Chapter 9- Lover's Coral

Why is he like that one armpit hair that I can never get rid of?

Enteico began to understand everything now. Psoli must have convinced Liliana to go through with this plan to spite Enteico and make his one chance with her end in disaster. That would explain how he knew at what time exactly to enter the restaurant, just as they were about to finish their meal.

"Oh, Psoli! Thank the heavens that you are here!"

Psoli looked at Liliana, puzzled. "Did this guy drug you or something, Lil?"

Enteico felt his blood boil.

Of course, he gets a pass on the nicknames. He is the great and magnificent Psoli after all! I oughta…

"No, Liliana and I were on a date." Enteico declared with a smug expression.

"That's what you call a date, you fucking sicko?!" Liliana yelled.

Enteico was taken back by her bluntness, his patience wearing dangerously thin. "What do you mean by that? You're the one who chose this playground from hell as the restaurant!"

Liliana cowered behind Psoli. "He’s yelling at me again…Psoli, please don't let him hurt me again."

Psoli looked at Enteico with a glare. "What?"

Liliana looked up at Psoli with tears in her eyes. "Well, he kept giving me stuff for free when I came to his shop. Then, one day he told me that if I didn't do…things…with him…he would tell everyone that I stole all that stuff from his shop. So, he forced me to go out with him…and…"

Liliana began sobbing into Psoli's armor, the knight cracking his knuckles as he walked towards a confused Enteico, frozen with shock.

"What the hell is wrong with you, you sick fucking freak?!" Psoli growled in anger.

Enteico looked at them, a cluster of emotions bombarding and assaulting his mind. He opened his mouth to speak, to cry out, to yell, to do SOMETHING…but no words came. Just a hollow, pained squeak.

"I didn't do anything! I have no idea what she's talking about! I just asked her out and she…" Enteico finally said.

"Give me a break. You expect me to believe that Liliana would go out with someone like you? Someone who's done the horrible things you've done?" said Psoli, hugging Liliana tighter as she sobbed louder.

"IT WASN'T ME! I WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT!"

"Bullshit, Enteico."

"SHUT THE HELL UP! YOU NEVER STOOD UP FOR ME! NONE OF YOU DID! I NEVER DID ANY OF THOSE THINGS! SHE'S A FUCKING LIAR!"

Enteico could feel his slow descent into madness and paranoia.

Psoli walked over and grabbed Enteico by the collar, lifting him into the air. Enteico felt the knight choking him, making the merchant gasp for breath and claw frantically at the knight's arm.

At this point the people around them were looking keenly at the fight, the waiter actually excited for once. It was probably the most excitement he'd ever had while working at the restaurant.

"I don't want to see your fucking face near Liliana ever again."

Psoli threw Enteico into a corner of the restaurant, making the merchant topple over and knock his head against the corner of a table. A thin line of blood began to trickle down the side of his face.

Through half-lidded eyes, Enteico watched as Liliana walked closer to check on him. While he couldn't hear everything, Enteico heard Psoli ask Liliana if his throw had killed Enteico.

Liliana shook her head, turning back to Enteico. She leaned closer to whisper into Enteico's ear as Psoli spoke to the manager and the guests, apologizing for the disturbance.

"Thanks for the date, Enteico. It was a lot of fun."

Liliana giggled silently as she walked back to Psoli, her face seemingly traumatized and stained by tears.

The people around her were extremely livid over how much she had to suffer for the past few months as she told them the disgusting things Enteico wanted her to do, the horrible names he called her and the way he treated her when she came into his shop before he blackmailed her.

She wailed as she told Psoli that she was scared, that she didn't know what to do and whether she would end up getting arrested for theft from his shop if she told anyone else. Which was why she told Psoli about when the date was happening.

Psoli comforted her before attempting to draw his sword and teach Enteico a lesson. But Liliana stopped him.

"Forget about him, Psoli. He's not worth it."

Psoli walked outside the restaurant with Liliana, her hand wrapped around his. Enteico laid still on the floor, his hands clenching as he tried to hold back tears.

The manager told him to get off the floor, but Enteico still wouldn't move.

Again? Why…why can’t I…

The mascot of the restaurant came walking over to Enteico to make him leave the premises, popping each of his knuckles as he put on his mask.

"Charlie's Chonkers would like to remind you that we do not stand responsible for any poisoning, injuries, or death at the establishment," the mascot said, putting out his cigarette.

Enteico fell to the floor as the mascot kicked him in the face since he didn't leave the establishment. The waiter from earlier supported Enteico and escorted him quickly outside the restaurant to avoid any more chaos, drawing a manner of nasty looks as Enteico passed the other guests at the restaurant.

The waiter didn't say anything, but he gave Enteico a handkerchief and a warm smile before returning to the restaurant. The sound of thunder boomed loudly above his head, the flash of lightning igniting the dark sky momentarily.

Enteico walked down the road, using the handkerchief he had gotten to wipe the blood from the side of his face. Keith's suit was wrinkled, his shirt was torn at the collar and he had broken the locket he wanted to give Liliana later.

"It wasn't me…" Enteico mumbled, walking down the street.

Unfortunately, no one believed the truth.

Not even himself.

Enteico was the type of person who liked to complain. He also liked to whine, bitch, moan, groan and sulk. Just like any other person.

There was always one person that dragged Enteico out of the dark clutches of his own paranoia. So, Enteico decided to find Keith near the barn house.

When he got there though, Keith was missing.

Enteico patted Yurgen goodnight before he walked uphill. He passed a sign on the way that read "Lover's Coral."

Keith had a habit of pranking the many couples that came to this spot to get some privacy. It was a small coral reef below a gentle waterfall. It was quite popular amongst young couples in particular.

Enteico went up the hill where the waterfall started, the rapid stream falling off the edge at a constant rush. The liquid shone with a beautiful light yellow as it fell in an arc into the clear water below, where a couple stood together, enjoying each other's company in the private space and cool atmosphere of the night.

Keith sighed as he relieved himself, his pee disappearing into the white seething mass of the waterfall, the couple below him none the wiser.

"Keith!"

Keith looked behind him but still continued to answer nature's call. "Hey, Enteico! Want to join me? This is pretty fun! Plus, it's a way bigger target than the toilet."

"NO!"

Keith shrugged. "Alright, it's your loss. Psoli and his side chick are down below."

While using his hand to cover Keith out of his line of sight, Enteico peered over the edge to find the knight and Liliana bathing in the water below them indeed.

Trying hard to avoid looking at his junk, Enteico looked at Keith.

"How long have they been here?"

"A few minutes before you got here. They were all lovey-dovey and then hopped into the water while I was peeing, as per my usual normal routine." Keith said, still peeing.

"That isn't normal at all! No one thinks peeing into a pool with people is normal!"

"Hey, you don't see them doing it, but they do it. It's just they do it stealthily. Plus, I was technically already peeing when they got in. Y'know, first come, first serve." Keith said, finally zipping his pants back up.

"You've been peeing for that long?" Enteico asked, uncertain if he was impressed or extremely worried about Keith's bladder functionality.

"Moon Juice. New ingredient. Makes it smoother, if you want to try." Keith said, offering Enteico a bottle of Moon Juice.

"No thanks, I'll pass. Especially on the prolonged urination effect."

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"Right. So, what are you here for? Oh, actually let me guess. You went on a date with Liliana and it ended up with Psoli beating the shit out of you." Keith said.

Enteico looked at Keith with genuine confusion. "How'd you know?"

Keith looked at Enteico as he finished his bottle of Moon Juice. "Handkerchief, torn up clothes and also the fact that those two were laughing about it. Also, is that my suit?"

Enteico ignored Keith's question, slumping down onto the ground.

Why does everyone hate me? I didn't do anything…did I?

Enteico didn't realize it, but he began to cry again.

Stop. Stop. Please, just stop. I don't want to cry anymore.

He furiously wiped his face with his hands as Keith pretended not to notice.

"You know something really cool? There's a lot of people who pee in that reef. But, for some reason, the reef still stays pretty clean. A guy comes by to pick up trash and perform purifying spells on the water every night. We all think he's really weird, but I bet you he doesn't give a damn about us."

Enteico looked at Keith as the man fiddled with a branch as he continued.

"He probably thinks we're all super trashy and that we don't care about this place like he does. No matter how many assholes come here, he still does what he wants to do. Probably because that's what feels right to him."

Enteico sat with Keith in silence, the two men watching the moon slowly emerging from a clump of dark storm clouds. There was a slight drizzle, but it wasn't raining heavily yet.

The merchant got up and took a deep breath. He had promised himself today was going to be different. And it was.

"Before I go, did you mean for that to be inspirational?" Enteico asked Keith.

"What? No, I was just talking about this weird dude who I see sometimes."

Enteico sighed. "I see."

He walked down the hill towards where Psoli and Liliana were bathing. The two saw Enteico and Liliana screeched, jumping into Psoli's arms.

"You just want to see her naked anyway, don't you pervert?!" Psoli yelled.

'W…what?! No, no, no! I came here to talk with you two!" Enteico spluttered. This wasn't how this was supposed to go.

"He's going to molest me again!" Liliana wailed.

"You molested her as well?!" Psoli asked, getting out of the water.

"No! I didn't! And for god's sake, put some damn clothes on! There's nothing impressive down below, so stop posing like you usually do!" Enteico said, covering his eyes with his hands, chuckling.

Psoli fumed with rage and quickly put on his briefs.

"Wow, for once, you don't go straight for the armor," Enteico commented smugly.

"Why you little…" Psoli growled, about to grab his sword before Liliana stopped him.

"Just because you think you can talk shit doesn't mean that it changes what people know you've done. You're still the same fucked up person you were before." Liliana said to Enteico.

"I haven't done anything. It doesn't matter if no one believes me, the truth is still the truth. And the truth, Liliana, is that you are a massive bitch!"

"You think people care about you? You think you're special? No, you're just the person who everyone knows about that's from the Platoon who's also Psoli's side chick. That's all you are! A useless fling for this pretentious douchebag! That's your entire character!" Enteico laughed, hysterically.

"Watch your tongue…" Psoli growled, about to attack Enteico.

"Oh, you shut the fuck up. I'm getting to you. You literally have gold linings on your gold plated armor. The only reason you don't wear that stupid golden helmet that you have, is that you know no one would be able to see your face! And we all know how your jawline is so perfect and soo mmm." Enteico said, mimicking Liliana.

"I do not sound like that," Liliana said, irritated.

"And that stupid red cape you wear! What the hell is up with that? You going to wear your underwear on the outside next as well, tough guy?" Enteico smirked.

Psoli yelled angrily and was about to swing his sword at Enteico until he heard Keith whistle from above them.

"Oh wow! The air here is so refreshing! I've been peeing here for so long and it feels so good! It would certainly explain why the water is warmer than usual!" Keith said, letting out a faked gasp of satisfaction as he zipped up his pants.

Psoli and Liliana froze, slowly looking at the moisture clinging to their bodies. The two groaned in disgust and Liliana began sobbing, wiping her body furiously with a towel. They grabbed their clothes and rushed back to their homes to take a shower, desperate to get rid of all the moisture in their hair.

Enteico sighed and yelled to Keith above him. "Come on, man! That was supposed to be my moment!"

Keith jumped down and gave Enteico a high-five. "Well, you're welcome."

The duo began to walk home, Enteico exhausted from the events of the day and Keith exhausted from…well… you know.

Keith stopped Enteico. "You ok?"

Enteico nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I think I'll be fine."

________________________________________________________________

"So then what happened?"

"Well, Keith had the brilliant idea of adding a sign that mentioned we had the right to refuse service to any customer. Namely Liliana or anyone else from the Omada Platoon." Enteico explained to Felix.

"Hmm. The man does have a knack for solving problems." Felix said.

"Woah. You actually complimented him for once."

"Don't push it. Just because he's cunning doesn't mean I have to like him."

Enteico shrugged. "Fair enough."

The two of them were near the shop when Enteico stopped, waving goodbye to Felix.

"Aren't you going back home?" Felix asked.

"Well, I stay at an inn nearby for rent. Unfortunately, due to certain…events…" Enteico said, looking at Felix briefly.

"Hey, come on. I know I screwed up; you don't have to keep reminding me."

"Yeah. But because of the kerfuffle we are in right now, I decided it would be better to stay at the shop. It's less expensive than renting out a separate room."

Felix paused and looked at Enteico.

"You mind if I ask you a favor?"

Enteico looked at Felix, about to accept immediately, but decided to get the details since he remembered what happened the last time that he helped Felix out immediately. "Sure, what's up?"

"Is it cool if I crash at the shop as well? I can get you some weapons made as payment and…and I could work on a few mods for the sword as well…" Felix said.

Enteico placed his hand on Felix's shoulder. "You don't have to do anything other than your job. Anything else is on you, including if you want to crash at the shop. Although, I should warn you, stay away from Keith's light novel collection."

Felix nodded. "Thanks. I'll make sure it's worth the trouble you're going through."

Enteico and Felix entered the shop, setting up two sleeping bags for themselves. The blacksmith decided to sleep behind the counter, unwilling to sleep anywhere near Keith's Crusty Corner. Enteico adjusted himself on the bag, pulling on the covers as it was unusually cold today.

The covers were too short, however, making Enteico's feet extremely cold.

Sighing in frustration, Enteico shoved his covers aside, going to the roof of the shop to calm his mind. He passed by the storage area which was almost bare in terms of Bitma or loot. Taking a deep breath of the night air, Enteico tried to figure out a plan. Felix could help them pay back the debt, but…

Enteico smelled something burning nearby. It didn't smell good, like meat cooking or scented candles. His neighbour loved scented candles, maybe a little too much.

The merchant grabbed his trenchcoat, wrapping it around his body. He descended from the roof, going down the ladder back into the shop. The smell of burning was growing a tiny bit stronger. It smelled like…

Explosive powder.

"Felix!"

Enteico dashed towards the entrance, where Felix was awake and startled by Enteico's sudden charge towards him. He rammed Felix through the door, barely managing to get some distance as the shop exploded into a fiery ball.

Felix pushed Enteico off him, coughing from the smoke rising from the burning shop. The two stumbled back onto their feet, covering their faces from the intense flames.

"What the hell just happened?!" Felix asked Enteico.

"It was a bomb. Someone planted it when we were gone. I could smell the fuse burning a few minutes ago." Enteico said, dusting off his coat.

"We need to find some help," Felix said before Enteico stopped him.

"Where is everyone else?" Enteico asked.

The town was quiet. Even though it was the middle of the night, it seemed like there were no people around them. All Enteico could hear was the wind howling in his ears. For some reason, even though there were lights turned on in most houses, the people seemed to have vanished. The doors were all open as the merchant and the blacksmith took a look around to find the inhabitants of Spiti.

The two walked through the ghost town, the uneasy and uncomfortable silence growing, briefly interrupted by the sound of a dog barking in the distance.

"HEY! IS ANYONE AROUND HERE?!" Felix yelled.

"I don't think they are, because I'm pretty sure an explosion is a whole lot louder than either of us shouting," Enteico stated, peering into an empty house with its light on. He could hear a teapot whistling as it was still on the stove.

Their footsteps were somehow the loudest thing they heard; each step accentuated by a loud crunch on the dirt path. Enteico stopped, frozen with fear as they reached the edge of town.

Under the pale, ghostly glow of the moonlight stood a group of figures covered in dark black robes and suits that hid their faces.

Enteico's mind began to play tricks on him as he saw their shadows beginning to take a mind of their own, crawling and stretching towards the two from the darkness of the night.

"Who the hell are you?!" Enteico demanded, dread rising as he felt he knew the answer.

"We are the keepers of peace and order, seeking to punish those who attain power with no control while serving those who have the potential to be truly all-powerful and glorious." Said a figure from the front of the group.

"All-powerful and glorious." The group repeated, all of them speaking at once.

"Is that what you tell yourselves to sleep at night, murderers?" Felix spat with venom in his voice, preparing to attack.

"So, are you here to monologue about why your team of Assassins here are trying to kill us?" Enteico said, holding Felix back.

"Temper, temper. There are much too many names to describe our guardians from outsiders who are not worthy of understanding our sacred mission. Rest assured, however; you shall be enlightened onto the true path of order."

"The true path of order." The group repeated concurrently.

"If you're looking for Keith, he's not here. He's not coming back, so you've already failed your stupid mission. Maybe now you guys could find a better day job than being members of a cult." Enteico said, smirking as the group advanced closer.

"The traitor will answer for his crimes at a later date. But our mission has not been failed yet. For you see, Enteico Mamorou…"

The Assassin pointed at the merchant, sending chills down Enteico's spine.

"You are the sacrifice that must be made to attain true order on this corrupted world, for the greater good."

"The greater good." The Assassins repeated, advancing towards Enteico silently.

Enteico turned his sword into a spear, but he was all too aware that there were too many of them. Felix attempted to manipulate the ground around him, hurling massive chunks of rock towards the Assassins, but to no avail.

The Assassins plunged into their shadows, avoiding any damage and flitted around the duo as the night air grew colder. Three Assassins stood in front of Enteico, grinning as their victory was assured and their mission successful.

In the next instant, all three of their heads exploded simultaneously.

Enteico pushed himself backwards to get out of the way of any further danger while being stunned at the three headless bodies in front of him. Felix was surrounded by a handful of Assassins, barely managing to avoid their attacks.

An almost invisible shade of purple blitzed past Enteico's vision and reached the Assassins near Felix. The figure snapped two necks with a resounding crack before using a butterfly knife to slash upwards, releasing a deadly red spray of blood from their bodies.

She flicked her dark purple hair out of the way as she kicked a charging Assassin in the throat, crushing his windpipe instantly.

The remaining group of Assassins surrounded the woman, about to attack, when suddenly she flicked her arm upwards and shot something out of a contraption on her arm. The silver projectile flew upwards, nowhere to be seen amongst the dark clouds of the night sky.

An Assassin grinned, getting closer for the final blow. "You missed."

The woman smiled back at him.

"Did I?"

The silver projectile flew downwards, appearing to defy gravity as it changed its velocity and direction, penetrating the skulls of the Assassins surrounding her.

Their lifeless bodies fell to the floor as the woman walked slowly towards Enteico.

"I would presume that you are the bitch boy?" She asked, looking at Enteico.

Felix snickered, trying to hold back a laugh. Enteico wasn't sure how to retaliate until he finally recognized the woman.

"You look a lot different without the summer hat. Did you finally realize it's nearly winter?" Enteico asked, folding his arms.

The woman smiled. She could already see why Keith liked him.

"My name's Yokubo. We need to get you out of here. Most of the townspeople are safe. I got them to evacuate, despite how stubborn most of them are, before the Assassins began the attack." Yokubo said, grabbing the projectile as it whizzed back into her hand, putting it back in the contraption on her arm.

"Welcome to Spiti. We're stubborn children that will most likely never grow out of wanting things our way." Enteico said before Felix pushed the merchant behind him.

"As much as I would like to continue this new conversation and become buddy-buddy with a person who just killed a bunch of highly-trained killers without breaking a sweat, I think it would be best if we ask the nice lady what exactly is it that she's doing here?" Felix said, the ground cracking around him.

"Calm your jets, goldilocks. I know Keith," Yokubo sighed, annoyed with how long this was taking.

"So? You think that just because you say that, we can suddenly trust you blindl…" Felix growled, itching for a fight, but Enteico stopped him, telling the blacksmith that he would take it from here.

"You never mentioned exactly how you knew Keith," Enteico asked her.

"Oh, right. I'm his fiancé."