Chapter 69
I got a final 'head count' before leading the walk to the Gate. Unsurprising, and thankfully, the JSDF who were guarding the inside, and outside of the hangar were keeping a perimeter.
Forty seven. That's how many 'tourists' we had. And it was my job today to convert them to a cause other than the self destructive one they were on. But since we had a little walking to do before the Gate, I figured I'd get started with some ground rules.
I turned around and started walking backwards, so I could face my 'audience', "First, some simple rules to follow." I started, looking at the first one to scoff, "Now now. It's nothing severe or outlandish. You are expected on the other side, and the important people will know that you do not know our ways."
"Lemme guess?" The one who'd riled grunted (he was Leonid, the cat version of the Volralden), "Don't steal things or murder anyone?"
"You're half way there already." I laughed, "Like any society, we have rules. We recognize personal property, so don't try and trespass. Otherwise, I encourage you to look around, wave to anyone who waves to you. You're there to sight see."
"What's the point?" The Volralden asked, "We get captured, beaten, thrown in prison, beaten some more, and now we're going to your world to... what? Get a vacation?"
Kaede answered this one, "Yes. For half a day, that's exactly what you're doing. And yes, meals included."
The little kobold seemed won over already, and did a little "Yay."
I wondered if I should drop a little... reality on them. Most of them, except the kobold and maybe a couple others were still looking at me with distrust. So, I involved the word 'pay' again.
"I would like to make it clear." I said, meeting eyes with the Volralden, then the Leonid, "I payed for your time. I bribed the nobles to have you handed over to the JSDF. I've paid the JSDF to hold you here for me. I supplied the medicine that they gave you for your injuries and any other problems you had." I put on my absolute best Akeno smile (the dangerous one, not the nice one), "And all I'm asking is half a day of good behaviour. Can you do that for me?"
That, for the moment, seemed to cut back their distrust a little, so, I dropped the 'you are prey' smile, and added one more thing, "My world will be a little strange to you all. But you will be safe. I promise." I turned around, letting my mask slip a little and sighing silently.
Kaede gave one of my tails a pat to cheer me up a little, while the Commander glanced back at me with a very clear, 'it's all your fault' look. But at least he wasn't frowning.
A little before the Gate, the Commander, Itami and Rory veered off, leaving us with the escort of a dozen JSDF. At the Gate itself, our wagons had already been returned. So, I directed the group to pick a wagon, have a seat, and keep their arms and legs in at all times.
Our JSDF guards marched along the wagons through the Gate as well, since my 'guards' would be waiting on the other side. Why? I mean, yes, I could have brought Ryuu and Maki, but their faces had been seen before, and I didn't want any initial shock until I'd gotten across...
Because yes, as soon as we got to the other side, after all our 'Guests' had blinked away that momentary dazzle from transitioning from 'dark tunnel' to 'bright sky', they started looking around.
"YOU!"
A dark skinned Pooka, who looked more like a merchant than a thug, stood up and pointed at Ryuu and Maki, who were waiting for our arrival.
We also had another Guard, Spot. The massive best hell-doggo of Orario was sitting properly next to Maki with his goofy smile on, watching all of us approach with those intelligent eyes of his.
So, as the guards peeled away from the wagons (some of them exchanging places with the guards currently here) I stood up and addressed the crowd again, "Yes. Some of us were part of the effort that caught you. A big part of our culture is something similar to mercenary work. The JSDF paid us, and we helped track you down."
Honesty isn't always the best policy, but now they were on the Orario side of the Gate, with armed JSDF between them and 'freedom'.
Maki however tried to salvage a little of the mood, "We did our best to take people alive. Yes, even you."
"You left me in a field buried up to my neck!"
"And once we left it took you what? A few minutes to get free?" Maki countered.
"Er... well..."
The Kobold, who I was really started to like now, saved the day. "Um... What's that?"
Of course, he was pointing at the muscular, rust red, VERY big doggo. Of course, giving him attention brought out the happy boy in him, and his whip-like tail did a couple happy wags.
"His name is Spot."
"wurf."
"And while he looks like a very big canine, he can read, write, and understand the two most common languages here in Orario." I replied, "Treat him like you would any person, and you'll get along."
"Orario? Is that the name of your world?" The cat-folk from before asked.
"Only it's centre. And the place you'll be taking most of the tour." I pointed, "I'm surprised you'd notice Spot over the giant silver tower over there. But he is pretty unique too."
All eyes went west. Some stood, others went slack jawed, one even fainted.
"Now, if someone could make sure she doesn't fall out of the wagon, we can move along." I met eyes with one of the JSDF and switched to Eastern, "You are relieved." And gave him a thumbs up. "We'll take it from here."
"Best of luck, Ma'am." He nodded, returning a salute.
The trip to Orario was taken up mostly with 'general history'. I of course started with 'the Tower' and 'why the hell it's there in the first place'. This led to return questions of 'Gods?' 'Adventurers?' and 'Monsters?'.
Ryuu, Maki, Kaede and I did our best to answer as simply as possible. We didn't want to overload them with information 'biased' from their current jailers (My party and I). One of the things I needed from them was for them to see, really see the city. Its wonder, uniqueness and just how much nicer it was than their world.
Sounds a little boastful, thinking on it like that. But that was the truth. A truth I wanted them to come to on their own, and to spread around back on the other side of the Gate when we let them back into the 'wild'.
Waiting at the East Gate with Hagane, was Takemikazuchi. The handsome, simple looking man of above average height met us with perfect calm and his nice Eastern hakama and shrine priest vestments.
And, as planned, he greeted us with a clear, "Kodori-san, you've brought the guests I see."
Those simple words brought silence to our guests, as they tried to puzzle out why, and how, they understood that. "Takemikazuchi-sama." I greeted, standing, bowing, then turning to our guests. "The one before you, is a God of the city of Orario."
I'd already told them, but of course, seeing was believing. "Why would any God walk around like this?" The ragged Pooka asked, "They only speak and act through their Apostles!"
Since I was now in the presence of a God I respected, I was no longer the Ranking official, so I let Takemikazuchi asnwer for himself. "It is my understanding that our two worlds have that in common. While I walk among the Children, my Familia supports me, much like these 'Apostles'. Unlike your Gods, the Gods of this world only give a drop of our true power to any who follow them. But that single drop will grow with the person's deeds, and in time, and with dedication, can surpass the Apostles of your world."
That took a moment to sink in, and I could see some of the more quick witted among them (like the pooka) connect a few dots. "So... Anyone can become your Apostle?" One asked.
"If we deem them worthy, yes." Takemikazuchi nodded, approaching and looking up at me.
Without hesitation, I knelt and offered him a hand up to the driver's seat. "The definition of 'worthy' is different for every God. And like your world, we have many Gods, who oversee their own things. Demeter, our Goddess of harvests, owns the vast farming fields we rode through on our way here." I explained, "Her Goddess is one of Justice." I motioned to Ryuu then Kaede, "And mine, is for Home and Family."
I wanted to adopt the Kobold when he perked up and asked, "Is there one for food?"
"We're almost there." I laughed, "But of course there is."
"What about the metal cat?" The Leonid asked.
"Not seeking a God is also a choice, here in Orario." Hagane rumbled.
Our tourists were looking around so much I was worried they'd get whiplash with every little bump we rode over. I tried to play tour guide some more, but was pretty sure most of them weren't listening. By now, even the most jaded were starting to just... marvel at stuff. A few of them were even looking down at themselves, likely wondering if they should be here considering how ragged some of them looked.
We passed through part of the open markets, and of course showed off some of the food variety, the nice merchants (some of who had been over on the other side with the caravan swap), and a handful of other Gods, like Enki who was supporting his best dessert maker today.
Also on display were the different races. From the Hume-bunny to werewolf, everyone was mingling and getting along. No friction, no gangs in the shadows, no 'nobility' getting the peasants to move aside...
And, just as planned again, we stopped once again in the very centre of the city.
"This," Pause for effect, "Is Babel. The tower put here, over the dungeon where monsters spawn endlessly. We Adventurers, this worlds proper name for the Apostles you're more familiar with, go into the dungeon constantly to suppress the monsters in it, to stop them from reaching the surface."
"So it's like... a job?" One asked. "Does it pay well?" Asked another.
"Yes and yes." I nodded, "It's not the only way to make money in the city by far. But almost everything revolves around the dungeon."
Those not still looking way up at the tower looked a little confused. But it was more of a 'figuring out a puzzle' not 'uncomprehending'. To be fair, I was exactly the same way at first.
"But, this is only the second most important feature of the city." I said, pulling eyes to me, "That little building there, is the most important." I pointed to the simple looking wood framed stone building of the Guild. "That, is the Guild building. Without them, the city would fall apart."
The word 'Guild' was known in their world, so it wasn't really surprising when someone asked, "Do they handle all the trade then?" The Pooka asked.
"They are the administers. They handle the paperwork and logistics. They keep track of who owns what, what goes where, and where things go when not in use." I replied.
"Education, city planning, making sure the right people know where the problems are." Maki added.
One of our guests grunted, "Nobility. Bah!"
"No." Takemikazuchi said firmly, "The guild treats all equally. Gods, Adventurers, citizens. When laws are broken, the Guild sees to it that the appropriate fines are levied. They have no 'power' save the trust we put in them."
The adventurers nodded, while our guests went back to looking puzzled. But at least there was no hostility.
We continued in our nearly straight line towards the West Gate of Orario. Occasionally we'd pause, point something out or answer a question, but we were on a timetable, so most of those questions were answered on the move.
One of those questions, since we'd all eaten recently, was 'where's the compost heap'. Thankfully, good plumbing was one of Orario's many many charms, and we found a public bath house (Roman style, not Japanese) that had facilities for that kind of thing. This led to a bit of a... side quest. With the nice baths and a bunch of somewhat stale guests, we parked the wagons out front and we (the adventurers) went through our coin purses for some money and paid the 'very large party' group rate for them all to freshen up a little. And just because, we dug a little deeper into our poor coin purses, and had every single bit of clothing they had washed while they were bathing.
I was very much going to need to hit the dungeon... Most of the expenses were paid, but these little extras were starting to add up.
An hour later, smelling much nicer and even looking perky in a few places, we finally got to the West Gate. Sadly, this side of the city was where Demeter was housing the livestock this time of year. But, no one complained, since the smell of 'farm' was the same no matter what world you were in.
"Our second last stop is that building there." I said.
"I thought... Is that all of the city?" One asked.
"For now." I said with a smile, catching Kaede hiding a grin behind her hand. She was just as hopeful as I was for this to work.
Some of the nervousness returned, but before the chatter came back I tried to head off the surge of uneasiness, "I promised you would be safe. And I meant it. You also have a few more hours before the half day of your time is spent."
The unease shifted to grumbles, but at least it wasn't suspicion.
"Much like any city, it needs materials to grow. Stone and metal, wood and farmland. Stone, for the most part, comes from the West, from a place called Rakia. And..." I nudged Kaede, "If you look from this side of the wagon, past the large building we're coming up on, you'll see the road leading out that way."
I waited for them all to do a little rubbernecking, then continued.
"But our metal, comes from the mountains north of here." I pointed.
All eyes went North, and as I'd hoped, someone commented without me needing to point it out, "We're going there? That's... days away!"
"Yes. There is a LOT of open field between here and there." I admitted, "But we aren't walking."
Most stood wide eyed, some were slack jawed, and yes, one person fainted. Because for today, I'd made sure the Train was in the station.
"That's... Is that a dragon skull?" the Volralden asked, "And... those look like the iron wagons the green men use..."
"This is from a monster in the dungeon." I said, "And the proper name for the 'iron wagon' is 'rail car'. The Engine, the front car there with the massive skull on it, pulls the others behind it." I paused, "We have everyone still?"
The little guard detail we had nodded to me.
"Let's board then." Pause, "Who's driving?"
"wurf."
"You need hands for this one, sorry Spot." Maki said, scroofling the big doggo's ears.
"whine".
"i'm driving today." The unmistakable, always audible voice of Puuf said from someplace a moment before his cloud-fro head popped out from the Engine's side window, "doing a check, you know, make sure it's all good yeah?"
I gave the cloud-spirit a thumbs up, then looked back to the guests, "This way."
It was about here, that the suspicion came back again. Didn't blame them one bit. I mean, we had just shown them what amounted to paradise. Fed them. Cleaned them. And were showing them marvel after marvel.
Except now, we were steadily accelerating away from the city on the train, away from civilization, and the Gate back to their world and home. So, I looked for something to stand on, and got everyone's attention. It was time to drop the hook.
"AHEM!" I almost shouted, thankful that the Engine was basically silent save for the wheels on the rails and a few moving parts. "We are coming up to the last part of the tour."
It was difficult to endure the sudden looks of suspicion again. But they were like Maki had been, always on the run or fighting to survive.
So I continued with, "Before we return to the city, there is something I'd like to show you. Now you may have noticed, that there aren't many things outside the walls of Orario. There's a good reason for that."
"wurf." Spot said, pulling away from the ear scroofle paradise Maki was giving him and drawing a few eyes his way before I started speaking again.
"Much of the land is wild. Untamed. Aside from well fortified cities and naturally defensible places, like the mountains, it is a dangerous land. This leaves a lot of open space." I looked over my shoulder, squinted, and nodded, "We are coming up to one such place now."
I pointed, and about ten minutes or so away from us at the speed we were going, was the river delta. To my surprise, I could make out a few things that weren't there the last time I looked, and a few things that were missing. It seemed the train had made a trip or two this way already, dropping off stone. And some of the nearest trees had been cut down already.
"You see, there are three big factors that dictate how we live in this world. The Monsters, the Gods, and the Adventurers. The dungeon under Orario is the source of all the monsters in the world. Before it was sealed up, many monsters wandered off, and like any animal took up what ever space it could." The train started to slow down just a little as Puuf eased back on the throttle, "It was up to the Gods, to empower the Adventurers, so that these cities could be built and protected from the monsters."
"Yeah, you're repeating yourself now." The Volralden grunted.
"Well." I looked back at him, "What we have here, is a large easily defensible spot of land no one is using. It's been recently cleared of monsters too. So all we need now, are people. The Gods can come later, and they will. But you've met a half dozen of them today already, and they aren't like the Gods of your world."
"They came down to guide us, and in exchange, we, the Children of the Gods, survive the monsters." Ryuu said, her first words spoken the entire trip. "They do not sit idle and meddle in the affairs of the people, then ignore their pleas when the people have no other options."
I let them stew with that for a moment or two longer, until I spotted the beginnings of an actual structure on the new plot of land. A train platform! And huh... Welf was there, waving at us.
"So, what do you say?" I turned away from the still distant Welf and back to our guests. "We worked with the JSDF to have as many of you spared as possible. We have a huge plot of land for you to settle on and work. Away from your negligent Gods, away from the nobility who took your land and lives, and away from this hidden war you are all fighting against the Empire and Apostles." I smiled.
Some went wide eyed at the offer, others narrowed their eyes, clenching their fists in anger. But I simply held up a hand.
"But I don't want just you. Every soldier fights for something, and I am inviting that something here as well. With the help of the JSDF, and others who already want to leave your world, we are willing to help you find your families, your communities, and have them leave the war you are fighting behind." I tried for a dramatic pose on the little crate I was standing on, "We have only ONE rule here. You have to work, to eat. And if you can do that, you will succeed in this world."
There was a long pause, the silence broken by the slowly growing screech of the trains brakes as we pulled in the last hundred metres or so.
"So... You're recruiting us? You want us to betray our cause?" The Leonid growled.
"If you wish to continue fighting against the Empire and the Gods, we aren't stopping you." I replied as the train did a little wobble, all motion ceasing. "But I am telling you, there is a third option. Where you, and your loved ones, any one you can bring to Alnus for shelter, don't have to die needlessly."
"You would make light of everything we've fought for!" This was the first line of a small onslaught of angry words.
I let it wash over me for a moment, the heat of their anger almost making me want to march back through the Gate and just fix it for them. "And what would your family think, when they hear you've died? Would they take up the cause? Would they run? Would your children grow up without you? Would they even live to have children of their own?" I pointed to the wide cut-out of space between the two rivers, "If you're fighting to be free? If you're fighting for a better future? If you're fighting so your children can grow up free of slavery or worse? Then all you have to do is bring them here!"
I looked behind me, then jumped up onto the top of the Engine Car, "Land. Food. Freedom. Education. Gods who are willing to get their hands dirty along with the rest of you... That's why you're getting this tour. To know that there is something better."
"And what do you get out of it, HUH? Nothing in life is free!" One shouted, followed by a chorus of 'yeah's and other micro taunts.
I sighed, closing my eyes, looking up, then looking back at them and opening my eyes again."I get to sleep well at night, knowing I've pulled as many people as I could out of a bloody senseless war that no one will win." I shook my head, "All I can do is offer my hand. But its up to you all to take it. Will you join us on this side of the Gate? Or will you stay and fight?" I didn't wait for an answer. It was a huge choice, even if, from my point of view, an easy one. So instead I finished off with, "If you do, or not, it's up to you. But my friend there..."
"Hi! Me Welf! Good meet all!" He didn't do well with the native language lessons, but he tried really hard.
"Has something that will help any of you who do take the offer here, to get back safe." I hopped off the roof of the Engine car, "Everyone off, use the ladder, and don't think about swimming without checking the water for sharks first."
I left it to Welf and the others to explain the rest of the plan. After meeting with all that hostility, even in the face of what most would consider a dream offer, I was a little frustrated. I understood why of course. Most people didn't like to think that their efforts were futile. Some didn't like 'the easy way out'. Others still would see what we were offering as pity. And of course, there was me saying they wouldn't win no matter how hard they tried.
But as the saying goes. You can lead a horse to water, but cannot make it drink. I could tell a few of them were tempted already. So it wasn't a total waste of time. Or money. I mean, if they all outright rejected the offer, I would have just put the Alliance in REALLY deep debt for almost nothing.
So, I sat on a pile of freshly cut and de-barked trees, and scroofled Spot, keeping an eye on the tourists while thinking about how I might have done that better.
"What do you think?" I asked Spot, "Think anyone will join?"
He moved his head away from my hand (a sign he was serious about something, like 'talking' to you) and lowered his head and body almost all the way to the grass, "werf." He said quietly, wiggling his ears a little.
"Yeah, that little Kobold for sure. Anyone else?"
He tried really hard for this one, sitting back up like a proud doggo, "mmmmeeeurrrrf?" He said, his tail doing exactly one swish over the grass.
"The cat-folk? Yeah, some of them had that look to them."
Spot then looked at me, bobbing his head up and down to make his ears flap around a little.
"Harpy too? Fear and Ray would love them. Maybe even join them up here too." I smiled. "They'd finally have others like them around."
He then hunched down, spreading his front legs a bit wider to make him look short and stocky, while his eyebrows drooped to make him look like he was grumpy.
"I dunno... That one dwarf was giving me the look. You know, the one Eina gives us when we do something bad."
Spot then did a couple little hops in place, but kept his super serious 'no scroofles right now' face on.
"Hmm. I hope the Warrior Bunnies join. But they'll end up like the Amazons if no males show up." I laughed, "You're really good at this."
He put on a silly smile for a moment, then leaned over to rest his shoulder on my knee.
"Well, I hope you're right." I rubbed his back and shoulders, since he still had the 'serious no scroofle please' face on.
"wurf."
We didn't know how many of them we would have visiting, so Welf and Cato had chosen the 'overkill' route when making the special coins. All of our tourists now had a little bag of them, and clear instructions on how to use them. Not so much the 'magic' part of things, but more of a 'how to identify yourself or others you give them to'.
The instructions were pretty clear. Most of it being 'show this to any guard, JSDF, or shadowy Dark Elf, and you would be given free passage to Alnus, be it by foot or wagon. If they needed help, like food or medical assistance, it would be given freely. So long as they caused no trouble.
But they were on a time limit. Once they left Alnus, we would be closing the Gate for about a month. And once it opened again, it would only stay open until we figured out how to reconnect it back to Earth (though I said, 'the JSDF's world').
I did warn them, that anyone abusing the 'trust' that glass covered coin bought, they would be killed. No questions, no mercy. This was a pilgrimage to a place where you only fought if you wanted to. Not a free pass to keep fighting.
And lastly. Those here didn't have to return. If they wanted to keep fighting, they could. But if they knew or saw anyone who could not fight, and lacked a way to stay safe, then they were encouraged to hand those coins over with the same instructions on their proper use.
So, while we did go over the 'half day' of time getting back to Orario (the train had to go in reverse all the way there, since we didn't go all the way to the Mines, where there was a turntable), the nasty looks and suspicious glares had faded to something closer to thoughtfulness. I just hoped they could see the offer for what it was.
"Why so glum?" Welf asked, having taken Kaede's place as 'shotgun' on the wagon ride back to the Gate. "No one ran away, no one yelled at us, and everyone has their ticket to that big patch of grass over there." He made an 'over there' wave with a hand, "All that's left is giving the last of the coins to a few other notable people."
I nodded, "Yeah. Though... we didn't exactly tell the JSDF about those."
"So? You're doing this 'empire' place a favour. Handing out a bag of these in the Slums would get you enough people even without this lot here." He jiggled a pouch of clicking coins on his knee, "That Empire reminds me so much of how Rakia used to be... I just wanna tweak their nose a little too."
I chuckled, "Yeah, true enough. Thinking on it though..."
"Oh? Someone else in mind?"
"Yeah. Though she might not help, there's no harm in asking for sure." A certain serpent-haired young woman came to mind. "I also know that there's mer-folk that trade regularly with the Empire, and being an underwater nation, never had to worry about getting taken over."
"Njord would kiss you if you got a bunch of them through the Gate!" Welf laughed, "Or well, try to kiss you."
"Ha-chan would kick him in the shin first." I laughed, "Anyhow. We've done our best... Now I have one more task on the other side of the Gate before we get Lelei to close it for a while."
"Just don't get stuck there huh? Or cursed again. We don't have much more of that scale left."
We made it back across to Fort Alnus just before dinner time. Not being mean, and wanting to maybe tip the odds a little more in my favour, I made sure to get them all something to eat and drink before we'd left Orario.
After the crossing, we stopped our wagons in front of the Gate, and I gave the Commander (and Itami, since he was standing just behind him) a salute.
"I have returned." I said, using the 'native' language, "And they have not refused my offer. They have all been given the tokens, and know the rules to follow."
The Commander, no fool, also used the 'native' language, so the Tourists wouldn't feel left out of the conversation, or think we were trying to hide something, "Very well. We have set up almost all of the temporary shelters, and the supply of food for the expected refugees has been put away." He looked past me, to the wagons Ryuu and Maki were driving, "We also have a handful of escorts waiting at the camp site."
The Commanded and I shared a nod, and he looked back to Itami. Oddly enough, none of the Girls were around, but he still stepped forward, "Ah, welcome back. Let's get off base, and we'll show you what we've done in half a day."
Not one to skip on a free ride, he started to walk alongside my wagon until I offered him a hand up. Once again proving smarter than he looked, he asked quietly (still in the native language, since I had people right behind me in the wagon) "How do you think it went? Think they noticed all the differences?"
"How all the races get along? Or the better food? The lack of slavery? Or Gods who don't suck?"
"Basically all of the above." Itami scratched the back of his head nervously, "Speaking of?"
"Hardy's effort to curse me has failed. Giselle is settling in perfectly. And we've already gotten a bunch of raw materials to their potential new home. Just needs people to make it into something." I replied, "We've already got the three Ribhus falling over themselves to help with planning things like pipes, roads and irrigation."
"Well, we'll do our best to see them safely across." He nodded.
A trip out of the Base (pausing only long enough to pick up my two crates), then down the long ramp, through the town at the base of the hill, then to the edge of the massive 'killing field'.
It didn't look like the site of a war zone anymore though. No, now it looked almost like a Roman camp. The canvas, square based tents had been set up in neat rows, with about a pace between them. Various 'extras' had been put up as well, like outhouses, little campfire 'squares', a few empty clearings that were probably for 'general recreation', and way off to the side...
Most of a bath house?
I could see the tall and wide shouldered Ouka from here, helping pull a simple 'pulley crane' to lift up a heap of clay shingles for Chigusa and a couple of our random adventurers to lay out.
I looked behind me to the 'tourists', and they were mostly in shock. I hoped that maybe, they saw how serious I was.
And again, Itami gave me a hand, "We are almost done setting up. Mikoto-san thinks the bath will be set up by tomorrow afternoon, latest, so long as we finish diverting a bit of the river this way. She and a couple of other adventurers are working on that now, and if we can get our engineers on it, it should even be a hot bath house."
"Should keep everyone who comes over clean." I nodded, "Medicine make it over too?"
"Yup. Those antidote potions taste terrible, but wow do they work." He laughed, "Oh... You wouldn't happen to know about a bunch of Yao's people camping out here, would you?"
"They've abandoned Hardy, so I figured they'd make good security."
He gave me a moment of 'squint eye', but nodded, "Okay. Anyhow... This is my stop."
"Oh, here." I handed Itami one of the 'coin' pouches we'd set aside, "Make sure everyone involved in helping people get here knows what to look for."
"Good plan. Gonna be by the bath house if you need me for something last minute."
"Just tell them I'll be back tomorrow."
I watched him trot away in the direction of the bath house project, then met eyes with the two Tourists behind me, "I wasn't expecting the Dark Elves quite so soon. But I'll explain when we get to the edge of the field."
"Giselle, Hardy's Apostle, is on your world?"
"No. I stole Giselle, Hardy's EX-apostle, after letting Hardy possess my body, then hurting myself to force her to leave me." I said, "You aren't the only one who can't tolerate how the Gods act around here."
One looked surprised, the other angry, "You would harbour someone who's ki-"
"Someone who has been forsaken by their Gods, shunned by the People, and had no other place to go? Yes, I bloody well would harbour someone like that. She left this world behind, and is doing her best to live a new life. Now all she has to worry about is learning to read and write the local language of Orario, and not get nibbled on by the animals she's taking care of."
There was a bit of tension, but those who were listening turned away from me first. A short while later, I spotted Yao, with almost a dozen robed figures, who's only clue to their origins showed in the dark skin over their arms.
"Lady Kodori." She greeted, "As you requested, these are some of my available clan mates. Others will arrive at best speed, but..."
"Ma'am Yao." I greeted in return, then looked to the cloaked figures, who's only other distinguishing marks were the well made weapons they were carrying. Everything from a short axe to a long sword, and of course, bows. "Do they understand the deal?"
"Yes. They will wait for any families, and escort them back here safely." Yao nodded.
"Excellent. Here." I hopped off the wagon and handed her another pouch of coins we'd set aside, "Make sure to do your best."
"Of course. We will show you that we can 'work to eat' as well as anyone in your world." She smiled.
I met the eyes under each of those shadowy hoods, then turned back to the wagons. "From here, you are free to do as you please." I announced. "So long as you follow the rules, you are safe on this side of the Row Stream. Otherwise, I have one last gift for you all."
Maki and Ryuu turned and said something to the ones nearest them, and as one, all of our guests stood up and looked under their seats. Built into the wagon bed, the simple bench they'd been sitting on was actually storage. There were little surprised noises as the Tourists started pulling out things. Orario's version of a 'mass produced' traveller's cloak. A super simple belt (that would be just big enough for some, or be usable as a shirt for the Kobold), and a water skin.
"If any of you want to drive the wagons, go ahead. Please don't harm the horses." I continued, taking my crate of books and the super cursed mini-crate off the wagon and putting them down at my feet, "In a few days, there will be JSDF and these Dark Elves waiting in plain sight in as many villages and towns as they can manage. If any of you send people their way, have them show the coin, and they'll be brought here." I motioned back towards the tents, "Shelter, food, water and medicine will be provided, and, I hope that all of you return with them as well."
I didn't know if 'giving someone a head start to get away' was a thing in this world. But that's what I was doing. The JSDF and Elves would let them wander off unseen, so they could either go back to fighting, or not.
"And what will you be doing?" The Pooka asked, looking almost classy somehow in his new uncoloured cloak.
"You all saw what my world is offering you. But I want all of your races to thrive there, like they once did here. I've heard about the slums near Sadera. If the Empire won't take care of its people, then I will."
Ryuu, Maki, Kaede and I watched as the two wagons vanished in different directions from the Camp. "If I could taste it, I'd offer to raise a glass or something." Kaede said.
"I think you got through to most of them." Maki said, giving my shoulder a tap with her knuckles, then hugging the first of my tails to visit, "Yes you are a good tail."
"We can only hope they accept the hand we offer. You are off to Rondel now?" Ryuu asked, "Did you want someone to come with you?"
"Unless he broke his hip, or maybe even if he did, Cato is waiting there, probably with Lelei and Arpeggio. But I hardly think I need an escort this time." I took a deep breath, then summoned one of my foxes. A moment later, it was as big as a horse, and after another breath, there was a second one just like it. "I'll run around the mountain at top speed. It will be faster than the glider, and I should make it by nightfall."
"I'll..." Kaede paused, "Can I come with you?"
I nodded, "Sure."
"Ryuu and I will go back to the Slums. I got a good look at the place before that thing happened, and if I can find the fishmonger again I might be able to get in contact with a pod of merfolk. Otherwise, I'd bet Misery would know all about any locals wanting to make the trip." Maki grinned, "You really don't mess around, do you?"
"Hestia-sama of Earth called me a true believer. And you know, I really want to live up to that." I nodded, giving Kaede a pat on the shoulder and making a third fox for her. She deserved it, even if I wasn't her role model.
We did one last equipment check, used a crystal to tell Mikoto 'the plan', and started towards our goals.
NOTES!
Well folks? We're getting close to the end of 'Act 1' of this fanfic. There's a little more left to do, then some well deserved time in the dungeon (you know, this IS a danmachi fanfic, it should have dungeon stuff in it!), then what I hope is 'the mass exodus'.
I'm pretty sure the website is still kinda broken, so any votes I do will be either through the comments, or on my Discord!
Just how successful will this little project be? How large will the 'migration' be? Give me a rough percent value, and maybe it will happen? Anyhow.
Thank you for reading! And if you want to see any full colour art, join the discord!
aKAQg4bnYu for the discord!
And my actual book, Were Too? is on Inkitt.
