Pinkshuchan: LALIHO! Hey, it's Pinkshuchan again! I'm glad that a lot of people really like this story so far. Just want to point out again that if a character you really like doesn't appear right away, they will eventually. All pairings (Romantica, Egoist, and Terrorist) are in this story so if not soon then later on your favourite pairing will be in the story. Anyways, now that is done, onto the chapter! Enjoy!
Chapter 8
The Weapon's Master
The old woman wasn't kidding when she explained that the labyrinth was a challenge. Even what Hiroki said was true. As they moved through the labyrinth, walls would appear and disappear when they least expect it. It would often lead to confusion and eventually annoyance. With the walls changing whether you want them to or not, it was difficult to get through the labyrinth or even which way to go. Thank goodness they had Suzuki. He was always able to point to the strongest energy and which path would be the wisest, even after the walls change.
But it was only starting to get harder.
Out of the blue, when Hiroki was ahead with Suzuki, a wall appeared between Akihiko and Hiroki. Akihiko slammed on the wall, trying to get through but it was no use. The wall would not budge.
"Akihiko," Hiroki called out from the other side, "We have no choice but to split up for now. We'll try to meet up with each other. Can you summon another one of those bears to help you?"
"Of course I can," Akihiko replied, "I just haven't thought of summoning another one until now." And as suggested, he summoned another one like Suzuki but slightly smaller and darker. "With Suzuki #2, I'll try to meet up with you."
"One more thing Akihiko!" Hiroki called out before Akihiko went his own way, "If you happen to find the blacksmith before I do, mention my name. Even if he acts like a big idiot, he'll know the situation. Now hurry!"
Akihiko didn't need to be told twice. They went their separate ways through the labyrinth, determined to meet up again whether it's at the end or on the way. Like with the original Suzuki, Suzuki #2 was able to help Akihiko through the way. He made sure to move faster as he was not sure when another wall will block his path. But after a while of moving faster while following Suzuki #2, the walls themselves began to move faster. They had to keep moving if they were to get out.
They finally reached a room. Had they reached the end of the labyrinth? He was proven wrong when he saw another path beside him. He figured it was best to keep moving forward when something stopped his path.
Demons! They must've followed him into the labyrinth and prepared to corner him. He moved into a fighting stance and rushed into the horde. He dodged each attack by either ducking or jumping over the attack. He got cuts here and there but nothing serious. He was able to give blow after blow to each demon, destroying them in the process and resulted in them fading into the air.
But it was no use. There was too many of them and Akihiko was running low on energy with two demons summoned at once and with wasting energy on dashing through the labyrinth and now fighting the horde before him. He fell to the ground. He was close to defeat.
But then, a miracle happened. A demon faded away when struck by something. That something fell to the ground. It appeared to be an arrow. More and more demons were fading away when struck with arrows. The demons went after a new target and Akihiko took a glance on the new visitor.
A man Akihiko had never seen before stood there. He was a middle aged man holding a bow and carrying lots of items on his back and belt which appeared to be weapons. With his attire which involved a white long sleeved shirt, a grey vest, dark grey pants, and black boots, he appeared to be a man from Stahlern. Could he be…?
The demons roared before charging at him. But the man smirked. In a swift movement, he put the bow away and held a giant axe in his hands. He too charged at the demons and struck them with his axe. He could easily kill two of them with one swipe. He had taken a bunch down easily. One demon prepared a sneak attack on him, but the man outsmarted it and threw a dagger in its heart. All the demons were gone.
"Phew!" the man replied as he wiped his forehead with his sleeve, "That is always quite a workout whenever I fight them. Though I never expected to find demons lurking in these labyrinths." He looked over at Akihiko and his face darkened. "You! You're from Damonen, royalty no doubt."
Akihiko was shocked. How could he know? Suzuki #2, like the original Suzuki, was probably hiding somewhere while the battle was going on. Not only that, but from first glance he could already tell he was royalty. "What makes you say that?"
"Unusual attire not commonly seen in Stahlern would consider you're a foreigner," the man responded, "The attire itself is usually something you would see from a serious fighter from Damonen who has travelled a lot. And you wear violet and black, a colour combination mostly known for Damonen royals. But don't put too much thought into it. Not a lot of people would figure that out. I just happen to notice it since I've travelled a lot myself." He swiftly switched weapons again until a sword was now in his hand and aimed at Akihiko; the blade close to the latter's neck. "Now, care to explain to me what a Damonen royal wants with this labyrinth?"
"You are the blacksmith that lives in the town close to the border between Stahlern and Feuern, correct?"
"I am. What's your point? Does Damonen want anything from me? And why send a royal?"
"This is not involved with Damonen. I sought you and this labyrinth out for my own reasons. I've been told that this labyrinth may hold an item that I need known as the metal ore that never breaks."
Despite hearing the reason in Akihiko's words, the blacksmith's sword would not waver and kept its position near the silver haired man's nape. The raven haired man's grey eyes stared deep into Akihiko's, making sure to confirm that the words shared the same truth with his own violet eyes.
"And how am I involved with this?" the blacksmith asked.
"I seek freedom," Akihiko replied, "I was told to makes bonds with people of different continents and obtain certain items from said continents, then return to Damonen and fight my brother, the ruler of Damonen, in order to obtain it," He figured it wasn't going to help him much, so he remembered the trump card Hiroki recommended. "I know about you as you were requested by Hiroki."
The blacksmith lowered his sword at the name. "Hiroki?" he asked, "I had believed that he died with the rest of the citizens of Feuern."
"No, he is pretty much alive. He has accompanied me here to seek you out. We got separated as we tried searching for you through this labyrinth."
"It doesn't seem that you are lying," said the blacksmith, "However, I can't fully trust that you are telling the truth either. I will accompany you the rest of the way through the labyrinth to reach the end and then return back. If we find Hiroki on the way, I will consider your words truth and resume to accompany you until your task is complete. However, if we do not find him, I will consider your words false and you will die where you stand."
"Very well," Akihiko replied, "We should be able to find Hiroki. He has one of my demons with him, helping him find his way. I am not sure if he has already reached the end or not, but standing here will not assure anything."
The blacksmith nodded. "You are right. Best to keep going." He took out a compass from his pocket and looked at it, only to get frustrated. "Damn this labyrinth!" he cursed, "It's been messing up my compass. It's true what they say about compasses not working here."
"There's nothing to worry about," Akihiko assured him, "Suzuki #2 can sense the way through. I wouldn't have gotten this far if not for him. Suzuki #2, lead the way!"
Suzuki #2 nodded and led Akihiko and the blacksmith to the next section of the labyrinth, searching for the end of the labyrinth and for Hiroki. Once again, Akihiko's life was at stake, but he expected nothing less. His life would always be at stake as long as he seeks his freedom and until he obtains it. They ran as fast as they could through the labyrinth, encountering demons as they went. The blacksmith was able to use any weapon that suit the situation, while Akihiko struggled using his own bare hands. The blacksmith noticed this and handed what looked like a long metal stick to Akihiko.
"What is this?" he asked.
"That," the blacksmith answered, "is a staff. It will be a lot more useful to you than fighting using no weapon. You never know when you will encounter an enemy with a weapon difficult to block."
Akihiko took this into consideration and tried mastering the staff against the demons. It was a lot easier to use as he could still retain some distance and deal with his opponents. With this used, their way through the labyrinth was easier. Akihiko was in awe with the blacksmith. He knew which weapon is most effective during the situation and was able to switch in a breeze. He was indeed a weapon's master.
After a long way, they managed to reach the end. Both Akihiko and the blacksmith tried to catch their breath. They finally made it. They figured they were now safe from any more danger, but were proved wrong when Suzuki #2 squeaked and went to find a hiding place. Both men looked up and found that they were in trouble.
Standing before them was a golem made entirely out of metal. It laughed before it smashed its arm to the ground. Akihiko and the blacksmith dodged the attacks; Akihiko by rolling to the side and the blacksmith by jumping backwards. The golem tried another attack on the blacksmith but the latter blocked it with a mace. Once the monster was off guard, the blacksmith struck him with the mace. However, it not even made a scratch on it. The golem glared at the blacksmith and smashed him against the wall.
Now it was Akihiko's turn to land an attack. He struck lightning at the golem in hopes that it would take damage from that. But the lightning reflected off the golem's metal body and flew back to Akihiko, who dodged the attack. What could he do? There was no way to defeat this monster.
But he was proven wrong.
The golem was shot in the back from some sort of blast and fell down. Akihiko looked and saw who it was. It was Hiroki. He was able to find them. He smirked. "What would you do without me, huh Akihiko?"
Akihiko smirked back. He looked back at the golem, which was trying to get back on its feet. He noticed how the monster was weakened by Hiroki's attack. He knew what needed to be done.
"Hiroki, we'll need another blast of fire on this guy," he called out, "No other attacks will work on it."
"Alright then," Hiroki replied, preparing another blast, "TIME TO TAKE THIS MOTHERFUCKER DOWN!" He gave the monster another blast and it began to melt. The monster was defeated. With the monster out, both Suzuki and Suzuki #2 came out of their hiding places and began to dance around. Hiroki was about to say something to Akihiko when the blacksmith snuck up behind him and gave him a hug.
"Oh my little Hiroki!" he cried, "How I missed you! I thought that you might've died with the others but I'm glad you're okay!"
Hiroki growled and flipped the blacksmith over onto his back. "You stupid blacksmith! Don't ever do that! And quit calling me Little Hiroki!"
The blacksmith sat up and pouted. "Don't be like that Sweet Little Hiroki! I've known you since you were so small. I remember you would always run around the town naked. It was so cute!"
Hiroki blushed out of embarrassment. "Sh-Shut up!" he yelled, "Not in front of Akihiko!"
Akihiko had a hard time trying not to laugh from this. The blacksmith kept telling stories that flustered Hiroki. These were things about Hiroki the silver haired man didn't know. But he didn't bother listening to everything. He was too focused on something he noticed from the remains of the metal golem. The golem had melted into a silver metal plate, but something was resting on top of it.
An ore was resting on top of the plate. Funny how this didn't melt along with the rest of the monster. He picked it up and looked at it. It was a very clean cut ore. There were no chips on any of the sides nor were there any signs of damage. His eyes widened at the realization. This was it.
"The metal ore that never breaks."
Hiroki and the blacksmith had finished their quarrelling to notice Akihiko and the ore. The blacksmith walked over to the silver haired man. "The metal ore that never breaks. It was supposed to be a pure myth that it rested in this labyrinth. Never in my 35 years have I ever thought I would see it with my own eyes." He began to pace. "You both are on a journey that may prove to be a change in history."
"And how are you sure of that?" asked Hiroki.
"It is a feeling I have," replied the blacksmith, "Searching for rare items very few would ever get the chance of seeing, obtaining allies from continents that may hold onto pasts that believe Damonen is an enemy, and fighting someone of superior power. This is more than just a simple task. No, this is something far greater than that."
Hiroki crossed his arms and smirked. "This isn't your blacksmith self talking," he chuckled, "The weapon's master inside of you is finally returning isn't it? Weapon's Master Miyagi."
The blacksmith, Miyagi, smirked back. "I admit, it will be nice to return to travelling from continent to continent. My knowledge shall prove useful to you on your journey."
Akihiko nodded. He now had obtained another powerful ally. After Miyagi had taken the metal from the golem, they went back the way they came through the labyrinth. With both the Suzukis with them, they were able to make it through even quicker. They were able to escape the labyrinth and were leaving the Metal Mine.
"So, you managed to obtain two items already after defeating two guardians. How admirable."
The Suzukis flew away and Akihiko and Hiroki raised their guard. Miyagi was not sure with what was going on, but figured by his new companions' expressions that nothing good would come out of this.
Standing before them was Shinoda.
Pinkshuchan: Well, Akihiko now has Miyagi in his team and may be facing off against Shinoda. That aside, that means that the next ally will result in one of the couples being formed. There is a 1 out of 3 chance that it may be your favourite pairing but remember that no matter what, all pairings will be involved. What will happen now that they have encountered Shinoda once again? Read and Review!eHe