Ring ring
Ring ring
Ring ring
Beep
Yuzu hits the alarm as she awakens from her slumber. She stretches, yawns, gets out of bed, dresses, and heads to the kitchen.
O00
Kitchen
While Yuzu prepares breakfast, she reflects on her argument with Takeru.
'I hope Takeru is not still mad at me,' Yuzu thought as she sipped the plate. She admitted that she might have gone too far with Takeru's friends, but they insulted her and made fun of Takeru. What was she supposed to do? Still, she admits it was wrong of her, and next time she sees them, she'll apologize. She then recalled Luna's strange words. Yuzu wondered what she meant by that. To Yuzu, it almost sounds like she is saying goodbye. Yuzu shakes her head. Luna practically begged Yuzu to stay with her so she wouldn't just up and leave. Yuzu finished cooking and left the spread on the table.
"Luna! Takeru! Breakfast," Yuzu called out. She waited for the two to come down, but after a while, there was no response.
''Luna! Takeru! Breakfast!'' She called again but got no response.
.Yuzu huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "Geez, where are those two?" Yuzu called out one more time but received no response. Growing nervous, Yuzu wasn't surprised that Takeru did not answer, given what happened last night. However, Luna's not answering was worrisome. Yuzu began to head upstairs to where Luna and Takeru stayed. She first checked Takeru's room and noticed that he wasn't there. Then she checked Luna's room and saw she wasn't there either.
Yuzu grew anxious. 'Maybe they just left,' Yuzu thought, 'but they wouldn't have left without telling me, right?' She couldn't shake the bad feeling in her chest. She headed downstairs and rushed out of the door.
Kolt village
Yuzu runs around kolt village searching for the mother-son duo.
''Luna! Takeru!'' Yuzu yelled as she ran around the village. As she turned a corner, she bumped into someone and landed on her butt.
''Owie!'' Yuzu exclaimed, rubbing her sore bottom. She looked up to find Gerard standing above her.
''Yuzu?'' Gerard said, surprised.
''Uncle Gerard! I mean Gerard-san.''
Gerard picks Yuzu off the ground and asks, "Where are you going in such a rush?''
''Gerard San, have you seen Luna and Takeru?''
Gerard looked confused. ''no, are they not at your house?''
''No, they left without telling me,'' Yuzu said.
''Maybe they had an errand to run.''
''If they did, they would have told me.''
''I'm sure they were in a hurry and didn't have time,'' Gerard said, ''Don't worry. I'm sure they'll be back.''
''I don't know '' Yuzu said, concerned ''I have a terrible feeling."
Gerard looked at Yuzu and saw the concern in her eyes.
''Ok, I'll check the village, round up the villagers, and see if they saw them. You check the forest area and see if they want there.''
''Thank you, Gerard San,'' Yuzu beamed.
''No problem,'' Gerard said as Yuzu went to check the forest area.
. 000
Yuzu searched the forest for signs of Luna and Takeru. She examined the trees and bushes but still found no trace of the mother and son. Just as she started panicking and considering giving up, she noticed something leaning against a tree. As she approached the tree, she spotted—
''Takeru!'' Yuzu exclaimed as she rushed towards him, his back facing her. She took a second to catch her breath, then adopted a scolding stance and pouted.
''Geez, mister, you had me worried sick! What are you doing here, and where is your mom?''
Takeru doesn't respond.
''Takeru? Hello, I'm talking to you.''
Takeru still doesn't respond. Yuzu had a tick mark on her forward.
''Hey, I know you're still upset with me, but that doesn't mean you can ignore-'' Yuzu lightly taps Takeru as Takeru falls to the ground.
''Takeru?!'' Yuzu yelled in surprise. She checked on Takeru and noticed a few things that made Yuzu's blood run cold. First, Takeru's body felt cold, and he wasn't breathing. Yuzu turned Takeru forward and saw blood coming from his front and a knife lying next to him. With these, Yuzu came to a sad conclusion,
''No, no, no...''Yuzu said, tearing up.
Takeru was dead.
''TAKERU!!!'' Yuzu wailed, hugging Takeru. Takeru's blood dripped on her; Yuzu continued to cry when Gerard and the villagers came onto the scene.
''Yuzu, we heard screaming. Are you okay?'' Gerard asked before stopping and noticing the scene.
''Yuzu, what have you done?'' Gerard said, shocked. The villagers all murmured, shocked as well.
Yuzu looks down at Takeru and then the Gerard and the villagers. She shook her head.
''No, this wasn't me!'' Yuzu said, tears streaming down her face.
''First, your parents, now Takeru, how many more lives will you take?!'' Gerard screamed.
''But I didn't- ''Yuzu tried to plead, but the villagers looked at her with fear and disgust.
''No excuses, young lady,'' Gerard sneered. ''You left us no choice: seize her!'' The villagers charge at Yuzu as Yuzu runs away. Yuzu runs through the forest as fast as her little legs carry her. The villagers are hot on her trial, but she eventually leaves the forest and into a grassy area and stops at the river. Yuzu looks around frantically before she spots a boat. She hops into the ship and sails away.
She makes landfall and starts running in a random direction. She doesn't know where she is going but knows she must get away quickly. She runs for hours, not stopping, several thoughts popping into her head. She continues to run, sweat dripping, her lungs burning from the excessive running. She eventually reaches a town and collapses, her small frame giving out. She lies on the ground, panting heavily.
'Mommy, Daddy, Takeru, Luna... she thought before passing out.
000
Unknown location
Yuzu slowly woke up; she looked around and noticed she was in a room.
''Where am I?'' Yuzu questioned
''Oh, you awake?'' A voice said. Yuzu, startled, turned to the left to find a tan, plump woman standing there.
''Who are you-'' Yuzu said before coughing and hacking.
''Take it easy, dear,'' the woman said, concerned. ''Here, drink this.'' The woman handed Yuzu a cup of water.
"Thank you," Yuzu said, taking the cup. After drinking from it, she returned the cup to the woman, who placed it on the dresser and addressed Yuzu.
''How do you feel, dear?'' the woman asked.
''Better, thank you, Yuzu replied. Yuzu looked back and forth, "May I ask where I am and who you are?"
The woman smiled. ''I'm Martha Takamoto, and you're in a room in my tavern in Kido village. Two men found you collapsed on the entranceway and brought you here, where I nursed you back to health.''
''I see. Thank you for your help, but I must be going.'' Yuzu bowed as she tried to get out of bed before Martha pushed her down.
"Hold your horses, Missy," Martha said. "You aren't going anywhere in your condition. You need to rest."
''I'm fine,'' Yuzu said as she tried to get out of bed, but Martha held her again more forcefully this time.
''I told you you're not going anywhere until you feel better.''
"I appreciate your concern, ma'am, but I can't stay here! I need to go!" Yuzu said as she desperately tried to escape Martha's hold again. However, Martha was too strong and held Yuzu in place. Yuzu sighed and eventually gave up.
''Ok, fine, you win,'' Yuzu pouted.
''That's better,'' Martha said. Now, mind explain what's going on?''
Yuzu explains her situation to Martha.
''I see,'' Martha said,'' I'm sorry that happened to you, dear."
''It's okay, but I really must be going.'' Yuzu once again gets out of bed and tries to walk out the door, but Martha blocks the entrance.
''Hold on, dear, I understand your situation, but I can't let you go just yet,'' Martha said.
''But I don't leave; the men of my village are going to come here, and I'm afraid of what they might do to you and the rest of the village.''
''Don't worry, hon,'' Martha put a hand on her arm, striking a muscle pose. ''We are a lot tougher than we look. If your villagers come around here, we'll give them the what for.''
''I still don't know... ''yuzu said. Martha looked at Yuzu's forlorn face and sighed.
''Look, dear. I understand your plight, but running off half-cocked is not going to solve anything. You should at least figure out a plan.''
''but I'm not sure what I should do,'' Yuzu replied. Martha smiled.
''Tell you what, dear, why don't you work at my tavern?''
''Huh?'' Yuzu said, surprised.
Martha explains, "You stay in my tavern, and we'll provide you with food, shelter, and protection. In exchange, you work as a maid in my tavern while you try to figure out a plan and recuperate." What do you say?''
Yuzu looked surprised, ''but why would you do that for me?''
Martha looked at Yuzu softly and smiled, ''because I couldn't in good conscience leave a child alone.'' At that moment, Yuzu recalled Luna and how she spoke the exact words.
Yuzu looked up at Martha and smiled. ''Ok, I accept.''
''Then it settled. Let's get you settled in,'' Martha said as she and Yuzu walked out the door.
000
Tavern
1 week later
The tavern filled up with clients as Yuzu began busing table after table. After a while, it was Yuzu's break time.
''Finally over…'' Yuzu said, swapping her brow. Martha approached Yuzu.
''Great job, dear'' Martha said ''you're getting better and better.''
''Thank you, Martha-San,'' Yuzu Bowed.
''Go on, take your break. I'll call you back when I need you.''
''Yes, ma'am!'' Yuzu replied as she headed to the room behind the counter. Martha began cleaning the glass at the counter when the tavern door burst open, revealing a group of men who approached the counter.
''Hello, gentlemen,'' Martha greeted. ''What can I get you fellas?''
One of the men said, ''We're here on business, ma'am. My name is Gerard Yamanaka, and I'm looking for someone.''
''Oh? And who might that be? ''Martha said.
Gerard pulls out a picture of a familiar little girl. '' have you seen this girl?''
Martha looks at the picture and immediately recognizes her as Yuzu.
'This must be the man Yuzu mentioned,' Martha thought. ''Nope, haven't seen her.''
''Ma'am, please don't lie to me,'' Gerard said.
Martha narrowed her eyes. ''I'm not lying to you, dear; this girl you're looking for hasn't come around these parts.''
''That's funny,'' Gerard said, ''because we have eyewitness reports saying she was last seen here.''
''I don't know what you're talking about,'' Martha said; still cleaning the glass, Gerard snatched the glass from her hand and smashed it on the ground, gaining the attention of the rest of the tavern.
''Now, ma'am, I don't want to cause trouble in your establishment,'' Gerard said as his men gathered around the counter, ''but we need to find this girl, and she was last seen here, so I'm going to ask again…'' Gerard got in Martha's face, leaning across the counter. ''Have you seen this girl?''
Martha glared at Gerard while secretly pressing a button under the counter. ''And I'm going to tell you again, I haven't seen her.''
Gerard and Martha continued their stare down; just then, a noise could be heard behind the counter. Gerard looked straight up at the noise to find a room behind the counter.
''I'll take you at your word, ma'am, but just to be sure, you wouldn't mind us checking this place? Say behind that room?''
''That room is for authorized personnel only.'' Martha said ''you're not allowed in.''
Gerard said nothing as he went behind the counter and headed to the room. Martha blocked his path.
''I said this room is for authorized personnel only,'' Martha growled.
''I just want to check…'' Gerard said, losing his patience with every second.
''I said no!''
''MOVE YOU BLOATED BICTH!'' Gerard yelled. Just then, the back room opened, revealing Hendrick and his men armed with various weapons.
''What seems to be the problem here?'' Hendrick asked.
''We are looking for a little girl, and we have reason to believe she is here in this tavern,'' Gerard explained. ''We are trying to check this place, but this fat cow won't let us.''
Hendrick glared. ''This 'fat cow' happens to be my wife, and there is no little girl in this tavern. Now I suggest you leave this town, or we will make you!'' Hendrick and his men get into battle stances.
Tension fills the tavern air as Gerard and his men size up Hendrick and his men. Nobody made a move or sound. Finally, Gerard spoke.
"Fine," Gerard said. ''We don't want any trouble. We'll leave. "Gerard signaled his men to back down and head out of the tavern.
Hendrick orders one of his men to ensure Gerard and his men have left the town. After a few minutes, the man returns and assures Hendrick they are gone. Hendrick nods and turns to his wife.
''Are you ok, Martha? ''Hendrick asked his wife.
"I'm fine. Thank you, Hendrick." Martha thanked her husband. She turned toward the door. "OK, dear, you can come out now." Yuzu nervously peeked through the door. She looked at Martha for confirmation. Martha nodded. Yuzu emerged from the door.
''Thank you, Martha San Hendrick San,'' Yuzu bowed.
''You welcome, dear'' Martha smiled. Hendrick nodded.
''I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused. I'll try to be out of your hair as soon as possible,'' Yuzu said.
''It's fine, dear,'' Martha assured. ''You take as much time as you need, and whenever you decide to leave, know you'll always have a place with us.''
''Thank you, Martha San ''Yuzu teared up.
''You're welcome, dear. Now, come on, break time over, time to get back to work.''
''Yes ma, am!'' Yuzu beamed as she went to bus more tables.
2 month later
Yuzu walks around town after finishing her shift and is greeted by the villagers. She returns their greetings and continues her stroll, lost in thought. Yuzu reflects on Takeru's lifeless body and Luna's disappearance. She needs to find Luna, but she knows how tenacious Gerard and the villagers can be. If the events from two months ago are any indication, they would hunt her to the ends of Seren to get her.
Yuzu realizes she needs protection—someone who can keep her safe on her journey without asking too many questions. But where can she find someone that naive? As she thinks, she spots a blond-haired boy talking to a golden dog beastkalin.
'Takeru?!' she thought, eyes widening as she rubbed them. No, it's someone else. Yuzu observed the boy and noticed that he was in nothing but his boxers.
''Wha-''Yuzu blushed madly as she screamed, catching the boy and the dog's attention.
''W-what do you think you're doing?!'' As she rushes to the two.
000
A week later
Yuzu stares intently through the crack in the door as she watches the boy and the dog converse. After a while, the two fall asleep. Yuzu gently closes the door and runs away from the room.
Later that night
Yuzu is conversing with Martha in a tavern room.
''Are you sure, dear'' Martha said, surprised.
''Yes,'' Yuzu nodded. "He saved the village, and despite my punishment, he was still willing to help. I think he's a perfect fit to assist me."
''No offense, dear, but he's not exactly the smartest branch on the tree between you and me.''
''True, but he's strong and won't ask questions. That's good enough for me.''
''If you say so,'' Martha said,'' are you sure he'll take you with him?''
''I don't know,'' Yuzu said, ''but I'll have to try my luck. This may be the only chance I get.''
Yuzu hugged Martha, and Martha looked surprised.
''I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. No matter where this journey takes me, I hope always to call this place home.''
''of course, hon, you always have a place here.''
''Thank you, Martha san'' yuzu cried
"You're welcome, dear," Martha said, tearing up. The two stayed like this for a while.
Next morning
Yuzu stands at the entrance with the boy and his dog.
''Are you sure you want come with us?'' the boy asked.
''Yes,'' Yuzu replied.
The boy sighed ''ok, just promise me you'll be ok.''
''I will'' Yuzu said.
The boy and his dog head out. Yuzu looks at the boy, and an image of Takeru pops up.
'Takeru...' Yuzu thought, her eyes welling up a bit. She shook her head, a look of determination on her face.
''Takeru, I'll find whoever did that to you and make them pay!''
With that thought, Yuzu heads off with the boy and his dog.
000
Present time
Gerard finished his story while everyone remained silent. Yuzu was weeping loudly, and Gerard smirked.
''Now, do you see why Yuzu has to die?'' Gerard asked Linn. Linn remained silent, taking in what he heard; after a few minutes, he glared at Gerard.
''No, I don't see why Yuzu has to die! Yuzu is the sweetest, kindest, and most caring person I have ever met. She would never kill anyone!''
''Linn…'' Yuzu said, sobbing.
''Sure, she might be stubborn and overbearing, gets mad easily, is always in everyone's business, and the ear-pulling really hurts and-'' Everyone sweat-dropped as Linn continued to list Yuzu's traits.
''Get to the point, kid,'' Gerard deadpanned.
''My point is that Yuzu would never harm anyone; she is not a witch of death but rather an angel of life," Linn said.
Yuzu looks on with a stunned expression as she recalls that it's precisely what Luna called her.
''Master, are you sure it's not love?'' Tomo said, sweat dropping.
''N-no, it's not. I just said the first thing that came to my mind!'' Linn blushed heavily. Gerard merely scoffs.
''Oh, please. She is not an angel; she is just an evil plague that has swept across this village and needs to be put down.''
"That's not what my good/evil reader indicates," Linn said, pointing to Yuzu. You see, Yuzu is radiating with positive energy," he pointed at Gerard, ''while you are radiating so much evil energy that it's making me sick. If anyone is a plague, it's you! How could you do this to Yuzu?! You're supposed to be her family!"
"That doesn't matter," Gerard said. "I'm doing what's best for the village, and Yuzu dying is best for everyone."
''What's best for everyone? You mean what's best for you.''
''What?'' Gerard replied, confused.
''From what I see,'' Linn begins explaining, ''You have some grudge against Yuzu, and you're using that as an excuse to get rid of her. I don't know what this grudge is, but the fact you are willing to set an innocent little girl on fire who you are supposed to take care of is both sad and pathetic, not to mention you manipulated the villagers into hating Yuzu just for your revenge. If all that is true, you are nothing but a selfish, pathetic excuse of a man.''
''SHUT UP!!'' Gerard roared. ''you have no idea what it is like to be me. You have no idea what it is like to work your entire life and get nothing in return! I was supposed to be famous and rich with a beautiful wife, but no, I ended up stuck here with an incompetent elder and a bunch of moronic villagers who believe and do whatever they're told!'' Gerard glared harshly at Yuzu. ''Then, when I finally found love, it was taken from me not once but twice because of her!!'' Gerard grabs Yuzu by the hair and pulls hard. Yuzu yelped in pain. ''and now she is going to pay!''
''I won't let you!'' Linn shouted, rushing toward Gerard. Regulus blocked his path, side-kicking Linn in the stomach and sending him flying. Linn sat up and glared at the beastkalin mercenary.
''Get out of my way, Regulus!'' Linn screamed.
''I already told you I can't do that, child,'' Regulus said.
''Are you kidding me?! After hearing all that, you'll still help this man?!''
''My employer's personal affairs are not my concerns. I was hired to stop you, and that's what I will do.''
Linn sweats as Regulus stands above him, sword in hand. Linn braces for impact as he swings his sword down, but the attack suddenly stops.
''What?'' Regulus said confused. Linn looks up to find Daisuke standing before him, holding Regulus's sword.
''Daisuke!'' Linn said, surprised. Daisuke smiled.
''Hey kid, can you stand?'' Daisuke said.
''What are you doing here?'' Linn said, standing up.
''Hey, now, don't worry about me. You have more pressing matters.'' Daisuke nods his head toward Gerard and Yuzu's direction. Linn nods and runs off.
''Oh no, you don't!'' Regulus says, pulling his blade out of Daisuke's grasp as he turns his attention to Linn. Swinging his blade, Linn tries to counter when Daisuke appears in front of Linn, taking the attack.
''Daisuke!'' Linn cried out.
''I'm fine, kid!'' Daisuke grunts a little, then pulls Regulus into a bear hug. ''I'll hold him off; you go get Yuzu!''
''But...'' Linn said. Daisuke turned to Linn and smiled.
"It's okay, Kid. I'm your bodyguard. Now go. The princess is waiting for her hero to recuse her''.
"Thanks, Daisuke," Linn said as he ran off. Regulus looked up at Daisuke with a surprised expression.
''I say, aren't you-?''Regulus said.
''I'm just a guy doing his job," Daisuke smirks while Linn runs toward Gerard and Yuzu. As Linn gets closer, Gerard starts panicking.
''S-stay back!'' Gerard said. Linn ignored him as he charged. Just then, the villagers stood before Linn, blocking his path.
''Heh,'' Gerard said.
Linn and the villagers stared at each other. Just then, the villagers stepped aside, making a clear path for Gerard, whose eyes widened in shock.
''What are you doing?!''Gerard yelled. One of the villagers glared at Gerard.
''Making decisions for ourselves!'' The villager said. Gerard is dumbfounded.
Linn thanks the villagers and rushes toward Gerard. Gerard watches, sweat dripping down his face as he looks between Linn and Yuzu. Finally, Linn reaches Gerard and Yuzu, but before he can act, Gerard lights a match and holds it over Yuzu.
''Stop! ''Gerard said, ''Don't make a move, or I 'll drop this on Yuzu.'' Linn stopped and glared at Gerard. Gerard laughs manically.
''Now I'm just going to,'' Gerard began saying when two villagers grabbed Gerard from behind.
''What?!'' Gerard screamed, dropping the match. One of the villagers put it out while the other pulled Gerard's arms behind Gerard.
''He's all yours, kid,'' the villager said, giving Linn a thumbs-up. Linn nodded and cracked his knuckles, walking menacingly toward Gerard.
''Wait, this is a misunderstanding!'' Gerard pleaded ''I wasn't really going to kill her! I just wanted to scare her a little bit.''
Linn said nothing as he was winding up his fist.
''No, seriously, it was just a prank! Please don't hurt-''
*POW*
Linn's fist connected with Gerard's jaw, sending him skidding across the hard ground and landing in a heap. Linn dusted his hands and walked towards Yuzu.
''Linn…'' Yuzu said, smiling weakly. Linn smiled back.
''Hey, sorry it took so long, but I'm here.'' Linn unites the ropes holding Yuzu. Yuzu stumbles off the cross into Linn's arms.
''Whoa, you ok?'' Linn said, catching Yuzu. Yuzu nods her head, tears in her eyes.
''I'm fine,'' Yuzu said hugging Linn. ''I'm sorry, and Thank you.''
''You're welcome,'' Linn said as he hoisted Yuzu up bridal style and ran over to the gang, as Yuzu blushed.
''Good job, Master'' Tomo said.
''Thanks, Tomo'' Linn said.
''So what do we do about him?'' Daisuke asks, holding Regulus as Regulus tries to break out of the hold before giving up.
''I say, you win, I concede.'' Regulus sighed. '' Just unhand me, and I'll be on my way.''
Linn sets Yuzu down while Tomo stands beside him, and the group stares at the bird beastkalin.
''Why should we trust you?'' Linn glared.
"I have failed my mission. Given how you took down my employer and rescued the girl, I have no obligation to continue the battle," Regulus explained. The group continued to stare at Regulus with skepticism.
''What should we do, master?'' Tomo asked.
Linn pondered for a while.
''Let him go'' Linn ordered. The gang looked surprised.
''You sure?'' Daisuke asked.
''Yea,'' Linn replied. ''Seeing him like this reminds me of a caged bird.'' Linn then smirks, ''A caged bird should be sent 'flying.'
Daisuke noticed the tone in Linn's voice and smirked. He lifted Regulus above his head and tossed him across the village.
"RUN!" Linn yells as the gang rushes out of the village. Regulus lands and watches them leave. He then approaches the unconscious Gerard and uses smelling salts to wake him up.
''Ow…'' Gerard said, slowly getting up. He came face to face with Regulus.
''Regulus? What happened?''
''The boy and his companions have taken the girl and fled,'' Regulus explained. Gerard looked irate.
''Then go after them!'' Gerard yelled angry.
''No'' Regulus said ''I completed my mission.''
''What are you talking about? you let them get away with Yuzu!'' Gerard said.
''That is correct'' Regulus said.
''Then what are you-''
''My job was to 'get rid of the boy and his compatriots. ' You didn't say anything about protecting the girl, '' Regulus stated. Gerard looked flabbergasted. ''Now, I believe you owe 400 gold.''
''400 gold?!'' Gerard exclaimed.
''Yes, 200 for bringing Yuzu Katagiri to kolt village and 200 for getting rid of the boy and his companions.''
''I'm not giving you a single coin!'' Gerard shouted. Regulus narrowed his eyes.
''So you refuse to pay what I am owed?'' Regulus said.
"That's right! You failed your job, so I don't owe you anything! Yuzu got away, and it's your fault!" Gerard replied angrily before grunting, "But I guess it's my fault too for using a dirty beastkalin.''
Regulus's eyes narrowed harder. ''care to repeat that?''
Gerard walks to Regulus and pokes him in the chest repeatedly. A-dir-ty beast -ka-lin-
*slash*
Gerard freezes for a second and looks at the hand that he was poking Regulus with and notices it is missing, blood pouring out of it. Time slows down as Gerard stares at his now missing limb before passing out from shock. Regulus glares down at Gerard's unconscious body and raises his sword, preparing to deliver the final blow.
''Stop!''
Regulus turned to the voice and found a short, bald, elderly man with a big gray beard standing there.
''I say you are this village's elder, correct?'' Regulus said.
The Elder nodded ''yes that right.''
''I see. How may I help you?'' Regulus asked.
''I implore you to spare Gerard; if you do that, I will pay you what you are owed.''
Regulus glances between the elder and Gerard ''very well'' Regulus sheaths his sword.
"Thank you," the Elder said. He brought out a brown bag filled with coins and handed it to Regulus. Regulus took the bag and began to walk off.
''Hold on before you go,'' the Elder said ''I have one last job for you.''
Regulus turned around and glared, hands near his sword. "Surely, you jest if you think I will do business with this village again." The elder stared, nonplussed.
''Don't worry—this is the last thing, and then you can go, and you'll never hear from us again,'' the Elder said before smirking. ''Besides, I have already paid for the job in advance, and you wouldn't do a job you were already paid for, would you?''
Regulus blinked and checked the bag, noticing that the elder had indeed doubled the amount.
'This crafty old man…' Regulus thought.
''Very well…''Regulus sighed ''what do you need of me?''
The elder explained the job details to Regulus and handed him a brown bag. Regulus raised an eye, nodded, and flew off. The elder then turned his attention to the villagers.
"OK, everyone, get back to your homes," the elder ordered. The villagers looked at each other, confused. One of the villagers stepped up.
''What about Gerard, sir?''
''I must prepare for his banishment. Will you help me?''
"Yes, sir!" the villager said. The villagers all left, leaving the elder alone with his thoughts. The elder looked up at the entrance.
'I did what you asked, Luna, but was that the right choice?' He turned toward the entrance, wearing a saddened expression. 'Yuzu, I'm sorry; I should have believed you and been a better guardian. I was a fool, and I'm truly sorry." He then looked down at Gerard with a look of pure disgust.
''That boy was right; you are a poor pathetic excuse of a man, Gerard,'' the Elder walked away.
000
The gang fled from the village as quickly as possible, and seeing nobody pursuing them, they stopped to catch their breath.
''Tomo, is anybody following us?'' Linn asked.
''I don't sense anybody...'' Tomo replied.
Linn and the gang breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, Tomo's ears perked up.
''Wait, somebody's coming!'' Tomo said.
The gang stood alert. "Don't tell me it's—" Linn said before something came crashing down, landing in front of the gang and kicking up a lot of dust. The dust cloud settled, revealing it to be—
''Regulus!'' Linn shouted as the gang got into battle stances.
''Relax, I did not come to battle,'' the bird beastkalin assured. ''I merely came to deliver a message and some items to the young miss.'' Regulus holds up the brown bag.
''And what makes you think-'' Linn said before Yuzu placed a hand in front of him.
''It's okay, Linn,'' Yuzu said as she gestured for Regulus to go on.
Regulus pulled out a piece of paper and cleared his throat. ''On behalf of the village of Kolt Village and the power invested in me as the elder, I, herby, banish Yuzu Katagiri from Kolt Village. We will pursue you no longer and wish you luck on your new path.'' The boys looked on in shock while Yuzu looked down, saddened.
''What the heck was that?!'' Linn yelled.
Regulus shrugged ''I merely said what's on the paper.''
''But that's not fair!'' Linn said.
''It's okay, Linn,'' Yuzu assured. She turned to Regulus. ''You said you had items for me as well?''
''Yes,'' Regulus replied, holding up a brown bag.
''But,'' Linn said. Yuzu just smiled as she walked over to Regulus. Regulus handed her the bag, and Yuzu took it and bowed before returning to the group.
''Is that all?'' Linn asked.
''Yes, that is all,'' Regulus confirmed. ''I have concluded my business with Kolt Village and will no longer pursue you or the young miss.'' Regulus turns around and begins to take flight before side-eying Tomodachi.
''I say you are Tomodachi, correct?''
Tomodachi raised his eyebrows. ''yes, that's right.''
''While I admire your dedication and loyalty to the boy, I must say that I don't condone the act of a beastkalin serving a human. Humans are nothing but selfish and arrogant creatures who only think of themselves. While you seem to have a good relationship with the boy, he will turn on you, as all humans do,'' Regulus said.
''I fail to see how my relationship with my master is any of your business.'' Tomo snarled, narrowing his eyes.
''I merely wish to advise you as a fellow beastkalin. Please, do as you wish, but at least heed my advice and not let the boy take advantage of your nature.''
''How dare you! I would never oof-'' Linn began saying before Tomo covered Linn's mouth.
''I'll think about it,'' Tomo said.
"That's all I ask, farewell..." Regulus said as he flew off. The gang stood watching the mercenary disappear into the distance and sighed in relief.
''Oh man, I hope we don't have to deal with him again,'' Linn said before turning to Yuzu. ''What in the bag?''
Yuzu opens the bag to find a plant, a picture of her parents, a blue pendant, and a letter. She reaches for the letter and begins to read it to herself. After reading the letter, she begins to weep gently.
''Woah, hey, you ok?'' Linn asked, worried. Yuzu wiped her eyes and smiled.
''Yes I'm fine'' Yuzu replied.
''What did the letter say?'' Tomo asked.
"I'll tell you guys later. For now, let's head back to the cabin and get some rest. It's been a long day for all of us," Yuzu said. The gang nodded and headed to the cabin.
000
Cabin house
The gang entered the cabin to find Cheerilee there. Cheerilee greeted the gang before giving Yuzu a big hug.
''Yuzu-chan! I'm so glad you're safe. I was so worried!'' Cheerilee said.
''I'm sorry, Cheerilee-san,'' Yuzu said, returning the hug. Cheerilee looked into Yuzu's eyes and noticed that they were red.
"Oh dear, your eyes are red. Are you sure you're okay?" Cheerilee asked, worried.
''I 'm fine,'' Yuzu replied.'' Is it ok if we stay the night here?''
''I don't mind, but I only have one room,'' Cheerilee said
Daisuke pushes Yuzu aside and grabs Cheerilee's hands. ''in that case, I'll be more than happy to bunk with you,'' Daisuke said flirtatiously. Everyone sweatdropped.
''I'll share a room with Cheerilee-san while the boys sleep in the living room. Is that ok with everywhere?''
''Yes, that sounds like a good arrangement.'' Cheerilee agreed.
''I'm fine with that,'' Linn said. Tomo merely nodded. Daisuke cried comically dejected.
''Great, I suggest everyone gets some rest and will decide what to do tomorrow,'' Yuzu said.
"Okay," Linn replied while Daisuke continued to flirt with Cheerilee, still holding her hand.
''Oh, my sweet Cheerilee-san, wouldn't you rather bunk with me?'' Daisuke said, wiggling his eyebrows. Cheerilee sweatdrops as Yuzu grabs Daisuke by the ear and pulls him off of Cheerilee.
''Daisuke-san, I need to talk to you for a minute. Come with me,'' Yuzu said.
"Ow! Ow! Yuzu, what the hell?!" Daisuke groaned as Yuzu dragged him to the kitchen, much to everyone's confusion.
"I'll head upstairs then," Cheerilee said. "Call me if you need me."
Cheerilee disappeared upstairs, leaving Linn and Tomodachi alone. Linn turns to Tomo, who is deep in thought.
''What's wrong, boy?'' Linn asked. Tomo turned to Linn.
''I was reflecting on Regulus's words about the Beastkalin race and how humans can't be trusted.''
''Tomo, you shouldn't listen to what Regulus says-''
"I know I shouldn't, but I can sense Regulus's sadness and hostility towards humans. This got me thinking about the Beastkalin race and whether they are being persecuted here, leading me to reflect on my situation. Back in our world, I was just a normal dog, always begging for love and food. But here, I'm human, and I've been experiencing thoughts and complex feelings that I never knew I had. Am I a dog or a human?"
Tomo grabs his head and shakes it. "I don't know anymore!"
Linn stares at Tomo as he begins to weep gently. Linn grabs Tomo's hands, holds them, and looks him straight in the eyes.
"Tomo, who am I to you?" asked Linn. Tomo looked at Linn, puzzled.
''Huh?''
''I said, who am I to you?'' Linn repeated.
''You're my master'' Tomo answered.
''And how long have we known each other?'' Linn asked.
''Two years?'' Tomo replied.
''And in the two years we spent together, what did that mean to you, and how did that make you feel?''
''Master, I don't understand-''
''Answer the question boy'' Linn ordered.
'"Oh yes, um...'' Tomo began saying, ''When I was alone in that box on that cold night, I was scared and hungry; I was basically at death's door. Then you, Kaila, and Erica found me. You picked me up from that dreaded box and decided to take care of me. You gave me food, shelter, and showered me with love and affection. I felt happy and eternally grateful to you."
Linn closed his eyes, then opened them and smiled sadly. "Now, with all that said, do you think I would ever betray you?" Linn asked. Tomo looked shocked.
''No, of course not! That wasn't what I was insisting on at all! What I meant was that I don't know enough humans to give a reasonable answer. I don't understand why you took me in, but that doesn't matter. I trust you completely; I owe my life to you, and I love you."
Linn lets go of Tomo's hands and gently pats Tomo's head. "Thank you, boy. I took you in because I wanted to save you and take care of you—no other reason. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. You've been my best friend and confidant for so long, and that's why I named you Tomodachi, which means 'friend.' So don't think for a second that I would treat you badly. You are Tomodachi, my loyal dog, and best friend; you mean the world to me, and I love you too."
Tomo looked at Linn, whose large tears were welling up. He embraced Linn.
"MASTER!!!" Tomo cried, a waterfall of tears. Linn smiled, hugging him back. The master and dog duo stayed like this for a while. Eventually, they went to bed.
Kitchen
Yuzu and Daisuke are standing in the kitchen. Yuzu made some tea and snacks and handed them to Daisuke, much to his confusion.
''What this for?'' The giant asked. Yuzu giggled.
''It's just my way of saying thank you for recusing me.'' Yuzu bowed.
Daisuke looks perplexed as he scratches his cheek. "Linn did most of the work; I just helped a little." Daisuke takes a snack and eats it. "Besides, I am your bodyguard; that's my job."
Yuzu smiled sadly. "That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about."
''Oh?'' Daisuke replied.
''Yes, I no longer need your services as a bodyguard,'' Yuzu said.
''I see'' Daisuke said.
''I'm sure you already figured that I was using you to protect me from my village. Now that the villagers are no longer chasing me, I don't need a bodyguard anymore.''
''As I thought you were using me,'' Daisuke said.
''I'm really sorry,'' Yuzu bowed. ''You don't need to travel with us anymore, and you can keep the money.''
" Hmph, fine by me, "Daisuke said, taking another bite of his snack. ''That means I can spend my days with Miss Cheerilee," he said with a lovestruck expression. Yuzu giggled before hugging Daisuke, much to the giant's confusion.
"It was nice meeting you, Daisuke-san. Even though our time was short, I had a lot of fun," Yuzu said as she released the hug and bowed. "Goodbye, Daisuke-san. I wish you luck on your journey." Yuzu hurried out of the kitchen while Daisuke watched her go with an unreadable expression.
000
Morning outside the cabin
The sun shines as Linn Tomodachi and Yuzu stand in front of the cabin, ready to depart.
''Thank you again for recusing me, Linn,'' Yuzu bowed.
''It's no problem, what are friends for?'' Linn said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. Tomo pipes up.
''So is what that Gerard guy said true?'' Tomo asked.
Yuzu looked down. "Yes, it's true. I'm sorry for lying and using you two. I hope you can forgive me."
"It's okay, Yuzu. I forgive you," Linn smiled. Yuzu smiled back.
''I don't,'' Tomo said, surprising the two.
''Tomo?!'' Linn said.
Tomo glared at Yuzu. "After everything you put my master through and all the trouble we went through to get you, not to mention the betrayal and manipulation, I don't see how I can ever forgive you."
Yuzu blinked, reached into her hoodie, and pulled out a meat skewer to offer to Tomo. Tomo looked at the meat skewer with hearts in his eyes. He took the skewer and glomped Yuzu.
''I forgive you!!'' Linn facefaulted and sweatdrooped.
''Oh boy...'' Linn sighed.
Scratching Tomo's chin, Yuzu turned to Linn and asked, ''Linn, why did you recuse me?''
''What do you mean?'' Linn replied, confused.
''We haven't known each other for that long, and not to mention, I betrayed and used you; you had no reason to help me.''
''It's because of what you said back in the forest,'' Linn said.
Flashback
''Y-yuzu… wait,'' Linn said, weakly fading in and out of consciousness. Yuzu merely stares at Linn; she mouths something,
''Help me.''
Present
''I see'' Yuzu said ''but that's still not-''
"There's more," Linn interrupted. "I didn't have a lot of friends growing up. People were either scared of me or wanted nothing to do with me. Then I met Kaila and Erica, and not only were they not afraid of me, they wanted to be my friends. That's why I want to rescue them so badly—those two are my only friends-"
''Ahem,'' Tomo spoke up.
"Only human friends," Linn corrected. "Outside of Kaila, Erica, and Tomo, I had no other friends until I met you. You cared for, helped, and treated me like a normal person. That's why I rescued you because you're my friend."
''I see,'' Yuzu said, ''and my motherly nature doesn't bother you?''
"Oh no, it does," Linn stated.
''You didn't have to be so blunt about it, you big meanie!'' Yuzu turned sideways, puffing her cheeks. Linn laughed.
''But that's what makes you who you are, and I wouldn't have it any other way.'' The two shared a laugh.
"So what are you going to do now?" Tomo asked Yuzu, as Yuzu looked at him, confused.
''What do you mean, boy?'' Linn asked.
Tomo finished his meat skewer and explained, "The only reason she wanted to travel with us was to protect herself from her village. Now that they are no longer chasing her, she has no reason to travel with or help us."
''Tomodachi!' 'Linn scolded.
''I'm just saying...''Tomo said glancing sideways.
Yuzu smiled sadly. "No, it's okay, Linn. Tomo-chan's right. I did use you guys, but I wasn't lying about wanting to help you find your friends, and I do have a reason to travel with you guys."
''Oh?'' Linn and Tomo said.
"Yes," Yuzu nodded. "I'm also looking for someone—a woman named Luna.''
"Luna?'' Linn replied.
''Yes, she is a very important person to me, and she went missing a few months ago. I'm not sure why or where she disappeared, but I'm really worried about her. Since you are on a journey to find your friends, I might run into her along the way if I travel with you guys.''
"I see, "Linn said. ''In that case, I'll help you find this Luna person." Tomo raised his eyebrows, and Yuzu gasped.
''Really? You don't have to do that,'' Yuzu said.
Linn shook his head. ''you're going to all the trouble to help me find my friends; it's only fair that I help you find your friend.'
''Thank you, Linn''' Yuzu said.
''You're welcome'' Linn replied.
''And what about the giant?'' Tomo asked.
Yuzu looked down ''Daisuke-san won't be traveling with us anymore'' Yuzu looked up and smiled. ''but it's ok, us three-''
''Four.''
''Four will…eh?!'' The gang turned around to find Daisuke towering over them.
''Daisuke -san! What are you doing here?! I thought you wanted to stay with Cheerilee-san!''
Daisuke sighed. ''things with me and Miss Cheerilee aren't going to work out.''
''Why?'' Yuzu asked.
"She said that she can't be with a man who abandons a little girl in need." Daisuke cried comically, and the gang sweatdrop.
''Wait, is that why you came to recuse Yuzu?'' Linn asked.
''No,'' Daisuke replied, "She's right. I couldn't call myself a man if I abandoned a lady in trouble. Plus, I still owe the little lady and you guys for helping smooth things with the village of Boulderer."
''But I only helped you so you can help me...''Yuzu looked down in guilt.
''Doesn't matter the reason,'' Daisuke said. ''A debt is a debt, and I always repay my debt, so that's why…''Daisuke bent his knees in a horse stance and put his hand out.
''I decided that I will join you guys in finding your friends.'' the gang was surprised at that statement.
What's in it for you?'' Tomo asked. Eyeing Daisuke suspiciously.
Daisuke straightens up. "I've been traveling alone for so long that I forget how nice it is to be around others." He then smirked, "Plus, you guys seem like the type to cause trouble wherever you go." The gang blushed sheepishly at that statement. Daisuke continued, "That sounds good to me. I at least won't be bored with you guys. So what do you say?"
The group exchanged glances before gathering together in a huddle.
''What do you guys think?'' Linn asked.
''I don't know, master. I have a bad feeling about him.''
''You have a bad feeling about everyone you meet.'' Yuzu deadpanned.
''I was right about you, wasn't I?'' Tomo smirked. Yuzu pouted.
''He seems like an ok guy, and he did help us.'' Linn said, "I see no harm in taking him with us."
"I agree, "Yuzu said. ''Besides, I didn't feel right parting ways like that. With this, I can make it up to him."
''So, do we agree?'' Linn said.
''Yes,'' Yuzu said.
''As you wish, master.''
"Then it's settled." The gang broke the hurdle and headed toward the giant.
''Ok, you can join us,'' Linn smiled.
''Thanks,'' Daisuke said, putting his hand out to shake.
''You're welcome,'' Linn said, grabbing and shaking Daisuke's outstretched hand. Just then, Cheerilee arrived.
''Oh my you guys are still here?'' Cheerilee said.
''Don't worry, we were on our way,'' Yuzu said.
''-O-oh no, I wasn't rushing you or anything,'' Cheerilee waved frantically. She then smiled and said, ''I'm glad to see you guys are doing well.''
''Yeah,'' Linn said. ''Thank you for everything, miss Cheerilee.''
''It was no trouble. I just wish I could have done more,'' Cheerilee said somberly.
''It's fine you did-'' Before Linn could finish, he was pushed aside by Daisuke as Daisuke grabbed Cheerilee's hands.
''Oh, Miss Cheerilee, there's no need to be down; your beauty was more than enough to help us through these troubled times.''
''Oh gee t-thanks Daisuke, I appreciate it,'' Cheerilee giggled nervously, sweat dropping.
" No, really, without your help, we wouldn't have been able to recuse Yuzu. Thank you so much." Linn bowed.
Cheerilee smiled ''you're welcome, Linn.''
''ok, boys, let's get going,'' Yuzu said. Linn and Tomo nodded.
''I wish you luck and safe travels on your journey,'' Cheerilee said.
The gang waved goodbye and headed out, except for Daisuke, who was still holding Cheerilee's hands.
"If you need me for anything, just call my name, and I will appear by your side day and night, especially at night-ow!" Daisuke exclaimed. He was abruptly interrupted when Yuzu grabbed him by the ear and pulled him away. "That's enough out of you, Daisuke-san. Let's go," Yuzu said flatly as she dragged him down the path, Daisuke yelping with each step.
''She just does that to anybody, huh?'' Tomo said, surveying the scene, sweat dropping.
"I'm just glad it's not me this time," Linn smiled.
''You seemed to be in a good mood, master,'' Tomo observed.
"I'm just happy that we resolved things with Yuzu." Linn looked towards Yuzu, who had a smile on her face. "I feel like I'm meeting the real Yuzu."
''I see,'' Tomo said, also smiling.
''Come on you two'' Yuzu shouted.
"Coming!" Linn said, catching up to the two as the foursome tracked down the path to their new adventure.
Later that night
Cheerilee stands in front of the cabin, holding a black transceiver to her ear.
''Cheerilee reporting'' Cheerilee said.
''Cheerilee! Where have you been?'' A voice said.
''Forgive me. I ran into trouble, but I completed the mission. Have you heard what happened in Honsen Village?''
''Yes, it caused quite a stir in HQ,'' the voice said.
''I bet,'' Cheerilee said; she picked up a wanted poster of Linn.'' I'm just glad we aren't the only ones.''
"We still don't know if he's a friend or foe. We need more from him." The voice said, "In any case, your job is done. Report back to HQ."
''Roger'' Cheerilee hung up and started trotting down the path. She stared at Linn's wanted poster.
'Linn, I'm not sure what you did in Honsen was for us or your benefit; any case, I hope you're on our side. I don't want you as an enemy.'
As Cheerilee continued, a fainting, ticking sound could be heard from the cabin.
'Because if you cross us…' the ticking gets louder until it stops. Just then, a huge explosion reverberates through the cabin house, setting it aflame.
'You wouldn't want us as enemies,' Cheerilee finished as she disappeared from the path, the cabin engulfed in flames.