CHAPTER 17: Japan's Capital
Unknown Place
"Are we there yet?"
"You've been asking that for the sixth time since we've left Iga!" Cagalli exclaimed.
"Honestly speaking, I think we're lost" Kira admitted as they passed a river where they stopped for a short break.
"Perhaps we should've gotten the map from Mizukage-sama before we left?" Lacus regretted.
"But it's sort of too late now. I thought that Kira knew the way there so I told her that we don't need a map" Shinn said.
"Unfortunately I really don't know the way there, I've never even catch a glimpse of the capital before"
"I hope we can get there faster, these civilian clothes are really uncomfortable" Cagalli complained. "I want a bath"
"You'll get your bath the first thing we reached there, but for now, can't we at least figure out where we are?"
"Kira, shouldn't you know where we are? Since both you and Lacus lived somewhere in this area as well during those times of hiding?" Athrun asked.
"Oh!" Lacus stood up. "Kira, we could ask Mr. Waltfeld the way to the capital! Since he went there before, I believe he should know the way and what's more, his place isn't too far from here either"
"Alright, let's pay him a visit then" Kira agreed.
Iga Village: Hokage Office
"What?!"
"There's no need to sound so surprised, Yunna" Siegel said as he sat at his desk.
"But how could you trust my honey with them?! You should've sent me along!"
"Yunna, like I told you earlier, Shinn and Stellar are with her, so there's nothing to worry about"
"Excuse me" Lenore enters the office.
"You're …" Yunna looked shocked. "Mizukage-sama?!"
"At least you know me just by looking at me" She said, feeling annoyed. "I wonder what makes you think that my shinobi can't take care of the Iga princess"
"Oh erm … my apologies" Yunna said as he stood aside.
"What brings you here, Lenore?" Siegel asked.
"My men and I are leaving the village, so I'm here to bid you farewell"
"Let me send you off'
"No thank you, we need to keep our makeup after so many years, private just in case there're capital spies around to keep an eye on us, so we'll just leave"
"If you insist, Yunna watch them and make sure nothing happen to them when they leave. And don't make it look so obvious that you're making sure that they're safe"
"What?!"
"You heard me! Unless you would like some punishment to make your sense of hearing better" Siegel roared.
"Er, understood" Yunna stepped beside the door. "This way please, Mizukage-sama"
"Thank you" Lenore said as she stepped out of the office, followed by Yunna.
Silent Mountains
"Long time no see my young apprentices" Andrew welcomed them.
"It's good to see you well sensei" Kira said with a smile. "Mizukage-sama was worried about you"
"Lenore?" Andrew laughed. "Since when she started to learn to worry for me? She's always bragging about how lazy I was back then. Seems like the hostilities between both villages have been solved, judging by these two from Iga while the other two from Koga"
"I'm Cagalli Yula Attha, Kira's sister"
"Athrun Zala" Athrun introduced himself. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Waltfeld"
"Oh, the son of Lenore! You do have the eyes of your mother though" Andrew exclaimed. "And you both are ..."
"I'm Shinn, Shinn Asuka"
"Stellar, Stellar Loussier"
"Nice to meet you both as well" Andrew smiled. "So why did you bring your friends to see me?"
"Erm, it's not that. We've got a mission to investigate on what's going on in the capital"
"Finally taking action huh? So you need someone to tell you the way?"
"Yes, we've been lost for the past few hours so we decided to ask you since you lived nearby"
"Hmm, it's risky to go to the capital but I trust that you guys are smart enough to keep out of trouble" Andrew pointed over the mountain. "It's over there"
"Over the mountains?!"
"Yeah, I discovered it when I was younger, as I was feeling curious on what's beyond there. Just go to the submit and you'll be able to see the capital"
"That seems really far"
"Do you guys want to stay here for the night?"
"No thanks, sensei" Lacus replied politely. "Not this time, we're under a rather tight schedule this time. Mizukage-sama and father are waiting for our reports"
"I see, be careful there. Most important thing is not to trust anyone there, unless you're talking about directions around the capital that is, of course"
"Do you mean that …" Shinn started, but Andrew finished the sentence for him.
"The capital is huge? Yes, its hell of big, one of the biggest places you've ever seen in this region. But don't worry so much if you guys get lost in there. It's common for those who visit the capital for the first time. But don't wander alone also"
"Got it, thanks!"
Koga Village: Mizukage Office
"Any news from them yet?"
"Not yet, Mizukage-sama. I don't think they've reached the capital yet so please be patient" Mwu answered.
"I can't stop but feeling uneasy for sending Athrun, Cagalli and Kira there"
"Don't worry too much Mizukage-sama. I'm sure they'll be alright; after all they're the type that won't get killed so easily. But if you feel uneasy, perhaps backup can help?"
"No, it'll arouse too much suspicion. Guess I've got no choice but to wait for their replies"
Capital: Unknown Office
"Are you there?"
"Yes, Mr. Muruta" Rau enters the room.
"How're they doing?"
"The other Sannin of Koga is still alive"
"Really?"
"Yes, I saw his apprentice back in those woods, who's talented I admit"
"So the issue between the villages have been settled down?!"
"Seems that way sir"
"So what's their next move?"
"I haven't check in that area sir"
"Check it out. If they intend to send any shinobi here to settle the scores or investigate anything, kill them all"
"As you wish" Rau gave an evil smile as he leaves the office.
Japan's Capital
"Wow" Athrun whispered under his voice as they stared at the entrance of the capital. "This place is indeed huge! Just judge the size of the entrance"
"Finally I can take a bath!" Cagalli exclaimed. "Shall we go look for an inn?"
"Alright, Stellar wants a bath too!" Stellar agrees as they walked into the capital.
"Kira?" Lacus stopped as she noticed Kira not moving.
"Something's not right"
"What is?"
"I just recalled something from my childhood. And when I think of it now … it feels as if I've known Rau Le Creusset somewhere … somehow …"
"But how could that be possible?" Lacus asked.
"Kira!" Cagalli's shout breaks him out of his thoughts. "If you're not coming along, we'll be leaving you behind!"
"Wait up!" Kira answered as he took Lacus' hand and ran after them.
"This place is really amazing" Shinn admired as he looked around.
"Yeah, it's not called the capital for nothing"
"There's an inn!" Stellar called out
Capital Inn
The inn was bigger than those found in Iga and Koga. The group admired the size as they approached the counter.
"May I help you travelers?"
"Yes, we would like to have some of the rooms that are vacant"
"Oh sure" The innkeeper calculated the amount on his abacus and showed it to Cagalli.
"No way!" She thought "It's too expensive!"
Kira was able to tell what she was thinking and answered before she did. "Erm, we would just like 2 rooms please"
"2 rooms, here" The innkeeper recalculated the amount on his abacus and gave them the keys as they paid for the rooms.
"It's so expensive" Shinn whispered as they make their way upstairs to their room.
"Yeah, since this place is so advanced, but why is the inn keeper using an abacus when their technology is so advanced I wonder. I thought they would be using something more special"
"Perhaps he's on budget?" Cagalli guessed.
"You girls take this room" Athrun pointed out. "We'll take this one beside it"
"Wait Athrun, I want that room!" Cagalli argued.
"What's the difference?!"
"That room has a better side view of the city!"
"Okay fine …" Athrun gave in as the other two girls laughed at the corner.
"Would that really be fine with you 3 guys?" Lacus asked as Cagalli entered the room she chose.
"It's fine. We're not as fussy" Kira answered as Shinn opened the door of the other room. "We'll go over in 30 minutes for a short meeting, after we unpack"
Koga Village: Mizukage Office
Mwu entered as Lenore started to speak.
"News about them?"
"Not yet I'm afraid, Mizukage-sama. But you've a special guest"
"A guest?"
"Yes, madam" Mwu replied as the man enters.
"You're …" Lenore said in surprised.
"It's been … hmm … I think less than 20 years?" Andrew stated.
"Yes, I guess so. What brings you here?"
"Heard about the mission you gave my apprentices"
"Your apprentices? You came across them?"
"They came to me to ask for directions to the capital, and I've heard it from Kira"
Lenore laughed slightly. "And here I am wondering if they'll be fine since Shinn said that they don't need a map to find their way there"
"Let's get straight to the point" Andrew started to speak seriously. "Why did you send them there since you know that it'll be dangerous?"
"I believe in their skill that is. After all, I didn't assign them to engage in combat"
"But have you thought about what were to happen to them if they came across Rau? According to Kira, Rau has seen his face, as well as Lacus' face"
"Hmm" Lenore stared at the ground pondering.
"I thought you'll be more careful when you assign an assignment like this" Andrew then smiled slightly. "But it seems like you're still rather careless like in the past"
"So what do you suggest?"
"I'll go … and I shall watch their back"
"That's not advisable; Rau will be able to recognize you at the first glance"
"I don't think so" He smiled more broadly.
I've posted earlier than expected, since I just wanted to quickly get the idea on document before it flies out my mind. Exams are now over and the 1 month holiday has begun. Hopefully I can finish up as much of this story as possible during this school vacation. Unfortunately, I can't really estimate how many chapters are left to the end still ...
Reviews are welcomed, as always!