El Hazard: Continuations Chapter 5 "It wasn't the Bugrom." "I see." Rune Venus was busy digesting the new information brought upon by Makoto Mizuhara. She and everyone else in the Florestica palace was surprised to Makoto, Ura, Afura, Palnus and Alielle. She was even more surprised to see the two demon goddesses, Kalia and Ifurita with the group. On seeing them, Londs had tensed up but she had wisely advised him to calm down. Wisdom marked her gentle features. She had spent the last half hour listening to Makoto explain in earnest detail about Abzahai and the threat he posed to Roshtaria. He had also been vehemently defending the Bugrom after hearing in horror of the destruction of Tunisha amidst the frowns of some of the palace officials. "I knew it wasn't them." "........." "Problem is that the people of Roshtaria are just too willing to find a scapegoat and the Bugrom seem an easy target to place the blame on." "Your highness..." "Take care also, the two of you." She began to politely gesture towards Ifurita and Kalia. "People here have notoriously long memories. Take care as some may still harbor some resentment towards the two of you. Some may also be too willing to blame anything on the two of you" She spoke with a firm but not unkind tone. "We are sorry to interrupt, your highness but we bring bad news." Several of the Florestica palace guards had entered. Dr. Schtallabaugh was with them. "The small town of Jerambut, with a population of 1000 was incinerated off the map. It seems that this girl here, is the only survivor." He kindly motioned a hesitant young girl who knelt before Princess Rune Venus. The girl was probably about 16 years old. Makoto noted that part of her hair seemed to have be singed by something burning. Her features were dusty, almost as if she had been walking through clouds of smoke. Her face was not a happy one and she proceeded to speak. "I was on my way to visit some cousins in a nearby village about half an hour away. This tall, stern-looking man..." Makoto noticed she was shaking as she spoke. "...with a turban on his head garbed in the clothes of an ancient warrior fired his staff on the unfortunate town of Jerambut incinerating everything. I was lucky because I was hiding behind some trees a short distance away and I was lucky to escape with my life." ***************************** "I'm glad you decided to have us here for dinner. Sorry Palnus and Allielle couldn't come. They..err..had business to take care of." "Probably skirt-chasing." Nanami whispered to Shayla's ear. Shayla nodded in agreement and also muttered something about "Afura doing some research in the library." Makoto sat down contentedly on his chair like some overlord. Ifurita and Kalia also took their seats respectively. Makoto looked around admiringly at the decor. "The Shinonome Diner": proudly proclaimed the menu. Well actually, it was just one of the many enterprises thought up by Nanami Jinnai the entrepeneur-spirited girl. Tonight was not a night for making money and it however would be different. They were just going to have a private party to welcome Makoto and his friends back. Actually, it was just a small party as the only other people present there was Nanami, Shayla Shayla and Kauru Taurus. "I am so glad Alielle didn't come. Have you not forgotten what she and Fatora did to us at the Hot Springs?" Shayla whispered back with a grimace on her face to Nanami who nodded with approval. "Something interesting?" Ifurita asked naively. "Oh nothing. Nothing at all." Nanami and Shayla both nodded their heads with sheepish grins. "By the way, where's Ura." "She tired. Needs to rest. Where's Miz and Fujisawa-sensei?" "Had to take care of their son." "This carrot soup is just so succulent." Kauru was busy complimenting Nanami's cooking. "And here comes the speciality." Nanami was smiling as she brought a plate of roast meat. "Here Makoto. Try this." Ifurita reached for a piece of juicily-roasted meat with her fork as she put it neatly on Makoto's plate. "Sure thanks." *Why...she...* Shayla Shayla started to reach out for some meat and started to shove some on Makoto's plate. Nanami, Kauru and Kalia started to follow suit and soon Makoto's plate was stacked high with food. "...uhhh...thanks everyone. That's..umm..very thoughtful.." Sweatdrops formed on Makoto's head as he began to wonder how he would finish all the food. "You people are so kind." Ifurita naively commented oblivious to what was going on. The dinner went on as food was swallowed and information was exchanged on everyone's lives on what they had been doing all this time. While cutting a huge chunk of meat, Ifurita's knife accidentally slipped and cut her finger. "Oh dear are you okay? Here, I'll take care of that." Makoto affectionately kissed Ifurita's finger gently. Kalia, Nanami, Shayla and Kauru were watching, open-eyed. Kalia dropped her spoon on the table. *How dare she? I'll show her..* Nanami began to attack her food furiously and soon she began to cry out. "Oh Makoto. I've hurt my finger." Seeing that Kalia, Kauru and Shayla began to follow suit. Pretty soon the 4 girls pointing their 'hurt' fingers at Makoto obviously hoping that he would suck and kiss their fingers. Makoto was really exasperrated as giant sweatdrops formed on his head. **************************** Alielle and Palnus sat outside on the palace balcony, quitely watching the sun set in the distance. Palnus whistled softly to himself. "Wow. I don't think I can remember the last time I've seen a sunset this beautiful." "Me neither," Alielle agreed. "It's good to be home after all this time, isn't it?" "Yeah, sometimes I just forgot how much I missed it all. Back on earth, I mean. A lot has changed since then..." Mr. Fujisawa walked up behind Alielle and Palnus, interrupting their conversation. "It's a beautiful view, isn't it? From here, you can see the mountains that travel all the way up to the River of God!" Alielle sighed. "You're still thinking about mountains during a crisis like this? You've got a one-track mind, just like Palnus when it comes to girls." "Ha! Look who's talking! If I remember correctly, you were the one who molested Shayla, Afura, and Nanami at Arleman--" Alielle leaped into the air and slammed her elbow into the back of Palnus' head, sending him spawling nose-first into the balcony railing. Mr. Fujisawa looked surprised . "What?!! Alielle, is this true? I knew about Kauru, but--but-- I was never told about..." Alielle's face turned bright red. "It's not true! Palnus is just trying to embarass me, that's all..." "She's lying, sensei!" Palnus blurted out desperately. "She had a disguise and everything, just so she could feel up Nanami and the priestess--AHHH!" Alielle pinned Palnus to the ground, and would have beaten him to a bloody pulp if Mr. Fujisawa hadn't intervened. After she had calmed down a bit, she stormed out of the balcony room, leaving Fujisawa and Palnus by themselves. "Thanks, Mr. Fujisawa. You saved my life," Palnus replied in gratitude as Mr. Fujisawa helped him off the floor. "No, don't thank me, Palnus. If I was a better role model for you kids, stuff like that wouldn't happen...." he trailed off and shook his head. "Anyways, I came up here tonight because I wanted to have a man to man talk with you. Is that okay?" "Uh...yeah, that's fine." Mr. Fujisawa nodded his head in approval. "Palnus, you remember that time you were jumped by Lagus' thugs at Tokyo Tower, right?" "There's no way I could forget about that," Palnus replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Me neither. The way you fought would make any teacher proud. You also know that Roshtaria is going through some dangerous times now. The Bugrom, terrorist attacks within Roshtaria, that new demon-god, Abzahut--" "It's Abzahai," Palnus corrected him. "Huh?" "Its name isn't Abzahut, it's Abzahai." "Oh, right. Well, anyway, here's my point. Palnus, you have a lot of physical strength, but I'm not really sure if you know how to control it. So, I'd like to teach you how to control your strength and use it effectively. What do you think?" Palnus' face lit up. "Sure, why not? It'll be like those old karate movies on TV..." Mr. Fujisawa's face was beaming. "Then it's settled! We'll start first thing tommorow morning." "Wha--? First thing? Can't it wait until, say, noon?" "Kid, you have to make sacrifices for the common good. Now, if I were you, I'd get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us...." ***************************** "You're doing a great job, Palnus! Now, don't forget to sweep that spot over there, too..." "Yes, Ms. Miz," Palnus responded in a toneless voice. He picked up the broom and began to sweep in the area Miz had motioned towards. Palnus had been busy doing chores like this in the Fujisawa household for most of the morning, since Mr. Fujisawa had left early that morning to run some errands. Before he left, however, he suggested that for his training for that day, he should help Miz around the house for a while. "Performing menial tasks can strengthen the mind and the body, y'know," he had stated matter-of-factly. "I still don't see what this has to do with my training," Palnus muttered under his breath. Miz, who had been sitting at the kitchen table with her son in her lap, looked up at Palnus inquiringly. "Hmm? I'm sorry, dear, did you just say something?" "Uhhh...no ma'am! Just talking to myself, that's all." "Oh. All right then." Miz turned away, and began to play a game of "peek-a-boo" with her son. Palnus breathed a sigh of relief. Miz was usually nice enough (although she could get kinda creepy around her husband), but she was definitely not someone he wanted to get in an argument with. *It's probably best not to think how much I hate doing this. After all, Mr. Fujisawa and I HAVE been training the last couple of days; if Mr. Fujisawa can help me control my powers, then the least I can do is help him out in return. And anyways, once I have full control over my strength, I bet I could get a date with any girl I wanted....!* Palnus daydreamed about the possibilities until someone knocked at the door. "I wonder who that is," Miz said as she picked up her son and walked to the door. Miz opened the door to see Shayla-Shayla standing outside. Happy to see Shayla, Miz invited her in enthusiastically, and the two sat down at the kitchen table. "Shayla, you look exhausted! What have you been doing lately?" Miz asked with some concern. Shayla stifled a yawn. "Oh, it's nothing. I just had to attend another late night meeting in the palace to decide what's to be done about all the never-ending catastrophes that seem to be hitting Roshtaria lately. As usual, nothing got solved. I tell ya, during a time of crisis, they're all just like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off..." Miz sighed. "They still haven't made any decisions about what to do? We haven't been so disorganized since the Bugrom wars..." she decided to change the subject. "Shayla, what I think you need is a little time away from the palace. Why don't you and I go out for the afternoon? All I need is a babysitter for my son..." Miz looked at Palnus. "Palnus, you don't have any plans this afternoon, do you?" "Well, actually, no I--" Palnus, realizing his mistake, slapped his hand over his mouth before he said anymore. "That's great! Then I'm sure you wouldn't mind watching my boy while I'm gone, right?" "M-me? But I don't know the first thing about kids...." Miz didn't seem to hear him, as she was already walking out the door with Shayla. "I'm sure you two will be fine. I should be back before dinnertime." She kissed her son goodbye. "Be good for Palnus, okay sweetey? Have fun!" With that, she slammed the door shut and walked out. Mr. Fujisawa's son started bawling as soon as his mother walked out the door. *Oh, this is not going to be fun...* Palnus thought grimly to himself. ************************* "Uncle Relrye...." "Palnus will do." Little Taro Fujisawa was having a little piggyback ride on Palnus. The little kid didn't seem to have any worries or troubles in the world and only seemed to be having fun all the time. Miz Mishtal and Masamichi Fujisawa were watching all of this with amusement as Palnus attempted to play with their son. The little tyke seemed to have taken to him very well. Joy was written all over his beaming face. "Has he started schooling yet." "Well, yeah. I've thought him to kick, punch and defend himself and..." Miz interrupted Fujisawa who was busy talking. "Dear, this aren't the only things that you should teach our son. Haven't you had enough teaching all that martial arts to Palnus?" She continued to dust the shelf of her house. "But honey, that's not all I teach him. I've been teaching him history and geography and..." "And just how is knowing the history of the Feudal Classes in ancient Japan going to help him prepare for life?" Without looking, Miz continued to dust the shelf. "And how is teaching him to control water going to help? You know El Hazard is a matriachal society and the Priestess of Water has to be a woman and..." Fujisawa retorted back looking exasperated. "Palnus. It's hard to believe that Kalia has changed so much. We used to regard her as an enemy." Miz was quickly changing the subject. "I think you're confusing her with the other Kalia. She's not really a bad person once you get to know her." Palnus calmly replied not taking his eyes of little Taro. "You know she seems to be treating you very well. If my intuition is right, I think she's secretly in love with Makoto." "Maybe. But how would you know?" "Just call it a woman's intuition. Despite her origins, she and I are both women." Miz sat next to Fujisawa and continued. "Tell me, Masamichi, dear. Was Makoto always this popular with girls in high school?" "Not really. I think the only girl who had the hots for him was Nanami. Too bad she never said anything then. Even if she did something now, it's just too late." Noticing some drawing utensils and a drawing board lying nearby in Fujisawa's living room, Palnus quickly motioned to Fujisawa's son. "Here...how about drawing something." The little tyke proceeded to scrible with the utensils and in a matter of minutes, he proudly showed it to everyone in the room. "And what might that be." "That be daddy! Yay!" "Hey that doesn't look a bit like me! That looks like a...." "Shhhh...honey. Let him continue." Miz's arms were wrapped even tighter around Fujisawa's neck. "Very nice, little Taro. Now if we make the head slightly bigger here and lengthen the arms here and..." Palnus proceeded to add some details. "..and perhaps a little more shading here and presto!" Palnus showed the finished picture to Fujisawa's son who beamed. "Uncle Palnus! Good teacher!" Miz smiled. Her son was in good hands.... ******************************** A kind voice which sounded sad at the same time. A feeling of other-worldliness. "...it's the best for now..." Faces looking down. Ifurita woke up. Now strange dreams even creep up during afternoon naps? She brushed her long, wavy hair and looked around. *Just a dream. I'm back home, I..wait. Yes, I remember, this isn't Japan anymore but Roshtaria...* Sighing, Ifurita went back to her afternoon nap where she rested peacefully for the rest of the afternoon. ***************************** "It appears that land destroyed is unfit for habitation. Crops refuse to grow and people who have been staying there for too long seem to be falling ill very easily." Dr Schtallabaugh was busy speaking while examining the chemical canisters in his labaratory. Makoto was impressed with the place. It was like a haven for mad scientists as chemical contianers and canisters were strewn all over the place. He felt very much at home as he loved chemistry and loved to conduct all kinds of experiments. "If that demon god you call Abzahai continues to destroy anymore land, soon Roshtaria will be unfit for habitation..." "I believe that is similar to nuclear radiation." Makoto peered though the chemical containers and was looking seriously at Dr. Schatallabaugh. Dr. Schatallabaugh looked puzzled and continued to pore through some thick books; books of knowledge and information. "On Earth, we call call that nuclear contamination. After an explosion, the area is unfit for habitation, plants refuse to grow and people develop diseases known as cancer. Mutation also occurs in many births and stillborn babies are a common occurance." Makoto started to explain while Dr. Schtallabaugh slowly began to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Makoto continued, speaking in a manner which made him look wise beyond his age. "To take care of this. We have to find a way to get rid of this radiation. I'm sorry to hear about the current political situation but I have a hunch that the Bugrom may know something about containing it." "He's right." Afura interrupted, walking in. "I did do some study on this subject while I was on Earth." "It looks like your time away from here was not wasted at all," Dr. Schtallabaugh answered in a wise manner. Makoto looked down for a moment. "I think I'll take a break. I need to go to the Florestica downtown market to get some stuff. It's been quite a while since I've been there..." *********************************** Diva tossed, deep in a fever dream. She saw the shadows of Jinnai and Inari on the tent wall, sharply outlined against the morning sun. Their whispers rustled, frustratingly soft, as she strained to hear. "Father, I am the obvious choice! You are too well known and no one else here could pass for one of them! We are wasting time!" Jinnai's fiercely hissed reply showed his shock and outrage at her rebellious tone - and worry. But Diva could not make out his words. Inari's voice lifted a little. "You once told me that the general who risks nothing gains nothing. Father, if we don't discover the secret to this poison, we're finished!" For a moment Jinnai was silent. His next whisper was more subdued, as though conceding her point. Now Diva heard a grudging caution in his murmuring. "I'll go to Aunt Nanami's. She won't suspect me. I'll get your old teacher to help me. He's already met me and trusts me." Jinnai's sardonic tone was answered by a sigh. "Yes, you're right, Father. I was lying to you that night. If I'd told you the truth, this might never have happened. It's my fault in a way, Father. You've got to let me go." Diva gasped awake, and fumbled with the bedclothes. She tried to get up, but a Harpo bugrom sitting nearby caught her and held her. They were both shocked at her lack of strength. "Where is the Princess?" she demanded. "Where is Lord Jinnai?" "Lord Jinnai is with the scouting parties, Majesty. We're safe now; he brought us across the River!" Diva looked around her. So that was why it seemed so dark now! Since morning they had crossed the River and entered into the Shadowlands! "But this morning - it was no dream! I heard them planning!" "Planning what, Majesty?" Diva's feverish eyes blazed. "Where is my daughter?" The Harpo bugrom paused for a moment. Jinnai had told him to keep it a secret, but not for a moment did he consider disobeying his queen. His words confirmed her worst fears. "She has gone to Florestica, Majesty. To spy on the Roshtarians and find a cure for your sickness." ************************* Vendors yelling. People haggling and bargaining. Businesses functioning as normal. The smell of food in the air. Just like any marketplace. It didn't matter if it was in Japan or in Roshtaria; they all felt the same. *It's nice to know things haven't changed much.* Makoto wandered around, stopping every few minutes to admire some fresh flowers and buying some ripe fruits when he had the chance. Just another busy day in the Florestica Downtown Market. "The Bugrom are the scum of El Hazard and should be eliminated." Yassir was making a speech in a little corner after another speaker had finished. "They have been the natural enemy of the Roshtarians for decades." He continued. People were gathering. Some seemed excited. Some seemed indifferent. "Has anyone not forgotten how they used the demon goddess Ifurita to try to destroy us?" *Baka. Baka. Baka. (Fools)* Makoto mumbled in his thoughts. *No point trying to reason with these idiots. Let them rant all they want.* "I have been looking for you." A delicate female hand grabbed Makoto and dragged him to a deserted street corner. Makoto was too surprised to react and just meekly followed. He couldn't see the face as she seemed to have a shawl covering her face but the voice sounded oddly familiar. She was drapped well and most of her body was covered so that Makoto couldn't make out who she was but she seemed unthreatening to Makoto. She pulled down her cover. Makoto gasped as he looked into her eyes. "Inari?" "Yes. I have been looking for you." "Come on!" Inari seized Makoto's hand and pulled him through a doorway into a storeroom filled with wine jars, hanging bunches of dried fruit and sacks of spices. Makoto blinked in the dim light. "Wh-where are we?" "The pantry of Aunt Nanami's restaurant. She gave me a key in case I ever had to hide myself. I tried to find your teacher, but then I saw you, Makoto Mizuhara." She pushed her hood back further, spilling her wavy black hair onto her shoulders. "My aunt showed my your picture. Papa has a bigger one in the throne room. He throws darts at it," she said, quite without malice. Makoto hadn't seen his old enemy's daughter since the fight atop Tokyo Tower. She had seemed like a Fury then; now she was much calmer and more human. Still, the spark in her eyes was a little too much like the mad glitter he knew all too well... "What are you doing here, Inari? You must know it's dangerous for you, after everything that's happened!" He gasped, suddenly thinking of what he and Dr. Staulbaugh had discovered late the previous nate. "Inari, how is Diva? Is she-" Inari started a bit at the kindness in his voice, but recovered. "My mother is strong, but so is the poison. If I don't find an antidote soon..." "But we've already found it! Dr. Schtallabaugh and I! It may take an army to get it, but it's still possible!" The girl stared at him, not sure whether to believe him or not. "You've found it? What is it? Where is it? Why will it take an army?" "Well, in the first place, it's in the north, where Abzahai is." "Abzahai?" Makoto nodded grimly. "A demon god, loose in the north of Roshtaria. He's been attacking the settlements up there and we're not yet sure of the extent of his powers. We thought the Bugrom might know something about-" he began hopefully. "Aahh, yes..Papa told me about the problems up there. No doubt everyone's blaming the Bugrom for it, aren't they?" "No, Inari, not everyone. Rune Venus knows it wasn't your people, and she wasn't behind the poisoning, either. I wish you'd come and speak to her. Come with me back to the palace, Inari. She'll grant you her protection, I know it!" "Like she granted it to my mother? Nowhere in Roshtaria is safe for us now, Makoto. And my mother is running out of time." She seized his arm. "You must return with me across the River and show the Bugrom Army where to find the antidote!" "But the Roshtarian army is already in the area..." "And they would rejoice if the Bugrom were left without a queen! Only the Bugrom can save their own!" But Makoto was hesitant. "Your father...you must know how he feels about me, Inari. He'll never believe me." "He will believe you if my mother's life is at stake. And even if he doesn't, I do - and the Bugrom will follow me." She had every ounce of her father's determination. And there could be no doubt of her love, or fear. Makoto was torn. If Diva died, the peace between the Bugrom and the Roshtarians would explode. The Bugrom would never help the Roshtarians contain the nuclear contamination. Now, more than ever, the people of El Hazard needed to band together to fight this new threat. Every minute lost could mean the loss of all hope. "All right, I'll come. Just let me get Ifurita..." The princess shook her head desperately. "There isn't time! And if the Bugrom see your demon goddess, or any other Roshtarians, they'll fear an all-out attack! The two of us travelling together are the least inconspicuous, to Bugrom or Roshtarian!" She heard the crowd outside beginning to chant ugly threats about the Bugrom. "If we don't get out of here soon, we never will! Come on!" She threw her hood back up and crept to the door, peeking out. Her long antennae poked through the crack as she listened, intently. Makoto could see her wings quivering under her cloak. He took advantage of her distraction to sidle over to the shelf that held Nanami's prize stock - a bottle of real Kikkoman soya sauce from Japan. He fished out a pen and scribbled a hasty note on the label, putting the bottle back just as Inari drew back from the door. "There's a great lord passing through. Hurry! We can join his cortege and slip out of the city!" Makoto caught her delicate hand, surprised at the power of its grip. "Let's go," she hissed, and pulled him out into the dangerous light of day. Nanami takes inventory every day, Makoto thought. She's got to find that message. She and Mr. Fujisawa will know what to do. They'll know what to tell Ifurita... Meanwhile, Inari smiled under her hood, remembering a poem her father had taught her. "Come into my parlour, said the spider to the fly..." ********************* "More wine! C'mon, lil lady! Lesh have some servish over here!" "But Yassir, you gotta boddel ri' there! Gimme some!" "Oh, no." Yassir hugged the small, plain bottle to his chest. "You don' wanna drink none a thish! You be...on yer back and yer legs....wigglin' in the air like a squash bug...a bug....hee hee hee!" Despite the lateness of the hour, Nanami's restaurant was so crowded with customers that almost no one paid attention to Yassir Hussein; no one, that is, except a cloaked and hooded figure who kept well away from the restaurant's proprietress. Most of the restaurant's crowd were local people, eager to forget their cares, but others had cares they would never forget. The first of the refugees from the north had already begun to pour into the capitol, with stories of the recent holocaust. Every inn was filled, and the newcomers had begun to pitch tent-cities in the parks and public gardens. Few of the refugees had escaped with anything more than their lives; those that had no money begged in the streets, while those more enterprising, or less honest, had doubled the usual number of picked pockets and petty thefts. With only a handful of soldiers left to patrol the city, Florestica had begun to bubble like a pot on a rolling boil. "Damn freeloaders," a swarthy-faced local murmured. "Stole five melons from my cart today! They're worse than the Bugrom!" "It's the Bugrom who're to blame, not us!" snapped a northerner. "They're the ones who attacked our village!" His wife shook her head. "No, Sir. I never saw any Bugrom. And the Bugrom always take booty - this attacker took nothing." "Be quiet, woman," her husband grumbled, and called for more wine. But Yassir's voice was louder. Nanami herself thunked a bottle down at Yassir's table. "Roshtals first. Then service." Yassir laughed. He flung a handful of roshtals onto the table like a farmer scattering chicken feed. "Plenny more where that came from, lil sweetheart," he slurred. He put a finger aside his nose, confidentially. "I got frens in high places, yasee." "So do I - so pipe down or I'll throw you out!" "Oh, will you? Tell you whassa matter with this country, frens!" He turned to his companions. "Damn women runnin' everything. Women preezesses control nature, women prinzisses control government, hell, even women Bugrom control Bugrom! Like the pretty Bugrom slut an' her mother...bodies a man'd die for, an' you would, too, if you ever got close to 'em! Same thing, bugs 'n womens!" He giggled, teetering back on his stool, as he waved his small, plain bottle. "Buzz 'roun makin' noise 'n trouble!" On the other side of the room, the black-cloaked customer got up and quietly left the tavern. As he left, he bumped into a tall man coming in. "Sorry about that, pal," said Masamichi Fujisawa, but the customer was already gone. Fujisawa shrugged and started into the tavern, nearly tripping over something at his feet. He bent down to retrieve it: an ornately carved, thin-bladed dagger. It looked as though it must cost a fortune. "Hey, pal, wait! You dropped your--" "Let go of me!" Fujisawa stopped at the sound of Nanami's voice. A muscular Roshtarian who bore symptoms Fujisawa recognized very well had grabbed Nanami by the arm. "Gimme back my boddel!" he snarled. "Not until you pay for it, buddy! I'm not running a drop-in centre here!" Fujisawa strode over and deftly twisted the man's wrist, releasing Nanami and slamming Yassir face first into a beefsteak pie. "That's no way to treat one of my students, pal. You got a problem, just put it in the suggestion box." "Mr. Fujisawa!" Nanami gasped. "Where did you come from?" "Been training the Palnus in the art of self-defense. Maybe I ought to let you in on the class. Where's your bouncer anyway?" "Seconded by the army. Come to think of it..." she glared down at Yassir, "why aren't you in the army, mister? You're an archer, by your bow-guard. Instead of talking about defending Roshtaria, why aren't you doing something about it?" Yassir sat up, wiping gravy out of his eyes and moustache. "Nonna yer business," he snarled. "Gimme back my boddel! Iss mine!" "If it's yours, why haven't you drunk it yet? Why are you sitting here shouting for wine with a bottle right next to you?" Nanami unstoppered the small plain bottle and sniffed the mouth. "Unless it's water. Sure doesn't smell like alcohol." "Gimme!" Yassir flung a whole bag of coins at her feet. "Take it all, then! Yer bigger thief than bugs! Hope bugs come back 'n eat you alive!" He snatched his bottle back and staggered to the door, his companions following. "Come on, frens. Muzz be one hones' tavern leff in this stinkin' city!" With parting curses, Yassir and his friends staggered out the door. Fujisawa whistled. "I never thought I'd say this, but - I do not want a drink. You okay, honey?" "I'm fine. Better get back to these customers, though. Have you seen Makoto lately?" "Not for quite a while. Things been kind of chaotic lately, though." "Yeah. Roshtaria's not exactly following the good neighbour policy these days. Oh, well. Can I get you anything, Sensei?" "Just a bit of sashimi, but if you're busy..." "Never too busy for you, sensei." She smiled and brushed her hair from her eyes. "Come on into my private office. At least you'll be away from the drunks." She lead him into a small, neatly organized room with tapers burning on the wall. As he sat down at her desk and reached in his pocket for a cigarette, his hand brushed against the stranger's dagger. He got it out, examining it intently. Nanami soon returned with a plate of sashimiand a small dipping bowl. "I brought out the special reserve for you, sensei. Kikkoman, straight from home. Say...what's that?" Fujisawa handed her the dagger. "Some local dropped it as he left. Might come back for it." As she looked at it, he began to pour the soy sauce into the bowl. The next sentence was in perfect unison. "Hey! Look at this!" ************************ Stupid Inari. These two words kept popping up in Jinnais mind as he stared down off the cliff face. "I can't believe she was able to coax me into letting her run off to Floristica." Jinnai didn't want to admit it, but there was finally someone besides Makoto who match him wit to wit. He wa proud that it was his daughter, but at the same time he was angry about it. "Damn that girl talking to her father like that. She should have more respect for her elders. Kids these days. Inari better not botch this up." "She won't mess up sir" Startled that he wasn't alone Jinnai peered over his shoulder, and saw Chico standing only 5 feet behind him. "MORON!!! Don't sneak up on me like that, and remember you are to address me as Lord God Jinnai." "Y..yes Lord God Jinnai" "Go assemble our troops." Just because were stuck here doesn't mean all of you can be lazy with your training." Chico saluted and ran off quickly to accomplish his task. Thinking to himself Jinnai thought it was strange how this Bugrom seemed to take a liking to members of his family. Shaking his head at the thought Jinnai walked back to camp with more on his mind then training for his troops. ********************************* Trees. Makoto had been walking along the jungle path with Inari for quite a while and he kept seeing trees everywhere. Trees to the left and trees to the right. Inari seemed anxious and seemed to be in a hurry. It almost seemed like she was anticipating something. Makoto just followed. Trees all over the place. There were the occasional howl of the jungle beast followed by the chirping of birds. 'Phrip! Phrip! Phrip!' and 'Bzzmm! Bzzmm! Bzzmm!' also were heard; no doubt these sounds were probably made by Roshtarian insects that Makoto had never heard off. "Stop!" "IIISSSSAAAIIDDTTOOOSSTTOOPP!" Makoto stopped in his tracks. He was at some kind of clearing. It seemed like some kind of makeshift camp. Snap. Inari made a quick snap of her fingers and several Bugrom suddenly made a circle around Makoto. Somehow Makoto doubted that they looked very friendly. "WoooHooHoo! WaaHaaHaa!" That laugh; that annoying laugh; that loud and obnoxious laugh. That could only be....... "Dad?" "Makoto, my life-long rival caught at last. How I have waited for this day." "Dad, what are you doing here?" "Inari, my dear daughter, Daddy's so proud of you. At last I have finally gotten the better of my greatest rival, Makoto Mizuhara!" "That crap again. Since when was I ever your rival, Jinnai?" "Stop this nonsense at once." Makoto Mizuhara turned his head to see where the voice was coming from. There was Diva with a royal aura of greatness surrounding her. She was being carried in some kind of Bugrom carriage and it was obvious that she was ill and in great pain. Still, it was obvious that she had taken great pains to be here as there was obviously some agenda she had to take care of. Katsuhiko Jinnai and Inari were startled and just stood there. The congregation of Bugrom surrounding Makoto parted to make way for Queen Diva. "Inari. Have you forgotten how Makoto took care of us when we were in his world? Have you forgotten how kind he was to us in times of need?" Inari hung her head in shame. Finally Makoto spoke. "I heard about the unfortunate turn of events when I arrived here. Dr. Schtallabaugh and I have been doing some experiments. The poison which you drank does not appear to be Roshtarian in origin. This is merely speculation but he thinks that the Phantom Tribe may be behind this and they may be manipulating some Roshtarian sympathesizers." There was a stir. Makoto continued. "We were experimenting on a possible antidote. For hours, nothing seem to work. Finally, he suggested using the blood of a Doralye Bug. There were some results but it was too insignificant. Finally after some genetic studying, Dr. Schtallabaugh and I theoritized that only the blood transfusion of a Doralye Queen can annihilate traces of the poison." Queen Diva was listening attentively. After taking a breathe, Makoto continued to speak. "I have to caution you that you do not have too much time; maybe a month at the most. After that, the poison will travel to the rest of your bloodstream and veins. Paralysis will set in and death may result." There was a stunned silence. "The situation is not helped by the fact that a certain section of the populace is out to sabotage the fragile peace between Roshtaria and the Bugrom. Let me assure you that Princess Rune Venus and most of her advisors are on your side in this. The thing we need to do; if my theory is correct; is that we need to eliminate the elements that are misleading the people into acting against the Bugrom. I will also do what I can to help you so that you will be cured and we can work together to forge peace in these troubled times." Inari was walking very slowly towards Makoto. She hesitated and looked at the ground for a long time before raising her head to look at him with her dewy eyes. "Please forgive me. I have misjudged you." "That's okay Inari. We all make mistakes sometimes. I have no hard feelings. In fact, it goes to show how much you care for your mother and your fellow Bugrom." She approached Makoto. Tears were starting to flow down now in huge quantities. She threw herself against Makoto and rested her gentle head on his chest. "Gomen. Gomenasai yo." (Sorry) Makoto understood. He patted her head gently. Queen Diva nodded with approval as she watched the scene. "Makoto! What do you think you are doing to my daughter, you-you..." "I think that's enough, Lord Jinnai." Diva said. Katsuhiko Jinnai sulked and decided to do other things. #Maybe he's afraid that Makoto will make him 'lose face' in front of his troops.# (Bugrom language). Chico snickered to a fellow Bugrom. "What's that!?" #Nothing..nothing..I was just telling him what a great general you were.# (Bugrom reply) "Okay. Time for our daily troops training. Soldiers attention, march!" Katsuhiko Jinnai and his platoon of Bugrom troops left the scene leaving Makoto, Inari and Queen Diva with a few of her attendants. ************************************* "Well? What does he say?" Inari shook her head. Gracefully she sank to her knees by her mother's divan and briefly checked the small kettle boiling on a fire nearby. "He's still angry, Mama. And he says he doesn't believe a word of it. 'It's just a trick of Mizuhara's to lead us into the Dorylae's jaws!' But it's got to be true, doesn't it, Mama?" Diva squeezed her daughter's hand weakly. "It makes sense, Inari. The Dorylae are immune to everything. Only violence or old age can kill a Dorylae Queen...no sickness ever could. I wish your father could understand..." her voice broke off as she sighed sadly. "Papa doesn't like Makoto, does he?" "No, Inari." "Why not?" "I'm not sure. I only know it goes back a very long way, to when they were both children." Inari's golden forhead crinkled as she poured her mother a warming drink and handed it to her; then suddenly, her face brightened. "I know a way to make Papa like Makoto, Mama!" Diva smiled hopefully, despite her pain. "How, my love?" "Babies! If Makoto were the father of my babies, Papa would have to love him! He'd...Mama? Mama, don't gulp it so, you'll...oh, it's gone down the wrong way, hasn't it? Here, give me the cup and put your arms in the air; maybe that'll help." Diva gasped for breath, trying to slow her racing heart. Inari was watching her anxiously. "Are you all right, Mama?" Diva nodded. "I - I think your plan unwise, my dear," she croaked, when she could. "Why, Mama?" The Bugrom Queen hesitated. She had come to realize that the words "your father forbids it" were like a red flag waved in their daughter's face. Matching wits with her father was her favourite game, and to Inari, it was simply a game. Diva thought quickly. "Ah...well, you see...Makoto is...devoted to his partner, Ifurita. He is human, and would consider such an act a betrayal of her." "Why, Mama?" Sometimes it was not hard for Diva to remember that her daughter was really a very small child. "Ifurita's a demon goddess. She can't have babies. Why should it make a difference to her? I think it's a bit unfair that Makoto can't ever be a father because of her." "Life is not fair, my love. Every Bugrom knows that. It's not fair that the Bugrom are hated. It's not fair you are an adult before your time." She broke off and began to cough again, this time from the weakness in her blood. Tears started in Inari's eyes. "And it's not fair that you're sick, Mama, because of some Roshtarian who's even sicker! But don't worry, I'm going to get the blood of the Dorylae Queen for you!" Diva lashed out and caught her arm as she rose; Inari was amazed at her sudden strength. "You will do no such thing! Your father can go, and the Bugrom warriors, but not you! You are far too precious to lose!" "But they'll never defeat her without me! She's far too ruthless and cunning; our warriors wouldn't stand a chance!" "Your father--" "Is the greatest human general in two worlds, I know! But Mama, he is human, and the battles he's won have all been against humans! He can't think like a Bugrom Queen - I can!" Inari clutched her mother's hands. "Mama, if we don't succeed, the humans and the Bugrom will be at war again, and we'll go back to the way things were; to the awful times that you told me about! You don't want that, do you?" Diva gazed quietly at her daughter. At last, she spoke. "Your father was right. You are the best thing we ever made. You must go - but go with my blessing." "Thank you, Mama!" Inari hugged her, and Diva ran her hand through the sweet black waves of her daughter's hair. "But will I have Papa's blessing?" came her muffled, uncertain voice. "Don't be concerned with him. He will not stand in your way. I will distract him, if need be." Inari looked up. "How?" Diva smiled slyly. "Inari, there are times when he is my servant...indeed, when he is my slave." ****************************** "I smell it too. It's human and familiar, but it certainly isn't Papa. Whoever it is, he's picked the wrong army to spy on!" Inari's antennae quivered as she clutched her war-spear tightly. The Bugrom warriors clustered 'round her like attack dogs waiting for their master's signal. "Get him!" Ten warriors leapt across the clearing with terrifying speed. They disappeared into the jungle, and seconds later a voice shrilled, "Get off! Katsuhiko, you jerk, get these overgrown stink beetles off of me!" "Wait!" cried Inari. "Let her go! It's--" Ferns flew in all directions as Nanami Jinnai, looking like she'd been pulled through a hedge backwards, came storming out into the clearing with the ten warriors scuttling along behind. "Katsuhiko, so help me, if you've hurt one hair on Makoto's head you can say your prayers--" Nanami stopped at the sight of her niece. "Inari? Wh-what are you doing here? Where's your father?" "Back at the camp with Mama, I think. What are you doing here, Aunt Nanami?" Nanami tugged burrs from her hair, grimacing. "Looking for Makoto, that's what. Mr. Fujisawa and I found a message written on one of my soy sauce bottles, saying he was heading for the Bugrom camp! I came to find him!" "A message? But...oh, he must have done it when we were in your pantry! Wow - Makoto's almost as sneaky as Papa!" She paused for a moment. "But that was ages ago, Aunt Nanami! And you've only found us now? I guess Papa was right when he said you've got yesterday's udon for br--" "We were busy, all right?" Nanami snapped, ripping out a chunk of red hair with a particularly large burr. "As a matter of fact, we found the man who fired the arrow into the palace window the night your mother was poisoned!" At those words the Bugrom Princess's face contorted in a vicious snarl. Her great wings beat the air, blowing her long black hair into waving tentacles. Jeez, thought Nanami, she can look just as pyschotic as my brother - only she's got the strength to back it up! "He talked, didn't he? You made him talk?" It was a statement, not a question. "He couldn't, Inari. He was dead. We found him stabbed outside my tavern, and the suspicious little bottle I saw him waving before was gone. But we spoke to his cousin, who told us that the conspirators weren't involved with the palace, or even the Roshtarian citizens. The whole thing was planned by a mysterious nobleman, and from the knife Mr. Fujisawa found, we think he might be a member of the Phantom Tribe." Inari chattered to the listening Bugrom, translating for them. Gradually both they and she relaxed. "Papa told me about them," she said finally. "They hate the Roshtarians and the Bugrom. They made me...into this." She looked down at her adult body. "They made themselves a dangerous enemy. Did you find this man too?" "Not yet. I came to tell Makoto, but I got lost. I've been wandering for ages in this jungle. Did he ever reach your camp?" "Yes, he did, and Papa was going to fight him, but Mama stopped him. Makoto's found a way to save Mama. I'm not sure where Makoto is now, but I'm headed north to find the Dorylae Queen, and save Mama." "The Dorylae Queen? The Dorylae Queen? Are you nuts, Inari? Didn't she try to eat all of you a little while ago? Don't tell me she's going to help you?" "She won't have a choice. Makoto says only her blood can save Mama, and I'm going to get it, no matter what." "Oh." Nanami looked around. "And where's my brave and noble brother? Don't tell me - let me guess. He's stayed behind." Inari frowned. Literal-minded as she was, the sarcasm was not lost on her. "He didn't stay behind when we fought the Dorylae before, Aunt Nanami. He was there on the battlefield, right beside me. If Papa stays behind this time, he's got a reason." She turned, signaling her warriors, then paused. "Aunt Nanami, if you're frightened of the Dorylae, I'll have one of my warriors guide you to our camp. You'll be safe there." Nanami felt the sting of the return shot. She braced her shoulders. "Safer with Katsuhiko? No way, Inari. I'd rather take my chances with the Dorylae Queen!" ******************************** "It's okay Ifurita. You just had a nightmare!" Ifurita opened her eyes to see Kalia comforting her by her bed. Kalia looked concerned. Had to believe that not very long ago, they were fighting each other. While waiting for Makoto, she had gotten sleepy and had gone to bed first. Ifurita was now wide awake and was looking at the clock. She must have been talking in her sleep. "Is he back yet?" "Makoto? No, not yet. Wonder what's keeping him?"