An expected answer from you." Annaisha opened her eyes and smiled before looking at the terrified Ushi-Oni. Seijun may not have shown it externally, but the eyes didn't speak lies. She could see through them that they were filled with doubts and fears. "However, it seems your companion is not."
"Huh?" Seijun uttered as the two stared at her. Then she felt a hand touch the back of her shoulder. It belonged to Water Hazard.
"After this, you can go. You don't need to be part of this. What I will do is dangerous." He told her sincerely.
"As much as I want to help you two, I cannot really spoil that much as it is forbidden to do so." The lady spoke as she stood up to open her store again. While opening her store, she continued talking with them. "If you want to stay or leave his side, it is up to you, Seijun. But… you must really think this through. If you only knew how lucky you are."
Water Hazard and Seijun immediately looked at her and wondered what she was talking about.
"W-what do you mean?" She asked, but the lady only gave her a teasing smile and winked at her.
"Oh, I think you two have been staying for too long. Your other companions are probably looking for you by now." She reminded the two.
"Yeah, I forgot about them. Come on, let's go, Seijun." Water Hazard realized.
"Y-yes!" Both of them left quickly.
Annaisha watched the two leave her house to continue on their journey when she heard someone behind her.
"So, they are on their way again." The voice spoke.
"Yes." The servant of Goddess Hel showed itself from the shadows. Annaisha turned around to face her. "All according to her wishes."
"Good, I hope you did not spoil so much." The servant was satisfied after hearing that. "How was his reaction?"
"Steeled like a warrior in plate. He is prepared for whatever will come."
"As expected from true hero such as him."
"Hopefully…" Annaisha was unsure.
"Is there problem?" The servant sensed her worries.
"I saw a reflection of him shrouded in mist in a different place in my dreams, much more different, and much more… frightening…"
"Dreams hold different equivalencies, and therefore must not be taken seriously." The servant reminded her. "They may entail something, but sometimes they are incoherent and inaccurate."
"I saw two of them. It didn't make any sense; no, I couldn't make any sense of it. Maybe it was nothing at all." She said to herself.
"Indeed, those were probably just a mess after his arrival. Now rest, my child, you have done your part in this plot. Carry on for our future, Annaisha." The servant told her and reassured her.
"I will, Lady Vierge." She nodded solemnly before the servant retreated back into the dark corners of her store.
XXX
(Back With Water Hazard and Seijun…)
The group was now back on their travel. Water Hazard was closely beside Seijun, who was in deep thought, wanting to reassure her feelings. O how funny it was when she wanted to help them and now, she was really confused. O how it quickly turned out to be, after telling herself earlier that she wanted to help them.
"You okay?" Water Hazard spoke. "You know you can refuse if you don't want to. No need to force yourself."
"I know. It's just…" Seijun couldn't say what she truly wished to say.
"Hey! What's- what is with her?" Akko suddenly joined in and immediately shifted her mood when she noticed Seijun's rather downcast figure.
"Nothing. Just feeling a bit down." Seijun excused.
"Ah, okay. Sorry for disturbing you." Akko, feeling that Seijun was not in the mood to talk, decided to go away to give her some space she needed.
While on their way, Seijun could not figure out her conflicting feelings about the monster.
'Gods, this is hard.' She cried inwardly.
(Later…)
Once night came and all of the warriors were asleep, Seijun pulled down her tent to see Water Hazard, who was sitting by the fire while staring at the moon.
"Water Hazard?" She called him.
"Yeah?" Water Hazard turned to her. "Can't sleep yet?"
"Something's bothering me." She said to him.
"Let me guess. It's about what that lady said? You know you shouldn't think too much about it. Like I said, if you don't want it, don't force yourself." He simply told her. "It ain't that hard."
"I know, it's just that… I want to help you after helping me."
"Oh, is that why you feel conflicted?" She nodded at him. "Well, if you want to help me, be a good person and change. Actually, I believe you can change; just don't be reckless again in losing your seals."
"I know! But…" She got out of her tent and sat beside him. "Is it really, okay?"
"If you can promise to me that you will not do that again, then it's all good to me."
"Why are you like this, anyway? Why?" Seijun wondered.
"As what the lady said, I am a hero, Seijun." He reminded her. "What I do is what I think is good."
"But you are a monster, and monsters can't be heroes."
"That's just stupid. Being a monster has nothing to do with appearances; it's what within and how you act that counts. Also, I'm not really a monster at all. Do you also remember what the lady called me besides hero?"
"You who walks in many forms?" Seijun's eyes widened at the realization. "I… I understand now."
"I understand what?"
"You and Big Chill. I swear there is something off with the two of you. I thought it was just me, but no. Both of you are similar in many ways… too similar that it is too uncanny. Your forms may be different, but the way you act is- " Seijun paused.
"Just like him, right?" Water Hazard finished her sentence.
"Just what are you?" Seijun saw Water Hazard take a deep breath and look at the warriors' camp before looking back at her.
"What I'm gonna tell you must remain a secret, for now, got it?" He told her sternly.
"I swear to my heart!" Seijun vowed.
"Let's start with the introduction of the aliens." And because of that, Seijun had spent most of the night listening to the tales of Water Hazard and his origins.
XXX
(The Next Morning…)
Water Hazard sighed after looking at the haggard state of the Ushi-Oni, who lacked sleep because of him. He cannot blame her if she was too engrossed about his tales, as she said it sounded so fantastic as it was ridiculous to hear. Like Yusa, she chose to stay up to listen to his stories, even though it was getting late at that time. And, like Yusa, she was also terrified and overwhelmed. Due to mentioning Yusa, he now missed the blue Oni. He didn't know how long it would take to resolve the conflicts of this world, so that saddened him. It will take quite a long time before they meet again.
'I just hope she remains okay.' He said inwardly.
Water Hazard suddenly felt a smack to his back. He turned around, irritated to see the face of Akko's grinning face.
"Hey, what's up with her?" She pointed at the tired Ushi-Oni.
"She didn't have a good sleep last night." Water Hazard answered.
"Oh."
"We are here." Onashi stated to them.
Water Hazard looked at the distance and saw a giant structure on a hill slightly covered by thin fog. He couldn't see the exact appearance, but he could see the shape through the outlines from its silhouette. The undulating curve at its top and height already indicated that this was the home of their Lord, the palace of the royals. As he looked at it, he noticed something just above them. It was a bird, or what looked like a bird, that was circling around them before flying in the direction of the building.
While they were walking towards the direction of the structure, they heard the heavy studs and gallops of the horse coming at them fast. Onashi signaled to them to stop and remain still as they saw the smoke coming close. These were the samurai cavalries armed with swords and spears with bows for range. They were heavily-trained soldiers to act as a sort of shock trooper on the front lines. Their appearances were menacing, and the sounds of their horse acted as a beckon of doom to their enemies.
"Halt!" The one with the most adoration to her armor carrying a sword gestured to her units.
Water Hazard assumed that this person was probably a high-ranking soldier based on the armor she was wearing. He could also tell that she's also not a human, judging by the mood he felt, the twisted, overlapping skeleton arms and ethereal-like energy coming out of her were the dead giveaways. She stared at him for a brief moment, which reminded him of Onashi's cold stare.
The warriors alongside him bowed their heads at them before speaking.
"I am Onashi, the warrior sent by our lord to do a task regarding the mummy." Onashi informed the leader of the cavalry.
"Onashi, it's been a while." The leader said to her.
"Certainly, Matsuko-san." The leader named Matsuko, then looked at the tall, robed figure behind them. Slightly shifting her gaze, she saw an Ushi-Oni standing closely behind the robed stranger.
Apparently, this was the stranger that wished to talk and have a discussion with their lord. The higher-ups told them to escort Onashi's group towards the palace as they deemed this stranger an important person. Curious, she wondered why the higher-ups didn't go full into details as to why this person was important. From the looks of this stranger, she cannot sense any sign of royalties; nor can she sense authorities from the stranger. But she was not here to question them; she was here to serve them and fulfill their orders and her duty. The only thing that made her curious about this stranger was the mana it had. It felt so… exotic.
"So, this is the stranger who wishes to see our lord, Onashi?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Come and follow us." Matsuko instructed them.
The Samurais on their horseback encircled them and escorted them to the palace.
(Inside the Town… )
The town inside of the walls was no different to the villages and towns they had visited before, except for the stone-paved road it had. It was filled with people doing their own things and duties. It was really similar, except this one seemed busier and filled to the brim with people like the port of the previous town where he used to live together with the Blue Oni. As far as Water Hazard could tell from the architectural design of the buildings and the castle in the center, it was pretty much similar to the one in his world. From the style of the gables and materials that were used to construct these buildings around them were the same.
For him, it felt like he had travelled in the past, a parallel past, since there are creatures based on mythologies that are existing in this world. He would actually think this was the past if not for the mamonos living alongside with the humans.
Once they were inside the walls of the castle, the cavalry dispersed and what was left now was its leader, Matsuko and a few others that were ordered to stay after they dismounted on their horses that were then guided by the other soldiers back to their stables. Water Hazard and Seijun were told to leave their belongings, which they complied with. The castle guards joined them in their escort duty through the halls of the castle.
After reaching the room of their Lord. The guards standing outside of the room opened the shoji for the guests of their Lord to come in. Water Hazard was surprised at the subtleness of the room compared to what he was used to when visiting castles. Instead of seeing many expensive things, he only saw a few of them and some folding room dividers with the images of various plants and trees, mostly cherry blossom trees and lotus. He guessed it's just the difference in cultural preferences. There in the middle of the room, was a man in his 40s, wearing a black and white sendaihira hakama, that he presumed to be their Lord, seated at the other side of the table facing the entrance. The presence of the Lord made Water Hazard feel a little heavy. The man in front of him, despite the calm appearance, exudes so much authority, and that he cannot deny.
The elite guards who were escorted them inside bowed to him before leaving the room. All that was left were them and the cavalry soldiers.
"Yuuma-sama." Matsuko began as she and her units bowed to him. "We have successfully escorted the warriors you have sent to the port town as you requested."
"Thank you, Matsuko." The lord said to them with such calmly yet at the same time with authority. "You may now leave."
The samurais immediately left the room after that. The elite guards standing inside of the room closed the shoji. Lord Yuuma was not satisfied. He ordered the guards inside to leave his room for a moment. The guards obeyed and headed out of the room and waited outside. He stared at the bowing form of Onashi and spoke.
"Is this the monster you are talking about, Onashi?" He asked the Ochimusha.
"Yes, my lord." He gestured to them to stop and kneel down on the floor to sit before speaking again.
"Greetings, stranger, may I know your name?" The Lord requested to the creature.
"My name is Water Hazard, your majesty." Water Hazard complied.
"A very strange choice of name." Lord Yuuma thought. He then stared at the Ushi-Oni. "What about this one? May I know your name?"
"I'm Atagi Seijun, companion of Water Hazard, my lord." Seijun answered as politely as possible due to fear of what she had done.
"Hmm." He stared back at Water Hazard. "Do you know me, stranger?"
"No, your majesty."
"Then you may refer to me as Lord Yuuma Akihiro, one of the vassals of the Shogun and the ruler of this province." The Lord told Water Hazard. The mollusk creature bowed his head in acknowledgment. The Lord then continued. "Kindly remove your hood so I can see your face."
Water Hazard did and pulled his hood back to show his head and face. He could see the wonder-stricken expression of Lord Yuuma and his mildly-surprised reaction when he retracted his biological hood.
"Interesting. So, monsters truly still exist to this day." He commented as calm as he could; but the shock was barely hidden from the tone of his voice. "How is it possible?"
"Just for clarification, your majesty, I am not a monster." Water Hazard denied that he was one of them. "I am different. I am the equivalent of a human evolving in a different environment."
The emperor simply raised his brow, thinking that it was just a riddle of the monster.
"Quite intriguing." He spoke. "But you do look like a monster to us."
"Yes, I cannot deny that. But the term I think is right for us should be aliens." Water Hazard corrected.
"Aliens? What are they?" All of them were interested in the term, especially Onashi and Kohana, as this might be the answer they were looking for.
"It will be a long talk, your majesty."
"I have all day." Lord Yuuma reassured.
"We are beings not from here, your majesty; not from this world. We are extra-terrestrial creatures that came from another world." All of them were surprised at this, even the lord himself. A being from another world? That only meant that there was a vast unexplored frontier waiting for them outside of their own world. Though it sounded so ludicrous, this was the only answer as to why they remained in their form. They were not from here. And as to why they were here, that was still a vague subject. However, because of this, many possibilities had been opened, including demon lords from other worlds.
"So, it means you are unbound by the power of the Demon Lord."
"Yes."
"Are there any humans in your world?" Water Hazard shook her head.
"No, there in none. Some environment would be inhospitable for humans to live in, and species evolve differently in other worlds to suit their environment. You evolve in this world and thus why you look what you are today, your majesty. As for the monsters of this world, that is a mystery to me."
"Evolution." Lord Yuuma nodded his head. "This is interesting. If you are not a monster and you are an alien, what kind of alien are you?"
"I am an Orishan, your majesty. My form came from a different galaxy ." Water Hazard informed. "Do you know about astronomy, your majesty?"
"I only know little of it. But I know why you brought up the subject." Water Hazard admitted that he was impressed at how fast Lord Yuuma connected that subject into their discussion.
"Heavenly bodies, though believed to be simple orbs in the sky created by the gods for us are not mere orbs at all."
"You got it right. However, where did you learn about it, by the way?"
"Some people from the Mist Continent brought this knowledge to us."
Onashi raised her hand to ask for permission to speak.
"Yes, what is it, Onashi?" Lord Yuuma asked her.
"Can we speak to him, Yuuma-sama?"
"Yes, I give you all permission to speak with him." He allowed them to.
Kohana was the first one to speak.
"If you are not a monster, why hide it from us?" Kohana asked the creature.
"You're not gonna believe it in the first place, so I'd played along. Though I remember telling you about not wanting to be referred to as one, I just didn't bother insisting on it."
"Yuuma-sama." It was Onashi's turn to speak. "Do you believe what this stranger is saying to you? He could be telling lies to us."
"I am skeptical, Onashi." Lord Yuuma clarified. "It depends on the evidence Water Hazard can provide.
"How can someone like that vampire exist with no mana?" It was Suzako this time to ask.
"The Anur Vladias is an undead planet situated inside the Anur System." That only partially answered her question.
"Why are you here?" The question came from Akko. "What is your reason for coming to this world if you are, indeed, from another world?"
Everyone in the room stared at the red Oni, not expecting such question from her.
"I'm here to help you, guys."
"Help us?" Lord Yuuma repeated. "Help us from what?"
"Not exactly you, but the west from the war that is happening there right now." Everyone whispered to each other, except for Onashi, Kohana and Seijun. "I don't exactly know how, that's why I will need your help too."
"You need us to help you in your endeavors?" Onashi interposed. "You do know what you are asking for is too much."
"No, I am asking you to help me provide information about this world and its inhabitants." Water Hazard clarified.
"For what? To exploit our weaknesses? So that you could easily defeat us at any given time?"
"That's not- just why are you like this?" Water Hazard was starting to not like how the Ochimusha was still antagonizing him.
"I am simply being careful."
"Really, huh."
"Enough!" Lord Yuuma silenced them after sensing hostilities between the two.
"Pardon, Yuuma-sama. I just care and think for the people, that is all." Onashi clarified.
"I do not want to pick any side, but Onashi is right, Water Hazard. How do we know we can trust you?" Lord Yuuma questioned. "If we trust you, we may lose something precious to us, unlike you."
Water Hazard sighed at this. They were right, what could he lose to this world unlike them? Their families lived here while his did not. It was a fairly good argument, and he knew he was demanding so much.
"I don't have to lose, but I understand what you all feel. All I can give are my words. However, if it also means sacrificing my anonymity in this world for your trust, then I shall gladly do so." Everyone wondered what he meant until they saw him move his right hand over his chest.
The warriors saw the familiar symbols of every one of those monsters have. It seemed that this solidified that the monsters were all connected as a group together, acting as one based on the assumption and the ghost's statements. But what came next totally caught them off guard as it was far more than that.
"Here it goes." Water Hazard said. "Omnitrix, disengage Life-Form Lock."
User Command: Acknowledged…
Disengaging Life-Form Lock Mode: Standby…
A feminine voice followed after Water Hazard's command; it was the same voice they remembered from their previous encounter.
The room was immediately covered in bright emerald light for a moment before fading in a few seconds. What they saw shocked all of them to the core. From where Water Hazard sat, now replaced by a boy in his teen years with brown hair and green eyes. All of them were speechless for a moment, until suddenly they heard the guards barging into the room. Their Lord was quick to stop the guards from proceeding by telling them it was all right, and told them to leave the room.
The guards were hesitant, but they obeyed and left the room. Now that all things were settled, they carry on.
"You were a human all along!?" Aisa exclaimed.
"How is it possible!?" Akui wondered.
"O how fate turns out to be." Suzako mumbled.
"A changeling?!" The three Kamaitachi exclaimed in unison.
"Not gonna lie, he is cute though. Ouch." Akko felt a pinch from the Nekomata.
"You are not a monster?" Onashi was asked while in a state of shock.
"It seems." Kohana added. "But how?"
"It seems that we have an unexpected development here." Lord Yuuma stated, still trying to be calm and composed in front of them. "I see that you have decided to show, what I presume is your true form, correct?"
"Correct, your majesty." The boy affirmed. "I am a human just like you. Water Hazard is just a name I gave to my alien form."
"Then what is your true name, boy?"
"My true name is Ben Tennyson." And just like that, Ben revealed his true identity.
XXX
To be continued…