Chapter 8
To say that the capital was in an uproar was an understatement. Tensions had been so high, even Bell could sense that a single spark was more than enough to throw the Far East into Civil War. The kidnapping of the heir from an illustrious family was not something that could be hidden under the rug, especially not with so many witnesses. It was like spitting at the face of the cooperation the Far East managed to establish thus far. It appeared the fault was solely on Tsukoyomi's shoulders, as her high ranking children were directly involved. Surprisingly enough, the god Susanoo, from what he heard, was enraged from the news and denied any involvement. Bell was inclined to believe, as the god was ready to wage war on his own faction, which was ironically one of the reasons a Civil War didn't already happen yet. The other reason however was more surprising.
The woman pressing her head against the cold floor, kneeling with a perfectly still body did not care for the incredulous stares she was receiving in the Sanjouno territory. No matter how much Amaterasu was choking or the man called Take-Mikazuchi was gaping, no matter how much the head of the family glared or the other guests, like Bell and Kojiro, were confused, she did not waver whatsoever. Her long black hair, tied into a ponytail moved with her shaking head, the fabric of her white kimono which covered her entire body not gaining a single wrinkle.
"I truly apologize for the foolishness of my children. I am ready to pay whatever reparations you demand of me," Tsukoyomi announced once more, keeping her head low. The two individuals behind her, features hidden behind white veils and a hood mirrored their goddess as they knelt behind her. "My orders were to wait and observe when we found out about the ability of your daughter. However I take full responsibility for not keeping a tighter leash on my children."
For a goddess to lower her head like this, discarding her pride to avoid conflict... it certainly put the people in this room on the spot. The fellow gods and the Sanjouno head even more so.
"How did you find out?" Amaterasu asked, not bothering to hide her skeptical glare. Bell was surprised she was capable of such a twisted expression. There had to be some history between them. In response Tsukoyomi raised her head, slowly but controlled, a wry smile on her face.
"People always gossip. I do make sure the information isn't spread around. More than even before anyway."
"Hmph. See that you do." The Sanjouno head scoffed as he shook his head in open disdain "I am only merciful because my heir wasn't hurt whatsoever."
"You truly are wise and merciful, Lord Sanjouno," Tsukoyomi said in gratitude. Yet as she bowed once more, Amaterasu crossed her arms as she leaned forward
"So you have nothing to do with this, huh?"
The goddess of the moon chuckled politely, hiding her mouth behind her sleeve as her eyes glinted with amusement.
"Naturally. Do you think I am so foolish to commit such an dishonorable crime?"
"Oh, not this disaster. But-"
"Amaterasu!" The fellow god, a handsome looking man with a rather weird hairstyle in Bell's eyes, hissed at her. Said goddess rolled her eyes in exasperation but at their host's cough she sighed.
"Pah. Fine, Take." She glanced at her counterpart. "Where's the bastard anyway?"
Tsukoyomi giggled. It wasn't a nice one, as it sent a shiver down Bell's spine, the malice not being hidden at all.
"Oh, he's...dealt with."
She giggled, shaking her head a few times. It was like she was referring to a private joke, only that it was probably a lot more gruesome and terrifying than other jokes Bell would prefer. He gulped as the atmosphere grew heavy. Fortunately their host had enough as well. With a loud snap of his fan, he pointed at the moon goddess with a glare.
"Leave now. I will send the details of your punishment later."
"Of course."
With not a wasted movement, she and her retainers stood up and left, just like the Sanjouno head after he gave the other gods a small nod. He didn't even spare a look for Kojiro and Bell. The latter couldn't help but shrink a bit while the former chuckled quietly.
Suffice to say, Haruhime's father did not like them at all. Bell even more so. In a sense he could understand. He did put her in danger. However whatever guilt he felt was evaporated by the knowledge that Haruhime was a prisoner once more. The moment her family got her back, she was stuck inside her room, security having taken ludicrous levels. She barely had time to catch up with her friends from the Take-Mikazuchi familia before she was taken.
Suffice to say the dislike with the Sanjouno head was mutual. However only one person was audacious enough to voice it out in his own territory.
"Asshole. Not even pretending to be nice."
The mood got lighter after Amaterasu dropped her "goddess persona" as she leaned back with a scoff, stretching her legs with no regard for manners. Bell blushed a bit as he avoided staring at her legs.
"Now that the politics are out of the way... "
Amaterasu gave the two of them a wide smile, warmth radiating befitting for a sun goddess.
"Thank you."
"We are in your debt," Take-Mikazuchi lowered his head as well in gratitude. Unlike with the moon goddess, Bell felt embarrassed. After all, these were good people. With frantic hand waves he stood up, his face turning flustered.
"P-please raise your heads!"
"Yes, we have done nothing noteworthy." Kojiro chuckled before shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, our dear patron believes so anyway."
"Bah, he can have a say once he has that stick outta his ass."
Bell and Take-Mikazuchi gasped shock as she waved her hand dismissively. The former looked around, nervously anticipating some sort of karma striking her own. Meanwhile the latter raised his finger and put them on his lips with with a glare
"Amaterasu!"
"What? You know I'm right!"
It said something that he didn't refute her indignation and settled for a glare. It intensified when the goddess laughed smugly with her hands on her hips. Then turning to Bell she tilted her head.
"So. Thought about my offer?"
"I offer the same, even if I am just a low ranking god in this place."
"'sides, with you around, I'm sure Haruhime would be happy."
He blinked. For a moment he didn't know what they were talking about. Then he remembered and blushed. Right. Amaterasu did offer him a spot in her familia. He completely forgot about it, with everything that was going on. Strangely enough... He already knew his answer. The way his heart burned, at his original plans. So even with great hesitation, his answer was resolute as he bit his lip.
"I... I'm honored by these offers. And it's not like I don't want to see her again… " He took a deep breath before shaking his head. "But... I have to refuse."
For some reason, the gods didn't look surprised. Instead there was just acceptance, even if Amaterasu sighed, shaking her head.
"Figures."
"May I ask why?" Take-Mikazuchi asked in a polite tone. Bell cleared his throat, scratching the back of his head.
"I think I want to join a Familia in Orario. It... just feels right. It's where I want to make my real start, if I'm making any sense?"
"I follow my young master's lead," Kojiro added, smiling at Bell. His heart fluttered. While it was just his paranoia, he sort of expected Kojiro to remain here. He just seemed to fit in the Far East more. Naturally he felt relieved.
"We can respect that." Take-Mikazuchi pointed at himself with with a smile. "Though we have been planning to travel to Orario in the future. Perhaps we will see each other there then."
"So I guess that means you're leaving after all? No last second thoughts about staying and stealing Haruhime away?" Amaterasu asked, wiggling her eyebrows as Bell felt his face heat up. As she laughed at his reaction he poured a bit. Sure, Haruhime was pretty but she was just a friend! Was that so hard to believe compared to the love stories in his books?
"Ryoma has been organizing it for today. He's surely waiting for us already," Kojiro explained, staring at the outside, at the rising sun. Bell bit his lip at the thought. It was organized rather fast. Not that he was angry. At the time before Tsukoyomi arrived, there was genuine concern they'd be stuck in here for a while if tensions got out of control. Thus they needed to hurry and organize their transport. Said transport which they couldn't just cancel now.
"Well. Guess this is it." Amaterasu ruffled Bell's hair with a smirk. "Don't be strangers! If I don't hear any news from you, I will bribe Oryou to drag you back here!"
"Feel free to send letters when you can."
With those heartfelt words from the Far Eastern gods, they left the Sanjouno territory behind. Left Haruhime behind. Bell tried to not think about her, as he grit his teeth in frustration. Leaving like this without saying goodbye felt wrong. But he couldn't just break her out. Not after what happened. She deserved some peace and quiet after all. Rationalising it like that didn't help with the ache in his heart however. Shaking his head he blinked the forming tears away and tried to smile.
"It feels like we've been here for a lifetime."
"Well, exciting times to feel long I suppose," Kojiro casually commented. Bell laughed a bit. As always, his teacher was so relaxed. Yet he felt he needed to share those words as he looked up at the sky.
"...I'm glad we came here. I feel like I'd be missing something if I went for Orario straight away."
"Hm. This journey has been valuable indeed. To my pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to learn the things I did." He glanced at Bell with a smile. "Thanks to you."
Bell laughed as he felt his face heat up. With a deep breath, he shook his head before taking in the city one last time. The clothes of the people. The smell of the food. The way the buildings were built, the native language they sometimes spoke that he couldn't quite understand. It was going to be strange. To leave behind a culture like this, that was so different from the mainlands. While he would appreciate more familiar food and what not... he would surely always remember the Far East, keeping it in a spot of his heart. Honestly he couldn't imagine a life where he didn't experience this. To know how different the world could be. Maybe it was just him being a bit too emotional, but Bell truly felt he took a step closer to the stories his grandpa told him about. How heroes wandered the lands, discovering new sights as they saved the day. He couldn't say he exactly did the latter, as Kojiro, Ryoma and Oryou did the heavy lifting. Still, he was glad he was a part of it, even if just as a minor footnote.
So lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice that they already arrived outside the walls. Wagons were being loaded up, with many goods and riches being secured. The guards seemed professional, but also easy going in a sense, as they casually talked with smiles. It was then that one individual noticed them and walked towards them. Bell couldn't supress the shiver going down his spine and he tried his best not to step back. He didn't even know why.
The young woman, just a bit taller than Bell, walking up to them didn't seem like much. It was like a person trying to fit in, but not quite hitting the mark. What stood out was that she wore a black business suit. It gave an air of professionalism, especially with the white gloves, if it weren't for the rest of her appearance. She didn't seem "native" to the Far East, her features being more common in the mainland. Her black hair was in a disheveled ponytail, giving her a tired look as there were also bags under her eyes. Not to mention how her smile was strained, as if it took great strength to maintain it.
"Excuse... me?" She asked, voice unbelievably soft as she tilted her head, twitching a bit. "Cranel and... Sasaki?"
If it was someone else, he'd consider it cute. The small voice that made him think of a sheltered princess, the disorderly look giving the impression of a hardworking, but clumsy young woman. The awkward way she tried to move her body to be social. However... for some reason, Bell just felt uneasy in her presence. No, it was like he was looking at something that shouldn't exist, that the world screamed at him that she was unnatural. The moment the thought entered his mind, he felt guilt boil up in his heart. Why was he judging her like this? He didn't even know her. Perhaps it had something to do with her domain as a goddess or something like that. With a deep breath, he stepped forward and extended a hand, a smile on his face.
"That's us! Nice to meet you!"
She blinked for a moment. Then, she showed her teeth, her eye twitching as she did so. Honestly, it felt like he was being stared at by a mysterious creature, considering if he was prey or not. But Bell pushed that irrational thought away. She must've been happy that she was greeted like this. After all, her hand was rather delicate as she carefully grasped his hand and shook his head, stiff as she was.
"My name... is Nyx. I'm the merchant t-that owns this... Night Company. We will...escort you to the har...bor," she explained slowly, giving a hesitant nod towards Kojiro, who returned it with crossed arms.
"Thank you for having us."
"Sorry for being a bother, hehe," Bell said, laughing a bit as he scratched the back of his head. Nyx shook her head slowly, coughing a bit.
"Having guests... is nice. Don't... w-worry about i-it... " She bowed before turning around towards the caravan. "Take your t-time."
"She seemed nice.."
"Hm."
Bell turned to Kojiro who frowned at the retreating back of Nyx. With some concern, he tugged at his sleeve.
"Kojiro?"
The man in question sighed before shaking his head.
"Nothing."
Bell frowned. It couldn't be just nothing. Before he could push his teacher however, fast footsteps approached from their side. Turning to the source, they spotted Ryoma and Oryou waving at them.
"Ah, good, you didn't leave yet!"
"Ryoma! Oryou"
"Good to see you."
"Sup."
They exchanged some pleasantries, but Bell couldn't focus as his eyes were drawn to the items Oryou was carrying.
"I can't let you leave without any farewell gifts…" Ryoma muttered before presenting the largest clothed item towards Kojiro with both of his hands. The swordsman blinked before smiling brightly as he unwrapped it. Bell let out a sound of amazement as his eyes sparkled.
The sword was long. Extremely so. Give or take 150 centimeters, protected in a beautiful purple sheathe. There was no guard of any sorts on it, making it a weapon for extreme aggression and dexterity. Never to face the enemy head on, but to turn this long weapon into a deadly whirlwind. Kojiro put the sheathe on his back, before taking out the blade over his shoulder. Reflecting the sun on its silver like steel, Kojiro moved the sword a few times, admiring its craftsmanship.
"What do you think? We only had enough time for either clothes or weapons, and I assumed you would prefer this."
In response, Kojiro grasped the handle with both of his hands and cut the air a few times. With its reach, even greater force was generated at its tip. Yet even with the heaviness it should have, he swung it around as if it was made from wood. After a few times, he sheathed the weapon and nodded in approval.
"Length is just to my liking. Weight is excellent."
"So this suffices to gain the name of Monohoshizao?" Ryoma asked with a knowing smile. Bell's eyes sparkled. What a cool name!
"It is an excellent Laundry Drying Pole, yes," Kojiro responded, chuckling to himself. Meanwhile Bell almost fell flat on his face.
... what an uncool name! No wonder grandpa never translated titles properly, if they sounded like that! It would take the magic away from the unknown!
"And here. For you, Bell."
"Eh?" He pointed at himself when Ryoma presented him with similar clothed items, this time two, but shorter in length. Before he could even say anything, the Peacemaker revealed the weapons, taking away Bell's breath. Just like Kojiro, he received two Far Eastern blades. The difference was that they were way shorter, varying in size. The longer weapon was in a pure white sheathe with a golden guard, while the shorter one was protected in red, lacking such a guard.
"A katana and a wakizashi. The combination is commonly known as Daisho. I believe it'll serve you well."
How much did these weapons cost? Even to his untrained eye, he could tell that these were high quality weapons. The amount of effort and time spent to make these things... he was excited to use them. But he also felt unworthy. With great reluctance, he began to shake his head.
"I can't-"
However, he was immediately rejected. Ryoma put his hand on his shoulder, patting him with a smile.
"A rising star needs weapons. I would feel bad if you left without any souvenirs." He winked playfully at him. "Consider it a reward for being Haruhime's friend."
Never reject gifts. Grandpa taught him that. Still, it didn't feel right. These were weapons for true warriors. Heroes even. He was just not worthy. With a deep breath, he nodded in determination, lips quivering. Taking the weapons, he holstered them at his hip. So he just had to become worthy! Sniffing back tears, he bowed his head, eyes clenched shut.
"Thank you so much!"
"Where do you want to go next?" Ryoma asked as Bell wiped his tears. He shared a look with Kojiro, who shrugged nonchalantly. Honestly, a part of him desired to go to Orario right away... yet he still felt he was too inexperienced. So in the end, he decided to stick to the plan. With a smile, he laughed awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well, Rakia is on the way. I heard how great it's supposed to be."
The Military Country. A nation type Familia that was its own kingdom, located in the western part of the mainland. From what he heard, it grew leaps beyond its own history since fifteen years ago, having come close to conquering the high elves themselves apparently among other things. While intimidating, he also heard good things of their growth in terms of culture and technology. Suffice to say, he was rather interested in how a "kingdom" like that would look like. Ryoma seemed to approve of his interest, a knowing smile on his face as he nodded with crossed arms.
"Oh, it definitely is."
"Anything you know?" Kojiro asked, raising his eyebrow. The Peacemaker tapped his chin a few times before shaking his head, adjusting his head with a chuckle.
"I'll keep it as a surprise."
"Hah! Never knew you were such a tease!"
They all shared a laugh, Bell's more subdued than the others. Ryoma noticed, his laughter stopping as he gave the young man a concerned look.
"What's wrong?"
For a moment, Bell considered lying. But after such gifts and what the man did for him, he decided to be honest, as much as the truth hurt. So lowering his head, he sighed, his voice becoming quiet.
"...I guess I wanted to see Haruhime one last time…"
The mood turned more somber as Ryoma adjusted his head. However before he could offer words of empathy, Oryou hit her palm with her fist. The gesture caused the men to blink at her in confusion as she nodded to herself, huffing proudly.
"Ah. Knew I forgot something. Be right back."
Ryoma could barely open his mouth when his wife grabbed his arm and promptly jumped up. The dust explosion pushed Bell onto his back as he screamed in shock, quickly followed by violent coughing as the dirt entered his lungs.
"What was that about?" Kojiro asked, clearing his throat as the dust began to settle. Bell, with tears in his eyes, shook his head.
"I don't know but I have a bad feeling about this... "
A few minutes later and his instinct proved itself to be correct. Just as they were beginning to ponder if they should just leave or not, they heard it. It sounded like a panicked scream, coming closer and closer from... above? The two snapped their heads up, tensing up when the black like projectile crashed down on them. Panicked screams sounded in the caravan and weapons were drawn.
"It's fine!" Ryoma shouted, waving his arms to stop them. Waving his hand in front of himself as Bell coughed, the dust began to clear. The picture it showed was bizarre to say the least.
"Oryou Special Delivery~," the Mizuchi announced, puffing up her cheeks with pride and sparkling eyes. Meanwhile the girl in her arms, carried bridal style, was shaking, pale as a ghost as she held onto Oryou's clothes with a vice grip. Bell's eyes almost bulged out at the sight as he rushed to her side.
"Haruhime?!"
Oryou promptly put the poor girl down, who immediately proceeded to lie flat on her stomach, pressing her face against the ground as she hyperventilated.
"A-a-a-a-a m-m-moment p-p-please…" She stuttered, eyes clenched as she enjoyed the hard dirty ground as Bell was fussing over her, not sure what to do with his arms. Meanwhile Ryoma turned to Oryou, rubbing his forehead with a groan as he adjusted his clothes, messy thanks to his wife's fast speed.
"Amaterasu is going to lose her mind."
Oryou, either ignoring his mood or not seeing it, flashed a thumbs up, letting out pleased grunts as her mouth was hidden by her scarf. It was then that the realization kicked in. Seeing that Haruhime was starting to calm down, he turned to Oryou, trying to hold back the shiver at glaring at a level 6 and pointed at her in accusation.
"Why did you kidnap her?!"
She already got into trouble for going outside without permission! Now this?! The city was just about to calm down thanks to Tsukoyomi's surprising concessions! Just as he was about to take a step forward, something held onto his sleeve. Turning around, he saw Haruhime slowly shake her head as she rose up.
"It... it was my request," she said, dusting herself off.
"Is it a kidnapping if you request it?" Kojiro tilted his head. The Renard blushed, coughing into her knuckle.
"Nevermind the definition." A sad smile appeared on her face as she held onto Bell's hands. "I couldn't just stay back while you leave."
"Haruhime... I-"
"Don't apologize," she cut him off, a bit too quick. She closed her eyes, taking a shivering breath. Then, she lowered her head, smile turning more frail. "You have to follow your own path, don't you?"
Bell bit his lips. With the guilt dwelling up in his heart, he wanted to deny her. That he wanted to stay. In a way, he could see himself remaining in the Far East. After all, wasn't his dream of becoming a hero, of becoming a maiden in the dungeon simply the naive and selfish wish of a young boy not wanting to be alone? Shouldn't he just drop the pretenses and stay with the friend he made here? But then he saw the look in her eyes. They were beginning to tear up yet they were shining.
She believed in him and his foolish dream. And Bell realized that he still did so himself. With a self depreciating scoff, he smiled weakly.
"I do want to become an adventurer... "
"You'll do great. I just know it." She sniffed, looking away as her grip began to loosen. "I just wish... I could be there at your start... "
Choking back his own tears, he raised her hands up, making her look into his eyes in surprise.
"I'll tell you all about it! It's like you never left my side!" He shouted, as tears began to drop down. With a wide smile, he let go, before presenting his pinkie finger to her. "I promise we'll see each other again!"
Haruhime's eyes were wide, crying as well. Then, covering her mouth, she extended her own pinkie finger, nodding furiously as she tried to keep her composure, yet failing just as much as Bell.
"It's a promise then!"
Bell didn't know how long they cried, their arms wrapped around each other. Looking back, it was certainly embarrassing in a way, as others were seeing them. But in the end, it was needed. Releasing all the pent up emotions, for one final goodbye. At some point, they managed to calm down enough for Bell and Kojiro to finally enter their designated carriage. Still, even as the caravan began to move, the two of them were still looking out the back of the wagon, waving goodbye to their friends, new and old respectively.
"I'm glad that I met you! To call you my friend!" Haruhime shouted through her own tears, waving her arms frantically. "When we meet again, I swear I won't be a burden!"
"You never were one!" Bell yelled back, his voice cracking as his eyes burned once again.
"Send my regards to him when you meet!" Ryoma shouted cryptically. Yet Kojiro laughed, seemingly understanding what he meant as he waved back.
"Naturally! Good fortune for the next Sakamoto!"
"Wha-"
Bell laughed when he saw Oryou wrap her arms around her husband's neck, rubbing her cheek against his blushing face while raising her thumb at Kojiro.
"Appreciated!"
Bell was yelling words of goodbyes until the three locals began to disappear from his view. Coughing from the exhaustion, he slumped down, eyes growing heavy. He felt a hand brush his hair, a warm chuckle filling the air.
"Take some rest, young master. The journey has just begun."
With a small smile, Bell closed his eyes.
END OF ARC 1: HIDDEN DRAGON: FAR EAST
TO BE CONTINUED IN ARC 2: CENTER OF CIVILIZATION: RAKIA
