Alone she stood, unbothered by the chill of a cool night's air, shimming in the darkness like a black pearl. Her backless single piece dress reflected the many mana-crystal lamps around the once bustling Bridian Square.
Both the front and side of her dress did little to hide anything beyond the necessary. Two thin pieces of scaled fabric held together by string. At least she wore a matte black swimsuit underneath with a matching style, less the wind revealing a wardrobe malfunction.
At seven-fifty at night, everybody stuck to the well-lit outer path, leaving the water feature, double ring compass and monuments to past heroes alone.
Everybody except her, Ota, the beautiful Oni girl.
As with everything she did, her boyish side shone through. This time, it was the pair of black 'sneakers' she hung over her left shoulder. No doubt she wished to swap out her matching high-heels after dinner.
"Think we'll ever have statues made of us?"
Her glistening half amethyst horns worked wonders detecting my approach, not that I had tried to hide my presence, or could achieve what the scouts could maintain. Yet.
"I don't even know who these people are"
"You don't have to. Those guys took down the 'Tarric Queen', they slew a living mountain, and these four- they carried heroes on their shoulders"
Ota pointed towards a crude black marble monument depicting an odd party of different races working together to hold up a castle. A female High-Drake, a male Human, a female Nyx and surprisingly, a male Oni.
It was the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse from the recent past. Probably Merrah's mother and one of Death's many past lives.
Out of every diorama carved in rock, it was the only unnamed piece.
"They never tried to claim fame or glory…"
"Maybe it was never about that"
"Then why'd they do it?"
"Probably because it's a hassle. Gramps always had to deal with people that visited our place just to fight him, prove they were better. He fought every single person that challenged him, and tried to teach them stuff while doing it"
"He sounds like a good guy"
"Yeah… He had a way to tell who'd go on to do great things. Like, if they listened to what he said, even if they hated it or called it out"
"Huh, do you remember any of that wisdom?"
"'Wisdom'? Heh, it was mostly stupid stuff like how you should always boil water or bring herbs and spices with you when traveling. It was solid I guess. Still don't know who wouldn't know that crap"
"Uh, well, I'd never of thought about the herbs and spices thing"
"Don't you know how to cook?"
"Yeah, Azearo taught me how, but I never got to eat any of that stuff, so I don't know what difference it'll make"
"Then you'll find out soon, they do really good food. Um… you look nice by the way"
Tonight, I wore a military grade 'swap suit'. Built of layers upon layers of enchanted fabric that shifted both shape and color depending on the commands given to it.
They're purpose built for spies infiltrating areas with powerful foes or against strong weaponry. Because of that, its strengths lie in defense and subterfuge.
It was one of many belonging to the 'Special Operations' branch of the Nala Alliance, under the command of General Rhodes; a 'very competitive man', as Enda put it.
Nevertheless, its form as of now was a white tuxedo with matching pants, alongside a black bowtie and vest. The only difference made by Enda was a small addition to the inner breast pocket.
A similar, albeit, smaller 'gateway' to access my Relic. She called it 'Shadow Magic', the opposite of 'Light', as in Holy or Faith magic. Tracing a partially constellation against the fabric opened the 'pocket'.
All in all, I felt a bit too young to wear it.
"You also- uh- look- really good"
Where the hell am I supposed to look!?
"Hehe, thankie. I'm not great in heels, so could you- um, help me please"
"Oh, yeah, sure. By the way, are we going swimming after?"
Luckily, the Swap Suit was waterproof. Just not anything else I was wearing.
Carrying Ota spare shoes and taking her by the arm, we walked interlocked down a path headed towards the 'true-south' side of Bridian Square, and through a main street, passing the line of accommodation buildings.
"No… I just, you know. Mum said this dress- um- well…"
"What is it?"
"She said- not to- wear anything underneath…"
"I had no idea you could be embarrassed by that sort of thing"
"Now that everybody notices, yeah. Every other time, like, when we met- even when Ari walked in and saw me… Erhh, forget I said anything"
"That was back when I just woke up from the coma right? I mean she kinda counters curses anyway, so it probably never affected her"
"Yeah but like… isn't she into girls?"
Apparently, my sister's sexuality was such a concern for Ota, she had to whisper it as we headed down a small street in between accommodation, and out of Bridan Square, heading downriver.
Or maybe she just wasn't sure about her own heart. Either way, I felt it best to downplay the past, especially considering Arisu was now technically married, ceremony or not.
"That's what you're worried about? I don't think she was interested. She even blindfolded herself in the hot spring thing"
"I guess you're right. She's really pretty though, I wish I had half her rack, or her butt"
Not touching that statement with a ten foot pole
"You're fine the way you are. Besides, if you get stronger, you'll grow right?"
"I guess… Hey, if I like her boobs, does that make me gay?"
"What?"
"I mean I like muscles too, like your body, but like, you know?"
HOW WOULD I KNOW?!
"Well… When I see a guy that looks strong, I think how cool it would be to be like that. But- not sure how to put this- I wouldn't want to feel a guys abs"
"What about a girl's?"
"I'm not answering that"
"Ohhhh~?"
Great, she's gonna tease me with that now
Ahead of us was a large three story building with its own courtyard, overlooking a slight turn in the river. It was surrounded by trees that looked like spear tips and a small private cobblestone road leading to a red carpet.
Occasionally, water spurted up between the trees, reflecting the small lights built into the perimeter.
By the looks of it, this restaurant was famous enough to draw fancy Nobles away from their private abodes. Only they could afford such rigorous magical contraptions as transport in the form of Peggasi pulled carriages.
Each of the three immaculately detailed vessels had two well dressed and heavily armed security. Judging by their Aura alone, they were easily a mix of both A and S-Rank personnel.
"Man, must suck having to wait outside"
Ota blurted out a loud antagonistic joke as we passed, something that I felt was a bit too daring.
"Don't play with fire toots. We get paid good enough to wait, not to deal with kids"
A partially sleazy looking coach driver leaned sat sideways across his seat, picking his teeth while firing back. The kind of man you expect in some sort of criminal organization. Greasy black hair, five o'clock shadow and everything.
"And what if I like to dance in the fire and flames? Think you'd be able to take me on before I burned your little cart?"
"Ota…"
"Listen to your boyfriend, tiny-tits. Wouldn't wan-"
"MISTER Sardine, I hope you are not engaging with that Oni on my behalf"
Feminine, charming, mature. A Sylph with rather pointy ears sticking out perfectly at ninety degrees, with silver blonde hair tied in elegant buns exited the building with another bodyguard, just as ragged as Sardine.
Covering her mouth with a fan that complemented her far less revealing dress and fuzzy scarf, she called out to her driver. Upon hearing his last name, Ota failed to hold back a chuckle and ended up snorting.
"Sardine has a small wean-"
"Oi! Shut ya pie hole miss"
"Settle down young man. I've had to much wine and prefer avoiding a fight with a Relic bearer"
Nothing could hide the increasing glow in the Oni's chest as their back and forth bickering continued. Be it the 'fate all Relic wielders bear' or just her prodding personality.
"Come visit Edevane Estate if you find yourself in need of Marks in Concordia. Ask for 'Brunhilde'. Ta-ta now"
Without either of them uttering another word, they took off, using the four flying creatures on the front and back of their carriage to rise vertically before soaring downriver leaving a trail of green light.
Probably a signal so the military didn't perceive them as a threat.
Whoever they were, I doubted we'd see them for a long time. Our next job was both above, and in the mountains.
"Do you know her?"
"Nope, but she knows me… not you though. Probably a good thing"
"Maybe... Why did you pick a fight with these guys?"
"There Nobles dude. If you don't know now, you'll learn later"
"Somehow I doubt that Wis was a Noble…"
"Eh, Yama-Yarrma. They got money, they'll flaunt it"
Well, so far I guess everyone from high society has been a self centered head-ass
Once we walked down the red carpet, an old balding gentleman wearing fancy attire to greet guests and confirm reservations. He stood at a small podium with a leatherbound book and quickly checked the names.
"Ah, Miss Shattered-Axe and Master Himura. We've been expecting you. Please, come in"
"We don't have to confirm our identities or anything?"
"It's my job to know those of note. Besides, this old man once held the title of the 'Greatest Scout' back in his day. Not to mention only one Oni family is permitted to step inside our establishment"
"Really? That's weird"
Noticing my confusion, Ota spoke up to explain in her typical nonchalant way.
"Broken-Blade are banned from most places 'cause they broke some fancy Relic and held onto it. Kinda pissed off everybody by not returning to some lake or rock or something. I don't really get it either"
"Unlike Labrys, Caliburn was once used to declare the rightful ruler of the Empire. Many devout followers hated Otamaru for destroying the golden axe, however, he never claimed those remains of himself"
So he made enemies with Athena's followers
"Oh, that makes sense, sort of…"
"Yep, what the old dude said. It's like a several hundred year old grudge so they can reforge their fancy sword"
"The 'Shattered-Axe' clan is an exception amongst exceptions. Most Oni are unfit for fine things"
"Isn't that racist or something?"
"It's sorta true, hard to explain"
Ota shrugged, as if accepting the stereotype with open arms. The only rumor I had heard about them was that they got aggressive after drinking rice-wine. In Ota's case, she was more affectionate.
"*Ahem* Yes, now your table is on the top floor, number five in the pergola. We must formally apologize as Master Anzo had to attend urgent summons"
"That sucks. When you see him, can you let him know that I wanna see him about his promise"
"Certainly"
"And um… are we- uh- alone in the garden?"
"Ah! Unfortunately not. There is one other patron and his retainer"
"Damn, double unluck"
"Please, enjoy your stay"
After the back and forth between the old man and young Oni, we made our way up a fancy wooden staircase, tripping a few times thanks to her high heels. By the third fall Ota was desperate to swap shoes but managed to hold her frustrations once we reached the third floor.
Each layer of the building had a unique feel to it, including the basement that had an aquarium, if the signs were correct. The ground floor included an area for a type of partner dancing called 'Ceroc', and the second floor included the kitchen with many smaller private, themed rooms.
***
The moment we found ourselves on the divine third floor, I felt a pair of warm fangs on my neck. Somebody powerful, yet hidden, was ready to strike at my vitals. As their intentions and identity were unknown, I didn't react.
Aesthetically, half of the top floor was a garden fit for gods. Vines, both hanging and potted plants covered the spacious yet slightly cramped design.
Water features attracted birds and various small colored Spirts danced with joy. In this tiny piece of heaven, nature flourished in unison to comfortable cushioned seating, complementing large carved logs, shaped into seating and tables.
Most, if not all the furniture was made of local wood clearly taken from the colossal trees that occasionally splashed Nalas alpine mountain range.
I wanted to ask how they managed to carry the furniture up the stairs, but something caught my eye.
An anorexic man in a dark blue hakama and kimono combination, sitting by himself. He looked one more skipped meal away from death.
In front of him, several small portraits of his wife, daughter, and three sons. One of which was a man so vile his deeds left a permanent wound on Ota.
Lord Kitsuki lost everything, including his will to live, barely keeping afloat in a sea of hopelessness. A man of so little note I preferred to pretend he didn't exist- As a father, as a husband, and as a puppet enslaved to a blessing.
His depressed mushroom-like hairstyle hid his soulless brown eyes behind a bush of black.
Without a trace of companionship, he sat in a somewhat private area. A circular tree trunk booth with velvet padded seating with a round table in the middle, big enough to comfortably fit an entire large family.
Glancing over at Ota, who had a look of grimace plastered across her face, it was clear she wished to avoid him, and so we walked past to our table.
***
The balcony was perfectly aligned to capture the ongoings of a waterway filled with slow moving boats. Our table was one of two candlelit tables with the best view they could offer, and what a sight it was.
Passing boats slid up and down a crystal clear river coated only in the darkness of night.
Waterborne civilians and soldiers shining under the water's surface, reflected the three moons glow of white, light purple and pale green. Each visible the gaps of unbelievably large dragon teeth.
Somewhere up there on the largest moon that dwarfed all others, Athena was banished. Her presence gave a splash of gold to the big white rocks' glow.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I kind of wish we could also see the stars. Too much light in the city I guess"
"Well, I'm sure we can figure out a way to see them after dinner"
"Any recommendations?"
"Hehe, we wouldn't of wanted to come if I didn't have something in mind"
We took a seat around a quarter-circle table with a matching lounge and Ota called out for a waiter. Small wisps gathered around the center of the table, attracted to either the serviettes or stunning gem-encrusted silverware.
A well dressed woman came to greet us, bringing a large pitcher of water and a pair of half glass half wood cups. Her clothing was rather standard for a waitress.
Black apron, clean white shirt, knee-high skirt and black tights underneath. However, the closer I looked, the more her outfit seemed off.
Her oddly straight black hair tied in a ball with two hairpins was anything but normal. Dark amber eyes appear to shift and blink twice at a time, leaving a small afterimage for one fifth of a second.
Even her intent was full of deception and information extraction.
"Um- Touji? Want to drink anything special?"
"Oh, sorry! Could we get a bottle of 'Lubby?'"
"And a gourd of 'Tough-Tengu', with red spotted sakazuki"
Arisu once gifted Adelard a small untitled book whose contents I wasn't sure of, and after deciding to stay tonight, revealed a little booklet she made, just for me. It contained information on everything that I might want to know. Everything.
Honestly, it was a little creepy, even if it was extremely helpful. In my mind, knowing she wrote it worried me about her past life. Although, most of the knowledge that was written down came from new experiences.
Thanks to it, I knew little things like what Sake to order, and the significance of the cups Ota requested.
"For food we'll get two full 'Hunter's Specials'"
"Very well. I'll be back shortly with your drinks"
Without a doubt, she wasn't a waiter. No, that she was Lord Kitsuki's retainer. From the illusion of her outfit, to not writing down our order, to the inordinate desire of deception.
What are you trying to pull Kitsuki
For a retainer, she certainly didn't seem loyal to her lord, or perhaps, out of greater care she ignored the fact he was on the brink of death. Honestly, such an attitude pissed me off. If you cared about someone, why not try to help them?
"Is something wrong?"
Noticing my pensive table tapping, Ota spoke up in concern.
After quickly casing a small barrier to hold sound and hiding my hand glowing with the magic circle, I let the Oni know what might be happening.
"I think that girl is Lord Kitsuki's retainer"
"Do we fight?"
"No, that's probably what they want. Look at him"
"He's strong and weak, like, I don't know how to put it"
"Think he'd survive past a fight?"
"No. He'd beat us, then die"
"That's why I'm worried"
Throughout our talk, it was his eyes aiming for the throat, not his servants. We killed his son, a rapist that sold his soul for the power of an Overlord. Luckily, Ritsu's end came before he learned the true strengths of a ruler of undeath.
To him, we took away the last thing he had.
"Do you know anything about their clan, why they're famous, how they earn money, that sort of thing?"
"They did a whole bunch of stuff, like martial arts, sword fighting and archery techniques, but then they just randomly stopped about six years ago. What are you going to do?"
"Write something that I might regret. By the way, who's Anzo?"
Using Splinter to create a small tube of wood bit by bit, I ignited one side with Sparks, creating an oddly gel-like reaction on the tip of my makeshift pencil, creating fake ink that would slowly evaporate in a few hours.
All that mattered was its effectiveness to pass along a message that I wrote down on a napkin. Easily the best or worst idea I'd ever had in the form of a letter of challenge.
"Anzo's the Flame Magus, really strong too, kinda like V"
"So he's the greatest fire mage, and just… hangs around here?"
"Well, yeah, everybodies gotta live somewhere, why not the 'city of magic?' After my family died, he promised to teach me a few things if I ever learned how to regenerate. Has Enda told you what your aptitude is yet?"
"Uh, no? What is it?"
"Um, she has this stone thing, and you put your hand on it, then it glows different colors. Mine was red, yellow, blue, purple, ummm, green-"
"Wait, ok, now I'm really confused"
"It has to do with what magic will come naturally. Yours was really weird, it was just light green and yellow. Dunno how that's related to lightning and storm stuff. You mastered that, what was it…"
"Greyward? I'm going to go ahead and guess she didn't say what any of ours meant"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Enda doesn't believe in talent. She thinks skill is just a culmination of ability gained from life. So I doubt she'd want anyone to focus on learning only what they're good at"
"That sorta makes sense"
Ota's colors are all the forms natural fire can take, but green and yellow? Rider might know
After a few minutes the head chef came over to apologize for exactly what I suspected, bringing a menu as well. Not that we needed it.
"Pardon me, please excuse us for the delay. The Waitress managed to fall asleep in the cupboard, what would you like to order"
"Hey Wenzel. She didn't fall asleep, she was knocked out. Probably by magic or something"
Dressed in a long white uniform with four silver buttons and a hat that reminded me of a cupcake, paper holder included, Wenzel came up to personally apologize.
We didn't blame him, but due to the business operating with Nobles in mind, it may have simply been a procedure. That thought alone made my hair stand on end. I never wished to be treated above others based on birthright.
If that power, that privilege was the root of Ota's pain, then there was no way in hell it's something I want to accept. Doesn't matter if it's Cyra or Enda, if a crown is going to be thrust upon me, I'll break it.
"Who would be stupid enough to use magic against my employees?"
"We think it was Kitsuki's retainer. She came over disguised like she worked here, but forgot the menus and little blackboard thing to write down our stuff. Touji's gonna challenge them or something"
"That damn Beast-kin-"
That magic must have made her look human
"-I'll fetch the guards"
"Wait! Wenzel, could you give him this? You can read over it if you want"
"Oh? My dear boy you certainly are more forgiving than me"
"That's not what I'd call it. Someone once told me 'the greatest punishment was living with the pain you've caused'. I think, for him at least, he shouldn't die because of what his son did"
"How pious"
"That wisdom came from my sister, not a prayer book. He's lost everything Wenzel, most of it was because he was a bad father, but even so, I don't think he's evil… just- looking for a way out"
"And you believe this will work? It reads more as an insult then a challenge"
"I think it's the best route forward, for everyone"
"Very well. If he refuses, I'll let the guards investigate what happened to my waitress"
As stupid as it sounded, I wanted to make him an ally and rebuild his clan's training practices. But that couldn't be done in his state, not for a while. Luckily, there was a position Enda was hoping to fill at the school set to re-open at the start of Gale.
I'd talk to Sister Naji and Rider about it later. As they were both competitive monks, I'm sure they'd agree to help. Then again, Rider wanted to make this week a training hellscape until I messed everything up.
"Touji I- I don't want you to become buddies with him"
"That won't happen"
Not without you forgiving him at least
After Wenzel returned he took our order once again and suggested we leave with our food. The challenge was accepted at the cost of bloodlust filling the air. Not only from the Lord, his retainer joined in, hidden somewhere nearby.
Surprisingly, Ota agreed, and after twenty minutes, a waitress returned holding a neatly packed basket.
I despised walking away, but it was for the best. Tonight wasn't mine to ruin, and I'd already prodded the monster myself. That made both Ota and I even, best not to push our luck.
***
"You're mad at me, aren't you?"
"Not really. Just- disappointed we lost a good view I guess"
Even at night, the water elevators continued operating like clockwork, with Guardsmen controlling the vertical transport. It was wide enough to pull up a tamed Dragon, or carry multiple carriages, despite its slow speed.
"Can you pass me my shoes?"
"Oh, yeah, here. Should we eat back at your place or mine?"
"Nah. Ergh- damn- heels"
Click by metallic click, we rode upwards as Ota aggressively ripped off her shoes, almost tipping over while standing on one leg.
"Everywhere's probably going to be shut and we have our own food so nobodies going to let us in"
"I know a spot with the best view- it's not really in the city, but- like- well- dammit"
Finally, we arrived at the top.
In front of me, a large passageway leading straight into the Canopy District. Technically, it was the snout of the colossal skull, with ramps either side heading upward to the Divine District with its white roofs.
After tapping the solid ground to test her sporty black sneakers, Ota continued. Ever the odd taste, they just so happened to be slightly larger than needed, as if they secretly contained metal plating inside.
Funnily enough, I thought it suited her.
"I'm sorry we had to leave, but I'll make it up to you"
"It's fine, you don't have to do anything. Like you said, we got unlucky, that's all there is to it"
"No, you're wrong. If it was, I wouldn't be w-"
Her voice was cut off by a sudden gust of unnatural wind, as if I was being toyed with by a being of divine power.
"What did you say?"
"I…"
Under the bright light of a crystal lamp, I could see the side of her ears turning red as she faced ahead.
"Catch me, and I'll tell you"
With that, she ran off.
Blinded by emotions and an ever increasingly distant giggle, I followed cautiously in an attempt not to ruin our dinner or smash the rice-wine inside.
Rest day my ass