Metsuhai held his civil phone with his left undamaged hand, watching the morning news. As always, a nerdy-looking glasses-wearing guy was delivering the news and commenting energetically "…And at the top of the excitement list, you probably already heard about it, after all it's on every newspaper…" The commentator turned to a small pile of newspapers on his desk, taking the top one first, showing it to the viewer- 'Metsuhai Fugughuu strikes again!' The newspapers first page headline declared. 'It seems nothing can quench this boy's blood thirst, or is it the sense of justice? After Mordon now Invados has fallen by Metsuhai and his partners hands…'
Metsuhai was resting on his favorite bench at the park letting his thought drift away. Surprisingly his bandaged hand was the only part still hurting (if we ignore the spider mark).
"…And there you have 'Twilight News'…" This time the commentator read the headline, "Metsuhai is unstoppable, you can fight him but you cannot beat him! Can you believe someone who only recently graduated Lezners initiation have done all that?!"
Metsuhai was once again an Efraitor. This time the promotion ceremony was short, private and minimalistic. Ando simply put the new strap on him, congratulated him with very little intention behind his words and that was it. At least his salary automatically rose again.
The commentator pulled another one of the top "Invedos is gone! A blow to the dark army," and another "Fugughuus sword wants more blood! Wooo!" The commentator kept this up, adding more details, showing more newspapers and talking non-stop.
Eventually Takeos name was mentioned as well, at the very bottom of one of the articles.
It's not fair. I hope Takeo won't blame me for it. Without him I wouldn't be here now… Ando will not send me on a mission while I'm still hurt, most likely. I wonder what my friends are doing?
…
Marco looked at his notes. Most of his great projects were moving along nicely, just according to plan. But not everything. Some recent events did cause trouble though. The worst of it was with Chizue. It felt like she was drifting away from him. Marco took a deep breath.
He called Chizues number. After three rings she answered. His face took on an innocent smile. "Chizue-san, Chizue san," he called out to her excitedly "I received a challenging mission today. Hunting an adult werewolf. Want to join me?"
"Unfortunately I can't, Marco-san. I'm meeting Raina and Katyusha today. Rain check?"
"No problem, I'll hold you to your words."
"Good luck on your mission."
"I'll see you at the birthday party. How is it like to be seventeen?"
"Same as always… I hope my father will actually show up."
"I think he will. He has too."
"Thanks, I know you mean it."
As soon as the conversation ended Marcos smile faded. Once again she was too busy to come with him. Marco left his very standard Japanese room, dressed for battle.
"Hey Daichi," a familiar voice caught his attention. It was Nazirov, a comrade from the battlefield. He considered Marco Daichi as his best friend. No one in the order knew him better, not even Chizue. Marco nodded to Nazirovs direction, acknowledging his presence.
"So the warrior princess rejected you again. How sad." It seemed Nazirov was able to understand Marcos situation just from a glance.
"It's not really a rejection. Just a delay. I haven't really confessed my feelings so I can't complain."
"Maybe not, But if you don't act fast you'll lose her to this Fugughuu guy before you know it. I get that him being your friend complicates matters, but you have to do something."
"I know. I'll figure it out."
…
Nao just left the bath, the towel wrapped around his lower body. He looked at the mirror. His reflection was manly and muscular. He was never this strong. He lost concentration again. It happened to him from time to time. His gaze drifted towards a pair of red boxing gloves. The gloves were hanging from a nail on the wall. They were clearly old- torn in several places and covered in dust. He remembered how he joined the order.
He was only seventeen at the time. His father was recently arrested for dealing drugs, and he couldn't find a place for himself in society. He hadn't been to school in years. And now people wouldn't hire him even for a part time job. The only place where Nao felt alive was inside the ring. Beating up thugs not unlike himself. But as a junior, he still couldn't make real money like this. So he found his way to the illegal street fights, which had far tougher conditions, less limitations and far more money.
"Hit him, hit him hard!"
"Come on, he is not even an adult!"
Nao was beating the life out of a guy twice his size. After a heavy right hook the opponent collapsed. Nao stormed at him just before the referee dragged him back.
"The devil wins by knockout!" declared the referee "It's over!"
A familiar palm tapped Naos shoulder. It was his thin, tall manager, who most of the time hid his face beneath a cowboy hat. It was part of his reputation.
"Nice work Shiranui, you made us quite a sum today. For a moment I thought he got you with that chokehold."
"Not on my shift."
"I got an interesting offer. There's this new guy, he is a beast. We can earn a fortune!"
"So why are you hesitating?"
"They call him the red dog. He killed seven out of his ten opponents in the ring. Ten wins, no loses. Ten brutal knockouts. One time he even broke the referees arm."
"Let's do it. I fear no one."
The next evening Nao wore his boxing gloves in the dark alley surrounded by blood thirsty fans. He put his mouth guard in and went into the middle of the circle. And from the other side came a huge bold guy. A Mountain of muscles. He had a wide back and a wide shoulder span. His head was strangely tilted to the side as if his neck was broken. And that gaze, something was clearly wrong. He is clearly taking steroids, too much meat… he is probably strong, however steroids decrease cardio. I just need to jump around him long enough, tiring him a bit and I will win this.
"And now, the devil is gonna face red dog!"
The opponent entered the circle with heavy steps. The referee stood between them, but not for long. "Remember, no knives, no biting, no nails. Everything else is allowed. You can touch gloves if you want." They touched gloves. The referee moved out of the way fast.
What's he thinking? He doesn't even has his guard up. Nao wasn't going to let this chance slide. He sent a powerful fist right to his bent head. It was a direct hit. It felt like hitting a trucks tire. The opponents head barely even moved. "And the devil starts with a brutal attack! But the dog can take it!" The big guy counterattacked with a fist to the body. Nao blocked perfectly but it was as if a car crushed into his bones. He stumbled backwards, shocked, but immediately went to the attack again. He jumped around the opponent waiting for an opening. And an opening he got- the huge guy wouldn't move. Nao unloaded a stream of fists, striking at his opponents spine. The blows went in, but not very deep. What should have been a crippling move barely made an impression. The large man turned to Nao and grabbed him by the arm. He pulled it down, exposing Naos face. His fist crushed into Naos forehead. Naos sight got blurred as he tries to keep his balance. The opponent body seemed to flicker for a moment. It appeared red at that instant. That blow was heavier than I fought. Nao put his guard up, and examined his opponent through his blurry sight. "What a blow! Can he keep fighting?!" The huge guy bent forward, grabbing Naos leg. Nao fell as the huge fellow drags him into the darkness, to himself. As the giant put his heavy knee on top of Naos chest to keep him in place Nao now clearly saw what was he really up against. That huge red, horned, muscular four-lagged beast with an insane look. Those sharp teeth, the vulture-like claws. Nao had never seen anything like that. He isn't human! In a desperate attempt Nao pushed the crusher away and dragged himself out of the demons grasp. He ran in panic leaving everything behind, pushing shocked spectators out of his way.
"How could you!" the manager was furious. It looked like he would've beaten Nao up if he could. "You coward, you could have refused the fight. You could have backed down in the beginning. You could have surrendered. The devil doesn't run away in the middle of his fight!"
"This time he was the devil."
"How does that make me look, I can't show my face in public. You coward, I should have known not to hire a valueless failure."
The manager spat on the pavement and walked away.
It was cold and raining hard. Nao set on a wooden bench on the empty street. Nao was freezing, but he didn't care. Nao was looking down, his gloves hanging from his finger by their laces. There was a mean cut on his forehead. He was trying to make sense of all of this, unsuccessfully. Finally the sound of men running through paddles caught his attention. Two men covered in plate armor and carrying swords passed near him fast, paying him no attention.
Cosplayers? But remembering his fight his suspicion rose. Nao followed them as fast as he could. They entered a cheap meat restaurant. The crusher was there, his human form still somewhat seen on him. Few other people sat far from him. He was in the middle of his meal. Eating fried chicken with lots of ketchup. He noticed the warriors as soon as they entered, growling with low voice.
The warriors approached the crusher with drawn blades. "Your meal ends here, horned one!"
"Can't a demon enjoy his food in peace? I haven't eaten anyone since I crossed. I even have a job."
One of the warriors appeared to hesitate but the other answered instantly "I don't believe you. But even if you are telling the truth, we have our duty."
"Then it seems my meal will be bigger and more diverse than I thought!" He roared, rising to his back legs, flipping the table on his opponents. Wine cups and plates broke, cutlery flew across the room. The wine spilled on the plate armors. The warriors jumped to the sides, avoiding the table. Other diners and restaurant worker began fleeing and scattering, some of them screaming. "Knife fight!" one of them shouted "call the police!" There is no knife fight here. Are those people crazy, or did I take too many punches to the head?
Before the warriors knew it, the crusher threw a chair at one of them. The fighter deflected it with his hand, the chair shuttering to the side. The warrior however took no damage, stumbling back, his armor doing its job. The crusher used this brief chance to land a devastating, stone- breaking punch to the warrior's chest. The warrior fell on his back. The crusher jumped for the kill but the second warrior tackled him with his shoulder, diverting his jump route. The crusher landed on a table, braking it. He roared, breathing fire.
I could never have imagined something like this, I am not that smart. Is this real?
The warrior on the ground rolled to the side, dodging the flames. The one on his feet fearlessly charged through the fire, his armor slightly redder. He put a deep cut on the crushers shoulder (though he was aiming at the neck). The crusher sent his fist forward but the warrior skillfully met it with the sword. Now the two men were closing on the red guy from two sides fast, slashing and hitting with their swords. The crusher fought well to both sided, but it was clearly two on one. Wounded and bleeding the demon collapsed. He laid on the ground with an empty gaze. One of the swordsmen pierced his chest to make sure he stays dead. Particles began slowly detaching from his body.
Nao realized he was holding his breath for a while. And as a hardened MMA fighter it was hard to put an impression on him. He breathed in deep and the two warriors looked at him. "He understands," said one of the warriors to his friend "I think he has just reached enlightenment."
"So do we report him? They'll probably have his memories erased."
"Wait! Don't you know who it is?! This is 'the devil'."
"He looks pretty human to me. You are confused... The only demon here is dead already, and surely there are no A class demons here. Otherwise we had to flee."
"No! It's the famous MMA street fighter. He is a legend, and he is just a teenager."
"He could be an asset to the order. We need people like him… Let's take him with us."
…
Kuma was sweating heavily, but he wasn't tired. These rookies could barely stand up to him, not to mention landing a blow. Those poorly trained children… They'll grow stronger in time, but for now they are not ready. The older of the two slowly sent his spear, which Kuma deflected with ease.
"Take a break!" barked Lezner, "Kuma get over here!"
Oh no, what did I do this time! I hope I don't get the needles punishment again.
Kuma rushed to Lezner, standing with straight back. He saluted and waited. Lezner inhaled the toxic smoke slowly. After exhaling he finally spoke. "The order needs more men on the field. I never expected to say this, and surely not on such short notice but you are the only one I can send. The rest here are immature, unprepared children. Kuma Hoiru you have my permission to go to battle."
"It's an honor! I will not disappoint you sir!"
"Yea right…"
Kuma barely managed to squeeze himself into the wide thick plate armor given to him by the armorer, his heart pounding hard in his chest. Finally! Finally it's my great chance. I'll show the world who Kuma is, just like Metsuhai is doing. I'll restore my honor… And reveal my true name.
Kuma wasn't born with the last name Hoiru. This was a fake identity he took, to hide his true dishonored self. It all began with a young man with big dreams. Kuma's father…
Souta Fujii was a young talented man with long black hair. And he was bravely fighting for the order. "Peka!" shouted Souta as his hammer (now Kuma's Warhammer) collides with the two meter long scythe. The creature holding this tool of death- a hood wearing dark spirit flew backwards a bit. Its red dot- like eyes barely visible beneath the hood shrank with fury, making the ghost even more intimidating. "I got him!" exclaimed Souta's best friend, Maru, sending a fast sharp slash. But the reaper flew upwards, avoiding the blade. The reaper aimed his arm, holding the scythe with the other, revealing a bony skeleton hand. Black energy beams poured down from his hand like rain, coming to blow Souta apart. "Oh no! You're not hitting me with that black shit!" Souta lifted his hammer all the way up and began rotating in accelerating speed. A thin layer of white started following his move. The dark beams collided with the thin white aura, deflected. They ricocheted everywhere, some exploding with power on the open green field, creating small craters. The reaper charged, releasing a terrifying ghostly wail. So intimidating it could paralyze an unprepared warrior. The scythe collided with the Warhammer again and again in a struggle for superiority. They were moving so fast. Just when the reaper seemingly had the upper hand, Maru appeared behind him and grabbed onto his shoulder. His faith magically enhanced, white covered sword cut his throat. The reaper wailed in pain, elbowing Maru hard thus releasing himself. But now it was time for the hammer. The Warhammer struck the side of his head, knocking him down. Before the reaper had a chance to fight back Maru jumped right on top of him. He tore through him in a frenzy with his dagger until only torn clothes and shattered bones remained on the ground. Particles already began detaching from the remains of the once powerful opponent when Maru got back up.
Later that day the two men celebrated their victory with large glasses of beer. The foam practically spilling over. They were having fun, despite essentially hiding in the cheapest of cheap bars.
"I can't believe we actually took down a reaper! That's class C, you know! Felt like B to me."
Souta smiled at his comrade's words. "Yeah, we did good." Maru put some change on the table while souta spoke again. "A few more victories like that and I'll buy myself the boat I showed you. I promise to give you a ride around the city."
They both laughed, tapping each other's shoulders. "I need the money for my wedding," admitted Maru with a serious look.
The two men bumped their glasses, and emptied the green bubbling liquid into themselves.
But these happy days of triumph didn't last long.
Souta stepped on a crusher's corpse, breathing heavily. His commander, a bitter old man carrying a two-handed wand stood behind him. The diamond at the edge of the long purple wand pointed to the small group of enemies not so far away. They were surrounding stunned Maru, who lay on the ground. He didn't look well. Possibly not fully conscious and clearly hurt.
"He is already dead!" declared the old veteran, "and we are already late. If we don't get in time to reinforce our comrades there will be hell to pay. Don't make me repeat myself!"
"No! This is against the order's core values. Only scum leave their order brothers behind!"
"The greatest value is to obey your commander demit!"
"Fuck that!"
Souta raised his energy and charged to save his friend.
My father lost everything that day. His honor, his rank, even his powers were taken away. And Maru died within the same year as it is. What a fool. If he hadn't done this I wouldn't have been in this mess in first place. Now it's up to me to set things right I must work twice as hard and there is no backing down.
…
Takeo was busy cleaning his rifle with an old stained rag. He had to do it, but he also loved it. In front of him was a lit TV. He was watching the same morning news Metsuhai was. Good job Fugughu, the ladies are gonna love you.
Takeo was obsessed with guns since before he remembered himself. Whether in movies, video games, anime or toys. Was it the tough looking metal, or the instant death it brought. Or maybe the cool goons using the guns to achieve their goals. Takeo didn't know himself.
One day Takeo the child passed near an old beggar. The beggar's clothes were torn and he had a missing arm, right beneath the elbow.
"Hey kid… come here" the beggar said with hoarse voice.
"What is it gramps?"
"Give me a coin and I will tell you an amazing story."
After some deliberation Takeo gave the poor guy a single ten yen coin.
"There is a secret organization. An army you may say. This army fights demons and evil monsters. They call themselves the Order of the Sun."
The elder described magic, well-made armors, and even fights against dragons. The conversation took quite some time.
At the end Takeo the kid simply said "Thanks gramps, this was a great story."
For a long while Takeo forgot all about the order. He went to school and played with his friends. One day, much later, Takeo the teenager remembered the story. Out of pure curiosity he typed, searching on the internet 'the order of the sun.'
The first two results were nothing special, something about astronomy. But the third peaked his interest. 'Access restricted. Please enter your name, rank and password'.
Takeo the teenager was franticly pressing buttons. He was actually a genius hacker, though somewhat inexperienced. "If the order of the sun is just a story, why is their information so heavily protected? Layers upon layers of encryption!"
Finally Takeo broke into the edge of the forbidden information, seeing pictures of fights against demons. Some of the demons were huge. That night changed Takeo's life. The desire of being the doom-guy he always was deep inside have awoken. So when Takeo finished high school he sent their site a request to join. This is how Takeo got to the fortcity in first place.
Takeo the adult recalled the events from his last mission. At first everything went as always. Until that final opponent. Everything except my most powerful weapon couldn't cause him any damage and weapon seven is hard to use. It charges slowly and has but one shot. If not for Fugughuu drawing him into one narrow space I wouldn't be here thinking about it now. Takeo remembered how helpless he felt when the smoke was beating the life out of him, his bullets missing every time. A great idea occurred to him.
Takeo rushed, unfolding an A2 paper on his desk. He drew his pen and began sketching.
…
"Chizu-chan!"
Raina- a black haired Japanese girl with massive breasts leaped from the fancy chair, running to Chizue. She wore a black tight, somewhat revealing dress with a short skirt. Chizue (wearing red attire) just entered the Queens Tea, a fancy coffee shop in the rich district. The waiter in the entrance let her in with no questions asked, simply pointing to the table where Raina and Katyusha were seated. Raina caught Chizue with a large warm hug.
"I haven't seen you for too long," complained Raina.
"You've grown so much!" Chizue was truly impressed.
"Let me look at you," said Raina as they walked hand in hand to the table.
Around the girls, suit wearing waiters delivered fancy dishes to the several quietly chatting seated groups.
"Well at least you didn't bring your sword with you this time," remarked Raina, "How do you even manage to look good despite fighting monsters? You were truly blessed by the heavens."
"Actually in my pocket I carry a magical shrinking backpack. The sword and my battle uniform is in there."
The girls sat down. On the table was only bread, positioned on a plate right at the middle.
"As always, Chizu, you are late," calmly stated Katyusha.
"It's the birthday preparations," explained Chizue with a tired expression, "The butlers interrogated me for hours. What color I want the balloons to be? And other such trivial matters."
"You should be enjoying this," protested Raina "It's not every day when a girl turns seventeen."
"Is your father going to be at the party?" wondered Katyusha.
Raina took a bite out of the bread. "No idea. These days I barely get to see him," Chizue changed the subject. "How was your trip to Australia?"
"Amazing!" exclaimed Raina "It's a completely different world out there. You should travel as well Chizu-chan, instead of this pointless dangerous fighting."
Katyusha sighed. This was something Chizue would never agree too. Chizue simply shook her head in disagreement. While Raina shows the girls photos from her trip, a waiter placed three brochures, one for each of them. "I recommend boiled lobster salad," he said.
"Thank you," answered Katyusha "I'll give it a taste."
"I'll have layered cake," said Raina "with extra chocolate cookies on the side."
"Just ice cream for me," Chizue also made her order. The waiter bowed and rushed away, taking with him the menus.
"Let's talk about what really matters," Rainas smile widened "Chizu- chan, please don't tell me you are still single."
"So blunt," mumbled Katyusha.
"Well actually, not exactly," Chizues face turned slightly redder.
"That's my girl!" loudly announced Raina.
"Quite down, will you!" Chizue looked around, speaking with a hush voice "not everyone in the order has to know."
"My lips are sealed," promised (unconvincingly) Raina. "Well?"
"We met on the battlefield. I thought at first he was some criminal sorcerer, but he wasn't. He is brave and noble. He fears no one… Every time he gets knocked down he gets up stronger and more determined. He risked his life for me more than once. Even before he really knew who I was. He could've walked away, but he didn't. Putting his life on the line with bad odds."
"Sounds like quite the man," remarked Katyusha "So who is it?"
"Metsuhai Fugughuu, although I call him Metsu-san."
"The one who defeated both Mordon and Invedos?" (Katyusha)
"So did you kiss already?" asked Raina as if there is nothing to it.
Chizue shook her head nervously. "Kissing is the ultimate expression of love! We haven't gone this far. We don't even hold hands…"
"I thought you liked Marco-san, Daichi I mean," Katyusha examined Chizues expression.
"Marco Daichi was always my best friend. I trust and respect him. But with Metsuhai it's more than that." Chizue didn't know how to continue.
"Your father would never approve of a commoner," remarked Raina, "I told you this about Daichi and it's twice as true about this Metsuhai fellow. This isn't gonna last you know. Daichi is at least on the way to be an officer… I heard a rumor Metsuhai angered Kagehiroto sama, so he'll never be promoted."
"You never know with these matters," objected Katyusha "Chizu, follow your heart."
…
Later that night there was a great celebration at the palace. It was in the same room where Metsuhai was once promoted, but now there were balloons everywhere. Golden balloons, blue balloons, white balloons and others as well, some attached to the tables, others stuck onto the ceiling. A few floated across the room. The chandeliers lighted the room in dim purple light.
The tables were loaded with an infinite amount of fancy dishes. Each table also had a cake on it, with the number seventeen (made of candy or chocolate) in it.
Loud classical music sounded, just loud enough to be heard everywhere without causing discomfort. Girls in beautiful dresses were dancing near the middle of the room. Men were having conversations around the tables. Maids were running from side to side, responding to the guests every whim as much as possible. Most of the people here were either nobility, high ranking military commanders or palace residents. Especially stood out Chizues brothers, sitting in their usual seats, and the members of the Seto family who all sat at the table closest to Gou's empty seat. They all wore white- identical white suits. The oldest was Danuja, looking like a tough fifty year old man, eating meat (actually he was older, about ninety). Near him sat his younger brother, Subaru who appeared to be forty and had a friendly chat with one of the maids. His messy hair ruined a bit the atmosphere of power and discipline the family was resonating. Last of the Setos who showed up was the young, tall intelligent-looking Shin, who looked to Chizue's direction from time to time.
But some of guests were personally invited by the Arisu family members: Metsuhai, Marco, Katyusha and Raina were invited by Chizue and Tanuki was invited by Kagehiroto.
Metsuhai did everything in his power to avoid Kagehiroto and even Tanuki, but surprisingly neither of them came looking for him. But he did need a few moments alone with Chizue. After all, Metsuhai did buy an amazing (though controversial) gift for her.
This wasn't easy to arrange: Chizue stood near her usual seat and received fancy presents one after the other. They seem to have thought of everything: gemstones, jewelry, expensive watches, ancient wine bottles, a sword embedded with rare diamonds. One general even gave her car keys. There was no end to it, many other wrapped presents formed a pile in the corner of the room.
Metsuhai wasn't sure what would happen if he tried approaching Chizue like these nobles and generals did. And this kind of move would inevitably draw Kagehiroto's attention. So he had to find a way around this.
Metsuhai approached Katyusha. Both she and Raina raised their gazes, looking at him with interest. "Ladies, I am Metsuhai Fugughuu. Nice to meet you."
Katyusha looked at Raina who got up, shook Metsuhais hand and answered "It's our pleasure…" Huge boobs. "…This is my friend Katyusha, I am Raina, you can call us by our first names."
Chizue who has been calmly talking with some armored veteran lost her trail of thought, looking to Metsuhais direction. Of course from this distance she couldn't hear what they were discussing.
Katyusha was a bit shocked with Rainas words but cooperated, "Any friend of Chizue is a friend of ours."
"This makes things simpler. I need a favor."
Raina got close to Metsuhai, a bit too close for comfort. "How can we aid you?"
Metsuhai instinctively took half a step back. "I need one of you to deliver Chizue a message for me. I need a minute with her alone, in the corridor to the left. Can you do it for me?"
"I'll take care of it," promised Katyusha, "Just wait a bit longer."
Some time afterwards, while Metsuhai waited nervously in the hallway Katyusha whispered something into Chizues ear. Chizue walked among the tables, speaking with many. But not too long after that she made her way to Metsuhai.
"I have to return soon, Metsu-san. What is it you couldn't give me in front of everyone?"
"I wasn't sure how you'd react," admitted Metsuhai. "Wait one moment."
Metsuhai walked to another corridor, where Alex was waiting with the leash in his hands.
"Thanks Alex. It all worked out for now."
"You owe me, Metsuhai. Remember, a photo of us both in full battle gear."
"I keep my promises. We will take that photo the first chance we get."
Metsuhai returned to Chizue carrying in his arms a tiny pup with big sad eyes.
"You… What are you thinking…" Chizue was speechless.
"I know," said Metsuhai, placing the puppy in her arms "I asked for the calmest, most loyal and well behaved dog in the shop. He is an angel in a dog's body. Isn't he cute?"
Chizue was still shocked so Metsuhai decided to explain his reasons.
"Think of this as immersion therapy. Fears are meant to be overcome. You'll get used to his presence and with time I believe you'll love him as he already loves you. I wanted to give you happy memories to overshadow the negative ones."
Chizue nodded, not knowing what to say. She had doubts about this, but the intention and thought that were put into it impressed her to her core.
"I know dogs are not toys. They have to be taken care of," said Metsuhai "but I heard a rumor your younger brother loves animals. Perhaps Candy will stay in his room while you are away. But you have to visit him whenever possible."
Raina appeared in the hallway. Before she could speak Chizue told her "take this to my little brother," putting the little dog in her hands.
"Where did you disappear," Raina stated "The people are asking questions."
"Right," said Chizue while walking away, turning to Metsuhai once more "Thank you."
Raina waved to Metsuhai as they departed.
The party carried on into the night. Just as Kagehiroto was leaving, his father met him.
"Father. So you did make it eventually." Gou's body guards stepped aside.
"I had a long day of work. I hope the birthday went smoothly."
"It did, though one matter does bother me."
"What is it son?"
"I thought our business with the Fugughuu guy was finished. It's bad enough that he still serves the order and rises in rank, but now he is in the palace as well. He insulted me, thus disrespected our family. Should this really go unpunished?"
"This kid brings us victories one after the other. Like I once said, we need men like him on the battlefield. I think his contribution to the war can match yours. Furthermore, he is a good friend of Chizue-chan. I recall Chizue can still invite her friends to her birthday party. You lost this round kid, but if you want to get rid of him so much you need to destroy his reputation first."
"I understand." Kagehiroto left and Gou entered the celebration room.
Few generals saluted to him as he passed but otherwise the party continued as earlier. Gou made his way to Chizue.
"Father! You made it after all. I'm glad."
"I wouldn't miss it. We have important matters to discuss."
Gou gestured to one of the tables nearby. He and Chizue walked there slowly. When they were about to seat, everyone at the table got up and saluted.
"Seat down, don't worry" Gou said and everyone returned to their seats.
"Happy birthday, sweetie. I got you a four- thousand square meters estate, including a garden with fountains, an Olympic pool, and a grove of wine-grape vines in Dubai." Gou gave Chizue a large rusty iron key. "You could visit there on your summer vacation."
"Thank you father," said Chizue "I will definitely spend time there."
"Good. I'm sure you'll like it there. Now the matter at hand… You are a mature and beautiful woman. An asset to the order. And the time has come for you to do your duty as Arisu. It is time for you marry."
Chizue felt as if she was sinking into the ground. Gou was never joking. When he said something, he meant it. There was weight behind his words.
"Father," began Chizue "I don't want to marry yet. I have only started my road as a warrior and have a lot to contribute on the battlefield. I am still very young, much younger than old-brother Kagehiroto, who is unmarried."
If Gou was displeased from her words than he hid it well. "There are many great warriors in the order. You are above average I guess, but even if you were to become ten times better, your contribution as a warrior would still pale in comparison to your contribution as a noble. I am sure you understand."
Gou changed his seating position slightly before continuing with the same tone "Kagehiroto is a complicated, troubled man. His duty as heir weighs on him. I have decided to give him more time to find the right person for him."
Chizue was suppressing her tears, but her trembling voice revealed the storm inside her. "So have you picked my husband? Will you force me to marry?"
"Indeed I picked a worthy man. A suitable choice any way you look at it. And of course I will not force this upon you. You are a responsible person, and will see it my way I'm sure."
Chizues fast beating heart pounded hard in her chest but she managed to take a deep breath, holding it together. She said nothing, waiting for her father to continue.
"You probably know well how tricky it is to rule the order. The factions are restless and thirsty for control. I have been in charge, ruling with a steel fist for too long, or so they say. Despite being our best allies, the Seto family are the greatest threat to the Arisu rule, if we don't count the dark army which is winning. The Amari family also breathes at the backs of our necks. However… if the Arisu and the Seto family merge, or even have a mutual bloodline this will change everything. Our rule will be secure for ages, granting great stability for the order. Maybe it will even give us the push we need stay in this war. As you know, Yamato is already married to two commoners, against my will. I have forgiven him about this officially, but I still remember… Marrying him into nobility now would be an insult. So this burden falls on your shoulders. I put a lot of effort into this arrangement, making this match happen. You are to meet Shun Seto, the young heir to the Seto family. He is a really nice guy, only nineteen and I believe you two will have a lot in common. Frankly it wasn't easy to make this dream match a reality. You must at least meet him. See how he is like and decide. Now that you know what's at stake I'll only add this: if you choose to refuse this great candidate I will find another, and a third one, but if it gets as far as four I will not back down and you could refuse no more. So consider your options carefully."
"I understand," Chizue answered with submissive voice "I will meet Shun Seto."
Chizue pretended to be strong and unaffected throughout the party, but as soon as she closed behind her the door to her room, she collapsed on the bed with tears. She kept crying alone all night.