Kiyo Nakamoto

(A deep evil voice talks in a tempting and deviant tone from the shadows.)

Nissa: Your loyalty shall now be tested with the greatest trial of commitment. Once you awaken from your sleep, your life will forever be changed. You may not recognize yourself, but that is a risk you must take to prove your loyalty to the assassins. This will forever etch you into the very blood of our brotherhood.

Aiko: I will never forget the brotherhood. We are forever one; in mind, body, and soul.

(Aiko is naked and her body is strapped to an operating table. Four men in white cloaks are standing around her. A black buff guy with glowing green eyes and a terrifying scratchy deep voice. His name is Zazu. Another man is Jason. Jason has a cocky attitude and he loves to get wild up. He has short white hair, red eyes, and a giant butcher knife sword on his back. The front and back of the blade have extremely sharp teeth on them. The other man is the group leader, Nissassa. The other person in the white cloak is covering their face and is unknown.)

Jason: Wish we could be here with you, Aiko, but the doc strictly stated no hangin’ around during the procedure. You’re a tough girl; you can handle it.

Nissa: You will need this ability if you are to succeed in your mission to assassinate the emperor. This procedure is extremely painful. If you are not able to endure the pain, there is a slight chance you will die.

Aiko: My heart and soul has been given to you, my master. And it has been given to the cause. I will go through great lengths; impossible trials, to fulfill my reason for being alive and living to serve and obey.

Zazu: Master, Nissa, the surgeons are here to perform the operation.

Nissa: (Turns around and walks away) Good luck to you, Aiko.

Aiko: Master, Nissa. May I please have a private word with Jason?

Nissa: Make it short.

(Everyone leaves the room, except Aiko and Jason. Aiko desperately tries reaching her hand out to Jason. The straps are holding her arms, so she cannot move very much. Jason sees her hand and grabs it.)

Aiko: I know that by doing this I’ll be one step closer in proving my commitment with our group, but I’m still afraid. Ever since I was a little girl and I lost my memory, you have always made me feel safe. You were always there for me, Jason. You’re like the brother I never had. I love you. (Smiles)

Jason: (Cracks a smile) Tch, don’t get so emotional about it, Aiko. You’ll be fine. And when you wake up from your surgery, I’ll be here, holding your hand.

Aiko: Why do you do that, Jason?

Jason: Hm? Do what?

Aiko: You pretend like you don’t care. You’re always so cool and laid back, no matter how bad the situation.

Jason: (Smiles at Aiko and closes eyes) Now what kind of brother would I be if I was always worried all the time? I’m suppose to be the role model.

Aiko: Right… You’re confidence and optimism is what gave me the courage to carryout missions and push myself to be a better person. You’re the reason why I’m still alive today.

(Jason un-straps Aiko from the bed. The two of them hug each other passionately. Aiko savors the feeling of Jason showing her he cares and loves her. The two of them stop hugging after 10 seconds. Jason straps her back in. Minutes later, the doctors walk in. Aiko is surrounded by surgeons. One surgeon takes out a sword. Aiko stares at the sword in fear. Her voice begins to tremble and she begins to sweat. The surgeon raises the sword over Aiko.)

Aiko: No…! Wait! What are you doing?!

(The surgeon stabs Aiko in the heart with the sword. She screams at the top of her lungs.)

(Flashback)

(Aiko and her 3 teammates are all on their knees. Nissa is standing in front of them all. They are at an altar.)

Nissa: I bring news of your next assignment. A beautiful young lady has recently been involved with a man delivering a secret message to a foreign land. He was one of our new messengers; a novice in his work.

Jason: That must be why we lost contact with him.

Nissa: I have been informed by one of our eagles that the girl has killed the messenger. The message which he was sent to deliver was nowhere to be found near the body. We assume she’s taken it. Her last know location was in the city of light.

Zazu: Why would the messenger still be in the city?

Nissa: The messenger was killed in another location days ago. His body was brought back here later after the murder occurred.

Jason: So you want us to find this girl and bring her in for interrogation?

Nissa: That is precisely what I want. However, it is not necessary for the four of you to go. I will send Jason to retrieve the subject alone. If conflict comes into play, you have my blessing to engage in battle. But understand that she must be brought back alive. Control your power, and do not cut her tongue out like you did the last subject.

Jason: That was purely an accident, master Nissa. Forgive me. We all make honest mistakes.

Nissa: You are forgiven, my disciple. I understand how uncontrollable your power becomes during the heat of battle.

Jason: So how should I approach the situation? Should I go on the attack, or should I go for a more peaceful approach for a change?

Nissa: Do as you please. Just bring her to me alive.

(The beautiful young lady is relaxing and daydreaming in a tree, which is in a quiet peaceful park. The huge grassy park is empty. Only one family is preparing a picnic: A father, a mother, a little boy, 2 little girls, and a teenage girl. The teenage girl shows no emotions and has a somewhat dark personality. The happy family is preparing their picnic under the tree the young lady is relaxing in.)

Mother: Today would have been a perfect day to invite your new boyfriend, Sabrina.

Father: I’m curious to know what this boy’s like in person. I still haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him.

Sabrina: Father, just because he’s my boyfriend doesn’t mean he has to meet you right away.

Father: When my daughter is involved in the relationship, it does. I just don’t want anything happening to you.

Sabrina: I can take care of myself.

Jane: Please don’t fight. I’m just so happy that we can all be together. Our family is always busy and seperated, so we never get to see each other.

(Yawning)

Molly: Mommy, what was that?

Mother: It sounded like someone yawning.
(The woman wakes up in the tree. It is revealed to be Kelsey.)

Kelsey: (Thinking) Well, look what we have here: A nice little family. It’s nice to wakeup to prey. Hey… I wonder if this is that family from the letter… (Stomach growls)

(Everyone looks up.)

Sabrina: (Thinking) An enemy.

(Sabrina swipes her finger in a horizontal direction at the tree. The tree is instantly cut in half and falls down. A bird flies out of the tree and flies at Sabrina. It instantly turns into a rhino. Its horn is inches away from Sabrina’s chest. Sabrina uses her mind to stop it in mid-air. She struggles to keep it steady in-place.)

Rhino: You seem to be struggling to keep me still. If you lose focus for even a second, you‘re heart will be pierced.

Sabrina: (Struggling) Who are you? Are you here to take me and my sister away?

Rhino: My name’s Kelsey. I can take the form and acquire certain abilities of almost any animal.

(A blurry blue aura begins to form between Sabrina and Kelsey. The aura explodes and the two of them are sent flying in opposite directions. They both land on their feet in the grass. Jane is standing in the middle of the blue aura. Her breathing is heavy.)

Sabrina: Jane?

Kelsey: Teleportation I see. This should be a fun game to play.

Jane: I’m here to back you up, sister!

Sabrina: Don’t be stupid. You’re not in control of your powers yet.

Jane: Maybe not, but I can still fight.

(There is a clear scar in the air where the blue aura was. Jane jumps into it and teleports in front of Kelsey. She kicks Kelsey in the face, then teleports back to where she was before.)

Kelsey: Alright, I see how it is. (Wipes blood from lip) If that’s how you wanna play, then fine!

(Kelsey uses a super sonic screech from a bat to scream at the ground. The ground beneath he, cracks. Kelsey’s arm turns into a bear’s arm. She grabs a piece of the broken ground and surrounds it with her Kotoda energy. She throws it at one of the scars and her kotoda allows the piece of ground to go through the scar and teleport to where Jane is. The piece teleports in front of Jane and smashes her in the face. Jane falls to the ground in pain.)

Sabrina: Jane!

Kelsey: (Grins) Oops. I didn’t mean to hit her so hard. (Arm goes back to normal)

Sabrina: You… Shut up. Nobody hurts my sister.

(Sabrina puts her hands together and the ground begins to break around her into small chunks. The rocks begin levitating around Sabrina.)

Kelsey: (Thinking) Telekinesis; very nice. Looks like I’ve found myself a worthy opponent.

(Sabrina throws the frenzy of rocks at Kelsey. Kelsey turns into a jaguar and dashes through the rocks at incredible speed. She dodges every rock, then jumps at Sabrina to scratch her. Sabrina cannot move fast enough and she gets smacked in the face. Sabrina falls back.)

(Assassin hideout)

(Aiko and Jason are in the garden, watching the fight between Kelsey and Sabrina. Jason seems to be enjoying it.)

Aiko: You seem to be enjoying this fight, almost as much as I enjoy cheesecake (Giggles).

Jason: Kelsey’s our target; she fit’s the description. Her ability seems rather fun to play with, don’t you think, Aiko? My blood is boiling at the chance to fight her. Then again, I’ve already found her weakness.

Aiko: So what should we do? You wanna interfere?

Jason: (Grins) Tch. Give me a break, Aiko. This girl is obviously a close-range fighter. As long as I keep my distance, she’ll be no match. (Sighs) Oh well. I was hoping for a challenge.

Aiko: (Closes her eyes and smiles) Isn’t that ability just so cute, Jason? I could just imagine killing her while she’s in the form of a cute little bunny rabbit. Then I can get her stuffed and put her in my room, on my bed, with the other trophies I have from all my other killings (Giggles).

Jason: If that’s what makes you happy, then it shall be done. Her body will be yours to do as you please.

Aiko: YAY! I love you so much, brother! (Hugs Jason with excitement.)

Jason: (Smiles) No problem. You’ll just have to wait, until master Nissa gives us the okay to kill her.

Aiko: Aww… What a bummer. I no wanna wait.

Jason: (Laughs and smiles.) Good things come to those who wait, Aiko.

(Jason sees Aiko’s disappointment. He grins and closes his eyes.)

Jason: But I’m sure Nissa will understand if her death was pursued by self-defense, or an “accident”.

Aiko: (Gets excited) You’re the best big brother!

Jason: Yeah, I know.

Aiko: Jason…

Jason: Yes, Aiko?

Aiko: (Looks up) Why is the sky so pretty and blue?

Jason: (Smiles) Because the spirits of the wind saw how beautiful you were and decided to mimic your beauty, by creating the sky. (Looks up) Gravity protects the sky from anyone who might try to interfere with its beauty. The sky is extremely precious. In a sense, you are like the sky, and I am like gravity.

Aiko: (Smiles and hugs Jason with a smile.) You’re so sweet, big brother.

Jason: Aiko, I know our relationship is that of a brother and sister, but why do you consider me your big brother? The two of us are the same age.

Aiko: (Acts serious) I’m sorry, Jason. When I was a little girl, I fell and hurt my head. After that, I lost my memory and I always remained a kid… Mentally. No one ever accepted me… But you did. You were always there for me. You always stood up for me and protected me from bad guys. I lookup to you. That’s why I consider you my big brother.

Jason: (Serious attitude) Aiko… Be honest with me, when I ask you this question. Do not hold back, or hide your true feelings.

Aiko: Okay…

Jason: I want you to tell me about the day we joined the assassins. Tell me how you really felt about that day.

Aiko: (Emotional) … I felt… Sad. At first, I didn’t want to hurt other people. I wanted to live in peace with you for all eternity. But when we were only children, we were attacked by that big scary man. You tried so hard to protect me. You almost got yourself killed of him. I almost died as well… But Nissa came and saved us. Then he asked us to join his group of assassins. You wanted to join, so that you could protect me and become strong. I did not want to be helpless. I wanted to be like you. I wanted to be a protector; so I joined the assassins with you. I did not want to kill anybody, but I had to. You helped me get over my fear of taking a life. Then eventually, I started enjoying it more and more. It doesn’t bother me now.

Jason: That man who attacked us as children was in this city, not too long ago. I found him. And I assassinated him.

Aiko: Wait… You did?!

Jason: Yes. I left his head for you as a gift. Now you can forever see the fear and pain his face displayed the second I killed him. I know today’s your birthday, so that’s my gift to you, Aiko. it’s the best thing I can offer you right now.

Aiko: Jason… I don’t know what to say.

Jason: Don’t say anything. (Walks away without emotion) We need to focus on our target. (Thinking) Aiko knows the truth about that man. Some part of her knows who it was. She’s just too afraid to face the truth. She knows the man I killed wasn’t the one who attacked us.

(Kelsey and Sabrina face off. Sabrina is breathing really hard.)

Kelsey: You’re not looking so good, Barbie, maybe you should take a timeout.

Sabrina: Shut up.

(Sabrina points her palm and Kelsey. Sabrina feels a sharp pain go through her body. She falls to the ground with sweat all over her face.)

Kelsey: (Slowly walks toward Sabrina.) You burned up way too much kotoda energy. That’s too bad for you. You must be new at this.

Sabrina: I just discovered my ability. I’ve never used this much power before. By the way, I use blood trait power; not kotoda.

Evil demented voice: Bloodline trait? All the more reason to obtain it. I’ve always wanted to be surprised by the abilities I obtain from others.

(A man in an all black cloak and a hood is standing a distance away from Sabrina and Kelsey. Aiko and Jason are about to enter the park. The two of them stop when they see this man.)

Aiko: Jason, what’s wrong?

Jason: (Thinking and ignoring Aiko) It can’t be… Why is he here?

Kelsey: You move pretty fast. You mind telling me what you want?

Sabrina: Who are you?

Evil voice: I am what most might consider… A “collector” of abilities. I obtain abilities from those who do not deserve them. Such as you, Sabrina.

Sabrina: How do you know my name?

Evil voice: I know all; I see all. Nothing in this world is blind to my eyes.

Kelsey: Are you who I think you are? Are you-

Osmodeus: Osmodeus, yes. You’re all wondering why I’m here. I know this because I am able to read your thoughts. I am here for one simple reason: To obtain the abilities of Jane and Sabrina Walker. You have no idea what power the two of you yield within your bodies. I will unlock your power, and I will take it from you.

Sabrina: You’re not taking anything from us. Stay away from my sister!

Osmodeus: My, my, Sabrina, I see you still have that obsession with protecting your sister. Be careful… YOUR LOVE COULD GET YOU KILLED!

(Osmodeus’ eyes glow red. Sabrina looks directly into them for only a quick second. She falls to the ground and coughs up blood.)

Sabrina: (Shaking) I’m so cold… (Coughs) What did you do to me…?

Osmodeus: Poor, Sabrina. I know you’re in pain, but I’ll put you out of your misery soon. Just be a good girl, and I’ll make it as quick and painless as possible.

Kelsey: Hey, Osmo! I’m the one who attacked this family! I am the only one who has the right to kill these people!

Osmodeus: An anonymous message came to you. It said that you would die if you didn’t kill this family. My sister Ming sent you that message. She wanted you here in this spot, at this time, for a reason. She must have seen the future and known I would be here to kill these two. She was a fool for believing you could actually change the future. My destiny, is to take their power. And I will!

(Osmo extends his palm forward and creates a black whole in his hand.)

Osmo: With this black hole, I shall send you to the next dimension!

(Jane begins to wake up.)

Sabrina: Jane. Jane, wake up.

Osmo: (Thinking) I see what Ming is planning now. She made Kelsey show up, to waste time. Originally, Aiko and Jason were suppose to fight Kelsey. Sabrina and her family were having a picnic, along with Sabrina’s boyfriend. That was when I was suppose to strike and kill them. However, Joseph is not here, and the family was suppose to die minutes ago. Why Kelsey? Why did my sister choose her to rupture the natural balance of time?

Sabrina: (Weak and in pain. She crawls to Jane.) Jane… I need for you to teleport everyone away from here.

Jane: I’ve never teleported multiple people before.

Sabrina: Listen to me, Jane. Our parents are only pretending to be happy here. They plan to move us all away tomorrow. Kaji knows about your power. He’s going to kill you. Today was the last day, that our family could happily be together. What I’m trying to say… is that it’s not safe here. We’re all in danger.

Jane: Sabrina…

Sabrina: I’ll take Molly, okay. You teleport mom, dad, and brother away from here.

Jane: But if I mess up my teleportation, my soul could be lost forever. I could get separated from my body.

Sabrina: I know, Jane. But there’s a way we can get you a new body.

Jane: No… No, Sabrina.

Sabrina: Listen to me, Jane. I know it’s forbidden. And I know that I’ll have to sell my soul. But I want you to live.

Jane: (Eyes tear up) Sister, I can’t do this. I’m scared.

(Sabrina endures the pain in her body and gives Jane a hug of faith and love.)

Sabrina: After you’re separated from your body, I want you to meet me at our secret location, okay?

Jane: (Stops hugging and wipes tears.) Okay, big sis.

Sabrina: Be a brave girl for me.

(Osmo stops his black whole and puts his hand down.)

Osmo: So it seems Ming has a plan to where I am unable to find Jane or Sabrina. Jane will have a new body, and Sabrina will sell her soul, which will prevent me from obtaining their cursed blood abilities. My sister is very smart. Now that she’s changed the future, I don’t know how this little game will end. I’m just curious to find out. I could always obtain their power in the future.

Jane: I love you, Sabrina.

Sabrina: I love you too, Jane… Now be a brave girl.

Jane: Okay.

Osmodeus: (Thinking) My sister is in a cabin, in the forest with no name. I could get there within a few days, if I take my time. I’ll be sure to kill her. She will no longer interfere with my future. This is my world.

(Zazu appears behind Aiko and Jason.)

Jason: What do you want, Zazu?

Zazu: A group of bandits were able to steal one of Kaji’s weapons. His name is Jinrei. Kaji is leaving to follow them. He requests Aiko.

Jason: That lazy guy. Why doesn’t he come here and tell Aiko that himself?

Zazu: He is the ruler of this land. He also requests that Aiko assassinates Kiyomi.

Jason: But Kiyomi and Kaji have been together since they were 8. Why would he all of a sudden want to kill her?

Zazu: Apparently, she possesses cursed blood abilities.

Jason: How can you do that? How could anyone want to kill someone they love?

Zazu: It doesn’t matter why; orders are orders. (Walks away)

(Jane and her family all gather around their picnic blanket.)

Kelsey: (Thinking) What should I do here? If I don’t kill this family, I’ll be killed. I don’t want to do it, but I have to. I have to let my dark side out if I’m going to survive.

(Jane screams as loud as she can and creates a giant invisible portal around her and her family. The portal begins sucking in the grass, the dirt, and the trees in the park. The portal then teleports them all away. Kelsey surrounds her body with her kotoda energy and jumps into the scar she left in the air. The family and Kelsey are in an underground tunnel.)

Father: How did you follow us?

Kelsey: It doesn’t matter. I was sent to kill you all! I don’t want to do it, so I’ll give you a chance to survive. I will trap you in the darkness of the tunnel. If you find your way out, then you will be worthy of your lives.

(Kelsey turns into a mammoth and puts too much weight on the ground. The tunnel then crumbles under them and they all fall in. Kelsey turns into a bat to save herself from the long fall. Back at the park, Sabrina, Molly, and Osmo are still in their same positions. Molly is tending to her sister Sabrina.)

Sabrina: So, Osmodeus… Are you gonna kill me now…? I can hardly breath, and my body is in agony. I can barely lift a finger.

Osmodeus: I cannot kill you, for you are the only one who can save Jane. I want her soul. I must have her abilities. The only way I’m going to get her power, is if she has a body.

Sabrina: What makes you think I’m still gonna save her now, since you told me that?

Osmodeus: You love your sister too much to let her suffer. She is a soul without a body. She will forever remain that way if you do not get her a new body. I also know that you would never break your promise to you beloved sister. Next time you try to bluff me, make sure your hand is good.

Sabrina: So you’re going to spare my life?

Osmodeus: For now, yes.

(A young teenage boy walks up to Sabrina to make sure she’s okay. He wears a red bandana, black and white camouflage pants, black military boots, and a black leather muscle shirt. He seems to be a nice guy.)

Osmo: Well… If it isn’t you. I was wondering where you were, Joseph.

Joseph: My girlfriend, Sabrina, told me not to come to the picnic with her family. But all the commotion drove me here to make sure she was unharmed. I can clearly see she’s not. Did you do this to her?

Osmo: I am partially responsible for her pain.

Joseph: Why is your face hidden in your hood? Why don’t you show your face?

Osmo: The world must not know my true identity, nor my true name.

Joseph: (Nervous) I know you from somewhere… You’re familiar.

Osmodeus: You have no idea, Joseph.

(Osmodeus teleports away. Joseph kneels down to talk to Sabrina.)

Joseph: How are you feeling, Sabrina?

Sabrina: Not well at all, Joseph. I just need some rest. Jane’s soul will slowly leave her body. I’m going to need rest before I pursue the promise I made to her.

(Present)

(Nissa and his team are all outside of the room where Aiko is about to get surgery. Jason walks out of her room and closes the door. Four surgeons walk up to them.)

Nissa: You are few of the world’s best surgeons. When you are giving this surgery, I want her to suffer. I want her to feel as much pain as possible. I have ordered Jason to kill Aiko. (Puts hand of Jason’s shoulder. Jason grins.) Jason’s true loyalty to me will be tested. Before he kills her, I want her to suffer. She failed to kill Kiyomi, twice. There is no place for failures here in our brotherhood. Make her pain slow. But make sure she does not die. I will forever have a hatred for Aiko in the pit of my heart. Not only because she failed, but because she is the weakest amongst out group. Also, because of how childish she is.

Jason: We all do respect, master. What happened to Aiko wasn’t her fault. She didn’t fall and hit her head on purpose. She damaged her own brain.

Nissa: There is a limit to my forgiveness, Jason. Remember that, before you speak your next words.

Jason: My apologies, Master. I was just stating the obvious. All my life, I’ve only pretended to care for Aiko. You have no idea how much my blood is boiling right now. I’m so happy I get to finally kill that ugly little brat!

Nissa: Good. Now we shall let the surgeons do their job. I’m sure they will be busy for several hours.

Jason: (Grinning while he thinks) So Nissa wants me to kill Aiko. He couldn’t have picked a more perfect assassin. This should be interesting. I still remember the words you said to me, Ming.

(Flashback)

(Aiko and Zazu have left Jason by the park. Joseph and Molly are carrying Sabrina’s body. Ming appears behind Jason. Jason doesn’t get scared or look at Ming the whole time.)

Ming: I see the fabric of time has flexed in my favor.

Jason: What are you talking about?

Ming: I have manipulated the future. My brother “Osmo” has also been manipulated. It is true that he is capable of foreseeing the future, but he also has a weakness. Now that I have discovered that weakness, I have the advantage over him.

Jason: Why are you here exactly? Have you come to challenge me to a duel?

Ming: I’ll get straight to the point then. Your master will ask you to kill Aiko, in the future.

Jason: Really now?

Ming: I understand how you feel right now, but I want the future to be different. Aiko will be sent to assassinate the emperor of the royal kingdom. That will be your only opportunity. I understand how hard this is for you, Jason, but do the smart thing. You originally tried to kill Nissa after he gave this order. The moment you had to kill Aiko, you hesitated for a few seconds. Your feelings got in the way. You immediately got over them and killed Aiko. But then Nissa saw your hesitation. He tried killing you because of it. You then had to fight him and you of course died.

Jason: (Smiles) My feelings getting in the way huh. That’s hard to believe. So you’re basically saying, I should strike when she’s going to assassinate the emperor?

Ming: Yes.

Jason: My feelings won’t get involved this time.

Ming: I know they won’t. To be sure that you do what you are told, I will take away all of the emotions and feelings you have.

Jason: I have no feelings or emotions.

Ming: A small part of you will always care for Aiko, because of the love she gives you.

Jason: I don’t care about love. She doesn’t matter to me. I only pretend to care about her. I always have.

Ming: Then you will have no problem letting me take your feelings away.

Jason: Try if you can. It doesn’t matter to me.

(Present)

Jason: (Thinking) Nothing changed after she finished. I still hate Aiko just as much as before. She’s too weak to be cared about by anyone. I’ll be glad to put her out of her misery. Before I kill her, I’ll make her suffer. I will destroy her emotionally and tell her the truth of how I really feel about her. This is gonna be so fun.

(Kiyo Kiyomi, Mizuki, and Eli, are still walking on a dirt trail. They are extremely close to getting to the front gate of the royal city.)

Kiyomi: Alright, so we’re definitely not by Light city. We must be where the emperor lives. I haven’t been here in awhile.

Kiyo: I hope they have food; I’m starving!

Eli: You’re always starving ,Kiyo.

Kiyo: Yeah!? Well you’re always on a sugar hunting spree, trying to find as much sweets as possible! You’re going to grow up to be a fatty!

Eli: Oh look who’s talking! You’re the one who stole nuts from an army of squirrels so that you could eat!

Kiyo: What can I say; I’m a growing boy.

Eli: (Sighs) Whatever, Kiyo.

Kiyo: (Smiles) Hey, I’m sure there’s plenty of food for both of us. (Eyes get super big and drool slowly comes out his mouth.) All we have to do, is get on the emperor’s good side. Then he’ll be ecstatic to have us for dinner at the palace!

Eli: Hey, yeah!

Kiyomi: Weren’t the two of you fighting like five seconds ago?

Kiyo: Really?

Kiyomi: Yes, really.

Eli: Seriously?

Kiyo: I don’t remember… (Scratches head)

Kiyomi: You two are a such an odd couple.

Eli: We’re best pals. (Fist pounds Kiyo)

Kiyomi: (Pets Mizuki on her should) I suppose you could say, Mizuki here is my best pal. Although, I do wish there was another girl with us.

Kiyo: (Crosses arms) How about this, Kiyomi: If we meet a girl that fascinates me, I’ll let her join our little group.

Eli: But, Kiyomi, I thought you were going to leave the group after we defeated Kaji?

Kiyomi: Yeah, I said that, but at the moment, I have nowhere to go. You guys are the only ones I can trust.

Kiyo: Okay then. So let’s go already! I really wanna meet the king, so we can eat his yummy food!

Kiyomi: Sounds to me like you’re more interested in meeting the emperor’s food rather than meeting him.

Kiyo: Of course I am. Why should I care about the emperor?

Kiyomi: Maybe one reason is because he provides freedom for you, and gives you an easy life to live.

Kiyo: I lived in a cabin, hidden on a mountain, for the past 10 years of my life. I’m sure he has nothing to do with the way I’ve been living.

Kiyomi: Alright then, I guess. Come on, let’s go.

(The woman with the mask, from Seigen town, is hiding in a tree and watching over the three of them. This was the same woman who healed Eli in the alley from his injury.)

TO BE CONTINUED…