Zataria's Last Light Chapter 7: Friends and Family

During the day, Zodiac, Mizuda, and Himitsu explored the city together.

Himitsu: If there's one thing that's for certain, the city is always lively.

Mizuda: Why wouldn't it be? The people here are always happy, right, Zodiac? (Smiling.)

Zodiac shakes his head.

Zodiac: Why did you bring here? I never agreed to co.

Mizuda: Co on, lighten up. There's no training today, so why not have so fun?

Himitsu: Plus, it's a great opportunity to get to know each other, don't you think?

Zodiac: Sure.

As they continue walking, they see Mac waving at them.

Mac: Hello, Mizuda and everyone! How's it going?

Mizuda: Oh hi, Mac! Good to see you again. What have you been up to?

Mac: It's been good—just training and completing missions.

She looks concerned.

Mizuda: Don't overwork yourself, especially after that raid.

Mac's expression turns somber as she recalls the two n killed by the chief orc.

Mizuda: I'm sorry you had to witness your friends' deaths; that must have been difficult.

Mac smiles at her.

Mac: It's okay; I barely knew them since I only worked with them a couple of tis. People live, people die, but as long as we keep fighting, that's what matters.

Mizuda: You're absolutely right, Mac! Anyway, what brings you here today?

Mac starts to blush, looking nervous.

Himitsu: Ummm, why is your face turning red?

Mac: W-well, I was thinking that maybe you and I could hang out at the bar and spend so ti together, if you don't mind?

Mizuda considers the offer.

Mizuda: That would be nice, but I already had plans with both Zodiac and Himitsu.

Mac's face falls. Himitsu then interjects.

Himitsu: It's okay, Mizuda; Zodiac and I can just walk around together.

Zodiac: What? I didn't agree to that!

Mizuda: Oh really? That will be perfect! You know where to find and Mac.

Mac becos excited and blushes even more.

Himitsu: Yep, the signs (points at the signs) should help us find you.

Mizuda: Great! Just don't go too far, and when it gets dark, co find us, okay?

Himitsu: We won't, don't worry! (Gives a thumbs up.)

Zodiac shakes his head. Mizuda and Mac head to the bar together, leaving Himitsu and Zodiac behind.

Himitsu: Okay, what should we do today?

Himitsu looks back and sees Zodiac walking.away.

Himitsu: H-HEY, WAIT UP!!!

He begins to run to catch up with him.

Zodiac: Why are you following ? Please go away.

Himitsu: Co on, there's no need to act like this. Let's find sothing to do together.

Zodiac: I'm fine. It's best if I remain alone.

Himitsu: Hmmm, would you like to check out the shops?

Zodiac offers a curt response.

Zodiac: No.

Himitsu: How about visiting the castle?

Zodiac: No.

Himitsu: Oh, I have an idea! What about horseback riding?

Zodiac: No.

Himitsu lowers his head in disappointnt and reflects.

Himitsu: (muttering to himself) There must be sothing we can do together that he would enjoy. (Talking to Zodiac) Wait, I have an idea! I heard there's a place where you can duel others.

Zodiac continues walking, uninterested.

Zodiac: I'm not interested.

Himitsu: I also heard it involves swords.

Zodiac stops and turns to face him.

Zodiac: Are you being truthful? Because if you're not, I'll make you regret it.

Himitsu feels intimidated by his words.

Himitsu: No, I'm serious. There is a place where you can challenge others. They have so formidable fighters too.

Zodiac: (to himself) If he's telling the truth, perhaps I can see so strong fighters. He better not be lying. Very well, take there.

Himitsu: R-really!? (beaming with excitent)

Zodiac: Do you want to die?

Himitsu: Oooook, then follow .

Himitsu leads Zodiac to the dueling venue. As they walk, they observe children playing with their parents, people hosting shows, and more. After a few minutes, they arrive at a large building marked "Sword of Battles," with a burly guard stationed at the entrance.

Himitsu: Here it is. Let's go inside.

As they approach, the guard pushes Himitsu back.

Guard: What do you kids think you're doing here? Did you really believe I'd let you in? Think again.

Himitsu: Not to be mistaken, but I don't see any age requirent posted.

Guard: So?

Himitsu: So, why not let us in?

Guard: Because I said so!

Himitsu: But whyyyy?

Guard: Don't you kids have imaginary toys to play with? Haha. You're too young to be here. Now leave before I call your parents.

Himitsu begins to feel frustrated.

Himitsu: This is disappointing. It seems we won't be able to get in, Zodiac. I apologize.

Zodiac: I didn't co all this way just to turn back. I will handle this.

Himitsu: Excuse ? What are your intentions?

Zodiac approaches the guard.

Zodiac: What would it take for us to gain entry? Surely there's sothing you can do.

Guard: There's nothing you can do, so I suggest you leave. I don't have ti for gas.

Zodiac: Why? Are you intimidated by children?

The guard pauses.

Guard: Here's the deal: if you can block one of my attacks, I may allow you entry. What do you think?

Zodiac nods.

Zodiac: Let's proceed.

Himitsu: Zodiac, are you out of your mind?

Zodiac: No, I'm not. Please stand back and be quiet.

The guard smiles.

Guard: Excellent, but don't expect to go easy on you.

They prepare for the confrontation as the guard unsheathes his sword, while Zodiac readies his dagger.

Guard: Alright, I hope you are prepared for this!

The guard charges, aiming for Zodiac's head. Zodiac blocks the attack easily and positions his dagger at the guard's neck.

Zodiac: Are you finished?

Guard: H-how is that even possible?! A child like you shouldn't possess such skill!

Himitsu (standing tall): Well, we received the best training, I suppose.

Zodiac sheaths his dagger.

Zodiac: So, can we enter, or would you like to challenge again?

The guard shakes his head vigorously.

Guard: No, please co in! Don't be shy! (His forehead glistens with sweat.)

Himitsu: Perfect, let's proceed inside!

anwhile, Mizuda and Mac are at the bar, enjoying themselves and ordering nurous drinks.

Mac: Ahhhhhhh yeaaaaaaaaaah, I can keep going!!!

Mizuda finishes her eighth drink of rum.

Mizuda: Waaaaaa, what did you say? I think you should take a break!

Mac: Nahhhhhhhhhh, not until I beat you!!! HEY SEXY WAITRESS, BRING ANOTHER BOTTLE OR I'M GOING TO DRINK MY OWN URINE HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Mizuda laughs heartily.

Mizuda: You are outrageous, Mac!

The waitress delivers another bottle, which he consus entirely before collapsing.

Mac: HEY, LOOK AT , I'M A CLUMSY FOOL WHO CAN'T GET UP!!!

Mizuda: You're utterly ridiculous, bwahahaha!!!

Person 1: Can you two quiet down over there?

Person 2: Yes, you are quite botherso!

As ti goes on and other patrons grow irritated, they eventually settle down. Mac is now heaving into a bucket.

Mizuda: Are you alright, Mac?

Mac: Yes, we certainly consud a lot, haha. I believe I lost track.

Mizuda: I did advise you to stop, but you chose not to listen.

Mac: I understand, but I can never back down from a drinking contest.

She smiles. Then Mac poses a serious question.

Mac: Hey, Mizuda?

Mizuda: Yes, what's on your mind?

Mac: I think I have feelings for you.

She smiles and gently pats him on the head.

Mizuda: Aww, I like you too! You're a wonderful friend!

Mac: But no, I an I like you in a different way.

Mizuda: I feel the sa, Mac! I never anticipated our friendship would grow this strong so quickly.

Mac becos embarrassed and looks down.

Mac: (muttering) That's not what I intended...

Mizuda: I need to clean up, so I'll head to the washroom. I'll be right back.

Mizuda stands and walks toward the washroom while Mac glances at her.

Mac: She certainly has an impressive figure.

She turns back to Mac upon hearing his comnt.

Mizuda: What did you say?

Mac: N-nothing, don't mind , haha.

As Mizuda tidies up from the drinks, Daru is still training beneath the lava pit, drenched in sweat.

Daru: (collapses, lying on his back) Ahh, I need water!

Rito: Co on up! It's only been five hours, you crybaby.

Daru: (gazes at Rito) Only five hours, Rito? I'm exhausted; I feel terrible.

Daru stands and removes his t-shirt, revealing so definition in his physique.

Rito: Impressive genetics you have.

Daru: Huh? What do you an?

Rito: Look at your body. We've only been training for a few days, and you've gained a significant amount of muscle. Not many can achieve that, especially considering you're only ten.

Daru: (smiling and flexing) Well, you're not wrong...

Rito: Okay, take it easy; don't let it get to your head.

Shortly after, Rito hears quick footsteps approaching.

Rito: What the—

Before Rito can finish, a man erges from the shadows, running with his head down, out of breath.

Man: (struggling) H-h-h—

Rito: What?

Daru: Where did you co from? Are you alright?

Man: (lifts his head, still panting) H-H-H-H—

Rito: Wait, is that you, Gram?

Gram: (finally catches his breath) IT'S SO FREAKING HOT!!! MY SKIN IS BURNING!!

Rito: Hello! It's been a while. How have you been?

Gram: Did you even hear what I said?

Rito throws his jacket to Gram, who quickly puts it on.

Gram: Ah, much better.

Rito: Good to hear.

Gram: By the way, I need your help.

Daru: (approaches Rito) Wait, you know this person?

Rito: Yes, he's an old friend.

Gram: I'm not old, Rito! I'm fourteen! Did you hear anything I said?

Rito: Huh? (laughs) Yes, of course.

Gram: Okay... what did I say?

Rito: (laughs) Alright, you caught ; I got distracted. What do you need?

Gram glances to the left of Rito and notices Daru.

Gram: Who is this? WAIT, DID YOU HAVE A CHILD?!

Rito: What? No, are you out of your mind? (laughs)

Daru: (laughing) No, he's not my father.

Gram: Oh, in that case, who is he?

Rito: He's my student.

Gram: STUDENT?!? Are you training him and not ? I see how it is!

Rito: Not my problem, and yes, I am training him. (smiles)

Gram: (looks at Daru) Well then, you must be sothing special.

Daru: What do you an by that?

Gram: Rito is notoriously difficult to motivate, so if he's training you, he must see sothing in you.

Daru: Huh... interesting. Well, his training sucks.

Rito: Hey, that's not my problem.

Gram starts to laugh heartily.

Gram: Anyway, Rito, I really need your help.

Rito: Right, you ntioned needing my assistance. What's going on?

Gram: The boulder in the village has fallen again.

Rito: It has fallen again? It hasn't been five months since the last ti.

Gram: Yes, I know, but I was trying to locate you. I asked around, and people thought they saw you co up here.

Rito: Well, you found . Let's go and fix it.

Gram: Great. Thank you so much, Rito.

Rito: No problem. (looks at Daru) Alright, Daru, let's go.

Daru: Wait, I'm coming?

Rito: Of course! You're the one who will be fixing it.

Daru: Wait, what?! ?

Gram: Yes, really? You can't be serious, Rito. He's smaller than I am.

Daru: Hey! I'm not tiny!

Rito: Yes, I'm serious.

Gram: You do realize he's about my age, right?

Daru: I'm actually ten.

Gram: That's even worse.

Rito: Of course I know; I'm not blind.

Gram: Ah, this is unfortunate. (Daru and Gram shake their heads.)

Rito: Alright, let's proceed to the boulder!

Rito, Daru, and Gram leave to head to the boulder.

Gram: If you don't mind my asking, Daru, where are your parents?

Rito's expression shifts slightly.

Daru: Um, I'm not certain. I was found in a basket by a pond, and Zenshi and Rito took in.

Gram: In a basket? What kind of person leaves their child alone at a pond? That's appalling!

Daru: Yes, I often ponder that as well. (chuckles)

Gram: I have one more question.

Daru: Yeah, what's up?

Gram: (Points) What does that tattoo symbol on your back signify?

Daru: Huh? Tattoo?

Rito: (Turns around) Yes, what symbol?

Gram: This one. Are you both telling you have never seen this before?

Rito approaches and examines the symbol.

Rito: (Under his breath) The legend is true.

Daru: What was that, Rito?

Rito: Oh, nothing. I was rely noting that I've never encountered this before.

Gram: Hmm, well I suppose it's not important. (chuckles)

Rito: (Contemplating) Actually, it is quite significant.

Daru: If it's not important, let's head to the boulder.

Gram: You know, Rito (Rito looks at Gram), I find this individual quite likable.

Rito laughs.

Rito: (Laughs) Yes, he's a good kid.

Gram: By the way, Daru, my na is Gram Amora.

Daru: That's a cool last na.

Gram: Thank you, but people typically refer to as Gram the Great.

Rito: (Laughs) No, they don't.

Gram: (Annoyed) THEY WILL ONE DAY!

Rito and the others resu their walk toward the boulder. After ten minutes, they finally arrive at the location where the boulder fell.

Daru: Whoa, why is there so much water?

Gram: Well, do you see that hole over there? (points)

Daru: Yes, that's where all the water is flowing from.

Gram: Every five months, the boulder falls due to the water pressure. We rely on Rito to replace it each ti.

Rito: Precisely, and now it's your turn, Daru.

Daru: Alright, I'm prepared. Where is the boulder?

Gram and Rito: (Point) Right over there.

Daru spots the massive boulder.

Daru: (Nervously) Th-That's the boulder?

Gram: Yes, that's her.

Rito: Beautiful, isn't she?

Daru: (Looking at Rito and Gram) ARE YOU BOTH INSANE? I CAN'T LIFT THAT!

Rito: Of course you can. You lifted rocks during training.

Daru: Yeah, but not sothing that big! That boulder is enormous!

Rito: Well, it's your responsibility to put it back.

Gram: What Rito says is final.

Daru: Fine!

Rito and Gram sit on a nearby bench while Daru approaches the boulder, which seems to grow larger with each step.

Daru: This boulder is enormous! It's taller than two grown trees combined. How am I supposed to lift this?

Gram: Are you sure Daru can do this?

Rito: I'm confident he can.

Daru: Alright, co on, Daru! You can do this!

Daru bends down, placing his hands around the boulder for a good grip. He begins to lift.

Gram: Wait, what is he doing?

Rito: Just observe.

Daru: AHHHH!!! AHHH!! CO ON!! LIFT IT, Daru!!

Daru shouts, straining to lift the boulder.

Gram: Are you sure he can do this?

Rito: Please be quiet and watch; you talk too much.

Gram: (mumbling) "Be quiet, you talk too much."

Daru: CO ON, Daru! LIFT IT! COMMMM ONNNN!

As Daru yells louder, his hair flickers from black to purple. He successfully lifts the boulder off the ground, but once elevated, his hair returns to its normal color.

Rito: (to himself) His hair?

Gram: NO WAY! WHAT!

Rito: (smiling) I told you.

Daru: AHHH! CO ON!

Daru walks with the boulder to place it back in its hole.

Daru: JUST A LITTLE FURTHER.

He reaches the hole and slams the boulder into position.

Daru: AHHHHHHHHH!

Gram: HOLY COW, HE ACTUALLY DID IT!

Rito: I told you. (smiling)

Gram rushes over to Daru to congratulate him.

Gram: Daru, that was incredible! The way you lifted it and carried it over—amazing work!

Daru: (laughs, out of breath) Thanks, Gram. I was just doing what I ca here to do.

Gram: Well, you certainly accomplished it, but I must admit, you did it differently than Rito.

Daru: Huh? What do you an?

Gram: Rito usually just rolls it over and picks it up. It's less work to lift it that way.

Daru's expression goes blank for a few seconds.

Daru: ARE YOU SERIOUS?! So you're saying I lifted it for no reason?!

Rito: (walking over) Yes, exactly—for no reason.

Daru: Why didn't you tell ? I could have done it the easier way.

Rito: (laughs) Not my problem.

Daru expresses frustration at Rito.

Gram: You guys are too funny. (laughs)