Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone is doing well and preparing for the New Year.
I know that I never brought it up, but some background information for those who asked.
While there are some tribes unique to the country of Mizu, unlike the country of Mori, there was less segregation (and less conflict caused by difference between tribe) among the tribes. As a result, intertribal relationships were more common, making it difficult to distinguish a person's tribe with some exceptions.
As for what the tribes are for the girls, I list the following for future reference:
Chika, You, and Hanamaru: Inu Mix
Mari: Neko Mix
Kanan: Iruka/Shachi Mix
Dia and Ruby: Kawauso Tribe
Yoshiko: Tori/Mix?
On a more important note, let's all wish a Happy Birthday to Kurosawa Dia.
Now to bring in 2019, Here is the next chapter.
I do not own Love Live.
[Country of Mori]
I didn't think it would still be here after all these years.
A certain denizen was walking in a dark tunnel of a particular mountain. After wandering around, he stopped in front of a particular wall, decorated with a circle made of thin line and unfamiliar markings written within it. The resident looks up with a curious grin.
I wonder if it still works.
[Uchiura]
Riko: So these are the markings from the book?
Inside the ruins, Riko and her friends explored the dark and damp cave that housed a mystery.
It only took less than a hour for the girls to reach the thing they were looking for.
As the flashlights was shining the light at a certain place, they could see the dark blue lines outlining the wall of the ruins.
You: So how are we going to do this?
As their mission was to find evidence related to the past and the events happening, as the book didn't give them a more detailed image, they needed a way to 'capture' the markings to bring back and get a better examination of it.
Riko: Actually, I brought a flash camera with me, so we can take pictures of it.
The Hyou took out a hand-held device with both hands from her backpack.
The flash camera, an item made in the country of Mori, was borrowed from her mother.
Hanamaru: So this thing can actually capture images that can be viewed at anytime? It's Mirai Zura!
You: T-That's what you're excited about?
Not wanting to waste time, Riko start to take a few pictures at different angles while the girls keep the flashlights focused on the markings.
Dia: Even if this is supposed to be writing, the way it is written looks off.
Now that Riko was able to look at it up closed, it didn't seem to look like a scripture of any kind.
Riko: If anything, it looks more like a transmutation circle.
Chika: Transmutation circle?
Riko: In the past, it was used for performing a technique.
A circle is a medium in which aura is instilled in order to activate.
Yoshiko: So it's like a summoning circle that brings residents from Hell.
In a moment of whim, Riko stretches out her hand and gently ran her fingertips across one of the lines.
From where she touched, the markings started to glow a blue light one by one, taking Riko and the girls by surprise.
Chika: Riko-chan! What did you do?
Riko: I-I didn't do anything!
As the girls retreat behind some large rocks, some of them looked back.
Hanamaru: S-Something is coming out, zura!
When the rest looked, they were alarmed to see something coming out of the wall through a swirling gateway that was formed from the markings.
When the light from the circle fades, there was a massive feline-like animal was black fur with white translucent markings standing in front of them. It was large enough that its head almost reached the ceiling.
Hanamaru: W-What is that, zura?!
Ruby: O-Oneechan!
Dia: Get behind me, Ruby.
Mari: Unbelievable.
Yoshiko: What intense power.
All of the girls had shocked expressions, but one of them had one for a different reason.
That said person walked up to the creature without hesitation.
You (in a whisper): Riko-chan!
Riko: W-What are you doing here?!
The Hyou stopped inches from the creature.
?: That voice.. could it be…
The beast spoke in a low, but smooth voice as it lowers it head, surprising the other girls.
?: It really is you.
Riko: I can't believe you're really here.
Kanan: What is she doing?
You: It's as if Riko-chan knows him.
In contrast to their wariness….
Chika: Wah. It's softer than it looks.
The Inu was hugging the creature's side while burying her face in its fur.
CHIKA!
The girls except for Riko screamed in their minds as the Inu was touching the velvet-like fur.
?: ….Riko. Who is this?
Riko: That is….
Noticing the attention she was getting, Chika back away from the creature, straightening her back.
Chika: Oh. Where are my manners? It's nice to meet to you. I'm Takami Chika. I am friends with Riko-chan.
?: ….What did you just say?
The panther narrowed his eyes, showing a serious expression.
Chika (in a panic): I-I was saying that I am her friend. We are classmates from school and we even lived next to each other.
The beast then turned its head to the Hyou.
?: Riko. Is this true?
Riko: She is. Why are you asking?
?: Riko. You… actually made some friends?!
Riko: Eh?
Chika: Eh?
?: Ya. When you told me that you were moving to another country. I was worried that you would get lonely. It seems my worries were for nothing. Chika was it?
Chika: H-Hai!
?: Thank you for looking after my former student.
Chika: No. Riko-chan is the one who is always helping….Hold on. Did you say student?!
Seeing that the beast casually conversing with the two girls, the rest of the girls cautiously from their hiding place
Taishu: Could it be these are your friends?
Riko nodded in response.
One by one, they hesitantly introduce themselves to the panther.
You: Riko-chan. You know this creature?
Riko: I do. Let me introduce him. This is…..
?: My name is Taishu, the 'panther' [Kizuna] from Mori and the previous mentor for Riko.
Kanan: [Kizuna], as in the ones that Riko told us about?
Riko: That's right.
Chika: Riko-chan! Why didn't you tell us that your mentor was a [Kizuna]?!
Riko: I didn't think it was important at the time.
Chika: IT IS IMPORTANT.
Taishu: Hehe. So you have been telling the people in this country about us, Riko?
Riko: Well, a lot of things have happened.
Seeing their worried faces on the girls and sensing a change in mood, the [Kizuna] look with concern.
Taishu: What's wrong?
In a monotone, Riko told Taishu about the events that had happened ever since she came to Uchiura.
Taishu: I see…. You have been through a lot. I'm proud of you as a mentor for handling it so well.
Riko: Even if you say handling….. More importantly, why are you here, Sensei? You came here all of a sudden through the wall, so do you know about these markings?
Riko points at the wall while facing the [Kizuna].
Taishu: In fact, I do know them.
Riko: Really?
Taishu: Of course I do. Afterall, I was the one who put this here in the first place.
It took to a few seconds for the girls to realize his words.
EHHHHH?!
Riko: Sensei made them?!
Taishu: Yes, Yes, I did.
Chika: So our country was not only founded by someone from Mori, but also a [Kizuna]?!
Hanamaru: It's the scoop of the century, zura!
Taishu: …..Riko. What are they talking about?
Riko: Well, that's…
Riko told him about what they learned about the markings and the reason why they came to the ruins.
Taishu: Ok. I think I understand what's going on. I understand that there has been a huge misunderstanding. Finding this place and making it a place for people to live are two very different things. At the time, I just came here by chance, not to start a whole new country. In fact, when I first came to this island, there were no humans whatsoever.
Riko: What do you mean, by chance?
Taishu: At the time, we [Kizuna] of Mori never really thought about what was there beyond the ocean. One day, I went into the ocean and swam for a bit, just to see what it was like.
You: You swam across the ocean?!
Riko: That sounds kinda reckless, even for Sensei.
Taishu: After hours of swimming, I came across a small island. There were a few mountains surrounded by trees although not as many compared to Mori. After spending enough time here, I decided to return home. Since swimming all the way back seemed rather boring, I decided to use a new technique created by a friend of mine. So I went into a cave to try it out.
Riko: And the result was this circle? Coming to the same conclusion
Taishu: Yep. It's called [Teleport]. Like the name suggest, this allows me to travel from Mori to this place in a snap.
Chika: That sounds epic.
Hanamaru: So the Country of Mori had technology from even back then? It sounds Mirai Zura.
Riko: Rather than technology, it was more of an advanced technique that even I have not seen before.
Taishu: The downside is that it takes a few hours before it can be used again.
Riko: Eh? Then that means….. you're stuck here?
Taishu: At least until the markings turn back to blue.
When the [Kizuna] pointed it out, the girls noticed that the markings were a light purple color.
Taishu: As a side note, the place that is connected to here is inside a cave in a mountain near Hyou Territory back at Mori.
Riko: So did you come to the island after that?
Taishu: That was the first and last time. I had thought of coming back to this place, but in the end I was not able to because… of Arc.
Riko: I see. So what are you going to do now, Sensei?
Taishu: Hmmm. That's a good question. Since I have time to burn, I want to see the outside and what has changed since the last time I visited.
Riko: Wait? What?!
Chika: WAHHH we are so up high!
The girls were riding on top of Taishu's head as he emerges from the ruins.
Riko: Is it really ok?
You: Yeah. If anyone see you….
Taishu: It will be fine. Nobody will see us.
At the moment, the markings on the [Kizuna] was a light yellow color.
Taishu is able to change the markings on its body from blue, pink, yellow, and white.
Each color represent a different ability that the [Kizuna] can use. In this case, his current ability is invisibility.
Riko: Sensei. You could have just become smaller and not have to hide yourself.
Taishu: Don't wanna. What you see is my natural size.
Ruby: What do you mean by smaller?
Riko: [Kizuna] can change their size and form at will.
Kanan: Wait. So does that mean we are also invisible, zura?
Taishu: Of course.
Hanamaru: That's so awesome, zura.
You: Wow! We can see all of Uchiura from up here.
Taishu: Uchiura. You keep saying that word. What is that?
Chika: Uchiura is the town that we live in.
Taishu: Oh? All I see is land, so how do I know if it's Uchiura?
Kanan: About that…..
The blue-haired girl pointed at their left side with her finger while her arm moved.
Kanan: So from that mountain you see to your left to all the way to the ocean, is all Uchiura.
Taishu: I see. Well, this place has really grown since I last visit.
Riko: Was it really small back then?
Taishu: If I have to compare, this place was about the size of the Hyou capital.
Riko: That small?!
Even though Riko said small, the Hyou capital is the largest district that covered a large amount of land in the Hyou Territory.
Dia: So, Taishu-san. Was there anything interesting that you found on the island?
Taishu: Actually, there was a big Kiseki tree that sat at the center of the island.
Riko: Kiseki tree. You mean like the one at Shika Captial?
Taishu nodded.
Taishu: Yep. It was even bearing fruit although it looked like completely different than the one in Mori.
Using his fornail, the [Kizuna] lowered his head and made a dirt drawing on the ground. The appearance that Taishu gave looked like a round fruit with leaves and the top and dots depicting pores.
Chika: Wait a minute. That looks like a mikan!
Taishu: Does it?
Hanamaru: Now that I think about it, I read somewhere that mikan were growing on this island where people discovered them.
Ruby: Ano, What is a Kiseki Tree?
Taishu: It has been said that they existed since the birth of the world and are responsibility for the sustainability of all living things. At least that's what I was told.
Yoshiko: So they were the spawn of a legendary tree? It would explain why it is a foil to Yohane's presence.
Chika: That's amazing. I had no idea that mikan has such a heritage.
Riko: We don't know if it was the work of the Kiseki Tree.
As they were talking at their leisure….
BBBOOOOOMMMMM
At a distance from them, dirt erupted from the forest while the ground under Taishu feet.
Chika: W-What was that?
From the site, a humanoid brown monster-like being emerged from the site of the blast. The monster had a small warped head with two pairs of arms, and lustering core embedded in its chest.
Taishu: Riko. is that….?
Riko: Yeah, it looked like what I fought against, but….
Chika: It's way bigger than last time!
As the shock from the sudden was lingering, they watched the monster turning its course at the direction of the town, which was still far away.
You: What should we do? If that thing reaches the town….
Taishu: I will handle this.
Riko: Sensei?!
Taishu: While I am a guest here and should not get myself involved, I cannot ignore something like this. Besides, I want to see myself what you are up against. The only problem is….
Taishu reaches into the fur near its chest and took out a small rectangular paper strips.
Taishu: Riko. Can I ask you to set up a barrier for me while I hold this thing off?
Riko: Eh?!
Taishu: You already know that barriers are not my specialty. It will activated automatically once it's set up.
Riko: ….Mou. Sensei, you baka!
As the Hyou was shouting, she sprints off to perform her duty, carrying the talismans in her arms.
After gently placing the girls from her head to the solid ground, the [Kizuna] rushes out to intercept the monster. As it reaches, the markings on its body turn from yellow to a dark blue and a layer of blue crystallized armor was covering over its fur.
Taishu: Hey, you! Where are you looking at?
As Riko runs at fast speed around the forest to complete the barrier and Taishu was holding the monster in its place with both its forearms, the other girls could watch as the fight between Taishu and Riko vs the monster.
Chika: Riko is so awesome.
You: I guess that is to be expected as a former student of a [Kizuna].
Yoshiko: Look!
In less a minute, a circular circle of light forms around Taishu and the monster.
Riko: Sensei! The parameter is set up.
Taishu: That means I can go all out now. Riko. Go back to where your friends are and brace yourselves.
Riko: I understand.
As The markings on his body turns a dark pink, several fragments of white light begin forming around the two titans.
Mari: That is….
Taishu: Eat this! [Diamond Storm]
At his command, the shards dives at the creature, piercing and shredding the monster body at a fast speed. At the barrage stop, Taishu then start a series of slashes with its elongated claws.
Chika: Riko-chan. Your Sensei is strong.
Riko: He is, but he tend to overdo things when fighting.
Kanan: So that was what the barrier was for.
As the monster has taken heavy damage from the [Kizuna], the creature's body start to glow a bright orange.
Both the Hyou and [Kizuna] realized what's going to happen.
Riko: Everyone get down!
Respond to the Hyou's command, all the girls went before a large rock and covered the heads.
The [Kizuna] grabs the creature by the waist and lifts it up into the air.
Taishu: doyaaaaa!
Taishu effortlessly throws the creature towards the sky.
As the creature reaches a certain distance, its body erupted into a fiery explosion, sending shockwaves in the air, powerful enough to level the trees of the surrounding area.
When the light fades from the air, silence came back. Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Taishu makes his way back to the girls.
Ruby: I-Is it over?
Taishu: I don't sense anything from it, so it should be fine.
Dia: I am pretty sure everyone in town saw that explosion. Ha. How in the world are we going to explain it to the townsfolk?
Taishu: There's no need to worry. The barrier that Riko set up also acts as a cloaking device, so most likely they didn't see our fight. Although I can't say the same about the trees.
Hanamaru: Even for that giant explosion?! It's truly Mirai Zura!
Mari: Wow! How convenient!
Yoshiko: For a country to have such technological advances on top of immortal guardians, Mori is not a place to mess with.
Riko: Are you alright, Sensei?
Taishu: I'm good. This is nothing compared to normal days with my friends. Plus, I was able to get some information about what you are facing.
Riko: Really? Just from that one fight?
Taishu: At the least, I know for certain that it didn't come from Arc although I would not be surprised if there was a [Kizuna] similar to it.
Chika: It was also handy that you had those talismans with you.
Taishu: It's because of how I am that I am asked by my friends and [Host] to carry it with me at all times.
Riko: Your friends know you very well.
Noticing how much time has passed, Taishu decided to go back into the ruins, with the girls accompanying him.
Taishu: Still, this is a rather tricky situation. As much as I would like to help, and I am sure my friends would agree, I don't think it's a good idea if the [Kizuna] from Mori get involved. Apparently, humans (and some [Kizuna]) don't like others trespassing into their territory unannounced and taking control. Also, I was told before that there is a thing called 'politics', which I don't know at all, but it must be important to humans.
Moreover, the [Kizuna] of Mori made an agreement to not get interfered with human matters unless needed.
Taishu: Also, can you imagine if someone like me coming into town?
Riko: …..That would be bad in so many ways. So there's nothing you can do here?
Taishu: At the moment, no. Hahhhh. If only the [Kizuna] from then were still here, maybe the situation wouldn't be so dire.
Riko: Yeah…..Eh? Sensei. W-What did you just say?
Taishu: Ha? That if the [Kizuna] on this island were still here….
Riko: Hold on a second….. You're telling me that there were [Kizuna] living on this county?
Taishu: There was.
EHHHHH?!
The girls found out something outrageous.
Riko: But how can there be [Kizuna] in this country?
Taishu (with an irritated expression): Riko. The [Kizuna] are not something that can live only in Mori. While exploring the place, I actually met the local [Kizuna] here, although they were less excited than I was. From what I could tell, they were much smaller and younger than I was.
Kanan: So it was like the first meeting of [Kizuna] between different lands.
Riko: I-I see. Then, Sensei. Is it possible that the [Kizuna] in this country is still here?
Taishu (with a conflicted expression): ….That is possible if they shared the same fate as us in Mori.
You: Fate?
Riko: You mean they were sealed away as well?
Taishu: I don't know what happened after I left. Since the humans here don't know about the [Kizuna], then most likely, they haven't been awakened. It's also possible they may have been moved. Not by themselves, of course.
Riko: But do you think the [Kizuna] here can help us?
Taishu: It's hard to say, but it's worth a try. Since I have some time left, I want to give some words of advice if you are looking for the local [Kizuna].
Riko: Hai, Sensei.
As the Hyou sat in a seiza on the ground, intent on listening, the rest of the girls follow, sitting in different areas.
Taishu: Now, you may have learned from Riko that the [Kizuna] of Mori were sealed away in stones. The thing that you have be careful with is the moment when they awaken.
As someone who was familiar with the nature of [Kizuna] and how they can material in this world, Riko knew of what would become of the humans who come into contact with the stones containing the [Kizuna].
For the sake of the town, the Hyou was willing to risk her life, but…
Riko: Will I be able to do it?
Her body was trembling slightly as she clenching her fist while holding it closer to her chest.
Taishu: Riko. I won't ask you to do something you are uncomfortable with.
The [Kizuna] could see through her pained expression.
Taishu: For now, you should focus on finding them first and go from there. Now, in the event that you do find something that you think is housing a [Kizuna], under no circumstances do you pick it up with your bare hands.
Ruby: Why?
Taishu: Then you may end up becoming possessed by the [Kizuna], becoming its [Host].
You: By possessed…..
Yoshiko: It means your body will be controlled by the will of a powerful being, although it would be difficult in Yohane's case since she is currently possessing the current vessel.
Taishu: And once you become a [Host], you are one for the Rest. Of. Your. Life. So please keep that in mind.
Dia: Taishu-san, Is there really no way to reverse that?
Taihu: Well, the only way to separate the [Kizuna] from the [Host] is if they die or get killed.
Dia: D-
Taishu: Whichever comes first.
The [Kizuna] talking in a casual tone about a solemn topic made the girls uncomfortable.
Taishu: Now, what I wanted to ask you to do is to help them adjust to their new life in Uchiura.
Riko: Help them?
Chika: New life?
Taishu: A lot has changed since I last met them, especially with humans living on this island, so they will be wary and scared of the new environment when they awake. You will be acting as an ambassador between human and [Kizuna] to make sure that there is no conflict between them.
Ruby: That sounds important.
Taishu: Also, not all [Kizuna] will be friendly to people, at least at first. Even now, there are some of us in Mori that don't want to have anything to do with humans. You should still try to befriend them anyway.
Riko: I understand.
Taishu: Ah. I almost forgot. Here.
From its mouth, Taishu takes something out and brought it in front of the girls, holding something between his two claw tips. It looked like a light benign bracelet-like object that fits a human's wrist.
Kanan: What is that?
Taishu: This is something that was made by a friend of mine. It can detect the presence of a [Kizuna] and anything similar.
If it turns green, then it is an ally, if it turns red, then it's something [Host]ile.
As the [Kizuna] moves the thing closer to himself, the bracelet starts to glow a light green light.
Taishu: Even if they were sealed, there should still be a reaction from them if they are close.
Riko accepts the bracelet from Taishu.
Riko: I see. Thank you.
Taishu: I'm sorry that I cannot do more than this. To be honest, this is not something that I would ask you, to take such a huge responsibility even though I am very confident in you and your friends.
Riko shook her head.
Riko: That's not true. You have done enough. Besides, I want to do this. I have things here that I want to protect.
Chika (teary-eyed): Riko-chan.
Taishu: Well, when you say it like that. Anyway, when I get back, I will discuss this with my friends. Don't be surprised if they come here to visit.
Riko: W-Why would they do that?
Taishu: The same reason that I came. Curiosity.
Riko: Oh boy.
Taishu: Anyway, I hope you all will be able to find the [Kizuna] of Uchiura.
Chika: [Kizuna] Of…..
Kanan: Uchiura?
Chika: That sound so cool, Just thinking about it me pumps me up.
After bidding the [Kizuna] goodbye as it returns back to Mori, the girls decided to walk back to their town. As they left the ruins, the sun was setting.
Dia: So we now have to find the [Kizuna] on Uchiura. I wonder if we will be able to find them in time.
Chika: Taishu said that they were sealed in stones. There are so many rocks in Uchiura, so how are we supposed to find them?
Riko: We would have to look for something that looks like colored gemstones.
Mari: Oh? At times like this, it's Mari's turn to shine.
Chika: Ah?!
You: What's wrong, Chika-chan?
Chika: I was so excited from meeting Riko-chan's mentor that I forgot to ask about the [Kizuna] he met at Uchiura in the past.
Riko: Now that you mentioned it, he didn't say about what they looked like or how many there are.
Kanan: Well, it doesn't matter since we will be meeting them soon.
Even though they were able to figure out the ruins, the girls ended up with more questions than answers. However, for the time being, they have their next goal in mind.
Stay tuned for the next update.
Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you for reading.