"Ugh...". Chelsea groans in discomfort, leaning over a pile of rocks, Holding her hair back she starts to make a stomach-turning retching sound.
She continued for about a minute. While Chelsea became reacquainted with her breakfast from that morning. Kenshiro crouched beside the officers. He started to rummage through their belongings. Perhaps he could find a clue to where he was or at least some provisions that could prove useful.
Wiping her mouth off any stray vomit, Chelsea approaches the man in leather. "See if they have a log on them." She asks.
The man seemingly ignores her, 'Excuse me, are you listening"? She asks her annoyance growing.
The man in leather pauses, passing a glance to her; and shakes his head seemingly unable to understand. "It should be a small booklet, that should let us know where they are." She explained.
"The last thing we need is to run into another patrol after that little stunt you just pulled you...I don't know what your name is."
The man rose to his feet, towering over the young assassin; she stepped back on pure instinct. While she attempted to hide it, it was apparent to anyone she was intimidated by her savior's sheer size. Making a guess, she'd place him at around 6 feet tall. His stocky build only added to his intimidating form.
He looked down on her, his copper-colored eyes piercing into her own. His scowl made her even more uneasy, finally, he spoke, "Kenshiro."
"Kenshiro?" She paused. "That sounds like a name from the eastern country, come to think of it, he looks like he could be from there as well. What the hell was he doing in this cave?" She ponders to herself.
"Well, Kenshiro, nice to meet you, the name's Chelsea. Would you mind handing me that book?" She reached her hand to Kenshiro.
"Where am I?" Kenshiro asks with a stern look on his face pulling his hand away from the headphone-bedecked assassin.
Taken aback by his sudden shift from kind to intense, Chelsea answers, "The borders of the empire? We are about a few days' walk from Joyou. How long were you in this cave?"
"Joyou? Empire?" None of these names made sense to him, he stared back at Chelsea with a bewildered look on his face.
"Did the rebel alliance send you? Are you from one of the local tribes"? Chelsea asks.
'Tribes? Rebel alliance'? More unfamiliar words only served to confound him further. How long was he out? This woman looked nothing like a wasteland dweller. Neither did the thugs that attacked her, they looked nothing like what he was used to. Her clothing looked nothing like the rags and tunics that he was accustomed to.
Her hair was clean, healthy, and well-kept, in fact, everything about her appearance and hygiene was of the highest order. Kenshiro could not place his finger on it, but the apparatus that covered her ears eluded his memories. They looked like something from the old world, a lost technology perhaps?
Such decorative and none functional equipment was worthless in his world. This was not someone who had spent their life living in a desert, everything about this woman would make her an easy target for bandits. It made no sense, something was wrong.
Chelsea waited for Ken's response only to receive uncomfortable silence in return, "Hey, could you stop staring at me like that? It's getting weird." She asks.
Without even thinking, Ken drops the book and runs past her toward the entrance of the cave.
The assassin jumps back in surprise as Kenshiro leaves her behind, "Hey! Where are you going?" Chelsea yells.
Ken ignored the pleading of the woman with auburn hair shouting at him. He ran towards the entrance. Unsure of what could be waiting for him on the other side. The light grew brighter as he approached it.
The closer he got the more the feeling of nostalgia became unmistakable. He could hear the sounds of birds singing, the pleasant smell of grasslands, and the cool breeze surrounding him as he grew closer to the opening.
"This feeling...it cannot be, this cannot be real." Ken thought as he rushed forward. His eyes became blurry, attempting to adjust to the daylight emanating from outside. He runs out of the cave and stops dead in his tracks.
His eyes widen, and his mouth hangs agape ever so slightly. The man with seven scars is overcome with emotion. "M-my god. It's beautiful..." He spoke.
Everywhere he looked, Kenshiro was surrounded by the indescribable beauty of nature. Never in his life did he think he would ever see such beauty once more, it had been so long that he had almost forgotten what his world had looked like before the bombs dropped.
Kneeling down, he digs up a small clump of dirt; It was fertile, full of color, and not a hint of radiation, inspecting it and rolling it around in his hand. He looked around only to be greeted by vast swaths of trees dotting the landscape. Hills jutted all over the land. He stood back on his feet and stared out into the vast blue sky.
Lost in contemplation, he did not even feel the presence of a hand on his shoulder.
"Yep, that's topsoil you got there." Chelsea playfully teases him. Kenshiro turns to her, his face still in astonishment. Slightly off-put by this, she attempts to lighten the mood.
"What? You've never seen an ordinary meadow before?" She says in a jovial tone. Ken turns towards the broad field with a melancholy disposition.
"No...Not in a very long time." Ken said somberly.
She pauses, "Who is this guy"? She asks herself. In such a short period, he has shown a wide range of emotions, from gentle to merciless, and back again. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before.
She had known quite a few oddballs, especially in her line of work, but this one might be the strangest. While she did not know him that well, she had a feeling that she could trust him. Something about him put her at ease. She just could not explain why.
Even during the act of killing her attackers, he did not display any characteristics of an absolute murderous psychopath killing indiscriminately. From what little she knows, it seems like he is a trustworthy person.
Looking up at him, she was finally able to get a good look at her rescuer, He appeared like he was chiseled from granite. Almost statuesque, he looked like something out of a tall tale she remembers hearing as a child. His dark brown hair was feathered in front and spiky everywhere else.
His face was quite grim when he was serious. Intimidating immediately sprung to mind. Pausing for a moment, Chelsea looks into his eyes.
"Those eyebrows...could use a good plucking." she giggled to herself.
But once again, she found herself lost in his eyes, those deep piercing, copper-colored eyes almost having a sad quality to them.
"Is something wrong?" Kenshiro asked.
"No, no, no. It's just you need a bath! You smell like death wrapped in leather, which given what just happened is appropriate." Chelsea remarked.
Kenshiro turns to Chelsea. However, before he could say anything he sensed a presence behind him.
"Guys! What happened? Did you get that bitch? I can barely see. Anybody there? Where are you guys?
It was the dark-skinned officer. He finally managed to pull the needle from his eye and wander from the cave, only to find himself face-to-face with his friend's killers.
Without any hesitation, Chelsea grabs another needle from under her skirt and flings it at the man. With pinpoint accuracy, she pegs him right between the eyes. Killing him instantly. His body crumples to the ground and goes silent.
"We should go before more of his friends show up, there is a village nearby. We'll go there and lay low for a bit and sort out our next move." She says in a rush.
Chelsea walks down the meadow leaving, Kenshiro behind. It was at this moment Ken knew whoever this woman was she was not as helpless as she first appeared.
As the two walked, Ken was still overwhelmed by what he was seeing. Almost like a kid in a toy store. There was always something new for him to see. Deer grazing, different kinds of flowers, Some that even looked alien to him. Although he was excited, he remained stoic and composed to anyone that was looking at him.
To Chelsea, it was amusing, watching his gaze fixated on the most mundane of things. She smirked to herself. "He's just so cute! but as much fun as it is to watch him stare at chipmunks, I need to ask a few more questions."
"Hey?" She asks casually.
"Hmm?" Ken grunted
"So, what kind of Teigu is that?"
"Teigu?"
"You know, that thing you used to make those guys' heads explode? A Teigu, Imperial arm. One of the legendary 48 relics created by the first emperor over a thousand years ago? Is any of this ringing a bell?" She said condescendingly.
"Hokuto Shinken." He affirmed
"Hokuto Shinken? Can't say I've ever heard of that one in the Teigu guides." Chelsea quips back.
"It is not a Teigu, what you saw is a martial art handed down over 1,800 years".
Chelsea stops dead in her tracks. "Wait, hold on. You did that...with your bare hands?" She responds perplexed.
"Yes," Ken answers.
"Ho-how?!" Chelsea asked mystified.
"Hokuto Shinken is an art that allows its user to channel their energy to strike one of the 708 pressure points on the human body. With but a touch, I can end a life in an instant." He explained.
"Yeah...that makes sense". Chelsea remarked facetiously. Unsure if Ken was lying or not. Chelsea began to observe him, her eyes moving up and down his body, trying to see if something on him could be a possible Teigu.
Looking over him, she made a mental note of anything significant. His leather jacket weathered from years of exposure its blue hue long since faded. The pad on his right shoulder was dented and dinged from wear and tear.
Looking down from his broad shoulders towards his chest, she sees scars dotting his abdomen.
"What are those? Was he tortured?" She thinks to herself. They did not look like bullet holes, but rather as if someone drilled something into his chest. She was not sure, but it appeared that the holes were in a pattern, but she could not confirm this.
She decided it would be best not to bring that up yet. Aside from that, there was hardly anything unusual about Ken's attire. Just more leather, some belts, chains, and leather boots. He did not look like anything from the region.
No matter how she looked at it, Ken did not fit in. It looked as though he was ripped from a faraway land and placed here with little regard or reason. his clothing looked like it was cobbled together. Like he found them in a wasteland or something. Wearing them not because of how they looked, but how they functioned.
"Say...where do you come from"? Chelsea asked.
Ken paused for a moment before he gave her an answer,
"Should I tell her? Would she even believe me? It would seem too far-fetched".
"Are you from the eastern country? You should know the people around here are not exactly kind to Easterners. Chelsea warned.
"Yes." Ken lied.
"Hmm...I see. So why were you in that cave? Last night the local villagers saw a massive green light that turned night into day. You would not happen to know anything about that, would you?" Chelsea grilled him.
"I don't remember, I recall finding the cave and using it for shelter. When I dreamt, I saw a green light. I can't recall anything after that." Ken chose his words carefully, He still was unsure of this woman's intentions. Yet she did not seem dangerous.
She gave off an air of mischievousness. However, she had killing intent, But He could sense no evil in her heart. It was purely defense-based. If worse came to worse, he could merely erase her memories of the past few days if necessary.
"You came from a foreign land, wandered into a cave, and fell asleep? Did you even consider that a danger beast could have been nesting in there?"
"Danger beast?" Ken looked puzzled.
"You don't even know what a danger beast is?" Chelsea says with a raised eyebrow.
"No," Ken answers.
"Are you hiding something from me?" she confronts him.
Ken glares at the girl growing annoyed with her constant questioning. "Are you? For an ordinary girl, you are quite skilled with gabishis, and you have no qualms about ending a life, it's almost as if you've done it before...many times."
"Gabishis?" Chelsea said with confusion.
"I knew of another woman who was very proficient with them as well. You may try to hide it, but I can easily tell you're not as innocent as you claim to be!" Ken spoke, seeing through her visage.
The stare he gave her sent chills down her spine. The absolute last thing she wanted to do was anger this man who could very well end her life in an instant, "Hold on don't get mad at me, I'm just asking you a few questions, how do you think I feel? I was almost killed. Then some strange guy appears out of nowhere and kills people in the most horrifying way I have ever seen,
I still have some of that fat bastard's brains stuck in my hair! You claim it's some kind of weird ancient martial art I've never heard of. Then you act like you have no idea what's going on, or what this world is. Can you blame me for being suspicious? Anyone would be confused if they got that explanation!"
Frustrated, she kneels down out of breath, "Full disclosure. I'm not some ordinary country bumpkin, I'm a highly trained assassin and spy for the revolutionary army. I was sent here to investigate the light at the cave, my mission is to bring back whatever I find to HQ."
"And...I found you. I'm not trying to deceive or kill you. I just need information that's all".
Ken looks down at the frustrated young woman, and without saying a word, he extends his hand once more.
"I understand your frustration, but know this, if I told you the truth, you would not believe me."
Chelsea looks up at him, his face kind once more. Reaching for his hand; He lifts her up back to her feet.
She smirked, " Heh, You really are a hard guy to pin down Kenshiro. We're getting close to the village. I'm staying with a woman, she's got a cute kid. Her name's Mika, she'll provide us with dinner and beds for the night."
The two walk together side by side as the sunsets and the village comes into view, she turns to Ken once more.
"Hey?" Chelsea asks.
"Yeah?" Kenshiro said.
"Want a lollipop?"
"I'm fine."
"Hmmph, more for me." She smirks.
As she looked towards the village, glancing over, she could have sworn she saw him crack a smile.
Back at the meadow towards the cave, another party arrives. One is led by an even more intimidating giant of a man. His muscly frame was barely contained by his armor.
His bright orange mohawk bedecks skull swaying in the wind. He looked over the meadow with his beady eyes observing the area. Overlooking the pasture, he looks through his binoculars, "where the hell did those guys go?" He mutters under his breath.
"It's been too damn long since they were supposed to check in." As he continued to pan the area, one of his subordinates ran towards him with a look of fright.
"Captain Zeed! We found patrol team B...they were attacked!" The officer yelled.
"What?! who would dare attack us? Where are they?" Zeed demanded.
"I-I don't know how to explain it, captain, you just need to see it for yourself!" The officer motioned for Zeed to follow him.
As the men converged on the cave. His subordinates were investigating the area around its opening. Captain Zeed noticed one of the offices from team B sprawled on the ground.
"What happened to him?" He demanded,
"Looks like someone drove two needles into him, but that's not the strange thing." His subordinate said to him.
'"What do you mean 'That's not the strange thing'? It's clear as fucking day someone murdered one of my men! Whoever did it, I'll skull fuck them to death!" Zeed Proclaimed.
"Boss, there is no easy way to say this, but you're going to get even angrier." Said another officer walking out of the cave.
"Da hell you mean?" Zeed asked.
"See for yourself." The officer walks towards Zeed. His face was as pale as a ghost.
"I can't unsee that, so much blood...like a goddamn slaughterhouse." The officer walked past Zeed sitting down on a rock with a look of fright on his face.
"That hell's gotten into them?" Zeed said to himself, annoyed at his men's sudden loss of nerve he proceeded to march into the cave.
"So what's the deal?" Said one of the officers waiting in the field.
"Don't know, apparently team B got hit by...something?" The other officer replied.
As they conversed one of the officers noticed an unfamiliar officer. She was female, her light brown hair done up in a large ponytail that reached her legs. She had an air of cheerfulness about her.
On her shoulder sat a strange creature. It resembled a plush toy, but the officer could have sworn it was watching them.
"Who's the broad"? Asked the other officer.
"Who her? She's from the capit-"Before he could finish the sentence. He was jolted to attention by the sound of his captain's screaming.
"AAAAAAAH! WHOEVER DID THIS IS FUCKING DEAD! DO YOU HEAR ME"! Zeed seethed in an uncontrollable rage. His eyes were filled with fury.
"Officer Ubiquitous, get in here NOW!" He shouted at the female officer.
"Roger Roger captain Zeed!" The cheerful girl ran towards the cave. Dragging the small creature after her, it bounced and bumped along the way.
"So, as I was saying. That girl is Seryu Ubiquitous, she's from the capital." The two officers continued their conversation.
"A city girl? What the hell's she doing all the way out here?" The other officer asks,
"She's on a training mission." The first officer replied.
"Training mission huh? Does that mean we get to 'Initiate' the new recruit?" The other officer said with a devious smile.
"Are you fucking mad? That's Ogre's favorite pupil!" The first officer snapped back.
"Oh, so he already fucked her?" The other officer blurted out.
"Wh..what? No...I mean maybe...I'd think Ogre would be smart enough to not stick his dick in that!" The first officer stammered out.
"What do you mean 'That'?" Asked the other officer.
"Ugh...man you'll see." The first officer sighed wiping the sweat from his brow.
"What is she like mental or something-"The other officer was cut off by more yelling.
"OH, MY LORD! What kind of evil fiend could have done such a terrible thing?!" Seryu Shrieked,
Zeed and his men looked around trying to make sense of what happened. Seryu investigates the area, "Captain Zeed, what do you make of this? It looks like whoever attacked these kind souls used some kind of explosive weapons on them".
Zeed observed the corpses, Seryu's hypothesis was sound, but something felt off. "Explosive yes, but look closer at their bodies." He directed her.
Seryu looked at the bodies, observing the many exit wounds. Trauma, and the bones sticking outwards from the body. It began to dawn on her.
"The bodies...they were blown up from the inside!" Proclaimed an excited Seryu.
"Very observant Seryu! I can see why Ogre considers you his favorite". Zeed praises her.
"Ogre is a fine man, one who all others should aspire to be!" Seryu says her face brimming with joy.
'Ugh...I would not go that far." Zeed thinks to himself slightly disturbed by Seryu's...enthusiasm
Another officer walked up to Zeed. "Captain, what if it was a danger beast?" He asked,
"Danger beast? Makes no sense. They would have eaten the bodies and left no trace. Moreover, these bodies don't look like they've been half-eaten either. No chew marks on the bones, or clawing either ".
The officer looked confused. "If not a danger beast, could we be dealing with a Teigu user?"
"No Teigu in recorded history can make a guy's body explode from the inside. We may be dealing with something else entirely". He looks down at the bodies. His fist clenched in anger.
"Seryu! Take that Teigu of yours and see if you can pick up a scent, these bodies are still fresh. Whoever killed them must be close by, I don't care where they are holding up. Cave, camp, or village we'll tear down heaven and earth to find them"! Zeed commands
"Understood captain Zeed! I Seryu Ubiquitous will find the evildoers responsible for this atrocity and bring them to justice! By my father's honor, I will not fail! She proclaims as she runs out of the cave at top speed.
"You have got to be fucking kidding me." Says the other officer, as the girl rushes past him,
"Yeah." The first officer responds.
"So what's this training mission for"? The other officer asks,
"Less like a training mission and more like Ogre calling in a favor," says the first officer.
"How so?" the other officer responded.
"Well for one, you know how Zeed used to be an infamous bandit lord"? The first officer asked.
"Hell yeah! Those were good times, did a lot of raiding. We fucked up a lot of villages ". The other officer reminisced,
"Good times huh? Like when we got captured and almost executed?" The first officer shot back,
"Well, you got to look at the bright side of everything right? One day you're burning villages to the ground, making mad coins.
Next, you're getting tortured by Some fine-ass blue-haired chick with a huge rack. Who's telling you you're about to experience 'The most exquisite pain imaginable." Man, I can still hear that sultry voice." The other officer was seemingly caught in a daydream.
"How can you look back on that with fond memories? She almost took a hacksaw to your junk!" The first officer asked stunned.
"Well, to be fair I've never been more aroused yet terrified at the same time. I think my testicles actually retracted back into my body!" Said the other officer with an oddly cheerful tone.
"You're lucky Ogre, and Zeed goes way back. If it were not for him pulling some strings, we'd still be in that torture chamber". The first officer snapped back,
"I don't know about you man, but I'd gladly lick her boots all day long." Said the other officer with a giant smirk on his face.
"I...I don't know how to respond to that, anyway. You saw that thing on her back, right?" Asked the first officer.
"Yeah?" The other officer responded.
"That thing is a Teigu," the first officer pointed out,
"I was already aware of that from Zeed's yelling." The other officer flippantly remarked.
The first officer elaborated, "Yeah, but what they did not tell you is that she's the only one able to control it. That Teigu's gone through at least a dozen other candidates, and each time the result was the same. They would lose control, and the thing would go on a rampage,
She's out here so the captain can confirm she's got the damn thing under control. If she loses it, it's no skin off the empire's back. At best, they'll lose a few offices and maybe a village or something trivial".
"So we're walking around with a possible ticking time bomb?" The other officer says
"Pretty much." The first officer plainly states.
"Fucking perfect." The other officer said.
The first officer jumps to attention jabbing his fellow officer, "Look sharp. Boss is coming."
Both of them stood at full attention one more so than the other.
"Da fuck are you doing private?" Zeed pointing at the other officer's...excitement,
"SIR! I was just remembering the many wonderful memories I have of standing by your side SIR!" The other officer proclaimed
Cockeyed Zeed tilted his head slightly at this. Then promptly struck his subordinate sending him crashing to the ground.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you for that"! The other officer staggered back to his feet.
"Enough fucking around! As soon as we find out who did this, we're going to grind them into hamburgers! We'll show them, no one fucks with Zeed or his men!" Zeed proclaims.
"YEAH"! The rest of the officers screamed.
As Kenshiro and Chelsea neared the village, they heard a voice crying out.
"Chelsea! I was so worried, you said you'd be back in an hour"!
There stood a young woman, no older than Chelsea. Her Blond hair was covered in a bandanna, her everyday clothing obscured by a beige, stained apron. She was also visibly pregnant and far along to boot.
"Sorry, Mika! Things got a little...complicated, but everything is fine." Chelsea called out.
Mika had a look of relief after hearing this. "Oh thank the lord I was- OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!" she shouted as she got a closer look at Chelsea.
Chelsea laughed nervously, "Oh this? That's the complicated part". She smiled with her hands behind her back.
"Girl, you are covered in blood and gore! What the hell happened...and who's the giant?" Mika points at Ken.
"Oh him?" Says Chelsea. "That's the other complicated part.
Mika tilted her head and then walked up the Chelsea moving her off the road out of earshot of Kenshiro, "Can we trust him? How do we know he's not with the empire?"
Chelsea responded, "It's fine, these guts? They're imperial." Pointing at the viscera that stained her clothing.
Mika's eyes went wide. "You were attacked?!"
"Yeah, but I'm fine. He's the one who saved me, I'm pretty sure we can trust This guy, despite his appearance, he's actually really friendly." Chelsea said.
As the two women talked, Ken looked around the medium-sized village. With a quick glance, he determined that the town seemed very self-sustained. The cabins looked well-kept. There were crops and livestock. The entire village was covered by the local forest. Life did not struggle here it thrived.
A shade fell over the village from the tree canopies with light peering down all around it. Ken watched as the children played and the adults went about their business. In a word, it was...peaceful.
And yet...it seemed fragile, there was an undercurrent of anxiety from the locals. It looked entirely different from the villages in his world but vaguely familiar.
As he continued to look around, he felt a small tugging on his pant leg. "Mr, who are you"? Ken looked down and saw a small, wide-eyed child looking up at him, his hair brown and messy. The boy was lost in wonderment at this giant of a man.
Ken kindly smiled at the child looking down at him.
"Taki! What did I tell you about running up to people you don't know?" Mika said to her son. "Sorry Mama, I just wanted to see Aunt Chelsea!" the boy said.
"I'm Ok Taki," Chelsea said reassuring the child.
"Aunt Chelsea, why are you all dirty?" Taki asked.
"Oh...eh...I was attacked by a danger beast! It was a Jackaleo!" She fibbed to the boy.
"Really"? The boy gasped his eyes wide.
"Yep, almost gobbled me up too! Then he jumped out of nowhere and punched him till he blew up!" Chelsea further explained embellishing the story.
"It blew up? That's so cool! He's like a hero rescuing a princess!" The boy's face brimmed with excitement.
"Yep, he totally is! If it were not for him I would have been some creature's dinner"! Chelsea exclaimed.
"Since he rescued you does that mean you two are going to get married and live happily ever after? Like in the storybooks you read me?" The boy asks.
"Hell no!" Chelsea blurted out, her expression still joyful.
"Chelsea! What did I tell you about swearing in front of Taki?" Mika chastises Chelsea and then grabs her by the ear. A slightly annoyed look on her face.
"Eh...sorry Mika, I didn't mean to, ow...ow". Chelsea yelped in discomfort as she was pulled towards the house.
"Stop complaining and go get washed up already! You smell like a slaughterhouse!" Mika demanded still pulling on Chelsea's ear. Make it quick, dinner is almost ready". She stops and looks at Ken, "Don't worry...you."
"Kenshiro." He responded.
"Don't worry Mr. Kenshiro we got plenty of food. But you need to take a bath as well! You smell like you have not had one in decades!
Kenshiro nodded and followed Mika and the others toward the house.
As Ken looked around the well-furnished cabin, a warm fireplace bathed the room in a healthy glow. Bookcases lined the walls filled with many different kinds of reading material. Ken could not even think of the last time he saw a book in his world.
Family pictures were framed and decorated on the walls and atop the fireplace. They did not appear to be photographed but drawings and paintings.
"Hurry up and get into the shower girl before you stink up the whole house!" Mika pushed Chelsea into the bathroom, handing her a bottle of shampoo. Chelsea observes the label carefully.
"Hmm...wonder if this can wash spinal fluid out?" Chelsea mumbled.
"What?" Mika asked confused.
"What?" Chelsea answered straight-faced.
As she shut the door, Mika walked back towards the kitchen. Stopped to rub Taki's hair affectionately as he sat coloring in a picture at the dinner table.
"I hope you don't mind meatloaf, Mr. Kenshiro, it's a special recipe my mother taught me."
"It's fine," Ken replied as he sat down on a wooden chair in the living room.
"We don't get many guests up here aside from Chelsea every couple of months. So make yourself at home!" Mika said as she pulled the food out of the oven.
The small boy stopped coloring for a moment and turned his attention to Ken. "Hey, Mr. Kenshiro, where did you get those scars?" The boy asked.
"Taki! You shouldn't ask personal questions like that!" Mika scolded the boy.
"But they look so cool"! The boy protests.
"I am afraid such a story would be too much for a boy your age," Ken said.
"Oh don't tell him that," Mika sighed, "That will make him more curious."
As Mika prepared dinner, the sounds of running water could be heard from the bathroom.
Looking into the mirror, Chelsea gazed at her reflection. Pulling the side of her lip back she felt around her mouth where she was struck. "Hmm...no loose teeth." She said with relief,
"Ow..."! She filches as she feels the wound on the inside of her cheek. "Looks like it's going to get sore for a few days...hope it doesn't swell up too much, heh...swell". She thought back to the incident at the cave, that word ruined her forever.
As she undressed, she looked over her body for any other injuries no matter how slight they may be, in her line of work. Even the tiniest of cuts could be fatal.
Inspecting herself in the mirror. Chelsea looked over her abdomen, legs, and any other part of her body that warranted attention. "Hmm...nothing but a few bruises and scraped knees." She determined.
Stripping off the last of her clothing and undergarments she allowed her body to sink into the bathtub. Soaking away the day's grit and grime, the filth washing from her hair, for a moment she could relax. For a short time, she could be an ordinary woman.
As she sank deeper into the tub, she recalled Kenshiro's words to her. 'I understand your frustration, but know this, if I told you the truth, you would not believe me.' "What did he mean by that?" She thought to herself. "How crazy could it be"? Lost in thought, she was startled by the sound of knocking at the door.
"Chelsea! Are you almost done? Dinner's just about ready!' Mika knocked at the door, "Out in a minute." She answers splashing her face with water.
"This was the best clothing you have right now"? Chelsea asked with a look of disappointment.
"Oh stop whining, be lucky they fit, I can't even wear them anymore after having Taki"! Mika remarked.
"But it's just a long white T-shirt and pink hot pants! We have a guy here, I don't want him staring at my ass all night!" Chelsea protested.
"Well your other clothing is in the wash and needs drying after that, you have no other options. That man saved your life, so why not reward him with a little fan service"? Mika winks at Chelsea.
"This outfit is really not my style though...hey, you have a bag of ice I could use?" Chelsea asked.
"What for?" Mika replied.
Chelsea points to her right cheek. "When I was attacked in that cave, I got hit in the face. I don't want it to swell up too much you know"?
"Oh I see, I'll go grab some ice and wrap it up for you in a towel, ok sweetie?" Mika said with concern.
"Thanks."
As everyone sat at the dinner table. Mika brimmed with joy as she unveiled the night's culinary delights. "I present you my family recipe 'Mary's meatloaf'! Named after my mother. Now everyone digs in"!
"This is the highlight of my trips here, this is the only kind of meatloaf I would ever admit to liking!" Chelsea proclaimed.
"Glad you like it hun, Mr. Kenshiro, would you like the first slice?" Mika said as she handed Kenshiro a plate.
"I can wait," His voice hoarse despite his calm appearance, "Take what you need. your family deserves this food more than I do.
The two women paused, "That's so kind of you Mr. Kenshiro, but you are our guest so please eat up!" Mika placed a portion of the meatloaf on his plate.
Chelsea watched as the man looked at his plate, seemingly at a loss as to what he should do. "You want some mashed potatoes, Ken?" She asked
Ken passed her a glance, "Sure." he answered
holding a bowl over his plate, Chelsea scooped up some of the potatoes and placed them on his plate.
"Is that too much for you dear?" She teased him.
"That is fine." Was all he said.
She watched carefully as Ken took his fork and slowly dug into the food bringing it up to his mouth and chewed.
"It's...it's good" was all he could say.
It had been so long since Kenshiro had eaten a meal like this, much less food in general, he could go for days without food. He initially only ate the food to not arouse suspicion. But he found himself enjoying it instead.
Chelsea relaxed her chin on her hand watching him with amusement. "He's too adorable"! She giggles to herself.
"Hold on Taki, I'll get your dish for you," Mika said as she scooped up a piece and prepared it for her son. Adding a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes and corn to the dish.
"Mom! That's too much corn!" The boy said.
"You need to eat your vegetables Taki, you need to grow big and strong to protect your little sister"! She said adding just a little more corn to his plate.
Grabbing a muffin from the plate, Chelsea starts to butter it. "So how far along are you Mika? You're getting pretty big down there".
"About eight months, hopefully, she'll come out without much of a struggle, unlike Taki." Mika giggled.
"Are you sure it's a girl? You seem pretty confident". Chelsea said.
"Well it's what Genba would have wanted, he always wanted a daughter," Mika said her tone sorrowful.
Chelsea paused, "I'-I'm sorry I brought it up."
"Oh it's no worries, I've made peace with the fact I may never see him again. I'm just glad the rebellion was able to help us out of our jam". Mika said.
"Everyone seems so worried around here, why is that?" Kenshiro asked.
The two women glanced over at Ken "Well, it may not look like it now, but this was a mining town. It was founded by my husband's great-grandfather. it provides coal and iron to the surrounding areas of the empire
But lately, there's been a nasty rebellion going on, we tried to stay neutral in the conflict for as long as we could. Then the empire started demanding we give up the land".
Ken listened intently as Mika continued.
"Soon they started accusing us of adding the rebellion. To teach us a lesson the empire sized our mine and sealed it up when my husband and the other miners tried to resist... I can still hear the sounds of gunfire and screams...". She stares off into the distance seemingly lost in a trance.
Chelsea rubs Mika's shoulder, "Thanks, Chelsea. Ironically, because of the empire, we had no choice but to aid the rebellion". Mika returns to her more cheerful demeanor.
"Thanks to them we can get supplies into the village. All they ask for in return is to use our town as a base of operation and safe house
"It's a small price to pay, but because of it I was able to meet my best friend!" She hugged Chelsea.
"Stop it, Mika, I'm still sore!" She winced.
"I may be able to help," Kenshiro said, his eyes filled with determination
The girls looked puzzled "Wh...what? How do you mean?" Mika asked confused.
Ken turned to Mika. "I have nothing to give you in return for your hospitality; as payment allow me to give your village its livelihood back".
"Y-you can do that?" says Mika.
"What are you going to do? Punch the blockade down"? Chelsea mocked.
"If that's what it takes, Hokuto Shinken is invincible and does not know failure," Kenshiro exclaimed.
"Heh, what can Hokuto Shinken not do? Can it wipe the last few hours of my memories away? Do you have a technique for that? Chelsea said flippantly raising her fork to her mouth.
"Yes." Ken replied deadpan.
Chelsea dropped her fork as her eyes shifted toward Ken.
"THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPFUL EARLIER YOU JERK!"
Chelsea yelled in rage as she punched Ken in the side of his arm.
"Ow." It was like punching a brick wall.
As Chelsea rubbed her knuckles, Mika giggled to herself. "This house has not been this lively in forever...Mr. Kenshiro if you can do it I would be more than thankful. We would be forever in your debt."
"Where is the coal mine?" Ken asked
"It's about a two-mile walk from here into the forest it's a huge slab of rock." Mika states.
Chelsea joins the conversation. "If you can knock down the slab I can ask my superiors to assign protection for the mine. It could prove beneficial to our cause.
"Then I'm going." Kenshiro rose from his seat.
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! It's far too late to go out now! Besides you still, need to get a bath. Rest, you can knock it down first thing in the morning." Mika pleaded
Ken stopped as he looked at the lady pleading with him not to go.
"I see...I'll go in the morning then." Ken relented.
"Well that's settled, Taki, hurry up and finish, you need to get ready for bed as well.
"Ok, Mom! You'll read me a bedtime story aunt, Chelsea?" The boy asked.
"No sneaking him lollipops like last time!" Mika warned Chelsea.
"Fine, fine." She waited for Mika to leave the room.
"Just a little secret between us ok?" She said handing Taki a lollipop.
"Yeah!" The boy nodded.
"Finally he's asleep," Chelsea crept out of Taki's room. Making sure not to make a sound that would rouse the boy from his slumber.
But that was not the only reason. Slowly The girl crept towards the bathroom.
Placing her ear to the door, she listened for any activity. "Hmm...Mika's already gone to bed, looks like Ken took his bath last. Perfect. Let's see what you are hiding Mr. sixty-fourth successor..."
She whispered in a mischievous tone. As she picked up the jacket, she checked its pockets, "Nothing..." Disappointed. She searched his pants surely he had to have something that could explain his abilities.
She pulled out an old pair of leather gloves, "Bingo...". She smirked.
She inspected the gloves closely. They seemed ordinary. It had metal studs on the knuckles and was somewhat garish-looking.
"This...this is the Teigu he used-"Startled, she heard Ken rising from the tub.
"Chelsea, those gloves are not a Teigu. They are a keepsake from a friend." Ken said from behind the door.
Chelsea's eyes went wide, and she felt a pit in her stomach. "Ho...how the hell did he know? Wait...how the hell did he know it was me and I was holding his gloves"? She thought to herself flabbergasted.
"I-I-I'm sorry! I was just...I'm heading off to bed, goodnight!" She stammered out. She hurried back to the guest room and jumped onto her bed.
She heard the door creak open, and Ken's heavy footsteps echoed throughout the house. Her heart skipped a beat, and she held her breath unsure of what he might do...but nothing came.
She did not turn her head, but she could hear the rustling of the blankets and sheets. The bed itself adjusted to Ken's weight as he settled in. He said no words, no remarks or warnings. He merely went on like nothing happened.
She breathed a sigh of relief, "That was close...I guess he'll let it slide. That seriously shaved off like 20 years off my lifespan, won't try that again." She giggled to herself as she dozed off the events of the day finally taking a toll on her.
"No...I don't want to be a lollipop...". The girl mutters in her sleep, as the light peers into the windows slowly encroaching on her face. Her eyes flutter open, as she stands up from the bed half-awake she peers around the room.
Kenshiro was gone, his bed already made, "Where did he go? Ugh...What time is it"? She muttered, still trying to adjust, Chelsea was not a morning person. Raising her arms above her head, she yawned stretching them above her head.
She half-heartedly got out of bed, her body protested as her bones crackled. "Ow...I should stretch more". She thought to herself.
She walked to the bathroom and went on her usual morning routine.
"Brushing her teeth she left the bathroom. Walking through the living room she saw Taki playing with some toy blocks, "Morning Taki, Where's your mother?" she asked.
"She's outside with Ken." The boy said.
"So he didn't leave yet?" She thought to herself.
As she approached the doorway, she heard a distinct thumping noise. Like metal slicing through wood. She leaned against the door with her toothbrush still in her mouth.
Ken was chopping blocks of wood with relative ease, almost like a hot knife through butter.
"Isn't he amazing?" Mika beamed.
"So this is how you operate? Treat your guests to a banquet then put them to work the next morning?" Chelsea teased.
"Not exactly, I was running low on firewood, I usually ask someone around the village, but Ken insisted."
The two watched as Ken cut the wood at a rather swift pace. Noticing a large pile of chopped wood Chelsea turns back to Mika.
"How long has he been going at it?" She asked.
"About twenty minutes'. Mika replied.
Chelsea's eyes went wide. "He did all that in twenty minutes?!" She yelled pointing at the massive pile standing well over eight feet tall.
"Yep, he has an amazing amount of stamina, he's prime husband marital." Mika nudged Chelsea.
"I guess I should not be surprised what with all he's done so far," Chelsea mutters to herself.
"Hey! Stop trying to shack me up! I swear you won't be happy until I'm married"! She protested.
"Well you're not getting any younger dear," Mika said sarcastically.
"Hey! I'm young, let me enjoy my life a little". Chelsea said
"You're only two years younger than me..." Mika shot back.
"Like I said, let this blossoming twenty-."
"Move you little shit!" The two girls were startled as a group of men verbally assaulted two siblings.
"You jerks were the ones who hit my sister"! The older boy yelled back.
The boy was holding his sister up as she cried from being knocked down, and four men surrounded the siblings. Their intent was malicious.
"Big brother! It hurts! I wanna go home!" The sister cried.
"Shut that little brat up or will shut her up for you"! The leader of the men threatened.
"Damn it, they look like bandits...this could be bad, I've got to get help". Mika said her face full of worry. Chelsea put up a hand blocking Mika's path.
"What's going on mom?" Taki asked appearing in the doorway.
"Get back in the house Taki"! Mika commanded. "Chelsea, what the hell are you doing"? She asked.
With a smirk on her face, she turns to Mika, "Just watch."
"You touch my sister again, and I'll cut you down"! The boy threatened brandishing a small hunting knife at his attackers.
The bandits started to laugh, "You think you're going to defend anyone with that tiny butter knife"? The leader taunted
Leaning his head forward the bandit leader pointed at his chin, "Tell you what pipsqueak. I'll let you have the first strike, come on, give me a nice close shave!"
The bandits started cackling at the boy, daring him to make a move. The boy was nervous unsure of what to do.
"Come on, come on! You want to protect your little sister, don't you? HAHAHA-!"
As he taunted the boy, The thug felt a gust of wind flying past his face. Turning to see what it was he saw a hatchet embedded in a nearby tree.
"I'm sorry...was that too close for you?" Ken said in a sarcastic tone as he stood by the woodpile, his gaze stabbing into the hoods.
"Idiot! Who the hell do you think you are butting in?!" The bandit leader yelled trying to cover his fear.
"You really got some balls to fuck with us!" Yelled another bandit.
Kenshiro walked towards the bandits his gaze unbreaking. Everyone in the village looked on with bated breath. The two siblings looked as the six-foot-tall man approached.
Kenshiro stopped in front of the children, looking down at the siblings, he spoke, "You did well. Take your sister and go home." The brother slowly nodded picked up his sister and ran back to his cabin only to look back in awe at him.
Turning his attention towards the bandits, Ken observed his foes, nothing remarkable just a bunch of dime-a-dozen slimeballs that he has dispatched by the hundreds. Common trash like them was not even worthy of his attention.
The bandit leader sneered, "Well, Well, what do we have here?" He mocked. "Looks like we got ourselves a hero over here, I don't know who you are nor do I give a damn but I-" The man was interrupted.
"You have two options available to you...Leave this village in peace...or leave it in pieces. That will be my only warning." Ken said while cracking his knuckles.
The bandit leader paused, looking around he saw his men quickly losing their will to fight. Calling his bluff the leader starts to chuckle "Psh, what are you going to do? You're an unarmed asshole! You threw away your only means of defense-." Once again he was interrupted.
Ken slowly raised his fist inches from the thug's face and flicked his finger out across his nose. Everyone in the vicinity could hear the sickening snap of cartilage.
"AGGGGGHHHHH! MY NOSE! YOU BROKE MY NOSE!" The thug screamed holding his face and trying to stop the flow of blood.
The other bandits stared dumbfounded, "BRO! You ok"?! One of the men screamed.
"God damn you!" One of the bandits yelled as he reached behind his back and pulled out a gun. "Eat lead you son of a-" The man was cut off as a fast-moving shape collided with his head sending him crumpling to the ground.
Ken stood there his gaze only shifting slightly toward where the shape had landed.
"Stay where you are evildoers! I, Seryu Ubiquitous will not allow you to harm anyone else!" The girl proclaims. "Civilian! Behind you!" Seryu shouted at Kenshiro.
Ken turns his attention towards the bandit trying to sneak up from behind. "AHTA!" He elbows the thug in the face sending him falling onto his back.
The last bandit all by himself charges Seryu, "YOU FUCKING BITCH"!
Seryu moves into a defensive stance, parrying the first blow she sways past each hit. Every time the thug attempts to strike he only hits nothing in return.
"Stop moving damn it!" He grew frustrated.
Bringing his fists down in a double ax handle arc he smashes the ground. Seryu leaps into the air to avoid the attack, only to come crashing down, her heel smashing into the thug's skull. Implanting his head into the ground, leaving a large crater.
"Now you know...justice will always prevail!" The girl spoke softly.
As Kenshiro and Seryu turned their attention to the bandit leader still holding his nose. his face grew pale, from fear or loss of blood he was not sure.
"I surrender! I give up! Just don't hurt me!" The bandit leader pleaded.
After subduing the bandits with some rope; Seryu finished tying them up.
"Thank you for your help civilian, It's always good to meet a fellow ally of justice!" The girl proclaimed.
"Kenshiro was not sure what to make of this rather...enthusiastic girl. She wore the same armor of those men he dispatched the other day. But unlike them, he felt no malicious intent from her, He could sense no evil within her. Yet something felt...off about her.
He was surprised he was unable to detect her aura, she was able to hide her presence from him until she struck. Then there was the issue of the strange, small creature on her shoulder.
He felt nothing from it, for all intent and purpose it looked like a stuffed animal. Yet he felt as though Its doll-like eyes were following him.
"Ah! Where are my manners?" Seryu said.
"My name is Seryu Ubiquitous of the capital guard forces, an agent of justice!" The girl proclaimed
Chelsea hearing this ducked back into Mika's cabin.
"This is my partner, 'Hecationchires' But I call him "Koro" Is he not adorable? Don't fret, he won't attack, he only attacks those who support evil." The girl said holding Koro in her arms in a loving embrace.
"Kyuu~N! Kyuu~N!" The small dog-like creature affectionately snuggles Seryu.
"Getting hungry Koro? Don't worry, as soon as we're done here I'll get you lunch". She assured the creature cuddling it in return.
"I did not catch your name civilian." She asked politely.
"Kenshiro." He replied.
"So your name is Kenshiro? Well, Kenshiro I can tell you are an honorable man!" The girl proclaims her face full and friendly.
"I've been tracking this bandit gang since last night. One of our patrols was hit yesterday, and we think these wicked men were responsible. You would not happen to know anything about that would you?"
Kenshiro looked at the girl, "No." he answered without hesitation.
"I see," she responded.
"Well, thank you for your assistance in apprehending these evildoers Kenshiro! If you ever reencounter evil don't be afraid to call, I'll be more than happy to help!" She said with confidence.
"I will. Continue to fight to protect those that evil would prey upon." Kenshiro responded.
Seryu's eyes sparkled, and she felt complete adulation. "Yes! I will, you have inspired me with your kind words Kenshiro! I will do everything in my power to live up to your example"! She saluted him and ran off in the other direction, dragging the bandits behind her.
As she ran, Koro perched on her shoulder and fixated his eyes back on Ken.
"Koro? What's the matter?" She asked her partner with worry in her voice.
As Ken watched the girl run off, she felt something grab his hand "We need to go." Chelsea said pulling Ken in the direction of the mine
As the two walked towards the mine, Chelsea remained silent for a half-hour; finally, she spoke. "So...why didn't you kill her?" She asked.
Ken looked at her confused "Why?" He responded.
"Because she's clearly with the empire and those guys are searching for us remember? That and she has a Teigu...one of the most dangerous to boot." Chelsea said exasperatedly.
"If I killed her that would just raise more suspicion would it not?" Ken said.
"Yeah...if you could not kill her why not just erase her memories like you said you could"? Chelsea asked.
"Too many witnesses. Aside from the villagers and the bandits, it would attract more unwanted attention". He explained.
"I get that but you know she's probably as bad as the rest of them right?" She said.
"I felt no murderous intent from her...nor evil in her heart, as far as I know, she might be the only good one in that group," Ken responded.
Chelsea stared at him for a moment "You know, for someone who can take life without hesitation. You're unexpectedly naive Ken, that way of thinking will get you killed here."
She looked towards the path sucking on her lollipop. The two remained silent for the rest of the walk.
Seryu had finally returned to base camp where Zeed was stationed, bandits in tow. "Greetings captain Zeed I have apprehended the evildoers who killed team B"! The girl exclaimed.
Zeed sat up from his seat turning to her, "These guys did it"? He asked.
"It had to be them! They have the look of evil in their eyes"! Seryu responded. "These fiends were about to attack a poor pair of siblings who were untainted by evil! Anyone who would attack kids would easily attack a law-abiding officer"!
"Hmm...is that so"? Zeed said rubbing his chin.
The bandit leader began to protest, "Whoa man! We don't know anything about any dead officers"!
"Yeah! We're not stupid enough to attack a patrol!" Shouted another bandit.
"All I want to know is how did you guys make them explode"? Zeed demanded.
"Explode? What"? the bandit leader said confused.
"DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME! What kind of weapon did you use to do that? Teigu? Something else?" Zeed shouted.
"I have no idea! We don't have a Teigu, and even if we did we would just sell it for money!" The bandit leader yelled.
"Ok, I've heard enough...Seryu, get rid of this garbage!" Zeed ordered
"Roger captain Zeed"! She exclaimed, Seryu slowly turned her head towards the bandits. Her once kind visage was replaced by a broad vicious-looking grin. Koro also had the same expression. Her pupils now razor point as she approached them with malicious intent.
"Oh, shit...oh shit! Wait, you can't do this please don't do this!" The bandits begged
"Justice must be served...the wicked must be purged"! Seryu stalked toward the bandits, they desperately tried to scoot away from her. Fear overtakes their every action.
"WE ONLY ATTACKED THE VILLAGE BECAUSE THEY ARE AIDING THE REBELS!" The leader screamed.
Zeed turned back to the bandits "Seryu stand down!" He ordered her.
Seryu snapped back to her usual self "Tch...fine". She said with disappointment.
Zeed kneeled down towards the bandits "Please...tell me more". He spoke, his voice dripping with villainous intent.
"Eh...we only hit the village because we heard they've been getting supplies from the rebellion. The rumor is they've been granting shelter to rebel soldiers in return that's all we know I swear." The bandit leader explained.
Zeed stood back up, "Just a rumor huh? Well, it is odd that the village is doing so well despite the fact we closed down their mine. I'm sure they won't mind explaining themselves".
"Seryu, untie them, they are with us now". Zeed commanded.
"Understood"! Said Seryu saluting Zeed and then cutting free the bandits.
"Come on! We're going to pay that village a little visit"! Zeed shouted. The men looked at each other, and they started to grin. As they picked up their weapons and followed toward the village with ill intent.
"This is it...so you going to do this"? Chelsea asked.
Kenshiro approached the entrance of the mine, the surrounding area overgrown with vines. The entire mine had fallen into disorder. He saw a large slab of rock blocking the entrance.
Nearly ten feet tall, there was a large sign on it. It read 'No Entrance admitted, any trespassers will be executed'! " Ken looked around to see barbed wire covering the walls.
"Humph... a typically warm welcome from the empire," Chelsea remarked as she leaned back on a nearby tree folding her hands behind her head.
Ken placed his hand on the slab, slowly rubbing it across the surface. Chelsea watched as he stood there observing the blockade. She started to think to herself.
"If he does not have a Teigu, then how is he able to do all these superhuman feats? It makes no sense". She ponders to herself.
"What if...what if he does not have a Teigu...what if he is the Teigu?! It would explain his superhuman abilities. I also remember reading the bio Teigus don't have much of a personality and Ken is about as wooden as mahogany". She giggles to herself.
She contemplates further, "But a bio Teigu cannot operate without a master...wait...wait a minute. Am I the one who awoken Ken?!" her eyes widen slightly.
"Am I his master"?! Her eyes widen more. "I need to test this, if I am his master he'll do anything I say without complaint"! She looks at Ken.
"Hey, Ken!" She throws a tube of eyeliner onto the ground. "Pick that up!" She commanded.
Ken showed little reaction as he gazed at the slab. "Not now." He replied.
"Well that shot down that theory," Chelsea said with disappointment unwrapping another lollipop.
"This mine is the village's lifeblood," Ken Spoke.
"Without it, they can not provide for their families. Because of the selfish actions of the empire, they were forced to do the very thing they were accused of!" Ken's voice subtly grew louder,
"No one has a right to take away, that which provides life!" Ken pulls his hand back from the slab, clutching it into a fist. He begins to inhale
"YAHHHHHHHH!" Energy crackles off of Ken, he leans back and then strikes. "WAHTAAAA"! Crashing his fist into the slab, the earth shakes as birds scatter from the nearby trees.
"KYAAA"! Chelsea yelps as she shields herself from the dust and debris sent flying her way.
The slab crumbles into dust in front of Kenshiro revealing the entrance, once more.
His work done and the path clear he turns back, "With this, the village will thrive once more." Kenshiro states as he walks away from the mine.
Chelsea was knocked to the ground by the impact "Ow...you really need to warn me when you're going to do stuff like that." She protested.
"I know I should not be surprised, what with everything I've seen you do so far but that was amazing"! Chelsea exclaimed.
"Knocking down something of that size is nothing for a practitioner of Hokuto Shi-"
"Yeah, Yeah, Hokuto Shiken. I know Ken, you remind me at least twice an hour". Chelsea interrupts as she stands back up brushing the dirt from her skirt.
"Either way Mika is going to flip when we get back home, let's go Ken". Chelsea said.
Ken nods and follows.
A shadow has descended over the mining village.
"We didn't do anything! Please don't do this! GAHHHHH"! An old man falls to the ground, a gaping hole in his stomach. All around the sounds of screaming and crying could be heard. The fires consumed the once prominent cabins as their inhabitants ran for their lives only to be cut down in the chaos.
The black smoke billowed from the fire, swallowing the sun and turning day into night, heaven into hell.
Bodies of men, women, and children alike hung from trees. Mangled, mutilated corpses littered the village. The stench of death lingered in the air. The moans and cries of those unlucky to have not succumbed to death fall victim to the unbridled cruelty of Zeed and his men.
"Round them all up"! Zeed ordered. "Leave not a single one alive! I don't even want to see a cockroach survive"! His ghastly laughing gave the appearance that the maws of hell itself had opened to consume the village.
"Taki! We need to run"! Mika slammed open the door of her cabin.
"Mom! What's going on? I'm scared"! The boy cried.
"It's going to be ok Taki! We just need to run to the mine, Chelsea and Ken are up there". She yells to her son motioning him to follow.
The boy stopped dead in his tracks, he trembled as a black shape appeared behind his mother.
"Mo...mom...". The boy trembled.
The form made an otherworldly growl. all the boy could see were two beady eyes that shined blood red and a massive toothy grin from ear to ear
Mika felt a shadow fall over her, she slowly turned her head towards the foul shape that breathed down her neck. Her pupils shrank as the monstrous creature leaped at her,
"GAUGHHH! UGHHHHH"! Taki could only watch on in horror as the beast consumed his mother and unborn sister. The sickening crunching sounds mentally scarring the boy forever. Their blood splattered the boy's face.
As Ken and Chelsea walked back to the village the atmosphere had changed slightly. "You know I'm surprised you are so willing to help complete strangers Ken. Most people here don't care about the plight of some random villagers". Chelsea said.
Ken turned to her. "I do what I must for it is my destiny to help the weak."
"Your destiny huh"? Chelsea raised her eyebrow, "Saving people at the last minute, charging forth fearlessly regardless of danger, and coming out on top each time it sounds so...romanticized
"I used to think I could make a difference...I want to make a difference. But when everyone dies around you, you are forced to witness atrocity after atrocity. It's hard to think things will ever get better.
Her tone was somber and world-weary. Ken could detect a feeling of dismay from Chelsea. He did not know her full story and only met her yesterday. But he could already tell her sorrow was immense.
"You know...I had a mission once. To a village like Mika's. But when I got there an empire extermination squad had already scorched it to the ground".
Ken listened intently.
"I recall just standing there in the aftermath of it all...the smell. I can't forget that". She closes her eyes and shakes her head.
"The fire long since died out, leaving scorched earth in its place. All the bodies were stuck in whatever pose they were last in. There was a girl...about Taki's age, clutching a doll...half her face was burned off".
She looked up at Ken, " I must have stared at the girl for hours, it was probably just a few minutes but it felt like hours to me. I think part of me died that day along with the village. I thought I could make this world a better place, but I think I lost something there".
"I just don't know what it is that I lost". Chelsea looked up into the sky.
"Sometimes I can still hear it Kenshiro...the roaring of fire, the deep bellowing smoke...The crak-"
Chelsea's eyes went wide as she spotted black smoke billowing into the atmosphere "No...Mika"! She runs ahead leaving Ken behind.
"Wait! Chelsea"! Kenshiro yells but he cannot stop her.
"No please, this can't be happening"! She pleaded with herself as she ran toward a hill overlooking the village.
"No...". She spoke falling to her knees as she watched the village burn. The smells came back to her. The images flashed in her head once more, She held her hands up to her ears trying to block out the sounds.
Ken finally catches up to her on the hill, he looks down at the village in ruin. He was silent but the rage inside him was seething and barely containable.
"Even in a world where people have all they need. They still slaughter and maim without provocation! Whoever did this will be shown no mercy!"
Ken exclaimed, his fists trembling with rage. He turns to Chelsea.
"We need to get down there! If we hurry we can still save anyone who survived" Ken said.
"You're right". She wipes the tears from her eyes. Standing here will help no one." She opens her purse and with a poof of smoke dinguses herself as one of the officers.
"My Teigu allows me to transform into any form I desire. So try not to kill me by accident when we get down there". She said to Ken.
"I can still detect your presence, I will know if it's you or not," Ken replied.
"Good. I'm heading to Mika's house if you find any survivors send them into the forest". Chelsea left.
As they both ran towards the village. It was here that Kenshiro would receive his first taste of the boundless cruelty the empire was capable of.
As they entered the village the scorching heat overwhelmed the two, the entire area was in ruins. Not a single soul could be found. Chelsea had long since run to Mika's house leaving Ken by himself.
As he walked he heard the sound of laughter in the distance following it. He came across both the Imperial officers and the bandits from earlier.
"So how did you think Seryu did"? Said one officer.
"Pretty good, I think she's got control of it". The other officer replied
"Yeah, really cleaned up quick I'd say that Teigu is like a vacuum cleaner" The first officer responded.
"Hey...you think we're bad people"? Asked the other officer.
"What brought this up"? The first officer asked.
"Well, you know. The wanton pillaging and murdering of an entire village without provocation". The other officer explained.
"Well from the villager's point of view? Yes". The first officer replied.
"Oh yeah obviously, but do you think in general we are bad? Or is the whole "Good and evil" thing a moral construct that we create to separate us from less evolved life forms?" The other officer said.
"That's a little too deep for me man, I just think...who's that guy"? The first officer turned to see a man in full leather approach them.
Everyone around the campfire turned their attention toward Ken.
"Who the fuck are you?" Zeed said.
"Oh...well look who's back." The bandit leader taunted. Hate to say it buddy, but you are too late, I made sure I killed those two kids the moment I got here".
The bandit leader started to chuckle. "Yeah. Disemboweled his little sister in front of him before I cut off his legs and made him crawl around till he bled out. Shit was funny".
Ken stood in silence staring down the man.
The bandit leader grew bolder as he approached Ken "You...I'm still pissed you broke my nose. But you can't touch me punk, I'm with the empire now. You touch me and you'll have the entire fo- UMPH"!
Ken had heard enough, His hand shot out and grabbed the man by his jaw. Hoisting him up off his feet he began to squeeze. The officers started to back away.
"UMPHHHHH! OMPUHHHHHH"! The man struggled as Kenshiro's grip increased. Until his head popped like the bacterial infection that he was.
Dropping the body, he stared at Zeed.
"IT WAS YOU! YOU"RE THE SON OF A BITCH WHO KILLED MY MEN!" Zeed screamed in rage.
"Oh...we're about to die aren't we"? Said the other officer.
"Yeah..." The first officer replied.
As Chelsea ran towards Mika's house she could hear crying, looking around she cried out, "Taki! Taki"! She followed the crying to the middle of the village. There she saw Taki crying crouched on the ground. The girl from earlier pointed a gun at him ready to execute him.
"No! Taki"! Chelsea ran towards the boy diving at them grabbing the boy just as Seryu pulled the trigger.
"What the"?! Seryu looked shocked.
"Are you ok Taki? Where Mika?" She asked the boy
"She took them, she took mom and sis! She took them both!" The boy said clearly traumatized.
Chelsea turned her attention to Seryu "You...what did you do? Where's Mika"? She accused.
Seryu turned slowly towards Chelsea her visage cruel and twisted. A grotesque grin from ear to ear, "I punished them...they were all evil...I merely carried out their sentence". She said to her.
Chelsea looked over at the small creature beside Seryu's feet, it was chewing on a human forearm.
Chelsea's blood ran cold, and her eyes widened at the monsters in front of her. "They had nothing to do with this! The empire forced them to side with us"! Chelsea screamed back.
"If they were honest people. They would have persevered without the mine regardless". Seryu replied.
"But you...you tainted them, you fiend!" Seryu pointed at Chelsea.
"You've turned an entire village to the path of evil including the children, for that I cannot forgive." Seryu's eyes wild with rage stared down at Chelsea.
"I will bring judgment down on your heads for what you have done evildoer"! The madwoman approached Chelsea, her killing intent massive.
Chelsea frozen in fear looks on as Seryu approaches. "Hold on, I'm the rebel spy! I'll let you do whatever you want to me just spare him! He did nothing wrong"! Chelsea pleads.
Seryu points the gun at Chelsea's forehead in response. "I don't negotiate with evildoers"! Her grin grew wider as she aimed down at Chelsea.
"However...I'll let you commit one last evil act...lie to him." She commands cocking the hammer of her gun.
Embracing Taki, she whispered to him, "Taki...it's going to be ok, just close your eyes. Everything will be fine"! She cries.
"Heh...you really are the worst kind of scum!" Seryu taunted.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Taki, please forgive me." Chelsea pleaded
"I...I can't save anyone. I can't even save myself, why? Why can't I save anyone"? As she waited for the inevitable to happen, she was jolted from her self-loathing.
"GAHHHHHHHHH"!
"WHAT"?! Seryu yelled.
The sound of timber smashing. Splintered and exploded as Zeed came crashing through a nearby cabin.
"Ugh...what the hell"? Zeed yelled struggling to get back to his feet.
Both Seryu and Chelsea stared into the inferno of the cabin only to see a figure walk through it. Unharmed the flames licked its body.
"No way..." Chelsea said with her mouth agape.
Kenshiro had appeared from the raging inferno. His scowl was clear to all who could see it, his rage...was far more intense than the fire he walked through.
"Kenshiro!" Chelsea's eyes went wide as he approached.
"No...don't come closer!" She thought to herself before she yelled.
"Ken RUN! She has a bio Teigu! You can't beat her"! She screamed.
"Silence scum'! Seryu strikes Chelsea with the butt of her gun.
"Ugh"! Chelsea yelped as she was knocked over.
"Gah...what was that a love tap"? Zeed said as he approached Ken, Ken ignored him and walked forward.
"What the hell...hey! Don't you ignore me! Look at me when I'm talking to you"! Zeed raised his fist in anger "I'LL RIP OFF YOUR HEAD AND SHIT DOWN YOUR NE- UGHHHHHHHHHHH"!
Before he could even strike, Zeed erupted into a geyser of entrails, showering the village in a red mist.
"Captain Zeed!" Seryu shrieked.
Seryu stared at Kenshiro, her eyes growing furious with every step.
"I knew it...it was you. Koro's nose is never wrong, it was you who killed that patrol Kenshiro"! She pointed an excusing finger at him.
Ken stopped just short of Seryu a look of confusion on his face. "Is this the same girl?" He thought it couldn't be. The kind-hearted, enthusiastic girl was replaced with this alien monster.
"So you finally appear evil doer...I will make sure you pay for your crimes!" Seryu exclaimed.
"What madness is this"? Kenshiro asked, "Did...did you do this"?
Seryu smirked, "I have no pity for those who commit evil acts, they were all tainted by evil, and they all deserved to die!"
Kenshiro looked around and saw the strange creature beside Seryu chewing on a forearm. As he looked closer, he noticed a wedding ring...It was Mika's ring. Ken's eyes widened.
'Tainted by evil'? Is that why you killed them? Even children?! Because of your deluded morals?! You slaughtered them all for that!?" He spoke enraged.
"Deluded? I purged them of their evil"! She responded her grin growing wider.
"You're insane...completely insane!" Ken shouted.
Ken mentally chastised himself for not seeing this sooner. "I should have known...the fact that you were able to hide your presence from me, that should have tipped me off. Because of my inaction, an entire village paid for my folly! But I intend to correct that error right now"! Ken proclaimed.
Seryu stared at Ken, her eyes sullen. She starts to chuckle to herself.
"Heh heh heh...I should thank you Kenshiro. Because of your words, I know now what I must do. Once I kill you, I will return to the capital and seek vengeance upon the ones who murdered my father,
But I will never forgive you! You have committed the greatest of sins, you tried to turn an ally of justice to the path of evil! In the name of justice, I will see that your evil deeds are punished KENSHIROOOOO"! Her eyes went wide once more, and her killing intent flared up.
Kenshiro was motionless, his fists started to shake. He slowly turned his gaze towards Seryu.
"You... you speak of things like "Subjugating the wicked," but the only wickedness I have seen is from your own men. You talk of "Punishing evil." But from here, the only evil I see is the one that stands before me!" He proclaimed
"Tch...". Seryu scoffs.
Pointing his finger towards Seryu, energy began to radiate off of Ken. "Seryu Ubiquitous! You will not leave this village alive"!
Seryu's face slowly turns towards her pet.
"Koro...KILL!"
Author notes
Well, that took way longer than I thought it would. Forgive me but I am new to writing, I intended to only make these chapters about 5000 to 6000 word count limit but as I kept writing it jumped to nearly 1300 words! There was just a lot of info to go over and I felt myself adding more things to the mix. I still want to get a chapter out per week but I need a better process to get this out at a better pace, The next chapter will be big! It's going to get crazy and only escalate from there so prepare yourselves! Hoped you enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!