A few days later, Blitzo, Moxxie, Angel and Cherri sneaked up back to the adventurer's guild.
« Oh hello. How was your adventure at Seirai Island? » Katheryne asked.
« Oh, nothing special. Killing Chilli Churros, feeding cats, that sort of thing… » Blitzo replied.
« Latter's more of a Husk and Vortex kind of deal. So what do ya have in store for us? » Angel asked.
« The Guild has received a commission of even greater difficulty than that which you accomplished on Seirai. I wonder if you'd be interested...» Katheryne proposed.
« Sure thing, what is it? » Blitzo asked.
« The person who commissioned this is Miss Sumida. As for the details, it might be best for you to get them straight from her. » Katheryne replied. « Well then, ad astra abyssosque! I await the completion of your next feat. »
Xxxxxxx
And so, the four demons reached Sumida.
« Ah, Ah, hello there. Might you be the illustrious demons of Liyue and Mondstadt? » Sumida asked.
« That's us! » Cherri replied.
« Alright then. So, tell me, have you ever "obtained the mightiest sword in the village"? » Sumida asked.
« …Who the fuck starts a conversation like that? We just got here! » Blitzo protested.
« Have you led a life surrounded by beautiful men and ladies? » Sumida asked. « Did you defeat a giant dragon not long after your story began? Or perhaps, did you get wrapped up in some crisis upon which the survival of a nation hung? Have you ever faced off against "an elite antagonistic force with a numbered ranking scheme"? »
« I mean, yeah, we did, but-» Moxxie replied, before being interrupted by Sumida.
« Or are you, perhaps, in fact travelers from "another world," just like the main character in "Flowers for Princess Fischl"? » Sumida asked.
« …What the fuck are you talking about? » Blitzo asked confused.
« Hmm, I can't feel that sense of "destiny" that a protagonist should have from you guys. » Sumida noted.
« Look, I didn't just gut five fucking samurai's just to talk to you in fucking moon speech! » Blitzo shot back angrily.
« Sorry! Sorry! Katheryne told me so much about you, so I assumed that you'd be more like a light novel protagonist, you know? » Sumida explained. « But in truth, I suppose such people are hard to find... »
« Whatever. What do you want? » Blitzo asked annoyed.
« My name's Sumida. As for my pen name... I haven't finished thinking about it yet. I've got plans to take part in this year's "This Novel Is Amazing!" As such, I need a reliable adventurer to help me make a trip to Tsurumi Island » Sumida explained.
« I mean, we could create a base there, so might as well. » Blitzo shrugged.
« Oh Archons you're with the Watatsumi army, aren't you? » Sumida's face turned pale.
« Indeed. Only God can hear your screams now. » Angel replied.
« Not to worry. We won't harm innocents civilians. » Moxxie intervened.
« Speak fer yerself, Mox. » Blitzo shot back.
« Hears and mind, boss! » Moxxie protested.
« Well, none the less, why do ya wanna go there? » Angel asked.
« That's right. Now, the name of my novel is currently "The Chronicles of the Sea of Fog." The broad strokes of its plot are as such: a group of nameless young men and women and their adventures in a nation shrouded in perpetual fog. » Sumida explained. « Well, the plot details are currently still in the works. But my eventual goal is to write an epic novel that can move hearts and souls, like "Kino's Travels"! »
« What the fuck is that? Ya know, some of us read ACTUAL literature. » Angel asked.
« It's the story of an outlander named Kino who doesn't quite fit in anywhere strides across many strange lands. She meets all sorts of people, and she is drawn into all kinds of wicked plots and all manner of cruel wars. Yet each one of her adventures shall someday coalesce into shining gold... » Sumida explained.
« Is there a rest stop between now and the fucking point? » Blitzo asked.
« Ah, right. Sorry, I got off topic. Actually, I've been reflecting on that habit of mine quite often. It seeps into my writing as well, to the point where I once wrote over 20 pages before ever getting to the point. » Sumida admitted. « At that time, I wanted to use the legend of the Kitsune Saiguu ushering people into the underground halls of Araumi to save them from a disaster as the basis for a tale about her new incarnation's peaceful life amongst the people of Hanamizaka... »
« Woman, oh my Satan, I will S L A P you. » Blitzo threatened the girl.
« My bad, my bad... So, please go to Tsurumi Island and find a way to bring a Maushiro back to me. This is a traditional instrument of the civilization native to the island, which has been lost for several millennia now. » Sumida explained. « As to why I need one, the — fictional, obviously — plot of "The Chronicles of the Sea of Fog (Working Title)" takes place on Tsurumi Island, and when a group of nameless young men and women sets foot upon it— »
« Okay, but why tho? » Cherri asked.
« Writing is a most serious endeavor. You must treat the things you are describing with the utmost respect. » Sumida explained. « For example, if you wish to describe Balethunder, you must go to Musoujin Gorge to experience it! That's the only way you can maintain authenticity and credibility! »
« That sounds like suicide with extra steps…» Blitzo commented.
« In truth, I almost died back then, too. If I hadn't instructed Kama to get me out of there if he saw that something was going awry... » Sumida admitted.
« But you unfortunately survived…» Angel joked.
« I was laid up in bed for a few days after that rescue. Everything I could see, everything I threw up... It was all purple. » Sumida explained. « But now that I think about it, the fact that everything I threw up was purple might've been a result of my only being able to see in purple at the time. »
« Did the higher ups at least like what ya wrote down? » Blitzo asked.
« ...I couldn't get out of bed to write for those few days, so I missed the deadline. » Sumida replied.
«So it was all fucking pointless, was it? » Cherri commented.
« How could you say that? This'll come in handy next time if I should ever need to write a convincing scenario like... like "That Time I Was Swallowed Whole by an Electro Slime." » Sumida replied.
« I think Fuse is gonna sue someone if ya even try that… » Blitzo commented.
« That being said…how do you hope to reach Tsurumi Island given that you're wanted by the Shogun?» Sumida asked.
« We have our ways. » Blitzo grinned.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the demons drove a motorboat to Tsurumi Island, Blitzo planting the Flag of the Watatsumi Army on the beach. « I CLAIM THIS POINT FOR WATATA! AND THE UNICOOOORNS! »
« I wish unicorns were fucking real, man…» Cherri groaned.
« They are once you ingest cocaine and felonies. » Angel grinned.
« And from this GLORIOUS spot, we shall…» Blitzo declared, before looking around and seeing nothing but a massive fog. « …do absolutely fucking nothing, seriously why is it this fucking foggy? »
« Whatever. let's just look for this Maunchu thingies and get out of here… » Angel replied. « Silent Hill looking ass…»
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group searched the island, until they found a great gate.
« Huh. Big ass gate. » Blitzo commented.
« Perhaps it's the entrance to some sort of village…» Moxxie wondered.
« Only one way to find out…» Blitzo replied, as the group entered the gate. As they did, the fog seemed to dissipate. « Holy shit it's actually fucking bearable now… »
« Wait, is there a kid there? » Angel noted, as he saw a kid in the distance.
« Perhaps he knows where's the tool we're looking for…» Moxxie said.
« Let's ask him then. » Angel shrugged, as he walked towards the kid. « Hello, juvenile! We're looking for things! »
« Yikes! » the boy exclaimed.
« Musical instruments, actually. » Blitzo replied.
« You're…demons…» the boy said in awe. « That's awesome! I haven't seen any outlanders in soooo long, and they told me about you demons! My name's Ruu! »
« Blitzo, Moxxie, Angel and Cherri of the Molos Independence Liberation Front, pleasure to meet you. » Blitzo greeted the kid.
« Okay, now you're just doing it on purpose! » Moxxie complained.
« I neither confirm or deny it. » Blitzo smirked derply.
« Anyway, we're looking for a Mushu thingie…something about an instrument or whatever…» Angel explained.
« You mean the Maushiro? » Ruu asked.
« Sure, let's go with that. » Blitzo replied.
« Yeah, I can show you. Still, you've come at exactly the right time! Today's the day of our big ceremony! » Ruu exclaimed. « Kapatcir will definitely be pleased to have new and rare guests taking part. »
« Who? » Angel asked.
« My good friend! » Ruu exclaimed.
« Ya know what? Bootleg genderbent Steven King can wait. We've got partying to do! » Cherri exclaimed.
« Exactly! Everyone tells me that I'll be the star of the show this time, too! » Ruu explained. « But we'll need to do some things before the ceremony can start! »
« Okay, doesn't sound like an issue…» Blitzo shrugged.
« Either way, come with me guys! » Ruu exclaimed, as he raced off.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached two people busy in construction.
« Let me introduce you to Big Sister Makiri and Big Brother Ipe. » Ruu introduced the two.
« 'Sup dudes! » Cherri greeted the two.
« Hmm~ the Perch seems to be in a good state. This year's ceremony should go well. » Makiri noted.
« Oh come on, less talking, more offering. » Ipe commanded.
« After all, the Perch is the keystone to the ceremony. This is the tree upon which the Great Thunderbird once descended. » Makiri said. « Grandpa Mata said that the maintenance of the Perch indicates our respect and worship towards the Great Thunderbird. If it is damaged... »
« I know. That said, this year's ceremony leaves a bad taste in my mouth... » Ipe replied. « And the fact that I'm the only one doing work over here makes it worse! »
« I get yer pain, pal. We've been helping the folks of this underdeveloped agglomeration of third world countries for so long even my momma thinks I'm crazy. » Blitzo shrugged.
« Eh~ you're just too reliable, Ipe. What's more, this is my first time making offerings to the Perch. » Makiri admitted.
« Yeah, yeah, whatever. Anyway, the next step is to touch the Perch. Then, help me look for feathers around this area. » Ipe sighed.
« What do feathers have to do with anything? » Blitzo raised an eyebrow confused.
« Eh, didn't Grandpa Mata tell you about it? Part of the process is removing all foreign elements from the Perch. Basically, the power of the Great Thunderbird will accumulate within the Perch, and it will carry off foreign substances that infiltrate Tsurumi Island in the form of "feathers." » Ipe replied. « Afterward, the fog will purify those feathers. After all, the fog protects our island, and will not let anything pass through the sacred barrier around us. That's why we need to find the scattered feathers and bring them back to the Perch. »
« Oh~ I see, I see. I get it now. » Makiri replied.
« ...Did you really? » Ipe raised an eyebrow.
« Probably~ » Makiri shrugged.
« Find some feathers. Can't be too hard. » Blitzo shrugged.
« It's made using the Great Thunderbird's power, so if you have keen elemental senses like Ruu does, finding them would be a cinch. » Ipe replied.
« Really? Isn't Ruu lucky~ » Makiri caressed Ruu's hair.
« C'mon, guys. Let's go find those feathers! If you help make offerings to the Perch, I'm sure Kapatcir would be happy. » Ruu turned to the demons.
« Sure, why not. » Blitzo shrugged.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons were back with the feathers. « Got ya feathers! »
« The Perch looks really happy. I'm sure Kapatcir will be really happy too! » Ruu exclaimed.
« Who even is this Kapatcir? » Blitzo raised an eyebrow.
« My friend! » Ruu exclaimed. « Kapatcir loves to hear me sing. I'll be singing for her during the ceremony! »
« Well that's good and all, but what about the Maushiro? » Moxxie asked.
« Don't worry, they're going to put all the Maushiro there during the ceremony. I bet Grandpa Mata is going to need help making offerings at the other Perches, too. » Ruu replied. « Well then. See you both later! »
« Where are ya going, kiddo? » Angel asked.
« I've got some preparations to make for the ceremony. I'll be meeting Kapatcir there, after all! » Ruu explained. « Everyone's been looking forward to this ceremony, too! I won't disappoint them! »
« Huh. Wonder what what's this festival all about…» Angel shrugged.
« I propose to convince the indigenous people to join our mighty army against the evil Tits-Katana! » Blitzo proposed.
« Agreed. » Angel smirked.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons reached a priest. « Hello, indigenous people! We're here to request your aid against the evil tits from the other islands! »
« Ignore my boss. We're just here to join the ceremony. And MAAAYBE trying to recruit the strongest people of your village for a project. » Moxxie intervened.
« Ah, when will we be ready to hold the ceremony? Preparations for the Perch on Ipe's side should already be complete. » the man replied. « He's there with Makiri, so there shouldn't be any issues. »
« Been there, done that. » Blitzo replied.
« But there are three more Perches. Who knows how the preparations there are going... » the man replied.
« Well, since ya NPCs can't get anything right, we'll handle it. » Blitzo groaned annoyed.
«…NPC? » the man asked confused.
« Notoriously Problematic Cretins. AKA, you people. » Blitzo replied.
« No matter. The Great Thunderbird will surely be pleased with the ceremony this time... » the man replied.
« So who the fuck is this Big Bird ya speak of? » Angel asked.
In response, the man remained silent.
« …Dude? You having a stroke? » Cherri asked concerned.
« Let's just…handle the Perches…» Moxxie proposed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons were done with the Perches. « Hey fuckers, we've dealt with ya shit! Now hand us the Mushiking and JOIN OUR ARMY! »
In response, there was just silence. Everyone seemed to be gone.
« …Universe? Did you just prank us? A prank that if we fell for would probably mean the end of our miserable lives? » Blitzo tapped his foot annoyed.
« Not really…I found the Maushiro…» Moxxie noted, as he picked up the instrument.
« Well at least the kid wasn't a fucking asshole. » Angel shrugged.
« You think we had it bad? Think about that kid! He was prepared and all, and he got nothing! » Moxxie protested.
« Yeah. Dick move, all right. » Blitzo replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons were back to Sumida. « Oh, you're back. »
« Don't sound TOO happy, hon. » Angel commented sarcastically.
« I really hope you've brought the Maushiro this time... Or else... » Sumida said. « ...Or else my novel will never get written! »
« We got it, ma'am! » Moxxie replied, as he inspected his bag. However, as he did, he noticed he couldn't find it.
« Moxxie, I swear to God, if that shit fell to the ocean, I wil you and your entire lineage back to the Neolithic era! » Blitzo threatened the Imp.
« I swear, boss! I can't find it! » Moxxie replied, as he dropped everything in his bag to the floor.
« Looks like it happened to you, too... What a headache. Don't take it too hard. To be honest, I haven't given you full disclosure either. I did commission other people before sending you. » Sumida explained. « Adventurers, veteran soldiers, members of Sumeru's Eremites, students of the Iwakura Art, problem-solving specialists from the Yorozuya... Huh, now that I think about it, such a motley crew would've made for a good story. A team of people with diverse backgrounds, characters, and abilities adventuring together... Uh, hold on! This isn't the time for such thoughts. »
« Wait, what the fuck do you mean this happened before?!» Blitzo exclaimed.
« They, like you lot, took this job from me, but they all wound up being unable to retrieve the Maushiro that they could've sworn they got. » Sumida explained.
« …What? » Angel asked confused.
« At first, I thought that they were all just making excuses for their lack of ability. But now that even you, the legendary top-rated adventurers whom the Guild recommended so strongly to me, also encountered this issue... » Sumida explained. « An unattainable commission, vanishing Maushiro... »
« I swear, if tits-katana is behind this, I'm gonna rape her cat. » Blitzo growled angrily.
« Is there a way to walk around the issue? » Moxxie asked.
« If you don't mind... I can contact all the other people who took this commission before. Perhaps a discussion might yield some kind of breakthrough... » Sumida proposed. « Don't worry, I won't decrease your pay over this! »
« Sounds good. Now is fucking personal. I swear, this fucking archipelago was built to be a pain in my ass. » Blitzo replied.
« Thank you... Thank you so much for your trouble. » Sumida replied. « I'll contact the people I commissioned before. Give me a while to prepare, and then we'll meet back here. »
Xxxxxxx
That evening, Sumida, the Imps and all the people she contacted encountered in a small base made by the demons.
« Good ta see all ya fucks got here. » Blitzo greeted the group. « So let's get to business. Tsurumi Island. What the fuck is wrong with it? »
« Out of all the people affected by incidents related to "Maushiro that should have been found going missing"... » Sumida explained. « I was only able to find the detectives from Bantan Sango and Mr. Roald. »
« Yes, we are aware of the request... alongside the unrelated plotlines of several different light novels, as well as the narrative you are currently working on. » the Bantan Sango men explained. « It is also true that we were unable to successfully retrieve the Maushiro. »
« Well, I'll solve the mystery for you. Ryuuji must have misplaced it. » a girl replied.
« Not at all. I did lose my way many times after arriving on Tsurumi Island, but I did eventually find a Maushiro in an open area on the island. » Ryuuji explained.
« Found yerself a fancy ceremony? » Angel asked.
« As for the details, I no longer remember them well. » Ryuuji replied. « Every time I try to do so, it's as if there's a fog in my head that prevents me from remembering the details of what occurred on Tsurumi Island. »
« Could it be that the fog that shrouds the island found its way into Ryuuji's head after he breathed too much of it in? » Sumida pondered.
A short silence followed, interrupted by Blitzo. « …How drunk are you? »
« Well, here's what I experienced. At the time, I was trapped on Ritou with no way to cross the checkpoints. » Roald explained. « This was when Miss Sumida contacted me and commissioned me to help her "go to Tsurumi Island to gather reference material and look for a Maushiro." »
« If ya want, we can give you refuge with the Wotato army. » Blitzo proposed.
« Not that I have much of a choice… » Roald sighed.
« Thank tits-katana for that. » Blitzo grumbled angrily.
« Like Ryuuji, I fear that I can't remember much about what occurred. » Roald continued. « I took Kama's advice and walked through a large gateway into the fog... and I met a friendly child. There was... some sort of ceremony as well. »
« His name wouldn't happen to be Ruu, right? » Moxxie asked.
« Ruu...? I don't quite remember. We did make the trip in a hurry, after all. Why, I even left my diary behind in Ritou. » Roald replied. « The records clearly state that what civilization once existed on Tsurumi Island has been utterly destroyed, and yet there was still a child there. »
« And I assume that you DID find and recover the Maushiro, right? » Moxxie asked.
« Well, it does seem that Roald reported back to Sumida convinced that he had brought the item in question, while the truth was that he didn't have it. » the woman replied.
« I'm very sorry. That's why I write diaries, you know? To compensate for my untrustworthy memory. » Roald replied. « Well, I say that, but I do often lose those very diaries as well. So there you go... »
« To be honest with you, what concerns me the most about these incidents isn't the missing Maushiro, but the fact that you met locals on Tsurumi Island at all. According to the "Tales of Distant Seas," there can be no doubt that Tsurumi Island was utterly destroyed several millennia ago. » the girl explained. « The monstrous bird of thunder was slain by the Electro Archon upon Amakumo Peak in Seirai Island. That was why the Asase Shrine was built — to suppress the leftover power of that giant bird.»
« Really? That…interesting…» Blitzo grinned, clearly intrigued.
« President Sango, this doesn't have anything to do with the case... » Ryuuji noted.
« No, it does. Although I've never gone to Seirai myself, the fallout from the Thunderbird's death resulted in the strange phenomena that can be found on Amakumo Peak. When you add this together with the existence of ley line disorders, which have since become common knowledge as well... » Sango explained. « Only one conclusion remains, and thus it must be true — that the strange occurrences that you experienced must be related to Tsurumi Island itself! »
« We can work with that…» Blitzo grinned once more.
« Pardon me, but I feel that this gathering hasn't resulted in any meaningful conclusions, though... » Sumida noted.
« Shut yer trap, woman, I'm scheming here! » Blitzo protested.
« Other than Mr. Roald and Bantan Sango, all the others I contacted believe that Tsurumi Island has some unique ley line disorder, or that it might even be haunted. None of them were willing to involve themselves any further. » Sumida explained. « Perhaps I should take the commission back. Maybe the writer's life is not my destiny after all... »
« Well, we COULD give it another go…» Blitzo proposed.
« That's…uncharacteristically generous of you, sir… » Moxxie noted worried.
« Do not worry, ma'am! We'll return to that island and find a way to recover what yer looking for! BUT FIRST! I must discuss things with my colleagues. Henceforth, this meeting is over. Dismiss, sho, sho. » Blitzo declared, as Blitzo and the demons exited the building.
« Sir, what the fuck are you doing? » Moxxie asked.
« If the Ruskies could bring back a god, so we can. And on top of that, it's one that has a bone to pick with our little whore. » Blitzo explained.
« Wait, you're not seriously thinking about bringing back the Thunderbird! » Moxxie protested.
« Why not? I'm sure they was chill before being stabbed by the lightning slut. » Blitzo shot back.
« Might as well ask Alastor to bring back Osial then! There MUST be a reason why she killed it! » Moxxie protested.
« Yeah. She was a cunt. That's all. » Angel replied.
« Agree. » Cherri added.
Suddenly, as they sneaked around the streets of Inazuma, they found Pentious, just standing there. « Wait, Pentious? What are you doing here? »
«Oh hey guys…I found this kid at Tsurumi island called Ruu, said he was looking for you. » Pentious explained.
« Well, we were heading there anyway. » Blitzo shrugged.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons reached Tsurumi Island, and found Ruu. « It's you, Molos Independence Liberation Front…»
« Don't call us that. » Moxxie replied.
« Where the hell did all your pals go? We were excited for your ceremony… » Angel asked.
« They didn't go anywhere…you, on the other hand, went missing earlier. I thought that you'd ended up like all the others... » Ruu replied.
« Oh, those dudes are all right. » Blitzo replied. « Still, you wouldn't happen to have a spare Maushiro? »
« The Maushiro? You should still have it on you, I think. I can feel its power on you. » Ruu replied.
« Excuse me? » Angel asked.
« I once heard Grandpa Mata say that when darkness blanketed the world, the Thunderbird dispersed a mysterious fog to defend Tsurumi Island. » Ruu explained. « But the people within the fog could not see the sun, the moon, or the stars, nor could they see their relatives, friends, children, or the Wen Kamuy they had domesticated and raised. Then, the Thunderbird, like a blazing violet comet, took flight from the hollow Mt. Kanna. When the first priests heard the sharp sound of wings piercing the skies, they picked up the plumes of the Thunderbird. When they blew upon these sturdy feathers, they would hear a melodious sound. Thus, people used this to communicate their location to others through the fog and to guide those who were lost to them. Even later on, people would use wood to imitate these sounds... »
« Wait, yer telling me the big bird feathers act as a music instrument? I think we have one of these…» Blitzo noted.
Just as he said that, the feather he collected at Seriei island begun to shine.
« Yup. These feathers are the best kind of Maushiro around. » Ruu explained. « Man-made Maushiro do not have this kind of power, but since this is the "original form" of such Maushiro, it should have some special abilities. Perhaps it can even see the spirits of the dead. »
« Only one way to find out. ONWARD! » Blitzo declared.
Xxxxxxx
And so, Ruu guided the group towards a carving. « All right, let's see if this shit works…». As Blitzo used the feather, a ghostly figure appeared.
« ...I'll bury this here. This is where we met each other, after all. I'll leave the Maushiro that I couldn't pass to you then over here. » the figure said. « If I wish to bid this... whatever this place is, farewell, I can't bring anything with me — that's what you told me before you left. »
« So he's left Tsurumi Island already... I hope he's doing alright...» Ruu sighed. « Well! Today's the day of the ceremony, so we shouldn't dwell on unhappy things! I've made an agreement with Kapatcir that I'll go see her soon. Everyone's going to help me get ready, too, so I've gotta go. »
« And if you meet the Thunderbird, tell 'em I said, we're hiring! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« Hmm... If you don't mind, could you help me look for Grandpa Mata at the ceremonial site? » Ruu requested. « Even though our perch problem has been solved, there are other things we need help with. The ceremony is a very important event, after all. Lots of preparations need to be done first. »
« As long as he doesn't just buzz off. » Blitzo replied.
« Gone? No, this is such an important ceremony. There's no way he'd leave it half done. I mean... » Ruu replied. « Ah, it's nothing. In any case, please help me out! »
« Sure thing, kiddo. » Blitzo shrugged.
« Thanks guys! » Ruu thanked the demons. « Well then, let's meet again later! »
« Bye kiddo! And remember that thing with the Birdie! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« Guys! I found the Maushiro! » Moxxie exclaimed, holding the instrument.
« Well, hopefully this time it doesn't fucking disappear…» Blitzo replied.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group reached the ceremonial site, where they found Mata conversing with another person.
« I hope that... No, the Great Thunderbird will surely be pleased with the ceremony this time... » Mata said. « After all, this is the only child that she has shown favour to in all these years.. »
« Eminent Priest, Ruu has yet to arrive. » the other man informed Mata.
« ...This is the final day. Let him wander for a little while longer. » Mata replied.
« But the Great Thunderbird has already returned to Mt. Kanna! » the man protested.
« Don't worry, fellas. We'll handle it. » Blitzo replied.
« Well then. Wakukau, Oina, Autake...» Mata replied. « Please look for him in these places. I believe that you might find him there. »
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the demons arrived at Autake Plains, where they found Ruu, talking to a strange figure. « There you are, kid! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« Curious tunes, tiny human. Afraid not of thunder and storms? » the figure spoke, before the both of them disappeared.
« AAAAnd they're fucking gone. I will N U K E this shithole… » Blitzo growled.
« Let's just go to the ceremony. » Moxxie proposed.
« Five bucks everyone is gone. » Angel betted.
Xxxxxxx
Indeed, once they reached the ceremony.
« Fucking called it. » Angel cursed.
« Let's just go back to Sumida. Hopefully we're not losing the Maushiro…» Moxxie replied.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group returned to Sumida, tossing the Maushiro in her face. « Here's your shit. » Blitzo said.
« Ahh... So this is a Maushiro? » Sumida asked. « You know, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. »
« I'm going to shove a shotgun down your throat. » Blitzo threatened the woman.
« I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY! You know, I was even thinking of changing the name of my novel from "The Chronicles of the Sea of Fog" to the "The Tales of the Molos Independence Liberation Front!" » Sumida proposed.
« Free advertising. Never mind, you're forgiven. » Blitzo declared.
« Well... Truth be told, I'd like to hear about your adventures on Tsurumi Island. » Sumida asked. « It must have taken some twists and turns for you to get a hold of the Maushiro, right? I'm sure that some of those parts might be worth writing about... »
« Oh, where do I begin…» Blitzo replied, as he begun to tell what happened.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, Blitzo finished telling Sumida what happened on Tsurumi Island.
« Huh, is that how it is... » Sumida replied. « Even though Tsurumi Island has already been destroyed, certain people and periods of time will play back at abnormal speeds, just like wraiths might. Not to mention how the passage of time within the fog is very different from how it might pass in the outside world. »
« Sure, let's go with that. » Angel shrugged.
« But those people are not ghosts in the traditional sense, but are instead "occurrences" being replayed over and over, and so they do not notice the visiting protagonist. Amidst all this, a mysterious boy... » Sumida continued.
« I guess. » Blitzo shrugged.
« So those who took the commission in the past could not retrieve the Maushiro because they received a fake "Ghost Maushiro" instead. I see. So that's how it is. I understand now. » Sumida noted. « Hmm, you know what? I think you two have some writing talent! This is very interesting indeed, but some aspects of this story are quite rigid and unconducive to the development of the setting. Still... »
« Well, if ya need us, ya know what to do. » Blitzo replied. « We have…a little project regarding Tsurumi Island. »
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group returned to Tsurumi Island, where they noticed something.
It was a colossal factory, most obviously of demonic origins.
The demons entered the factory, where they found Sir Pentious building several mechanical creatures.
« Edgelord! Ya came up with something good? » Cherri asked.
« Indeed. Since you left on this island, I decided to aid the natives to attain a solid form! » Pentious explained. « And by the natives…I meant this little juvenile. »
« The snake demon told me so much of the outside world, so I wanted to explore more of it. And the nice demon decided to build a body for me! » Ruu explained. His body was nearly identical to his old self, but had several robotic joints, and his face was more mechanical in nature. « I thought that either staying a ghost or the afterlife was the only choice for me. »
« Excellent job, Pentious. Now, you think you could do something like that…on a larger scale? » Blitzo asked.
« Of course I can! After all…I indeed did. » Pentious smirked.
The snake demon proceeded to press a button, which played "Welcome to the jungle". Then, he pressed a second button, which opened a large door on the factory floor.
Emerging from it was a massive, clawed wing, followed by a massive raven-like-creature. « For a thousand years this world has continued its path without me. I. HAVE. RETURNED! »
Boltz of lighting engulfed the area, and thunder could be heard from all over the island.
« HELL YEAH, PENTIOUS, YA MAGNIFICENT BASTARD! » Blitzo exclaimed.
« I have heard of the harsh times the people of Inazuma are enduring, and I have…some matters to resolve with the Shogun. As such, I will aid you in this fight. » the Thunderbird explained.
« Kapatcir! You're so big! » Ruu exclaimed.
« The more, the merrier. Our path of vengeance becomes cleared by the day… » Blitzo declared.
Xxxxxxx
Many thanks to Inanna for many of the suggestions for this chapter.
I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Please review so I can know your opinion. I'm willing to accept suggestions for what is going to happen, so stay tuned! Also, remember to like and follow, if you want!
See you on the next update!