Other World Woes - Part 2

Still stunned from Hikaru's statement and behavior, all I can do is stare at her dumbfounded. Grey observes us in silence, Treia appears to enjoy watching this play out, while Kiru gobbles down the last of her biscuit.

"This is the kind of thing you do whenever you come here, right?" I manage a slight nod in response, then Hikaru takes a deep breath. "Then you do what you have to. I don't like the idea of being left behind, but I can see that everyone here needs you to bring down these bandits."

"Just because this has come up, it doesn't mean I can up and abandon you, just to deal with some troublesome beasts and bandits." 'Honestly though, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling torn about all of this.' Before Hikaru and I can continue our would-be argument over what to do, Treia speaks up.

"Why doesn't she stay with me? She won't be alone, and you'll know where to find her when you get back." Upon hearing her suggestion, all eyes turn to Treia.

"I am firmly against it." Treia appears shocked at my instant rejection of her idea. Kiru snickers at my behavior while watching Treia's reaction.

"Why? We had a nice chat last time she was here, even Kiru can vouch for that. Why are you so against my watching over her." I glance down at Kiru on my shoulder, who shrugs with a smirk, somewhat confirming what Treia just said.

"Because I know that the moment both of you are alone, you'll dress Hikaru up like a doll and display her in front of the inn to bring in more customers." Treia is visibly shocked at my accusation, so is Hikaru, but in a different way, while Kiru is failing to stifle her snickering. 

"What. No, I would never." Treia shifts her head to avoid looking directly at me, her eyes shifting in all manner of directions. Practically confirming that my accusation is right on the mark, Kiru gives a shrug and a nod further confirming my suspicions. "Come on, you don't really believe I'd do such a thing to a nice, sweet girl like her. Right Grey?" Treia pleads towards Grey, whose gaze is currently more focused on the stacks of paperwork on his desk.

'At least he's smart enough to take my side on this.' Grey's no comment attitude towards Treia drives her to pout, and ultimately give up.

"Alright, fine. If you leave Hikaru in my care, I promise not to dress her up or take advantage of her in any way." Judging from her dejected disposition, Treia has clearly accepted her defeat, while Hikaru is entirely confused by what just happened. After rescuing Hikaru from Treia and her scheming, Grey clears his throat in a loud manner before rising from his chair.

"Well, if this matter has been settled. Takashi, I wish you the best in dealing with these bandits, I will pray for your success and survival. Miss Hikaru, if there is anything you need or wish to know during your stay here in Alameria, please do not hesitate to ask or drop by at any time."

Treia and Hikaru rise from the couch and make their way to the doorway, while Grey returns to his desk. Treia is the first to walk out of the room, while Hikaru stops to bow respectfully to Grey before following her out. I pick up Kiru and meet Grey at his desk waiting for him to hand me a map, detailing the general location of the bandits.

"You sure you're up for this?" Grey retrieves a marked map and hands it to me, his expression more serious than before. "You're facing a dangerous group with Slytzars at their disposal, and armed with weapons powerful enough to destroy limbs."

"Then this will be a good test to see which is stronger and more reliable. These bandits with their weapons and beasts, or a legendary weapon and its wielder." 'Even I have to admit, I'm acting pretty cocky right now.'

"Then show them what the two of you can do my friend. Good luck." Grey offers me a firm handshake, which I take while giving him a grin, filled with confidence.

"Don't you worry about us. Those bandits will be lucky to survive the encounter." Kiru's bold statement from my shoulder brings a proud smile Grey's face, after finishing our business, I leave Grey's office, closing the door behind me. Afterwards, Hikaru and I follow Treia downstairs, we exit the guild hall stepping out onto the main street. As we prepare to go our separate ways, Treia turns around to address Kiru and I.

"Okay you two, not that this hasn't been fun. Takashi, you and Kiru need to go and deal with those bandits, as in, immediately." Hearing Treia speak right now, it sounds as if she's as excited, as she is energised. "Hikaru and I will make our way to the Life-Spirit Inn and await your return." Hikaru takes a step closer to me so that we can have a private moment, or what could qualify as one when standing on a public street.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be okay. Treia seems like a good person." Hikaru appears a little anxious now that we're about to separate, I'm guessing she's having second thoughts about this. "Please be careful out there, and come back safe..." Hikaru pauses in thought for a moment. "You're my only way home after all." 'Look at that. Hikaru's trying to be a little selfish towards me, so cute.'

"I'll get this sorted out as soon as I can. If I'm lucky these bandits will back down the moment they see me." My confidence doesn't waiver at this point, 'Though I have no idea of how things will go.' Then Kiru speaks up from my shoulder.

"Since when can bandits be considered capable of making smart decisions. But then again, when can you?" Kiru's jab at me earns her a scathing stare from me and a giggle from Hikaru.

"Ignore her. I'll come back, and when I do, I'll take you wherever you want to go. Be it straight back to Earth, or to explore the Other World some more." Hikaru straightens herself up after giggling at me, appearing more calm and sure of herself more than she ever has before. 

It isn't long before she stares at me in confusion while I stand there with my eyes closed, running a calculation of how much time we can remain in Other World for, without missing the school day entirely. '4 times 6, add a zero, divide by 40, times 2... Twelve days.'

"Depending on if and how long you're interested in staying, we have at most twelve days before classes finish at Muzukashii." Hikaru's confusion shifts to surprise at what I've told her, after she relaxes, Hikaru takes a step back and bows slightly towards me. 'She really maintains a proper and respectful mentality to everyone around her.'

"I'll see you when you get back. Have a safe journey... Takashi." I can't help but notice her moment of hesitation before saying my first name again, however, my racing heart has my face feeling hot. 'This cute girl just called me by my first name again.' Believing that I probably look like a blushing idiot right now, I shake my head and give Hikaru a reassuring nod.

"I'll be back as soon as I can. See you later... Hikaru." This time it's the girl in front of me whose blushing, I turn around and walk away from Hikaru, after several steps, I turn back to see Hikaru and Treia standing together watching me leave. I raise my arm and wave goodbye to them, and they respond by waving goodbye to me. With the map in hand and my farewells complete, I head towards the North West end of Alameria.

I take out the map that Grey gave me. After analysing it thoroughly, I check the position of the sun, noting its already well past noon here. 'Aw, crap. Even if i can rush this, it'll be nightfall long before I make it back. Never mind the fact the bandits chose a location...'

"Ages Away!" That last part came out a little too loudly, so much that those around me are staring at what they would call a weird idiot. Letting out an irritated sigh I resume my walk towards the Eastern gate. Kiru seems unusually quiet now, normally we'd be talking as we travel, however, she's completely silent.

I glance at her occasionally, it almost appears that she's deep in thought, but I can't get a clear view of her, nor of her sitting on my shoulder. Upon reaching the Eastern gate, I head towards the stables nearby to see if I can rent a beast.

"Sorry pal. All travel and rentals are on hold until the bandit crisis is over." The animal handler shoos me away after his statement, not interested in wasting effort or time, I leave for the town gate, left with no choice but to go on foot.

After a brief discussion with the guards, I convince them of who I am, and my intention of dealing with the bandits and their beasts. Afterwards, they let me through the gate and I begin the quest in earnest.