A young man with brown hair that was styled up into flame stood straight in the middle of a road. His face was cute square, smooth, and seemed well maintained. His clothes were consisted of a pair of dark boots, dark pants, a knife holster on his thigh, and white shirt underneath a black leather jacket. There was a green cloth that was connecting both sides of his jacket and ended up hanging on his right chest right to half of his stomach.
He was standing in the roadway where all three paths leading to the Fire Border met. It would be awkward to stand in the middle of the road with no significant reason, but this man was waiting for someone. He looked at his watch before looking back to the road, the left road.
“It’s almost 5 PM. What could they possibly be doing?” he pursed his lips, looking slightly annoyed. He crossed his arms on his chest. “I know this is the first time for them to be here, but… They’re strong, rig
“Here you are, Aumer berry juice! I squeeze them myself so you don’t have to worry about the kids getting dirt on it…” the ‘dragon’ said, handing them each some sort of small bowl that looked like hardened pumpkin. There was a purple colored liquid inside it.Darrion immediately looked at the content and gave it a sniff. “It smells like Aumer drink! Is this really made of Aumer berry?!”She smiled. “Yes, Erie… It’s your favorite, isn’t it? We grew these berries a lot in your absence. The kids also love it and it’s also healthy for them.”“By kids, you mean…” Jai looked at her in confusion.She turned around and waved her hands to the lake. “Them. They grow so fast that I can’t wait to show all of them to you. This small heaven is having lots and lots of families!”Jai noticed she was being more cheerful than she was before. &ls
Darrion looked at his friend. “Why do you seem surprised when she said young man?”“I didn’t know the boy is actually almost the same age as us,” Jai said. “Torfo and the uncle didn’t say anything about it,” he gave Darrion Torfo’s letter and the windlet read it.“How do you know he’s a young man?” Jai asked her.She only blinked with a tilt of her head. “I just do.”Jai nodded slowly, looking doubtful, but well, he let it slide. ‘She’s a dragon~’“Can dragons read the future like you, DeGift?” Darrion asked.“Yes…” she answered with a frown. “Erie… Why don’t you call me with my name?”Darrion wasn’t prepared for it, so he didn’t manage to answer immediately. But Jai spok
Erietta patted both of her hands in very soft claps with a small smile. “I think it’s better for you to leave now… Someone needs your help,” she winked at them.That seemed to remind the two that they had to hurry. “Can you help us out of the forest?” Jai asked.Erietta nodded and she floated up. The second she floated, the vine seat loosened and it turned into grass. “I will open the portal for you…”Both Jai and Darrion set their cups aside and put down the Grenyas, then they stood up. Although the Grenyas didn’t seem like wanting to let them go, they immediately jumped on their feet and climbing up their clothes to their shoulders. Even several other Grenyas joined in.“Hey guys, I’m not a scratching post,” Jai chuckled, standing on the spot helplessly while more and more little Grenyas climbing up his hands and eventually took turns to sit on his head.Darrion happi
They were questioned by the guards as soon as they arrived at the Fire Border. Because it was night time already when they reached there, and according to their knowledge, there weren’t many people crossing the border at night.“But isn’t the Waldekit Village’s road is closed due to a dangerous monster?” asked the soldier in charge of checking their permit.“Ah, no, we went through the Affedor,” Darrion answered for them. He didn’t notice the brunette beside the guard, who had arrived there with them and was now writing his identity in the guest book, looking at him with suspicious and curious look.‘Lies!’ he said, in his mind. ‘I turned my head away for a second and you suddenly appeared. Out of nowhere. This blonde’s Air Barrier level shouldn’t be higher than me, yet I didn’t notice him at all.’As he was pondering about it, and Darrion talked with the guard, Jai
When Jai was done taking a shower, it was Darrion’s turn. The windlet took not more than seven minutes to take a bath and he dragged Jai up to the roof to get some air.The twin grey moons accompanied by thousands glittering stars was immediately in their sight. Jai was always amazed by how clear and beautiful the night sky in this world. He could never see the millions of suns coloring the night sky back in his world like this, and it became one of the things he was grateful to see here.There was a guard patrolling around the stairs upstairs, and two more guards around fifty meters in each side of the roof. Jai and Darrion walked to a spot near the edge of the wall and leaned on the big brick while looking at the other side of the wall.“Jai, come and take a look,” Darrion smiled and pointed to other side.Jai stood next to him and looked as the other side of the wall. He leaned his head forward a bit to see better. “Is that a fo
Alex was once again brought flying in mid-air. And again, he was not fond of this method. But he was being kidnapped, he hardly has any say in how they’re bringing him. Though maybe, just maybe…‘I prefer in the barrel again… This is worse,’ he thought as he fought the urge to throw up. He was riding the orange feathered bird with the nicer guy of the three and the wind was ravaging every inch of his body thin clothed body. He kept swallowing his saliva over and over again and his breathing became frantic for a few moments. He couldn’t focus on where they’ll be going as he was nauseous when he looked down, but he could see the rows of trees not far from them.‘I’m not afraid of heights… But why is my vision blurry when I look down there?’ he wondered. He swallowed his saliva again and leaned forward a bit, putting his palms on the bird’s back to keep him sitting straight.The nice guy wit
Alex woke up to the feeling of warmth and the scent of baby oil. He knew he was currently tucked in a bed, and that means he’s indoor. He was sure because the noises weren’t that much compared to when he was held in the barrel, and the fact that there’s a smell of baby oil couldn’t possibly mean anywhere else than a loving home.‘Unless it’s just a front and they make the room smells like this to lower my guard,’ he thought to himself. He wanted to scoff. ‘They might be nice, especially the big guy. But they’re still my kidnapper. I’m not falling for this.’There’s a sound of people talking in the background. He couldn’t hear it clearly at first, but as his senses returned to him, he could hear bits and bits that they were talking about him, although faintly.“…the boy?” a heavy but soft voice asked.Then he heard Hayate’s voice said. “Oh he’
The woman came back with a chicken porridge, a warm water, and a small cup of medicine that she insisted he should drink. While she tended to Alex, Karu took the chair and sat at the end of the bed with Baby Nawa.“This is to cure your fever,” the woman said while rubbing Alex’s head softly.“I’m having a fever?” he asked as he touched his own neck, finding it to be burning. ‘Wait, I actually feel a bit warm,’ he realized. “But why don’t I feel it when I’m waking up?”The woman nodded. “Yes, you are. You were burning hot. And it’s probably the adrenaline in your body. Your friend told us you suddenly passed out, so I think your body still thinks you can still go on.”That explained why he didn’t feel burning up before, just slight warmth. He thought that was the blanket covering him and Baby Nawa. Maybe the baby was also a bit fussy because it can feel his hand
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But