Chapter XIV.

XIV.

‘Demons’ Accord’

Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Hero’: Seven ‘Fireiyans’ were found dead around the Akimuras’ neighborhood; Ms. Janice got mad and created havoc in the ‘Crafting District’. The remaining Mercenaries managed to escape and ‘Ryo’ A.K.A. the ‘Beast of Time’ finally met Rai.

In the town of ‘Ryoshizaki’

Outside the Fruits’ Shop…

Shouta was unloading the watermelon crates but got distracted by the dry, summer weather.

“Damn it. It is so hot in here. I wish I could eat just one slice of this juicy watermelon – Eh? Maki!” Shouta Motomoumiya, ‘Alementalia’s’ only and ‘Exiled Prince’, said as he heard a loud crash on the shop’s lower, tiled roof.

“Good morning, your highness. I’m back.” Maki Fujimoto, the former ‘Royal Sleuth’, said as he stood up on the tiled roof.

“I’m no longer an ‘Imperial Prince’ so stop call me that. What are you doing in here? And get down from there.” Shouta said as he looked up and saw Maki stretching out his arms.

“Okay, Mr. Shouta. Here I go – Ready, set, Jump!” Maki cheerfully said as he carefully jumped off the roof.

Maki safely landed on the ground and avoided squashing the watermelons, few inches beside him.

“’Mr.’? We’re the same age. Anyway, what are you doing in here?” Shouta said as he sighed and asked Maki.

“I have come to deliver good and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?” Maki said as he reported to Shouta.

“Um? Please tell me the bad news.” Shouta said as he went back to unloading the watermelon crates out of the trunk.

“Truth to be told, Naomi and the other four ‘Exiled’ fugitives have found the location of the ‘Rusty Gate’ in this town.” Maki seriously said as he reported to Shouta.

Shouta got surprised from what he just heard and accidentally dropped a red apple on the ground.

“W-What? Are you being serious?” Shouta said as he turned around and asked Maki.

“Yes, Sir. That ‘Mad Hunter’ didn’t stop searching the exact location of the ‘Gate’ and after two years of all of us being exiled, she and the others found it.” Maki said as he continued his report.

“Well, being ‘Mad’ is the best word that I can use to describe her. I didn’t expect that she really obeyed what Hiiro assigned her to do.” Shouta said as he got angry and crossed his arms.

“Here’s the good news; Aoi responded to my letter and she said she’s willing to cooperate with us in one condition.” Maki said as he continued his report.

“What’s her condition?” Shouta said as he sighed and continued unloading the watermelon crates out of the trunk.

“I think you better read her letter yourself.” Maki said as he took out a folded paper out of his right, chest pocket and gave it to Shouta.

“Her letter? Uh? Thank you.” Shouta said as he received the letter and examined it.]

“’Ryoshizaki’ is a small, quaint town, surrounded by huge skyscrapers, connected by an old, train bridge situated above a shallow river. I wonder where did she found the ‘Gate’ in this place.” Maki said as he yawned and looked around.

“I just hope Hiiro does not find the ‘Three Factors’ or else everyone living in both worlds will perish.” Shouta sadly said as he trembled in fear.

“But we will have the chance to return back to the Kingdom.” Maki seriously said as he looked at Shouta.

“Wait! Are you proposing that the ‘Collision Prophecy’ must come true? Are you mad?!” Shouta said as he asked Maki.

“To be frank, yes. Stalling would not do anything to help us and sooner or later it shall happen and be fulfilled. I wonder why would you care for this world. You didn’t even ignore yours.” Maki said as he yawned and walked away.

“Well, I – Hey! Are you listening to me?” Shouta said as he shouted at Maki.

“Yes. But before you get angry at me, I already sent a message to Emi back in our home in ‘Aethyria’.” Maki said as he sighed and stepped back from Shouta.

“Oh? I understand. Well, you see I simply do not – Hey! Where are you going?” Shouta said as he saw Maki ran away.

“I’ll talk to you later. I need to get back to my class. Goodbye.” Maki said as he shouted back and ran away.

“Okay. Wait! What does he mean by class?” Shouta said as he wondered.

Ten minutes later…

Shouta went back to his task and finally managed to unload all of the 12 remaining crates out of the truck.

“Thank you for your hardworking. Here.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he gave a canned, orange drink to Shouta.

“Thank you very much. Uh? What is this?” Shouta said as he got curious and examined the canned drink.

“That’s a cola drink. Is this your first time seeing a canned drink?” Mr. Shop Owner said as he sat beside Shouta outside his fruits’ shop.

“Um? Yes. I usually drink the finest and expensive grape wine in a silver, wine glass.” Shouta said as he shakes the can three times.

“Hey! Stop shaking it or else I will explode.” Mr. Shop Owner said as Shouta looked at him.

“Explode? So, this drink is an actual bomb then. I must deactivate it.” Shouta said as he gently lifted up the tab.

The cola exploded and splashed onto Shouta’s black apron after seconds of opening it.

“Hahaha! I forgot to warn you. My bad.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he laughed out.

“I also forgot to ask you how to open this can. My fault.” Shouta said as he got pissed off and crushed the can using his right hand.

“Well, let’s take a break before we display those watermelons in the store.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he stretched his arms.

“Uh? Why do why have so many crates of watermelon? Are watermelons in demand for this season?” Shouta said as he got curious and asked his boss.

“Ah, yes! Ms. Aoi asked me to reserve one crate for her. She should be picking up that today. I wonder where is she.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he stood up and looked across the busy street.

“Ah, I see. Wait! Ms. Aoi is coming today?!” Shouta exclaimed as he took the folded paper out of his pants, right pocket.

“Yes. I was expecting her to come today. I wonder what happened.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he went back to his shop.

“Uh? I will just change my apron and help you boss.” Shouta said as he ran back inside the shop.

Few meters away from the shopping district…

There was a tall, mysterious guy aimlessly wandering along the streets and stopped in front of the same fruits’ shop.

“I knew it. I’m lost. Aoi will get angry to me.” Naoki Hanamura said as he sighed and scratched his head.

“Shouta! Can you help me arrange these – Mr. Naoki! Welcome.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he went out of his shop while carrying a crate of apples and saw Naoki.

“Oh? Good morning, Sir Boss. I’m here on behalf of Aoi.” Naoki timidly said as he turned around and saw Mr. Shop Owner.

“I’m coming. You don’t have to shout my - name.” Shouta said as he went out of the shop and saw Naoki.

“Shouta, can you hold this crate for me? I will be right back.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he suddenly gave the crate to Shouta and left.

“Ow-Ouch! At least you could have warned me first. Man, this is really heavy.” Shouta said as he gently carried the crate out of the shop.

“Good morning, your highness.” Naoki said as he greeted Shouta.

“’Highness’? Cut that crap. I am no longer a prince and we’re not in the ‘Alementalia’.” Shouta said as he carefully started to arrange the apples on their designated rack.

“I understand. The, Mr. Shouta will do.” Naoki said as he teased Shouta.

“Mr.? We’re the same age. Please stop it.” Shouta said as he got pissed off and threw an apple to Naoki.

Using his injured, left hand, Naoki swiftly caught the apple while it is in mid-air.

“Oh! Nice catch. Here’s your crate of watermelons.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he went out of his shop and carefully gave the crate to Naoki.

“Thank you very much, Sir Boss. Aoi also asked me to give you this letter.” Naoki said as he gently carried the crate and gave Aoi’s letter and the payment to Mr. Shop Owner.

“You should’ve asked me to get that for you.” Shouta said as he stopped arranging the apples.

“I’m still strong so I didn’t ask you. Look at my shoulder muscles.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he rolled up his sleeves and showed his toned biceps.

“Wow. It is really toned.” Naoki said as he gently touched Mr. Shop Owner’s biceps.

“Thank you! Thank you. Now, stop stalling and get back to work Shouta.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he suddenly pushed away Shouta.

“Okay! Okay! You don’t need to push me.” Shouta said as he sighed and went back to his work.

“Um? I must get going, Sir Boss. Again, thank you very much.” Naoki said as he walked away from the Fruits’ Shop.

“Ah, yes! Thank you and be careful on your way back.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he waved back at Naoki.

Mr. Shop Owner got curious to Aoi’s letter and read it.

“Huh? What?” Mr. Shop Owner said after reading Aoi’s letter.

“Now, what happened?” Shouta said as he got distracted and asked his boss.

“Look! I’ve just read Ms. Aoi’s letter and it says: ‘Please help me.’. I wonder what happened.” Mr. Shop Owner said as he walked towards to Shouta and gave him the letter.

“Eh? Please wait. Look! She also sent me the same message.” Shouta exclaimed as he took out the same letter and showed it to his boss.

One Hour later…

Naoki arrived and went inside Aoi’s apartment.

“I’m back! I brought what you’ve requested.” Naoki said as he gently closed the door.

“Welcome back, Naoki! You’re late. What happened?” Aoi Sakurami, Naoki’s girlfriend, said as she welcomed Naoki.

Naoki carefully placed down the crate on the floor and gently pulled Aoi towards him.

“Ah! I almost forgot. Papa’s back, my little one.” Naoki said as he touched Aoi’s tummy.

“I’m three months pregnant, Naoki. Our child still cannot hear what you just said.” Aoi cheerfully said as she playfully pinched Naoki’s cheeks.

“Ow-Ouch. I know, I know. Anyway, I got lost because of this stupid map and I gave the letter to Sir Boss as you requested.

“Thank you! Now, let’s get these watermelons in the kitchen.” Aoi said as she gently pushed Naoki away and looked at the watermelons.

“Hey – No! Stop. I will carry that crate back to the kitchen. Uh? Is there somethings wrong?” Naoki said as he carefully lifted up the crate and asked Aoi.

“Um? We have guests. They’ve arrived 10 minutes after you left my apartment.” Aoi said as she informed Naoki.

“Guests? I haven’t invited anyone from the Gang – Wait!” Naoki said as he suddenly ran away and went to the living area, followed by Aoi.

Inside the living area…

Naoki and Aoi arrived at their living area and saw their three guests, lying down on the floor.

“Ah! Naoki, my dear ‘Gangster’ is back. What are those?” Naomi Kurogaki said as she and the other two guests looked at Naoki.

“Naomi?! These are watermelons – Eh? Keisuke and Reika are here too.” Naoki said as he and Aoi looked at Keisuke and Reika looked at him.

“Um? Hey, Naoki! That show’s so boring. Can you teach me how to change the shows on that electric-powered, colored, glass box?” Reika Kashiwada said as she asked Aoi.

“Um? Based on that 42-inch television’s manual, I think that thing beside you, called the TV Remote controller´ can help you with your problem.” Aoi said as she grabbed and read the TV’s manual.

“Oh? You mean this? Okay.” Reika said as she grabbed the remote controller and examined it. Reika got curious and pressed all of the buttons in the remote controller.

“Uh? I-I think you shouldn’t press the red ones.” Aoi said as she sat beside Reika and tried to stop Reika.

“Don’t worry. I can manage this – Oh! This button magically changed the show.” Reika exclaimed as she and everyone looked at the television.

“Uh? Keisuke, please help my dear Naoki in slicing those things. I’m curious what does that watermelon taste like.” Naomi said as she ordered Keisuke.

“Okay. I will be back.” Keisuke Natsuiko said as he stood up and took the crate away from Naoki.

“Hey – you don’t have to do that. What the hell are you doing in here?” Naoki said as he shouted at Naomi.

“I – Ahem! We came to visit both you and to tell you that I’ve already sent a letter to my dear Hiiro.” Naomi seriously said as she looked at Naoki.

“A letter? Wait! How did you do that?” Naoki said as he asked Naomi.

“Se-cret! Only ‘Aethyrians’ like us can do that. Anyway, look at this food. It is so cheesy and stretchy. What do you call this food?” Naoki said as she suddenly lifted up her slice of pizza and showed it to Naoki.

“I heard humans called that as a pizza topped with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Wait! Who bought all of these?” Naoki said as he looked down at the center table.

“Oh! Pizza? So, that’s what humans call this delicious thing.” Naomi said as she started eating her slice of pizza.

Reika and Aoi overheard their conversation; Reika got bored and gave the TV remote controller to Aoi and crawled to Naomi’s place.

“Then, what do humans call this food?” Reika said as she grabbed a bowl of shaved ice and showed it to Naoki.

“Humans call that food as shaved ice. It is topped with various fruits and syrups. Eat that before the ice melts.” Naoki said as he tells Reika.

Reika immediately grabbed the silver spoon and began eating the shaved ice.

“Uh? How about this? What do humans call this food?” Aoi said as she got curious and grabbed the small pack of ‘Dried mangoes’.

“Humans call that food as candied, ‘Dried mangoes’. A quite popular delicacy in most tropical countries.” Naoki said as he took the pack and read the labels printed onto it.

“Oh my! This is so delicious. I wish we’ve discovered this sooner.” Naomi said as she got finished eating her pizza slice.

“Sooner? I’m glad that you’ve went back to the town after living in the mountains for two years just to find the exact location of the ‘Rusty Gate’.” Naoki said as he shouted at Naomi and Reika.

Aoi got curious and opened the pack of ‘Dried Mangoes’; She, then, took one slice of the Dried mango out of the pack and ate it.

“Delicious! Naoki, you should try this.” Aoi cheerfully said as she gave one to Naoki.

“Uh? O-Okay. Wait! How did you found Aoi’s apartment?” Naoki said as he began eating the candied, ‘Dried Mangoes’ and asked Naomi.

“I asked Keisuke to spy on both you after he found the exact location of the ‘Rusty Gate’.” Naomi said as he looked at Reika’s shaved ice and got curious about it.

“W-What? Keisuke was the one who found the ‘Rusty Gate’?” Aoi said as she got curious and asked Naomi.

“Yes. Eh? Someone’s being curious. I wonder why.” Reika said as she stopped from eating and looked at Aoi.

Aoi averted her gaze and stood up.

“I-I think I should go back to the kitchen and help Mr. Keisuke.” Aoi cheerfully said she walked away and went back to the kitchen.

“W-Wait! I will help Keisuke instead.” Naoki said as he stood up, followed to Aoi to the kitchen.

“That woman is so suspicious. What do you think she’s planning to do?” Naomi said as she asked Reika.

“Hm? I’ll ask my ‘Walking Puppets’ to spy on her for the meantime.” Reika said as she continues eating her shaved ice.

“Eh? So, you can use your ‘Common Combination’ Alementalian magic in this unfamiliar world.” Naomi said as grabbed the silver spoon and also start eating Reika’s shaved ice.

“We, ‘Alementalians’, rely to our version of mother nature which mostly provides our ‘Alementalian’ magic. But mine developed some limitations unlike while we’re back in the Kingdom. I wonder how humans will protect and save theirs.” Reika said as she and Naomi looked outside the sliding window.

Back in the ‘Kingdom of Alementalia’

In ‘Fireiya’

That afternoon

Rumors about Mr. & Mrs. Akimura’s passing spread like a wild fire around the Kingdom. Mr. Sai, Mrs. Mai, Hikaru and ‘Ryo’ were inside Rai’s bedroom, waiting for her to wake up; Hikaru was sitting on the chair, on the right side of Rai’s bed.

“Rai. Please wake up. Please.” Hikaru whispered to himself as he gently intertwined his hand with Rai’s right hand.

“She’s been asleep for hours. She must be really exhausted.” Mr. Sai said as walked to the window and carefully opened it.

Mrs. Mai sighed as she got curious and stared at ‘Ryo’ who’s sitting on the other end of Rai’s bed.

“Uh? W-Who are you?” Mrs. Mai said as she wondered and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Um? My other siblings call me ‘Ryo’ in this form. It is nice to meet you, Madam ‘Village Advisor.’” ‘Ryo’ said as he introduced himself to everyone.

“’Siblings’? W-Wait! That’s my name. H-How did you know that?” Mrs. Mai exclaimed as she carefully stepped back away from ‘Ryo’.

“Dear, please be quiet or else she’ll wake up.” Mr. Sai said as Mrs. Mai suddenly covered her mouth.

‘Ryo’ wondered and sighed; He, then, looked at Hikaru and Rai.

“Um? Are you this woman’s husband?” ‘Ryo’ said as he got curious and asked Hikaru.

Hikaru flinched and suddenly slipped off the chair.

“Husband? W-What!? N-No! Rai’s my childhood friend. That’s it.” Hikaru said as he got flustered and fell on the floor.

“Oh? I see. I made a mistake. My apologies.” ‘Ryo’ said as he stood up and apologized to Hikaru.

“So, you’re one of the Akimura’s relatives. They are our family’s friend but they didn’t tell me that they have relatives living outside our ‘Village’.’” Mr. Sai said as he tells ‘Ryo’.

“I came from the ‘Main Island’ and landed in the jungle outside this ‘Village’. That’s where I found Rai.” ‘Ryo’ said as he tells everyone.

“You came from the ‘Main Island’? Wait! What do you mean by ‘landed’?” Mrs. Mai said as she got curious and asked ‘Ryo’.

“I flew from the ‘Main Island’ to get in here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he stretched out his arms and looked outside the window.

“What?! You flew to get in here?” Hikaru, Mrs. Mai and Mr. Sai shouted in chorus as they looked at ‘Ryo’.

Ms. Janice arrived outside Rai’s room and knocked on the door.

“Your highnesses! I’m back and I brought a guest.” Ms. Janice said as she and Ms. Akari were waiting outside Rai’s room.

“Please wait. I’m coming.” Hikaru said as he ran to the door and opened it.

“Big sister? What are you doing in here? You should be resting back at our Estate.” Hikaru exclaimed as Ms. Janice and Ms. Akari went inside Rai’s room.

“I’m back, your highness. We’ve finally finished burying Mr. and Mrs. Akimura in their backyard. I hope Rai’s doing just fine.” Ms. Janice said as she tells Mr. Sai.

“I will explain it to Rai later. For the meantime, please stay with Rai. We will get back to the town hall and call upon a town meeting.” Mr. Sai said as he instructed Ms. Janice.

“As you wish, your highness. But Theo’s back in our Diner, cooking Rai’s dinner.” Ms. Janice said as she scratched her head.

“Theo? Right! He was the one who saw me carrying that brown paper bag. Then, I will go to our Diner and tell him myself.” Hikaru said as he suggested to Ms. Janice.

“Oh, my! I-I cannot ask you do to that, Hikaru.” Ms. Janice said as she blushed.

“Don’t worry. I will be fast. Please take care of Rai for me.” Hikaru cheerfully said as he opened the door and ran out Rai’s room.

“O-Okay. Please be careful.” Ms. Janice said as she gently closed the door.

“Ms. Akari, I’m glad you’re safe. Are you that you can go back to work?” Mrs. Mai said as she pat Ms. Akari’s right shoulder.

“Ah, yes! Thank you, your highness. Mr. Physician immediately removed the poisoned dagger out of my shoulder and removed the poison out of my blood stream before it killed me.” Ms. Akari said as she looked at Rai.

“A poisoned dagger? But I banned forging that kind of knife six months ago.” Mr. Sai said as he tells everyone.

“I knew someone who has the skills to forge that dagger and at the same time, magically infused it with a deadly poison made from the wings of a ‘Yellow Faery’ and an eye from a ‘Yellow Elf’. She’s an old friend of mine.” Ms. Akari said as she smiled and sat on the chair beside Rai’s bed.

“Wait! I thought ‘Iytherians’ hunt ‘Yellow Faeries and Elves’ for medical purposes. Why would your ‘Iytherian’ friend create something like that?” Mrs. Mai said as she asked Ms. Akari.

“Because of the rumors that ‘Liquid Irons’ sold from the ‘Floating Black Market’ can be infused with our forged weapons. Your friend is experimenting something from those eyes and wings.” Mr. Sai said as he sighed and crossed his arms.

“Rai. Please wake up. I’m really sorry. I did try to stop him but - I’m sorry.” Ms. Akari Said as she wailed beside Rai.

“Ms. Akari? W-What happened? What do you mean stop him?” Mr. Sai said as he got intrigued and asked Ms. Akari.

“The truth is – Hiiro was behind all of this.” Ms. Akari said as she tells everyone.

“Hiiro? The former ‘Royal Advisor’? Ms. Janice said as she wondered.

Ms. Akari wiped off her tears and began telling the truth to everyone.

In JT’s Diner

Inside the kitchen…

Hikaru arrived at the Diner and went straight to the kitchen, trying to find Theo.

“Uh? I’m looking for a guy named Theo. Is he in here?” Hikaru said as he shouted inside the kitchen.

“I’m here. Please do not shout while inside my kitchen.” Theo said as he turned around while sautéing his ingredients onto his pan.

“Uh? I’m here to send a message from Ms. Janice. Ms. Janice will be staying with Rai while our ‘Village Reps.’ goes back to their work. That’s it.” Hikaru said as he tells Theo.

Hikaru was standing behind the make-shift stove where Theo hid the mask inside that large, cooking cauldron.

“Alright. I understand. Why would you instead stay with Rai? She’s your best friend right?” Theo said as he continued cooking.

“I-I cannot possible do that! You see, I’m a busy man and I was searching for that paper bag I accidentally dropped off in front of your Diner.” Hikaru said as he stretched out his arms and looked around.

“Oh? That. I saw you dropped that. That’s it.” Theo said as he ignored Hikaru and grabbed the wooden lunchbox to prepare Rai’s dinner.

“Oh? I see. I wonder what’s inside this large cauldron.” Hikaru said as he got intrigued and carefully lifted the palm leaves away from the cauldron.

“Uh? I suggest you don’t open that because – Oh, no!” Theo said as he tried to stop Hikaru but it was too late.

Hikaru dipped his right hand inside the cauldron and accidentally touched the newly, boiled hot water.

“Ow-Ouch! That’s hot! What was inside this cauldron?” Hikaru said as he shouted out in pain and asked Theo.

“That’s the cauldron I use for boiling water to clean the fresh lobsters. Now, it is contaminated I have to throw it away and boil another one.” Theo said as he walked to Hikaru’s location and carefully lifted up the cauldron and went to the kitchen sink.

“Ah, I see. My bad. I just got curious why would a chef like you use palm leaves instead of its cover lids to keep their food hot.” Hikaru said as he sighed and looked at his right hand.

“You see, I am a busy man and I am the only who’s cooking in this kitchen so, sometimes I forgot where I misplaced those cover lids. Anything else?” Theo said as he drained the cauldron onto the kitchen sink.

“I understand. Again, my apologies for disturbing you while cooking. I’ll just wait outside and wait for Rai’s food and deliver it myself.” Hikaru said as he apologized and went out of the kitchen.

“T-That was close! I almost peed in my pants. Hikaru was agitated and almost drew out his Long Sword. I didn’t really expect that Hikaru would dipped his right hand inside this cauldron. After I cut that black mask into two, I hid it on that wooden cupboard so that he would not find it down here. I wonder why Hikaru’s looking for it. Wait! His mask is the same mask worn by the mercenaries who kidnapped me. What does this mean?” Theo whispered to himself as he continued cleaning the cauldron.

Along the streets

Of the ‘Crafting District’…

The ‘Fireiyan Reps.’ were walking going to the town hall; Mr. Sai is still ignoring Ms. Akari because of what she told to them.

“Dear, come on. Please stop this silent treatment.” Mrs. Mai said as she was walking in between his husband and Ms. Akari.

“Nope. She must consider this as her punishment or I can just banish her out of the ‘Village.’ For committing treason.” Mr. Sai said as he pouted and walked few steps away from his wife and Ms. Akari.

“Uh? His highness is right. You don’t have to worry about me.” Ms. Akari said as she stopped from walking.

“But? How would you tell Rai this? She deserves to know the truth.” Mrs. Mai said as she turned around and asked Ms. Akari.

“I will tell her as soon as she woke up. I promise.” Ms. Akari said as Mr. Sai suspiciously looked at her.

“I spared your life in accordance to Ms. Janice’s request after you saved Theo from those mercenaries but it does not mean your free to go. I will let your injury heal first and then we’ll talk this later.” Mr. Sai said as he sighed and crossed her arms.

“Dear, how merciful you are! And your father, the former ‘Imperial Hero’, must be proud of you after you bravely faced those mercenaries and saved Theo.” Mrs. Mai exclaimed and tousled Ms. Akari’s hair.

“First, it was Hikaru, your younger brother who saved the ‘Iytherian Reps’ from ‘Queen Faeya’ and that ambushed train from those ‘White Skeletons’. You’re really came from the bloodline of reckless and stupid ‘Imperial Heroes’.” Mr. Sai said as he scratched his head and walked away.

“Uh? Thank you very much, your highness.” Ms. Akari said as she blushed from what Mr. Sai said.

“To make it clear, I am not complementing you, understand? Both of Kai’s children are really recklessly stupid just like their father.” Mr. Sai said as he shouted at Mrs. Mai and Ms. Akari.

“Uh? Dear, the town hall is on this way. Follow me.” Mrs. Mai said as she and Ms. Akari went to the right corner and walked away.

“Darling! Wait for me. I haven’t yet memorized the map of our ‘Village’ and I’m sure you don’t want me to get lost.” Mr. Sai said as he ran towards his wife and Ms. Akari who waited for him.

Inside the ‘Fireiya’s Town Hall’…

Mr. Sai opened the door and saw his fellow ‘Fireiyans’ waiting for them in the meeting room.

“Everyone, please be quiet! They are here.” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #1 said as the other ‘Fireiyans’ stopped gossiping and looked behind them.

“My dear children! What are you all doing in here?” Mr. Sai exclaimed as he and the other saw the ‘Fireiyans’ waiting for them to arrive.

“We’re here to speak with you, your highnesses about what happened this morning in the ‘Crafting District.’” Ms. ‘Fireiyan’ #2 said as she tells their ‘Village Reps.’

“Ah, yes! About that. I – Ahem! We’ve finally come to a decision while we’re walking going in here.” Mr. Sai as he jumped onto the wooden table placed in the center of the room.

“What does he mean, your highness?” Ms. Akari said as she wondered and asked Mrs. Mai.

“Here goes nothing.” Mrs. Mai said as she sighed and crossed her arms.

“Everyone! Please listen to me. After the people of the ‘Main Island’ have sent those mercenaries and that dragon to create havoc resulting to the deaths of our seven, fellow ‘Fireiyans’; I, your ‘Village Chief’, hereby closing our borders to the ‘Main Island’ and the other three neighboring ‘Villages’.” Mr. Sai said as he shouted out and make the announcement in front of everyone.

“What?! Closing our borders? I-I didn’t even agree with this.” Ms. Akari said as she looked at Mr. Sai.

“Close? Does that mean we’re not allowed to visit the ‘Main Island’?” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #2 said as he wondered and asked Mr. Sai.

The other ‘Fireiyans’ panicked as they cannot have believed what Mr. Sai just said.

“Everyone, please calm down. I will immediately revoke my decision unless the other neighboring ‘Villages’ and the people of the ‘Main Island’ heed my request.” Mr. said as everyone wondered.

“And that request would be?” Ms. Akari said as she asked Mr. Sai and crossed her arms.

“My only request is this; the ‘Aethyrian Reps,’ must surrender Sir Hiiro Matsuoka and his accomplices to us. So happened that they declined my request, I have no choice but to first, First, cease the exportation of goods & weapons to the ‘Main Island’ and the other neighboring ‘Villages’. And second, close the two ‘Alternate Rail Routes’ going back and forth from our ‘Villages’.” Mr. Sai said as he tells Mr. Akari and the other ‘Fireiyans’ who stared blankly at him.

“Wait! Close the two ‘Alternate Rail Routes’ from our ‘Village’? Does that mean you’re forcing the passengers to take the ‘Long-way Rail Routes’?”

“Let me explain. There are four travel routes around the ‘Kingdom of Alementalia’. These are the: 1. ‘Main’ rail routes that will take 3 days by train. 2. ‘Alternate’ rail routes will take you 2 days by train as well. 3. ‘Long-way’ rail routes that will take two connecting trains and traveling for 6 days and 4. ‘Special’ routes will take 2 hours by riding on an aerostat or 8 or 16 hours by riding on a passenger/cargo ship. Travel time may vary based on the route taken.” Mrs. Mai said as she explained their possible travel routes in front of everyone.

“As an example, if you’re from ‘Aethyria/Iytheria/Wathyria you’ll have to take the train going to the ‘Main Island’ after that you must take the connecting train going to our designated ‘Village’. You’ll arrive on our ‘Village’ after 144 hours or six days.” Ms. Akari said as she continued Mrs. Mai’s explanation.

“That’s crazy! Six days of traveling?! Who would’ve wanted to do that?” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #3 said as he scratched his head.

“That’s right! Now, I hope Ms. Akari’s writing everything I say because I am going to send that message immediately.” Mr. Sai said as he stared at Ms. Akari.

Ms. Akari flinched and ran to her desk to write everything.

“Immediately? Don’t tell me?” Mrs. Mai said as she wondered and sighed.

“Yes! I’ll summon my ‘Fire Birds’ to deliver those letter for me.” Mr. Sai said as he jumped off the table and ran out of the town hall, followed by his husband and subjects.

Outside the Town Hall…

Mr. Sai stopped few meters away from the town hall and sighed.

“’Within my abilities given to me, I command thee, Come forth, my white ‘Fire Birds’!” Mr. Sai said as he summoned his ‘Fire Birds.’

Few moments later, a magical, summoning circle appeared up in the sky; three pristine white-colored ‘Fire Birds’ emerged out of the circle and flew around the ‘Village’. Each ‘Fire Bird’ has a wingspan of 1.9 meters.

“Your highness? Are those your?” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #1 said as he, Mrs. Mai and the other looked above the sky.

“Yes! Those are my adorable ‘Fire Birds’. Papa missed all of you. Come to me so that I can give you each one a – hug? Eh!?” Mr. Sai said as they saw the three ‘Fire Birds’ landed on the ground.

Where Mrs. Mai is located, few meters away from her husband; People panicked and ran away from Mrs. Mai.

“Hm? So, they’ve chose me again. Try next time, Dear.” Mrs. Mai said as she teased her husband.

“But those are my ‘Fire Birds’!” Mr. Sai said as he pouted and yelled out.

Ms. Akari ran out of the Town Hall, carrying three short, white envelopes sealed with a wine-red colored wax.

“The letters are ready, your highnesses. Eh?!” Ms. Akari said as she accidentally tripped and fell onto the ground.

“Your highness! Are you alright?” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #2 said as he and the others ran towards her.

Mr. Sai approached Ms. Akari and carefully picked the three letters off the floor.

“Now, everyone please help me sent this letters.” Mr. Sai said as he distributed the three letter to his fellow ‘Fireiyans’.

The three ‘Fireiyans’ nodded and immediately ran away and tied up each letter onto the right leg of each ‘Fire Birds’.

Few minutes later…

“I’m done, your highness.” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #2 said as he stood up and ran away from the first, ‘Fire Bird’.

“Then – Everyone! Please stand back.” Mrs. Mai said as she ordered to everyone.

“Fly! My little ones; Fly to the ‘Main Island’ and to the neighboring ‘Villages’. Deliver my message. They should have not underestimated what my ‘Village’ can do.” Mr. Sai said as he commanded his ‘Fire Birds.’

The three ‘Fire Birds’ loudly screeched; Each ‘Firebird’ gently flapped off their wings and with one swift move, they all jumped up in the air and flew away.

Back in the Akimura’s House…

After cleaning the Akimura’s House, Ms. Janice went back to Rai’s room and saw ‘Ryo’ sitting on the chair beside Rai’s bed.

“Huh? I told you to rest. Why are you still awake?” Ms. Janice said as she opened the door and saw ‘Ryo’.

“Ah! Um? A ‘Cog Dragon’ like me usually don’t sleep in closed room like this.” ‘Ryo’ said as he stood up and walked away from Rai’s bed.

“You a Dragon? Don’t be silly! You looked just a male ‘Fireiyan’; I mean you also have the same wine-red colored eyes like us but the difference is you have a cream-colored hair.” Ms. Janice said as she described ‘Ryo’.

“Oh, I see. My younger sister, ‘Flora’, said that I should morph into a male ‘Alementalian’ with this weird hair style.” ‘Ryo’ said as he carefully combed his hair.

“Morph? I really do not understand what you are talking about. Here. Please have some.” Ms. Janice said as she offered some green tea and sponge cake to ‘Ryo’.

“Uh? Thank you very much. Please allow me to carry that tray to the Guests’ table.” ‘Ryo’ said as he carefully took the tray out of Ms. Janice hands and went to the table.

“Thank you. Uh? Can I as you a favor?” Ms. Janice said as she sat on the chair beside Rai’s bed and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Yes. What is it, Ms. Janice?” ‘Ryo’ said as he casually sips his tea.

“I prepared a flower vase filled with fresh, white tulips back on the living area. Can you bring it to her family’s grave for me?” Ms. Janice said as she asked ‘Ryo’.

“Yes! I will. But before that – What kind of food is this? Amazing! It bounces back.” ‘Ryo’ said as agreed and looked at the sponge cake.

“Also thank you for saving this girl’s life. After all the hardship she’s been through, she still managed to find a friend like you.” Ms. Janice cheerfully said as she smiled at ‘Ryo’.

“Friend uh? I’ve just hatched six months ago so I’m familiar with that word.” ‘Ryo’ said as he continued poking his sponge cake.

“Hatched? Hahaha! You’re really an interesting man. Hey! Stop playing with your food.” Ms. Janice said as ‘Ryo’ flinched and began eating his sponge cake.

10 minutes later…

‘Please help us.

Please stop the ‘Hero’.’

“Uh? W-Who’s that? Where am I?” Rai whispered to herself as she slowly woke up and looked around her bedroom.

Rai pushed herself up off her bed and saw Ms. Janice sleeping beside her.

“Ms. Janice? What are you – Eh? I’m in my room. Ow-ouch! Bruises? Oh, I now remember what happened. I got beaten up by five ‘Fireiyans’ and ‘Ryo’, the dragon saved me. Speaking of that guy, I wonder where is he.” Rai whispered to herself as she quietly went out of the bed.

Rai took off her blanket and placed it around Ms. Janice’s shoulder; Rai walked to her desk and grabbed a small piece of folded paper.

Rai wrote something on the piece of paper and carefully tied it up on the doorknob with a thin string; Few minutes later, Rai quietly opened the door and went out of her room.

In the Akimura’s Backyard…

As Ms. Janice’s request, ‘Ryo’ placed the flower vase on the top of Mr. Akimura’s grave and sighed; He was about to leave when he heard someone giggling behind the bushes.

“Who’s there? Show yourself.” ‘Ryo’ said as his right arm magically transform into a ‘Dragon’s Claw’.

Ella, Milo, Lilac and Dani got scared and were forced to walk out of the bushes.

“Now, look what’ve you done! Mr. Old man caught us.” Ella said as she was hiding behind Milo.

“What? Me? It is not my fault. Lilac was the one who tickled me.” Milo said as he tried to explain.

“Eh? It is not my fault. Big sister Dani pushed me.” Lilac said as she was hiding behind Dani.

“Everyone, calm down. We’re not here to fight, remember?” Dani said as she sighed and tousled Lilac’s hair.

Dani was carrying a mini-basket of chrysanthemums and placed it on Mrs. Akimura’s grave.

“Uh? Four little ‘Alementalians’? What are you doing in here?” ‘Ryo’ said as Lilac approached him and looked at his right claw.

“Oh? That’s a weird hand.” Lilac said as she jumped up, trying to touch ‘Ryo’s right claw.

“Lilac? Please stop that. I’m very sorry, Mister.” Dani said as she ran towards Lilac and gently pushed her away from ‘Ryo’.

“Wait! Little? We’re actually called children, mister.” Milo said he sighed and crossed his arms.

“Mister? Am I the only who’s afraid of his right arm?” Ella said as she still hides behind Milo.

“Uh? What exactly are you doing in here?” ‘Ryo’ said as his right hand reverted back and asked Dani.

“We’re here to pay our respects to Ms. Teacher’s dead parents.” Dani said as Milo and Ella ran and hid behind her and Lilac.

“Ms. Teacher? Oh, you mean Rai. Um? Rai’s still asleep back in her room.” ‘Ryo’ said as he scratched his head.

“Oh? I see. I guess we’ll come back later. Let’s go.” Dani said as she and Lilac were about to walk away.

“There you are! Mr. Dragon. What are you doing in here? Eh? Dani and the others are also here?” Rai said as she arrived at their backyard and saw ‘Ryo’ and the four children.

“Ms. Teacher!” The four children said as they ran towards and hugged Rai.

“Everyone! I’m glad that you’re all safe.” Rai cheerfully said as she also hugged her students.

The four children started to cry while Rai hugged them.

“Teacher? I guess Mother forgot to tell me about this. Oh, well.” ‘Ryo’ said as he smiled while looking at Rai.

“Eh? So, ‘Cog Dragons’ can smile? That’s weird.” Rai said as she looked at ‘Ryo’ who flinched.

“W-What?! I-I’m not smiling. Idiot.” ‘Ryo’ said as he blushed and turned around.

“Okay. Now, children. Please go back to the house and wake up Ms. Janice for me. She’s sleeping on my bedroom at this moment.” Rai said as he instructed her students.

“Yes, Ms. Teacher.” Dani and the others shouted out as they ran out of the backyard.

“Uh? Thank you for bringing those flowers.” Rai said as she stood up and dusted off her walking shorts.

“Ah, yes! Ms. Janice asked me to bring those flowers to your parents’ grave.” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Rai looked at the two graves just below Rai’s feet.

“Oh? I see. This what a grave look like. I should thank Ms. Janice for this when she wakes up.” Rai said as she smiled and looked at ‘Ryo’.

“Hm? We’re the same.” ‘Ryo’ said as he sighed and wondered.

“Same? What do you mean same?” Rai said as she flinched and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Um? Few hours after I’ve hatched, I saw my Mother on her last breath and told me a hint on how to find you. Just like you, I didn’t cry after she passed away beside me.” ‘Ryo’ said as he tells Rai.

“I’m sorry about your mother – Wait! You mean your Mother Dragon?” Rai sadly said as she asked ‘Ryo’.

“Yes. She’s probably bigger than me and has four wings as well.” ‘Ryo’ said as looked up in the sky and wondered.

“Bigger than you? I-I can imagine that.” Rai nervously said as she flinched.

“Come with me. They are waiting for us.” ‘Ryo’ said as he started walking away from Rai.

“They? Wait! Who’s waiting for us?” Rai said as she wondered and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Everyone. Hey! The meeting place is over here. Where are you going?” ‘Ryo’ said as Rai suddenly ran away and went to the back garage.

Inside Mr. Akimura’s back garage…

Rai went inside and saw the same war tank now parked in the back garage.

“It is so filthy in here. Father must have forgotten to clean this place since he’s busy assembling that war tank.” Rai whispered to herself and wandered inside their garage.

Rai began knocking on the corners of the wall and jumping on the floor in search of the secret room; ‘Ryo’ got curious and followed her inside the garage.

“What are you doing?” ‘Ryo’ said as he saw Rai and asked her.

“N-Nothing! I was just checking for a secret door under this wooden floor.” Rai said as she blushed and suddenly stopped from jumping.

“Okay? That’s weird. This looks more like a huge warehouse than a garage and why would your father put a door under this floor?” ‘Ryo’ said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“Listen, my father left me this gold key. After I brought his lunch one day, I took a peek inside and saw him used this to open a secret door.” Rai said as she continues knocking on the walls.

“A secret door eh? Interesting! I’ll help you find it.” ‘Ryo’ said as he started kicking the wooden chairs and working table away from Rai.

“What? Hey – Stop it! How disrespectful!” Rai said as she got angry and tried to push ‘Ryo’ away.

‘Ryo’ ignored her and continued destroying the remaining wooden chairs; He, then, looked at the wooden, two-door cabinet behind him.

“I think that secret door is behind this cabinet.” ‘Ryo’ said as he looked at Rai.

“Um? Are you sure about that? Eh? What is this?” Rai said as he wiped the dust off the glass and saw a vial with a name tag attached onto it.

Rai unlocked the cabinet and saw 100 vials of the same color; She, then, carefully took out the a vile from the second layer of the cabinet.

“Vial #100: Mei? That’s a weird name for a mysterious, red-colored concoction. Anyway, please stand back.” ‘Ryo’ said as he read the name tag and gently pushed Rai away from him.

“Uh? Indeed. I had a student before named ‘Mei’. She’s Milo’s younger sister - Wait! What are you doing?” Rai said as she hid the vial inside her right, leg pocket and tried to stop ‘Ryo’.

‘Ryo’, again, ignored Rai and magically transformed his right arm back onto his claw.

“Here I go – one, two, three!” ‘Ryo’ said as he ran to the ride side of the cabinet,

‘Ryo’ forcefully pushed the cabinet onto the left side using his ‘Dragon’s Claw’.

“There are only dust and termites crawling in here and nothing else.” Rai said as she looked around and got disappointed.

“Are you sure? Look! There’s a key hole up on that part of the wooden ceiling.” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Rai looked up and saw the key.

“Key hole? Up? Now, I understand. This is the key to his secret hiding place in the attic! Uh? Eh?” Rai said as ‘Ryo’ suddenly grabbed the key out of Rai’s right hand.

Using his ‘Dragon’s Claw’, ‘Ryo’ reached up and unlocked the door; He, then, opened it and pulled down a make-shift, wooden ladder in front of Rai.

“Thank you, ‘Ryo’. I knew it! Father’s hiding something up in the attic.” Rai cheerfully said as she looked at ‘Ryo’.

“Your welcome. Now, ladies first.” ‘Ryo’ said as Rai nodded and went up the ladder, followed by ‘Ryo’.

Inside the attic…

Rai and Ryo arrived inside the filthy attic.

“Uh? I-I cannot see a thing. I wish there’s a lamp or torch lying around in here somewhere.” Rai said as she tried to look around the attic.

“Here. There’s a gas lamp a meter away from you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he grabbed the lamp and gave it to Rai.

“You sharp eyes are really amazing! Thank you.” Rai said as she took the lamp.

“Welcome. Now, please light that lamp.” ‘Ryo’ said as he blushed and looked away from Rai.

“Ah, yes! Control it. Don’t let the gas lamp explode.” Rai said as she sighed and closed her eyes.

“W-what do you mean by ‘Explode’?” ‘Ryo’ said as he flinched and wondered.

“Within the abilities given to me, I command thee, Light up.” Rai said as she used her ‘Fire-Alementalian’ Magic.

With just one snap from Rai’s right hand, the candle inside the lamp magically light up, producing a wine-red colored flame.

“Yes! The lamp didn’t explode. It means I can now control my ‘Alementalian’ Magic.” The overjoyed Rai said as she raised up the lamp.

“Woah! That’s very convenient. I was trying to find a box of match sticks around here but it seems that I do not need to.” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Rai walked around the attic.

“Eh? A Long sword?” ‘Ryo’ said as he suddenly stepped on to a Short sword and picked it up.

‘Ryo’ picked up the Long Sword and examined it; The Long Sword was covered in a green, protective cloth and has a short note tied on to its handle.

“Look! There are 24 Long Swords, 25 Short Swords, 25 iron Spears, 5 bolt-action, wooden rifles, 4 semi-automatic sniper guns, 4 semi-automatic rifles and 12 circular, metal shields scattered everywhere.” Rai said after she counted all the weapons that were kept hidden up in the attic.

“I guess that your Father was trying to build an arsenal in this attic and I think this is for you. Here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he gave the Long Sword to Rai.

“For me? I wonder what is it. Can you hold the lamp for me?” Rai said as she gave the gas lamp to ‘Ryo’.

“Yes. Look, there’s a note tied on its handle.” ‘Ryo’ said as he raised up the gas lamp to help Rai see in the dark.

“Oh? It is a note. The note says; ‘For my little angel, I want you to have this Long Sword as our family heirloom. – Love: Father.’ Long Sword?” Rai said as she read the letter and

Rai took the protective cloth and drew the Long Sword out of its scabbard; A Long Sword is made with sharp and clear, single blade; the handle is made of gold and leather while there's also a circular, sapphire gem chained around the handle. The Scabbard is made of leather with a small, ‘Fireiya’s insignia stitched outside.

“Hm? That’s a pretty neat Long Sword. Your Father must have devoted his time and effort in forging that Long Sword. Uh? Is there something wrong, Rai?” ‘Ryo’ said as he looked at Rai and wondered.

“Ah! It’s nothing. Let’s get out of here.” Rai said as she hugged the Long Sword and silently wiped off her tears.

“Um? Okay. But what are we going to do with these weapons?” ‘Ryo’ said as he wondered and asked Rai.

“I guess for the meantime we can put them downstairs and hide them somewhere else.” Rai said as she put her Long Sword back inside its scabbard and started picking up the other Long Swords.

“I’ll help you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he placed the gas lamp on the table and went downstairs.

Downstairs…

Rai and ‘Ryo’ finally managed to get all the weapons down and back in the garage; Then, they hid those weapons inside a big chest box which Rai covered with the green, protective cloth and pushed it on the right side of the old cabinet.

“We’re done. Thank you for helping me, Mr. ‘Ryo’.” Rai said as she and ‘Ryo’ went out of the back garage.

“’Ryo’ is fine. Anyway, I took this gold key after I locked that secret door. Here.” ‘Ryo’ said as he returned the key to Rai.

“Thank you. I’ll just keep this with me.” Rai said as she hid the key inside her left, leg pocket and tied up the Long Sword around her waist.

“Then, I guess I now leave then.” ‘Ryo’ said as he walked away from Rai.

“Leave? But? I haven’t thanked you yet. Wait! That is the way going to the ‘Unearthed Caves’.” Rai said as she shouted out at ‘Ryo’.

‘Ryo’ ignored her and waved back instead.

“Wait! I-I’ll come with you.” Rai said as she ran away, chasing ‘Ryo’ inside the jungle connected to the ‘Unearthed Caves’.

Inside the Jungle

In the borders of ‘Fireiya’…

Rai and ‘Ryo’ arrived at the entrance gate of the ‘Unearthed Caves’.

“Your highness!

You’ve finally arrived.”

Alphe said as he telepathically talking to ‘Ryo’. Alphe were waiting for ‘Ryo’ and Rai behind the gate.

“My apologies. We had to take a detour. Let’s go inside.” ‘Ryo’ said as he opened the gate.

“Eh? Inside? Are you mad? Those are the ‘Unearthed Caves’, the home of the ‘Green – Ogres?” Rai said as she saw Ms. Pericia approached the entrance gate.

Rai got scared and stepped back away from ‘Ryo’.

“I’m sorry to scare you, Ms. Rai. I’m Pericia, the ‘Chief of the Green Ogres’. It is nice to finally meet you. Please come in.” Ms. Pericia said as she introduced herself to Rai.

“Please do not be afraid, your highness

We’re here not to harm you.”

Alphe said as he telepathically talking to Rai.

“Uh? Okay. I’m Rai - Wait! That’s my name. How did you know that?” Rai said as she introduced herself as well and went inside the entrance gate.

“Mr. Alphe told me. Please follow me. The others are waiting for you at the river banks.” Ms. Pericia said as she walked away, followed by ‘Ryo’, Rai and Alphe.

While walking…

‘Ryo’ is suspiciously looking at Rai who’s walking in between him and Alphe.

“Eh? So, you would trust this ‘Black Hound’ rather than a noble ‘Cog Dragon’ like me?” ‘Ryo’ said as he looked and asked Rai.

“Yes. Eh? My best friend would say that thing as well.” Rai said as she looked at ‘Ryo’.

“You mean that overconfident guy? He seems suspicious though.” ‘Ryo’ said as he crossed his arms.

“You think so? Indeed. Hikaru is an overconfident guy, sometimes.” Rai said as she blushed and looked away from ‘Ryo’.

“We’re here.” Ms. Pericia said as they arrived, outside her ‘Cave’.

King Philip, Queen Faeya and Mr. Terry were waiting for them to arrive inside the cave while Sammy, Nerisia, and Vanny are playing rocks, few meters away from their ‘Cave’.

“Mother! Welcome back.” Sammy and Nerisia said in chorus as they saw their mother and ran towards her.

“I’m back and I brought some guests.” Ms. Pericia said as her children stare at ‘Ryo’ and Rai.

“Cool black, eye patch!” Sammy said as he looked at Rai.

“Uh? Thank you very much. I’m Rai Akimura. What’s your name?” Rai cheerfully said as kneeled down and asked Sammy.

“Um? I’m Sammy and this is my little sister, Nerisia.” Sammy said as he blushed and introduced himself.

“Hello! I’m Nerisia. Shake my hands.” Nerisia said as she ran towards Rai.

“Oh? You mean a handshake? Okay. Hello, Nerisia! I’m Rai.” Rai said as she stood up and shook hands with Nerisia.

“Hey! It is Sammy’s turn.” Vanny said as she called Sammy and Nerisia ran away from their mother.

“My Apologies. They are my adorable children. Please follow me.” Ms. Pericia said as she walked away, followed by ‘Ryo’, Rai and Alphe.

Inside the ‘Cave’…

King Philip, Queen Faeya and Terry were all staring at Rai as she entered the ‘Cave’; Queen Faeya was sitting on a pile of soft pillows laid on the ground.

“I must stand up and greet his highness – Eh?” Queen Faeya said as she tried to stand up.

“No! Please stay seated. You don’t need to greet me – I-I mean us.” Rai said as she suddenly ran towards Queen Faeya and assist her to sit back on the ground.

“Thank you very much, Ms. Rai.” Queen Faeya said as she smiled and sat on the ground.

“Ms. Rai, your seat is over here – Eh?” King Philip said as he saw Rai sat on the ground beside Queen Faeya.

Rai sat on the ground and then crossed her legs.

“Your highness, you must not sit on the ground.” Ms. Pericia said as she tells Rai.

“Don’t worry! I prefer sitting on the ground and please let me rest my legs.” Rai cheerfully said as she stretched her arms.

“Uh? O-Okay? Then, let’s start his meeting. We’re the four ‘Living Friends’ living around this Kingdom. Let me repeat, I’m Pericia, the ‘Chief of the Green Ogres’. I’m pretty sure you’ve already met, Alphe, the ‘Alpha of the Black Hounds’ and his wife, Avia. The man standing on your left is the ‘King of Yellow Elves’; King Philip, meanwhile the woman sitting on your right is his wife, ‘Queen of the Yellow Faeries: Queen Faeya and standing beside me is Mr. Terry, the ‘Leader of the White Skeletons’.” Ms. Pericia said as she introduced everyone to Rai.

“That’s a lot of names. I apologize in advance if I forgot yours. Hello, everyone! I’m Rai. It is nice to meet you.” Rai cheerfully said as she introduced herself to everyone.

“Ahem! Let’s forget the formalities. Here’s my first question; Why are you not afraid to us?” King Philip said as he sat down beside Rai and asked her.

“Afraid? Uh? After what happened to me six months ago, I learned that envious ‘Fireiyans’ are far scarier than all of you. That’s why I am not afraid of you.” Rai said as he looked at her right arm.

“Okay! I understand. You smell liked freshly baked cookies.” King Philip said as he nodded and started sniffing Rai’s clothes.

“Dear! Please stop that. Get away from her. I’m really sorry about that.” Queen Faeya said as she flinched and apologized to Rai.

“No. Not at all.” Rai said as she blushed and then giggled.

“In behalf of the other three ‘Living Fiends’, I apologize that they cannot come in today’s meeting. Now, let’s get to the point. We want you to help us overthrow the Kingdom and take it back from the ‘Imperial Council’.” Mr. Terry seriously said as he took off his black hood, revealing his skeletonized face.

“Huh?! You want me – Wait! Overthrow? I-I don’t understand.” Rai exclaimed as she looked at everyone.

“We’re also called ‘Demons’ because we once had the same ‘Cursed Mark’ just like yours.” Queen Faeya said as she looked at Rai.

“’Cursed Mark? H-How did you knew that I had one?” Rai said as she flinched and took her red scarf off her neck.

Then, Rai slightly tilted her head and showed her fully-inked, infinity loop-shaped ‘Cursed Mark’ on her upper, right neck.

“I will give you a hint; your ‘Cursed Mark’ is somehow related to the ‘Three Factors’ written in the ‘Great Collision’ Prophecy.” ‘Ryo’ walked out of the ‘Cave’ and stretched out his legs.

“The ‘Great Collision’ Prophecy? Ah! I’ve heard that story from the ‘Royal Advisor’ himself. He told us that the Prophecy must be fulfilled in order to save the Kingdom from being destroyed by the ‘Seven Mythical Beasts’ and from those greedy ‘humans’? who lives on an another ‘island’. So, the ‘Wathyrian Reps’ decided to send out their ‘Armada’ to find that another ‘island’ and rumors said that the ‘Armada’ is now back at ‘Wathyria’ as we speak.” Rai said as she tells everyone.

“That traitorous bastard! I will make sure you’re fucking dead next time.” ‘Ryo’ seriously said as he turned around and looked at Rai.

‘Your highness

Please lower your voice.

The children are looking at you.’

Avia said as she was telepathically talking to ‘Ryo’.

Sammy and Nerisia got scared to ‘Ryo’ and ran to hide behind Vanny.

“Ah, yes! My apologies. I didn’t mean to scare you.” ‘Ryo’ said as he apologized to Sammy and Nerisia.

Sammy and Nerisia took a peek and looked at ‘Ryo’.

“Attack him!” Sammy and Nerisia said in chorus as they suddenly ran towards ‘Ryo’ and pushed him onto the ground.

“Yes! Let’s attack him.” King Philip and Vanny said as said in chorus as they also ran towards ‘Ryo’.

“Eh!? What? Hey! Stop pulling my hair. Help!” ‘Ryo’ said as he shouted out for help.

“Bad words are not allowed in our ‘Caves’. You said a bad word!” Nerisia said as she pinched ‘Ryo’s cheeks.

Sammy pulled his hair; Vanny tried tickling ‘Ryo’s feet while King Philip cheered for the two children.

Back inside the ‘Cave’…

“My children! Please stop that.” Ms. Janice said as she ran away to stop the commotion.

“So, what do you think? Will you help us then?” Mr. Terry said as he crossed his arms and asked Rai.

“Um? Overthrow huh? I-I cannot possibly do that but, yes I will lend you a hand.” Rai said as he looked at everyone.

“I understand – Wait! Yes? What do you mean by that?” Queen Faeya said as she asked Rai.

“I just thought that it is nice of you to ask me, a ‘Witch’, for my assistance. I promise I will not let you down.” Rai cheerfully said as she blushed.

“Then, our ‘Accord’ is now sealed.” Mr. Terry said as he walked away and shouted out of the ‘Cave’.

“Send this message to the other three ‘Living Fiends’: ’Salvation is at hand’. I tried to warned those ‘Imperial Soldiers’ but instead they raised their sword while inside our ‘Garden’.” Queen Faeya said as she ordered her husband.

“As you wish, milady. Trans-form!” King Philip said as he magically morphed into a huge, black hawk and flew away.

“A-Amazing! Uncle Philip transformed into a black hawk. Let’s follow him!” Nerisia said as she stood up and ran away, chasing the black hawk.

“Wait! Nerisia, where are you going?” Sammy said as he and Ms. Pericia ran away, chasing Nerisia.

“Finally, I’m free. Eh? What have they done to my hair?” ‘Ryo’ said as he stood up and dusted off his shirt.

“I’m sure my eldest daughter, Princess Faiye, will be happy to meet you.” Queen Faeya said as she looked at Rai.

“Um? Yes. Me too. My apologies, your highness but I must get back to the ‘Village’. Ms. Janice, Theo and Hikaru were probably worried about me.” Rai said as she stood up and stretched out her arms.

“Ah, yes! Mr. Terry will escort both of you out of the ‘Caves’.” Queen Faeya said as she and Rai looked at Mr. Terry.

Mr. Terry wore back his black hood and went out of the ‘Cave’.

“Please follow me.” Mr. Terry said as he looked at Rai.

“Uh? Okay. ‘Ryo’! Let’s go. We’re leaving!” Rai said as she tried to call ‘Ryo’.

“Coming! Those brats intentionally put mud and dirt on my hair. I cannot shake it off.” ‘Ryo’ said as he went back inside the ‘Cave’.

“Then, I guess this is goodbye. Goodbye, your highness.” Rai said as she and ‘Ryo’ ran away, chasing Mr. Terry.

“Goodbye. Did you hear that, my son? She promised to help us. Our salvation is at hand.” Queen Faeya said as she whispered onto her tummy.

In ‘Wathyria’

Inside the ‘Port of Cereza’…

‘Alementalia’s Major Port; Port of Cereza’ is the main and biggest port in the entire Kingdom. Every sixth months, the port opens and welcome merchants and visitors/tourists coming from the other three villages and ‘Main Island.’ A festival is held in ‘Wathyria’s Trading District’ to celebrate the sailors/merchants return from their voyage around the ‘Island’.

‘117th Wathyrian Armada’ is the biggest armada in the entire Kingdom. The ‘Armada’ is composed of 42 gigantic, metal war ships assembled by the ‘Wathyrians’ themselves. Each fleet has 7 ships and lead by the ‘Wathyrian Navy’ and its ‘Captain’.

The ‘Wathyrian Reps’ are waiting for Mr. Anderson, the ‘1st Fleet’s Captain’ to docked back on the ‘Port’.

“Ah! Mr. Jiro, my good friend. It is so nice to see you again.” Mr. Anderson said as he ran along the wooden ramp and hugged Mr. Jiro.

“Mr. Anderson? Welcome back to our ‘Village.’ Eh? It’s usual you didn’t bring some new and weird sea creatures as souvenirs for today.” Mr. Jirou said as he also hugged Mr. Jiro.

“Indeed! The ‘Wathyrian Navy’ is back. And as usual, my son, Andy is not here to welcome me. How sad.” Mr. Anderson said as he sighed and scratched his head.

“Anyway, we would love to hear your stories about your discovery of this another ‘Island’ – Eh?” Mr. Jiro said as Mr. Anderson carefully pushed him away.

“I’ll tell that later. For the meantime, let’s go to my house and drink. You can come too.” Mr. Anderson said as he turned around.

“Yes! Break time. Uh! I’m tired from inspecting all of those goods we’ve imported from the other ‘Villages’.” Mr. Akito said as he sighed and stretched out his arms.

“Captain! Where are we going to put this crate of fresh King crabs?” Mr. Crew member #1 said as he went down to the ramp, carrying the wooden crate filled with crabs.

“Just pile those crates over here.” Mr. Anderson said as he instructed his crew.

“Someone’s going to overtime. I think you should start inspecting those crates.” Ms. Aya said as she teased Mr. Akito.

“No! I hate overtime. Why me?!” Mr. Akito said as he cried out and started his inspection.

“Your highness! Your highness!” Mr. Fisherman #1 said as he and his wife ran along the wooden ramp and approached their ‘Village Chief’.

“Please calm down. Please tell us what happened.” Mr. Jiro said as he asked the fisherman.

“Uh? Look up in the sky. There’s a white, ‘Fire Bird’ flying above the ‘Port’.” Mr. Fisherman #1 said as everyone looked up.

“Indeed. It is a ‘Fire Bird’ – Wait! Did you just said ‘white’?” Mr. Jiro said as he asked the fisherman.

“Yes! I saw it following you and stopped in here. I wonder where did that came from.” Mr. Fisherman #1 said as he tells Mr. Jiro.

“Following me? A white ‘Fire bird’? Don’t tell me!” Mr. Jiro said as he looked at Ms. Aya.

“Yes, your right your highness. That’s Mr. Sai’s ‘Fire Bird’. He probably sent a letter for you.” Ms. Aya said as she and the others looked up in the sky.

“A letter? Okay. Let’s try calling it. ‘Hey! I’m down here!’” Mr. Jiro said as she yelled out, trying to call the ‘Fire Bird.’

The 1st ‘Fire Bird’ heard his call and slowly descended on the wooden ramp; Its wings were so big that Mr. Fisherman and his wife ran out of the wooden ramp.

“Woah! Indeed. It is Mr. Sai’s ‘Fire Bird’. What are you doing in here, little birdie? Eh!?” Mr. Akito said as he tried to touch its right wing.

But the 1st ‘Fire Bird’ instantly shoved him away and he accidentally slipped off the ramp; Mr. Akito, then, fell onto the water.

“Mr. Akito! Are you alright? Where is he?” Ms. Aya said as she kneeled down and looked into the water.

“I’m here! Don’t worry. We, ‘Wathyrians’, are natural born swimmers so I will not drown.” Mr. Akito said as he floats above the water and sneezed.

“Men! Come and help me pull Mr. Akito out of the water.” Mr. Anderson said as he called his crew.

“Uh? What is that?” Mr. Jiro said as he noticed something attached onto the ‘Fire Bird’s leg and untied it.

Mr. Jiro took out the letter and read it.

Three Days Later…

Back in the ‘Main Island’

Inside the open, training arena…

The new, ‘archer trainees’ and Ms. Annie are practicing their target range in the arena when the 2nd ‘Fire Bird’ finally arrived.

“Mayumi, your arrow went off the circular target. What happened?” Ms. Annie said as she approached and asked Mayumi.

“Ah! It’s nothing! I’m sorry. It’s just that I haven’t slept well last night.” Mayumi said as she apologized to Ms. Annie.

The other 28 trainees looked and giggled behind her.

“Your highness! I saw a white ‘Fire Bird’ flew and landed over there.” Ms. Archer Trainee #30 said as she ran towards Ms. Annie.

“A ‘Fire Bird’? Wait! Everyone, stay in here. Come with me.” Ms. Annie said as she wondered and ran away, followed by Ms. Archer Trainee #30.

Ms. Annie and the trainee saw the 2nd ‘Fire Bird’ landed inside the stage and immediately untied the letter off the ‘Fire Bird’s leg.

Ms. Annie opened the letter and read it.

In the ‘Lake of Va-al’s

Shoreline…

Hiiro was resting along the shoreline while waiting for Mr. Bobby and the others to arrive.

“Master, We’ve arrived.” Ms. Milly said as she, Mr. Bobby and Mr. Charlie behind Hiiro.

“Welcome back! Eh? What happened to you?” Hiiro said as he looked at Mr. Bobby and Mr. Charlie.

“I’ll tell you what happened! No.12, No.13, Ms. Lilia, and Ms. Carla ditched us; the others were dead and I am injured. Damn it! I almost lost Mei because of this stupid mission.” Mr. Charlie said as he hugged the silver case.

“Oh? I didn’t expect that. I guess one gold bar isn’t enough. Is there something else I need to know?” Hiiro said as he sighed and crossed his arms.

“Um? About that I – Eh? Is that a ‘Fire Bird’?” Ms. Milly said as she and the others looked up and saw the 3rd ‘Fire Bird’ flying above the ‘Lake’.

“That’s Mr. Sai’s white, ‘Fire Bird’ – Wait! What?” Hiiro said he looked up.

The 3rd ‘Fire Bird’ slowly descended in front of Hiiro and the others; After it descended, Hiiro saw a letter attached to its leg and untied it.

Hiiro opened the letter and read it.

“What!? Is he serious about this?” Hiiro exclaimed as he crumpled the parchment paper and tore it into pieces.

Meanwhile

In the I.C.H.Q…

Along the South Building’s Hallway…

“Your highness! Your highness! Where are you?” Emi#2 said as she yelled out along the Hallway.

“Harue’s not in the North Building.” Yuki said as he arrived behind Emi#2.

“I wonder where she is.” Mr. Carlo said as he, Emi#2 and Yuki were trying to find Harue.

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Thank you for waiting. Here’s Chapter XIV. Enjoy reading and will update next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.