Author's Note: (I don't own the characters. They are from the Light novel/Anime/Manga called "Juuni Taisen" story made by NisioIsin) This story is not original and, it takes place after the Anime where the Winner got his One wish where the other 99 wishes got rejected. An AU Story Start. Let's not forget some War Criminal characters from the "Juuni Taisen vs Juuni Taisen" stories are there. So, I hope you learn them.
[Hey, I know there may be bad grammars, not clear details or something but, my mind is flooded with this! So please don't be harsh on me.. thank you..]
Chapter 13: "The Cowardly Warrior who extinguished the Burning Despair"
=NO POV=
At the Countryside,
Nezumi was slowly getting the hang of it. Taming the horse takes time but riding on them is different. As what the old lady requests, she wants the horse to have some exercise and Aiko suggests going for a ride.
If he can't do it, the other boys will mock him again. He has no choice.
The Horse didn't mind the teen riding on their back, they didn't resist as he hopped on their back and walked slowly. Despite being loyal, Nezumi seems to notice how the horse looks sick as if they don't have motivation.
He knows the Horse finished their meals but, watching their behaviour reminds him of the Horse warrior, who lost his pride after being defeated by the strongest warrior and claims to pursue more talent. If this is what Horses are for, Nezumi believes their pride will only get them down.
"You know, if you're trying to chase something, you might as well try new things like-" Nezumi led the Horse to the fence and pointed out. "Like jumping that fence. It may be small but if you lift your head and try the simple things, surely you can surpass them even more."
Nezumi doesn't know what he's talking about but giving expressions and directions could help them. He can't speak horses but looking at their eyes without turning away can help them relay their message.
He slowly tries to kick and move the Horse to the Fence, which the Horse slowly walks but tries to lift their head. Patting their head and being gentle also motivates them as Nezumi gives them courage to face forward. After that, the Horse starts to run over and jumps the fence before the teen is surprised by their changing movements.
Nezumi wasn't expected to ride a Horse and jump so high as the rabbit's hop. Exercising with them takes time but he's slowly getting the hang of it. What's better is the fact the Horse accepts him as a rider as they explore around the farm safely.
The teen was amazed that the Horse was quick to accept his orders and looked up to move forward. They were different from before and riding on them feels like he's riding an energetic mount. It seems like this Horse still has enough talent and courage to fight for.
Nezumi wonders what the others are up to and he leads the Horse to check around the farm. Aiko and Broker niisan have tended the barn, keeping the animals in the corner while clearing up the straws.
On the other hand, Sashitari put the heavy things in the right belongings and he picked up nails and hammers to fix broken damages. He even spent his time rebuilding fences and small homes or cages for the barn animals. Out of all of them, the Scar guy might be working the hardest.
After that trusty exercise, the sunset finally breaks out. Nezumi takes the Horse back to the new barn, where everything is well built and clean. The gang managed to fulfill the Old Lady's request as they finished all the repairs and placed the animals back to the rightful position.
Not only that but Sashitari spends his time feeding all the barn animals, including the Horse, which Nezumi was impressed by how he easily tamed them. Even though the Old Lady is almost making their dinner, Sashitari volunteers to help them carry the ingredients and work on new recipes to obtain delicious foods.
Broker was cautious as he kept his eyes on Sashitari and observed how he wouldn't bring more trouble like adding poisons. Sashitari paid no mind as he was eager to help the elders no matter how little the rewards were.
Moments later,
The husband of the Old lady came back and brought more objects. Everyone felt bad to see him struggling to carry those objects and before Broker volunteers, Sashitari immediately grabbed the Old man's stuff and placed it where he went.
Nezumi was unsure if Sashitari felt pity for the elders but recently, he started to show a soft spot and leave the heavy things to him.
While Broker and Aiko communicate with the owners, Nezumi finds Sashitari, who rebuilt the rabbit's home. The White rabbit was delighted to see the teen as they hopped excitedly.
"Nezumi? If you're here for the rabbit, you should give them a leash when you play with them." Sashitari said.
"Actually, I'm not here for them. I'm here for you." Nezumi said. "I'm just wondering whether you enjoy fixing this place or not. The elders were worried about you, doing too much work but at the same time, they were thankful for your cooperation."
"I see." Sashitari said, working on fixing the fence. He didn't look back at the teen.
"Say, are you gonna leave them behind?" Nezumi asked.
"What do you mean?" Sashitari paused.
"I mean, if you turn away from them and leave, you won't be able to enjoy moments like this." Nezumi said.
"You think I'm enjoying this job, brat? Which part of this shelter would welcome me? I'm sure no one would welcome me. Not with so many sins in my hand." Sashitari answered with a displeased tone.
"I'm not sure. I don't understand what you're thinking but-" Nezumi rubbed his head and continued with a plain voice. "If seeking shelter is what you desire, maybe creating them will be a new start. Like the way you're holding a hammer now. If your hand commits a sin you made, why not rebuild them again?"
With those answers, Sashitari startled back, he couldn't think of that option as he stared at the hammer he was holding there. The teen was about to approach the White rabbit until someone calls him behind,
"Nezumi, can you help us out there?" Aiko said. She was holding a jug of water and waiting for her partner to come and lend a hand.
"I better go now. See ya." Nezumi waved his hand and left the area.
Sashitari watches him helping the girl as they lift the water jug back to the right place. He stared at the hammers, then back at the rabbits enjoying their new shelter. He wonders what the young man said would benefit him.
Behind the Tree, the War Criminal didn't notice someone was eavesdropping him. The Watcher smirked back as he observed the Scar guy fixing the Rabbit's fence with a smile on his face.
"Looks like that Leader is right, he's really trying to change them." Broker said with a relieved sigh.
As the night went late, so did the public transport leaving the countryside.
Broker was still helping the elders to fix their engine and he ordered Sashitari to take the kids back home.
Sashitari seems irritated to be requested by this War Veteran but deep down, he still wishes for the younglings to go home. So he turned on the engine and allowed Aiko and Nezumi to give them a lift.
The teens bid them farewell as they left the farm. On their way, Aiko showed Nezumi the clear stars in the night sky while Sashitari turned on the music radio while driving.
It only took an hour to reach Aiko's house. Sashitari dropped her and she thanked the rider and bid them farewell, hoping to see them and visit the farm again.
As soon as they left Aiko's house, Sashitari gave Nezumi a lift to his home. He doesn't need to ask for directions, his team knows their target very well.
On their way, Nezumi was asleep and Sashitari attempted to cross the hill but noticed a nearby apartment got burned up. Fire spread in that house with the same address he was going to drop him. Firefighters gather up to bring down the fire while he watched them on the hill. This could possibly mean…
"His house was burning?" Sashitari couldn't believe it.
He looked at the sleepy teenager, who was unaware his own home was burning. He was confused, not knowing what to do now that the one living in that burning house is with him. He decided to do the small thing as he drive to the opposite where they won't spot fires in their view.
As soon as they parked in a quiet place, Sashitari shook Nezumi's shoulder, forcing the teen to wake up, rubbing his eyes.
"Say Nezumi, I'm afraid I can't take you home now. Those construction workers are blocking down the road." Sashitari said, making up with his false excuses. "It's already midnight and I don't think you should walk alone. Is there any relatives or close family where you can stay and sleep with?"
"Hhmm…" Nezumi thought up until he remembered something, "I do. Inoka and her Uncle will lead me there."
"Good. Tell them to stay there for three days. I'm sure that Uncle of yours will explain it to you tomorrow." Sashitari followed Nezumi's directions as he rode at night.
Nezumi called the Uncle to stay at their home at night. The Uncle went outside, waving him as he welcomes the silver haired teen to stay with them. Inoka hugs him as she was excited to sleep together with him. Before going inside, Nezumi turns to the Rider and bids him farewell.
"Thank you for the ride, Sashitari nii-san" Nezumi said. The moment he heard that polite name, Sashitari paused as he felt like he heard him calling that before. He questioned how his mind got this sense of nostalgic when that boy said that. He wanted to ask a few questions but it's already night.
And the stares of two civilians, watching at how he become unresponsive for fifteen seconds, seems embarrassed to him.
"Right… You take care of yourself, kid." Sashitari waved back as he start the engine and drove away.
The moon is pretty bright tonight. Sashitari can't wait to get sleep but what he needs to do next is to seek answers. He needs to get to the bottom of this.
On the next day,
"Alright, explain this mess." Sashitari folded his arms with his serious voice. He was ready to smack them down if they dare to lie against him.
Sashitari held a private meeting along with two suspected companions, Friendsheep and Mupple Bottle, who were nervous as they bowed down, ready to apologize.
"Uumm.. we were-" Friendsheep's shaking voice tried to have courage to express him.
"It's her fault." Mupple Bottle immediately pointed at her like a child finding fault to someone else.
"It's not! Let me explain. What we did was unnecessary but-"
"I asked again. Explain this mess." Sashitari pointed at an image of the Rat Warrior's apartment burning up. He does not often get angry so easily but if he sees traitors from his team who won't get answers, this is where he'll burn up.
"I'll tell you. So please, take it easy and calm down." Friendsheep admitted with her frightened voice. "It happened yesterday morning.."
=NO POV=
Thomas or a.k.a, Mupple Bottle, has come up with a silly discovery that their target, the Rat Warrior, is nothing but an obnoxious teenager who left his apartment without locking it.
What happens if someone barges in and steals their things? Like right now, the two War Criminals sneaked inside his home without being guarded by neighbours.
The fact this silver haired teen was the biggest threat Sir Cancer believed and found out he was easy to hunt was pathetic. Mupple Bottle was disappointed by looking at the picture frame of a weakling target near the stairs.
According to Doctor Finnish, she found a secret record about Nezumi using his wish to forget everything after his twelfth war. But there were no records of his ability nor his last ten month history.
Just what on earth did the world do to hide this brat's details? Without his info, the War Criminals felt upset he had no weakness to exploit the War Veterans.
As they investigate the kitchen, Friendsheep recalls the time she saw him typing his phone for something secret. Mupple Bottle believed it had some important task as he left this town for a reason.
"Maybe it has something to do with Sashitari and his classmate?" Mupple Bottle thought.
Finding nothing on the bottom floor, he asked Friendsheep to check his room next. They searched the bedroom, closet and desk, hoping to find valuable things and secrets, only to find out it's nothing but useless unfinished homework.
He was sure there was nothing in his room but Friendsheep found something. In the small trash bin, where there were crumbled papers, she checked them all and expanded them, revealing to be a mysterious letter note about him.
Most of the letters contain death threats, strange advice and hateful comments for the winner to exist.
Just who on earth wrote this letter? Isn't the Rat Warrior supposed to be the Winner and adored by the sponsors?
He assumed it has something to do with the past ten months that possibly stopped the wars from colliding against the world. Or it could be something like the Rite of Passing Ritual?
Friendsheep double checked the letter and it was pretty obvious this was not the Rat Warrior's handwriting. It could be someone else. She kept reading the letters closely and then, one of the notes caught her attention.
"What time is it?" Friendsheep asked.
"Perfect timing. It's already twelve in the afternoon." Mupple Bottle replied. He tilted his head when his companion looks uneasy. "What's wrong?"
"Quiet.." Friendsheep said with a wave. She looked at the window, only to find nothing.
Mupple Bottle noticed the floor was a bit shaking as if an invisible ghost stepped inside. They suddenly heard a noise downstairs.
That's weird. Friendsheep swear she doesn't heard someone enetering the door nor the window. She checked the window and no one was waiting outside.
"I remember Luke Me nee-san used to sneak inside his house and got attacked by the Shadow Warriors. If we're getting those crumbled letters and them, that would make sense." Friendsheep said. She summoned her comb weapon, preparing if an enemy ambush them.
"So they're the ones who wanted Nezumi dead?" Mupple Bottle asked.
"Not sure." Friendsheep shook her head.
They sneak above the stairs and find shadow warriors walking around. They heard those strange warriors muttering about the Rat Warrior not living bere and wonder when will hey stay there.
"I think it's best to persuade them to get some answers for ourselves" Mupple Bottle and Friendsheep looked at each other for a plan.
Mupple Bottle has a point. They really need answers. Friendsheep finds a picture frame of Nezumi and Aiko with their school uniform and it gives her idea.
Friendsheep used her ability and used Nezumi's spare clothes to change her form as a the Rat Warrior.
Mupple Bottle watched his companion approaching the Shadow warriors, who pointed their blades and glare at the young warrior disguising as Nezumi.
"You! This is all your fault! If you would've stay and let us kill you, our master wouldn't get more grudge forever!" The Shadow Warrior with a Flamethrower muttered. They point their weapons to him.
"So you're the one who sent me those filthy letters. I should've known you were up to no good." Fake Nezumi cracked his knuckles and he immediately charged at them, kicking the weapon and throwing them to the floor. He grabbed the warrior and asked, "Tell me, why do you want to kill me so much? And what is it about your Master?"
"You fool! As expected, you really forgot everything" The Shadow warrior tried to wriggle out but got pushed by the wall. They clicked their tongue and accept their interrogation. "Fine, I'll tell you, you little brat.."
Mupple Bottle would've guess Friendsheep's disguised plan was working. Her method of using the Rat Warrior's form from the enemy was quite a fitting role to get information. With this, they could get an answer in no time.
However, they suddenly let their guard down when one of the Shadow warriors was behind Friendsheep and kicked her out. The Shadow Warrior with a Flamethrower stood up beside their companions as they let their devilish smirk out.
"Hehe.. What I tell you means, I'll tell you when I burn you and your pathetic shelter to Hell!" They used their flamethrower around the walls, seeking to spread the flames around the area. Friendsheep thought those Shadow Warrior seek revenge to the Twelfth winner just for that unfair result but this has gone too far.
The Shadow warriors attempt to burn the house by using their flame thrower gadget and spread around the walls. Mupple Bottle grabbed Friendsheep on time and tossed her out of the house. He picked his water bucket and used his ability to control the water.
The arsonist warrior and the other Shadow warrior saw their next plan as they made the exit on fire, leaving Mupple Bottle with no escape. Friendsheepi's disguises turned off as she tried to lend a hand but the door was already on fire. She prayed for his safety as she runs outside to find some nearby water.
Mupple Bottle was trapped along with the Shadow warriors. His extra water supplies helped him to protect from smoke and provide oxygen to keep him survive. He knew the Shadow Warrior's plan was to eliminate not only the Rat warrior but also the War Criminals.
He's not planning to die honourably as he needs to find answers from the Shadow warriors and get to the bottom of this. For his War Criminal team. For himself.
Mupple Bottle began to use his water and spread around to create smokes. The Shadow warriors lose their visions as they looked around to find their target, only for the War Criminal to hold their back and control their blood.
He knew they're Illusion puppets who are not human but even puppets have dark bloods or inks that control their body. He squished his hand, forcing their bloods to go out of their body and let them rot.
The Shadow Warriors fell down as they got burned by the fire and turned from black ink pool to a black ash. Mupple Bottle felt responsible for killing them without capturing for getting information. He wanted answers but his priority is his safety.
He used his Water ability to give space from the fire and evacuate from the house. He was able to get out on time. However, he watched the nearby houses got affected.
Mupple Bottle knew those Fire fighters will take time to come by and stop the fire. Watching neighbors crying for their burning home reminds him of his crimes for being an arsonist. He felt responsible for making this happen, for letting the Shadow warriors burned the target's house.
He wanted to run, to hide from the shame and regret he made for burning those former houses of the people. The fact he remembered he burned his own home and got his people killed still haunts him. He wants to turn back and leave this problem to the fire fighters.
And yet, he didn't run.
He raised his hand and controlled waters to try and stop the fire. It wasn't enough, before he was frustrated, he saw Friendsheep coming to their way, holding a large jug of water.
"Mupple Bottle, let those people handle it. I'm sure they can handle it." Friendsheep said as she gave the jug to the neighbors, who insists on taking the fire down. She turned to Mupple Bottle and said, "I believe this has nothing to do with us. Let's escape while there's still time."
"No.." Mupple Bottle answered. He turned to the burning houses spreading and raised his hand, "I will not run away again."
"I will do everything I can to extinguish the mess I made in the past!"
Suddenly, a pool of floating water gathers above him as Mupple Bottle used them to deal with the fire. The neighbors watched as the huge spray of water sprinkled and removed the fire. Mupple Bottle ordered the citizens to get more water and others has to take the children away from this incident.
Once again, he controls the water and used them to remove the fire. He was able to prevent the fire hazard from this area at night. There was no casualties and the evacuation was success and the fire elimination task was job well done.
The neighbors thanked him for saving their lives and doing his job. As soon as Fire fighters came by and heard the cause, they also thank him to take their job. With his action and heroic deeds, the Fire fighter boss promotes him to be their member starting this year and everyone cheered for the news.
Mupple Bottle couldn't believe this was happening. Friendsheep didn't realize he got a fast job so quickly. She wasn't proud of his achievements like those neighbor people do. In fact, she was frustrated he killed those Shadow warriors before they get more answers.
Back to the Present,
"And that's how the story ends" Mupple Bottle faced in defeat. He was going to get punish as he looked down, waiting for the punishment. But only he felt a hand patting on his head as he looked up and saw Sashitari's small relief.
"For now, I'm glad you two were okay. Mupple Bottle, I'm proud that you've grown up. I'm sure Sir Cancer would appreciate your actions despite getting attention." Sashitari said as he watched Mupple Bottle getting red in his compliments.
"Still, we couldn't get more evidence." Friendsheep dropped the mood as she turned the topic back to reality.
"At least we know they're trying to kill the Rat warrior and attempt to frame us. I bet this Master of theirs wanted to kill Nezumi for their revenge. I wonder if it's got to do with winning the Twelfth Zodiac War? Or it might be, stopping the War?" Sashitari said, making assumptions.
"No way. I still agree to kill the Rat Warrior." Friendsheep folded her arms.
"I'm not sure about that. The way his current fate lies, we can't tell the future." Sashitari said.
"By the way, before they burn down his house, I found his crumbling letters with a symbol like this." Mupple Bottle said as he picked a note from his hand and shared it to the team. "I had a feeling I saw this symbol but I don't know where."
Friendsheep and Sashitari finds a crumpled note about a small letter and a symbol of an island with a cyber computer icon on the top. Its words contain the "Forget them but Share it _" with a missing phrase. Things have becoming mysterious when those two kept looking at the symbol.
"We share the same guess. I could've swear I saw this symbol somewhere..." Sashitari held up his chin with his hand and observed that symbol more. "I let the others know about this."
"So it seems our investigation really paid off. You should've told me before that." Friendsheep looked at Mupple Bottle in dismay.
"I got overexcited about my new job." Mupple Bottle scratched his head with a cracked smile.
"Tch, remind me that important note next time." Friendsheep turned away.
"Anyways, now that you two caused a lot of trouble, I decided to let both of you stay away from the Rat boy and grounded from any missions." Sashitari declared, which they got up and protests him.
"Just like that?! How can you be so cruel? I can handle my mission!" Friendsheep complained him.
"My orders, you follow. That's my rules! No complaints." Sashitari said. He noticed Mupple Bottle raised a hand and the Archer asked, "What is it?"
"Can I still take my new job?" Mupple Bottle asked.
"Of course, after all. You took out the fire and face like a man." Sashitari replied with a nod.
"You're not the Cowardly warrior who hides from the sea, you're Mupple Bottle, Warrior of the Aquarius."
*Character Details 13:
Name: Muppet Bottle/Thomas B. Tholls
Occupation: Firefighter
Title: Former War Criminal of Aquarius
Power: Hydrokinesis/Water and Blood Control Ability
Warrior Quote: Kills by Wet
Wishing Quote: I want Water
(My Creative Non-Cannon) Personality:
Quiet, Stoic and a bit Fearful for being a Drag. However, when it comes to find trouble, he will go out of his way to support his team and eliminate any obstacles. His observation skills can come in handy for his ability to control the environment. In order to redeem himself, this warrior is willing to use the shape of water to overcome his past sins. Despite that, his loyalty to his team came at first. Sometimes, he likes watching sea at peaceful night.