{|} Chapter 3: The Bug Hunt Quest {|}
{|} A-Part {|}
(second day of the Eris Festival – early morning)
A single glow manatite began to shine above the main stage, illuminating a small area upon said stage. This illumination revealed a single figure, dressed in night attire, holding a mic in her hands. She brought the mic up close, takes in a deep breath, then she began to sing her song to the darkened and empty room.
[Sometimes I have to keep on breathing in
My lungs are filled with too much pain
All the shadows of the past that I'm still leaving
They haunt me in... my sleepless nights
And I'm drowning in the noise like a free fall
Walking along my path for too long
Save myself from the visions in my mind
save myself from the war I have to fight
I can't take it all away
All my dreams are fading gray
Save myself from the visions in my mind
Save myself...]
The girl then allows herself a moment to catch her breath before she moves on to the next verse and in doing so, she finally realizes she wasn't alone as someone had shown up during her little song to watch and listen in. Or perhaps he had been here before she had started. Either way, the girl allows herself a gentle smile before continuing, figuring she might as well finish up, for his accolades, before greeting him properly.
[And I'm drowning in the noise like a free fall
Walking along my path for too long
Save myself from the visions in my mind
Save myself from the war I have to fight
I can't take it all away, all my dreams are fading gray
Save myself from the visions in my mind
Save myself
Once she had finished, the guy stands while clapping his hands together while the girl does a little curtsy. After that, she hops off the stage while the guy approaches her, saying as he does-
"And if saving yourself isn't an option, then rest assured I'll be there to save you instead. Nice song you have there, Lia."
"Thank you, Kazuma. It's so good to finally see you again."
The two of them then hug, the hug lasting a few moments before the finally breaking apart. Kazuma then looks around the darkened stage then back to Lia while saying.
"Nice little set up you lot have for yourselves. Can't believe I haven't been in here to properly look around before."
"It's all thanks to you, Kazuma. You're the one who had this amazing new home for Idol Hearts built. Thank you again for doing that for us."
"It's what I do. (both laugh) So, I believe you have some papers for me to sign to make my new status as Idol Hearts co-manager official."
"Do I? Oh right, I do indeed. If you would follow me to my office, my good sir, and we shall see about getting that done."
Lia takes the lead, guiding Kazuma out of the darkened stage out into the main entrance, then down a darkened hall with only a few small glow manatite to illuminate the passage with.
"So, I heard you and Erika had a run in with one another yesterday. Must have been nice to catch up with a long-lost childhood friend."
"Yeah, it was nice... and informative. Thanks to our unexpected reunion, I feel like the weight that has entrapped my mind and heart for many years has finally been lifted, cliché as that may sound."
"Not at all."
"It has also made me abundantly aware of just how pathetic I was back in those days. Letting myself get so depressed that I locked myself away from the world was just... it was definitely very sad commentary on my mental and emotional state, I must confess."
"I don't know about that. I mean, according to what Erika told me, you and she were each other's only friends so I can get why her suddenly distancing herself from you would have such a negative effect."
"True, but letting it get to me the way it did for as long as I did is something I'll never understand. It's... I... I just wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self to not be so doom and gloom about it all. That things will get better. That I just needed to be patient."
"But if you could, and did, do that, then wouldn't you be afraid of messing things up for your present? I mean, how can you be sure doing that wouldn't somehow stop you from finding yourself here and now in this world."
"You make a good point."
Soon after, they were in Lia's office. Both had taken a seat with Kazuma busy reading and signing his name to piece after piece of paper, grumbling that he didn't know it would require so much John Hancocking of things, which makes Lia giggle.
"Yes, it is a lot but that's how show business goes."
"I guess. By the way, sorry for taking so long with coming over here to do this, and to say high, welcome you all to Axel, and such. It's funny, you guys are right next door... literally, and yet I'm only now making the time."
"Don't worry about it. I'm guessing you've been plenty busy."
"Oh, you have no idea. Since we said our goodbyes back in Veridae, I... well... here's the abridged version of what's been going down."
Kazuma then recounts all... well, most of what happened since he last saw Lia and Idol Hearts. Lia listened closely, with plenty of wow and gasp moments. Once Kazuma was finished, Lia leans back in her chair, letting all she had heard sink in, before finally saying-
"Damn, you've had it rough. Forgive me for saying this but... how are you even still alive."
"Believe me, I'm asking myself that question every single day. Still though, at least I can say my life isn't a boring one... even if I sometimes wish it was."
"(giggle) I can only imagine."
A few minutes later, Kazuma had finished signing the last of the papers. Lia then collects them, looks them over, then makes sure they were all neatly pressed together before standing. Kazuma does so as well as Lia extends her hand, which Kazuma takes with his own, and they shake.
"Congratulations, Satou Kazuma. You are now the co-manager of Idol Hearts, and all I can say to you now is... thank you god for doing this for me."
"It's that bad, huh?"
Lia slumps back down into her chair while saying-
"Oh, you have NO idea the amount of work one person alone has to deal with, especially when you factor in the troubles a certain blue haired brat is involved."
"I remember Cielo saying something Aqua causing your exit from Veridae to be more troublesome that desired. Something about a seriously overpriced bar tab or something."
"Among other things. You have no idea how close I came to turning her in and leaving her behind. Hell, Erika was in complete agreement and only spoke up against the idea out of fear doing such would get Aqua's brother on our tails."
Kazuma nods, then after a moment of silence, asks-
"So... am I going to need any managerial training now that I am your partner. While I do have experience... a LOT of experience, when it comes to managing, and babysitting children, (Lia can't help but snort at that) I confess helping to run and operate an idol group is a new one for me."
"Yeah, there is some training I'll need to give you, but we can't set up a day and time for that after the festival is over. Right now, me and the girls have to finish getting ready for our debut performance on the final day of the festival."
"Gotcha... is it true you guys are doing it outside the Erisia Cathedral and not here. Your first show in Axel, I mean."
"Yeah, that's what mother Clerica asked for us to do. We don't mind, really. If anything, it'll get the citizens of Axel more pumped up to attend our performances here once we start doing our regular shows. That reminds me. We need to start thinking about a date to have our first show on."
"Will Cielo be joining you all for that special performance."
"Good question. I talked to her about it but she has yet to give me an answer. When you next see her, do be sure to let her know that the deadline will be tomorrow as I'd like her with us for a few days' worth of training."
"Speaking of... just how many more days will you all be doing training for, anyways. We have only five days left in the Eris Festival, today included, and I'm sure you all don't want to miss out on that."
"True. We're planning on doing some additional practice today, then take the next two days off to enjoy the festival. Train some more on the fifth day, then split the last day between fun in the morning, work in the afternoon, and the performance in the evening."
"Well, you all be careful when out around Axel as there are plenty of Axis cultist skulking about, making trouble for everyone... and make sure Erika keeps Aqua on an especially tight leash. God knows what trouble she alone will try to cause."
"Will do. What about you all?"
"We're doing a group thing around Axel today. As for the rest of the week, that remains to be seen."
"Then how about, if you can fit in in, do something with me, I mean Idol Hearts, for either tomorrow or the day after."
"I think I can do that. Anyways, I need to be getting back to the mansion before the others wake and, realize I'm MIA, and start to worry something happened to me."
"They don't know you're here?"
"I left just as the sun started to rise and usually, the only one up at this time is Darkness, doing her morning training routine. But Darkness ended up staying with her old man last night and I'm guessing we'll meet up with her at the guild once we reach Axel."
Lia nods before she and Kazuma leave her office, making their way back to the main entrance. Once there, Kazuma says-
"I'll be sure to come back by either tomorrow or on the fourth day to talk about plans for the day in question."
"Right, have fun today, all of you. Oh, and Kazuma..."
Lia then leans in and plants a quick kiss on Kazuma's cheek.
"Thanks again... for everything."
"I aim to please. (devious smile from a devious thought) You know, the spot you just kissed me on is the exact same spot Erika kissed me on yesterday. When you think about it, that means you and Erika just shared an indirect kiss with each other. Pretty kinky, huh?"
"Get out of here right now, Satou Kazuma, or I'll toss your ass out!"
shouted Lia, her cheeks red from embarrassment. Kazuma laughs while exiting the building, looking back at her one last time to wave before heading off. Once Kazuma was away, Lia found herself leaning against the door, letting out a sigh.
"That guy, seriously... Makes me really wish I had become friends with him in the past. Imagine the lives we could have lived then."
Lia then closes the entry doors and begins to walk towards her room but stops as she recalls something important.
"Damn it. I should have asked him about that memory restoring potion Chris was supposed to get for me."
{|} B-Part {|}
'I'm glad Lia didn't ask me about the memory restoring potion Chris was supposed to be getting for her as I haven't heard any updates on that. That's something I'm going to need to ask Chris about when I see her again... which I would think will be sometime during this week. Can't imagine Chris missing out on the festival.'
Kazuma had just begun walking the side road that led to the mansion when he suddenly felt it; the feeling that he was being watched. It wasn't his Enemy Detection skill alerting him to a threat, but just the feeling that something was out there, like a stalking beast preparing to strike at its prey.
'So, we're really going to do this then? Fine, if that's how you want to play it then.'
Kazuma kept on walking, making sure he didn't give any indication that he was aware of the presence watching him. And then, as the outline of the mansion started to come into view, he feels the point of a metal blade suddenly come pressing against his back, making him come to a dead stop.
"Don't move... don't try to call out for help. Don't even think about fighting back against what's coming."
The voice that was speaking was a deeper sounding voice, and yet there was something about that voice; perhaps in the undertone that revealed a deeper truth.
"What is this? Are you shaking me down for money? Hate to break it to you but I left my coin pouch inside my room."
It's not money I'm here for... Satou Kazuma, but your life."
"Come again?"
"You heard me, I was sent here by the Devil King to kill you. I'm sure you're aware that you have been quite the thorn in his majesty's side. Now, do you have any last request before I end your life, beside me sparing said life that is."
Kazuma acts like he's thinking about it for a moment before finally saying-
"Well, how about letting me grope your cute breast for a few minOW..."
The figure behind Kazuma smacks his head hard while pulling the dagger away, allowing Kazuma to look back to see a very annoyed Chris.
"You truly do deserve divine punishment; you do know that right."
"Maybe so, but don't act like you wouldn't like me doing that with you. Perhaps even more than that."
"Stop with the sexual harassment, Kazuma. It's not funny."
"Fine-fine. So, you doing good, Chris. Been staying out of trouble?"
"Yeah, more or less. What about you all, Kazuma. Have you been... who am I kidding. Just how much trouble have you and the others been getting yourselves into while I've been away."
"Uh... I'm not sure you want me to answer that one, boss. Things have been rather... crazy since you were last here."
"Oh terrific..."
Chris then lets out a sigh, slumping her shoulders. Kazuma steps up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder which gets her to look at him.
"In all seriousness, Chris. There's a few things we need to talk about."
"I'm all ears, assistant-kun."
"Not here and not now. Some of what I want to talk to you about concerns matters I'm sure you would want to stay just between us."
Chris nods her understanding, then says-
"Alright, leave it to me to figure out a way for us to get some alone time to talk. Does it have anything to do with all the weirdness going on in Axel."
"You noticed it too; all the love that seems to be going to Aqua over Eris. There's that two, of course but what I have to talk to you about is even bigger than that."
"That makes me feel uneasy, hearing you say that. Seeing as you brought up the Aqua love, I think I may have an idea behind what's causing that but that is something we should hold off talking about till we're with everyone."
"Then let's head inside the mansion. Everyone else should be waking up about now."
Chris nods as the two of them continue their walk towards the mansion.
"By the way, have you... Eris gotten around making that memory restoring potion for Lia."
The sheepish look that appears on Chris' face tells me all Kazuma needed to know. She had forgotten about it.
A few minutes later, once they were back into the mansion. They were sitting at the table sitting opposite a very annoyed looking Megumin. Well, maybe not annoyed but she had this pouty look on her face that said something had, or more likely NOT, happened that she had been expecting.
"Ah, Megumin..."
"MMMMMM"
Megumin just kept staring at Kazuma, her cheeks as red as they were puffed outward while her eyes were all watery. Chris leans over to Kazuma, who was focused on playing with Chomusuke, and asks him-
"Kazuma, what's wrong with Megumin. She looks... very something..."
"Hm, oh right. She's probably just mad that what she thought was going to happen last night didn't actually happen."
"What was supposed to happen last night?"
Kazuma then explains the details of the previous day's events, sort of. He talks about how Megumin, and Yunyun, had done a little remolding work on his bedroom, merging it with Megumin's bedroom to make one giant room.
After the two of them had been found out, and tried to make a run for it, Kazuma had given chase and, using his Sprint skill, had easily caught up with them and used Bind to capture them before carrying them back to the mansion, with a little help from the Power skill to boost his physical strength.
"So what happened then?"
"I told them I was going to punish them for their actions and that punishment was going to be a long and hard one."
"(deadpan look) Seriously!"
"I really thought you were going to do more with me than what you actually did, Kazuma. How could you just play with my feelings and expectations by settling for using Sleep on me, then not doing anything after except leaving me and Yunyun resting comfortably in bed together."
"Wait, you're disappointed I didn't do anything to you and Yunyun? That's rather unexpected. I would think you'd be thanking me for not doing more than that like Yunyun."
"I agree with Kazuma. Since when did you become a second Darkness."
"What did you expect, I'd not want us to sleep together again. Ever since we lost our virginity to one another, I've been wanting us to have more nights in each other's arms again, having plenty more late-night explosions with one another."
"Megumin, are you..."
"Well, yeah... What about you, Kazuma? Don't tell me you aren't wanting us to continue doing things like that with one another."
'I guess Crimson Demons, once they had a little taste of something, become addicted and need even more of it.'
"Well..."
"Hold on, am I hearing what I think I'm hearing? Since when did the two of you..."
"Um... breakfast is ready..."
came Yunyun, entering the room, balancing a large tray with several bowls and drinks into the room. Cielo is right behind her with her own tray filled with food and drink in hand. Kazuma then turns and yells out-
"Anna, breakfast is ready."
"Coming..."
"You know, we can hear you all talking in the kitchen. While I'm also curious about this subject matter, I think now is not the time to be talking about it."
"Especially since Darkness isn't here right now."
"Speaking of... where is Darkness."
"Spent the day with her father. We'll be meeting up with her once we head into Axel."
Chris nods as she receives her food and drink from Yunyun. Chris doesn't fail to notice Yunyun sending quick glances at Kazuma before looking at Megumin, seeing the Explosion mage had turned her attention to her meal and was going to town on it.
Chris then leans in close to Kazuma and whispers-
"Assistant-kun, I think Yunyun is jealous of the progress that's happened between you and Megumin."
"(whispers back) She's just as disappointed about what didn't happen last night as Megumin is. She's just taking it better than Megs."
"OK... and why would that be?"
"Well, I guess you can say me and Yunyun took things to the next level too... sort of."
"SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL DID I MISS SINCE I WAS LAST HERE?"
screamed Chris, making Yunyun lower her head in embarrassment, Kazuma just looks at her, unsure what to say, Megumin ignores the sudden outburst, Chomusuke has a freak out, and Cielo averts her gaze with pink cheeks, and Anna coming onto the scene saying-
"What's going on. Why the sudden shriek?"
{|} Intermission {|}
"WWWAAAHHH... oomph!"
With a rather painful impact [Complex] Iris hits the ground hard after emerging from the portal Entropy created that she had managed to jump into before it could close. After groaning for a few moments, Iris picks herself up while rubbing her sore butt.
"Damn, that hurts. Hope I didn't break... oh crap."
Recalling what she had done, Iris immediately begins to look around in a panic, worried her arrival may have alerted Entropy to her presence. She finds a large object sticking out of the ground to dive behind before poking her head out to see if she could see the enemy anywhere.
Luckily for her, there was no sign of Entropy anywhere. After a moment, Iris comes out of hiding, stands up, and begins to look around the area.
"Oh wow, is this Entropy's home timeline?"
The ground had this gray, lifeless look to it. While she could see plant life growing from the ground, it gave her the impression that something felt off, perhaps missing, when looking at it. She then looks at the sky, finding large thick clouds with flashes of red lightning and strange, almost warped sounded rumbles of thunder.
She then looks at the object she had hidden behind for a few moments, realizing it wasn't a rock but some kind of metal. Looking at it closer, seeing that is was something more than what one would think; clearly having come from something that was much bigger.
Iris then pulls out her communicator as she begins to walk forward.
"Aqua, come in Aqua. Are you there?"
After a moment, the voice of [Ego] Aqua speaks through the device.
"Iris, oh thank... me I guess that you're alright. When you said you were going to jump into a portal made by Entropy, I thought you'd actually be crazy enough to actually do it."
"Yeah, about that... (scratches side of head nervously)."
"You seriously did it, didn't you? I can't believe you. I thought Darkness was the only one that was crazy enough to go do that..."
"HEY!"
came a shout from [Passion] Darkness, clearly there with Aqua who adds-
"... OR maybe Yunyun, being told doing so will earn her some friends!"
"AQUA!"
Clearly [Shy] Yunyun was also there with them, which just left [Glutton] Komekko. Iris doubted the youngest member of their group was present as she LOVED paying visits to timelines that had a heavy number of things concerning her older sister and Kazuma.
"Never mind that for now, are you OK, Iris?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Actually, I think you guys should come join me as soon as possible."
"Iris, what is it? Where are you?"
Iris doesn't respond right away, instead looking on at the scenery before her. The ruined landscape alone was disturbing the see but that wasn't the thing that most caught her eye. No, what she was focusing on was the visage of an impossibly large alien structure sticking out of the ocean and beyond that, a series of towering crystals with clear signs on Entropy's body swirling around it.
"I'm pretty sure I'm in Entropy's home timeline."
{|} C-Part {|}
After breakfast, Kazuma and the girls began their trek to Axel. As they walked, Megumin suddenly said-
"Chomusuke, I know you like hanging out with Kazuma, because he's always spoiling you, but don't you think it's time you let your master hold you again."
Megumin then held out her hands, expecting Chomusuke to jump into her awaiting arms. Instead, Chomusuke just looks at Megumin for a second, then turns her head away. Shocking Megumin. Chomusuke then curls into a ball, acting like she was sleeping on Kazuma's head.
"Hey, don't ignore me. You're MY familiar, not Kazuma's so stop being difficult and get over here."
"Wait, Megumin. Don't try to tear her away from me. Wolbach, please don't use your claws to dig into my head."
cried Kazuma as Megumin lunged at him, trying to forcibly take Chomusuke into her possession. Off to the side, Yunyun lets out a sigh before saying-
"Looks like karma has finally come for you, Megumin. Remember all those times you tried to abandon her, like the incident with Arnes? I can't blame her for leaving you in favor of Kazuma. In fact, I'm surprised it took her as long as it has to do this."
"What did you say, Yunyun?"
"Fight... fight... fight..."
chanted Anna as Megumin turns her attention from Kazuma and Chomusuke to Yunyun. Kazuma let's out a sigh of relief as he feels Chomusuke nuzzling her cheek against the top of his head, probably her way of apologizing for her own actions.
Cielo just laughs at their antics as they continue onward. Not long after, as they pass by the amphitheater, Kazuma says-
"Oh right, Cielo. Lia wanted me to remind you of her offer to join Idol Hearts for that performance they're putting on for the final day the Eris Festival. She said she would need to know by tomorrow if there's to be any time to get you ready and prepared."
"Thanks for the reminder. I'll be sure to stop by and give her my answer before I go to bed tonight."
"So does that mean you've made your decision on if you're going to do it or not, Cielo?"
asked Yunyun. Cielo shakes her head, then says-
"Not yet, exactly. I will be thinking about it as we're having fun today though."
"What about me, Kazuma. Did Lia say anything about needing me to step up and put on another amazing performance like I did back in Veridae that one time. I would have to turn the offer down, of course, but I..."
"She said nothing about you helping out so I wouldn't worry about it, Megumin."
That clearly crushed Megumin's ego as she had a look that implied a wrecking ball had just impacted her gut. Anna herself takes up a thinking pose before saying-
"I wonder if this Lia girl would be interested in giving me a shot at becoming an Idol. Not to brag or anything, but I can vividly recall being praised for my singing voice back in my old life by the help."
"(nervous laugh) I'll be sure to let Lia know about your offer, Anna."
They continued on and as the reach the eastern gate of Axel, Darkness comes into view, waving them over to her. Once the group was together, Chris, who had been quiet during the walk as she was enjoying the interactions of her friends, finally says-
"Hey Darkness, been a bit, hasn't it. Did your day with your dad go well?"
"Hey Chris, glad to see you've decided to join us for this one. I'll be honest, I was worried you might actually miss this as you're usually here before the festival even starts up; all excited and such. And yes, our day together went well, or about as well as it could with all the weirdoes running around the city."
Hearing that gets the others to look at Chris, who simply blushes while lower her embarrassed face. Megumin and Anna then begin to poke her sides while teasing her about that new bit of information they've learned about her. After getting them to stop, Chris says-
"Yeah, sorry about being a little late. Works been busy, far more so these days than what I normally have to deal with. Anyways, I'm here now so what do you say we get to having some fun here."
All the girls cheer at that, but Kazuma stops the excitement by saying-
"Before that, didn't you have something you wanted to talk to us about once we were all together?"
"Huh... crap, I nearly forgot. Thanks for the reminder, Kazuma. (looks around) Over here, everyone. What I need to talk about is for your ears only."
Everyone nods as Chris leads them into a corner alley. Once there, and making sure there was no one else present, Chris has everyone huddle together before quietly speaking.
"OK, so does everyone remember our trip to Arcanretia from while back?"
Everyone except for Anna nods; Anna saying-
"Afraid you'll have to fill me in on that one. Remember that I wasn't able to get out of the mansion so easily back in those days to join you all."
"In a nutshell, Anna, we had a run in with this cheap trick magician guy named Alonzo who used a divine relic called the Charisma Choker, which allowed the user to mind control other people around him into doing the things he wanted them to do."
"And at the expense of a person's memories of their strongest personal bond. In all of our cases, it was Kazuma who he replaced within our minds."
added Cielo.
"Geez, sounds rather scary. Can't imagine what perverted stuff he must have made you all do before big brother saved your asses."
(Chr) "Luckily he wasn't the kind of guy who would use the choker for something like that. The most he did with us was to make us all fan girl all over him in order to feed his attention loving ego. And Kazuma didn't actually save us. It was more of the effects of the choker wearing off after we parted ways with him, right Kazuma?"
"Please don't remind me of those events. I still sometimes think the stench of sand whale piss is clinging to me."
That earns some giggles from the girls which then quickly turns to assurances that he didn't need to worry about that. Darkness then says, looking somewhat dejected-
"It was a shame though. Not that I wanted anything bad to happen to us, but that would have been such an amazing... (glares from the others) Ah, I mean... what's this all about, Chris."
"Well, I'm sure you all have likely noticed it by now but things here in Axel have been rather odd."
(C) "You mean the fact there seems to be so much Aqua love going around while anyone actually trying to have a festival experience in the name of Eris seems to be on the decline."
"Yeah, that. I believe the reason for this is because of the Charisma Choker."
(Y) "Wait, are you saying that Alonzo guy is here in town, using it to turn everyone into Aqua followers. That... that... that doesn't make any sense as he never struck me as the Aqua following type."
The other girls, save Anna, agree with Yunyun's observations though Kazuma is quick to point out...
"It's not Alonzo, but his cousin who stole the choker from him, if memory serves."
"Right, what Kazuma said. Sorry, guess I forgot to fill the rest of you in on that important detail."
(M) "Doesn't matter as we know now. Well Chris, who's the person who has it now?"
(D) "I'm guessing this cousin has to be a member of the Axis cult."
"Yes, she is a priestess of the Axis cultist. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and I think her name was... Cecily?"
Hearing that immediately makes both Megumin and Yunyun go stiff, something the others fail to notice as Cielo says-
(A) "So, we need to keep an eye out for a priestess of the Axis cult with blonde hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a choker around her neck. Any advice on how we should proceed should we encounter someone who matches that description."
Chris then reaches into her Adventurer's pouch and pulls out a series of paper tags, handing one to everyone.
"Keep these with you at all times. If anyone happens to see her but I'm not present, don't move against her. Instead, use these tags to contact me and everyone else and let me know where you're at. Right now, I'm the only one whose been given a defense against the chokers power."
(C) "A defense against it, huh? Wouldn't happen to have some of that defense for the rest of us, would you?"
"Sorry, but I... the goddess Eris only had the time to give me the defense, due to my status as her persona mortal agent."
Kazuma looks at Chris, having an idea on what she really meant, but he decides to stay quiet for now. Instead, he says-
"Alright, we now have an idea on what's going on here and Axel. Remember the description, everyone. For now, let's walk around and enjoy the festival. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and cross paths with this Cecily person along the way."
Everyone nods as Kazuma takes the lead. Megumin and Yunyun hang back though and quickly whisper between each other-
"Megumin, what are we going to do. You don't really think Cecily would actually..."
"Oh, she definitely would do something like brainwash as many people as she could if given the chance. We'll need to be especially on guard, given how into the two of us Cecily is."
"Especially you, Megumin. How many times did she try to have her way with you again?"
"More than I would like to recall. I'm just glad I was able to fend her off each time, or someone showed up which forced her to stop."
"Should we tell the others about our history with her?"
"Hell know. It's not important and besides..."
"Besides?"
"I... don't want Kazuma to know about what I did back then. The one big mistake I made that still haunts me to this day."
"Hey, Megumin... Yunyun... What's the hold up."
"Coming!" (x2)
The rest of the morning is rather uneventful, sort of. They didn't see Cecily anywhere, and their attempts at enjoying the various games and shows being held for the festival didn't fare much better.
For one thing, the prizes were the pinnacle of ridiculous. Many prizes ended up being pieces of papers meant to be signed so you could join the Axis cult. Some were charms that would only work if you were already a member of the cult. Some were statues of the goddess Aqua... that looked to be really cheaply made.
And worse of all were the strange yet curious looking rocks that were offered up as a prize.
By lunch time, the group were inside the guild, looking completely drained.
(K) "Is this really a festival? If this is the norm around here, then never expect me to engage with another one ever again."
"(Megumin, Cielo, and Yunyun; terrified wide eyed) I want to go home... I want to go home..." (x3)
"(Darkness; looking aroused) I never knew Axis cultist could be so advanced with their treatments of the Eris faithful. Call me crazy but maybe would should consider relocating to..."
"Don't even finish that sentence, woman."
"(Chris; tears in her eyes) My festival... my festival has been ruined."
"(Anna; looking at a rock in wonder) Amazing, this little stone really does look..."
Kazuma then slams his fist onto the table, making the others jump in surprise-
"That's it, no more mister nice guy. All in favor of spending the rest of the day hunting down this Cecily girl and making her suffer for all this?"
"AYE!" (x5)
"Um.., sorry for interrupting, Kazuma... everyone."
Kazuma and the others turn to see Luna standing before their table, a piece of paper in hand.
"Hey Luna. Thought you were on vacation."
"Is something wrong?"
"Sort of... actually, I have a REALLY BIG favor to ask of you all!"
{|} D-Part {|}
(M) "Is this REALLY how we're going to be spending our afternoon? Killing a bunch of stupid giant bugs!"
(K) "Would you rather we spend the afternoon being harassed by Axis cultist and playing games to earn their crappy ideas for rewards?"
(D) "Personally, I'd rather we spend the afternoon hunting down that Cecily woman, but we can't just ignore this problem either."
(C) "But why us exactly?"
(Chr) "Well, no point in complaining about it now. We're here so lets hurry up and get this over with."
At present, Kazuma and the girls were standing at the edge of the southeastern woods located near Axel, doing a special quest for the guild. Well, almost all of them were here...
(flashback)
"Giant Cicada's?"
Luna nods at Cielo's questioning words. Luna then explains-
"We always have this issue every year for as long as I can remember. During the spring, the eggs of these giant cicada's always show up in the forest to the southeast; not sure where they come from or how they end up there. We always have a team or two head into the forest before the festival starts to find and destroy them, so they won't cause any trouble."
(M) "And yet you're sending us out to take care of this problem NOW?"
"Sorry about that. Turns out this year saw way more eggs being present than what had been the norm in the past. The teams sent, because they were expecting to find only so much, missed all the extra eggs that had been deposited this year."
(Y) "How does the guild know that a bunch of eggs were even missed to begin with?"
"Earlier yesterday, scout mages detected the hatching of the eggs and determined the numbers to be a little over a hundred of them."
(Chr) "And yet, they haven't attacked Axel yet."
"Because right after hatching, they enter a hibernation state as their bodies work on growing to full size. If nothing is done about this before the final day of the festival, then all the noise that will be caused by the fireworks will awaken them and they'll swarm the nearest source of food for them to feast upon."
(D) "In other words, everyone in Axel."
Luna nods, making everyone look at each other. Kazuma then asks-
(K) "As someone who hasn't seen one of these giant cicada's before, I have to ask if they're as dangerous to people and animals as the giant toads are?"
"Oh yes, they're dangerous alright. Perhaps even more so because at least with the toads, you might have a hope of being rescued. These cicada's, on the other hand, if they actually manage to get you and fly off with you in tow, then you're already dead."
(C) "Doesn't help that their little feet have these needle-like nails on them that can inject your body with a powerful poison that will kill you quickly while liquifying one's insides to make eating them easier."
(A) "Ugh, I really don't think..."
Kazuma sighs, trying his best to ignore the sick look Anna had before looking back at Luna.
"I really want to say no, festival time and all that, but we'll do it... for a nice reward, that is."
"If you all do this for us, consider yourselves exempt from any future special request from the guild... at least for the rest of the year."
"I'm out!"
said Anna who quickly stands, making everyone look at her.
(Y) "Anna, what are you...?"
"I said I'm out. Not going bug hunting for anyone; no way, no how."
(K) "But it's a new experience for..."
"I don't care. I'm willing to do a lot of things and I do mean A LOT! But the one thing I won't do is deal with any kind of insects. I hate bugs, no questions asked. Just thinking about them makes my skin crawl. You all go have your fun while I head back home to hide... as any wise person should do."
And with that, Anna makes a quick exit; leaving everyone just watching her go and unable to really say anything till after she was gone.
(D) "Huh, so Anna's afraid of insects. Who would have guessed."
(M) "Makes one wonder how she dealt with having a empty mansion filled with spiders and other creepy crawlies for all those many long years before we arrived on the scene?"
(K) "No matter. The six of us should be more than enough for this. Anything else about this one we should know about, Luna?"
"Well..."
(present)
The group finally comes to a stop before the entrance of the wooded area. Kazuma then steps forward to address everyone.
"OK, we all know why we're here. Hunting down some stupid oversized bugs. Remember what Luna said, avoid using magic if at all possible as the mana within the spells and the loud noises some of them can make could cause the cicadas to awaken early and start their assault."
(Chr) "Right, rely on melee and ranged weapons."
"That goes for you too, Megumin. No Explosions, no Dragon Slave, and especially no Explosion magic seeing as you are grounded."
Kazuma knew he had said Explosion magic twice there, but he felt it necessary when you consider who it was he was telling this too. Megumin simply puffs her cheeks and huffs before saying-
"No fair. If I used Explosion magic, I could end this whole thing in an instant."
(C) "Or miss enough of the targets, wake the survivors and send them into a rage, and making everyone in Axel suffer bug time."
Megumin begins to pout hard, making Kazuma sigh before saying-
"Megumin, if you can somehow contain yourself and NOT fire off an Explosion, I'll go ahead and end you're being grounded from using it early. Will that make you happy?"
"(cheerfully) Yes sir!"
(D) "Now, how should we do this?"
(Chr) "Let's break up into teams of two. If we spread out, it'll make finding the sleeping cicada's quicker and easier."
(K) "And we'll cause more damage that way too."
(Y) "Um... can I go with Kazu..."
"I'll be going with Kazuma, of course!"
proclaimed Megumin, interrupting Yunyun's request to be with Kazuma. Chris shakes her head and pulls out six wooden picks, making everyone look at them then at her for an explanation.
"We'll use these to determine who partner's up with who."
(K) "OK... and how will we be doing that? They all look the same."
"(chuckles) They look the same now, but if I apply a little mana to them..."
Everyone watches as one end of each of the six begins to glow with a curious light; two red; two green, and two blue. These last only a moment before the lights fade. Chris then explains-
"Here in a moment, I'll turn my back to you all and scramble them up. You all will then select one and I'll take which ever one is last. We will all then apply a little mana to them to make them glow. Whoever gets the red will partner up, the greens and the blues will also work together. Fair?"
Everyone nods, making Chris turn her back to them for a second before she once again turns back to them, holding them out before the others with one hand. One by one, they each take one, then on Chris's command, they all send their mana into their respective picks to reveal what color they were.
"Looks like it's going to be me and Kazuma for this one!"
said Chris with a big grin on her face. Megumin fumes while Cielo looks at Darkness and says-
"So, me and you then, huh Darkness? I'm both relieved and worried at the same time."
"Don't worry. I'm actually of the same mindset as Anna when it comes to insects. They idea of them crawling all over me, their disgusting little legs and... (huff-huff) no, I shouldn't be getting so... AAAH!"
"Seriously Darkness, you need help!"
"Megumin, I... ah... let's make sure to work hard, OK?"
"You cheated. You seriously rigged this whole thing, didn't you Chris!"
proclaimed Megumin, making Chris reply with a shocked look.
"How could I have possibly cheated, Megumin? If you can answer me that then I'm willing to switch places with you right here, right now."
"Well, you must have... or maybe you... damn it, why of all times does my high intellect go failing me?"
"Must have been Chris's insane luck stat. Everyone knows her luck is beyond OP!"
points out Kazuma, making Darkness nod in agreement. Megumin looked like she still wanted to argue about it but thankfully decides to drop it. Chris then says-
"OK, let's split up and start hunting us some giant cicada's people. Remember that we have around a hundred of these things to kill so we should aim for at least thirty to forty per team. Also, which ever team gets the most kills once this is over gets to make one special request to Kazuma he has to deliver upon, no matter what!"
(K) "Wait, what?"
Kazuma didn't like the sound of that while the others, especially Megumin and Yunyun, very much liked that idea.
"Now then, people. Let's get to work!"
Chris then grabs Kazuma by the arm, dragging him away with her. After a moment, Kazuma looks back at the others and reminds them-
"Remember everyone, only physical weapons here. No magic... and especially NO Explosions, Megumin!"
"I know... I know...!"
Once they were a little ways away, Chris finally let's Kazuma go, giving him a chance to collect himself from her forceful forward motion.
"You know, there was no need to drag me along as long as you did there, boss. Why were you being so pushy any..."
"(devious chuckle) Alright, my plan worked perfectly!"
"... You did cheat, didn't you?"
"Well duh, assistant-kun. While my luck may be insanely good, I wasn't leaving that one to chance alone. We did need to have some proper alone time to talk about things, did we not?"
"Yeah, I guess so. But how exactly did you do that anyways? Make sure those picks lit up the way they did?"
"Sorry Kazuma but that's a professional trade secret. Maybe I'll tell you that secret one day... if you're a good boy, that is."
'(sigh) I'm guessing that secret has something to do with your divine status. Speaking of which, how should I go about letting her know that I know about that?'
"So, do you want to go first with our little talk or should I, Kazuma?"
"Ladies first. Don't know why but I can't help but feel I have more to tell you than you do me."
"Yeah, you're probably right about that as I only had two things I really wanted to tell you... well, there is a third thing but I'm still not sure if now's the right time for that."
'Your true nature, I take it?'
"Anyways, you already know the first of the two things I wanted to talk with you about."
"You mean the whole thing with that Axis cult girl who has the Charisma Choker?"
"(nods) I had planned on bringing that up with you in secret as the chances of that Cecily girl showing up was only a possibility, not an absolute. But after seeing the state of Axel upon arriving; seeing as the Aqua love already going around, I knew she must have already arrived and was doing here thing with the choker, thus making me decide to go ahead and tell everyone about her as we would be going from keeping an eye out to a proper search for her."
"And naturally, we need to find her before she finds us and puts us under her spell. Are you sure there's nothing you can do for the others and me when it comes to making us immune to the power of the choker."
"I wish it was that easy but actually doing that is... difficult to say the least. However, I think that you... no, never mind that for now."
"What is it?"
"It's nothing. Just a silly idea that passed through my head. Anyways, I should go ahead and tell you about the other thing I wanted to talk to you about."
"And that would be?"
"Oh, nothing major. Just a possible end of the world scenario!"
{|} to be continued... {|}
Next time: Kazuma and Chris's talk continues, Axel needs to be saved from a sudden swarm, and the enemy sets their sights on our heroes.