In the car both entered the city where they were forced to slow down. All around there were flashing lights, signs, people making their way. It was insane to see the amount of people out and about in this city that Ent couldn’t help but press his face on the windshield trying to see every sight that the city could offer. Pean however asked Ent to stop that in which case he relented but still had his eyes glued to the city skyline. Wishing he could get out and explore on his own. But that would have to wait.

They drove around for a while. People giving some strange looks towards Ent but otherwise made their way to wherever they were heading. Eventually they managed to get out of the heart of the city and made their way towards a less populated but equally flashy part of town. Though the signs in this section were in a different language similar in appearance to the eastern continent language but not quite.

“Yo Ent, I’m getting a bit hungry. Wanna grab a quick bite before he head to the museum?”

“Certainly Mr. Buckso! I haven’t had a proper meal in ages.”

Pean drove a bit more before stopping at in a parking lot for what looked to be a tavern. They exited the car and Pean made sure to make Ent leave his sword in the car and that the car doors were locked before leading Ent inside holding the door open for him. Inside the building Ent was hit with a savory aroma and a that filled his nostrils making his mouth water. As well as a musical tune that could be heard sounding similar to eastern music but entwined with strange instruments he did not recognize. Pean made his way over to an unoccupied booth and flagged Ent to join him. Sitting down Ent couldn’t help but look around even more this place though did not have many patrons; it did however have a lot of character. Having portraits on its wooden paneled walls of various customers that had come in for a meal and enjoying it. Some even posing and smiling for it. The place must have a talented painter to create such artworks they almost looked like they were windows to another time.

Shortly after a waitress came by holding paper slates covered in a clear yet flexible glass. She has a modest uniform on one looking very eastern having a bright red flora haori and dark crimson hakama. Along with a dirty waist apron. She spoke in a language that Ent could not understand other than “welcome” and “banana” the rest sounded like words of the eastern content, but he could not connect what they were saying. Pean on the other hand was able to understand them even replying to them. So, all he could do is stare at the slate that the kind waitress provided him. After Pean and the waitress were done talking, she gave a slight bow and pranced off into the back. Presumably to attend to the cooking food there.

“Mr. Buckso, what language were you speaking in? I know how to speak Eastern, can even read it. But that language that you’ve talk in is completely unknown to me.”

“Oh It’s Roshi. Most people around this part of town know it as their first language. The second and most common being Terran. Which is kind of strange that you already know how to speak now that I think about it.”

“That thought came into my mind to Mr. Buckso. But now I wonder is this Roshi language your first or your second language? You know how to speak it quite well at least from my perspective.”

“That it is Ent. My family moved here to Yokoga in the hopes to have a better life. But here, you don’t really get much respect unless you deal with your own. You know what I’m saying?”

“What do you mean by that? I always thought that a simple amount of respect was given and to get more would have to be earned. Unless you’ve committed a foul deed but even then, that could be redeemed with honest effort.”

“That’s not quite how it works around here Ent. In Yokoga depending on where you came from define where you belong here. For me, here in this part in this restaurant I can freely be who I want to be without anyone giving me any funny looks.”

Ent looked around seeing how the few patrons were occupied with eating their bowled noodles in broth. Staring at them scarf down their meal made Ent’s mouth salivate more. But pushed the thought aside.

“If that’s reason why doesn’t anyone look at me?”

“Well I guess cause you’re with me plus this is a popular restaurant when it gets late that is.

The waitress then returned still speaking in Roshi. Pean gave his order, which the waitress wrote down on a notepad and he returned the menu. Ent on the other hand just pointed to a picture of food that looked appealing to him. She simply nodded, wrote down the order, grabbed his menu and left without another word. Strutting on her way to the back. Ent couldn’t help but look as she disappeared behind the doors.

“Well, they seem to have a bit of spirit to them.” Ent remarked

“She started this job not too long ago. I’m not surprised they’re still chipper about having the position.”

“You know them?”

“She applied to my store a while back. Would have hired them on the spot if I could but I was bit tight on cash even now. Didn’t feel right to just turn her down so I helped her get a job here. I knew the owner and he owed me one.”

“That’s mighty kind of you Mr. Buckso, Forgive me but I did not expect you to be the type to put your neck out for someone.”

“Well looks can be deceiving bud. You and I are a prime example of that.”

“Oh? I can understand myself but what of you? Perhaps your caring heart is not the only thing you let on?”

“Again that’s another subject for another day. Right now, I want some hot food in my belly.”

“Touché Mr. Buckso. Though I wonder when will our food be ready?”

After saying that Ent’s order a bowl of noodles with a side of fried egg and chicken wings in broth was delivered along with a plate of large dumplings on a bed rice for pean. Together they bowed with Pean thanking the waitress in their tongue. The girl gave a pleasant smile and went off to cater to the new customers coming in. Both eyed at their meals for a moment before both grabbed their chopsticks and gorge themselves on the delicious food.

Soon enough both were engorged, patting their slightly distended bellies and groaning with satisfaction. Ent was about to get up, but Pean ushered him back down. Apparently, their business here was not done as the waitress came back to collect their empty dishes and to deliver them another paper. Pean took it in his hands and eyed it. Reached behind him and produced a small leather binder in which Pean called it a wallet. He then pulled out some Goh and left it on the table. Ent was confused on what to do But Pean just told him to wait. Ent then felt nature calling and was unsure what to do. “Um Mr. Buckso I need to make a visit to the lavatories. Where might they be.” Pean simply pointed to a sign with a toilet on it and Ent took the hint heading off to deal with his personal business.

=========================================================================================================================================================

It took a while for Ent to operate the strange toilet and the automatic basin but he managed and exited the room, feeling slightly lighter and better than before. He made his way over to the booth Pean was sitting at only to find that 2 strangers were talking to him. Pean staring blankly at the table, clenching his fist as the 2 surrounded him. Looking down at him as if he was an insect. Ent went back into the restroom and peaked through the door watching carefully. The 2 men had a similar garb to what Oren had having a tailored black suit with tie which only made Ent anxious on what they were talking to pean about. Looking closer he could also see that they were armed. For a moment he saw the dull glint of a gun in one of the men’s pants, nested in the waistband like how Pean hid his.

In his gut he could feel something bad was going to happen if he did not intervene. Oren must have told his gang that Pean was associated with him, and they must be asking him where they last saw Ent. If they found out that he was helping him out the situation could spiral into something much worse than a simple stern reprimand. Ent thought about taking them head on, but he had left his sword back in Pean’s car at his request. Coming out into the open unarmed was also not an option he could see that they were becoming more and more aloof the longer they spoke with Pean. Almost as if they had made up their mind on what to do next. Magic might have to come into play, but how? He could simply attack them with offensive arts, but that would call more unwanted attention to them both. Until he remembered one spell.

Ent focused himself especially on his voice. Covering his mouth with his hand and looking towards the entrance he whispered something. “Mr. Buckso where are you?!?” Then made a throwing motion aimed towards the door. A second later his question was echoed across the room this time emanating from the entry door in his own voice. This instantly caught the attention of the strangers. Looking over they told Pean to stay put as the pair made their way to the door. Pean mostly confused, nodded, glancing over at the restroom to see Ent’s eye from the ajar door. Slowly Ent exited the room again as both men went to inspect the entrance. Ent made his way to the kitchen entrance and waved Pean over in which he wordlessly and silently followed.

Opening the door Ent and Pean entered the kitchen. Hoping not to be caught by the cooks who were focused on preparing dishes for the few patrons outside. But before they could get to an exit, they heard someone call out “Hey now, don’t you two know this is an employee’s only area?” It was none other than the waitress now looking at them with and annoyed expression. Ent was about to retort but Pean raised his finger to silence him which he allowed.

“Ali I know this is sudden, but we really need to use the back exit right now.” Pean said

the waitress just looked at them putting her hands on her hips with a cold expression.

“You haven’t paid for your meal yet Pean. You know I can’t let you walk out of here without paying again.” She replied in Terran

“I know but it’s important that we leave here asap. I promise I’ll repay you and my bill in full with interest. Just, please Ali.” He said now clasping his hands and bowing towards the waitress.

The waitress then looked over Pean then Ent before sighing in defeat.

“Fine.” She then pointed towards a nearby exit sign. “The doors over there. You owe me another one Pean. Good luck on whatever it is that you got going on.”

The waitress then stepped out of the way to let them past. Ent whispered a thank you to the girl which made her gesture them to just go away as she exited the door back into the restaurant. Ent and Pean quickly made their way to the door exiting the kitchen and entering a musty back ally. There they scurried to the front of the restaurant stopping at the corner. Pean peered over and gestured Ent to follow as they both bolted towards the parking lot on the other side. They quickly locate his car and made their way towards. Now at the car, Pean fumbled with his keyring for the right key but in the process accidentally dropped it and kicking it under the car. Cursing at his clumsiness, Pean went prone and reached for his keys. Ent had his eyes focused on the entrance praying that the 2 men would be distracted for just a bit longer. However, his prayer was revoked as he saw the men making their way to the parking lot, talking to each other as the strolled in.

Ent instinctively went prone next to the car seeing Pean reaching for the keys. Ent also reached and was able to grab them but barely. Readjusting his grip on then Ent slid the keys over to Pean who gave a thumbs up as thanks. Before he could get up Ent whispered about the men and Pean got back down. Listening carefully, they heard the men slowly coming closer to the car which made them crawl away, hiding underneath a large car nearby together. As they waited, they heard what the 2 men were talking about.

“Well, this looks like the car. Where do you think he went off to?”

“No clue. But he can’t be too far. His car is still here after all.”

“Shall we then? We’re here to give him a ‘message’ after all.”

“Yes, we shall. The bat`s in the trunk, I’ll get started on the tires. Teach this fucker to step up to us again.”

With a chuckle, one of the men went off elsewhere in the parking lot. While the other crouched down by one of the car’s tires and fished a knife from his black trousers pocket. He aimed the tip of the blade at the tire and gave it a few practice thrusts before striking it. Imagining where the knife will be before trusting into it. However, his strength was lacking, and the blade deflected off the tire. He then tried again but failed. Again, now with anger, but still failing all the same. Ent couldn’t help but giggle at him trying to pierce the tire with such a small and flimsy blade. However, the man heard him and jumped-up blade still in hand and scanned his environment. Shortly after his friend came back now brandishing a long metal like club with strange markings and a wrap around its handle.

“Hey what’s wrong dude? Tires giving you trouble?”

“No shit I’ve slashed tires before but these ain’t givin. What the hell are these made of?”

“Now man you can replace a tire easily now what you want to go the more expensive parts”

“Well why don’t you try fucking up the tires then?”

“Don’t need too just watch and learn!”

He then picked a spot on the car trailing the bat along the chassis and choosing the windshield tapping it with the bat mentally marking the spot he wanted to hit taking aim and a few practice swings. Ent could see where this was going and sneaked in closer to try and interrupt the vandalizers. But before he could stop him, He swung the bat hitting squarely on the car’s windshield. However, it to his surprise the bat deflected off emanating a metallic ringing sound. Undeterred he prepared another swing not taking the time to aim. As he reached his swings apex his bat did not move. Instinctively the man let and twisted around himself only to find Ent, holding the bat.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Wha- Who the hell are you!?” The man yelled getting his friends attention. Ent remained silent repositioning his grip to the hilt of the bat.

“Hey I think this is that guy that Oren was talking about.” The other man said now sounding a bit worried.

“You mean that ‘knight’ he’s been raving about.” He then checked Ent out reaching behind him in the process. His friend also doing the same

“Now that you say it, he does fit that description. Say, you know anything called ‘cosplay’ Mr. knight?” hand still behind him.

Ent replied by smacking the man on the jaw with the bat instantly making him ragdoll on the floor. In that moment his friend pulled out his gun and aimed. But Ent was quicker, whacking the weapon out of his grip and making him recoil and grasp his hand but he did not cry out in pain. Realizing the odds, the man only stood there massaging his hand as Ent pointed the bat at him.

“I am the one that Oren told you about. Now tell me what you were going to do with my friends’ car. If you’re truthful then I may let you off with only a minor beating for what you tried to do.” Ent demanded resting the bat on his shoulder.

The man scoffed in anger but relented. “We were told that Pean was in cahoots with someone like you. Oren did not want to put him out of work, so we were sent to give him a very stern message not mess around with you. We were gonna tell him in his store, but we saw him here. So we decided to do it now and get it over with.”

Ent then pointed at the gun. “If that’s so, why would you need such a weapon to ‘send a stern message’ seems a bit much to use a Ballista on a hut. If you get what I’m expressing.”

“The fuck you mean? Everyone in the Kuza carries those. Not the same make and model but we’re all packing.”

“Fair enough. Now what else has Oren said about me?” Ent said letting up but still on guard.

“Look guy all I’ve heard from him is that you’re dead the next time he sees you and to tell him if we see or even hear of you. Around here that’s a death sentence. So, I hope for your sake not mine that you take the next plane, train, bus, horse out of this city. There’s more of us and only one of you.”

Ent wacked the lacky hard in the jaw which made him go down in the same manner as his friend. Pean came out after the dust had settled and ushered Ent to enter the car. There were prying eyes from the recent scene, and it would be smart to make themselves scarce. Ent dropped the bat between the 2 unconscious men and followed Peans request All be it annoyed. Quickly making their way out of the parking lot to be lost in the sprawling cityscape.

The 2 drove around in the city for a good while being stopped by traffic which gave Ent to think and absorbed how big and complex this city was. It was unlike anywhere he had ever seen seeing the buildings made of glass, brick, Steel, even molded stone which he found out was concreate. Such structures would have been a landmark even a tourist attraction to a degree, but they were as common as leaf’s on a tree. He thought about telling his Father about this place and talking to the scholars about how the everything worked here. But thinking about family still made him sad and his thoughts drifted on why that was until the car stopped.

“Well Ent, we’re here. But it does not look good.” Pean said turning off the car’s engine.

“Why’s that Mr. Buckso?” Ent asked

“it could be my eyesight, but I saw some construction signs. we may want to go over to take a better look though just to be sure.”

They both got out of the car, walking up the steps towards the museum to find the entrance locked with signs all around. The signs said “The museum is currently being renovated for a new exhibit and will be re-opened this coming winter. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.” There were other signs written in different languages it was safe to assume they also said the same thing. Ent could only stared in awe. It looked like his answers won’t be answered for the time being. Or at least not in the way that he’d wanted. He wondered where else one could get knowledge from the past. Then he remembered.

“Mr. Buckso do you know anyone that would have the information? A private book collector or even a scholar you may personally know?”

“Well there’s always the library but I read it’s been closed due to a shootout. I think it should be fixed now. But I don’t know, I don’t go there often.

“Then we shall make haste to the archives. I will not let this simple snag stop us.”

“No can-do Ent. With the Kuza looking for us, it would be a death sentence. Would be better for me and you to lay low for a while.”

“But we’ve come so far Mr. Buckso we can’t stop now.”

“Kid are you even listening? We are both marked men at this point. If we stick around here the Kuza will find us, and gods know what will happen. Hell, you haven’t even got out of your whole get up. The second you walk down those streets you’d either get snatched or gunned down and I really don’t want either to happen to you.”

Ent clenched his fist. Now angry “You talk to a Lockheed Mr. Buckso. If you’ve witness of what I’m capable of doing, you’d quicker change your mind and tone if you know what’s good for you.” Gripping the handle of his sword

“Really? That graze seemed to have proved me wrong before. sure, you’re good at fighting up close and personal, but I can’t see you close the gap if they got distance and guns. Even if you use your ‘magic’, there is only one of you. Unless you know some sort of cloning magic, I really can’t see you standing much of a chance against the Kuza.”

Ent’s clenched his fist harder causing them to shake. He’s a Lockheed, someone capable of changing the tide of the battlefield. Even uttering the name was enough to make any commander second guess their army’s strength. Who is this merchant, this peasant, this nobody knows nothing of his strength and influence. Ent was about to lunge at Pean until he noticed that he had his hand on the gun ready to pull out and aim. Realizing what would happen Ent started to slowly breath in and out. Letting his fires of wraith burn cold, accepting the fact that any ally would be better than no one.

“I suppose you’re right Mr. Buckso. I apologize for my tone earlier; I agree, it would be best to conceal ourselves for the time being.”

Pean relaxed hearing those words. “That’s good to hear. Now how about we get out of here. Don’t want to risk being seen by anyone, anymore then I have too.”

With that both wordlessly went back into the car. Driving down the streets and returning to the concreate jungle. During the trip they were both silent and the trip itself was uneventful, making it back to Pean’s store. It was starting to get dark by the time they made it back the sun setting and the stars slowly appearing in the purple sky. Both staying in the car as he pulled in. Leaving the car running.

“Hey, do you have anywhere to sleep tonight? I can drive you there if it’s not far.”

“Just take me to the edge of Bever forest. I’ll find my way there.”

“Okay, is there anything I’m looking for? Like a driveway, a house… A castle?”

“No, just to the edge.” Ent said a bit dejected.

With that Pean pulled out and drove up north to the forest edge. Once he stopped Ent wordlessly got out of the car. Pean was about to say something to him but decided against it. Making a U turn and driving back to his shop. Leaving him to traverse the darkening woods alone.

=========================================================================================================================================================

While hiking through the woods was challenging Ent was able to retrace his steps even in the low light. finding his way back to the abandoned shrine. Not having the energy to hunt for firewood in the forest. Ent simply made his way inside and slept hoping that the night will be warm so he can least have some form of sleep. Though as he tried to get some shut eye, he had noticed that the aura of the shrine was more welcoming to his presence. Perhaps in some odd way the obscure god was welcoming him back not wanting an offering from Ent. Though he did not care right now. His conscious was slipping and soon he was asleep.

This night however Ent had a dream. Waking up in the shrine to see the God looking down at him noticeably in the flesh, still wearing that smirking mask. Ent was about to say something but was unable too, finding it near impossible to voice anything coherent. The God seemed to smirk more at Ent’s attempt to communicate but they themselves did not say anything. Only gesturing Ent to follow as they made their way outside the shrine. Ent scrambled up and followed them. coming outside Ent saw them standing at the shrines corner before disappearing behind it. Ent followed and saw the apparition pointing at the back of the shrine. There was a bundle of branches and behind it what looked to be a box. Before Ent could do anything else He woke up.

It's now morning and he has a slight chill from the night. Struggling to get up he made his way to the back of the shrine again. Seeing a tangle of wooden branches and a glimpse of a hidden object underneath the shrine’s foundation. Groggily he went to work. hacking the mass of branches with his sword that blocked his way. Not caring about the minor scratches and his now grumbling empty stomach. Until the branches were all out of the way giving access to the strange chest. With effort Ent pulled the moss riddled chest out. Grunting as it scraped along the dirt floor until it was no longer underneath the rotting wood underpinning, there’s something inside that’s for sure.

Ent went to open to chest, but it did not budge. Looking closely at the latch, it was rusted shut preventing any further snooping. So, Ent grabbed his sword again and struck the latch firmly using the pommel of his sword, destroying the latch but, still not giving access to whatever is in the chest. Even with the latch destroyed the chest still resisted forcing Ent to use the sword as a prybar. This caused the chest to violently burst open. Thankfully, the sword was not bent, but with the amount of scaring on it he could not tell. Pushing the though aside for now Ent went to claim his prize. Peering inside he saw an old group portrait showing signs of fading and water stains but still in somewhat good enough condition.

On the picture looked to be an ensemble of the shrines care takers. All dressed in Miko attire and standing in an orderly row showing everyone’s beaming smile. Looking at the back of the picture was a list though by the looks of it indecipherable to Ent as it was in Roshi. Next neatly folded underneath was an old and musty mask that looked remarkably like the mask of the unknown god. Ent Gently held the mask though it seemed as though it was not as delicate as it seemed. It still had coloring to it though, the only colors that it did have was a green face of the mask the red thread that lined the masks seam and the black back side. This could come in handy for later Ent thought. He was told that showing his face would be a bad idea for the time being so maybe this will serve as an alternative. Though he wonders just to what extent would this be socially acceptable should he wear this in town. So, for now he put the mask on the shrines foundation so that it won’t get dirty from the ground. Digging deeper he found some weathered clothing, a cast iron pot with a lid, and a musty cloth futon complete with a rank pillow complete with an unknown dark stain on one side. There was also fraying decorated quilt, its colors having long been faded out from time.

With the new utilities Ent went to hauling the contents to the inside of the shrine including the chest. Taking the time to set up the interior for a more homely feel with the pot near the fireplace and the bedding outside in the sun in the hopes that some of the smell and dampness will dissipate as Ent took the clothing to the pond in the hopes of cleaning them. Doing the same process of rubbing them under the water and slapping them against a nearby boulder. Repeating this process for all the clothing until they were clean as can be including his own clothing. Neatly laying out all of clothing articles along the grass and taking note of their design.

Some of the clothing did not seem to fit him however there were some that did. Them being 3 pairs of blue canvas like pants with pockets, 2 earthen colored long sleeve shirts, 4 short sleeve shirts with various designs on them, 2 pairs of underwear, and 3 pairs of socks. After that Ent once again laid down nude on the sunny grass looking back up the sky again. The bright blue sky and the sun still present with a few clouds here and there. Ent kept an eye out for any Dragons that would be in the sky again but to his surprise there were none. You could argue that one cloud looked like a dragon you get the point, there was nothing up there at least for today.

With himself and the clothing now cleaned and dried and the futon aired out he went to put on some of his newfound clothing. Wearing one of the blue pants along with a black shirt having strange calligraphy on it as well as musical notes and clefs on it showing a song unknown to Ent. They were a bit stiff and rough to wear at first, but they were comfortable and importantly not ripped. He then put on his boots along with his belt to holster his sword in it. Grabbing his walking stick and stuffing the mask and his pouch into the pants pockets as he made his way back to Yokoga.

This time around he was able to find the road faster thus making the hike easier on him. Some cars passed by him as he walked but this time around, he stayed out of their way, so they did not honk or yell any profanities at him. Following the road, he eventually made it to the exurbs once again. Passing by the familiar landscape till he made his way to Pean’s shop once again. Ent got the thought of showing off his new attire to Pean, so he made his way inside but stopping at the glass door. Peering inside the shop was a mess. He knows that the Kuza had help him make a mess yesterday, but he also remembered that he had help Pean clean up. He went to open the door and to his surprise it was unlocked. The bell ringed as expected but nobody responded or came out. The lights were still on even the red and blue colored “OPEN” light sign were still shining but no one manned the counter. But once inside he saw the true extent of the shops untidy state. The glass doors holding the bottles of liquid now broken and the bottles smashed dripping what smelled to be an alcoholic liquid of some kind. The device on the counter was smashed open and had nothing in it. Next to it appeared to be smears of congealing blood cold but still wet.

Whatever had happened here must have occurred only a few hours ago. Perhaps the Kuza must have come by earlier to give Pean his message. But if that’s the case where would Pean be? He could be hiding himself but who’s blood would this be then? Looking around the area Ent found a small portrait. This time bearing the image of Pean’s bloodied face held to the ground by an unknown man holding a bat. Looking at the back of the picture Ent saw a note.

The note said,

“If you want to see him again come to warehouse #54 in the industry district, alone. A.S.A.P.”

-0

Well, there no doubt what happened here now. But this whole situation seems to have some deeper ties between Oren and Pean. For why though one can only guess. Right now, the most important thought going through his mind was the whereabouts of his only known associate in the city. Unfortunately, the layout of the city was completely alien to Ent. Sure, he’s been through it, but he’s never actually explored it. Trying to find out where the “industry district” is would not be easy. But hopefully, surly, there would be one kind soul that would lead him the way or at least point him in the right direction at least. Folding the portrait and placing it in his pocket. Ent set out to Yokoga.