Metsuhai wiped the tears of his face. Why are you crying Metsuhai, you know better than that. Metsuhai got up, taking a deep breath. He remembered Lezner's words from one long- forgotten training session. "As long as you are alive, the fight isn't over." Chizue is still alive. I am sure of it. Metsuhai called Ando.
"This is late, Efraitor Fugughuu."
"Urgent report, sir! We have a crisis!" Metsuhai waited for just a moment to make sure Ando understood, then proceeded with the explanation. "Chizue Arisu was just taken into Inferno, unconscious."
"What?! Ms. Arisu sama did? … I have to get to my office. This is an emergency indeed. I have to report this to the higher ups immediately."
"Sir, I want to help. I want to be at the head of the rescue mission. I am strong, experienced and capable enough. I know exactly where she was transported."
"Rescue mission?! There won't be any rescue mission! It's gonna be code red! We will take our positions and prepare for war. Massive invasion is coming."
"That can't be! The order doesn't leave soldiers behind!" Metsuhai didn't even notice he was shouting. "Surely not a key figure from the noble family!"
"I am sorry Fugughuu. She is out of our reach now."
"Don't screw with me! Let me speak to your commander!"
"Fugughuu that's enough! I know what I am talking about. No one ever returned from Inferno alive. The Generalisimus himself promised death penalty to anyone going there. Get to my office on the double, that's an order!"
Metsuhai hanged up, changing the battlephone to silent mode. Ando is no use.
Metsuhai rushed towards the capital. I don't know how to open a rift to inferno. I have rarely seen demons fleeing to Inferno and even then I couldn't comprehend their technique at all. This is magic I never studied. If only I paid more attention!
Ando is gonna tell the entire order about this. They might even send someone to stop me from going. I need the help of someone I trust, and fast.
One thing kept Metsuhai a bit optimistic. He figured out they weren't going to kill Chizue immediately. If they wanted her death, Vardalac had ample opportunity. At first I figured they simply wanted to lure some of our army into an ambush, but with Goh's orders as they are, this isn't what they're aiming for. Metsuhai briefly considered whether this move was done simply with the purpose of breaking the Arisu family's spirit. Taking her captive gives them more options of flaunting this victory in Goh's face. But would they really make the effort of kidnapping her for this, when taking her life was so much easier?
No. Her kidnapping means one thing. Chizue must be strong enough to Ritual Duel. That means she has to agree. Until that happens, they will keep her alive and somewhat undamaged? Metsuhai tried not to think about the worse implications of all of that, but couldn't. He knew they'll torture her into agreeing, careful not to damage her beyond 'Dueling State'. But, she should be still asleep, or drugged or whatever it was. Hopefully it gives me few hours.
Metsuhai called Marco without stopping his run. The phone rang ten times before Metsuhai gave up. What a time to be unavailable!
Metsuhai called Takeo. Takeo fears nothing, he might even come with me. "Takeo- kun, I need your help."
"What? I am sleeping. Don't tell me you are in another nuclear silo."
"Worse. I need your help. I have to save someone who had been taken to Inferno. Can you open a gate?"
"You sound serious… please tell me you're joking."
"Dead serious."
"In that case, I have to inform you I cannot open a gate to Inferno. It wasn't ever part of my training. But even if I could I wouldn't. What good would it do? Going there is the same as shooting yourself in the head."
"I understand." Metsuhai hanged up and immediately dialed Masaru.
"An unexpected call, at such a late hour. What could it be?"
"Chizue was kidnapped to Inferno. I love her and I am going to save her. But I need someone to open the gate for me. Can you do it?"
"What a tragedy. Oh, losing a loved one is painful…"
"She isn't dead yet!"
"I am sorry, friend. I cannot help you." Metsuhai hanged up, stopping himself from throwing his phone to the ground.
I need someone who can open the gate. That's the most important part. Someone with experience…
Metsuhai called Lezner. "You! Birthday boy! Why are you waking me up in the middle of the night?"
"Sorry but it's an emergency…"
"One moment kid, my battlephone is ringing."
"Listen to me! It's more important."
"Hmm. You sound out of breath. What's the matter?"
"Chizue Arisu was taken. I am going after her. Can you open a gate to Inferno?"
"If she was taken to Inferno, you should forget about her. We won't even get to bury her body. I certainly won't help you kill yourself by going after her. Listen kid. With what's coming we need all our manpower here and even that will not be enough…"
Metsuhai hanged up, shouting with rage. Desperate, Metsuhai screamed while looking up "Magnus, mighty old sorcerer, you have the habit of watching me from afar. I am in grave danger! Show up now if you actually care what happens to your precious specimen."
Metsuhai stopped for a moment but nothing happened. If only I knew where he lives now. Does he even have a phone? He can surely open a gate…
"Don't pretend you can't hear me! You have to come and compensate me for the illegal surveillance you placed on me! Have you no honor? Damn, showing up only when you please." Metsuhai was beginning to doubt whether Magnus was really listening. He could be asleep…
"If you don't show up right now, I won't ever train in sorcery again!" Metsuhai tried this one last desperate attempt. It was a bluff too, kind of. Metsuhai himself was so angry and pressured he didn't know what he would do. All the answer Metsuhai got was silence. The sound of his own breath was all he could hear. Metsuhai ran to the capital nonstop. He tried calling Marco again, but even on the battlephone, he wasn't answering. Is he in a briefing or something?
Metsuhai stopped for a moment before the city walls, catching his breath. Is it possible Ando already gave them orders to arrest me? Unlikely. He is busy with the approaching crisis and after all the last order he gave me was to come to the office, so I would have to come through here… But if they do try, I'll have to break through. The question is, what do I do once I am in there?
So far Metsuhai couldn't find anyone who would come to his aid. The first priority is being able to open a gateway to the Inferno dimension. Not so many are able to do it. Metsuhai guessed any scholar specializing in magic, especially from the Barrier Research Team could do it with ease. The problem was, he didn't know any one of them. He had no phone numbers, or addresses and their workplaces were both far and guarded. It would take too long…
Metsuhai considered heading for the palace to convince Goh himself to change his mind, but rejected it from the same reason he didn't go to Tsukiyama. It was too risky. Each of these two man, if upon hearing Metsuhai's intentions would decide to stop him, will succeed doing so no doubt. This left him with only one idea, barely better than trying to find a scholar. I'll break into the forbidden section of the library and learn the technique myself. I hope I can make it in time…
Metsuhai went into the city with quick steps. The guards on the wall welcomed him with smiles and didn't ask any questions. One of them even cheered him on, "It's good to have you here with us, hero."
Metsuhai rushed into the city. He was about to run to the library, when doubt struck him. What's the chance I'll be able to learn a complex technique with such limited time? Metsuhai drank a full water bottle (from his shrinkable backpack), trying to calm his nerves. But he wasn't nervous. He was losing hope. It reminded him of the hard times when he thought his death was certain. He even remembered how once Kuma saved his life with a small (for Metsuhai's current budget) loan. Metsuhai called Kuma. Kuma perhaps made rooky mistakes from time to time and he wouldn't know how to open a dimensional gateway, but he was a true friend. Someone Metsuhai could rely on. Metsuhai desperately needed the support of at least someone. "By how fast you answered, I see you are awake, friend." Metsuhai kept his voice reasonably calm. Kuma sounded a bit tired. "It was a midnight snack."
"I have something important and urgent to tell you. Preferably face to face. I'm in the capital. Can we meet?"
"Sure. Meet me at training hall five."
This wasn't very far, and Metsuhai ran, but nevertheless Kuma was there earlier. Other than Kuma, no one else was here at this late hour. The training hall was exactly like Metsuhai remembered: the large boxing ring, the big boxing bag hanging from the ceiling, the school- like lockers. Kuma symbolically hit the punching bag several times.
"Do you remember this place? We trained here so many times," Kuma smiled to Metsuhai gesturing with his arm to the entire room. "I was always honored to have you as my sparring partner. For me, these are some of my best memories. This place is nostalgic for me. I know you called me from your own reasons, but us meeting here, after we both achieved so much, went so far, has great meaning for me. So, what's going on?"
"I haven't explicitly told you this before, but you've probably guessed. I am in love with Chizue Arisu."
"The Chizue Arisu? Honestly I didn't know. Though it was obvious you liked her I didn't know it's that serious. If you are here for advice about romance you've come to the wrong place. I'm better with food than with women."
"It's not about that," Metsuhai swallowed his saliva, pausing. Although he had just spent the last hour telling people the same, telling Kuma what happened felt like it'll make it more real.
"Chizue, and the entire order, are in crisis. Chizue was taken to Inferno. I did everything I could to stop it but I failed. I wasn't good enough…"
Kuma interrupted Metsuhai. "Knowing you, you did more than most would have, certainly more than what most could've."
"I am going after her. I am going to save her or die trying. That's what I've been certain of since the moment I understood what happened. But I can't seem to make any progress. It's not like having you by my side will solve all my problems, but I need all the help I can get. You always been there for me when I needed it. You are the person I trust most. Lend me your strength. I know that's an extreme request… will you go to inferno with me?"
Kuma considered the proposal for some time. Eventually Kuma answered, avoiding Metsuhai's eyes, looking at the floor, "I… can't… You know me. I am not afraid to die in battle. We are like brothers. Dying by your side is to die a good death. It's not like I lost my respect for you, neither do I think we can't make it happen. There's something you need to know. I am dishonored. My father used to be one of the order's fiercest fighters. One day, during a really hard war-campaign my father's direct commander ordered a retreat. But, my father's best friend was wounded and surrounded. Retreating would mean abandoning him. So my father did the unthinkable. He disobeyed the order and charged in to save his friend. Thus losing our honor. He succeeded, only to lose him in battle a month later. I will never forgive him for that. It was selfish and pointless. A few years later my father came to a friend who since then had become a general, begging for another chance. This is how I found my way into the order. I went through hell to regain what my father lost, that can't be bought with money. This is my last chance. I can't do the same mistake again. Good luck saving Ms. Arisu sama and all of us. I believe in you."
Metsuhai stormed off. He couldn't possibly agree with Kuma's reasoning despite his story. But it's not like Kuma was obligated to die with him.
Metsuhai rushed to the library, his thoughts focused actually on the palace (avoiding to think about Kuma's story intentionally). He still couldn't believe Goh would even abandon his own daughter. I mean, what is he counting on? Not only will she die, probably after being tortured, it will be a devastating blow to the barrier, to humanity! I don't really know if losing for the ninth time while having only four wins will truly be the end of the order like Marco once explained. But it will be a devastating blow. Ando is not wrong in anticipating a massive invasion. The dark army will not sit idle when the barrier is so weak. It was then when Metsuhai realized, he missed a reliable friend who is not only capable in battle, but might actually be able to open the gateway too. Yamius was a genius, he always had solutions for everything.
"Yamius we need to meet urgently."
"I can hear by your voice this is quite serious. Alright. In the park then?"
"It's a bit far, I have a reason not to be too far away from the library. Can you me in the hospital cafeteria?"
"I'll be there."
This time Metsuhai arrived first. He even ordered grape juice to avoid displeasing the nice but tired cafeteria lady, who clearly didn't want someone who wasn't buying, sitting there. That's despite the many empty chairs. There was practically no one else there so late. The cafeteria lady actually started arranging the chairs for tomorrow and tidying up the place.
Yamius arrived wearing his full battle gear, which made Metsuhai happy. The fact Yamius came ready for combat gave him hope, that perhaps Yamius somehow knew already (Ando did spread the word after all) and was going to join him. This was the first time Metsuhai saw such unusual battle gear. Trident in his right arm. Fishing net in his left. Blue plate armor covering him from head to toe (his face exposed but not the back of his head).
Metsuhai got up and went straight to business, speaking quietly enough for the cafeteria lady not to hear. "Chizue was forcefully taken to Inferno by Vardalac right in front of my eyes. I couldn't save her at the time. I am going after her. Will you join me in this desperate fight? If not, can you at least open the gateway for me? I don't know how to."
Yamius closed his eyes for one moment, as if in deep thought. When he opened them, his expression toughened up. He looked at Metsuhai with hostility. "I will do no such thing. I know everything about you. You traitor!"
For a second Metsuhai was shocked. But thinking about it, Yamius' answer made sense. I guess he knows about the ritual duel. I wonder when exactly he found out. Maybe even Akiara told him though I'd like to believe otherwise. Even if he doesn't know, suggesting to go to Inferno against Goh's orders can be easily considered treason. Besides, I've disobeyed numerous orders' although I admit I didn't expect Yamius to care about that. Or perhaps it's all much simpler than that. My inability and failure to protect Chizue whom I've gotten involved with is as bad as any betrayal.
"I know."
"Be gone from my sight. I will never forgive you!"
There was nothing to say in front of such a statement. Confused and disheartened Metsuhai left.
…
The library wasn't supposed to be guarded. Metsuhai couldn't believe his eyes. Twenty men, armed guards stood between him and the library entrance. Ando must have been listening to my call to Yamius. This damned order! Instead of doing what's right they stand in my way. I can try sneaking around…
Metsuhai wasn't confident in his ability to bypass these very alert and competent guards. And he couldn't fight them either. This guys who are just following orders have done me no wrong. But they are strong enough to fight back. I won't be able to defeat them without casualties. I won't kill good men for standing in my way. There has got to be another option… Yamius apparently had hidden hatred towards me, but it doesn't change the fact that I didn't consider asking his aid sooner. Who else am I missing that could open the gateway?
An unlikely yet obvious answer struck Metsuhai like lightning. Metsuhai rushed out of the capital. Roteah. He may not be a good friend. We may have bad blood between us. Neither do we have anything in common. But with his dark origin opening a gate to Inferno should be piece of cake. I will go to him and convince him to send me there. My expectations were betrayed several times today. But I am sure Roteah wouldn't object sending me to die.
Metsuhai slowed down a bit. His heart told him to keep running, but he had to listen to his head too. If I over-exhaust myself it won't do anyone any good, especially not Chizue.
Tsukiyama's house was already not so far away and Metsuhai was nervously scanning the area for energy, making sure whether Tsukiyama was around. He seemed not to be anywhere close, though Metsuhai didn't delude himself- if Tsukiyama didn't want to be found, Metsuhai or practically anyone else wouldn't know his whereabouts. Sensei does hide his presence from time to time. Surprisingly, Metsuhai sensed another familiar energy signature.
What's Nao doing here?
Metsuhai considered for a moment the optimistic notion that Nao came to assist him. Even if he did, I would have to refuse his help. Nao is a great guy and a fierce warrior, but he is no good with sneaking. He is still too reckless and we have little experience fighting together. Naturally, there's no way he could open the gate for me. Most likely he forgot something at the party.
First, Metsuhai noticed Nao's truck. It was one of those really big trucks with sixteen wheels the order sometimes used (although this one wasn't armored). A grey huge vehicle that could not be missed. Nao was standing in front of it with crossed arms, wearing his full armor. He clearly waited for Metsuhai. In this quiet grassy plane Metsuhai could hear Nao's exhaled breaths. Hastened, like he did when nervous. Storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. You could hear the sound of thunder. "My good friend," Nao spoke somewhat even louder than usually, "I heard the Arisu daughter was taken to Inferno and you are going after her. Is that true?"
"Yes."
"I can't let you do that," Nao drew his twin double- edged axes. Metsuhai stared at him in disbelief. "What is the meaning of this? Explain yourself."
"Explain what? My friend is planning to get himself pointlessly killed. You think I'll just stand on the sideline and let it happen?"
"It is my choice to make. How dare you interfere?!"
"I am not the smartest of our friend group but even I can see you are not thinking straight," Nao's voice remained with the same manner as before. "It's over. Ms. Arisu sama is gone. I don't love her like you did, but that doesn't mean I don't know what you are going through. Many good people die fighting Inferno. I lost too many friends already. Do you remember our own classmates, Koi and John? I heard they both died on the battlefield not so far from you. Do you think they'd want you to go?"
Metsuhai was so overwhelmed he was speechless. Nao wasn't done yet either. "When the inevitable massive invasion that will put the Armageddon Championship far behind lands, we will need you here. It's not just your strength and prowess on the battlefield. You are a symbol for us all. The order men will fight better with the Mordon Destroyer in the front row."
"The invasion might not be inevitable," insisted Metsuhai, "She isn't dead yet. I won't pretend otherwise."
Nao clearly remained unconvinced. He just stood there, waiting.
"Enough. Move out of my way now, unless you intend to kill me yourself to stop me from going."
"I won't kill you, but I won't let you go either. I am not going anywhere unless you swear on your pride as a warrior you won't go through with this. If we must fight, let it be… I'll break your hands, I'll break your legs. You are going nowhere!"
There was nothing more to say. Metsuhai drew his sword and shield and the fight began. For a moment both warriors simply stared each other in the eyes. The rain started pounding on their armors when they stormed at each other.
Nao charged furiously like never before. Not powering up? Are you really holding back against me?
The axes landed on the shield repeatedly. Metsuhai tried to immobilize Nao with an accurate powerful cut to the leg but Nao must have been working hard on his footwork. His skill had become much better than before. The two engaged in a series of fast paced violent exchanges. Nao couldn't put a single scratch on Metsuhai. His axes always met the shield. Metsuhai on the other hand pummeled Nao through his thick, indestructible plate armor. The armor was filled with dents and even cuts. Nao knew Metsuhai was currently the best fighter in their class, but even he couldn't foresee this power gap. Nao jumped back. If this was an enemy on the battlefield, Metsuhai would follow and strike him down, but Metsuhai just waited. Giving Nao an opportunity to admit defeat. The heavy rain prevented Metsuhai from seeing Nao's expression. The rain drops made waves in the puddles all over the place. Nao shouted desperately raising his axes high and powering up. The rain scattered away from his energy (for a moment).
Nao renewed his assault. Now he was stronger and faster than before. The difference was huge. Yet, it was still Metsuhai who had the upper hand. His technique was simply better, so Nao couldn't go around the shield. However Metsuhai wasn't really making progress either and Nao's sheer determination at the very least put some pressure on Metsuhai. I wanted to conserve my strength, but this way I'll also get tired eventually, and furthermore it's taking too long. After several more clashes of their weapons, Metsuhai managed to deliver a kick, hitting Nao on the balls. Nao jumped back, only then bending forward from the pain. This low blow gave Metsuhai all the time he needed to power up. Nao showed no hesitation, charging on the opponent he could not defeat. Metsuhai tore through Nao's defenses like scythe through grain. He overwhelmed him with power like which he never endured. It took only a few more moments before Nao's great armor was in shreds. He was covered in bleeding wounds and his movements slowed down. Metsuhai proceeded to disarm him, one axe after the other. Nao fell to his knees, defeated. His axes lay to his sides, a bit out of his reach.
Metsuhai sheaved his sword and simply walked passed him. "I have failed, though I tried very hard," Nao stated and spat blood, "But let me ask you this. What's more likely, me beating you in a duel or you coming back from Inferno?"
Metsuhai stopped. "I know. But still I must go."
"I understand. I guess its fate. All what is left for me to do, all what is left for us to do, is to believe in you."
Metsuhai quickly made his way in Tsukiyama's huge home to Roteah's room. I just need to avoid meeting Sensei Tsukiyama. Hopefully he still didn't return from his client. Metsuhai turned the door handle to where Roteah sleeps when Tsukiyama's hand descended upon his shoulder.
"Sensei, it's not what you think."
"Let's see. I don't recall you and Roteah being that close. Also, you look agitated like your inner world is in a storm. Okay spit it out. What are you up to?"
Metsuhai took a deep breath. There's no point lying to sensei Tsukiyama, he'll know the truth as it is. I will just have to tell him.
"Chizue was taken to Inferno. They will torture her to force her into a Ritual Duel. I just need someone to open the dimensional gate. I am going after her."
"You are insane. No one ever came back from Inferno…"
Defeated Metsuhai lowered his gaze.
"…but I'm just as insane. Let's go to inferno together."