There's been some things happening while I was away! First, the two duos have finally settled their debate! And well…guess who took the win?

Ulm & Marko: "WE OF COURSE!"

Dre & Marsh: *Sulking* "…"

Hana: "Suck it up already!" *Slaps them on the back* "You guys lost to them fair and square! So stop acting like crybabies."

'G': *Stares* "At least you can keep some dignity whilst doing so."

Jessica: *Mutters to herself* "Not like I have much left after last time…"

Oh, yeah! Up second: Jessica and Luna actually decided to come here once again! It's nice to meet you two again, Luna in her real form in particular.

Luna: 'I may be a ghost-like entity, but it's not like I never take part in anything that my c- Jessica does.'

Hana: *Notices Luna's slip-up* "Hmmm…yeah. Like she said."

Marko: "Blah- hurry up already! We want to claim our prize!"

*Sigh* These guys…alright! Since Ulm and Marko have won against Dre and Marsh, said duo can demand a certain thing of their choosing!

Dre: "And we already thought of something!"

Marko: "Yeah! We want you to make it so that…"

Dre and Marko: "Reserve the term 'Bro' only for the two of us!"

'G': *Stands up abruptly and slams hands on his table* "Absolutely denied!"

Marko: *Cries out* "DAMMIT!"

Dre: "Fine…just let them pay for our drinks today and we're even..."

'G': "…Consider it done."

Next up, we still have another unpaid debt that was left alone for a while… *Smirks*

Hana: *Pales* "Crap…why did it have to be right now!?"

Ah, no dodging it this time! For my request, I demand that you…won't verbally talk with anyone-

Hana: "Ha, I can do that for a few hours-"

-for a WEEK.

Hana: *Gapes at Fire* "…" *Glares* *Raises her undamaged hand*

Jessica: "…And she's actually giving him the-" *Eyes get covered by Luna* "Luna, what are you doing!?"

Luna: *Stammers* 'I-I don't think that seeing such a display of vulgar expressions w-would positively affect your p-personality!'

Jessica: "My what!? LUNA! I'm a decently-sized teenager, not a new-born infant!" *Throws a tantrum*

Everyone: "She's…not really that tall." / "Kind of reminds me of Napoleon." / "She's supposed to be how high in body size?" / "I and my bro…aren't really convinced."

Jessica: *Gets even angrier* "STOP AGREEING WITH HER! NONE OF YOU ARE HELPING! AND I DON'T HAVE A NAPOLEON-COMPLEX!"

'G': 'And I just finished dealing with Hana's ranting…I never get a break, do I?'

Uh…before our main character starts to chop anyone alive here into cheese slices, we'll just resume with our 'Review's corner'! There has been another addition after the last Chapter went live, so…if anyone's willing to read it?

Hana: *Grabs a pen and a notepad* *Writes on the notepad and shows it to Fire* 'Why don't you let Jessica read it since she's here already? …And it might calm her down.'

Good idea! Hey Jessica, would you (as our guest of honor…technically) like to read out our latest review?

Jessica: *Calmed down* "Fine…just, give it here." *Grabs a dark-grey envelope with a snow pattern printed on it, 'StormspearHusky' was written on its front* *Opens letter and reads out slowly* "Liking it those insults at the end there were not half bad. Keep up the good work." "Uhm…thank you?"

Luna: *Hugs Jessica from behind* 'See? Someone did give you credit where it was due!'

Jessica: *Blushes and mumbles* "I…uh…uh…let's move on!" *Gets also hugged by Hana*

Hana: *Shows a slip of paper that reads: 'I had the time of my life while watching that performance! You should work as a stand-up comedian in your future!'*

Jessica: *Blushes even harder* "Uh…uhm…uh…"

Stop it, you're breaking her! …Even though she looks cute like that. Yeah, without much further ado, let's go on with the disclaimer and then jump right into our next Chapter!

Dre: "Since we had to pretty empty our wallets for this…'fair' competition, let us have the honors!"

I see no problem with that.

Marsh: "Thank you." *Turns towards the audience* "Now then, ladies and gentlemen. Before you start reading the newest release of 'Daylight's End', be aware that the rights for this story and its current OC's are reserved by MrFiretank. So before anyone tries to use our characters for anything…ask him first for his confirmation."

Dre: "He's right there!" *Puts a hand on Marsh's back* "Also, any song that we mention (which also counts for OST's) has its own rights reserved by their respectful owners. When you want to use them for anything, bug them, not us!"

Jessica: *Lights start to glow around him* "Hmmm? Seems like it's our time to move, Luna."

Someone already explained you how it works?

Luna: *Winks* 'I chatted with her while these buffoons had their little debate. Well, until next time!' *Disappears*

Jessica: "Bye everyone!" *Waves before disappearing as well*

*Sigh* They at least could have stayed a bit longer…whatever. With nothing else left to do-

Hana: *Slams another note on the audience's screen where 'NEXT CHAPTER NOW!' is written on in a messy font*

Seriously Hana!?

...

CHAPTER 20 – FACING FACTS (SECRETS)

If I would have awakened in nothing shorter than a king-sized bed, any troubles from the latest events might have been forgettable. 'But no, of course I had to wake up to the sounds of my loud friends screaming away from 'Full Blood's' cave.'

Yeah, after our small war with Dao and his lackeys we had to take a full day off, wasted with loading all the stolen stuff into our carriages, ensuring that most of the goons couldn't run away (excluding Dao and Jaehn. The former one had to be chained in their personal hostage room whilst the latter was allowed to be left unshackled…after Matsuri used a pair of semi-cartoonish puppy eyes on Sietta, making her shake entirely before willing in) and of course to treat our own numbers.

Out of everyone, Sietta was defiantly injured the worst. 'Even if we didn't count the literal hole in her stomach, she had still suffered the most damage…' And no, I wasn't that badly off.

Turns out that whilst my prone body was resting in the back carriage (again), I was treated to my injuries after our chief's critical condition was taken care of. A twisted finger, quite a multitude of cuts and some first-degree burns were the only things that I received out of our battle with that…maniac. Besides that, I reached the close point of magical exhaustion while we fought (hence why my body had literally shut down). Combine that with the physical exhaustion of my body and you get the general idea of what happened with me during all of this.

Though, the list would have been much, much longer if it wasn't for our red-haired tank of a fighter. Organ damage, huge blood-loss, broken bones (mostly her arms), torn skin, second-degree burns all over her torso…the list went on and on, turning my friend's expressions slowly but surely into a sad frown.

"OI! DON'T YOU DARE PITYING ME NOW! It's not your fault that I'm lying here!" …That happened just 6 hours after our battle. Yeah, Sietta was probably inhuman at this point (considering that she hadn't used any sort of spell), yet they all looked down on the ground when she said that…and kept staring...

"…*Sigh*…Yorc, if you would?" I wasn't told any of the events that occurred afterwards, but when I awoke at the dawn of (some) morning, Trecht had a bump on his head…just like the rest of the others.

…Honestly, I was pretty much oblivious to the whole depression around our camp before I woke up somewhere during our travel back to Loeyur. True, huge amounts of exhaustion (physically and mentally) caused to take a trip into dreamland for a bit over 2 entire days…which meant-

"Are we there yet?"

"No, squirt. And you're supposed to be resting!

"Brother, why isn't this going any faster!?"

"You don't want to leave them behind, right?"

What could I say? Our own village was only a few ways away and everyone was walking like snails!

"Can't we walk faster, everyone? We can rest when we're there!"

"Jess is right! It's not that far! Can't I just run ahead?"

"NO!" / "NO!"

'Hehe…are you sure that your age isn't getting the better of you, child?' 'I'm not THAT young! You're…just assuming things.' 'Mmhh…right.' I was slowly starting to get tired of others judging my behavior…and my mind started to turn into an Edward Elric rip-off…at least my hair wasn't as bright as the sun.

"Hey, I see the wooden gate ahead!"

"SWEET FREEDOM!"

"WAIT, MATSURI!" / "YOU'RE NOT OUT OF TROUBLE YET, SO MOVE YOUR ARSE BACK!"

A tired sigh sounded behind me as the signature straw hat of Trecht walked past me. All in all, his body didn't take that much damage since he and Yorc pretty much went commando back there. Their little bet (which was explained to me after I woke up) both raised their spirits as they fought on, pretty much beating every thug in the way.

Back to reality, Loeyur's precious brewer adjusted his personal hat with a single hand as he held his wooden hammer in the other one. "If this goes on, Sietta will lose her voice from all the screaming…not forgetting the high blood-pressure." There was a slight undertone to his voice…but I couldn't make out what-

"And then the whole bet with Yorc…now I owe that guy a jug…for free!"

'That's what he was sad about!?' Scratch my previous thoughts. Once a miser, always a miser.

Speaking of his greediness: We managed to load every single piece of stolen goods into the three carriages…actually, just the front and middle one. Since I (and Sietta…for a shorter period) had basically reserved the make-shift medical room for myself, there wasn't as much space as originally planned.

Really, nothing went according to plan. But what did you expect from me being here?

'You're not an experienced fighter, but don't sell yourself short. Even with me commanding you around, let me tell you that there was potential.' 'Well…if you say so.' Since our fight, 2 of the 3 carriages had been loaded full with rare spices, food, jewelry and lots and lots of gold.

Trecht had spent the first hour after our battle inside of Dao's office, just caressing the valuables with his own hands and sparkles flying around his eyes…no idea how that happened, but it did. He almost bathed himself in that cramped up 'room' which reeked of blood and…other foul odors. But no matter what the others told him, our brewer simply dismissed their concerns in the easiest way possible.

He promised everyone a free drink during his little escapade…that ended as soon as he realized his own words.

"Wait, hold on! I take it back! Just…get that stuff moved!" After that, he tried to visibly contain his greediness, failing miserably during the whole trip as he took it upon himself to quote on quote: "Making sure that nothing goes missing as we travel back". 'In reality, it's more of a possibility that he takes a piece for himself than any of us…' 'Yeah.'

Yet, it was also his pride that got hurt in the process. Sure, the promise of handing out a self-brewed beverage without payment was depressing him. Although that, he was sometimes looking ahead, spotting Sietta's partner and 'Second-in-command' Yorc. Since I had technically lived only for 3 days in Loeyur, I was completely oblivious about the rumors that went around the streets. Marko was nice enough to let me know that our dear straw-hat wearing friend had…a dislike to losing bets.

Also, guess what? The day that Trecht cheered for me during my little ritual against Yorc, he was sneaky enough to make bets with a few of the village-watchers and even Lindheim himself in advance.

He received a pair of puppy-eyes for that. Now I was looking forward to a meal paid by himself, cooked by Ulm and Marko who wanted to show off their skills a little. Just the thought of a well-cooked steak made my mouth water…

"For being such a skilled leader and fighter herself, Sietta seems rather…emotional." With my mind drifting back to reality, I failed to notice Duvac who walked to the other open side beside me. His entire stomach-area had been wrapped in bandages and medication, making the poor guy look like a semi-mummy.

His impact against the tree had resulted in multiple fractured and broken ribs, yet he miraculously suffered close to no organ damage. He (together with Matsuri) was patched up one day after the whole ordeal, free to do as they pleased while staying in Sietta's eyesight. The blonde's brother hasn't received as many injuries (counting in the bullet that was lodged in Matsuri's leg), so he was pretty much stuck with babysitting his sister-

"STOP MOVING SO FAST OR THE CRUTCHES WILL BREAK!"

Oh, did I forget to mention? Even with one leg entirely bandaged up, she could move just as fast as before, thanks to two wooden crutches that got carved out of a tree on our way. Courtesy of Yorc and the bros-

"Jessica. You're drifting off again." 'Oh…just what is wrong with me today?'

Duvac was nice enough to wave a hand in front of my eyes, dragging me into reality for probably a third time today. I silently thanked him with a nod and proceeded to look ahead again. Much to Marko's words, there were the familiar wooden gates of their…no, our hometown in sight. A wide grin spread on my face as the usual commotion piped up in the distance.

"Ah, home sweet home. Finally I can go back to brewing some more stuff!"

"Trecht? You're…forgetting something."

"…*Sigh*…After I treated you to lunch or course."

The proud owner of his 'Loeyur Mountain Tavern' was going on to his usual business, serving the normal villagers and sweeping the floor once in a while after a 'accident' happens inside his 4 walls.

Regulars and newcomers alike have already walked through the doors, either looking for a good drink, some place to chat and relax or simply both. Experience over the years led to him opening the doors to this place for over 5 years now. He has technically seen everything.

So imagine his surprise at the new man who just walked into the bar. The talking around every seat quieted down by a bit, yet it resumed to normal volume over a few seconds. Mentioned visitor sported messy orange hair with a stubby beard. A black coat with high-collar, a pair of dark pants and simple shoes completed his attire as black eyes scanned every angle of his bar.

But what stood out the most were his two prosthetic limbs, entirely made out of steel, appearing more like armor. Yet he spotted the difference with a bit of trouble. However, his own nerves were far from relaxed.

'He doesn't look like one of the common bunch…maybe a traveler? Possibly, but if he has connections to 'Full Blood' then-'

"Uhm…are you alright there?"

"GAHH!"

While we had analyzed the man before him, said man somehow managed to appear in front of his face, making the bartender reel back in surprise. Up close, the bar owner could make out two columns of stiches on his chest, yet they were pretty well hidden by his coat. 'Well…he surely doesn't behave himself like any of those ruffians…if not by much.'

"Whoa! Sorry, didn't mean to scare you there."

"Uhm…*Cough*…It's alright, sir. I just didn't expect such…unusual behavior. Are you perhaps traveling through Loeyur for the first time?"

His newest customer sat down on one of the free barstools, kicking back his legs and letting out a relieved sigh as he spoke up.

"Yeah. Actually, I didn't intent to travel here in the first place."

"Oh, and what changed your resolve, if I may ask?"

"Ah, that one's simple. I was sent here to deal with some bad guys! Know any?"

All sounds suddenly stopped around the two, glasses either freezing mid-air or even clattering on the ground. Both men looked around to see every person gaping at them. There even was a pair of seniors in the back who fell down from their seats, several others rushing towards them and helping them up but not losing their surprised expression.

"Did…I say something wrong?"

"No, it's just…the situation is kind of complicated. Why don't you relax for a little bit as we'll stay here talking for a while?"

"Sure, I'm desperate for some alcohol. Got anything good here?"

The bartender's face lightened up a little as he walked to the right side of his huge shelf behind the bar counter. There, he grabbed a huge bottle filled with a golden substance, looking carefully produced yet not too expensive at the same time.

"This is a special little something created by our local brewer. He took a year's time to create this brand's signature taste as he went under every step of production."

"That sounds good…but don't you have something simpler? Ale would do the trick for me…"

"Uh, of course! Mentioned brewer also brought in a batch of his own ale a little under a week ago. You can enjoy its taste as we talk about any questions left of you. Does that sound better?"

"Yeah, let's do that. But hurry up, alright? I haven't had something good like that for years!"

"Right…"

"Wow that was good!"

"True, can't even complain about the potatoes."

"The fish was well grilled, it was so yummy~!"

"Nothing left to criticize. Indeed a very good meal."

As everyone decided to split up any go on their ways (before we got out of the crowd of cheering citizens), Trecht had basically bailed out before he had to pay for anything. I was left pretty grumpy at that. Though before I could become actually mad at him, the twins decided to calm me down and treat me to lunch on their own money!

I actually had my own stuff with me after a quick stop to the old lady's inn who caught me in a bone sweet hug. Matsuri also hugged me from behind, leading to confusion which got sorted after a bit explaining. Of course I had to leave out the fact that all 3 other mages were formally part of 'Full Blood', since there was no way to predict the outcome if the truth came out.

So, with my personal bag, my money and electronics I could make my way to a tasty treat.

"So, how much do we have to pay?"

"Jeez, do I have to spell it out to you!? You're friends of Jessica and we promised to cook for her. Since you helped us out quite a lot, consider this our gratefulness."

And how to make this day better than with a well-cooked meal by the two bros Ulm and Marko? The restaurant at which they worked together was quite a bit away from the town hall, close to the outer parts of Loeyur. The owner (as he spotted the two) instantly ran up to them and praised them for their commitment. However, the talk was short-lived when Ulm asked the owner if they could use their kitchen and ingredients, to which she agreed as long as they don't clear to entire storage.

I had gotten a god-like steak with baked potatoes and a side-salad. Fujimaru had gotten the same as me while Matsuri got a grilled fish instead of any meat. Duvac was obstinate at first, yet he settled himself with a batch of pasta and cheese-sauce. During our meal, all of us were left in bliss as the wonderful taste filled our senses. We even shared a bit of each other's meals…well, mostly me, Fujimaru and Matsuri. The tactician was still left stoic, yet he visibly relaxed during our lunch.

Ulm and Marko on the other hand were left in the kitchen, enjoying their old job too much to stop right there as they even prepared a dessert of us…which gave us some time to talk.

"So, how long have you been living here Jessica?"

"Uhm…not that long actually. I just…traveled here…and kind of stayed."

Even though I wasn't looking at him, the cold brown-red irises of Duvac were surely staring at my face. Judging from his expression at the corner of my eyes, I felt their intensity…meaning that he was thinking of something… 'Oh crap.'

"Wait, don't you refer to Loeyur as your village, or am I missing something Jess?"

"NO! I-I mean no. Yes, I refer Loeyur like that, but only since Trecht told me I was accepted by everyone here."

"Hmm…"

Now there was a hand resting under Duvac's chin, his gaze turning even more suspicious. 'Abort, abort! NOT GOOD!' 'Calm down! Panicking won't help your situation, child.'

"May I ask a question of my own?"

"Uhm…" 'On the other hand…' 'NOT HELPING!'

Time was running out for me…and my anxiety was not playing into my favor. I had to play my cards out right-

"Were did you start your travel from?"

…Crap.

I was unconsciously rubbing my uninjured hand on my nape as I felt a small trail of sweat forming on my forehead. Hasty thoughts racked through my brain as I tried to come up with something! Anything! And the fact that Duvac was reading me like a book wasn't helping me in the slightest.

Could I really tell him anything without spilling the beans?

*Ring*…*Ring*…*Ring*

W-What?

"Fuji, do you hear that as well?"

…But…how?

"I think that the sound is originating from Jessica's bag."

Still confused as hell, I grabbed into the compartment on the inside to feel…my smartphone ringing. I just grabbed it while my mind was somehow trying to find a logical solution.

…

…

…

'HOW IS IT EVEN WORKING IN EARTH LAND!? WE'RE NOT EVEN IN THE SAME UNIVERSE! SO HOW-'

Wait…there was one-

"Hello, is this thing on? Jessie! Are you there?"

…No way…

"Hello! Are you a friend of Jess~?"

Wait, since when is Matsuri holding my phone!? 'Any why is she holding it in front of her face!?'

"Uhm, careful with that Matsuri! …Also, do you see the side with all those buttons? Hold that against your ear if you want to speak."

"Oh, alright! ...Hello, I'm Matsuri! What's your name~?"

"…"

"Uhuh…ohhhhh, you want to speak with Jess~?"

"…"

"I call her Jess because I like that name! Isn't it cute?"

"Uhm, Matsuri?"

"Sister?"

"Right? That's why I picked it! Anyway, here! It's for you, Jess~!"

"Uhm…thanks? …Hello?"

"Oh, there you are Jessie! Finally, it took me a while to reach out to your timeline, but now I can call you!"

Okay…I have experienced a lot of things in here already…but this? I…just…I can't…

"Don't sweat it, I will explain this to you some other time! Anyway, how are you doing?"

Mind reading, right. I forgot. And I expected this to already be over. Well, I haven't heard a lot from Hana (or 'G' in that matter) for a while, but this is…unexpected?

'An acquaintance of yours, child?' 'Uhm, sort of…'

Hey, wait a minute! If I have the possibility to talk with Hana…

"Uhm, could I hand you over to a friend of mine and you answer his question?"

"Eh? Sure, why not! Just hand him your phone, alright?" 'YES! Thank you!' "*Chuckle* No problem, just hurry up."

I hand Duvac my phone over the table as he curiously stares at it for a moment, before holding it just like I told Matsuri to. His gaze thought didn't leave me for one second. 'He must be crazily suspicious now! Luckily I got Hana to explain it to him. Please let this work!'

"Who am I speaking to?"

"…"

"Alright. Would you please explain me from where her own journey started?"

"…"

"…When exactly?"

"…"

"...Fine, we'll meet each other there. Until evening."

A beep was heard from his side as he handed me my phone back. Duvac had closed both of his eyes in deep concentration…

"And?"

"Your friend said that we'll meet her in the 'Loeyur Mountain Tavern' around evening and that she'll explain everything to us there."

"Yay! We get to me Jess's friend~!"

…Huh?

…HUH!?

"I see…this is indeed quite a difficult spot where you're all stuck in."

"True, yet we try to make the best out of it." The two men within the 'Loeyur Mountain Tavern' had finished their rather extensive talk, both parties having said everything that has to be said.

The bartender had explained everything to his newest customer, who in the meanwhile had enjoyed a whole jug of the brewer's finely created beverage, savoring every gulp of it. It took almost an entire hour, since he had to treat his other customers as well as clean up a few shards from the broken glasses, yet he managed to tell the whole tale up to the point where the convoy of liberators moved out. He didn't have more confirmed information than that...but there were rumors of the village-watchers' return. He'd just have to wait and see it for himself.

"Anyway, thanks for the talk! Do…you know where I could travel next?"

"Well…you could try to go to the town hall and speak with mayor Lindheim. He can answer any insider-question that's left."

"Nice. Maybe I'll visit this place again when I get near your village. Until next time!"

"Safe travels!"

The bartender was quite happy after his longer talk. It was as if a weight was removed from his heart. After everyone heard rumors of the convoy arriving back in their own place, joy was going around everywhere in Loeyur. Now he could finally work properly again and earn a fair share from his business without the risk of going bankrupt.

*CRASH*

That is if he didn't lose everything from paying bills for covered damages.

"Whoops…didn't see the exit."

"MY WALL!"

(To be continued…)

(Fire Me): Well…there is a bit of explaining to do, huh?

Old man: "Better do it quick, Fire. It's getting late."

Right…so everyone…school started again, so the updates will take quite a bit longer than usual. So, apologies in advance, but the next Chapter will take a while until it gets released. But still, I hope you enjoyed this release of 'Daylight's End'!

As my saying goes…

The Sir's out!