The village square was so silent that a pin drop could have been heard. Every villager near the plaza was utterly shocked by the turn of events, their minds struggling to process what had just occurred. 'Did that really just happen?' they thought collectively, their faces a mixture of awe and disbelief, still trying to comprehend the impossible.
Linn stood in the center of the square, his fist still outstretched, a slight tremor running through his arm from the force of the blow. The nobleman, James Rhodonite the Third, lay unconscious a few feet away, his body sprawled awkwardly on the cobblestones. Linn shook his hand, trying to regain the feeling in his knuckles.
"I guess his jaw wasn't that strong after all," Linn stated, his voice surprisingly nonchalant, breaking the stunned silence. Everyone stared at him in wide-eyed shock.
"What?" Linn asked, tilting his head to one side, his expression slightly confused by their reaction. The three remaining Imperial soldiers rushed to their fallen commander's side, their faces filled with concern and a hint of panic.
"Captain!" one of the soldiers called out to Domon, his voice trembling. "He's out cold! He's not responding! What do we do?"
"What are your orders, Captain?" another soldier said, his gaze darting nervously between their unconscious commander and the young boy who had defeated him.
Domon remained silent for a long moment, his expression thoughtful, his gaze fixed on Linn.
"CAPTAIN!" the pudgy soldier called out, his voice louder this time, his eyes wide with worry.
"Huh? Oh, sorry," Domon said, his attention snapping back to the present. "I was just pondering the... the peculiar softness of babies' cheeks. It's quite the... tactile enigma."
"Captain, this is serious!" the first soldier exclaimed, his voice filled with exasperation. "Our commander has been defeated! What do we do now?!''
"Calm down. I will take care of this," Domon said, his voice firm and commanding, though his expression remained unreadable. "For now, our priority is the safety of our commander. Take him back to the chariot, immediately!"
"Yes, sir!" the second and pudgy soldiers replied, their movements suddenly brisk and efficient. They carefully lifted the unconscious James Rhodonite the Third and carried him back to the opulent white chariot, their faces grim.
"Now what, sir?" the first soldier asked as the other two returned, their expressions still troubled.
"Stand by for further orders!," Domon ordered, his voice sharp. The three soldiers saluted, their faces regaining a semblance of composure, though their eyes still betrayed their unease. Domon turned and slowly approached Linn, his gaze fixed on the young boy.
"Boy," Domon addressed Linn, his voice low and serious. "Do you have any idea what you have just done?"
"Punched the scum out of a scumbag?" Linn asked, his tone still casual, his expression slightly challenging.
"Yes, that is correct," Domon deadpanned, his face betraying a hint of amusement, despite the gravity of the situation.
"CAPTAIN?! YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO ADMIT THAT!!" the three soldiers comically screamed at him, their faces aghast. Domon ignored them, his attention fixed on Linn.
"But by doing so," Domon continued, his voice firm, "you have invoked the wrath of the Empire. You have struck a noble, a representative of the King himself. This is not a matter that will be taken lightly."
"From what I've seen," Linn said, his voice hardening, his eyes flashing with anger, "the Empire seems to enjoy tormenting innocent people, abusing their power, and generally being a bunch of bullies. And that doesn't sit well with me. Not one bit."
Domon sighed heavily, his expression thoughtful. "I understand that what you saw was... not the most flattering portrayal of the Empire," Domon conceded, his voice surprisingly reasonable. "But I assure you, the Empire is not inherently evil. We are doing what we believe is best for the people, maintaining order, protecting our citizens, and ensuring the prosperity of our land."
"Do you honestly believe that?" Linn asked, his voice filled with skepticism, his eyes searching Domon's.
"What do you mean?" Domon asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Linn stepped closer, his voice low and intense. "You see, I kinda have this... this ability. I can sense people's auras, their true nature. I can tell if someone is good or evil, deep down. It's like a... a good/evil radar, I guess. And that guy," Linn pointed towards the chariot, where the unconscious James Rhodonite the Third lay, "he radiated with pure, unadulterated evil energy. It was so bad it made me sick to my stomach. But I don't get that same feeling from you. You're different. That's why I don't understand why someone like you, someone who doesn't seem inherently bad, is working for a man like him, for an organization like the Empire."
Domon sighed again, a long, weary sound. An image of a kind-faced woman and two small children flashed in his mind, their faces filled with love and longing. He opened his eyes and looked at Linn, his expression somber.
"Regardless of how I feel about the Empire, or about certain individuals within it," Domon said, his voice filled with a quiet resignation, "this is my duty. This is my job. I am a soldier of the Empire, and I have sworn an oath to serve the King and his people, however he see it."
"But you're not a bad guy!" Linn shouted, his voice filled with frustration and a hint of desperation. "Why would you work for bad people? I don't understand! It doesn't make any sense!"
Domon closed his eyes, his face etched with a deep sadness. The image of the woman and children returned, their smiles haunting him. He opened his eyes and looked at Linn, his gaze filled with a complex mixture of emotions.
"You are just a child" Domon said, his voice low and heavy. "You have not lived long enough to understand the complexities of the world, the burdens of responsibility, the sacrifices we make for those we care about. I don't expect you to understand." He straightened his posture, his expression hardening, his voice regaining its military authority. "Be that as it may, none of that changes the fact that you have attacked a noble of the Empire, a direct affront to the King's authority. The Empire is not going to take this lightly. Forget merely bringing you in for questioning; I may have no choice but to kill you here and now. That is the consequence of your actions."
"Master!" Tomodachi spoke up, his voice filled with alarm, his ears drooping slightly. "I'm sensing extreme hostility from him! He's not bluffing! He intends to fight!"
"Linn..." Yuzu said, her voice filled with worry, her hand reaching out to touch his arm.
Linn was sweating slightly, his face pale but his expression hardened with determination. He knew, deep down, that this was not a fight he could back down from. He had crossed a line, and now he had to face the consequences.
"Tomo, Yuzu, get the kids out of here. Take them somewhere safe," Linn ordered, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Master?" Tomodachi asked, his expression filled with concern.
"What about you, Linn? What are you going to do?" Yuzu asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"It looks like this guy is not going to let me off the hook," Linn said, his gaze fixed on Domon, his body tensing, preparing for battle. "I've got no choice but to fight. I can't let him hurt anyone else." Linn stepped forward, adopting a fighting stance, his fists clenched, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination.
"But I can't just... I can't just leave you here to fight him alone!" Yuzu began, her voice filled with protest, her hand reaching out to him.
Before she could finish, Makoto gently took her hand, his small fingers surprisingly strong. "It's okay, Yuzu-san," Makoto said, his voice surprisingly calm and mature for his age. "Linn-san can handle this. He's strong. And we would only get in the way. He needs space to fight."
"But..." Yuzu said, still hesitant, her eyes filled with worry.
"He's right, Yuzu," Tomodachi said, his voice low and serious, his gaze fixed on Maggie, who was still cradled in his arms, her face pale and tear-streaked. "We still have an injured girl here. We need to get her to safety, where she can receive proper care. We can't afford to be distracted."
Yuzu looked at Maggie, her face etched with pain and fear, and then turned her gaze back to Linn, her expression filled with a mixture of worry and reluctant acceptance.
"Okay," Yuzu said, her voice barely a whisper. "Linn, please... please be careful! Don't do anything reckless! We'll be waiting for you." Makoto took Yuzu's hand and gently pulled her away, leading her towards the edge of the crowd.
"You got this, Master! Show him what you're made of!" Tomodachi said, offering a weak smile, before turning and carrying Maggie away, following Yuzu and Makoto.
Linn smiled back at his friends, his expression reassuring, though his heart pounded in his chest. He then turned his attention back to Domon, his gaze hardening, his focus sharpening.
"Thank you for waiting," Linn said, his voice calm and steady, though his adrenaline was surging.
Domon raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Don't think for a moment that I will go easy on you just because you are a child," Domon said, his voice low and dangerous. "Are you absolutely certain you wish to do this? This is not a game. This is a fight for your life."
Linn smirked, his earlier bravado returning, his eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. "I should be asking you that, old man," Linn said, his voice filled with confidence. "Are you sure you're ready for this? I'm just getting started!"
"Fair enough," Domon said, a flicker of respect in his eyes. What is your name child?"
"Linn Tsukiyomi, the hero!" Linn proclaimed. "And yourself?"
"Domon Tirion, Guard Captain of the Empire," Domon replied. "Let us begin."
Domon charged at Linn with astonishing speed, his movements fluid and powerful, his golden armor gleaming in the sunlight. He unleashed a powerful punch, aimed directly at Linn's stomach. Linn, caught off guard by the sheer speed and force of the attack, barely managed to raise his arms in time to partially block the blow. He was still sent flying back several feet, clutching his abdomen, the force of the impact knocking the wind out of him. Domon continued his assault, his movements relentless and precise, delivering a barrage of rapid-fire left and right jabs. Linn, his senses reeling, dodged the attacks with desperate agility, narrowly avoiding each blow. He saw an opening and launched a desperate straight punch at Domon's face. Domon, though momentarily surprised by the boy's resilience, recovered quickly and stumbled back slightly. He regained his balance and retaliated with a swift, powerful roundhouse kick, the force of which connected squarely with Linn's neck.
Linn was sent flying once more, crashing heavily to the ground several feet away. He sat up slowly, holding his neck, his face contorted with pain. 'He's incredibly strong!' Linn thought, his mind racing. 'So this is the power of the Empire? This is what I'm up against?'
Domon stepped towards Linn, his expression serious, his voice filled with a strange mixture of respect and warning. "Now, do you understand, Linn Tsukiyomi, the 'hero'?" Domon said, his voice low and commanding. "There may still be a chance of smoothing things over with the Empire, if you surrender now. If you give up, I might be able to convince them to show you some mercy. But if you continue this pointless resistance, you will only face further pain and suffering. Is this truly the path you wish to take?"
Linn slowly got to his feet, his body aching, his bruises throbbing, but his eyes still burning with defiance. A small smirk played on his lips. "Sorry, old man," Linn said, his voice slightly strained, but unwavering, "but giving up is not in my vocabulary. I don't know the meaning of the word. I never back down from a fight, especially when innocent people are in danger." Linn got back into his fighting stance, his movements slightly shaky, but his determination unwavering. "Now, let's keep going! I'm just getting warmed up!"
Domon was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful.
"Hello? Anybody there?" Linn asked, waving his hand in front of Domon's face.
Domon didn't respond, his gaze fixed on some distant point.
"HEY! Earth to Domon!" Linn yelled, his voice slightly louder.
"Huh? Oh, sorry," Domon said, his attention snapping back to the present. "I was just... just wondering why the word 'dog' is 'god' spelled backward. It's a rather... philosophically intriguing conundrum, don't you think?" Linn sweatdropped, his expression a mixture of confusion and exasperation.
"Anyway," Linn said, shaking his head, trying to refocus the situation. "Let's keep going! We haven't finished this yet!" Linn charged at Domon once more, his movements faster and more unpredictable this time. Domon nodded slowly and charged as well, his movements deliberate and powerful. The two warriors clashed, trading blows with incredible speed and ferocity. Domon landed a powerful punch to Linn's jaw, sending him staggering. Linn retaliated with a sharp, precise punch to Domon's stomach, the force of which made the armored soldier grunt. Domon countered with a brutal kick to Linn's knees, attempting to cripple him. Linn, his agility surprising the older warrior, dodged the kick and delivered a straight punch to Domon's chest, the impact resonating through the heavy armor. The crowd watched in stunned awe, their initial fear and apprehension slowly giving way to a mixture of amazement and disbelief. They had never witnessed a fight like this before, a clash of such raw power and skill, between a seemingly ordinary boy and a legendary warrior of the Empire.
'He's far more skilled than I initially anticipated,' Domon thought, his mind racing, his respect for the young boy growing with each passing moment. 'If this continues, I might actually... I might actually lose.' Domon's thoughts were interrupted as Linn, with a desperate surge of adrenaline, delivered a powerful uppercut to Domon's chin, the force of which sent the armored warrior flying backward, landing heavily on his back.
Domon lay there motionless for a moment, his eyes staring up at the sky, his body aching, his pride wounded. 'I knew it...' Domon thought, a strange sense of acceptance washing over him.
Linn was breathing heavily, his chest heaving, his body covered in bruises, his muscles screaming in protest. He stared at Domon's motionless form, his heart pounding, hoping against hope that the older warrior would stay down. The crowd was once again stunned into silence, their eyes fixed on the fallen warrior, waiting to see if anything else would happen. The three remaining Imperial soldiers were panicking, their faces a mixture of fear and disbelief as they watched their seemingly invincible captain lying defeated.
"Captain...?" one of the soldiers said, his voice barely a whisper.
Domon didn't respond, his body still, his eyes closed.
"Captain!" another soldier said, his voice louder this time, his eyes wide with fear.
Domon was silent.
"CAPTAIN!" the pudgy soldier yelled, his voice cracking with emotion, tears welling up in his eyes.
Domon remained silent, his body unmoving. The three soldiers rushed to his side, their faces filled with despair.
"It... it can't be..." the first soldier said, his voice trembling. "The Captain... defeated by this boy? It's impossible!"
"That can't be true!" the second soldier said, his voice filled with denial. "The Captain is one of the strongest warriors in the entire Empire! He's a legend!"
"But... but the Captain is not moving!" the pudgy soldier said, his voice breaking, tears streaming down his face. "What are we going to do? What are we supposed to do now? We're lost without him!"
"Stop crying, you two! Pull yourselves together!" the first soldier snapped, though his own voice trembled slightly, and tears glistened in his eyes. He slapped the second and pudgy soldiers on the head, his movements rough but filled with a strange sort of camaraderie. "We are soldiers of the Empire! The Captain wouldn't want us to wallow in self-pity! He's probably looking down at us from... from wherever great warriors go, and thinking, 'What a bunch of spineless wimps, crying over my death. Did I really train these pathetic excuses for soldiers?' We are better than this! We need to be strong! We need to avenge our Captain! We need to show this village, and this boy, that the Empire is not to be trifled with!"
"But you're crying too!" the second and pudgy soldiers pointed out, their voices still choked with tears, their eyes fixed on the large tear streaks running down their comrade's face.
"Shut up! I'm not crying! I just... I just have something in my eye!" the first soldier said, wiping his tears away with his sleeve, his voice thick with emotion. Everybody else in the square just stared at the scene unfolding before them, their expressions a mixture of confusion, amusement, and a strange sort of sympathy.
"I... I know what we need to do," the first soldier declared, his voice filled with a newfound resolve, though his face was still red and puffy. "We need to avenge our Captain's honor! And to do that, we need to take out that boy! We need to show him the true power of the Empire!" The second and pudgy soldiers nodded in agreement, their faces hardening, their tears momentarily forgotten. They turned towards Linn, their eyes filled with a mixture of grief and fury. Linn, sensing their intentions, tensed, his body aching, his adrenaline fading, but his determination unwavering. He got back into a fighting stance, his muscles screaming in protest, preparing to face another onslaught.
"FOR THE CAPTAIN!" the three soldiers yelled in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of rage and sorrow, as they charged towards Linn, their movements clumsy but filled with a desperate fury.
"STOP!" a voice called out, clear and strong, cutting through the tense atmosphere.
The three soldiers, their charge faltering, stopped in their tracks and turned around to find Domon standing, albeit shakily, on his feet.
"CAPTAIN! You're alive!" the three soldiers shouted, their faces lighting up with joy, tears of relief streaming down their faces. Domon sweatdropped, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
"Obviously," Domon sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Did you really think I would be defeated so easily? By a mere child?"
"But... but you weren't moving! We thought... we thought the worst!" the first soldier stammered, his voice filled with relief.
"I was merely... gathering my thoughts," Domon said, his expression calm and collected, though he winced slightly as he moved. "Now, stand down, all of you. This is my fight. I will handle this." Domon walked past the three soldiers, his movements slow but deliberate, his gaze fixed on Linn. He stopped a few feet away from the young boy, his expression unreadable. Linn looked up at Domon, his body trembling with exhaustion, his fighting stance still firm, but his movements sluggish. Domon looked down at Linn, his eyes filled with a complex mixture of respect, disappointment, and a strange sort of understanding. He then bowed deeply, his head lowered in a gesture of surrender.
"I... I surrender," Domon stated, his voice clear and firm, cutting through the lingering tension in the air.
A collective gasp swept through the crowd, their expressions shifting from awe and fear to utter shock and disbelief. Even Linn, standing amidst the aftermath of the battle, was taken aback by Domon's unexpected declaration.
"What...?" Linn said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"I said I surrender," Domon repeated, his gaze unwavering, his posture still proud despite the admission of defeat. "I give up. You win, Linn Tsukiyomi."
The Empire soldiers, standing behind their captain, were visibly shaken by his words. They rushed forward, their voices filled with disbelief and protest.
"Captain?! You can't be serious! You're the pride of the Empire's army!" Soldier One exclaimed, his face etched with dismay.
"Surely you have more fight left in you, sir! You can still turn this around!" Soldier Two pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. Soldier Three nodded in fervent agreement.
Domon held up a hand, silencing their protests with a single, authoritative gesture. "No, this is it," he said, his voice resolute. "I know when I've been bested. Continuing this fight would only result in further defeat"
"But... but what about Mr. Rhodonite? And the King's orders?" Soldier One asked, his voice trembling slightly. "They're not just going to let this go. They'll demand retribution."
Domon's expression hardened, a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "I will handle Mr. Rhodonite. As for the King... I will explain the situation to him myself. I will take full responsibility for this outcome. You are not to concern yourselves with that." He paused, his gaze sweeping over his men. "Get back to the chariot. We are leaving this place."
"YES, SIR!" the soldiers responded, their initial shock slowly giving way to a reluctant acceptance of their captain's decision. They turned and marched towards the ornate chariot, their footsteps heavy with a mixture of disappointment and relief.
Domon turned his attention back to Linn, his expression thoughtful, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Linn Tsukiyomi, the hero," he said, his voice carrying a newfound weight. "You are indeed no ordinary boy. Your strength and resolve are... remarkable. But I must warn you again, Linn Tsukiyomi. The Empire will not take this defeat lightly. They will not simply forget what happened here today. They will come after you. The full might of the Empire will be unleashed. Are you truly willing to fight against an entire nation?"
Linn pondered Domon's words, his expression serious, his mind weighing the consequences of his actions. He thought of the villagers he had protected, the innocent lives he had saved, and the unwavering determination that drove him forward. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with conviction. "I have no interest in the Empire, or their petty squabbles. I don't know if the Empire is good or bad. I only know that if there are bad people within its ranks, people who abuse their power and harm the innocent, then I won't hesitate to fight back. But if there are good people like you, people who strive for justice and fairness, then I wouldn't want to fight them. All I care about is finding my friends, and if the Empire, or anyone else, thinks they can stop me from doing that, then they've got another thing coming."
Domon closed his eyes, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed Linn's words. The still image of the woman and two kids ocucuping his mind. A faint smile touched his lips, a subtle acknowledgment of the complexity of the world and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
"Very well," Domon said, his voice softer now, the edge of hostility replaced by a sense of understanding. "Victory is yours, Linn Tsukiyomi. You have proven your strength and your conviction. But mark my words, the next time we meet, I won't be as... lenient."
With that, Domon turned and walked towards the waiting chariot, his figure silhouetted against the setting sun. He climbed inside, the driver snapped the reins, and the chariot rumbled away, disappearing into the distance, leaving behind an eerie silence. The Empire, for now, was gone.
Linn sighed in relief, the tension slowly draining from his body. He looked at the crowd of villagers, their faces filled with awe and gratitude, their eyes fixed on him with a mixture of wonder and admiration. Linn blinked, his earlier bravado replaced by a sudden wave of self-consciousness.
"Uh..." Linn said, his voice uncertain, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn't quite sure how to react to the overwhelming attention. The crowd, however, had no such reservations.
A deafening cheer erupted from the villagers, their voices filled with jubilation and excitement. They surged forward, surrounding Linn, their faces beaming with gratitude and admiration.
"That was amazing, young man! You fought against the Empire and won!"
"He's a true hero! We'll never forget what you did for us!"
"He's so cool and strong! I wish I had a child like him!"
"Marry me, young hero! !"
The crowd continued to cheer and congratulate him, their voices a cacophony of praise and adoration. Linn blushed bashfully, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, his earlier confidence replaced by a sheepish grin. He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes darting around at the sea of smiling faces.
Tomodachi and Yuzu, having recovered from their earlier shock, ran towards Linn, their expressions filled with unbridled joy and relief. Tomodachi leaped onto Linn, showering him with enthusiastic licks and nuzzles, while Yuzu wrapped her arms around him in a tight, tearful hug, peppering him with kisses.
"You did it, Master! You actually did it!" Tomodachi exclaimed, his voice muffled by Linn's clothes.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Linn! I was so worried!" Yuzu said, her voice choked with emotion, tears streaming down her face.
"Ha ha, cut it out, you guys," Linn said, chuckling softly, his embarrassment slowly giving way to genuine happiness. He gently disentangled himself from their affectionate embrace, his smile warm and grateful.
The mayor, beaming with gratitude, walked up to Linn and clapped him on the shoulder, his voice filled with relief. "Good job, young man! You helped our village in its time of need. We are all deeply indebted to you. Is there any way I can express our thanks?"
"No need for thanks, Mister Mayor," Linn said, striking a heroic pose, his chest puffed out with pride. "This is all in a day's work for Linn Tsukiyomi, the he—"
Linn's grand declaration was abruptly cut short as Yuzu, her face a mask of fury, suddenly grabbed him by the ear and dragged him away, her grip surprisingly strong. Tomodachi, his ears perked up in surprise, followed them, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement. The mayor and the crowd watched, utterly bewildered, as the trio disappeared into a nearby alleyway.
000
Yuzu dragged Linn into a secluded alleyway, releasing his ear with a forceful tug. Linn winced, rubbing his reddened ear and gazing at Yuzu with a wounded expression. Yuzu, her hands on her hips, assumed her most intimidating scolding posture, her eyes narrowed, her expression thunderous.
"Don't look at me like that, Mister!" Yuzu said, her voice dangerously low. "You know exactly what you did back there!"
Linn blinked innocently, his expression shifting to one of confusion. Tomodachi joined them, his head tilted slightly, his ears twitching. "Uh, refresh my memory? I seem to have misplaced it somewhere between 'saving the village' and 'being a hero'," Linn said, his tone light and teasing, though a hint of nervousness underlay his words.
Yuzu sighed, her anger momentarily softening into exasperation. "I thought the plan was to rescue Finesse-san and the others from that arrogant jerk, and then figure out a way to pay Finesse-san's taxes, remember?"
"Oh," Linn said, his eyes widening slightly. "Right, that. The plan."
"Yes, the plan, which you completely disregarded!" Yuzu emphasized, her voice rising in volume.
"What happened to 'sticking to the plan' and 'not making things worse'?" Tomodachi added helpfully, though a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes.
"I'm sorry!" Linn said, bowing apologetically, his hands clasped together in a gesture of contrition. "But I couldn't just stand by and let that jerk get away with treating those people like that, especially after what he did to Finesse-san! One thing led to another, and suddenly I was... well, you saw what happened."
"Besides," Tomodachi piped up, his tone surprisingly deadpan. "The Master was victorious, and those Empire guys did leave. I fail to see the problem. The village is safe, Finesse-san is safe, and those kids are probably patting themselves on the back for their bravery. It all worked out in the end, didn't it?"
"Oh yes, no problem at all," Yuzu said sarcastically, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Except for the fact that we now have the ENTRIE EMPIRE breathing down our necks! Do you two have any idea what we,ve done?! We've just declared war on one of the most powerful kingdoms in this entire world!" Yuzu shouted, her voice echoing through the alleyway, making Linn and Tomodachi wince and cover their ears.
"Hey now, it's going to be okay," Linn reassured her, though his own bravado was slightly diminished by the sheer intensity of Yuzu's anger. "I'll handle it somehow. I always do."
"But..." Yuzu said, her voice filled with concern, her anger giving way to worry. "Linn..."
"If you have an issue with Master Linn's decision, you can always leave," Tomodachi said, his voice flat and emotionless, his gaze fixed on Yuzu.
"Tomo!" Linn scolded, his eyes widening in surprise at Tomodachi's uncharacteristic bluntness.
Tomodachi simply shrugged, his expression unchanging. "I'm just saying... you do have a choice, Yuzu. You're not obligated to stay with us if you think the Master is being reckless."
Yuzu's expression softened, her anger replaced by a complex mixture of emotions: worry, exasperation, and a deep-seated loyalty. She sighed, rubbing her temple wearily. "I never said I was going to leave, you two. Don't be ridiculous. I'm just worried that this is going to come back to haunt us."
"You sure?" Linn asked, his eyes searching hers, his expression filled with a mixture of hope and gratitude.
Yuzu smiled, a small, weary smile, but a genuine one nonetheless. "Yes, I'm sure. I'm worried about what the Empire is going to do about this, and I think you're being incredibly reckless and impulsive, as usual. But I'm not going to let you handle this alone. We're in this together, remember?"
"Thanks, Yuzu," Linn said, his smile widening, his eyes filled with warmth and appreciation.
"You're welcome, you big idiot," Yuzu replied, rolling her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips as well. "Now, let's go back to the orphanage and see how everyone is doing,"
The trio turned and walked out of the alleyway, heading back towards the orphanage,
000
The trio arrived back at the orphanage and entered the dining room, the atmosphere subdued but relieved. They found Maggie sitting in a chair, her injured leg propped up, with Makoto standing anxiously beside her. Finesse was just finishing bandaging Maggie's wound, her expression a mixture of concern and gentle reassurance.
"Is she going to be alright?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with worry.
Finesse tied off the bandage and addressed Yuzu, offering a small, reassuring smile. "She'll be fine, Yuzu-chan. It's not a serious injury, thankfully. She just needs to rest and keep the weight off her leg for a while. A few days of quiet recovery, and she'll be back to her usual self."
"Thank goodness..." Yuzu sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"You hear that, Maggie-chan? You'll be better in no time!" Makoto cheered, pumping his small fists in the air with enthusiasm.
"Y-yeah..." Maggie said, her voice still a bit shaky, but a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Just then, the "Justice Warriors" boys, Bill, Clark, and George, walked tentatively into the dining room, their earlier bravado replaced by a somber demeanor.
"Hey, Maggie," Bill said, his voice hesitant, his eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and concern. "I'm... I'm glad to see you're okay."
Maggie's expression hardened, her gaze turning cold and accusatory. "Yeah, no thanks to you three, you jerks!" she retorted, her voice filled with bitterness.
The boys were taken aback by her harsh words, their faces falling.
"W-what the heck, Maggie?!" Bill stammered, his voice filled with surprise. "We came to check on you! To see if you were alright! And that's how you treat us?!"
"Like how you came to 'check on me' when I got shot and left for dead?!" Maggie said, her voice rising, tears welling up in her eyes. "I thought you guys were my friends... my best friends. But you abandoned me! You ran away and left me to face that monster alone!"
Clark and George looked down in shame, their faces etched with guilt and remorse. But Bill, ever defiant, remained stubbornly adamant.
"We were going to come back and rescue you! We just... we just had to regroup and come up with a better plan! We couldn't just charge in there blindly!" Bill stammered, his excuses sounding weak even to his own ears.
"Ran off like a bunch of cowards, you mean," Maggie said, her voice filled with scorn. "At least Makoto-kun came to my rescue! He was more of a man than all three of you combined! He didn't hesitate for a second. And you call yourselves 'Justice Warriors'?"
At that, Bill's face flushed with anger, his pride wounded. He stepped closer to Maggie, his voice rising, his expression challenging.
"How dare you?! I'm way more of a man than Makoto is! And how can you take his side over ours?! He's the enemy, remember? He's probably the one who made the Empire do those horrible things to us!"
"That's not true, and you know it!" Makoto piped up, his voice surprisingly firm, his eyes blazing with righteous indignation. "I had nothing to do with that!''
"Yeah, right, you liar! Like how you had nothing to do with our parents' murder!" Bill sneered, his voice dripping with venom.
"He didn't have anything to do with your parents' murder!" Linn chimed in, stepping forward, his voice filled with authority. "That was all the Empire's fault, not Makoto's. And for your information, Makoto's parents died because of the Empire too, you self-centered—"
Bill turned to Linn, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and hostility. "Who the heck are you supposed to be, anyway?"
"I am Linn Tsukiyomi, the hero!" Linn proclaimed, striking a dramatic pose, his voice filled with conviction. "Which reminds me, I needed to have a little... chat with you guys about what it really means to be a hero. You seem to have a rather... distorted understanding of the concept."
Bill raised his eyebrows, his expression skeptical and mocking. "Oh, really? And what's that supposed to mean, Mr. Hero?"
"I'm saying," Linn said, his voice filled with sincerity and a hint of disappointment, "how can you call yourselves 'Justice Warriors' when all you do is bully a defenseless kid, make pathetic excuses for your actions, and not even bother to help your comrade when she's lying injured and bleeding? A real Justice Warrior would stand up for what's right, protect the weak, and never give up, no matter how bad things look. What you guys do isn't being a Justice Warrior at all. It's the exact opposite of being a hero. It's... it's downright villainous!"
Linn finished his speech, his voice ringing with conviction and disappointment. The room was silent, the air thick with tension. Everyone had a different reaction. Yuzu smiled, a small, proud smile. Tomodachi nodded in approval, his ears perked up. Finesse and Makoto clapped softly, their expressions filled with gratitude and admiration. Clark, George, and even Maggie looked down in shame, their faces etched with guilt and remorse. Bill, however, was absolutely furious, his face flushed with anger, his eyes blazing with resentment.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" Bill said, his voice trembling with rage. "We are the good guys here, not the bad guys! We're the ones fighting for justice! Right, guys? Tell him he's wrong! Tell him we're the heroes!"
Nobody responded. The silence stretched, heavy and uncomfortable.
"Guys, come on..." Bill said, his voice pleading, his bravado crumbling. "Don't you agree with me? We're the Justice Warriors, remember?"
Clark adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful and conflicted. "I'm... I'm sorry, Bill, but now that I think about it... he's right. We haven't really done anything heroic. We've just been... lashing out. Blaming Makoto-kun for things that weren't his fault."
"Yeah," George said, his voice filled with regret. "We did a lot of bad things, and we tried to justify them by claiming it was for 'justice'. But what we were really doing was... bullying. And it was wrong."
"At first, I thought what we were doing was right," Maggie said, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze fixed on the floor, her cheeks flushed with shame. "I thought Makoto-kun was our sworn enemy, the son of the people who killed our parents. But despite everything we did to him, he still came to my rescue. He saved me when you guys... when you guys abandoned me." Maggie looked at Makoto, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and a strange, unfamiliar feeling. Makoto met her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile. Maggie quickly broke eye contact, turning sideways, her blush deepening, her heart pounding in her chest. 'And now that I no longer see him as an enemy... he's actually kinda cute...' she thought, her mind racing.
Bill stood there, his mouth agape, his face a mask of shock and disbelief. He couldn't comprehend what was happening. His friends, his comrades, were turning against him.
"Guys... are you kidding me?" Bill asked, his voice incredulous. "You're just going to give up on our goal? On our promise to avenge our parents? On being the Justice Warriors? Just like that?"
"If it means having to continue doing bad things, hurting innocent people, and bullying Makoto-kun, then yes," Maggie said, her voice firm and resolute. "I quit being a Justice Warrior. I don't want to be a 'hero' if it means being a bully."
"Me too," Clark said, nodding in agreement. "I don't want to be like this anymore."
"Me three," George added, his voice filled with conviction. "We were wrong, Bill. And we need to make things right."
Bill looked at his friends, his expression a mixture of shock, anger, and betrayal. "Traitors! All of you are traitors!" he shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. He turned to Linn, his finger pointing accusingly. "This is all your fault! You manipulated them! You turned them against me!"
"Hey now, don't blame me for your friends finally coming to their senses," Linn said, his expression calm and reasonable. "I was just telling the truth about how I saw it. They made their own choices."
"Liar! I bet you planned this all along, you and Makoto! This was your evil plan to destroy us!" Bill accused, his voice rising in hysteria.
Linn's patience finally snapped. A tick mark appeared on his forehead, his expression hardening. He stepped closer to Bill, his voice low and dangerous. "Who are you calling evil, you little brat?! You're the one who was bullying Makoto, remember? You're the one who abandoned Maggie when she was injured! Don't try to twist this around and make me the villain!"
"Oh yeah?! Well, you want a piece of me, hero?! Is that it?!" Bill challenged, stepping closer to Linn, his fists clenched, his face red with anger.
BonkBonk
The two boys stopped their heated argument, their hands flying to their heads, wincing in pain. Comical bumps appeared on both of their heads as Yuzu, her face a mask of stern disapproval, bonked them both soundly with her trusty ladle.
"Knock it off, you two!" Yuzu yelled sternly, her voice echoing through the dining room. "This is no way to behave!"
"He started it!" they both whined in unison, pointing accusingly at each other, like squabbling siblings. Yuzu sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. She smacked her ladle on the ground hard, the sound echoing ominously. The two boys gulped in fear, their bravado instantly evaporating.
"I don't care who started it; I'm ending it," Yuzu declared, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Now, Linn, you're the older one here. You need to be more mature about these types of things. Stop bickering with children."
"But he insulted my heroness! He called me a—" Linn tried to explain, his voice pleading. Yuzu silenced him with a fearsome glare, her eyes narrowing into slits.
"Are you talking back to me, Mister?" Yuzu said, her voice dangerously low, sending a shiver down Linn's spine.
"No, ma'am! Of course not, ma'am!" Linn responded quickly, his voice trembling slightly.
"Good," Yuzu said, her expression softening slightly. She turned her attention to Bill, her gaze hardening once more. "As for you, Bill-kun, what Linn said is true. You and your friends have done nothing but bully people, particularly Makoto-kun. Which reminds me, you still need to be punished for your earlier behavior. You haven't learned your lesson, have you?"
"What?! That is not fair! You can't do that! You're not even our parent! You don't have any authority over us, You old hag- Ow!" Bill protested, but his words were cut short as Yuzu smacked him on the head with her ladle again, her aim precise and unforgiving.
"That's too bad, because it's happening," Yuzu said, her voice flat and emotionless. She turned her attention to Clark and George, her gaze sweeping over them with a stern finality. "That goes for you two as well. You were just as guilty as he was."
George was about to protest, but Clark laid a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head slowly. He knew better than to argue with Yuzu when she was in this mood.
"Now that that's settled, let's go, you three," Yuzu said, turning and walking towards the entrance of the dining room, her back straight, her posture radiating an aura of unwavering authority.
"This doesn't settle anything!" Bill growled, his voice filled with resentment. "What authority do you even have to punish us like this?! You're just some crazy lady with a ladle!"
"Let's go, Bill-kun," Yuzu said, her voice calm but firm, not even turning around.
"But—" Bill began to argue.
"Yes, your butt, my ladle, the usual room. Let's. Go," Yuzu threatened, her voice taking on a menacing edge. The threat was clear, and the consequences were well-known.
Bill swallowed hard, his face paling. He turned to Finesse, his eyes pleading. "Miss Finesse, you're not going to let her do this to us, are you? You're our guardian! You have to protect us!"
Finesse bowed her head apologetically, her expression filled with sympathy, but also a hint of fear. "I'm... I'm sorry, Bill-kun, but if I get involved, she'll spank me too."
"WHAT?!" Bill comically screamed, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"William Yoshikawa, if I have to call your full name one more time, you will regret it," Yuzu's voice rang out from the entrance, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming..." Bill sighed in defeat, his shoulders slumping, his earlier defiance completely extinguished. He begrudgingly walked towards the entrance of the dining room, dragging his feet. He stopped at the threshold, turning back to glare at Linn and Makoto, his eyes filled with resentment.
"This isn't over! I'll get revenge for this! On both of you! Do you hear me?! On my honor as a Justice Warrior, I'll have my revenge—Ow!" Bill's threat was cut short as Yuzu, with the speed and precision of a seasoned warrior, grabbed him by the ear and dragged him out of the dining room, his protests muffled and ineffective.
Everyone in the dining room stared at the entrance, their expressions a mixture of shock, awe, and a healthy dose of fear. The next thing they knew, the sounds of muffled cries and whimpers echoed from one of the nearby rooms. Cries of "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I won't do it again! No, please! Not again! Daddy, no!" could be heard, followed by the distinct sound of rhythmic thwacks. After a few agonizing seconds, the sounds ceased, and Yuzu returned to the dining hall, dusting her hands off with an air of quiet satisfaction.
"Punishment complete," Yuzu announced, her expression calm and composed. Everyone just stared at her, their faces a mixture of horror and morbid fascination.
'Scary...' everyone thought in unison, a collective shiver running down their spines.
Yuzu approached Maggie, her expression softening with concern. "Are you sure you're alright, Maggie-chan? You're not seriously injured, are you?"
Maggie blinked, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh! Yes, I'm fine, Yuzu-san. Really. It just... it stings a little. But I'll be okay."
"That's good," Yuzu sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I wouldn't want to feel any more guilt than I already do for having to hurt you even more when I dish out your... punishment."
Maggie froze, her eyes widening in horror, her face paling. "...Eh?"
Yuzu placed her hands on her hips, her expression stern and unwavering. "Don't 'eh' me, young lady. If I recall correctly, you were also part of that little... scene earlier. Don't think for a second that you can escape punishment just because you got a boo-boo on your leg. You're not getting off that easily."
"But... but..." Maggie pleaded, her voice trembling, her eyes darting nervously towards the door from which the sounds of punishment had recently emanated. She stopped as Yuzu fixed her with a withering glare. "...Yes, ma'am."
"That's better," Yuzu said, her expression softening slightly. She was about to continue when she felt a small tug on her arm. She looked down to find Makoto, his small hand clutching her sleeve, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
"Wait, Yuzu-chan, please... can't you just let this one slide? Just this once?" Makoto asked, his voice pleading.
"Makoto?" Linn said, surprised by the boy's unexpected interjection. Everyone else in the room also had surprised expressions on their faces.
"But... but why, Makoto-kun?" Yuzu asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "After everything they did to you? After everything they said?"
Makoto looked down, his expression thoughtful. "I know what the Justice Warriors did was bad. They bullied me, they hurt my feelings, and they even abandoned Maggie-chan when she was injured. But I kinda... I kinda understand why they did it. I never blamed them for bullying me. I mean, my parents... they killed their parents, remember? I can see why they're so angry with me. It's not fair, but I get it."
Makoto looked up, his eyes shining with a newfound resolve. "But I know they're not bad kids, deep down. They're just... they're lost and confused, and they don't know what to do with their anger and grief. I always thought my parents were good people. I didn't realize they were capable of doing such horrible things to other people, to innocent families. It's... it's hard to accept."
Makoto took a deep breath, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "So that's why... that's why I want to be a hero. I want to make up for my parents' mistakes. I want to show everyone that not all the children of the Empire are monsters. And if that means having to take all the bullying, all the pain, then I will. I'll endure it. So please... please forgive the Justice Warriors, Yuzu-chan. I know they're sorry. I can see it in their eyes."
Everyone in the room stood in awe of Makoto's impassioned speech, his words filled with a maturity and compassion that belied his young age. Linn walked over to Makoto and gently patted him on the head, a proud smile gracing his lips.
"Well said, Makoto," Linn said, his voice filled with admiration. "You have a truly noble heart. But..."
"But what, Linn-san?" Makoto asked, his expression confused.
Tomodachi stepped forward, his expression serious.'' It's great that you want to be a hero and forgive the Justice Warriors, but it doesn't change the fact that they were bullying you in the first place. They hurt you, they hurt Maggie-chan, and they need to be held accountable for their actions."
"But..." Makoto began to protest.
"He's right, Makoto-kun," Yuzu said, her voice firm but gentle. "I do feel sorry for them. I understand their pain, and I admire your willingness to forgive them. But bullying others is never the answer. It's wrong, and it has consequences. I can't just let naughty children get away with doing those things. They need to be punished, not just for what they did to you, but for what they did to all the other children they've bullied."
Makoto looked down, his expression saddened but understanding. He knew Yuzu was right. He just wished there was another way, a way to make things right without anyone getting hurt. He felt a small hand grab his. He turned to find Maggie, her face still tear-streaked, but her eyes filled with a newfound resolve.
"It's okay, Makoto-kun," Maggie said, her voice soft but firm. "I appreciate you trying to help me, but they're right. We did do some bad things to you, and we need to face the consequences. We can't just run away from our mistakes." Maggie recalled the cruel things the Justice Warriors had done to Makoto, the pain they had inflicted upon him, and her own role in their actions. She began to cry again, her small body trembling with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Makoto-kun! I hope you can forgive me for everything I did to you! I was wrong, and I'm so, so sorry!"
Maggie continued to cry, her sobs echoing through the silent room. Makoto, his heart filled with compassion, gently wrapped his arms around her, offering her a comforting hug.
"It's okay, Maggie-chan," Makoto said softly, his voice filled with warmth and forgiveness. "I already do. I forgave you a long time ago."
"Thank you, Makoto-kun," Maggie whispered, her voice muffled by his shoulder, her tears slowing slightly.
"You're welcome, Maggie-chan," Makoto replied, his smile gentle and reassuring.
The two children broke the hug, their faces still tear-streaked but their expressions filled with a newfound understanding and acceptance. Maggie limped slowly towards Yuzu, her head held high, her shoulders squared.
"Okay... I'm ready," Maggie said, her voice trembling slightly, but firm. Yuzu nodded, her expression serious but compassionate. She turned and walked out of the dining hall, and Maggie, with a deep breath, followed her, her small figure resolute in the face of the impending punishment.
000
Night had fallen, casting a tranquil glow over the village. Inside the orphanage, Linn, Tomodachi, and Yuzu gathered in the dining hall, the events of the day weighing heavily on their minds. They needed to plan their next move, their journey far from over. Finesse walked in, her expression thoughtful.
"So, have you three figured out what you're going to do next? Where are you headed?" Finesse asked, her voice gentle.
"I don't know," Linn said, striking a thoughtful pose, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I guess... I guess we'll just head to the next village on the map."
"That seems to be our only logical option at this point," Tomodachi added, his tone pragmatic.
"Right," Linn agreed. "Yuzu, what's the next village from here? Do you have the map?"
"Let's see..." Yuzu said, reaching into her seemingly bottomless backpack. She pulled out a well-worn map, its edges frayed and its surface marked with numerous creases and annotations. She spread it out on the table, her finger tracing a route.
"It looks like the closest village is Boulderer, south of here," Yuzu announced, pointing to a location on the map.
Finesse studied the map, her expression slightly puzzled. "Isn't that the closest village from here?" She pointed to a different location, a village nestled to the northwest of Honsen.
"Oh! Ah, we don't want to go there," Yuzu said, her voice suddenly high-pitched and nervous, her face breaking out in a cold sweat.
Linn raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why not?"
"W-why?" Yuzu stammered, her eyes darting around the room, her discomfort palpable. "Because... because there are monsters there! And the village is... abandoned! And other... other bad stuff! It's a really, really bad place, okay?"
"But..." Linn began, his skepticism growing.
Yuzu slammed her hands on the table, the suddenness of the action startling both Linn and Tomodachi. Her previous nervousness vanished, replaced by an almost manic intensity.
"So, we all agree we're going to Boulderer, right?! No arguments! No questions asked! It's settled!" Yuzu declared, her eyes wide and slightly crazed. Linn and Tomodachi exchanged uneasy glances.
"Uh, sure, Yuzu. Whatever you say," Linn said, his voice slightly strained, a hint of fear creeping into his tone.
"Good!" Yuzu said, her smile returning, though it seemed forced and unnatural. She quickly folded the map, stuffing it back into her backpack. "We'll leave first thing in the morning. The sooner we get there, the better."
Yuzu turned to Finesse, her demeanor shifting back to its usual cheerful and polite self. "Finesse-san, is it alright if we stay here for the night? We don't want to impose, but we'd be grateful for a place to rest before we continue our journey."
Finesse smiled warmly, her expression kind and welcoming. "Of course, dear. You're more than welcome to stay. I have plenty of spare rooms, and you're all helping us out so much. It's the least I can do."
"Okay..." Yuzu said, stifling a yawn, her earlier energy seemingly drained. "I'm going to go to bed. I suggest you two do the same. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." She addressed Linn and Tomodachi.
"That sounds like a good idea..." Linn said, stretching and starting to get up. He was stopped by Tomodachi, who placed a hand on his arm.
"Hold on, Master. May I have a word with you?" Tomodachi said, his voice low and serious, his gaze fixed on Linn.
Linn raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Sure, Tomo. What's up? What is it?"
"I mean... alone," Tomodachi clarified, his eyes flicking towards Yuzu and Finesse, his tone implying the sensitive nature of the conversation.
Yuzu looked slightly offended, her hand on her hip. "What? I'm not allowed to be part of the conversation? What's so secret that I can't hear it?"
"It's not that, Yuzu," Tomodachi explained, his voice patient but firm. "It's just that I need to discuss a... a personal matter with my Master. It's a private conversation."
"But..." Yuzu protested, her lower lip pouting slightly, her expression hurt.
"Hey, it's fine, Yuzu," Linn reassured her, offering a comforting smile. "You go to bed. We won't be long. We'll stay here for a while and catch up with you later."
"Oh... alright," Yuzu said, her shoulders slumping slightly, her initial reluctance giving way to understanding. "If you say so..." She turned and walked towards the entrance of the dining hall, Finesse following close behind. Yuzu stopped at the doorway, turning back to face them.
"Just make sure you two don't stay up too late, okay? We need to get an early start tomorrow," Yuzu said, her tone taking on a slightly maternal edge.
"We won't," Linn replied, nodding in agreement.
"And no late-night snacking! You know how you get, Linn!" Yuzu added, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Okay, okay, Mom," Linn joked, rolling his eyes playfully.
"And make sure you both brush your teeth and get into your PJs before you go to sleep!" Yuzu continued, her voice filled with mock sternness.
"We will, we promise," Linn said, chuckling softly.
"And—" Yuzu began, adding one last instruction.
"Would you just go already?!!" Tomodachi snapped, his patience finally wearing thin, his ears twitching in annoyance.
"Ok ok geez!" Yuzu pouted. "Goodnight." She walked out of the dining hall.
Linn waved goodbye and turned to Tomo. "So, what do you want to talk about—" He stopped as Tomo held up a finger. Tomo walked to the dining hall entrance, made a fist, and brought it down on the wall just outside the doorway.
"Owie!" a voice exclaimed, surprising Linn as Yuzu reappeared, rubbing her head.
"You think I can't smell you from here?" Tomo said flatly.
Yuzu giggled nervously. "I just forgot something, that's all." Tomo glared, and Yuzu flinched.
"Okay, okay, geez! Fine, I'm going! Really going this time! Goodnight, you two!" Yuzu said, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. She turned and practically sprinted from the dining hall, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. Tomodachi sighed, shaking his head slightly, and then sat back down at the table.
Linn waved goodbye, a fond smile on his face, and then turned to Tomodachi, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "So, what did you want to talk about, Tomo? What's so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"
"It's about Yuzu, Master," Tomodachi said, his voice low and serious, his gaze fixed intently on Linn. "Are you sure... are you absolutely sure we can trust her? Completely?"
"What do you mean, Tomo?" Linn asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What's brought this on? I thought you liked Yuzu."
"I... I do like her, Master. She's been a valuable companion, and she's helped us immensely on our journey. But... I've been meaning to tell you this for a while now, but my senses have been... going off, ever since we started traveling with her. There's something about her that doesn't quite sit right with me. I can't explain it, but I have this... this nagging feeling that she's not being entirely truthful with us. And her reaction to the village map tonight... it only heightened my suspicions." Tomodachi explained, his voice filled with concern.
"I don't see anything wrong with her," Linn said, his expression thoughtful. "Sure, she hasn't told us much about her past. but I don't sense any malicious intent from her. She's been nothing but kind and helpful.''
"I don't sense any malicious intent either, Master," Tomodachi admitted, his ears drooping slightly. "But at the same time, I can't shake this... this bad feeling. It's like a warning bell ringing in the back of my mind. I just... I don't trust her completely. Not yet."
Linn reached out and gently patted Tomodachi on the head, offering a reassuring smile. "Easy, boy. I understand your concern, Tomo. You have excellent instincts, and I value your judgment. But Yuzu has been a big help on our journey. She hasn't given me any real reason to doubt her yet, so I'm not going to jump to conclusions based on a hunch. I trust her until she gives me a reason not to."
"If you say so, Master," Tomodachi said, his expression still troubled, but his tone resigned.
"Is that all you wanted to talk about, Tomo?" Linn asked, his smile widening slightly.
"Yes, Master," Tomodachi said, his ears twitching. "I just wanted to bring up some concerns I had. I felt it was my duty to inform you."
"Okay, then. I appreciate you looking out for us, Tomo. But I think you're worrying over nothing. Yuzu's our friend. Now come on, let's go to bed. We need to be well-rested for tomorrow." Linn said, standing up and stretching.
"As you wish, Master," Tomodachi said, standing up and following Linn towards the hallway, his expression still thoughtful, his inner turmoil unresolved.
000
Morning
The morning sun cast a warm glow over Honsen village as Linn, Tomodachi, and Yuzu prepared to depart. They gathered at the village entrance, where Finesse, Makoto, and the mayor had come to see them off, their faces filled with gratitude and a hint of sadness.
"Do you three have everything you need for your journey?" Finesse asked, her voice filled with motherly concern.
"Yes! We're all set!" the trio replied in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of excitement and determination.
The mayor stepped forward, approaching Linn with a solemn expression. "Thank you again, Linn-kun, for coming to our aid. I didn't think anyone was brave enough, or perhaps foolish enough, to openly oppose the Empire. You've proven me wrong, and for that, we are eternally grateful."
"You're welcome, sir," Linn said, bowing his head respectfully. "Are you sure you don't need me to stay a little longer, just in case the Empire decides to return?."
"We'll be fine, Linn-kun," Finesse assured him, offering a warm smile. "We should be able to smooth things over with the Empire officials, especially now that we've managed to gather the full amount of the taxes. I'm more worried about you and what the Empire might do in response to your... interference."
"Don't worry about us," Linn said, his expression confident. "I'm prepared to face whatever the Empire throws our way. We'll handle it somehow."
Makoto, his eyes shining with admiration, walked up to the group, his small hand reaching for Yuzu's. "Yuzu-chan, you'll come back to visit us, won't you? You promised!"
Yuzu smiled warmly, her expression softening as she gently took Makoto's hands in hers. "Of course, I will, sweetie. You can count on it! I'll be back before you know it."
Makoto blushed, his smile widening. He turned his attention to Linn, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and youthful ambition. "And Linn-san, you'll find your friends, right? And become a great hero, just like in the stories?"
Linn smiled, ruffling Makoto's hair affectionately. "Thanks, Makoto. I'm sure you'll be a great hero too. Maybe even the greatest hero this world has ever seen."
"Yeah! I'll be the bestest hero ever!" Makoto cheered, pumping his fist in the air with enthusiasm.
"Oh, please," Linn said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You can't be the bestest hero ever."
Makoto was taken aback, his expression puzzled. "W-why not? What's wrong with me wanting to be the best?"
Linn smirked, his eyes sparkling with playful challenge. "Because I'm going to be the bestest hero ever! There can only be one 'bestest,' you know."
"Nuh-uh! I'm going to be the bestest hero!" Makoto pouted, his small hands on his hips, his expression determined.
"No, I am!" Linn countered, his tone teasing.
"No, I am!" Makoto insisted, his voice rising slightly.
"I didn't realize becoming a hero was a competition," Tomodachi deadpanned, his expression dry and sarcastic.
"Oh, hush, you," Yuzu scolded Tomodachi, playfully swatting him on the arm. "Let them have their fun. They're just being kids."
"I guess this makes us hero rivals then!" Makoto declared, his eyes shining with excitement.
"I guess so!" Linn agreed,
"Hero rivals? Next thing you know, they'll have a school for heroes," Tomodachi quipped dryly.
Yuzu turned to him, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you have to be so cynical about everything?" Tomodachi simply shrugged and grunted in response.
Linn extended his hand towards Makoto. "Okay, Makoto, it's a deal. Let's see who can become the best hero in the world!"
"Okay! It's a promise!" Makoto said, grabbing Linn's hand and shaking it firmly, his small face beaming with determination. Everyone around them smiled, their hearts warmed by the innocent rivalry and the pure-hearted ambition of the two aspiring heroes.
"Okay, Linn, this has been fun, but we really need to get going," Yuzu called out, her voice filled with a mixture of affection and impatience. "We have a long journey ahead of us."
"Right," Linn said, reluctantly breaking the handshake and turning to his companions. "Let's go, you two! Adventure awaits!"
The villagers waved goodbye as the trio turned and walked out of the village, their figures growing smaller with each step. The gang waved back, their smiles bright and their spirits high, as they embarked on their next adventure. As they walked, Yuzu approached Linn, her expression thoughtful.
"So, Linn," Yuzu asked, her voice casual but her eyes sharp, "what were you and Tomo-chan discussing last night? After Finesse-san and I went to bed? It seemed pretty serious."
"Oh, nothing much, Yuzu. Just... guy stuff," Linn explained, his voice slightly strained, his eyes darting away from hers.
Yuzu stopped walking, her expression skeptical, her gaze fixed intently on Linn. "Linn, what did I tell you about lying to me?"
Linn was taken aback, his eyes widening slightly. "W-what? I'm not lying, Yuzu! I swear! We were just..."
"Linn," Yuzu said, her voice firm but gentle, "I told you before that I can tell when you're lying to me. It's... it's a gift, or maybe a curse. Either way, I can sense it. And right now, you're lying through your teeth." She observed Linn closely, her eyes narrowing slightly. "From your posture, your lack of eye contact, and the way your voice is trembling... I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it was about me, wasn't it?"
Linn's sweat droplets became more prominent, his face paling slightly. 'She's too sharp... How does she do that?' Linn thought, his mind racing for a plausible explanation.
"So, what were you guys saying about me?" Yuzu asked, her tone patient but insistent.
"Well..." Linn hesitated, his eyes pleading with Tomodachi for help.
"We were discussing how tiny you are," Tomodachi said nonchalantly, his expression deadpan.
"Tomo?!" Linn exclaimed, his jaw dropping in shock.
"Don't you remember, Master?" Tomodachi continued, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "We were just agreeing on how you're roughly the same size as a baby pinky, or how if we had a height contest between you and an ant, the ant would win by a significant margin. And don't even get me started on your... chest development—"
Linn, his face flushing crimson, clapped his hands over Tomodachi's mouth, cutting off his words. The two boys looked at Yuzu, their expressions a mixture of fear and apprehension. Yuzu stood there, her entire body shaking violently, her eyes glowing with an eerie intensity. A dark, menacing aura enveloped her, the air around her crackling with barely contained energy.
"You two..." Yuzu said, her voice low and demonic, a terrifyingly angry tick mark pulsating on her forehead. She slowly reached into her hoddie, her hand gripping the familiar handle of her trusty ladle. With a furious roar, she charged at the boys, her ladle raised high above her head. Linn shrieked in terror, grabbing Tomodachi by the arm and sprinting away as fast as their legs could carry them.
"GET BACK HERE, YOU TWO IMBECILES!!" Yuzu roared angrily, her voice echoing across the countryside. "YOU ARE SO GROUNDED WHEN I CATCH YOU! YOU'LL BE LUCKY IF YOU EVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY AGAIN!" A comical chase ensued, with Yuzu swinging her ladle wildly, and Linn and Tomodachi running for their lives, their expressions a mixture of panic and desperate hope.
Meanwhile, ten miles away from Honsen village, a white royal chariot rumbled along the road, carrying James Rhodonite the Third. Having been knocked unconscious by Linn's unexpected punch, James was finally beginning to stir, his head throbbing.
"Ow... where am I?" James groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around, his vision blurry, and recognized the opulent interior of his chariot.
"What's going on? What happened?" James pondered, trying to piece together the fragmented memories.
"Oh, you're finally awake? About time," a voice said, interrupting his thoughts.
James was startled and turned to the source of the voice.. He saw Domon sitting calmly on the opposite side of the chariot, his expression characteristically deadpan.
"Domon? What are you doing here? Where are we going?" James questioned, his voice groggy and confused.
"I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up," Domon said, his tone dry and sarcastic. "I had your funeral arrangements planned and everything. It was going to be a closed-casket affair, obviously."
"THAT'S NOT FUNNY, DOMON!" James yelled, an angry tick mark appearing on his forehead. He shook his head, trying to clear the lingering fog. "What happened anyway? Why am I in the chariot? Why aren't we still in that wretched village?" He struggled to recall the events that had led to his current predicament. Then, the memories came flooding back.
"That's right! The village... the tax payment... that boy..." James said, his expression darkening with fury. "That insolent peasant dared to assault a noble of the Empire! They all disrespected me! They need to be taught a lesson they won't soon forget!"
Domon just stared at James, his expression unchanging, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "That would be a colossal waste of time, sir," Domon said, his voice calm but firm.
James glared at Domon, his hand reached for his gun and pointed it at domon."And why is that, Domon? Explain yourself! They openly defied the Empire's authority! Such insolence cannot go unpunished!"
Domon sighed, his expression almost pitying. "For one thing, I checked the village roster while you were... indisposed. Linn Tsukiyomi wasn't listed as a resident of Honsen village. It's safe to assume he's just a traveler, passing through. If we turn this chariot around now and head back, he'll be long gone. We won't find him."
James spluttered in frustration, his face turning red. "But... but the principle of the matter! We can't just let them get away with this!"
Domon remained unmoved. "And two..." He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small, heavy-looking bag, handing it to James. "...the woman, Finesse Lamborough, had already managed to gather the full amount of the tax payment while you were... unconscious. So, we got what we came for. Anything further than that, any act of retribution against the village, would be going against the King's explicit orders." Domon stood up, his towering figure looming over James, his gaze intense and unwavering. "And you wouldn't want to go against the King's orders, would you, sir?"
James gulped, the thought of incurring the wrath of the King sending a shiver down his spine. He knew better than to disobey a direct command.
"Fine... fine," James sighed in defeat, his shoulders slumping. He reluctantly put his gun down, his anger subsiding slightly. He opened the bag, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of the coins inside. "Geez, if that woman had the money all along, she should have just paid up in the first place! We wouldn't have had to go through all that trouble if she had been more forthcoming."
"It is what it is, sir," Domon said, sitting back down and turning to look out the window, his expression thoughtful. He recalled the words of the young traveler, Linn Tsukiyomi, his voice echoing in his mind. 'But you're not a bad guy!' Linn had shouted, his eyes filled with a desperate plea. 'Why would you work for bad people? I don't understand! I have no interest in the Empire. I don't know if the Empire is good or bad. If there were bad people in this Empire like that guy, I wouldn't hesitate to fight back, but if there were good people like you, I wouldn't know what to do. All I care about is finding my friends, and if the Empire thinks they can stop me from doing that, they've got another thing coming.'
Domon's expression softened slightly as he once again thought of the young woman and the two children. 'Linn Tsukiyomi... I guess we both had our reasons for fighting today. I truly hope our paths cross again someday. Perhaps then, I'll better understand what I'm fighting for.' Domon smiled faintly as he continued to gaze out the window, lost in his thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, the comical chase between Yuzu, Linn, and Tomodachi was still ongoing in the distance.