The light blue infinity all around called out to the white dove. The bird flapped its short wings, setting out for an adventure. It ventured far and high, flying above the rich district. Sterile cleaned streets and large fancy manors passed quickly down below. The dove thought to descend despite the nice comforting cool wind, but the presence of a cat from beneath convinced it to keep flying. The dove flew higher above the clouds. As it descended again the outlines of a massive white building began to reveal itself. The dove though had no interest in the architect masterpiece and it headed to the ground. The long green trimmed gardens in perfect shape and the passages between in the green, maze like park. Though there were no people in the almost legendary level garden except gardeners with irrigation pipes, and occasional units of guards in full armor patrolling. Beyond the gardens, surrounded by a massive moat was the palace itself. It had numerous open steel gates from all sides. The building itself was so huge it could be seen from the edges of the city. It was round, had a lot of towers on its outside and resembled an incredibly large mosque, surrounded by a deep, wide moat. The palace- the orders symbol of power and authority.
The windows were shaped in roman architecture and the glass panels were blue. And far, close to the top were golden-painted, smooth, round tower tops.
High above, hovering in silence was a fierce looking eagle. It was following the pigeon, preparing to dive any moment. That dove was as good as gone.
A whistling sound spread through the air and the eagle changed course immediately. The eagle gently dived down and landed on the leather covered arm of an old man wearing black suit with a grey tie like a business man. The old man pet the bird on its head and gracefully fed to it some seeds. The vulture ate and took to the air again as the old man shook his arm.
The old guy approached the open front gate. Both guards at the gate saluted. One of them spoke. "Good morning Kazu sama sir!"
"Good morning Alex, it is a beautiful morning indeed."
The old suited man went into the palace with no further delays.
The monument from the inside looked extremely rich. It was very tough and official, yet with a bit of flavor of warmth and coziness. Long red carpets covering the floor and the stairs. Large amount of closets. Round swirling staircases leading up and down. Someone unfamiliar with the place would surely lose his way. There were guards on duty (no smoking). There were many rooms and passages, all lit with hanging chandeliers. In one of them stood a table of table tennis and a billiard table too. From time to time you could see map covered tables with plates filled to the point there was no more room with fresh fruit. On those tables stood vases with beautiful flowers. In the larger halls you could sometimes see armor suits from long ago, some with battle damage on them (possibly belonging to great warriors from the past). From the brick walls hung beautiful paintings of famous art masters from various times. Some copies while others originals, worth millions of dollars each. On the second floor the pool was positioned. Clear, cool, and blue. It was in Olympic size. And it was empty. Plastic chairs were stacked one on top of the other in three sets. The library on the third floor was almost empty. A few old men and mountains of bookshelves filled with infinite amount of books. On the first floor, in the general dining room the sealing was ten meters high, and lit with huge chandeliers. Around the tables that were organized in three long lines tens of guards, maids, butlers, gardeners and elders were eating fast and a lot. Clearing one plate after another. Maids were putting more plates with food. Beneath the ground floor the intense work day at the kitchen was on.
Many chefs, cooks, assistants, all wearing white aprons and large white cook hats. They were working in a frenzy, cooking, frying, cutting, mixing, boiling. Kitchen workers were rolling steel cooking shelves with bread.
Kazu rolled a small cart, bringing on it a large tray of luxurious food. Well cooked meat with sliced onion and black caviar. Two large peaches. A glass of lemonade with a straw and a piece of lemon inside. The butler knocked lightly on the red wood door. "Ms. Arisu sama, may I come in? I have your breakfast."
"One moment," answered Chizues muffled voice. Kazu waited patiently. He knew exactly what's happening in the room. All Arisu family members were used to waking up this early, but Chizue just barely kept up with this tradition. She had only gotten out of bed when he knocked. After she wore a casual outfit, she opened the door. The opening door revealed a teenage girl wearing a very long dress, combining white and blue colors. It covered all her body from the shoulders down to her feet. Her hair was arranged in a single braid behind her back. She smiled and moved slightly to the side. Kazu bowed deeply and drove the food into the room. The room was large and fancy anywhere you look from. At its center was an enormous bed with many pillows and layers of linen. In the right corner stood a large half- open closet overfilled with expensive wares. On its door was two meter long mirror. Near the closet stood a red wood desk with the newest computer on top. Leaning on the wall, beneath the oversized window was Chizues Wakasaki, sheaved. Kazu went to the left corner near the door, placing the tray on a large round steel table. "It's Chizue- Chizue," she insisted.
"Yes Ms. Arisu sama. I mean Chizue sama. But the orders of Generalisimus Gou oh-sama clearly state the proper way of addressing the noble family."
"I will inherit him and change the rules!"
Kazu ignored the unrealistic declaration and took out of his pocket a small list with notes he made beforehand. Chizue sat near the round table and began eating, using properly all seven forks, spoons and knives.
"The Generalisimus is meeting with the USA president though I doubt they'll tell us what is being discussed," Kazu stopped for a second to allow Chizue to react but she simply nodded without any visible interest.
"Your older brother, Kagehiroto Arisu sama, went to his favorite Casino. He will not be back until evening." Chizue sipped from the lemonade.
"Your older brother, Yamato Arisu sama has left for the hospital. Visiting the wounded to raise the soldiers spirits." Chizue smiled approvingly.
"Your younger brother, Haruto Arisu sama is still sleeping. When he wakes he will commence with his training and personal studying again. How is your meal?"
"Well made. Expensive. Tell the cook he did an outstanding job."
"And your real feelings?"
"A boring meal. Fitting for a princess, but not for me. It's as if my father made it himself. I want pizza, I want a burger, I want schnitzel, I don't want a rich diet."
Chizue allowed herself to be completely honest with this tired old man. He knew much about her family, but wouldn't tell anyone something they are not supposed to know even if he were to be tortured. He was her butler since she was a small child. She had more memories with him than with her father.
"Any plans for today?"
"Fathers three weeks of detention ended. I can finally head to battle."
"Be careful out there Ms. Arisu sama, I mean Chizue-san… Now I shall leave, if I may" said Kazu.
"I'll see you later," she replied. Kazu bowed and left the room.
Chizue left the castle wearing her dragon leather armor and all her gear, including the battle amulets. She called Marko using her bettlephone.
"Chizue-san! Am I glad to hear from you!"
"I was too frustrated to call earlier. My father was furious when he came to know the amulet of justice broke. I wasn't even allowed to touch the battlephone."
"No worries, I understand. You shouldn't feel guilty either. If the Generalisimus knew you pushed back baron Phaulin he would build you a personal palace."
"If he knew I encountered that fiend and didn't run away he would lock me in the house forever. And If I explained my actions it would cost Metsu-san his life… But enough about that. I wanna join you in battle."
"No can do. I was stationed in Mongolia. You have to handle it yourself. I'm sure you'll be just fine."
"Mongolia is really too far. If I leave the country my father will send a whole army after me. Tell me of your mission when you can."
"Gladly. We'll talk as soon as I am I'm in Japan again."
"Bye Marko-san."
Chizue stared at the phone screen with disappointment. Marko Daichi, her closest friend was miles away. Chizue nostalgically reminiscent about their mutual history. They knew each other for almost three years. At first I thought he was like all the others. Only wanting my company for honor and status. Showing off to his drunk friends that he is personally involved with the top of nobility. But in time I learned what a soft and gentle and understanding person he is. And not a rude thug. Very rare character for a fierce warrior. I wish he was here…
Chizues thoughts unexpectedly turned to Metsuhai. I wonder if he is doing well.
….
Metsuhai released his breath into the water, bubbles coming out of his mouth. He was swimming fast, but not fast enough. Masaru, Takeo, Nao and of course Koi were all far ahead of him. He was considered average in this field. At least he was far ahead of Kuma, who struggled to keep up with his peers. He was left behind. Meaning he was the unfortunate one to receive punishment for being last. Lezner promised half a day of construction, it seemed the city walls needed maintenance. A long, hot day of shaping stones and lifting heavy loads nonstop awaited the slowest swimmer. It was but a small punishment for order army standards. There was a reason why there were no trouble makers in the order. The order had cruel punishments and strict rules. Steel discipline. There was no mercy. There was but one trouble maker who broke the rules- Kuma. He got in trouble again and again, and seen the worst of it. Whips, needles, humiliation. (How could he even endure all this?) It was a miracle he wasn't kicked out yet (and had his memory erased).
Lezner was standing at the edge of the pool. "A warrior must know how to survive in the worst of conditions. If you're thrown into a river or stormy sea, you will know what to do and how to fight." Lezner put his cigar in his mouth, satisfying himself.
The competition was nearing its end when an unfamiliar phone ring broke the silence.
"Fugughuu, it's your battlephone!" roared Lezner, "Get out of the water at once!" His cigar falling into the pool. Metsuhai rushed out of the water, wiping his wet body with his towel. "Yes?" he said hesitantly into the phone.
"Get to the office at once," commanded Andos voice, "We have an urgent mission for you."
Metsuhai rushed to leave the pool room. Leaving behind him Lezner shouting on Kuma again.
Metsuhai, now wearing his full armor sat in front of Ando. Ando was as usual, busy with papers.
"I thought it was urgent," mumbled Metsuhai.
"Right right. I have to brief you and then you set out immediately." finally Ando moved the papers aside. "A small rift was detected in Nagoya. Usually the dark army doesn't miss opportunities like this. There's bound to be an attack on the city. Even if a small one. You go investigate and report. Typically such an incident involves at least one D level opponent. If you meet something you think you can't handle, don't hesitate to call for backup."
"Yes sir!"
"One more matter. It is of extreme importance. This mission will be done right in front of civilian, unaware population. They are mostly defenseless and partially blind to the danger. You are there to protect them. You must represent the order with honor. And if some civilian awakens you should report this."
"Understood."
"Go. The helicopter awaits. Good luck."
Metsuhai was running towards the helipad, still having hard time to believe he was going on a mission so early in the day. He bumped into something small. It was a small glasses wearing ginger teenager who dropped heavy packages of newspapers to the ground.
Metsuhai wanted to apologize but Mr. paper-delivery beat him to it.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know where I was going, honorable warrior," Metsuhai looked surprised. It wasn't the treatment he was used to. "It's just that those newspapers are so heavy, and I didn't even see where am I walking to."
"No worries, it wasn't your fault"
"By the way, I am Doi Tanaka- paper delivery!, You know, knowledge is power, and warriors need a lot of power, and its completely for free! And if I will not deliver them all I'm fired."
"Thank you, but I'm kind of in a hurry. Some other time for sure." Doi started gathering his fallen goods while Metsuhai went on.
Soon enough he walked the streets of Nagoya. Tall buildings were seen everywhere. It was a familiar relaxing sight. But Metsuhai knew better. Knew not to let his guard down. He moved fast despite not knowing exactly where he was going. It should be around here somewhere. Some people were staring at him, while others completely ignored him. Metsuhai closed his eyes and tried to sense enemy power. It failed. Metsuhai sensed millions of energies and couldn't tell them apart. As Metsuhai went deeper into the city he found subtle signs of destruction. It wasn't as clear as Tokyo, but Metsuhai had no doubt anymore that something was going on. A broken window here, a misplaced truck in the parking lot there. Even a torn cloth flying in the wind.
Next, Metsuhai spotted three warriors. Two wore chainmail armors and the third a police uniform. They were armed with guns and swords. Metsuhai saluted, not sure who they were. They saluted back.
"What's the situation?" he asked, hoping to figure out who they were.
"Enemy sighted," answered the cop, "We are volunteers. Our job is to evacuate civilians. And we have our hands full. Proceed forward with caution."
"Understood. I'm on the job."
Metsuhai moved forward with his hand on his hilt. Now the familiar sights appeared: four torn corpses, damaged beyond recognition. He couldn't pinpoint how they died but it was brutal. No live humans around. The volunteers clearly didn't do their job right.
A short, thin figure with incredibly large head compared to its size peaked from behind the corner of the street. Then came the naughty laughter sounds. It was a bit sinister. The figure disappeared as fast as it appeared. Metsuhai immediately gave chase. Metsuhai went behind the corner and now could clearly see his foe in the light of the sun. That light orange skin. That short bent thin figure looking as if it is going to starve any moment. Then was the head, the size of a new computer screen, with cat like ears. On that head were unnaturally large eyes and a wide mouth full of sharp teeth. The creature was wearing on his body nothing except sport pants and a medium sword on his back.
"You are a goblin, I know your kind" said Metsuhai, drawing his sword
"Yes" answered the goblin with a deceivingly soft voice.
"You will pay for what you did to those people."
"We shall see now how good you understand my kind," mumbled the goblin.
"Brothers attack!"
Out of the shadows, from all directions came a whole pack of laughing blood thirsty goblins armed with similar swords.
They surround Metsuhai from every direction. There were at least ten of them.
I'll wait until they make their move. I'm taller and my sword is long. My reach is bigger. As soon as they move in, I'll make my move.
But the goblins didn't charge. Instead they started throwing stones from all directions. Many landed on the shield, but not all of them. Stones hitting every part of his body. It looked like a Muslim execution. And not all stones were small. From time to time a rock of significant size was hurled at him.
Metsuhai didn't stay stunned for long. He pushed through the pain, and powered up in spite of the many incoming blows. Metsuhai charged at the goblin leader with his shield up. The goblin leader cast a spell. A powerful stream of wind pushed Metsuhai back into the center of the circle. The goblins, seeing the stone strategy doesn't really work that well, changed tactics. All that was necessary was a nod from their leader.
The goblins drew their blades. They started running and jumping in a circle, changing positions every second. Metsuhai couldn't pick out a target. Just trying to follow them with his eyes was confusing. Then came the attacks. Every second one random goblin charged at Metsuhai trying to cut him. And it was always from the side or behind, aiming at his blind spot. Just defending demanded a lot of concentration. They were clearly tiring him. From time to time a blow did land on his fine armor. It was still painful. All of Metsuhais attempts to counterattack missed. There has to be something I can do!
Metsuhai swung his sword around pointlessly. Sweating and breathing hard. The goblins were so fast. They reacted to every tiny move he made instantly. Drops of sweat entered his eyes, irritating his eyes. He tried gathering his faith magic for an attack but a strike to his side broke his concentration and the energy exploded in his hand, causing some bleeding. His shield and sword felt heavy in his arms. This was really bad.
Metsuhai just stood there, wounded, frustrated, bleeding, and completely exhausted. His armor torn. The goblin strategy to tire him worked. But who could blame him. There were more than ten of them. He just couldn't keep up. He had to defend all the time, and he couldn't do it anymore. This is how elite goblin units fight. This is what they do best.
Metsuhai used energy. He was too tired to use faith magic. It was just energy. The yellow beam was unusually weak. It flew towards the goblin leader and changed course by itself inches away. "Is that all you've got?" The goblin leader looked satisfied, yet with a casual expression. This was exactly what he expected and it wasn't the first time.
The goblin leader gestured with his hands to the sides. "Oh well… soldiers, final assault now!"
All goblins jumped at Metsuhai at once from all directions, grabbing him, and mainly sinking their teeth into his wounded flesh. The pain was devastating, like thousand knives curving their way into his body. Worse than anything Metsuhai had ever endured. Only the goblin leader remained in place. "I will tell you what comes next, I'm gonna sink my teeth into your throat!" The goblin leader jumped right towards Metsuhai opening his long wide mouth filled with wolf like teeth. Metsuhai could actually see his tongue and throat.
….
Chizue walked carefully with her sword drawn, scanning the smoke filled street with her eyes. The lowest amulet on her left arm glowed light blue for a moment. He is close. Further along the street there was a young man corpse. Something was bending over it. It was eating. The demon noticed her and got up, turning towards her. Ah, a firestarter.
Both combatants took battle stances. The young firestarter put his tense leg a bit forward and his palms facing up. Chizue held her Wakasakis handle as high as her face, her feet a bit bent, gaining grip into the ground, one leg forward.
The firestarter attacked, throwing a yellow ball of fire. Chizue dodged while running forward. Leaving the powerful blast behind her back.
The firestarter threw two more fireballs. Missing again. Chizue didn't allow him to attack a third time. She appeared in front of him and pierced him, the blade of the sword coming out from the other side. "How does it feel when you are the one receiving the pain?" Chizue told the dying monster.
The firestarter spat blood from his mouth. "From where I come from we endure pain and torture as an everyday routine. All my brothers were eaten before they got to mature." The firestarters gaze became empty.
….
The goblin leader leapt at Metsuhai aiming at his throat, but Metsuhai forced himself to lift his trapped hand, dragging up two heavy goblins, as if trying to slow down a rampaging dog, so the goblin chief bit it instead. Metsuhais neck was saved for the next five seconds. Yet his situation was still dire. He was inches from death. His thoughts turned to life and death, and to the people he knew: his parents, Chizue, Marco, Kuma, Masaru, Lezner who didn't want to send him to battle, and even Koi that he still didn't settle the score with him. There's so much to do, there's so much to achieve. My friends are counting on me. I'm not dying just yet! Suddenly Metsuhai was filled with power again. Metsuhai roared in rage. A powerful blast of yellow energy sent the goblins flying to all directions. "You should have tired me more!" Metsuhai pierced one goblin, then cut down another. The goblin formation was completely broken. And with every casualty their fighting spirit evaporated. Some goblins ran away. Others were confused and didn't understood where they are. The goblin leader looked right and left, and fled. It was all over.
Metsuhai ran after the goblin leader, ignoring his wounds and exhaustion. I should have gone after him faster! Where did that bastard go?!
Slight movement in the alley to his right caught his eye. Metsuhai swung his sword and so did the opponent. They both stopped at the last moment, their swords at each others throat. To his horror Metsuhai recognized Chizue.
"I'm so sorry, I thought you were a goblin." Metsuhai sheaved his sword.
"Now that's quite insulting." Chizue sheaved her sword as well.
"No no! I didn't mean it like that!"
"Your armor is torn and you are covered in blood. A goblin did this?!"
"There were twelve of them. They were armed with Arabian blades and fought fiercely, at least in the beginning."
"Taking on an elite goblin squad alone, are you insane?! You need someone covering your back in a deathmatch like that. You don't have what it takes. Greater warriors have been destroyed like this."
"I don't really handpick my opponents. Either way, what brings you to this part of town?" I am so awkward.
Chizue shook her head because she wasn't quite finished lecturing him but answered honestly anyway. "I am here from the same reason you are. Here to fight evil. Usually I go hunting together with Marko, but I'm on my own today."
Chizue took out a tiny backpack from her belt. "Unfold!" she declared. Metsuhai looked in astonishment as the backpack glowed in yellow and grew to a substantial size. Chizue opened the regular looking backpack and pulled out a light blue potion in a decorated glass bottle.
"Drink it. It's a health potion. It will heal your wounds in no time."
Metsuhai took the bottle with hesitation. "Isn't this expensive?"
Chizue waved her hand dismissively "not beyond the ten thousand."
"I appreciate your generosity. Yet I can't afford it. This is just wrong," Metsuhai pushed the bottle back to Chizue
"O common, we are friends, and this is what the potion is for."
A low deep growl interrupted the conversation. Forced to decide fast, Metsuhai drank the potion. His wounds glue a bit and began to close. Luckily the armor took most of the damage. The two turned towards the sound, drawing their swords and taking battle stances.
From the shadows, the red glow of two raging eyes was slowly closing on them. Four legged creature, guessed Metsuhai. The approaching enemy was moving silently and confidently. Finally they could see him clearly. It was the baddest dog Metsuhai had ever seen. It had black fur covering its entire body. The hound was huge, as big as a car. His slightly open mouth revealed loads of large blade- sharp teeth. Saliva leaked from his mouth. And the insane rage reflected from his mug could send even the bravest man running. Just to make the horror complete, there was no meat on him. He probable didn't had a good meal for ages. He was skin and bones. "It's a… hell hound!" whispered Chizue. What followed next was an ear-tearing roar. Metsuhai squeezed the handle of his sword with force, instinctively. Chizue shivered like a leaf in the wind. Metsuhai turned to Chizue. "What's wrong with you?" a powerful stream of fire pushed Metsuhai back and off his feet. Sanding a wave of pain through his body (Metsuhai was looking to the wrong direction).
Metsuhai rushed to get up, and just in time because another blast of flames was on its way.
It's not as bad as a firestarters, but it is still strong.
Metsuhai dodged, and the fire exploded behind him. The hell hound released more and more fire, but Metsuhai was skilfully dodging.
"Is that all you've got?!"
The hell hound roared in anger. Maybe I shouldn't have provoked him.
Suddenly the raging dog calmed down and kind of a sinister smile appeared on his face. The hell hounds wildly open jaw turned to Chizue. He was gathering fire for a stronger attack.
"We have a small break," Metsuhai spoke quickly "We can figure out a strategy… it is dangerous to fight such a beast head on from obvious reasons, but we can attack from two directions simultaneously. There's no way he can defend against us both. We should be just fine." No answer followed. Metsuhai didn't even knew if his words got to her. "Chizue-san?...Chizue!" Chizue mumbled something Metsuhai couldn't decipher.
The hell hound released his most powerful fire attack ever. It was worse than a firestarter. And it wasn't aimed at Metsuhai. It was aimed at defenseless Chizue. "Oh no!"
Metsuhai blocked the stream of fire heading towards Chizue… with himself, standing in defensive stance, raising his shield. The fire knocked him off his feet. The heat was devastating, frying him, tearing through his body like a whitened blade, like a thousand whitened blades. His shield melting. His torn armor melting. It was actually good the armor was torn, otherwise it would have been an avatar to the heat. The fire stopped. Metsuhai, now covered with burns from head to toe breathed with relief. His clothes half torn beneath the half malted and battered armor. He threw his whitened, melted shield away. A shadow descended upon him and before he knew it the massive hound smashed at him from above landing on him with all his weight. Metsuhais sword dropped out of his arm. The hell hound was aiming at his neck, but men, with a jaw of that size he could easily bite off his entire head. All Metsuhai could do was put his hands on the dogs neck (or was it his head?). Chizue still stood there paralyzed, her face pale. Situation looked lost. Metsuhai put every muscle in his body to prevent whose jaws closing on his throat. The hound roaring with rage, or perhaps exited.
Chizue stood there pale. Her knees shaking. But she forced herself to act. Chizue raised her shaking hand releasing a white ray right at the beast. The beam was weak and faded centimeters before reaching its target. The hell hound raised his head, turning to shaking chizue and away from Metsuhais neck. This was all the opening Metsuhai needed. It was just like the first fire stream but the other way around. Metsuhai took one hand off the hound and grabbed his sword. Metsuhai plunged the sword into the dogs neck almost up to the handle, using the other hand to keep the hound in place. Though with a monster that heavy it was probably not necessary. A small river of blood poured out of the damaged neck artery, covering with a hot stream Metsuhais entire body. Flowing into his mouth, giving Metsuhai a metallic flavor. Metsuhai drew his sword back out. The hound was howling in agony and limping backwards. Metsuhai rose back to his feet. The hound was crying and running from side to side in pain. Leaving trails of blood behind him. Metsuhai jumped, lending on his back, piercing him with his sword repeatedly. The hound threw Metsuhai off his back in a desperate attempt and then collapsed.
….
Chizue was crying. It wasn't a loud noisy cry. But the tears were visible and the sobbing could not be ignored. Metsuhai didn't know what to do and acted out of habit, examining his destroyed shield. Only after that he got closer to Chizue and spoke softly "It's okay. Everybody freezes sometimes. Kuma says…"
"Its dogs," interrupted him Chizue with her voice shaking "I mortally fear dogs of all kinds. As soon as I see one, especially of the dangerous breeds I can't fight. I can't do anything except shaking like a terrified child."
Metsuhai nodded. More to himself than to her, since she wasn't really looking at him.
"On my first mission, my father made sure I would go to the sandy beach. Who goes to the sandy beach on their first mission?! …"
Metsuhai almost said something but stopped himself in time. "… Of course I wasn't really in danger. A whole team of Lieutenants escorted me, with clear orders to do nothing except protecting my life. I saw a lot of horrible sights that day. This was fathers intention. To discourage me from becoming a warrior. He didn't want me, his only daughter to do the same as both his older sons. His plan failed. The horrors didn't break my will. But one memory does haunt me. A pack of infernal dogs tearing an innocent child to pieces. You can't imagine…"
Metsuhai felt sorry for Chizue who had seen such a nightmare. The sandy beach was a warzone for veterans, one that Metsuhai barely survived the first time. And he had the invasion to Tokyo as kind of a preparation. He also felt anger towards Chizues father, for thinking only about himself: these Lieutenants could have saved lives of innocents. Instead he put them as escorts to his passionate daughter. He clearly put politics and personal matters above what the order was formed for.
"This fight is behind us. Let's head back to the capital."
Chizue nodded, and wiped her tears with her hand, now looking at Metsuhai. She was clearly still far from alright.
"We all have fears and weaknesses," comforted her Metsuhai, "You will overcome this eventually."
"Thank you, Metsu- san. This helps. But I have a favor to ask."
"If it's within my abilities, I'll do it."
Chizue took out her battlephone and started pressing on the buttons quickly. "I am erasing this fight from the phone. You do the same. Erase any part where I am seen at least."
Metsuhai hesitated for only a moment. "Alright."
Editing the battle this heavily might lower the prize money I'll get. But this is something I'm willing to do for you, Chizue. Besides, the potion she gave me was worth much more.
….
By the time Metsuhai and Chizue approached to Metsuhais extraction point she was cheerful again. She told him a bit how boring and eventless life in the castle was. But all Metsuhai could hear was extreme and exaggerated wealth. Their life styles were so different. He had no choice but to go to battle. He was literally fighting for his life. He would dream to be that rich. So he mostly listened to her minor complaints looking on her graceful walk and beautiful figure.
The chopper was already in sight, waiting on one of the rooftops when both warriors felt a strong presence. Metsuhai looked around and Chizue put her hand on the sword hilt. The presence turned out to be human. Multiple humans to be precise.
The first to be seen was a thin teenager with blonde spiky hair and a mischievous smile on his face. He wore a light chain armor of red color, with several drawings of yellow lightnings and carried a curved blade. Behind him were twins, although they looked completely different, only their height and facial features were similar. One had purple hair, wore a leather armor and held two massive Kukri knives. His expression was hard to read. The other had black hair and was dressed like a street punk. His leather armor torn for fashion. He held a spiky mace and had a strange smirk on his face. The tallest of the bunch had red hair and wore plate armor. His gloves had thick blades on them. The last to appear looked like an old wise man who came right out of a dojo. His white hair was in a short braid and a fancy mustache decorated his face. He wore a blue suit with white stars and carried two broad swords.
"Two order losers!" announced the blonde guy. Metsuhai put his hand on the hilt of his sword, but before anything else happened the old man smacked the blonde teenager on the back of the head. "Learn you manners already! This is no way to address our allies."
The old man looked at Metsuhai and then Chizue.
"My apologies, princess. I would have smacked his head harder if I knew we are in the presence of nobility."
"It is forgiven," said Chizue calmly, using official tone.
"I heard about her," remarked the black haired twin "they call her the warrior princess. She is Arisu! And makes her father angry."
"Hold your tongue boy!" shouted the old commander "You want to lose all your reputation and drag us into a war nobody needs?"
The twin shook his head apologetically. "Apologize to Ms. Arisu sama!" insisted the old man.
"I am sorry," claimed the twin with a not sorry voice "I haven't had my smoke yet so I spoke without thinking."
"Who are you people?" wondered Metsuhai aloud, "You are clearly not from the order."
"Of course we are not part of the order!" exclaimed the blonde rude guy "and we are proud of it. We belong to the glorious and invincible Freedom Association. The organization which does what the order does, better."
The old man looked like he was about to burst in flames from anger but it was Metsuhai who responded.
"Well I am proud to fight for the order. We save lives and destroy evil every day."
There was a short moment of silence. The old man said "you have fire in your eyes kid. The freedom association needs men like you. If the order does the mistake of kicking you too my homes door is open for you"
"Let's go," said Chizue to Metsuhai, who removed his hand from the sword already.
Chizue and Metsuhai were climbing the stairs of the building with the chopper. This encounter was over.