Blurred vague images crossed Metsuhai's sightline like in a weird dream. Foggy shadows and lights that had no meaning. Gradually the view partially stabilized. Still it was as if Metsuhai was looking through glass. First it was Ryo chasing Vardalac and parachuting reinforcements from the order. Then someone was screaming on him. Afterwards everything went blank for a long time.
Now it seemed the 'dreams' returned. Doctor Kin was leaning above him, trying every method he knew to bring Metsuhai back, though not very successfully. "I did what I could," said tired Kin to someone Metsuhai didn't really see. "Five damaged vital organs, many of his nerve connections were fried… He is strong like ten men, maybe he'll make it somehow, though he could never fight again. It's in the hands of fate now."
Some unknown amount of time later, a familiar man approached Metsuhai's bed. It was Tsukiyama and he had a serious look on his face. "Time to get to work." Metsuhai thought about saying hello when everything went dark again. He thought he saw some yellow sparks for a moment. When he finally really woke up, he could see normally again. He was on a bed with white sheets, wearing only his pants. Tsukiyama was sitting at his side and reading a book. Metsuhai must have moved slightly or something because Tsukiyama noticed he was awake.
"Ah, Pushkin really had a way with words." Tsukiyama put the book aside.
"Tsukiyama sensei, I am so sorry. I used dangerous advanced techniques and lost miserably nevertheless. All my training didn't help… What happened out there? How many did we lose? Where is Vardalac?"
"So many questions at once… you are still recovering, try to take it slow. We are in 'The Last Hope'. You've been here for over a week. When I got here you were between life and death. I brought you back."
Metsuhai looked at Tsukiyama, not understanding. "The main hospital of the order's capital. I'm sure you've been in here before."
Metsuhai nodded which was quite painful. Tsukiyama continued "The Armageddon Championship is over, with no winner at that. The Chaos stone is gone. We never found it. Now about what you asked. The battle between the invading Inferno army and the troops from the two strongest organizations protecting humanity was hard. Mankind lost many good boys. Talented warriors, bright minds. Not to mention many unlucky civilians. But we won. When the reinforcements arrived it was already all over. It would have been an entirely different story if all the ships would have crossed. The whole world might have been overrun…"
I guess I'm supposed to feel proud for stopping that stone together with Ryo but I only feel like a failure. Despite having the best trainer in the world when it really mattered I was no good. I know it doesn't make sense but that changes nothing.
"…The rumors floating around are you engaged the ancient invincible vampire lord leading the assault." Tsukiyama waited for Metsuhai's response.
"I did." Metsuhai managed to stop his voice from shaking. He couldn't put into words how much not of a fight it was. The enemy crushed him without even trying.
"Well done kid. No shame in that loss. Even I lost once, and I don't mean as a small child. It was around three hundred years ago. Never mind that. I have seen your performance in the tournament itself on my TV. Congratulations, you've done well. Smashing through one strong opponent after the other. My heart was leaping out of its place. It felt like having s**. Either way, there is someone else who wants to see you. I'll take my leave now. You should be on your feet by tomorrow. I want you to report at my house first thing in the morning. I will take my leave now. I'm not really supposed to be here. The order sees me as a traitor, you know. Farewell."
Tsukiyama just left when a familiar young beauty came in. Metsuhai thought it was Chizue at first but it was actually Akiara. Wearing her nurse uniform, she approached slowly. Metsuhai automatically pulled the sheets to cover himself more but also tried sitting up which resulted with much pain.
"How do you feel?" Akiara looked honestly worried, she wasn't asking just because it's her job.
"Still recovering. I have endured worse pain before, so no worries here."
"Then why do you look so down?"
Metsuhai looked into Akiara's eyes and took a deep breath. "People called me The Mordon Destroyer. They counted on me, put their hopes in me. Yet that vampire played me like a rag doll. I failed everyone on that battlefield. I am a disgrace."
Metsuhai noticed his fists were closed with force, so much so that his fingernails were hurting his skin.
"But he was thousands of years old. His history documented in the most ancient surviving documents shows he was hardly ever defeated if at all. He is a true A class and second in command after a demon lord. Even the greatest of warriors, the stuff of legends would find themselves outmatched. When I came to work this morning we had so many wounded, we barely had enough beds. Third of them came from that arena. They are all talking about you and Ryo stopping that chaos stone. If not for that the fleet would cross- more than hundred ships and we would have all died."
"I was just in the right place at the right time. Ryo is the real hero here."
Akiara got closer to Metsuhai and held his right hand with both hers. "Maybe Ryo is a hero, but so are you. You are my hero."
Metsuhai suddenly realized how close Akiara had gotten to him. And he didn't even have a shirt on. They both blushed when the door opened sharply. Akiara jumped away from Metsuhai as if bit by a snake. Chizue was at the door, wearing fancy attire which few can afford. For her though it was comfortable clothing that could have been worn any day. Chizue sent a wide smile to Metsuhai but spoke to Akiara. "My apologies, I seem to have startled you. I rushed here." Chizue either didn't notice the awkward situation in the room or perhaps wasn't sure exactly what she saw and chose to ignore it. Akiara bowed deeply, looking at her own shoes. "Nn..No need to apologize to me, it's an honor to meet you miss Arisu sama!"
"You're Kin's trainee, right? I think we met before."
"Yes. Yes indeed I am. I am Akiara Kasumi."
"Anyway unless there's something medical urgent here I'd like a few moments with Metsuhai alone."
Akiara bowed deeply and practically ran out of the room.
Chizue sat down near Metsuhai, slightly blushing. "I met doctor Kin outside and he wouldn't tell me your condition. I was really worried but you seem relatively fine."
"Tsukiyama fixed me up. I was beaten quite badly but now I could fight again soon."
"I am sorry I didn't come here sooner. My father heard somehow that initially I intended to stay in the arena to fight. Just that intention got me in detention for several days. I am sorry I couldn't fight side by side with you."
If you were with me fighting Vardalac it would be thousand times worse. I wouldn't have been able to protect you. You would have been eaten before my eyes.
Metsuhai kept his thoughts to himself. "I still can't believe all that happened."
"I know. What a mess," Chizue agreed, "We didn't have such an invasion since Tokyo. And that was only one ship. Goh is furious on the future tellers and the barrier research team for not foreseeing this calamity. Heads are gonna roll. But honestly not everything can be predicted. And of course the Armageddon Championship organizers are all under investigation. So many of us died at once. The bad guys must be celebrating."
Metsuhai thought about all that happened. His thoughts returned to the tournament. A realization occurred to him.
"Is Ryo going to be executed for his behavior?"
"I don't know," honestly answered Chizue, "but his trial is today. My father will judge him personally. He isn't the forgiving type…"
"I don't think killing him is right. Not after everything that happened. If Ryo wouldn't be there for us we would have all died or worse."
"I know. I heard he even saved your life. Though Vardalac retreated only because his army was on the run." Chizue looked like she wanted to say something more but her phone made a sound. She viewed the message and got up. "I have to be at the palace. I'll see you later."
I guess I feel a bit better, Metsuhai tried to convince himself. With more than a little effort, Metsuhai got up, exposing his muscular upper body, covered with burns. Metsuhai was about to look out the window when doctor Kin entered the room. For a moment he stared at Metsuhai in disbelief.
"You certainly have a habit of surprising me. You heal as fast as a Hellhound. Honestly I don't understand how is it that you're standing."
I am not sure I should mention Tsukiyama to him. "It's because of the good care you've been giving me."
Hmm… Doctor Kin didn't buy that modest explanation one bit. I know of only two people who could heal a man with that condition. To think one of them was here and helped…
Kin examined Metsuhai, who simply looked at him silently. Doctor Kin made a step in Metsuhai's direction. Just before Metsuhai asked the nice Doctor what is expected of him, suddenly kin bowed down before Metsuhai. It came out of nowhere. "Doctor Kin, sir, what are you doing?!" Metsuhai couldn't hold back his shock and even raised his voice. It's so inappropriate for the experienced, esteemed high officer, practically a general that saved thousands of lives and famous physician of the highest level to bow to a guy who have been in the business for a year if not less and can't even follow orders right. It doesn't make sense.
"I'll treat your wounds personally today and every day to the end of my life. When the flagship crash landed in the arena- my son was there. And he was close to the ship. A resourceful young man. Many ran early and fast- he ran earlier and faster. Yet he almost got caught by these bastards. I will never forgive myself for sending him there. I owe every fighter who stood up for him. Every fighter who stood his ground. And I'm especially indebted to you and Ryo, whatever happens to him next."
"Please get up, Doctor Kin sama. I will remember your generosity and it will give me even more motivation on the battlefield. Though I frankly don't intend to end up here every day."
Doctor Kin gave Metsuhai a medical check and gave him permission to leave by the next day. Then he left without another word.
With Chizue worrying for me and Akiara and Doctor Kin considering me a hero I don't have the luxury of wasting time looking down. Even if I don't deserve their gratitude I'll just have to work harder to earn it. And most importantly. I do have what to be proud of.
…
"Stand here." The guard couldn't have had a more emotionless tone if he tried. He was clearly used to this. With a couple of heavy steps, Ryo took his position, forcing his arms out of the grip of the escorting guard. His hands had huge metallic handcuffs on them. They weren't simple handcuffs either. They had magic in them, making them strong and able to suppress the abilities of the one cuffed. Of course Ryo could break them with his super-human strength. A harder task would be leaving this fancy yet small courtroom, which currently had eight elite battle- hardened guards in full armor. Ryo had no intention of fighting these tough men, who seemed almost like statues given how they stood motionlessly in their assigned positions. If he intended to run away (as he once planned) he would have done so in the arena when he was arrested. Instead Ryo looked up to the judge's stage with a proud, undefeated look.
I wonder how they'll have me killed, not that it matters. This wasn't what I had in mind. But running away is beneath my honor. I want to be remembered as the man who killed the dragon and immediately after that executed by the infamous Arisu. That's a stain on their history right here. I wonder how much longer are they gonna stay in power when they execute their champions.
Despite the limited size of the completely silent court room it was clearly meant for many people, judging by the amount of empty wooden chairs. At the side of the room sat a glasses- wearing clerk with a long parchment and an old pen. He peeked at Ryo for a moment before returning his gaze to the almost blank piece of parchment. Ryo paid no attention to him. Instead he examined the three men who were chosen as his judges.
The most impressive from Ryo's perspective was the heavily armored General Gold. Ryo had only seen this big- built man from far away before, and never without his helmet like now. He had a serious stoic expression but somehow he still gave off the feeling that he was a kind man.
The second judge Ryo also recognized. Chancellor Urigami, the minister of emergencies was old and very well respected. Urigami looked like his thoughts were elsewhere but as he was a very practical man, it was probably a mistake of Ryo's judgment. The third judge was really young. Ryo wouldn't hesitate calling him a kid. He didn't recognize Shun, the heir of the Seto family. The youngster judge aside, Ryo could only be surprised no one of the esteemed judges took the seat of the main judge. But that could only mean…
"Stand for the supreme commander!" instructed General Gold. Ryo was already standing and so did the guards but the three judges and the scribe rushed to their feet. The door slowly opened with a bit of squeaky sound and Goh Arisu entered. Goh made his way to his seat with confident steps.
What a farce. To have an Arisu judging an offence to the Arisu name. Haven't they heard about conflict of interest? They aren't even bothering with a pretense of a fair trial. Goh nodded to the other judges and they took their seats. The scribe bowed deeply and did the same. "The trial of Ryo Yoroi for treason has begun." Goh finished speaking and immediately approached Ryo. They were now so close they could feel each other breathe. Shun wanted to protest thinking it might be dangerous to get this close to someone this strong and hostile but his strict education in ethics and politics eventually kept him quiet. Goh and Ryo now looked right into each other's eyes. "You're brave, that is good… You have spoken about the Arisu family with disrespect, in a manner that can't be tolerated. Furthermore, you have done so publicly. On the rare occasion of such a case, typically the court session is only to decide the sort of execution and its date. However… Your recent achievements on the battlefield are difficult to ignore…"
Ryo barely managed to hide his surprise. "…Slaying the dragon single handedly has helped the order immensely and in more than one way. You have shown skill and courage under pressure, fighting aside the Mordon- Destroyer in a fight with bad odds…"
Goh lowered his voice significantly. With the graveyard like silence around everyone still heard him clearly but the scribe put down his pen. "…I know of your grudge with the Arisu. It is understandable and makes sense to a degree. As the head of the Arisu, myself and my ancestors had to make countless hard decisions to keep humanity alive and strong. One of those was to take the Yoroi armors, known later as the Holy Armors. You may think that was unjust. But surely you'd agree the armors belong on the battlefield and not in some museum. By putting them on and entrusting their lives to those armors, the Arisu had also brought respect to your family. I am guessing you never considered that part. Another tough decision was to never return the armors. They had become synonymous with the Arisu, and their presence, to this day, helps keep the order stable…"
Ryo's face was impossible to read, in fact, he himself didn't know what he was feeling. Even in a million years he never expected Goh to be explaining himself to him.
"…most recently your grudge was justly reignited when no Arisu attended your grandfather's funeral. That wasn't supposed to happen. I personally instructed my successor, my oldest son, Kagehiroto to be there. Apparently he was drunk and missed the ceremony. For that, I am sorry."
Ryo couldn't possibly find what to say. Has Goh Arisu ever apologized in the entire span of his lifetime? Ryo reminisced of his grandpa, who always encouraged him to accept the status quo. He had the habit of saying things like:" If it wasn't the Arisu, then it was some other noble family. Possibly much worse." Ryo realized that if only Kagehiroto was at that funeral, he would not do or say the things he did.
"And that brings us to your punishment…" Goh took a deep breath "I can't just ignore you insulting my honor, furthermore it was my beloved daughter you insulted. I'm letting you go with something symbolic under two conditions. One- you will say and act as if you received a punishment more terrible than your worst nightmares without elaborating. And for an untrained person it is a terrible punishment indeed. Though your honor will be intact. The second condition is…" Goh looked right into Ryo's eyes for the second time "you will abandon your grudge completely and accept the Arisu family as your dynasty's best friends."
For a few long seconds Ryo considered the situation. It wasn't easy for him to let go of his burning emotions. But Goh's words all made sense. The Arisu were not the villains he envisioned. And even in his dreams he wouldn't have gotten a better offer.
"Thank you, Arisu sama, for your generosity."
Goh turned to the other judges "any objections? Anything to comment?" all the judges gestured that they have nothing to say. Goh whispered something in the ear of one of the guards. The guard left immediately and after a few seconds returned holding a live snake. The snake was desperately trying to break free. The guard stated as if reading from a guide-book. "Asiatic Red Mamba. Not deadly venom but extremely painful," turning to Ryo "Will you have the honor?"
Ryo grabbed the serpent's head and stuck his fangs in his vain. It was devastating. Ryo shouted in pain soon enough. But Goh was right. As a hardened fighter Ryo could endure pain. Goh hit the small hemmer on the table "court session adjourned.
…
Metsuhai followed Tsukiyama into the basement of his fancy house. What does the old guy has in store for me this time. Tsukiyama walked ahead somewhat cheerful. "You see, when we are alone we are weak and lost. On the other hand when we are together we are an invincible army. So I founded the Dark Grey club as a reeducation program for beings who are generally bad." I have a bad feeling about this.
Metsuhai followed Tsukiyama into a small room, where In the light of candles around a long table sat Brakanyer, Roteah and General Bonehead. Bonehead was smoking a large cigar. Metsuhai was slightly surprised no one commented about the smoking in doors though it seemed that both Brakanyer and Roteah enjoy the smoke. The candles were of high quality and could have given the room a romantic feel to it, if it weren't for the members present.
Tsukiyama broke the silence. "Let me first introduce everyone… the crusher is Brakanyer. I summoned him and I got quite attached to him. Then there is Metsuhai the order fighter. The beastman is Roteah the son of baron Phaulin and our new acquaintance general Bonehead from the invasion boat. Now we are going to share our feelings with each other."
Bonehead got up, taking the cigar out of his mouth. "I'm not sharing my emotions with these two monsters!"
Brakanyer and Roteah jumped on their feet. Tsukiyama raised his hands in protest, "children children, we are all here for the same reason, don't go killing each other."
I have no clue what sensei Tsukiyama is trying to achieve with this, and why am I part of it.
Bonehead, Roteah and Brakanyer forced themselves to seat. Metsuhai took his chair with poker face. "Brakanyer you start," decided Tsukiyama, taking his seat.
"Well… I'm not very good with feelings. When I attack I'm angry. When the enemy is strong I am afraid though from where I come from fear is very punishable. When I lose in fight I am sad. When I eat the enemy I'm happy."
"Dig deeper. What events it the past made you who you are?" (Tsukiyama)
"Well… no one ever asked me that before… I hatched from an egg in a lava plain. Unlike beings from this realm I never had a mother or a father. I was always hungry and had to avoid bigger demons who could do me harm. Small children like me and a few others I knew were routinely abused, raped or eaten. Some of us were surviving in groups, while others alone…"
I knew the demons aren't kind to their young, I mean they're hardly capable of kindness. But it's worse than I thought. And Brakanyer speaks about it with such a monotone voice… I knew how bad the life of familiars are, but crushers are the core of the enemy force. I didn't know they are abused as well when they are young and still underdeveloped. Not that I'll show them any mercy.
"…When I was ten I was recruited by a Firephantom for the academy of darkness as we all did. There we were forced to learn wrestling, body building, boxing and martial arts. Our instructors were ruthless and relentless. Beating us half to death when we messed up. Half of the children I knew- I wouldn't call them friends, never got to mature. Well… I have nothing more to say."
"Roteah, your turn," Instructed Tsukiyama.
"My father never thought of anyone but himself. He had seen me as a weapon and nothing more. He sent me an instructor who pretended to be my friend so he could teach me to be evil. My mother was crazy and abused me. No matter what I did and how much I tried, it was never good enough for her. Everyone always hated me. I never asked to be born. Is that enough?"
Tsukiyama nodded. "Metsuhai, your turn."
Metsuhai took a deep breath. "People think that I am a really great guy. The Mordon Destroyer they call me, all because I got lucky. The truth is I lived most of my life in ignorance, unaware of the reality and the war. Although it was my parents who decided it, I could have asked more questions. I could have realized the truth. If I did I could have trained so much more, and do so much more good… I made so many mistakes. I had a ritual duel with an opponent I can't even dream defeating and I will never forgive myself. I have seen many good people die. And I couldn't protect them. I have seen so much blood and death on the battlefield that it almost doesn't faze me anymore. Recently I failed defeating a strong foe, and now who knows how many innocent people he is going to eat."
"Last, but not least, General Bonehead. I found him when I made my way to help Metsuhai in the ring. Almost attacked him, when I found out he is far beyond what we define as the typical skeleton. General Bonehead- your turn."
General Bonehead didn't really have eyes, but Metsuhai could feel sadness from his face. "Before I entered this room I thought of these two just as monsters," Bonehead pointed at Brakanyer and Roteah, "and the other two as no more than fighters who fight for a lost cause. But now I know you are all alive and have feelings. But despite you all have had difficult life, mine was the very hardest…
I was a priest, working for the local church. I was happy. I had a beautiful wife and a baby girl. People like the crusher never had anything, so they don't understand how is it to lose it all…" Bonehead took the picture out of the small bag and placed it on the table. Then came the demons. We fought well and lost. There were 20 of them on each one of us. Our realm was overrun as so many others…" Bonehead's voice was shaking. "…Everyone I knew and loved were gone. They raped my wife again and again. They slashed my wife's neck in front of my eyes and then pierced my baby girl, and when I was dead they turned me into a skeleton. The most powerful one they ever made. They took my free will away, making me kill and destroy. I couldn't even die demit! Though I tried many times. This is why I hate these two." (Pointing at Roteah and Brakanyer) "I will never forgive the dark army!"
When I met Bonehead I released him from the dark army's control. Now that he is more aware of his feelings he should be permanently free, or so I hope, Thought Tsukiyama, Skeletons are very easy to control for necromancy masters.
…
At the suburbs of an abandoned looking neighborhood a dark shadowy figure covered in concealing cloths quickly made its way to the ugliest building, which only stood out with how much in a bad shape it was. The figure made a strange sound, holding its belly. It was Zlovsky. It's impossible to sense his presence, but the master should be here.
Zlovsky opened the wooden door with a squeak and rushed to the basement. The squid like character stood in the darkest corner. Zlovsky immediately bowed down all the way despite his wounds. "Uragiri sama, the attack ships were locked out of the battle. The Chaos Stone is gone. Kadilac is dead. What should we do?"
"What should we do indeed?" Uragiri repeated with a deceptively soft voice, and then with a roar worse than that of a crusher "WHAT SHOULD WE DO?! Hundreds of years of planning, wasted!"
Uragiri sent his arm and grabbed Zlovsky by the face. "No! Uragiri sama!"
In the light of the coming morning, as passersby rush to their daily pursuits, Zlovsky's lifeless blood covered corpse was sitting on a spear in the middle of the street. The spear was going through his behind all the way to the crown. The people nearby were unaware of the slowly decomposing body.