A boy with dark blue hair stopped in front of a clinic. Walking here was hard for him because he didn’t want to face sadness and disappointment again.He didn’t know why Jai Waetford would care for him and Kuro, but what he said really strike him in the core.He loves Kuro. That much he realized and felt. But he also realized that his actions did not look like he loves Kuro at all. If he really cares for Kuro, he wouldn’t leave Kuro dying like that alone in the clinic.But he was too sad and broken to see Kuro being beaten like that before. After getting the news about Kuro might have to be let go, he felt his whole world shatter. His only beloved family is going to leave him. He felt so alone and small that instant, and he didn’t know what he should do. He didn’t want to let Kuro go, but seeing the dog in that state really crushed his heart. He couldn’t stay there and look at Kuro dying like that.So he went back to the place where the hooligans were, trying to ask them to apologize.
After two hours of searching, unfortunately, they couldn’t find the name Komatsu Eiji. But after browsing through the other family history books and old newspapers, they did find something else that’s equally interesting.“So the Komatsu family is not really a famous family. They were known once because one of their family members made it to the Singing Hall and managed to impress the previous King and Queen with her artistic talent.” Jai concluded from his notes. “It’s the same Komatsu that both of us found before.”Claude pulled him to his side because he was walking too close to the street. “Yes. She gained a bit of fame because of that. Watch out.”Jai mouthed a sorry before walking on his other side, avoiding the street. Then he continued. “She has children, and they were listed in the book before, but her husband was never mentioned. Do you think this Komatsu family is the one we’re looking for?”Claude shook his head. “I can’t say for sure. There are two other Komatsu families
Although Jai really wants to see Kuro, he felt like he should just go at that time before he has second thoughts that would prevent him from leaving. He wished that in the next time he would finally meet the two of them, Kuroda and Kuro stay healthy and would get a better opportunity to make their life better.“You remember what I said about wonderment on my friend’s stupidity?” Claude suddenly asked as they leave a bakery shop. There’s a bag of pastries in his hand.Jai immediately sweatdropped. “What is with it again? Why can’t you get off my back?” Jai asked in annoyance as he feed Shoru a piece of his croissant. While he understands the idea and likes it because of its originality, it doesn’t feel too good being called stupid.“Yeah, you said you wanted to go find these Komatsu we’ve found. And yet, you’re bringing Shoru and these bags of pastries.” He pointed to the bag of pastries in his hand and the thunder boy’s hand.Jai took a bit off his bread before answering. “Well, I thi
After work, they stayed in the office except for Mika and Arata. Jai presented some of his findings in the meeting room and the others were surprised.“Is it really Hi-kun?! Orange feathers?! Are you sure?! Did you see it for yourself?!” Darrion asked after Jai had explained in second time in universal language.Jai nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve seen it. I sat next to it. The guy has dark hair, I was perplexed for a second, but that bird is the justification.”“Are you really sure? You should’ve taken me! I would know for sure if it’s really him or the bird! How does the bird sound?” Darrion protested.“But that isn’t the one he’s talking about. He’s talking about the guyu, Hayate.” Raul said.Darrion turned to him with a deep frown. “I know! But if he’s with an orange bird named Hi-kun, then he should be the real one and not fake. We know how it is in black market. Anything can happen and anyone can be anyone.”“He’s right. Mercenaries can be anyone. Ever seen mercenaries in the north
The day before.A woman wearing dull olive clothes and brownish pants walked up the stairs leading to the Komatsu mansion. She is one of the two attendants in this house. Formerly, they have three, two females and one male. But the other female was fired recently, because she helped the male escape. Although the male attendant was eventually caught, she still couldn’t save her job.The woman stopped just in front of the door. She checked her bag once again, making sure the groceries are indeed correct and nothing less.“Fruits, vegetables, flours… The milk was delivered this morning.” She looked to the side of the door, where the crate of milk is usually put by the milkman, but she didn’t find it there. “Oh the milks and the newspaper’s gone. Haato-san must’ve brought it inside.” She thought out loud.She shrugged and entered through the door. But she was immediately surprised by the figure in front of her. “Eh? Akane-san?”A young woman with short, pale brown hair and beautiful hazel
Akane went to wake her mother. The old woman woke up feeling joy to see her lovely daughter coming home. But the next second she told her about her concern, the old woman’s smile faltered. “Can’t you persuade father, mother? It’s pitiful. Just for something we can earn just by waiting a few more years?” Akane asked. Rio sighed and folded her blanket on her lap. But then the folded blanket was pulled by the little Shitone sitting beside the futon. The old woman let her though. “Akane-chan. Your father did this to protect our family.” “But we did just fine with Uncle Fu’s help! I mean, please, mother…” She pleaded to her mother. “Imagine me in his place. Would you be fine with that?” “You’re different.” Rio immediately said. “You and Haato are different. You’re our precious daughter while he’s just someone else. Don’t compare yourself to him, Akane-chan.” “But he still has family. You can’t deny that.” Akane said. “Yes, but you don’t have to worry. He’s going to the queen, and you
Some says that the King is being unreasonable for speeding the Hunting Event. But actually, he was being the opposite. He was being reasonable because the said event was actually postponed because of his sickness. Of course, since the Hunting Event was never in an exact date, it could be held more than twice a year, so no one else really cares when it was held unless it’s the Hunting Season.In the Hunting Season, well, like its name, is the season for hunting monsters. At this time, the monsters from the last breeding season would’ve already grown into adults, which means they’re more dangerous, which means the kingdom would perish if they let all those monsters roam around freely.But no, this previously postponed Hunting Event is the kind to see the talents of youngsters over the months. It’s held specially for the students to show their progress to their teachers. Or for students to be legally paid for the hunt in the event. Since students are not allowed to work or involve themse
Still on the same day, but three hours laters, a meeting was held in a different place in the Fire Kingdom. In the North Town, to be exact, it was less crowded than other towns.This is where the elite gathers after all. They do not flock themselves together like sheeps thrashing the streets like what was happening all around. No, they do it in their way. They held tea parties and lunch meetings to ‘have a chat’.Due to the surprise announcement in the paper, people’s plans had to change, and they have to give this sudden Hunting Event attention.Among these elites that were having their meetings with each other, there were some others who were invited to join. Others who weren’t ‘elite’. And among them, is the Komatsu family.“Oh don’t be nervous, Sen-chan.” Rio patted Sen’s knee.Sen, who was looking outside the window of the carriage, turned to his mother-in-law. Looking a bit confused, he said. “I’m not nervous. Why do you think I’m nervous?”Rio giggled. “You’re fidgeting.” She p
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