Waking up in a traditional Ikayuman style room decorated with oriental designs covering the walls, Cobalt quickly got dressed and made his departure from the inn at which he spent at overnight. That rest was well needed for Cobalt after traversing from the coast of Nakutan and making his way inland to the heart of Ikayumu, Shuimu. Serving as one of the major urban hotspots of Ikayumu, it was an epicenter for food, fashion, and music. It rivaled Inkopolis to every single detail but also had a different ambiance since the nation showed pride in its classic traditions. Seeing the colorful skyline of the growing colorful buildings as he got closer, Cobalt couldn't help but feel satisfied in returning to the streets of Shuimu. His goal was to reach the Kiyamamu prefecture located on the easternmost side of Ikayumu. Since he didn't have too much money left after spending on the ferry and inn, He couldn't take any convenient transportation like the subway-since he couldn't afford the fee to even travel to Kiyamamu, the bus and other transportation were also ruled out. So, he figured he could use the endurance and travel on foot. His bag hunched over his shoulder, Cobalt tried his best to blend in with the common people as he got closer to the metropolis after strolling through the suburbs. The sun was brutal, however, with him sweating like a pig thanks to it being high noon in the winter…
"Beh, it's the middle of winter and yet it feels like I'm walking through a sauna." Cobalt exhaled with a pant in his breath, feeling his energy getting sapped. This weather was rather unusual since it was right in the middle of winter, but these rare occurrences did happen from time to time. Nonetheless Cobalt continues onward.
Wearing a yellow baseball jersey with a long sleeved black shirt under, a backwards white cap with the team logo of the team on his shirt, black aviator shades, grey ankle cuffed sweatpants and black sneakers, Cobalt adopted Azule's style of streetwear. There was another reason why Cobalt chose to dress this way; since the Tokugawa Selection was starting in the next week, media coverage would get suffocating with all the members of the media clawing to get interviews and data on the competitors. Cobalt knew he'd be a hot take for most of the media because of his reputation as a samurai who vanished off the face of the earth before making a sudden return all the way back at the Fall festival. A beloved prodigy was about to face society's expectations. Another heavy burden he inherited from his family name. The entire nation would be buzzing about the Tokugawa Selection, the premier family event that comes at variable periods to decide who shall become the new head of the Tokugawa household as well as determine the new leader of the eastern world, since whoever oversaw the family subsequently ran the eastern world and underworld of that same region.
Cobalt's head fell downwards to the cement below him, "Since Teitsu is in charge, I can expect something else to be happening about this selection. He's the leader of the family, so he'll probably do something eccentric…"
As the sole of his black sneakers connect with the sidewalk, his exposed skin gets goosebumps as a calm breeze tickles; a breeze he wasn't expecting since the air seemed dry and dead under the rays of the sun above. Looking from left to right, the nostalgia of urban Shuimu appeared as he could start seeing the car traffic of the city and many shops in the distance. From the little kids playing on the basketball courts over the park fences to the school girls on their way to school, Cobalt felt a warm and bubbly feeling emerge as it felt good to be back among his Ikayuman people, but as he looked at the way some people dressed he knew that the style and culture of the western nation known as Inkopolis had already influenced the younger culture of Ikayumu. Taking a turn into a busy street to avoid the symphony of car horns and exhaust, he observed the elevations of parts of the area as he went downhill, clutching his bag tightly and picking up his pace. Though the sun was hot, it casted a sky-blue filter over the shaded parts of the area. Cobalt takes the crosswalk and walks onto the sidewalk of a streetmall, noticing the heavy crowds of people in his age group. He continues onwards hoping no one will recognize him; Cobalt knew it was the older folks he had to worry about since their generation was still more traditional and followed closer to the politics while the younger generation wouldn't care as much.
"Hey, have you heard about the update to the Tokugawa selection? News just got released of the lineups thanks to one of 'em journalists." said one middle aged man to another; he was standing next to a building talking to a trio of other men that all looked to be relatively in the same age range and all of them seemed to be leisurely talking outside one store-one man wore a red apron, so he probably owned the store they were in front of. Cobalt slowed his footsteps as he came closer to the group, so he could eavesdrop and listen in before they noticed.
"Yeah, apparently other clans are taking the opportunity to participate and challenge the Tokugawa family for the power as the strongest. I hear that young Jengai and Arokei are among the candidates looking to challenge the throne..."
Cobalt stopped. Remembering the names of those two boys he fought at the festival. Apparently, he had some history with them from when they were children. They were somehow friends but turned enemies for whatever reason. If they were in the competition, that only made matters worse for him. Saya, his other cousins, and then there was Jengai, and Arokei. If all of them were competing, his path to taking down his uncle would be a rocky one-bloody even. Imagining the possible scenarios in his mind, he continued forward and kept his gaze straight and on the other crowds of people, his ears tuning in finely as he passed by them-his feet nearly dragging.
"I also heard that Teitsu plans to change up the rules of the selection. I heard he's doing it into two parts with the first being the preliminary that'll weed out the weaklings, and then a tournament to determine the true heir and of course, the winner will challenge him for the throne…" the man said looking to reel in his peer's attention with the news.
"Oi oi oi! Don't go spoiling the event already, eh?" one of them responded with his buddies supporting his answer by giving a nod; Cobalt smirked as he continued onward and left them behind. What was up with Uncle was making all these changes? The winner got to face the heir and potentially take the throne. Cobalt couldn't help but grin since he knew what his goal was from the start, he'll take down his uncle with his own hands.
"So that's the trap, huh uncle?" Cobalt said under his breath, putting his hands in his pocket and leaving the conversation. Cobalt knew this was a trap from the moment his uncle proposed it, and although there would be some surprises in store, Cobalt knew one fate would remain the same.
Meanwhile at the Tokugawa estate in the Kiyamamu prefecture, located on a gigantic mass of land that had multiple buildings of different architecture: Modern-Futuristic and Traditional. Surrounded by a giant stone wall that had huge golden doors that stood as the barrier between the most powerful eastern clan in the world and the rest of the country, the inside of the estate resembled that of the Queen's royal palace in Squirabia and the King's castle in Mollusca with a legion of security on guard, the unbeatable household. Combinations of stone path walkways and bridges over lakes with beautiful oriental scenery that could only be beaten by the exotic oasis' of Squirabia, the estate was designed like a traditional Ikayuman estate. But upon entering was where the modern architecture thrived with the interior of the homes looking very westernized like Inkopolis and the many other nations in that region. In the main home where Teitsu Tokugawa and his children stayed sat in a large room held together stylishly by pillars much like the ancient days. Having made the move from the vacation estate in Inkopolis back to his true home in Ikayumu, Teitsu seemed comfortable surrounded by his dazzling female servants that came at his beck and call. Living like a lord, he didn't want to ever be removed from the high life that he worked so hard to attain. His greed for the lavish life and his pride to be seen and praised by the masses made his head swell even more with his arrogance.
"To think that the Tokugawa selection is nearing so close! I can already feel the magic in the air!" he said as he shifted his body weight to a sloth position in a throne-like chair, he basked in his own glory-looking up at the high ceiling as his voice echoed through the large room. Sitting before him were all of his children, who're all dressed in traditional outfits and their heads bowed as though they were praying. "Kenji, Kagetoki, Ryuuichi, and Saya. My four gems, pillars, cornerstones of the Tokugawa empire. One of you I envision leading this empire as the face-but with me pulling the strings from the shadows. Your goal in this selection is to simply win and become my puppet. I can trust that none of you will disagree to this?"
"What choice do we have, old man?" Kenji said as he kept his stare on his father, making a reference to the amount of televised media that's going into this event.
Lately, the media and entire community had been buzzing about the countdown to the tournament, which would begin next week at a special remote location far off from Ikayumu. There were many headlines for the event from the record number of clans challenging the Tokugawa name to the return of Ao Tokugawa, who many believed to be the rightful heir to the seat occupied by his uncle. A third story that was also catching a lot of attention was the new formatting of the selection. Before, competitors would compete in various sporting events and then an extreme battle royale, those that lost in the competitions would be killed immediately while the battle royale would leave with only one survivor. But that bloody and barbaric approach had instead become more organized with the first part of the competition being a skills competition to weed out those who might not be fit for selection. If anyone from the first part lost, they would not be killed. But if they chose to drop out or don't register even a single point in this portion, they'll be terminated in the spot they stand. As for the second part of the selection, losers wouldn't be killed after the match-but their battles could go to the death-and there was a time limit; if both participants failed to defeat the other-both would be killed in brutal fashion for being unable to end it. As for the final, if neither could win, then nobody would challenge Teitsu. Kenji knew the details before anyone else, and he felt disgusted to know that this was what his father was planning.
"You've been grooming us to become weapons, we're ready for this." Kenji added, his tone the opposite of what his words meant.
"If the fact that multiple families are looking to compete in this event at a record number, then that should serve as an indicator that they probably smell an opportunity to take us down. Aren't you wary of that, father?" Ryuuichi said with mindfulness at the delivery; Teitsu only stroked the short hairs on his chin and looked down at his son with a charismatic grin.
"As you know, I'm nowhere near ready to give up my title as the leader of the samurai and shinobi world. But I sense it, you see...I can sense how the community is reacting to me. After years of being in charge, I hear the whispers in the crowd and behind my back about me being mentally unfit to hold this title. So that is why this selection has been done. I want to show the world that I'm a leader capable of even risking my title for the greater good. Of course, I have no worries that one of you will face me in the grand finals. I also know none of you will dare attempt to challenge me and instead will forfeit on purpose, yes?"
Ryuuichi cringed, "You didn't really answer my question…" he said under his breath as he looked away at one of the nicely figured servants who had her thighs exposed.
Saya's eyes narrowed as her mind became provoked with only one person in mind could possibly upset her uncle's plans, "But Cousin Ao-"
Teitsu detected Saya's thoughts and immediately shut them down, "Is irrelevant. Ao is nothing more than an old name of a prodigy who lost his way as a samurai. He's shameful to both the family name and his own father's legacy." Teitsu said in a harsh tone, immediately defaming what little respect was left of Cobalt. Cobalt was known as the one child prodigy with immense potential that rivaled the revered Arosuke Tokugawa, a man so powerful he was considered one of the top ten strongest on the continent and an immediate foil to the iconic Agent 3 herself. Teitsu loathed everything about Cobalt from the moment he was conceived, but it isn't a flat and meaningless hatred. First envying his own brother for getting together with Simone Fukui, the most enchanting lady in the region who also happened to be one of the strongest sword masters alive, Teitsu's hatred and envy grew stronger as he saw the rise of Arosuke as both a warrior and a man. Arosuke quickly gained favor with their father, and when their father died of natural causes, the selection was decided and in the rarity of the moment, it was only the two of them since the rest of the community knew that nobody should interfere in the personal showdown. Honoring the traditions of the selection, both played their hearts out and winded up being even in every match; this lead to a classic duel to the death to decide the new ruler. It was a bloody and emotional showdown with both of them exhausting their seishun powa until the only thing left was to fight with their bare hands after both of their blades broke under the intensity. Teitsu tried desperately to kill Arosuke, but he just couldn't execute. Arosuke finally showed that the only difference between them was their character, in which Arosuke showed his superiority by absorbing all of his brother's brutal and blood gushing strikes and still stood tall like a tower. Arosuke showed he was the better man by holding out long enough to deliver one final match ending blow and not perform the traditional ritual of killing off the loser-sparing his brother's life. Arosuke knew Teitsu had a family to go back to with two adorable sons and a beautiful wife awaiting. But Teitsu didn't take kindly to this gesture and instead resented his brother, feeling her was too weak for being sentimental about not slaying his brother. Teitsu lashed out at his wife and resented his children, leading to the unplanned birth of one more boy and the immediate change in behavior of his elder sons.
The defeat ate away at Teitsu in so many ways that he even retracted from his duties of being a father and left all parenting responsibilities to his wife and the other members of the household. He became fruitless and bitter, violent, and obsessed. He wanted the throne not because he felt even in strength, but because he had the killer instinct and resolve to kill when duty called. Arosuke preferred to cherish life and think humanely rather than inhumanely. Things took a turn for the worse when his fourth child-Saya was born, for his wife died during her birth. His hatred towards her instead got placed onto his brother, he knew that he couldn't show hate to her like he did his sons because she was his only daughter. A delicate flower that bloomed in a dead garden. It didn't help that years before the birth of Saya, Arosuke and Simone had welcomed their first and only child in Ao. His wife's death changed his attitude, but not his cause. He became more obsessed with competing against Arosuke and often trained his children to become fearless weapons that he'd one day use to wreak havoc against Arosuke. He planned to stage an uprising and force Arosuke to kill his precious niece and nephews for the sake of his bushido. But that day didn't come. Instead, the war came to pass with Arosuke and Simone joining the force as representatives of the Tokugawa's. It was there that he found what he wanted. His obsession had pushed him to do plenty of things in the dark...
Smirking as the vivid recollection of blood being splattered along the battlefield plays in his mind, "All actions must come to the light, eventually…" he said cryptically, nearly forgetting his children were in front of him.
While judgement day was only a week away for Teitsu and his children, they weren't the only ones preparing for an event that'd change the future of their lives and those that they loved. Over in the underground land of Octaria, the octarian leaders were still struggling to come a consensus on what to do about the possible alliance with the ninja inklings to overthrow the Inkopolis government by pulling an ambush during the Ravian conference in Squirabia a few months from the given date-their judgment day. The reason it was so difficult to make such massive decision with the limited time allotted was because of the location and timing of the proposed option. The Ravian conference served as one of the biggest continental conferences and was held every 5 years. All world leaders would be present for this event, which meant security would be suffocating. Even more, the weather played a major factor since over in Squirabia the temperature never is under heat wave levels of hot, meaning that nobody would ever be foolish enough to attempt an attack in the blazing heat. However, this was also the same reason of why to do it. A solid ambush would work heavily in the octarian's favor, and with the alliance of the highly skilled ninja as well as the support of other possible nations, it seemed too unreasonable to refuse. The octarians knew they had armed forces capable of handling Inkopolis and possibly other powerful nations. Sitting together in a heavily tinted and secured van were DJ Octavio and Queen Octavio, who were observing the current pulse of the nation. They were alone without their advisors and generals in their ear trying to persuade for action, but Queen Octavio still wanted to go to war with Inkopolis.
"Won't you put aside your ego and just accept the alliance? We can finally take down Inkopolis!" Queen Octavio said, still trying to persuade a closed-minded DJ Octavio who still wasn't sold on going through.
DJ Octavio was becoming irritated, "Have you forgotten the two previous wars we got involved in? I can't just do that the people of this nation again."
"And I'm telling you to trust this nation and its people. We're a proud race. A stronger backbone created from our failures. This country is changing rapidly. We can live among inklings and others! This is the perfect time to step on their throat and gain an upper hand in what we never could before! I won't allow your fears to hinder our progress towards freedom. Some may have to be sacrificed, but to allow your failures to consume you will not be tolerated. We tried everything from hypnosis and false propaganda, but we never just took the fight to them and take the help offered. This is our rise, dear."
DJ Octavio sighed, still struggling to agree with her based on his past experiences. Queen Octavio was getting more irritated by the second as she watched his indecisiveness ruin the potential future of Octaria. With hopes that not only would there be numbers, but with the possible inclusion of the Squirabians to participate along with Squirabia's own rivalry with Inkopolis, hopefully with could be the chance that octarians were waiting for. Their freedom was just fingertips away.
"I noticed that two very important figures did not arrive to the meeting…" DJ Octavio pointed out in hopes that he could dodge her offensive press.
Queen Octavio grimaced at her husband's statement, "Are you referring to them?"
"Who else could I? They happen to be the two most influential octolings to ever grace inkling society, and I find it shocking they weren't here for this major meeting. You did invite them, yes?"
Queen Octavio nodded, "Of course I did. They're the two most powerful octarians in the inkling society for two reasons that both are rooted in that society's weakness..."
After having decided on their plan, Squidcom knew they needed to find a way to reach Cobalt but had nowhere to really start. That was until Azule remembered a certain important figure in Meiju that could help them out. Notifying his friends that they'd depart for Meiju and explain the reason why, everyone was on board. On the train ride there, Only Sally and Tangie remained awake as they watched their sleeping comrades. Across from them sat the sleeping Azule, Reice, Violet, and Fuchsia with Fuchsia resting her head on Azule's lap, Azule resting his head on Violet's shoulder, and Reice sleeping on Violet's other shoulder; Kosami had fallen asleep in Tangie's lap, and Jory sat vigilant as he kept his eyes on Fuchsia, his newly adopted sister thanks to Shiva. As the new member of the team he already got thrusted into the turbulence of being a member of Squidcom, getting all caught up on the sudden situation and joining them for their journey to rescue Cobalt. In his mind, the way they describe Cobalt seemed as though he was a person worth going through all the trouble to bring back. His mind in a trance as the calm repetition of the rails resemble an unorthodox beat for a song, Jory finds his mind escaping reality and returning to the other night where he first met the royal princesses. The image, the remembrance of being dressed in ragged clothing that had a permanent foul stench etched into each thread, feeling the streams of tears that poured from his eyes like a river running downstream as he recalled the struggles he and his brother had to endure on the streets. Having met the two kind goddesses that he'd call his sisters, he found himself rescued from the clutches poverty and death itself...
"What?" Shiva said in confusion to Arlen's wishes. The princesses had entered the apartment and battled their way through the disease infested, rancid, and morbid sanctuary. Along the way, the girls encounter some aggressive cannibalistic homeless people who swarmed at them like they were food but luckily the royal retainers protected the two sisters.
"As long as Jory will be in your care, I have no qualms." Arlen said in a somber tone as he felt his life fading away faster than he could ever imagine, losing the strength in his body that kept him alive and breathing.
"That's not how it works, Arlen. I'm not leaving without you either. Brothers are a package, and Jory needs you."
"Surely you know I don't have long to live..." Arlen shook his head, knowing his time was quickly approaching as he felt his skin boiling-one of the symptoms of his strange illness.
Shiva and Fuchsia had come for Jory, but after Shiva saw what had become of her dear friend, she couldn't help but try to extend a hand and help him too, but Arlen refused. Arlen was ready to die, ready to leave his little brother behind. While the two went into argument, Fuchsia spent her time getting to know this new boy who was apparently going to be her newly adopted brother. Jory stared at her with wonder, admiring many of her facial features-her glow was unlike anything he ever witnessed. The retainers couldn't help but crack a smile at the dumbfounded boy who seemed to be lost in the beauty of the young princess. Fuchsia also gave an endearing smile to show that she was going to welcome him with open arms, knowing her sister had always wanted a brother, she'd do her best to help Jory in any way imaginable. Jory and Arlen lost their parents to the same illness that was now going to overcome Arlen and take his life. Arlen suspected that it might be hereditary since both his parents had the illness but knew there was still hope for Jory. While Arlen knew he had the illness, he was sure Jory didn't have it-or didn't show symptoms and felt that the best way to keep him from having the same a fate as him or their parents was to remove him from that environment in hopes that he never encounters the plague-like illness. After explaining everything to Shiva once again, reluctance hindered her, but she knew he was right.
"He has to leave me here…" Arlen said, his voice losing strength.
Jory got up and looked at his dying brother one last time before taking a deep breath, "I'll live my life to the fullest, big brother. So please, don't give up on yours."
Arlen could barely keep his eyes open. Shiva had hers closed, and Fuchsia and her retainers had dust in theirs as they felt some tears forming. Shiva smiled and knew that she had her answer. "Ciri, Reluna, and Vaairie. Take my sister and my brother back home. I'll take care of Arlen." she said with determination in her tone; her retainers obeyed. Jory and Fuchsia didn't want to leave without their siblings, but with a look from Shiva, calmness overcame them. "Don't worry guys, I'll come see you all once he's nursed back to health."
That was the last time they saw her...
With the sun beginning to set on the day and bring out dusk, Squidcom arrive in Meiju. As they all filed off the train, Azule led the way for them to the village that awaited them down below. Even though Squidcom had to be urgent about pursuing Cobalt, several members couldn't help but stop and go sightseeing throughout the nightly Meiju and see all the wonders that wouldn't be seen in the daytime. Tangie however, wanted no part of this and wanted to meet Cobalt's teacher as soon as possible and get details about everything going on. Because of the differing desires, the team split into two groups: one to go sightseeing, the other to go and meet Cobalt's teacher. The first team was the sightseeing team of Violet, Reice, Fuchsia, and Jory. The four of them only had an hour to explore the area and were reported by Azule to rendezvous at a location nearby where Hanazami lived so all of them could enter the estate together. The second team was composed of Azule, Tangie, Kosami, and Sally, who all decided to venture further into town and collect as much information regarding their destination as much as possible.
After an hour passed by along with the overcast sun losing some of its flare, the group was back together and met over by a white wall that led to a hilly trail that'd take them to Hanazami's household. The sightseeing team had returned with plenty of souvenirs from the town of Meiju and some even had stories to share as they ventured along the trail. Fuchsia talked with an elderly couple that ran an antique shop in a little shed-like building along a long strip of street vendors. She learned bits about their lives such as when they first met, fell in love and eloped from their homeland because of the differences between their household. Fuchsia loved their story and the journey they took because it reflected the love she had for Azule. She knew that although he no longer had a relationship with Violet, he probably had lingering feelings towards Violet instead of developing new ones for her, she also felt as though the barrier of being different races would hinder any chances. A fantasy that'd never be realized.
"That's a wonderful story." Violet said as she gave Fuchsia a warm smile, knowing the latent reason behind why Fuchsia loved that story.
Reice told his adventure of visiting an old warehouse that got turned into a huge school for many of the children there. It also dubbed as a caregiving facility for any lost or abandoned children. Apparently one of the growing concerns in Meiju was the growing rate of children being left behind, but thanks to the many kind-hearted townspeople, it didn't nearly matter too much since children were able to find a home. Reice even met an old man who was the foster parent of nearly thirty children at various ages. The old man usually would take in five kids at once and raise them.
"He said his wife wanted to have children but died during the birth of their first daughter. He wanted to carry on his wife's wishes and raise many kids like she wanted and... yeah, that's it." Reice said nonchalantly as he rests his hand behind his head and walks beside Sally. "O-once again, thanks for being an awesome sister..." he blushed with embarrassment after the hushed thanks; Sally beamed so brightly her eyes closed, thankful she could call him her brother.
Violet and Jory didn't have any stories like the others since Jory had tagged along with Fuchsia and Violet spent her time searching throughout the town looking for a bookstore before giving up and just enjoying the natural scenery. Jory zoned out during the conversation with the old couple and instead found himself mesmerized by how the outside world looked compared to life underground. The air felt cleaner and tastier, the plants and vegetation seemed real unlike the artificial plants and trees in Octaria, and the people were even friendly to him despite being an octarian. Coming to Meiju served as an eye-opening experience for him and broaden his horizon of how to even think. The shadowy trail with the shades of the trees felt cool on the skins of the members of Squidcom, who all dressed for hot weather and wore more skin exposing gear. Azule led the way, his mind returning to when he first met Hanazami back with Cobalt. As a smirk appears on his face he gets interrupted by a question from Tangie that catches his ears.
"What'll be everyone's role for the battle to bring back Cobalt. We don't have any weapon specialists and have several members who don't have fighting experience." Tangie asked the entire group.
Sally was surprised by the blunt question but understood that at this point it was about Cobalt and getting him back as proficient as possible-Tangie didn't want to risk the lives of any other friends. "No worries Tangie, Reice and Violet know how to use a gun quite well and I can handle myself if need be. If I remember right, Fuchsia can also fight, right Fuchsia?" she said looking back at the octarian princess who hesitated to answer.
"Yeah...I can fight." she said reluctantly, preferring not to fight because her sister always told her to only fight when necessary. But in this case, she knew it was necessary. Her hesitation also was due to not wanting to let Azule see the other side of her, though he probably wouldn't mind since he enjoyed her athletic side.
"My brother taught me how to defend myself, so I might be of use." Jory added.
"I'm not cut out for fighting…" Kosami said knowing she couldn't fight.
"Don't worry, I'll cover for you!" Sally said with confidence. "Heh, we're a strange group." she said as she looked at everyone. "We've got a princess who can kick butt, a mafiosa, a gangster, a martial artist, a hacker, a newbie, and as the captain, Mr. Overpowered. We're just missing our ever-so-normal samurai." Sally jokes about the unordinary composition of Squidcom. Squidcom had someone from nearly every possible extreme background.
Azule turned around quickly and a surprised look was on his face as looked at them, "Mafiosa? Gangster!?"
Reice and Violet both with embarrassment since they knew Azule wasn't informed about their pasts. Sally stepped in and filled Azule in about Violet and Reice's identity, leaving Azule speechless as he marveled at his two teammates afterwards. Approaching both Reice and Violet, he bows before them to apologize for his actions earlier. If only he had known, then maybe the rift between them wouldn't have happened.
"I deeply apologize for my actions, guys." he said in a genuine tone; everyone stood silent in response to his sudden gesture.
Violet kept a stone face, "No need to apologize for something left in the past. We all moved forward, right?"
Azule looked at Violet with regret now that they knew the truth. If he had learned about it earlier, he would've understood Reice's feelings and work out the differences maturely and still maintain his relationship with Violet instead of brushing her aside. "But if I had known, then maybe things could-"
"It's in the past, Azule. Just drop the topic and let's focus on getting Cobalt back." Reice sighed, reiterating Violet's message. They were done with that fiasco with Violet moving on from the breakup, and Reice no longer wanted to have that embarrassing cloud hovering over the team-casting his feelings for Violet aside as well.
"W-well then, we should probably keep walking…" Fuchsia said, wanting to also move along and away from the old news.
Afternoon soon snuck in as Azule and Squidcom arrive at Hanazami's gate, all of them in a pack like wolves preparing to hunt. Matsuamo sat at the gate watching them with an endearing grin forming as he recognized Azule among the horde of youngsters waiting at the gate. Azule reminded him in many ways of Cobalt because of not only their similarities in hair colors, but the same kind of spirit embedded within. Cobalt was like the cool flame that burned with the passion of an experienced master in the skills of combat, Azule however sparked a different flame that impressed him and that was that Azule's flame was like a wildfire waiting to spread. A young warrior not yet well versed like his samurai counterpart but yet had the potential to even rival Cobalt. Azule rings the doorbell and listens to the chime, hearing an old man speak and ask him general questions about small things like the weather and how they were doing. After enduring the boring questions from the old man, finally Azule couldn't contain himself any longer.
"I don't want to sound rude, but may we see Sensei Hanazami, please?" Azule inquired with impatience, his hands at his hips as his feet tapped the cobblestone path below.
"Ah yes, your reason for coming was to speak with Master Hanazami. Exactly why do you wish to see her, may I ask?"
Azule glanced at his teammates before giving them a nod, "We'd like to talk to her about the whereabouts of Ao. We're worried about him."
Matsuamo closed his eyes for a minute and goes into deep thought in search of a response; he smirks after giving some thought and allows them to pass through. He didn't say anything as the gate opened and instead waited until the pack of kids came in to tell them his thoughts, "I'm sure Master Hanazami will be pleased to see you again, young Royale." he said as he led them to a large patio over by a calm river-crossing a wooden bridge and running his hands along the blooming flowers to his left. The combination of the overcast sky, gentle breeze, and myriads of flowers of different hue and proportions in the well-kept garden made the sight irresistible as Tangie took out her high-grade camera to take snapshots. All of them sat along the ring of stone benches at a table, waiting for Hanazami to arrive after being told by Matsuamo that they'd be there shortly. Aside from Azule and Tangie, who were adapted to the eastern agriculture, Sally and the rest of Squidcom were in awe of their surroundings. After a few minutes passed of listening to the chirping birds and bugs in the garden, three figures left a building and approached Squidcom at the patio: two females and one male. Everyone whispers among themselves as they watch the trio come closer and soon come to silence as Hanazami stepped forward and introduced herself.
"I see you returned, Azule-was it?" Hanazami said after introducing herself and her wife to the band of kids.
Azule nodded, "It's about Ao…"
Hanazami narrowed her eyes as if a reflex before returning to a solemn posture of no distinct emotion displayed, "What of him?"
Tangie came forth, stopping Azule from answering Hanazami. Her orange eyes met Hanazami with determination, "Where is the selection being held."
Hanazami didn't answer as she looked down at Tangie. Squidcom kept silent as they watched their citrus martial artist take charge. Reina became interested in Tangie's resolve, crossing her arms and inspecting Tangie's demeanor even more. Matsuamo came forth and explained to Hanazami that more than likely these were good friends of Cobalt that were greatly concerned of his whereabouts and wanted to pursue him in hopes of stopping him from doing anything dangerous. Hanazami shook her head immediately.
"Go Home. You won't get an answer from me."
A harsh tone and a matching expression, there was no way Squidcom could squeeze an answer out of the former teacher of Cobalt. Reina began to feel some pity for the kids who journeyed a distance to come see them, only to be rejected after receiving entrance. Disappointment is visible as the others look as though they might've lost hope after hearing Hanazami's rejection, that was until a fourth figure appeared from nowhere and immediately made her presence felt as she came from the adjacent direction to both Hanazami and Squidcom. Her combination of blue and white hair that created a glacier transition immediately caught the eyes of Squidcom. Hanazami, Reina, and Matsuamo all had stunned expressions as though they'd seen a ghost. Her white uwagi and green loose dress shaked with each step she took, her face showed fatigue and pain. As she halted before the group, Tangie couldn't help but shrink as she recognized quickly who the woman was. Her mind registered the name the moment Hanazami spoke called out.
"Simone…" Hanazami spoke with a strain of concern watching her friend struggle to even stand up.
"Mama Tokugawa…" Tangie whispered under her breath with a slight shiver.
Reina smirked with joy-having foreseen that this was the way the events would unfold. Simone would wake up and coincidentally run into Squidcom, who were searching for her son. Once they both learned the whereabouts of Cobalt, they'd be off on their way to bring him back, at least that's what she thought. Simone still looked tired, which was evident from the bullets of sweat that slithered down her moist face as she struggled to keep her eyes open-the pain was immeasurable. She quickly places her hand over her right hip and slowly worked her hand up to her abdomen while grimacing in agony. Hanazami stopped everything and came over to assist her dear friend and help her sit down; Squidcom was frozen.
"Why did you get up!? You need your rest!" Hanazami yelled with the least bit of anger, instead there was a sense of relief to see that her friend had enough strength to get up and move about.
Simone wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead and looked at Hanazami, "These...kids...are they...looking...for Ao?" she said shortly out of breath after having pulled herself to where they were. She was desperate to know where her son went as well, having been kept uneasy ever since hearing his voice she couldn't rest knowing something was troubling her son. Hanazami was both irritated and confused, panic setting in as she struggled to keep composure and rationale on the situation. She knew that if these kids learned about Cobalt's whereabouts, they'd stick their noses in business that could potentially kill them, and she knew if Simone even so much as learned that her son was in the Tokugawa Selection, she'd throw caution to the wind and retrieve him. Put in the unfavorable task, Hanazami had to make a decision on how she'd get by, but before she could get the chance to muster up a response.
"Ao is on his way to the Kiyamamu prefecture in Ikayumu, specifically the Tokugawa estate that sits towards the far east nearby the sea." Reina smiled while closing her eyes, submitting to unconscious minds of the others; Hanazami wasn't pleased.
"Reina!"
"Sorry Hanazami, but I can't imagine what'd happen if Ao doesn't come back...you saw that look in his eyes, didn't you? I know your heart is in the right place, but we should leave this to-"
"That boy made this decision!" Hanazami yelled, an uncharacteristic move by her. The air she gave off left everyone on their guard as her hostility grew; Reina only smiled in response, knowing that her explosion of anger was her frustration at being able to help her precious student.
"You care about him more than you show…" Simone smiled, also aware of the rare response.
"He's like the son I never had." Hanazami responded while forcefully exhaling, putting her hands at her hips and closing her eyes with a pained look-eyebrows shivering.
"Then surely you understand how I feel right now, I haven't seen him since before the war."
She was right. Simone was forced to leave Cobalt behind and serve her country in the biggest war between the inklings and octarians. After the war, she had sustained life threatening injuries and was kept in critical condition at the most remote of locations. As Simone rubs her arms thinking retrospectively, "Why did he say he was sorry?" she asked. "Is it because he's going home?"
That's right...she's been out of the loop for years, so she wouldn't know about the fall of her husband or the takeover of her brother-in-law. She didn't know about the harsh treatment that Cobalt endured while living at the home where she once resided, nor did she know about his exile into the orphanage that he'd soon escape from, she didn't know about the countless men he slaughtered, nor did she know about his joining of a gang for a brief period. With Hanazami and Tangie doing most of the narration through Cobalt's life with Hanazami handling most of his earlier life while Tangie narrated through the later parts during the orphanage onwards, Simone couldn't help but feel her heart shatter into shards. Her son went through hell while she was unable to even be awake. Her fatigue faded after hearing from the girls about everything, and instead her strength intensified as anger settled inside her.
"That bastard Teitsu…" she said under her breath while clenching her fists; little did Squidcom know, but Simone was rather powerful-near the same level as Arosuke in speed and technique, but just less power. "I'm going after him." she said with resolve; Hanazami couldn't bring herself to stop her since she knew if anyone was going to keep their word, it'd be Simone.
"Then you should probably take these kids with you since they're also looking to take him away from there."
"Ah, you children. You're friends of Ao?"
"Y-yes...Mama Tokugawa."
"Hm? Are you…"-Simone squints her eyes as her murky memory tries to identify the orange haired girl who couldn't contain her nervousness around her; Simone's cheeks brightened as a beaming smile hit her face like a stamp- "Tangelina Citra!? Oh, has it been ages! Look at you…!? You've gotten so big!"
Simone hugs Tangie tightly, extending maternal love and warmth to a girl who also lost her parents to the chains of war. Tangie accepts the sudden embrace, feeling her own mother's kindness in Cobalt's mother. "I thought you would have recognized me when I told Co-Ao's past?"
Simone smiled, "Give me a chance, my mind only started working just a few minutes ago." Simone turned her attention to the others, "So, you lot are heading to Ao's whereabouts? I'd love to join you all and lend a hand. If the Tokugawa Selection is what we'll be trying to crash, then we'll need more than the hands-on deck right now…"
"We'll take all the help we can get!" Azule accepted immediately, happy to have Cobalt's own mother join the team.
Since it was only afternoon, Hanazami and Reina decided to let the children stay for the night and help to some quick medical checks on Simone to make sure she'd be in best health for the traveling that'd be ahead of them since she just woke up, after all. Squidcom would leave at the crack of dawn and travel all the way to Ikayumu, then to Kiyamamu, and possibly to the site of the Tokugawa selection if they were too late. Either way, they had somewhat of a plan, but surely the plan would get fixed as they continued further and gained more information. The rest of the day saw Matsuamo spend the day giving the kids a tour of the Hanazami estate and meet some of the other servants that worked on the grounds, then taking them back into the town of Meiju to give them a proper tour of the area and some of its history. As nightfall came, the kids got their early rest and prepared for the journey ahead of them. They'd be leaving with a tremendously powerful ally on their side, there was nothing left to fear. Once morning fell, Simone and Squidcom expressed their thanks and went on their way. Hanazami and Reina made it clear that they come back anytime and visit and to let them know when they reached safely; Squidcom were now walking to the same train station located at the top on the hillside, Simone's body language was different from yesterday because now she seemed a lot more serious than before-perhaps there was more said between the adults while the kids went into town, but as Azule dissected her movements, he knew she had something on her mind.
Hearing the echo of her son's voice in her mind, Simone's eyes stood still with a loss of light as the story given by Tangie and Hanazami lit a fire about her objective now that she had new information to accompany what she already knew. "Teitsu...I'll show you hell." she said under her breath as her bangs cover her eyes with its shadow.
