It was a day like any other. Yet Bell would always remember it. After all, it wasn't often that they got visitors to their humble, rural village, that was deep within the mountains. Many never had a reason to come here after all. There was nothing at all, except the occasional goblin and the beautiful sight. Because of such things, the visitor a year ago stood out immensely. He looked like a starving man, with only rags covering his body. With a grumbling stomach, the stranger fell flat on his face, seemingly amused as he chuckled weakly. It sent Bell into a panic, flailing around as he let his hoe fall before rushing back to get Grandpa, who definitely knew what to do.
This was the day he first met Sasaki Kojiro. All he would learn about him that he was a wandering swordsman, unsure of where his life would lead him. Grandpa, as the good man he was, offered him a place to stay in their humble home. Bell didn't mind back then. His eyes practically sparkled. Someone who was a clear foreigner and was clearly experienced in a lot of ways? How could he not get excited over that! It really helped that Kojiro helped out wherever he could with farm work, showing off his superior physique. But what Bell liked the most…was observing him when he was swinging a tree branch as if it was a blade. It was something entirely harmless, a thing that little children, himself included, would use for their fantasies of being a hero. But in Kojiro's hands?
Bell genuinely believed he was wielding a deadly blade. He didn't know much about swordplay. The stories grandpa shared focused more on the heroic deeds themselves than the gritty details of battle. But the young man genuinely believed that Kojiro's training was beautiful. Something beyond mortal skill. Maybe it was just his young mind overestimating things. Maybe it was because he was just some kid in the boonies. But it didn't take long before Bell changed from a spectator to an imitator. Looking back, it was a bit embarrassing. Holding a branch even smaller than Kojiro. Standing right next to him, mimicking the downward slashes he performed. It took awhile for the adult to notice him. He seemed positively baffled by his actions. But maybe something in the way Bell begged with his expression, he just merely shook his head in amusement. From then on, up until the present, Kojiro would teach him. It was strange, to see the always calm and relaxed man seem a bit lost. Some things went over Bell's head, as his teacher wasn't good at explaining things. And it took a while for Kojiro to figure out the appropriate "force" used in a sparring match. Nevertheless, Bell had the time of his life, believing that this was like the start of a hero's story with a great mentor.
Truly... he should've spent more time trying to know him, instead of just seeing an unapproachable hero he could maybe learn from.
/
Contrary to what one would usually believe, the main market was not inside the walls. While there were a lot of stalls inside and shops, the "real" market was outside, with all the merchants that came from outside the Far East island. The reason for that was something rather cynical in Bell's view. Even sad.
The Far East wasn't a place that accepted outsiders easily from what he heard. He even experienced it himself. The suspicious looks he received from the locals and the guards. The way outsiders were clearly observed and kept separate from others. This market was the same. Merchants from outside selling their goods, before those that were local and trusted brought them inside the city. It certainly explained the mood around this place, Bell thought nervously as they wandered around. Tense, with buyers and merchants eyeing their possessions almost jealousy. The amount of guards didn't help, as well as their actual appearances.
On the one side of the market, men and women stood in perfect discipline, their eyes focused on their designated area. Each of them wore a white outfit. A Keikogi, if Bell remembered the term correctly, each with a different colored belt for some reason.
On the other side, a mismatch of outfits, if they wore much at all. Leather outfits, just bandages, it was all over the place. Unlike the other side, they were also openly wandering around, actively joining conversations and making jokes with vendors. Surprisingly enough, they didn't seem to mind much. No, if something bothered them it was...
"Hey, ya steppin' into our turf, Hachiman fucker!"
"Have some more respect, Susanoo cur. And clean your eyes, this is clearly our territory."
"Ya wanna go, shithead?!"
"Go ahead, I felt like hitting something ugly anyway."
Discipline against the wild. Calm demeanor against an angry sneer. Forehead against forehead. Bell gulped at the sight, looking around in panic, hoping that things wouldn't escalate. However, a small chuckle sounded next to him. Turning his head, he saw Kojiro, utterly unconcerned about the situation.
"What a pleasant mood, young master."
"I'm sorry, what?" Bell asked, tilting his head in disbelief. In response, Kojiro gestured with his hand around.
"No worries. There is not a hint of bloodlust. It's like birds puffing up. Mere intimidation to scare each other off." He pointed at certain stalls. "See? It is exasperation, not actual worry."
Bell narrowed his eyes and took a closer look. Now that he was mentioning it...The tension almost seemed to... lessen? As if this air of honest displeasure with each other cleared the atmosphere ever so slightly. Awkward chuckles, sighs and shaking of heads. This commotion almost seemed like it made people forget about their suspicions, to clear the gap between outsiders and insiders. The albino couldn't help but smile a bit at that.
"I see... "
With a deep breath, he began to relax. Then, clapping his cheeks, he nodded to himself. Alright, enough distractions, he had to focus! Sharpening his ears, he tried to look for their 'target'. It was rather hard getting the details, but soon enough, he managed to pick some things out here and there.
"...kia really stopped their push against the Elves, huh? Guess the Empire is taking things ser... "
"...ard of the newest song of the Valkyries? Man, Altena is just pumping those ou... "
"...ria? Ganesha is really losing…"
"...Mimir took his sweet time, releasin'..."
"...at nest is takin' some time for Hachiman and Amatearsu, ey? You'd think Susanoo and Tsukoyomi would start some... "
"...amn Amazons moving too much. Could hit Rakia, Orario or even us. Soldiers been moved to the... "
"Young master. I believe I found our target."
Bell jumped a bit at the voice that was a lot closer than the others. He turned to Kojiro, who had his eyes narrowed when he pointed at a certain humble looking tent, more on the outside of the market than inside. The individual inside looked like a small child, just like all Pallum. Brown short hair, a black vest over a brown shirt. He had a pleasant smile as he sold minor trinkets, more souvenirs of other countries than something like weapons or people. Overall, not someone he would call a smuggler. With a frown, Bell crossed his arms, tilting his head.
"How are you so sure?"
"He reeks of unsavoury intentions," Kojiro replied in a low tone. Bell blinked, taking a closer look at the man. For a while, he just stared. But in the end, he could only shake his head.
"If you say so." He smiled a bit. "I trust you."
"Thank you for that. Just stay behind me," Kojiro responded. Stepping towards the man, the Pallum blinked before rubbing his hands with a pleasant smile.
"Ah! Good day! What can this humble-"
"Were you hired to smuggle a Renard girl out of this country?"
Bell felt he almost broke his own neck, with the speed he turned his head towards Kojiro with a horrified, wide eyed expression. The Pallum didn't look any better, immediately paling at the question and stuttering in utter outrage.
"W-w-w-w-what?!"
"Do not bother to hide it. We have evidence," Kojiro said in a low tone, casually putting a hand on his hilt. Bell immediately looked away to prevent the Pallum from seeing the panic on his face. They didn't have a single piece of evidence! Sure, a Pallum merchant was mentioned but there were plenty around! They didn't even have a description or anything! How could Kojiro bluff like this?!
However, Bell's eyes widened at the face of said merchant. Wide eyes and shaking body. It was then that he realized that the Pallum believed Kojiro's words completely. There was not a shadow of a doubt that he believed that he was caught. Caught at planning to smuggle an innocent out of the city. Bell couldn't help but bristle up a bit, at seeing the one who was guilty of a crime he was planning to commit. The Pallum laughed, a desperate one to keep himself calm. Looking around, he gulped, hoping that nobody was seeing the commotion. Raising his shaking arms, he sweat nervously.
"N-now, dear sirs! N-no need for any of that!" He almost sang in a pleading tone, his eyes solely on Kojiro. "I'm-I'm sure we can come to an agreement!"
Kojiro was having none of that politeness however. He merely leaned forward, raising an eyebrow.
"Tell us about the Renard."
The Pallum must've seen something in his eyes because he almost started to hyperventilate, trying to back off as much as he could.
"I'm just supposed to smuggle her out! To the Empire! Quick, clean, simple!" The criminal hissed, his voice breaking up a bit. Bell's frowned. The Empire? It was a massive kingdom, in a sense, that conquered and defeated all kinds of villages and cities around them. They were considered a Great Power, on the level of Orario. Why would a Noble Renard be wanted in there? Bell bit his lip. He didn't know enough about the Empire to figure it out.
As if reading his mind, the Pallum continued to blabber, desperately grasping for straws.
"You... you seem like very smart people!" He pointed at himself, nodding furiously."I have many connections! The-the…'trade' I'm in has many options available for you! The Night Queen can fulfill even your wildest dreams!"
Kojiro's and Bell's eyes widened. They recognized the name. It was a title that was whispered in fear during their travels, like a story to tell children as a horror story. Only that it wasn't just a mere story. It was the truth.
The truth of the Night Queen... the leading figure of the world's darkness. The "God of Slavery". The one who had her hands in every country. If someone was reporting missing... there were good odds that she was responsible in some form. Bell grit his teeth, now openly seething at the Pallum.
He wasn't just a regular smuggler or kidnapper. He... he was a slave trader.
"Young master, should I cut his throat open?"
The question was asked so casually, Bell couldn't process it at the moment. Then he felt a shiver down his spine and turned to Kojiro. The man held the hilt, tipping the guard with his thumb up, revealing the sharp blade the sheathe hid. He smiled, almost casually, but there was expectation in his eyes. Expectation that he should kill someone right here and then, without hesitation. And even if a part of Bell...enjoyed the Pallum's whimper as he fell down backwards... He felt horrified at Kojiro's words.
No matter how despicable someone was... no matter how much they angered him... He couldn't just treat killing as something that could be just done like that. In the heat of combat, maybe, but just like that? Something churned in Bell's stomach. No. The mere thought repulsed him in a way. That... that wasn't something a hero would do. Because of that, he frantically shook his head as his voice rose.
"No! Of course not!"
Kojiro blinked, before tilting his head in confusion. That mere gesture was enough to twist Bell's heart. Did... did he really have to explain why this was wrong? He felt something strain, in his mind, in his memories, the clean perfect picture he had of Kojiro.
"Li-li-listen! I-I just leave! No worries! Don't care for the job anyway!"
The two of them snapped their attention back to the Pallum who was already reaching for his essentials, a fake smile on his face as he focused on what Bell assumed was his path to escape. Bell felt indignation but also fear. He could feel Kojiro tense up next to him, ready to cut the smuggler down in an insta-
"What's going on here?"
The strict voices interrupted his thoughts. Kojiro visibly relaxed as they all turned to the two guards of the Hachiman Familia, arms crossed as they looked at the suspicious scene. One a woman with a black ponytail and the other with short black hair and a clean short beard. Without hesitation, Bell took a step forward, before the Pallum could speak some poisoned words, a look of urgency on his face.
"This man is a slave trader!"
"T-they lie! I was just minding my own business!" The smuggler immediately denied. The guards shared a look before turning to Bell with judging frowns.
"Any evidence?" The woman asked, causing the young man to freeze.
... Ah. He didn't have the letter with him. But-but he had to do something! He racked his brain, to figure out a way to stop him from escaping. If only he had the letter! If only he hadn't given it to... Wait. His head shot up. That was it!
"S-sakamoto Ryoma can vouch for us!" Bell proclaimed, pouring all of his sincerity into his words. From what he could gather, he had to have some influence, so it had to mean something!
What the albino didn't consider was that using the name of a famous person wasn't nearly enough to gain someone's trust. But fortunately for him, despite his ignorance of such common sense, the guards weren't fools. If there was even the slightest suspicion of the accusation being the truth... It would be annoying if this led to nowhere. But it was a risk that came with the job. Hiding their annoyance with well trained experience, they immediately surrounded the Pallum in question.
"If you lie, boy, you have a lot to answer for."
Bell blinked at their sudden speed. One moment they stood there, the next they seemed to glide over the ground. The dirt wasn't disturbed at all.
"This is a misunderstanding!" The Pallum screeched, struggling to break free. But the iron grip of those that were blessed gave no room for error.
"Yeah, yeah, you can tell that to your cell."
"If everything is in order, you can get your stuff back."
With that said, the culprit was dragged away as he screamed his throat sore. The crowd that formed, intrigued at what was going on, was quickly blocked by the Susanoo Familia, shooing them away with glares.
"Nuthin' ta see here!"
"Get ya asses movin!"
Soon enough, Bell and Kojiro were left alone as the market returned to its usual state. The latter huffed, shaking his head in dry amusement.
"Well, that has been dealt with then. Rather anticlimactic."
Bell didn't respond. He just quietly began to follow Kojiro after receiving a confused glance that was followed with a shrug. As they walked, only one thought was on Bell's mind.
How could someone be so callous about a life like that?
It made Bell realize... that they didn't know each other at all. Nothing beyond the surface at least. Kojiro was just the representation of strength in his eyes. He had no idea about his values. His ideals and morality. Bell suspected that Kojiro suffered from similar ignorance regarding Bell. It... it hurt him. Was he blinded by the swordsman's strength so much, to put the label of "hero" on him, that he ignored the darker sides of his being?
Did Kojiro even consider him as a... friend? As someone he cared about? Or maybe he was just a way to kill time? Bell grit his teeth, shaking his head. No. No, he should have more faith in this man. He stuck around with him for a year already. If nothing else, he had to trust that Kojiro cared. Even if they had differences in a lot of ways between them... Bell just had to make up for it. With that in mind, he clapped his cheeks and put on a smile. No more negative thoughts!
"I hope Ryoma won't be too mad that we used his name, hahaha," Bell said, trying to make small talk.
"It'll be just fine, I believe." Kojiro paused before humming in thought."Still, we should hurry to the inn and get some good rest before he can change his mind, young master."
The young man laughed at the joke, burying the doubts he held within him.