Ultimatum

“What are we going to do? Mamoru needs to be there right?” Seiji asked.

“There is no need.” Walter replied. “He has shown exceptional care for his friends. I do not believe he will be penalized. However, the other fools in your group are the ones I am most concerned.”

“Agreed! He tried to touch me and Master Mamoru protected me! He summoned a shield of some sort. It was amazing!” Charlotte said with praise.

“Then I will stay here with Mamoru. Just in case. I do not wish to leave him alone.” Robert said.

“Very well. Both Robert and Charlotte you will stay while we go to the hall.”

“Of course, Sir Walter.” Charlotte obliged.

“With that, we should head to the dining hall!” Seiji said.

“Indeed. This way gentlemen.” They continued to make their way to the hall awaiting the news of their fate.

They make their way into a room so large and extravagant they could not believe their eyes. Shizuki could not utter a word for a moment. Seiji simply whistled in awe.

“Wow. I’ve never seen something this nice in my life.”

“You said it…”

“I am happy it is to your liking. Please take a seat and will begin serving your food.”

“Alriiight!!” Said Seiji with such enthusiasm. “Where should I sit? Maybe over here… or maybe here!”

“Sit anywhere, Seiji, there are so many seats.”

“Can you pipe down. You are so annoying.” Said Suguru. He sat in the far end, visibly upset as though he was deep in thought. Something clearly bothers him, hidden yet telling Shizuki something is amiss.

“At least we can eat something other than garbage school food.” Takeru said. He went down the stairs, excited by the existence of food. “ I have been hungry since this morning!”

“But you liked the school food.” Seiji said.

“Shut up Seiji…”

“It took you so long to show up.” Suguru said in a condescending fashion.

“We made a small detour, that’s all.” Shizuki replied in a calm manner. However, his eyes said something different. Eyes of burning fury.

“And how was Nozomi?” Takumi asked.

“Peachie.” Seiji intervened, smiling happily.

“Seiji, what’s up with that smile?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re— nevermind.”

“Oh, you visited Nozomi. How was her little “savior”?”

“You mean Mamoru? Yeah, he is doing fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“The weakling still likes to bark for her sleeping beauty.”

“A weakling that has more honor than you.”

“Honor? Just because your family comes from a line of samurai doesn’t mean you’re one. You’re the same as him. Weak.”

“That’s rich coming from you. It’s obvious you have no shame, Suguru.” Someone said, everyone looks up to see another student with shining blue hair and dark blue eyes. He stares quietly at everyone before sitting down at the right side of the table. Near the front, he looks at Suguru. His face red with rage.

“Takumi. Gouma.” They rise. They answer his call. Threatening and violence read from their posture. Shoulders tense. Blood pumping. Knuckles drawn.

“Don’t you see Suguru is only using you guys for his personal gain. You have your own ideals and thoughts. Stop living under his shadow!” Ryuusei said.

“What a wonderful speech, I will make sure to put it on your tombstone. Famous last words.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“I would.”

“That’s enough!” Walter yelled out. “Please take your seats, Miss Eda will be arriving shortly.”

“My, oh my, it seems we have some sort of division.”

“Miss Eda.” Walter said with splendor. “It is always a pleasure to meet, Great Sage of Twilight.”

“Miss Eda.” Ryuusei greeted Eda with sincerity. Going a step further to bow. She smiled, bowing in response to his courtesy. Walter took a look at Ryuusei. Something off. Curiosity fueled his voice.

“Hm… Where is Charles, Master Ryuusei?”

“He’s on an errand for me. He will return soon.”

“Which begs the question, where is Vernon Master Seiji?”

“Oh. Uh. He’s also on an errand.” Seiji laughs nervously. Worried when he breaks into a cold sweat.

“Hm…” Walter is dissatisfied with his answer, yet he does not press any further. He makes a tired sigh.

“At any rate, please take your seats, Heroes of Gegar. We have much to discuss.” Walks down from the balcony and meets everyone at the table. “Oh, you must be hungry. Please forgive me for my tardiness, I must have lost track of time.”

“Please do not apologize, My Lady. You have much on your plate as of late.”

“I agree.” Ryuusei said in agreement.

“Thank you.” She looked at all the heroes at the table. Seated. Silent. The servants along the wall, bowing to her in respect for their great sage. “Shall we start? Walter, you may start serving.”

“As you wish, my lady.” With a snap of Walter’s fingers, servants flock the hall with food and drinks. Delicious snacks, sandwiches, and an array of cakes fill the table. Takeru and Seiji’s eyes light with delight. Takeru observes different snacks on the table, unsure whether to try the seemingly delicious food.

“What is this?”

“Who cares! It looks so good!” Seiji yelled out. He takes a bite out of the wide selection of snacks and sweets. His tastebuds fired with incredible flavors, crying as Seiji took another bite. “I never tasted something so delicious in my life.”

“I have to agree with Seiji…” Takeru said when he bit into his sandwich. “I can’t believe how good this is!” Eda smiled with enjoyment. She observes everyone eating some of what was on the table. All but shizuki. He looked at Eda.

“Are you not hungry?” Eda asked.

“I don’t like to waste time. I want to know why everyone is here, but I can already tell what is going to happen.”

“Quite perceptive. Hero Shizuki.” She said, she takes a moment. She smiles and prepares. A voice so angelic, it captivated everyone on the table. “

“You all will be attending the Heroes’ Ceremony tomorrow and begin your training. Unfortunately, there will be no exceptions. The more time we waste, the time the darkness will gather their forces. The faster you end this ordeal, the faster you can return to your home world.”

“Sounds fair.” Seiji said.

“But what about Nozomi and Mamoru? He will not leave her side.” Shizuki asked.

“A fair question. Anyone who refuses their ascension to hero and their responsibilities will be dealt with either by imprisonment or hanging.”

“But Mamoru isn’t a bad person. Can you make an exception?” Seiji asked.

“Also a good question. Mamoru is more of a guardian to Hero Nozomi, so I have no issue if he is by her side. However, he must attend the ceremony and begin his training.” Eda’s words felt like birds singing to the wind. Many ease their tension, letting out sighs for Mamoru.

“What if we say no to our training?” Suguru dared to ask the question. “ As though it was forbidden. No words came from Eda. She slowly turned her head, eyes darted to the smiling Suguru. Pushing his luck little by little, but no longer. Eda raised her hand. Chains of golden sparkled light constrict Suguru and the others. They all struggle but to no avail.

“Wait! What’s going on!? Seiji said.

“We didn’t do anything!” Takeru exclaimed. “We never declined your offer!”

“I am merely answering a question. Please bear witness to your fate if you wish to defy your oath as heroes. Let this be a reminder. Any defiance will be met with punishment. I pray you understand your circumstances.”

“Peachie…Now can you let us go? The chains are uncomfortable, you know.” Seiji said with a shaky voice.

“Hero Seiji, you have something on your face. Smudges of cake cover Seiji’s face. Embarrassed , he breaks into a cold sweat.

“That is precisely why I would like you to kindly let me go! I didn’t get the chance to clean my lips!”

Eda laughs, dispelling the chains. Sizzled into specks of sparkled dust where the heroes took a sigh of relief. Seiji spent no time to tend to himself. Cleaning his face, lips and slowly getting another serving.

“This was quite fascinating, you are to report to your rooms for further instructions. You will be given your garments for tomorrow. Your retainers assigned to you will assist you in your preparation. I bid you a wonderful day.” Eda slowly walked up to the balcony, disappearing into the corridor. She left all the heroes shocked and silent with only Seiji eating.

“It’s pretty quiet in here.” Seiji said. Everyone sends out either a chuckle or a smirk while others stay quiet embarrassment.