Episode 15 Representative and Family
Her bright orange hair flies behind her in a trail of vivid orange flames. The wind rustles through her ears as she navigates the forest with blazing speed, hopping from tree to tree with utmost grace.
Eventually, the forest opens up before her, and comes to an end at last. She emerges into the outer boundaries of a mid-sized city. Power lines crisscross the region. Several traditional-styled homes deck the outer rim of the city, while further off in the distance, several large office buildings, towers, and even skyscrapers reach towards the sky.
She comes to a stop, her penetrating green eyes hidden behind a pair of equally green rimless goggles. After orienting herself, she bursts into a high-speed run again, now leaping over the rooftops of the buildings in town.
The girl stops now in front of a large traditional manor, two stories tall. Its double front doors are thrown open to the elements, revealing a darkened interior inside. Two masked guards armed with katanas stand at either end of the doorway.
The orange-haired girl removes her weapon, a Kandine, and kneels, bowing low. She holds out her Kandine with both hands, offering it to the guards. They nod, and relieve her of her weapon.
The girl rises to her feet again and removes her goggles, revealing more clearly her bright green eyes. “I, Hyacinth of the Cloud Family, wish to meet with the heads of the Kimura Clan!”
Rays of sunlight are splashed onto the ground, as the forest trees begin to thin all around. A healthy, warm sunlight bathes the entire area with a warm glow. Up ahead, the path runs over a slight hill and then dips below, opening up into the borders of Showa Town.
Kunai sighs as his companions walk beside him. Zaram and his men are still rounded up in chains and are being led by Zack and Mira. Ophelia follows uncertainly not far behind.
“Oww! Stop poking there!” Zaram shouts, as Zack prods him forcefully in the back with his staff.
“You guys’re our prisoners,” Zack says matter-of-factly. “So this is what I’m supposed t’do.”
“Still ya coulda treated us nicer,” Charm whines. “It was pretty tough fallin’ asleep strung up on a rope dangling by a tree like that.”
“Haha, it’s funny ‘cause my name’s Dangle,” Dangle laughs rather randomly.
“Y’know, apart from the fact that you tried to kidnap me and kill Zack, you guys are pretty fun prisoners to have around,” Mira says brightly, grinning.
One of Kunai’s eyebrows twitches irritably. “What are you guys even planning to do with them anyway…?”
“Yeah,” Zaram says, “we gotta go back and report our failure to the Boss.”
“As if we’d let you do that,” Mira growls back.
“Actually, that may not be such a bad idea,” Kunai says thoughtfully.
“Huh?!” Mira cries. “Who’s side are you on anyway?”
Kunai shakes his head. “Right now, what we need most is clues concerning the Anti-Paradox. Their ‘Boss’ or whatever seems to be related to the Anti-Paradox business somehow. If we can have them lead us to this guy, then we might be able to find something useful.”
“But aren’t they trying to capture Mira?” Ophelia asks worriedly. “If they were to overpower us…”
“Yeah,” Mira agrees, “it might dangerous to meet this person.”
Zack rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Hmm, I like the way ya think, Kunai. I agree with your strategy.”
“Eh?!” Mira cries. “You too, Zack?”
“At any rate,” Kunai says, moving on, “this is something we’ll talk about once we’re done in Showa Town. We should look for the Kimura Clan first and see what they have to say. We’ll figure out what to do about this ‘Boss’ once we get to it.”
“What kind of person is this ‘Boss’ anyway?” Mira says suspiciously, rounding upon the three prisoners.
“The Boss is a wonderful person,” Zaram says with a prideful, fanciful tone. “The Boss is kind, gracious, intelligent, and powerful.”
“Yeah, yeah!” Charm and Dangle agree.
“We get it, we get it,” Mira sighs, “the Boss is a great person. I shouldn’t have asked.”
The group suddenly finds themselves in the midst of the city. Around them, several people wander about on their way, some looking at the newcomers with suspicion. People come in and out of the traditional-styled buildings lining the narrow roads.
Zack stares up at the sky. “Hmm…none of us are very familiar with Showa Town. What should we do? We gotta find this Kimura Clan.”
“Should we ask?” Ophelia suggests.
“We still don’t know whether or not they’d be friendly to us…” Kunai mutters, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. He glances around him at the people performing their daily activities. “Perhaps we should go undercover or disguised…”
“Um…” Zaram mumbles. “If you’re gonna go see the Kimura Clan, they’re pretty friendly people. Stern, but well-meaning. Just don’t waste their time.”
Kunai turns to Zaram with surprise. “Hm? You seem to know them quite well.”
“Well…we do business with them on occasion,” Zaram mutters in response.
“What exactly kind of people are you?” Mira asks inquiringly.
“Heh heh…” Zaram grins. “Ain’t tellin’.”
“Why you—!” Mira bellows, pounding the top of Zaram’s head with her fist. He wobbles about on his feet shakily.
“Anyway,” Kunai remarks impatiently, “we’re wasting time here. Since you seem to be familiar with them, show us the way, Zaram.”
“Aha!” Zaram cries gleefully. “So ya trust me now, eh? So do ya think you can loosen these ropes just a little bit…?”
“I’ll kill you first and feed you to the Hectors,” Kunai replies. “Just show us the way.”
“Yes, sir…” Zaram answers meekly.
The seven of them come to a stop in front of a large, grand traditional home. It is two stories tall. Two guards stand on either end of the entrance, each brandishing a finely polished katana.
“Is this the home of the Kimura Family?” Kunai says, turning to Zaram.
“Yeah,” Zaram replies in a low voice, “this is it.”
A low breeze blows by the street, rustling the air around their ankles. Kunai gulps, and takes a step towards the guards. As expected, they cross their swords as Kunai approaches, barring the entrance.
“What is your purpose for visiting this place?” the guard on the left asks Kunai.
“I want to see the Kimura Family,” Kunai answers with a resolute voice.
After a pause, the guard that had spoken speaks again, slowly. “You may not.”
Kunai bares his teeth. “I want to see them concerning the Anti-Paradox.”
The two guards exchange looks. They both nod to each other. Suddenly, they leap forward, swords raised. Kunai jumps backwards just in time, just as the two guards swing their swords.
Breathing heavily, Kunai absentmindedly reaches for his neck, his eyes narrowed. ‘If I hadn’t jumped…they would’ve sliced my head right off. This is the kind of people I’m dealing with?’
“W-Wait!” Mira shouts, as the guards prepare to strike again. “We come in peace!”
However, the guards ignore her, and swing their weapons once more. This time ready to counter, Kunai raises his claw in response, blocking both swords with it alone. The clang of metal scraping against metal rings loudly throughout the street.
Suddenly, from within the chambers of the house inside, a voice sounds out. “What is that clamor outside?” A stern-looking middle-aged man emerges from the darkness inside. He is wearing a kimono. He gazes about at the scene, the guards attacking Kunai, Kunai blocking them with his claw.
“What is the matter?” he demands sternly.
One of the guards walks straight up to the man, whispering into his ear. The man leans towards the guard slightly, listening intently. As the guard finishes speaking, the man nods. “Very well. Escort them into a room. I will speak with them personally when I am finished with my current meeting.” He turns away.
“H-Huh?!” Kunai exclaims, surprised.
“Understood,” the two guards reply, bowing low. They turn back to Kunai and the others. “We apologize for our insolence. We will escort you into a room now. Please remove your weapons and shoes before entering.”
“Remove our weapons n’ shoes, huh…?” Zack says slowly.
“I guess there’s no helping it,” Kunai grumbles, removing his claw. He holds it out for the guards to take.
The group enters the interior of the building. They find themselves in a slightly darkened room with tatami mats laid down on the floor. The room is filled with elaborate, ornamental furniture, including several well-crafted wooden shelves filled with books, along with a magnificent table.
Inside, the man from before is kneeling down on one of the mats, facing the entrance. Sitting across from him is a young girl with long bright orange hair. She looks over her shoulder at the group as they enter. Her face contorts into one of surprise as she sees them. “Zaram?”
Zaram looks up, and immediately bursts into a tearful grin. “Boss!” he cries joyfully.
Kunai, Zack, Mira, and Ophelia all turn towards him, shock etched onto their faces. “Boss?!”
“I see,” the man says, as an attendant finishes pouring tea for the group. She bows herself out of the room and disappears behind a screen. “So that is the current state of your affairs.”
“I apologize for my subordinates’ stupidity,” the orange-haired girl says as she unties Zaram’s bonds. As the ropes are loosed, Zaram waves his arms about wildly, happy to regain use of his arms. The girl takes a seat again in her place across from the man.
Kunai stares at her wonderingly, eyes slightly widened. He blushes slightly. ‘She’s beautiful…’ However, a frown is currently displayed on her face as she stares at the variety of guests gathered before her.
“Allow me to properly introduce myself,” the man announces in his firm voice. “I am Hiraku Kimura, eldest son of Minako Kimura, the current matriarch of our clan. Pleased to meet you.”
“Y-Yeah, pleased to meet your acquaintance too,” Kunai replies hesitantly. He picks up his cup of tea and nervously takes a sip.
“I’ll introduce myself too,” the orange-haired girl frowns. “My name is Hyacinth. I come from the Cloud Family of New Orbis.”
“Cloud Family?!” Kunai repeats, his eyes widening once more. He lowers his cup of tea.
“Hmm,” Zack says, his voice surprisingly steady, “ya did call Zaram and his men your subordinates. So you’re this Cloud ‘Boss’ we’ve been searchin’ for. What a coincidence.”
“Yes,” Hyacinth answers, “I may the current youngest in the family, but I am in charge of my own squad of men. We of the Cloud Family pride ourselves on the influence and sway we hold not just in New Orbis, but throughout the world.”
“At any rate,” Hiraku says, “it appears that you are here also to discuss the Anti-Paradox, much like Hyacinth. Please explain what is your affiliation with the Anti-Paradox.”
“That is the exact question I want to ask you,” Kunai retorts, “I came here to figure out why your family is sponsoring the creation of the Anti-Paradox, and how far your efforts have gone to create one. I am also interested in learning the whereabouts of Takuya Kimura.”
Hiraku’s eyes widen upon hearing the name. “Takuya? I see…so Bentley must be behind all this. Indeed, if that is the case, we banished him from Showa Town some time ago. He was an absolute failure as an experiment.”
“Banished?” Mira repeats, a tone of anger in her voice. “How can you do that to one of your own? If anything, you should have tried to help him or something.”
“There was nothing we could do!” Hiraku bellows, causing Mira to cringe slightly. “As an experiment, he was a complete failure. He was unstable. We had no choice but to send him away from the family.”
“Then where’s he now?” Zack asks.
“I do not know his whereabouts to that extent,” Hiraku mutters. “Most likely he is in the Masteria region. However, he has taken to wandering about on his own. I cannot provide you with any more detailed information.”
“I see…” Kunai sighs. “Well, it seems we really do have to look for him on our own then. He is the person in possession of the only known Anti-Paradox in existence right now.”
“Why are you so interested in obtaining the Anti-Paradox?” Hyacinth asks.
“We want to have it as a weapon against the Fatalists,” Kunai answers succinctly.
“Fatalists?!” Hiraku cries, surprised. “I see. So you are much more closely involved than I thought at first. I apologize if I have been reluctant to divulge information then. I will provide you with whatever information you need.”
Hyacinth narrows her eyes, glaring especially at Kunai. “Fatalists, huh? Then you must know of Ryuu, the current leader of the Joukai.”
“Ah, of course,” Kunai replies, “he is my mentor after all.”
“Mentor?” Hyacinth mutters to herself.
“We also want to know why your families are providing so much support to the creation of the Anti-Paradox,” Mira says, glancing at Zack and Kunai.
Hiraku lowers his head. “As a family, the Kimura Clan is powerful. We have many financial assets. However, we are for the most part not warriors of any sort. Therefore, we choose to support the fight against the Fatalists by lending our financial support to the hope of creating an Anti-Paradox. That is our only reason for supporting this cause.”
“Same for our Cloud Family,” Hyacinth adds, gesturing at herself. “Although, we have more fighting power, so we are more involved in this than the Kimura Family, probably. But our families have ties going back a long time, so that is why we are aiding each other. I’m working on behalf of and in cooperation with the ARES Project in the Night World, as a matter of fact.”
“ARES Project?” Kunai says, looking at Hyacinth with surprise. “I see…I did not realize you were involved in the ARES Project.”
“Eh? You know about the ARES Project?” Hyacinth exclaims.
“Of course,” Kunai answers, “I have been working with them as well.”
The two of them exchange a long look with each other. Suddenly, an attendant enters the room, interrupting the scene.
“Master Hiraku, the representatives of the local Corporation are here to see you,” she says.
Hiraku bows his head slightly, acknowledging her. “Well then, I must end our conversation here. Please, stay with us for as long as you like. I will make arrangements for you to at least stay the night. We shall discuss this matter further later.”
Kunai and his companions hurriedly bow to Hiraku, rising to their feet as they do so. Kunai stays behind for a moment as the others leave. “Thank you for all you have done. We’ll stay at least tonight. I want to talk to you more about the Anti-Paradox.”
“Very well,” Hiraku says, bowing again. “I look forward to it.”
As Kunai exits the room, he finds not his companions waiting for him at the doorway, but the orange-haired Hyacinth. Kunai looks at her with surprise, but she merely frowns at him.
“I wish to speak with you,” she says plainly.
—END FIFTEEN—
So I've been a bit stuck on figuring out the plot ahead. I wouldn't mind hearing some suggestions for what you think should happen next. Doesn't necessarily mean it'll happen, of course, though. Also:
Create-a-Fatalist
So I have decided to open things up for character submissions. You can design your own Fatalist. Yay. No guarantees your character or any character for that matter will be used. If it's good, it'll be used, provided there's no significant overlap with another of the already-established Fatalists. Here's the form you fill out:
Name:
Age:
Hair color:
Eye color:
(Other) Physical description: (IMPORTANT, style of dress is already defined by the Fatalist uniform)
Class: (Hybrids are okay. Only Warriors, Magicians, Bowmen, Thieves, and Pirates accepted. Be as creative as you like. Fatalists are not limited by class distinctions. [For instance, Recelo is a sin that throws swords])
Weapon: (Can be almost anything from a Doombringer to an L pipe to those plastic sticks you use to blow bubbles with)
Special Skills: (Fatalists have skills that can transcend classes. Again, for example, a sin that throws swords.)
Personality: (Describe personality traits of your Fatalist. The more detail, the better. Be specific.)
Bio: (Describe your Fatalist's past. Some potential questions to think about: Why is he/she a Fatalist? [Though this question is unfair to you the reader since you don't know the whole story about Fatalists yet…] What does he/she hope to get out of being a Fatalist? What is his/her relationship with other characters? Note: your character must come from the Fatalists' dimension)
Lastly, feel free to submit along with your character a picture of your Fatalist using BannedStory or one of the other simulators out there. You can be as creative (and/or wacky) as you like with your character designs.