The gang arrived at a grassy area, the landscape stretching with a verdant forest in the background and a cozy-looking cabin in the distance. After the long journey, they gathered their belongings, stretching their weary limbs, and disembarked from the boat. With a decisive air, Yuzu untied the boat from its mooring and gave it a gentle push, setting it adrift down the river.
"There! That should do it!" Yuzu declared, "Does everybody have everything? We don't want to leave anything behind."
"Yeah, I think so," Linn replied, double-checking his bag. "Are you sure we don't need the boat anymore?"
"Yes, I'm quite sure," Yuzu replied, her tone firm. "The rest of our path is overland, so we shouldn't have to worry about crossing any more rivers for a while."
"I see," Linn said, though he still seemed slightly reluctant to part with their water-based transportation.
"Guys," Tomo interjected, drawing their attention. He gestured towards the still-tied-up giant standing awkwardly nearby, his massive form casting a long shadow in the afternoon sun. "This is all well and good, but... what are we going to do with him?"
"Oh, yeah! That's a good question," Linn perked up, his earlier focus on the boat momentarily forgotten. He turned to Yuzu, his expression curious. "Yuzu, why did you bring him with us, anyway?"
"That is precisely what I would like to know," the giant rumbled, his voice a low, resonant growl. He shifted uncomfortably, the ropes binding his wrists creaking slightly.
Yuzu giggled, her expression bright and cheerful, completely unfazed by the giant's imposing presence and the awkward situation. "That's simple, really. He'll be accompanying us from now on. He's our new... traveling companion."
"WHAAAAT?!!" Linn and Tomodachi shouted in unison, their eyes widening in disbelief and their jaws dropping open in comical shock. The giant, for his part, simply raised a massive eyebrow, his expression a mixture of surprise and skepticism.
"You heard me," Yuzu said, her smile unwavering. "He'll be helping us on our journey from now on."
"Hate to burst your bubble, little lady," the giant interrupted, his voice dry and sarcastic, "but why in the world would I agree to go anywhere with you guys?"
"He's right, Yuzu," Linn said, his expression troubled. "We don't even know this guy! He could be dangerous! Or, at the very least, incredibly annoyed with us."
"Not to mention, we kind of... beat him up," Tomodachi added, his ears drooping slightly. "It's only natural that he wouldn't like us very much."
"Don't worry about the small details, everyone," Yuzu said dismissively, still smiling, as she approached the giant with an air of disarming confidence.
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot, Giant-san," Yuzu said, bowing politely. "Allow us to introduce ourselves properly. I'm Yuzu Katagiri," she said, gesturing to herself. She then pointed to Linn and Tomodachi. "The boy is Linn Tsukiyomi, and that is his... rather grumpy beastkalin, Tomodachi."
"Uh... hi," Linn said nervously, offering a small wave. Tomodachi merely scoffed, crossing his arms and turning his head away in a display of petulant defiance.
"And you are...?" Yuzu asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The giant hesitated for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the trio. He seemed to be weighing his options, a flicker of something akin to reluctant amusement in his eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice surprisingly soft for his size.
"Daisuke Taihama," the giant, now known as Daisuke, introduced himself, his voice low and rumbling.
"Daisuke-san," Yuzu said, her smile widening. "As you can see, we're on a journey together, and while it's had its... ups and downs, it's also been a lot of fun."
"Is there a point to this, Missy?" Daisuke asked, his tone still skeptical, but his expression softening slightly.
"I'm getting to that," Yuzu replied, her eyes shining with determination. "Unfortunately, we've recently run into some... serious trouble. Trouble that I don't think we can handle alone. And you... You might be able to help us out of it. You're incredibly strong, and you seem like a decent person. So, I'm asking you, Daisuke-san... would you please accompany us on our journey? Would you agree to act as our bodyguard?"
Linn and Tomodachi were stunned into silence by Yuzu's bold request. Their earlier concerns about the giant's potential hostility were replaced by a mixture of shock and disbelief. They exchanged bewildered glances, their minds racing to comprehend the little girl's audacity.
Tomo grabbed Yuzu by the collar of her hoodie, his face contorted in exasperation and disbelief. "Excuse us for a second," Tomo said to the giant, his voice strained, as he dragged Yuzu a short distance away, her tiny feet barely touching the ground.
The gang huddled together, their voices hushed but urgent.
"What are you doing, Yuzu?" Tomo hissed, his ears twitching with agitation.
"What do you mean?" Yuzu replied, her expression utterly innocent,
"Don't play dumb with me, Yuzu," Tomo growled, his teeth bared slightly. "Why are you trying to bring that giant with us?"
"I told you why, Tomo. He's going to be our bodyguard," Yuzu stated simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You saw firsthand how strong he is. We need that strength. We don't know when the Empire will attack again, or what other dangers we might face. We need someone to protect us. Besides," she added, her voice softening slightly, "I feel kind of bad for beating him up because of a misunderstanding. He seems like a good guy, deep down."
"I get that, Yuzu," Linn said, his expression thoughtful, "but do you really think he can help us?"
"Or if he would even want to help us," Tomo added, his ears drooping slightly.
"I don't know for sure," Yuzu admitted, her smile faltering slightly, "but I'm going to try my luck. I have a good feeling about him. Besides," she added, her smile returning, "he doesn't seem like a bad guy. He could have easily run away when I asked him to get on the boat with us, but he didn't."
"I don't know about this..." Linn said, still unsure. His gaze shifted nervously towards the giant, watching them with curiosity and amusement.
Yuzu turned to Linn, her expression serious, her eyes locking with his. "Linn, do you trust me?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle.
"Huh?" He replied, his face flushing slightly, caught off guard by the intensity of her gaze.
"I'm asking if you trust me, Linn," Yuzu repeated, her voice unwavering. "Do you believe that I would do anything that would put us in danger?"
"Y-yeah, of course I trust you, Yuzu," Linn stammered, his expression earnest. "You've always looked out for us."
Yuzu's smile softened, a genuine warmth radiating from her eyes. "Then you have nothing to worry about, Linn. I'm doing what's best for us. And having Daisuke-san with us... I truly believe that it's for the best."
Linn hesitated for a moment longer, his gaze shifting between Yuzu's determined expression and the giant's imposing figure. Finally, he nodded, his earlier doubts slowly receding. "Okay, Yuzu. If you say so, then I agree."
"If the Master agrees, then so do I," Tomo added, though his tone still held a hint of skepticism.
"Thanks, guys," Yuzu said, her smile radiant, her eyes filled with gratitude. The group dispersed, their earlier tension replaced by a fragile sense of optimism. They returned to Daisuke, their expressions more relaxed and welcoming.
"Thank you for waiting, Daisuke-san," Yuzu said, her voice polite and respectful. "So... what is your answer? Will you agree to accompany us?"
Daisuke looked at the trio, his gaze lingering on each of their faces. He saw the genuine hope in Yuzu's eyes, the hesitant trust in Linn's, and the grudging acceptance in Tomodachi's. He sighed, his expression thoughtful. "What's in it for me?"
"You will be compensated handsomely for your services," Yuzu said, her smile widening. "We'll provide you with food, shelter, and a fair amount of money. And, of course, three meals a day, courtesy of yours truly," she added, puffing out her chest slightly, her expression proud.
Daisuke considered her offer, his expression contemplative. The promise of regular meals and a steady income was certainly appealing, especially considering his nomadic lifestyle. And the prospect of traveling with this... unusual group was certainly more interesting than wandering alone. After a moment of deliberation, he nodded.
"Okay, you've got a deal," Daisuke answered, his voice a low rumble, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
Yuzu breathed a sigh of relief, her smile triumphant. "Thank you so much, Daisuke-san!" She reached into a small pouch and pulled out a small, but heavy-looking, brown bag. "Here's an advance payment."
Daisuke stared at the bag, his expression puzzled.
"What's wrong? You don't want it?" Yuzu asked, her smile faltering slightly, her expression confused.
"It's not that," Daisuke said. ''I'm a little surprised that you're paying me already. You seem awfully trusting."
Yuzu giggled, her smile returning in full force. "I just believe you'll do a great job, Daisuke-san. I feel you're going to be a valuable asset to our team."
Daisuke looked at the little girl, his expression a mixture of surprise and genuine puzzlement. He couldn't quite figure out this strange, yet strangely compelling, group of travelers. Sensing the awkwardness of the moment, Tomodachi piped up, his voice sharp and practical.
"I hate to break up this touching moment, but we really need to get going."
Everybody looked up at the sky to see the sun beginning its descent, painting the horizon in hues of orange and purple.
"You're right! We should get moving," Yuzu gasped, her earlier excitement returning. "Here, Daisuke-san, take the money!" She thrust the bag towards him, her expression eager.
Daisuke tried to move his hands to accept the payment, but couldn't. His expression shifted from puzzlement to dawning horror. Everybody but Tomodachi looked surprised.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you taking it?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I... I can't move my hands!" Daisuke panicked, his eyes widening in alarm.
"Why not?" Linn asked, equally panicked
"I don't know! They're just... stuck!" Daisuke said, his voice rising in pitch.
Everybody was panicking, their earlier relief and optimism replaced by a renewed sense of chaos and confusion. Tomodachi, however, merely facepalmed, his expression a mask of weary exasperation.
"Are you guys serious?" Tomo deadpanned, his voice flat and incredulous.
Everyone just stared blankly at Tomodachi, their panic momentarily forgotten.
"Of course, we're serious! I can't move my hands!" Daisuke exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and embarrassment.
"Of course you can't move your hands! You're still tied up, you idiot!" Tomo barked, his patience finally snapping.
Everybody looked down at the giant's bound hands, their expressions shifting from panic to sheepish embarrassment. A collective "Oh... that's right" echoed through the group. Tomodachi sweatdropped, his earlier exasperation reaching its peak.
Complete and utter idiots surround me,' Tomo thought, his ears drooping, his head shaking in weary resignation.
"Here, let me untie you," Yuzu said, her face flushed with embarrassment, rushing forward with a small knife.
Daisuke shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "No, I've got it.." He took a deep breath, tensed his massive muscles, and pulled his hands back sharply with a powerful surge of strength, easily snapping the thick ropes that bound him. He then reached down, picked up the bag of money from Yuzu's outstretched hand, and with a nod of thanks, turned and began walking down the path.
Linn and Tomodachi stared in stunned silence, their earlier concerns about the giant's strength and potential danger replaced by a growing sense of awe and respect. Yuzu, however, merely smirked, her earlier confidence seemingly justified.
"I think we're in good hands, guys," Yuzu said, her voice filled with quiet confidence, as she turned and followed Daisuke down the path. Linn and Tomodachi exchanged bewildered glances, shrugged, and hurried after her.
000
The gang continued walking down the path, the last vestiges of twilight fading into a deep, star-studded darkness. The only light came from Yuzu's small flashlight, its beam dancing across the uneven terrain and the looming shadows of the surrounding forest.
"I know I probably should have asked this earlier, but where exactly are we headed?" Daisuke asked, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the stillness of the night.
"Well, according to this map," Yuzu said, holding the flashlight steady to illuminate the worn parchment, "we should be heading towards Tamerion Village. It's about two miles from here, due east."
His massive head looming over Yuzu's shoulder, Daisuke studied the map keenly. "If you're going based on the closest village, wouldn't going that way make more sense?" he asked, pointing a thick finger towards a village marked to the west.
Yuzu stiffened visibly, her smile faltering for a moment. She quickly regained her composure, but her voice was slightly higher than usual as she replied, "W-we can't go that way. Too many monsters."
Daisuke raised a skeptical eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Yuzu's slightly flustered expression. "Alright then," Daisuke said, his tone neutral, not pressing the issue further.
Tomo, his ears twitching with suspicion, sidled up to Linn, his voice a low whisper. "Master, she did it again."
Linn blinked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Did what again, Tomo?"
"Whenever someone points out that village on the map... the one to the west... she gets really nervous and evasive. Did you see how she reacted just now?" Tomo said, his voice filled with suspicion.
Linn considered this, his gaze shifting back to Yuzu, who was now walking ahead with Daisuke, pointing out something on the map with forced enthusiasm. "Now that you mention it, she does seem a little... on edge whenever that village comes up. But what's your point, Tomo?''
"Don't you find it odd? It's like she's deliberately avoiding that place, and she doesn't want us to even think about going there," Tomodachi said, his voice a low growl.
"A little," Linn admitted, "but it's not really my place to pry. Like I said before, Yuzu has been a big help to us. She's never given us any reason not to trust her. I'm sure she has a good reason for her decision, even if she's not sharing it with us right now."
"But—" Tomo began to protest, his ears flattening against his head.
"Hurry up, you two! Stop dawdling back there!" Yuzu called out, her voice echoing through the darkness.
"We're coming!" Linn called back, offering Tomo a reassuring smile. He clapped his small companion on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Tomo. I have faith in Yuzu. Everything is going to be fine."
"If you say so, Master..." Tomo said, his expression still troubled, his gaze lingering on Yuzu's back as he reluctantly followed Linn.
000
After walking down the path for another minute or two, the gang finally arrived at a small, rustic cabin nestled amongst the trees.
"Here it is! Our home for the night!" Yuzu proclaimed, her voice filled with relief.
"A cabin? Really?" Linn questioned, his brow furrowed with slight skepticism. It looked rather... isolated.
"Yes," Yuzu replied, her smile unwavering. "We'll rest here for the night and continue our journey in the morning."
"Are you sure we can just... walk in and stay? I mean, what if somebody actually lives here?" Daisuke asked, his massive frame dwarfing the small structure.
"I agree. It seems a bit presumptuous just to assume it's abandoned," Tomo added, his ears twitching nervously.
"Don't worry," Yuzu reassured them, her tone confident. "This cabin has been abandoned for years. It's so worn down and dilapidated that it's practically uninhabitable. No one in their right mind would choose to live here."
Daisuke raised a skeptical eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly intact roof and sturdy walls. "If that's the case, how exactly are we planning to use it?"
Yuzu winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Leave that to me," she said, her smile enigmatic, as she confidently pushed open the cabin door. The boys, exchanging curious glances, followed her inside.
Despite its outward appearance, the cabin's interior was surprisingly tidy. The floorboards were swept clean, a small fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a faint scent of woodsmoke and something else, something vaguely floral, hung in the air.
"Uh, Yuzu? I thought you said this place was abandoned?" Linn asked, his voice filled with surprise. He couldn't help but notice the neatly stacked firewood beside the hearth and the small pile of fresh herbs on a nearby table.
"It's supposed to be," Yuzu said, her smile faltering for the first time, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the unexpected signs of recent habitation.
Tomo sniffed the air, his nose twitching. "Apparently not, because it smells like someone's been here recently."
"Where did they go? I didn't see anyone around here when we arrived," Daisuke said, his gaze sweeping over the room..
"I don't know," Tomo replied, his ears perked up, his head tilted in concentration. "The scent... it trails off…''
The group stood in awkward silence for a moment, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the room. A sense of unease settled over them, the cozy atmosphere of the cabin suddenly replaced by an unsettling feeling of intrusion.
"Maybe we should-" Linn began to suggest. Just then, the cabin door flew open with a loud bang, slamming against the wall and sending a shower of dust and debris into the air.
The gang, startled and on high alert, whirled around to face the entrance. Standing in the doorway was a woman, her figure silhouetted against the fading light outside. She was tall and slender, with a fierce expression on her face.. She held a long, intricately carved spear in her hands, its tip gleaming menacingly in the firelight.
"Who are you people?! What are you doing in my home?! Explain yourselves!" the woman shouted, her voice sharp and threatening, her eyes blazing with fury.
"We're sorry! We didn't mean to trespass! We thought this place was abandoned!" Linn blurted out, his hands raised in a gesture of peace, his voice trembling slightly.
The woman didn't respond to his apology. Her eyes narrowed, and with a guttural cry, she charged at Linn, her spear aimed directly at his chest. Linn, his eyes widening in panic, desperately tried to defend himself.
Just as the woman's spear was about to pierce Linn's chest, the attack abruptly stopped. The spear, its tip mere inches from Linn's face, hung suspended in mid-air, held firmly in place by a massive hand.
"Huh?" Linn said, his breath catching in his throat, his eyes darting upwards in confusion. He looked up to find Daisuke standing in front of him, his massive arm outstretched, his hand wrapped around the shaft of the spear, his expression calm but firm.
"Whoa there, hold on a minute," Daisuke said, his voice a low rumble, his grip on the spear unyielding. "There's no need for this. Let's all just take a deep breath and discuss this like civilized people, shall we?"
The woman glared at the giant, her eyes filled with fury. "Let go, you brute!" she snarled, trying to yank the spear out of Daisuke's grasp, but her efforts were in vain. Daisuke's grip was like iron.
"Hey now," Daisuke said, his voice surprisingly gentle, despite the tension in the air. "There's no need for you to use such colorful language. Especially not from a pretty lady like yourself." With a swift, almost casual movement, Daisuke pulled the spear out of the woman's hands and snapped it in two with a loud crack, tossing the broken pieces aside as if they were twigs.
The woman gasped, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief as she stared at the broken remains of her weapon. Daisuke turned back to her, his expression placid. "Now then," Daisuke said, his voice calm and reasonable. "Let's talk, shall we?"
The woman grunted and sighed ''Very well.''
000
Now seemingly on more amicable terms, the three boys and the woman sat around the small wooden table in the cabin's main room. Yuzu, ever the resourceful one, emerged from a small side room that served as a makeshift kitchen, carrying a tray laden with steaming mugs and a platter of simple but hearty food. She placed the refreshments on the table with a flourish.
"Thank you again for allowing us to stay here, and I sincerely apologize for barging in like that. I genuinely believed this cabin was abandoned," Yuzu said, bowing her head apologetically.
The woman smiled warmly, her earlier hostility completely gone. "You're quite welcome. And no, I should be the one apologizing for attacking you."
"Why did you attack us?" Tomo asked, his mouth full of food, his voice slightly muffled. "I know we entered your home uninvited and all, but that hardly seems like a reason to try and skewer someone with a spear."
"Tomo-chan! Don't talk with your mouth full! It's rude!" Yuzu scolded gently, giving him a playful nudge. The woman chuckled, her amusement evident.
"It's alright, really," she said, sipping her tea. "Forgive my... overreaction. I recently had a rather unpleasant encounter with a group of... unsavory individuals who were bothering me. I mistook you all for being associated with them."
"Unpleasant group?" Linn asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "What did they want?"
The woman sighed, her smile fading slightly. "They were asking me about someone. Someone I've never even heard of. And no matter how often I told them I didn't know anything, they kept... persisting. Things unfortunately escalated, and it turned... physical." She gestured vaguely to a bruise on her arm, now concealed mainly by the long sleeve of her tunic.
"I see," Linn said, his expression thoughtful.
Daisuke, who had been listening intently, suddenly stood up, his movements surprisingly graceful for his size. He strode over to the woman and, with a dramatic flourish, took her hands in his own, his expression earnest and chivalrous.
"Oh, I am so incredibly sorry you had such an unpleasant experience, my lady! But fear not, for your valiant protector, your noble prince, has arrived! I shall ensure that no harm ever befalls you again!" Daisuke declared, his voice filled with theatrical passion, his eyebrows wiggling comically.
Everyone else at the table, including the woman, exchanged bewildered glances, a collective sweatdrop forming on their foreheads.
"What's gotten into him?" Tomo whispered to Linn, his ears twitching in confusion.
"Beats me," Linn whispered back, shaking his head slightly.
"So anyway, Miss...?" Yuzu began, attempting to steer the conversation back to a more normal track.
The woman smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "My name is Cheerilee Amano. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Linn took a good look at the woman. She was indeed quite beautiful, with striking aquamarine eyes that seemed to sparkle with an inner light. Her long, flowing turquoise hair was tied in a stylish side ponytail, framing her delicate features. She wore a practical but elegant green dress, paired with sturdy-looking blue tights and boots, suggesting both a sense of style and a readiness for adventure.
"I'm Linn Tsukiyomi," Linn introduced himself, offering a polite bow
"I'm Tomodachi," the small beastkalin added, puffing out his chest slightly, "Master Linn's... supposedly beastkin."
"And I," Daisuke boomed, striking a heroic pose, still holding Cheerilee's hands, "am Daisuke Taihama, their fearless bodyguard and your prince charming." Everyone else at the table sweatdropped again.
Yuzu sighs, grabs Daisuke's ear, and pulls him away from Cheerilee. "And I'm Yuzu Katagiri," she says, her voice slightly strained, "their guide."
"It's lovely to meet you all," Cheerilee said, her smile widening slightly, her gaze lingering on each of them in turn.
"Cheerilee-san," Yuzu said, finally releasing Daisuke, who rubbed his ear ruefully, "I'd like to apologize again for our unexpected intrusion. But I'm fairly certain this cabin was abandoned until very recently."
Cheerilee took another sip of her tea, her expression thoughtful. "And you would be correct. This cabin was indeed abandoned, quite thoroughly, until I arrived. I decided to... repurpose it as a more permanent living space."
"So, you're a traveler, like us?" Tomo asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Used to be," Cheerilee replied, her smile fading slightly, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I used to travel quite extensively. But now, I mostly just... live out my days here, in relative peace."
"Used to be? What made you stop traveling?" Linn asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Cheerilee put a finger to her lips, her expression suddenly playful, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "That's a secret."
"I see," Linn said, slightly disappointed but respecting her privacy.
Daisuke, ever the opportunist, seized upon this opening. He grabbed Cheerilee's hands again, his expression earnest. "I understand not wanting to travel anymore, especially if you're seeking peace and tranquility. But you must be incredibly lonely out here, all by yourself in this isolated cabin. How about I stay here and keep you company?" Everyone else at the table groaned inwardly, their earlier amusement replaced by a renewed sense of exasperation. With a renewed surge of annoyance, Yuzu grabbed Daisuke by the ear and pulled him away from Cheerilee again, her face flushed with embarrassment and exasperation.
"Daisuke-san! You're supposed to be traveling with us! Remember? Our bodyguard?" Yuzu scolded, her voice rising slightly.
"Ow ow ow! I know, I know! Let go of my ear, Yuzu!" Daisuke whined, his face contorted in pain.
Cheerilee giggled, her amusement evident. She found the group's dynamic rather entertaining. Suddenly, her expression shifted, her eyes widening slightly as she remembered something.
"Wait a minute... your name is Yuzu Katagiri, right?" she asked, turning to Yuzu.
Yuzu blinked, her hand still firmly clamped on Daisuke's ear. "Yes, that's right. Why do you ask?"
Cheerilee gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "So, it was you..." Before she could elaborate, a loud CRASH shattered the relative peace of the cabin. A rock, the size of a small melon, had smashed through one of the windows, sending shards of glass flying across the room.
"What was that?!" Linn exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.
"What's going on?!" Yuzu shouted, her earlier annoyance replaced by a surge of panic. She finally released Daisuke's ear, who stumbled back, rubbing it gingerly.
Cheerilee, her face pale, rushed to the broken window and peered out into the darkness. Her gasp was filled with a mixture of fear and dread. "Oh no...They followed me here!"
"Who followed you? Who are 'they'?" Tomodachi asked, his ears perked up, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. Cheerilee didn't answer. She turned and ran towards the cabin door, her expression determined and fearful. The gang exchanged bewildered glances for a moment before following her, their earlier sense of relief and camaraderie replaced by a renewed sense of danger and uncertainty.
000
The gang and Cheerilee rushed out of the cabin to find a group of about ten men standing in a loose formation, armed with crude weapons like pitchforks and torches. Their expressions were grim and determined.
"There she is! I knew she couldn't have gotten far!" one of the men shouted, his voice rough and triumphant.
A man stepped forward, seemingly the leader of the group. He had short, slicked-back blond hair, a pristine white dress shirt, and tailored black pants, giving him an air of cold, calculated menace. He smiled, but a cruel, predatory smile sent a shiver down Cheerilee's spine.
"We've finally found you," the man said, his voice smooth but laced with a sinister edge.
"What do you want with me?" Cheerilee retorted, her voice trembling slightly despite her attempt to maintain a defiant facade.
"Oh, please," the man sneered, his gaze flicking dismissively over Cheerilee. "It's not you we're after." He pointed a finger at the gang, his eyes narrowing on a specific target. "It's her we want."
The gang turned as one, their eyes widening in surprise as they realized who the man was referring to. Yuzu. The usually cheerful and composed girl was now visibly distraught, her small frame shaking.
"You thought you could get away from us," the man said, addressing Yuzu with a chillingly soft voice. "But we never stopped looking for you."
"First that Detriment guy, now these guys? What did you do to piss off so many people, Yuzu?" Tomo asked, his ears twitching nervously, his voice a low growl. Yuzu didn't reply, her gaze fixed on the man, her body trembling uncontrollably.
His expression hardening, Linn stepped forward, placing himself protectively in front of Yuzu. "What do you want with Yuzu? Why are you chasing her?" he demanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
"That's none of your concern, kid," the man said dismissively, his eyes cold and calculating. "This is between us and her. It doesn't involve you. Just step aside, and no one will get hurt."
"Yuzu is my friend," Linn said, his voice rising slightly, his eyes burning with a fierce determination, "and she clearly wants nothing to do with you. You're not taking her anywhere."
"Look," the man said, his patience clearly wearing thin, his smile replaced by a grimace. "We have no problem with you people. We just want the girl. Hand her over, and we'll be on our way. No bloodshed. No fuss."
Tomo raised a skeptical eyebrow, his tail lashing back and forth. "And if we don't hand her over? What then?"
"Then," the man said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "we'll have to use force. We don't want it to come to that. We're trying to be reasonable here. We don't want to hurt you. We just want the girl."
Daisuke, his massive form looming protectively behind Linn, spoke for the first time, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate the very air. "Look, I don't know what's happening here, but Yuzu clearly doesn't want to go with you guys. And I'm technically her bodyguard now, so it's my job to keep her safe. And from the looks of you lot, you don't exactly seem like you have her best interests at heart. So..." He cracked his knuckles, the sound like thunder.
"Listen," the man said, his voice tight with barely suppressed rage. We are trying to be reasonable here, but you guys are really starting to test my patience. I will only ask you one last time. Give Yuzu to us, and we'll leave you alone. Refuse, and you'll regret it."
The gang stood their ground, their expressions resolute. Linn clenched his fists, his eyes narrowed in defiance. Tomo bared his teeth, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Daisuke shifted his weight, his massive hands flexing, ready for action. They were not going to back down. They were not going to abandon their friend.
"Fine! Have it your way, then!" the man shouted, his composure finally shattering. "Attack! Get them!"
At his command, the group of men charged forward, their crude weapons raised, their faces contorted with a mixture of anger and bloodlust. The gang, however, was ready.
One of the men lunged at Linn with his pitchfork, its tines glinting menacingly in the torchlight. With surprising agility, Linn dodged the attack, the pitchfork whistling past his ear. He retaliated with a swift, precise punch, connecting squarely with the man's jaw and sending him sprawling, unconscious, to the ground.
Another man tried to strike Linn from the side with his torch, its flames licking dangerously close. Without missing a beat, Linn delivered a sharp kick, knocking the torch out of the man's hand. He followed up with a spinning kick to the man's stomach, doubling him over and rendering him unconscious.
A rather portly man, flushed with exertion, attempted to ambush Linn from behind, his arms outstretched in a clumsy tackle. Linn, his senses heightened, twisted his body and delivered a powerful clothesline, sending the portly man flying through the air and landing with a sickening thud, his limbs twitching.
Two of the men attacked Tomo simultaneously, their movements clumsy but aggressive. Tomo, a blur of fur and claws, lashed out, tearing at the first man's legs, bringing him down with a yelp. He then spun around and delivered a powerful kick to the second man's chest, sending him crashing into a nearby tree, unconscious. An emboldened by his comrades' aggression, a third man attempted to punch Tomo, his fist swinging wildly. With lightning reflexes, Tomo caught the man's fist in his mouth, biting down hard. The man screamed in pain, desperately trying to pull his hand free. Tomo, taking advantage of the man's distraction, delivered a swift, brutal headbutt to the man's skull, knocking him out cold.
Three men surrounded Daisuke, their eyes filled with fear and desperation. The giant stood his ground, his expression calm and unconcerned, his massive arms hanging loosely at his sides. The three men, their courage bolstered by their numbers, jumped at Daisuke, trying to overwhelm him with their combined weight and strength. Daisuke, however, merely shrugged them off like bothersome insects, his movements effortless and dismissive.
One of the men, his face contorted with rage, tried to punch Daisuke, his fist a tiny speck against the giant's chest. Daisuke, with a speed that belied his size, delivered a lightning-fast karate chop, striking the man's neck and rendering him unconscious before he even knew what had happened.
Another man tried to kick the giant's stomach, his foot a mere tickle against Daisuke's massive frame. With a playful grin, Daisuke grabbed the man's foot and, with a mighty swing, sent him flying through the air like a ragdoll, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.
The last man, his eyes wide with terror, tried to attack Daisuke from the side, his movements frantic and desperate. With a sigh of weary patience, Daisuke lifted the man with both hands and, with a ground-shaking slam, brought him crashing down, leaving him sprawled out on the ground, unconscious and defeated.
And just like that, the fight was over. The men lay sprawled out on the ground, unconscious or groaning in pain, their bravado replaced by a stunned silence.
"That takes care of them," Linn said, dusting himself off, his expression a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Tomo and Daisuke did the same, their faces grim. "That only leaves..." Linn's gaze swept over the battlefield, finally settling on the last man standing, who had given the order to attack.
The man, pale and stricken, stepped back, his eyes wide with panic. He looked at his fallen comrades, his bravado completely shattered.
"D-dammit! This wasn't how it was supposed to go!" the man stammered, his voice trembling. "Where the hell is Regulus?! This was supposed to be his job!"
Linn and the boys stepped forward, their expressions grim and determined. "So... are you ready to give up? Or do you want to join your friends on the ground?" Linn asked, his voice low and threatening.
The man stepped back, his eyes darting around frantically, searching for an escape. He knew he was outnumbered, outmatched, and utterly defeated.
"This isn't over!" the man yelled, his voice cracking with desperation. "Mark my words! We will get Yuzu! One way or another!" With that, he turned and fled into the darkness, his footsteps pounding against the dirt path.
Linn watched him go, his expression thoughtful and troubled. He then turned to his companions.
"Are you guys okay? Did anyone get hurt?" Linn asked, his voice filled with concern.
"We're fine, Master, physically," Tomo said hesitantly, his ears drooping slightly. "But... we have a problem."
"What's wrong? Is Yuzu safe?"Linn asked, his worry intensifying.
"That's the problem... she's missing," Tomodachi stated, his voice grim.
"What?! What do you mean, missing? Where did she go?" Linn said, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief. He frantically scanned the area, searching for the small mother hen, but she was nowhere to be found.
"I don't know. Her scent is... gone," Tomo replied, his nose twitching, his expression frustrated.
Linn turned to Cheerilee, his voice urgent. "Miss Cheerilee! Weren't you with her during the fight? Did you see where she went?"
"She was with me for a while," Cheerilee said, her face pale and worried. "But then she said she... she couldn't watch anymore. She said she was going back to the cabin. Is she not there?"
"No," Daisuke said, emerging from the cabin, his expression grim. "I checked the whole cabin. She's not inside."
"Great," Tomo sighed, his ears flattening against his head. "It's the forest all over again.."
Daisuke raised his eyebrows, his gaze shifting between the worried faces of his companions. "Does she do this often?"
"You guys!" Linn said urgently, his voice filled with desperation. "We need to find her, and we need to find her now! There could be more of those guys out there, still looking for her! She could be in danger!"
"But where do we even begin to look? It's pitch black out there, and the forest is huge!" Daisuke asked, his voice filled with concern.
Tomo sniffed the air, his nose twitching. "According to her scent... before it vanished... it seemed to lead that way." He pointed with his paw towards a dense, dark forest to the north, its trees looming like skeletal fingers against the inky sky.
"The forest? You're sure?" Linn asked, his eyes widening with apprehension. The forest looked ominous and forbidding, a place where anything could lurk in the shadows.
"That's where her scent points to, Master. Or at least, where it did point to," Tomo replied grimly, his expression troubled.
"Okay. Okay, then we don't have a choice. We'll split up and search the forest. We have to find her," Linn said, his voice firm and determined, despite the fear gnawing at his heart. He turned and ran towards the dark, foreboding treeline, his footsteps pounding against the soft earth. Tomo and Daisuke, their expressions equally grim, followed close behind. Cheerilee watched them go, her face a mask of worry and concern. "Be careful," she whispered into the night, her voice barely audible above the rustling of the leaves.
OOO
Linn plunged deeper into the forest, his heart pounding with fear and determination. He searched frantically for Yuzu, scanning the undergrowth with his eyes and straining his ears for any sign of her. He pushed through tangled bushes and skirted around towering trees, calling her name, but the oppressive silence of the woods swallowed his voice.
'Darn it, Yuzu, where are you?' Linn thought, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. He was about to veer off in another direction when he heard a faint sound coming from a cluster of thick bushes nearby. Hope surged through him as he rushed towards the sound. He pushed the branches aside and gasped.
Curled up in a ball, her small body trembling, was Yuzu. She was sobbing, her shoulders shaking with each muffled cry.
"Yuzu!" Linn exclaimed, his voice a mixture of joy and immense relief. He rushed to her side, his earlier fear replaced by overwhelming concern.
Yuzu flinched and turned towards the sound of his voice. Her tear-streaked face was a mask of distress. "Oh, Linn..." she choked out, her voice barely a whisper, her sobs intensifying.
"I'm so glad you're okay. You had me worried sick!" Linn said, his voice gentle. He reached out to comfort her, but before he could finish his sentence, Yuzu launched herself at him, burying her face in his chest, her small arms clinging to him tightly.
"Linn! I'm so, so sorry!" Yuzu wailed, her voice muffled against his shirt, her body trembling violently.
The intensity of her embrace slightly took aback Linn, but he quickly regained his composure. He wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair gently, his expression softening. "Hey, it's okay, Yuzu. It's okay. Just tell me what's going on. What happened back there? Why are those men after you?"
Yuzu pulled back slightly, her eyes red and swollen, her voice trembling as she tried to speak between sobs. "I... I..."
Suddenly, a loud CRASH echoed through the forest, the ground shaking beneath their feet. Startled, Linn instinctively pushed Yuzu behind him, his body tensing, his eyes scanning the surrounding area for the source of the disturbance. He stared at the spot where the sound originated, a cloud of dust slowly settling, obscuring whatever had caused the commotion. As the dust cleared, a figure emerged.
Linn observed the figure with a wary eye. It was tall and imposing, but it was not human. It had bird-like features—sharp talons, feathered arms, and a beak-like face. It carried a massive sword on its back, its size hinting at incredible strength.
"Ah, there you are," the bird-like figure spoke, its voice deep and resonant, echoing through the trees. "I've been looking for you, young one."
Linn glared at the figure, his protective instincts kicking into high gear. "Who or what are you?" he demanded, his voice firm.
The bird-like figure raised a feathered eyebrow, expressing surprise and mild amusement. "I say, have you never seen a beastkalin before?"
'Beastkalin?' Linn thought, his mind racing. He vaguely remembered Yuzu mentioning beastkalins - humans with animal features.
The bird-like figure continued, its gaze fixed on Yuzu. "It matters not. I am Regulus, and I am here to take the young miss to her village."
"Her village?" Linn questioned, his confusion growing. "But... why would the people of Kido Village need to take her back by force?"
"Kido Village?" Regulus said, his expression puzzled. "My dear boy, I think you are mistaken. I was told that she hails from Kolt Village. That is her true home, the place where she belongs."
"Kolt Village?" Linn repeated, his head spinning. Now, he was the one who was shaking, his confusion battling with a growing sense of dread. He turned to Yuzu, his eyes pleading. "Yuzu, what's going on? Please, tell me the truth! Who are these people? Where is Kolt Village?" Yuzu ignored him, her gaze fixed on the ground, her body trembling even more violently.
Unfazed by Linn's outburst, Regulus retrieved a crumpled piece of paper from a pouch at his belt. He smoothed it out and read aloud, his voice devoid of emotion. "Bring Yuzu Katagiri to her hometown of Kolt Village. Deliver her safely and swiftly. Payment upon completion. That was the job description. The terms of my contract."
"Job description? Contract?" Linn questioned, his voice incredulous. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Yes," Regulus replied simply. "I am a mercenary, and the people of Kolt Village hired me to bring her back."
Linn turned back to Yuzu, his expression a mixture of hurt and anger. "Yuzu, please... tell me this isn't true. Tell me you didn't lie to us. Tell me there's a good explanation for all of this!" Yuzu remained silent, her face hidden from him, her silence speaking volumes. Linn shook his head, his heart sinking. He turned his attention back to Regulus, his eyes blazing with fury.
"What do you people want with Yuzu anyway?! What did she ever do to you? Why are you trying to take her away from us?" Linn demanded, his voice trembling with rage.
"She has done nothing to me personally," Regulus replied, his tone detached and clinical. "I don't know all the details. I wasn't privy to their reasons. But she must have done something unspeakable, if they were willing to pay my fee to bring her back."
"If she didn't do anything wrong to you, then why are you helping them?" Linn shouted, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Because it's my job, child," Regulus replied simply, his expression unwavering. ''I have no quarrel with the girl, but I was hired to bring her to Kolt Village by any means necessary. That includes force, if required."
"You're going to have to get past me first!" Linn declared, his voice filled with defiance. He took a fighting stance, his small body trembling with fear and adrenaline.
"Very well..." Regulus sighed, his expression resigned. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. But so be it." He lowered his stance, his massive sword glinting ominously in the dim light.
Regulus charged at Linn, his movements surprisingly swift and agile for his size. Linn, undaunted, charged forward to meet him, his slight figure a blur of motion. He punched Regulus, but the beastkalin easily caught it in his massive hand. With a swift, brutal movement, Regulus elbowed Linn in the jaw, the force sending a shockwave of pain through his body. Linn staggered back, his vision blurring.
He tried to regain his footing, delivering a flurry of quick jabs and kicks, his movements desperate. But Regulus countered all his attacks with ease, his movements fluid and precise, delivering punches and kicks of his own, each blow landing with devastating force. Regulus, his expression cold and detached, drew his enormous sword. With a swift, merciless swing, he slashed Linn across the chest, the blade tearing through his clothes and flesh, sending a spray of blood into the air.
Linn cried out in pain, his hand flying to his bleeding chest. He stumbled back, his legs weak, his vision swimming. Regulus then delivered a powerful kick to Linn's face, sending him flying. Linn crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, the impact jarring his entire body. He lay there for a moment, stunned and bleeding, his body screaming in pain.
Yuzu, her earlier distress replaced by a horrified fascination, rushed to Linn's side, her face pale with fear. "Linn! Are you okay? Please, say something!" she cried, her voice trembling.
"I'm... I'm fine," Linn gasped, spitting out blood, his voice weak and strained. He struggled to sit up, his body trembling, his hand clutching his bleeding chest.
Regulus approached them, his massive sword dripping with Linn's blood. "What do you say, child? Do you yield? There is no shame in admitting defeat."Hiss face contorted with pain, Linn managed a weak, defiant smile. "No way... I'm a hero... and heroes... never... give up..."
Regulus raised a feathered eyebrow, his expression a mixture of pity and grudging respect. "My dear boy, do you not see the state that you are in? I have clearly bested you. Surely you do not wish to continue? To risk your life for this girl?"
"If it means protecting Yuzu from you," Linn gasped, his voice barely audible, his eyes filled with fierce determination. Then yes, I will continue. I'll do anything for my friend."
Yuzu's eyes widened in surprise. She stared at Linn, her expression unreadable, a complex mix of emotions swirling within her. Regulus raised his sword, his expression grim.
"Very well," Regulus said, his voice devoid of emotion. "If that is your decision..."
"Bring it on-" Linn began.
CLONK
Suddenly, Linn felt a sharp, excruciating pain at the back of his head. His vision blurred, his body went numb, and he collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, his consciousness slipping away.
'What... what just happened?' Linn thought, his mind reeling. He tried to turn his head, his vision fading in and out, and saw Yuzu standing over him, her expression blank, her arm outstretched, her ladle extended.
'Yuzu...? It couldn't have been... her... could it?' he thought, his mind refusing to accept the impossible.
Regulus, standing over the scene, looked utterly bewildered. "I say... what is going on here? What did you do?"
Yuzu, her face devoid of emotion, retracted her ladle, the weapon disappearing back into the sleeve of her hoodie. Her expression was cold and distant, starkly contrasting with the cheerful girl he thought he knew. "Nothing you need to worry about," she said to Regulus, her voice flat and emotionless. "I've decided to... let you take me back to my village."
'What...?' Linn thought, his mind struggling to comprehend the betrayal. He tried to speak, to protest, but his words came out as a weak, incoherent murmur. Regulus raised his feathered eyebrows, his expression puzzled. "And what about the boy? The one who was so willing to sacrifice himself for you?"
Yuzu glanced down at Linn's prone form, her eyes devoid of any warmth or affection. Her expression was cold and dismissive. "Him? I was just... using him. He served his purpose. But I no longer need him. He was a fool to trust me."
'What...?' Linn thought again, his heart shattering into a million pieces. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't believe that the girl he had come to care for, the girl he had considered a friend, could be so... cruel.
"I see," Regulus said, though his expression still hinted unease.
"Yes," Yuzu said, her voice sharp and decisive. "So, are you going to take me back to Kolt Village, or what? I'm ready to leave."
"Very well," Regulus said, his expression resigned. He turned his back on Yuzu and gestured with his head. "Hop on. Let's get this over with." Yuzu climbed onto Regulus's back, her movements fluid and efficient.
"Y-yuzu... wait..." Linn managed to whisper, his voice weak and fading, his hand reaching out in a futile gesture, trying to stop her, to understand. Yuzu turned to look at him, her face impassive. She mouthed something to him.
Regulus spread his massive wings, their powerful beats sending a gust of wind through the forest. He took flight, soaring into the night sky, carrying Yuzu away from him, away from his life.
Linn lay in the dirt, his vision blurring, his body wracked with pain, both physical and emotional. He watched helplessly as Regulus and Yuzu disappeared into the darkness, the sound of their departure echoing in his ears. He remembered all the time he and Yuzu had spent together, from their first meeting in Kido Village to their adventures in the forest. He remembered her cheerful smile, gentle scolding, and surprisingly good cooking. He remembered how she had always seemed so kind, so caring. Despite her motherly nature sometimes grating on his nerves, he grew to like, trust, and consider her a true friend. So then what happened? What went wrong?
He remembered the words Yuzu had mouthed to him as she left.
"Yuzu..." he whispered, his voice barely audible, his heart breaking.
And then, he finally passed out from the pain, his world fading into darkness.