Chapter Four

If someone were to tell me that I would be living in a steampunk-esque city with wetlands stretching as far as the eye could see, I would give them the non-verbal que that they need help and don't ever talk to me again. Later on I would let their words wreck me with paranoia because this illness I have called an 'overactive imagination' to the point of it irrationally happening to me, because, deep down, I believe that I would be subjected to the pain and agony of a dystopic industrious smog fest of free labor and a crushed spirit.

Basically another victim to the monstrous fantasy genre that is steampunk.

So, naturally, when my eyes feasted upon what could only be described as the antithesis of the traditional industrious nightmare I was raised on, it was only natural to question everything about all the answers and solutions we cemented into society. Of course, when the midlife crisis began to dissipate, the sight of the wondrous skyline so mesmerizing and alien soothed my soul into a welcoming sense of tranquility and wondrous curiosity.

Seriously, the architects- no, the gardeners- who planted this techno beauty are nothing short of evil geniuses! Rather than the crudely drabs of concrete and chimneys tainting the heavens and earth with their presence, Mother Nature must have been relieved and delighted to see the ornamental brass and copper structures that sprouted into the faint mist covered wetlands. Each ornate clockwork wonder radically defies the concept conventional construction as their compact yet lively archipelagos are devoted to ever reaching straight to a new horizon, leaving these mini-cities to not gobble up the reach substances of lush flora and lukewarm water.

This falls to the bridges and ferries to transport The Gear Box's distinct blood source of warm-blooded beastmen, maligned stitchmen sewn together by flesh, leather and steel, and unsurprisingly humans who serve as the trademark cliché race in any Isekai realm.

I'm amazed I didn't run into any elves. Maybe they keep to themselves?

That's basically The Gear Box in a nutshell: a city, no, a wonder that must serve as a symbol of harmonious existence, innovation and adaption, and overcoming and thriving in an untamed realm.

So there has to be a catch, right?

“Does something trouble you, Ken?”

Of course Aurodha would pull me out my thoughts before they can drown me into a potential maelstrom.

I turn over to with her worried look leaving me with a pang of guilt.

“You visage looks conflicted.” She points out. “These heights are no trouble, are they not?”

I suppose I can't blame her given the airship we're ferrying on has a rather intimidating view down below. But thankfully, the worst heights and airplanes done to me were scaring toddler me to the point where I screeched in terror like a banshee, much to the dismay of my family and fellow passengers.

Not to mention it's nice to have fresh air while traversing to The Old Shop.

"No, I'm not sick. I just..."

I've heard that question more times than I count, especially from dad and his wife when they notice something it off about me. And me, just wanting things to be left well enough alone, make the right choice and said that everything is fine.

Even after a rough day at work, or just some petty issue wanting to bug me, I'd just say I'm fine to the point I believed it.

Fake it 'till you make it, right?

But even though I’m the content captive of my girlfriend’s pleasant hold over my arm, and her piercing amber eyes gently encouraging me to reveal what’s bothering me, It’s not much of a big deal. If there’s one thing I definitely should not do is burden Aurodha with my personal drama.

And since we’re off on the second phase of our date, my mediocre worries should not be an unnecessary obstacle.

“I’m just… still adjusting to life here. That’s all.” What I told her is indeed the truth, but I hope she’s happy enough with the half-truth.

Though the hurt frown she’s adorning definitely knows how to hit me right in the stubborn blood pumper.

Thus, I contrive a half-crooked smile to assure her that I’ll be alright. I even go the extra step of gently collecting her hand and gently squeeze it.

“Don’t worry about me, Aurodha.” I insist. “Just being with you makes my pesky problems almost nonexistent. And now, I’m excited that we’re going to go see this mysterious production you’ve been hyping up!

Aurodha’s expression looks mixed, but the rejected sigh is the sign of my pyrrhic victory.

“Never ask for the impossible.” She mutters.

If there is one red flag that one should be aware of while on the date, it’s the heavy silence between yours truly and her. Yet, even while possessing this crucial knowledge, I stumbled onto that minefield and here I am trying, and failing, to tiptoe my way out of this quagmire.

Why does my dumbass always brew up these stupid situations? Especially with the best girl ever?!

What can I say without it feeling forced or awkward? I pretty sure the answer I have is ‘nothing’, but like every other idiot that refuses to take no for an answer, I decide to salvage this date the only way I know how.

Even if it’s not the most fool-proof tactic.

“Sooo, uuuhhh… can I at least get a teaser about what the name is and what themes I’ll be blessed with?”

Aurodha rolls her eyes. “I suppose I reveal what we are bracing for: The Madman and The Maelstrom. It is inspired by the records of two legendary leaders whos sparks of ambitions severed a sacred bond, long go.

Cheesy horror title aside, I can’t help but wonder why it sounds vaguely familiar. Even though learning a whole new alphabet is a pain, I’ve picked up on enough words to browse the local bookstore and pick up on those words, no… titles…

“Maelstrom Kazhar and Kalich The Mad.” For once, my sluggish self is about to piece together the puzzle rather quickly.

Aurodha nods. “Precisely.” She says sounding proud. “When all seemed lost and the Kingdom was on the verge of defeat, Two dauntless souls rallied those who still carried the will to fight. The Madman on land, and the Maelstrom at sea. Against odds that defied all logic and reason, the world watched with bated breath as these undefeated martyrs delivered a ravaged nation from enslavement.”

Aurodha’s poetic words leave me speechless.

“Peace would evaporate as these two sworn brothers pictured two entirely different realms to supplant the old. An age of order and prosperity, or for the malign and the weak? Reunification or Revolution?" Aurodha solemnly bows her head, traces of hair hiding her eyes.

My jaw tightens seeing this affecting her. I can only conclude that she spoiled herself with the plot and knows that this isn't going to have a glorious conclusion. Or, perhaps, it's something more.

The image painted for me sounds like every cliché epic action piece that’s been overused to the point that it’s just copy and paste garbage.

But Aurodha, can see the cracks in my façade and does not hesitate to go on the offensive.

“Something’s on your mind, Ken.” She calls me out.

I can’t hide my concerns. “Let’s just say I’ve seen enough… performances, both animated and live action, to the point where their awesome plots are anything but that.”

A haughty huff follows. “Well, then those amateurs never learned the basics writing an epic story now.”

I can’t help but laugh at that sick burn she unleashed.

“I trust you, don’t worry.”

She grins. “You have nothing to worry about, darling. For as long as I known Nion, he’s been perfecting his craft even in his youth!”

“So we’re dealing with a pro?”

She giggles. “Yes, we are dealing with a ‘pro’. Not to mention... someone close has done her part in making this masterpiece.”

“Wait what?!”

Aurodha’s smug expression is on full display. "Don't be surprised if this masterpiece hails a certain someone for their brief but powerful contribution!"

Talk about being proud in a humble manner.

"Well I can't wait to see the part this lucky winner brought fourth!" I eagerly answer

Though judging from the precious pout she's putting on, I'm can't help but feel a little nervous that I said something wrong.

"W-what did I say now?!"

"The issue you sow is what you did NOT say!" She accuses. "I fed you mere crumbles of the story, and shrouded my feats with enigma, and all you are content with telling me is 'Well I can't wait to see the part this lucky winner brought fourth!' I swear, Ken, darling, I find your lack of pleading and curiosity disturbing..."

She's upset because I'm not acting like a spoiled sport?!

"H-Hey, c'mon, now! You're saying it like its a bad thing!"

"How can it not be?!" Aurodha pinches her nose. "Goodness... if you are not starved after baring witness to the first act, then I fear an affliction clouds your senses."

That earns some wrinkles around my nose. "Gee harsh much?"

The time for feign bitterness quickly fizzles away as we just can't help but laugh. Of course, me being completely selfish, decide to claim my spot against Aurodha's arm and nestle close. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to have any objections, so I'm free to bask in the view of the wondrous city that is my home.

My home.

This is my home now.

It is...

The sight of three mischievous kids fleeing a woman driven mad, potentially because of their misdeeds, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

A perfect distraction.

That is until Aurodha emerges to her feet and blocks off their escape with crossed arms and an intimidating stern glare.

The entrapped trio shrink at the sight of the titan of a woman staring them down like a predator eyeing up her prey.

"Do you wish to fall and meet a tragic death, dear ones?" She asks with a low menacing voice that even makes my blood run cold.

Only one of them has the will to respond with the meekest of nods.

"Then do not run so close to the edge! Ever!" Her shout is powerful enough to make their lips quiver.

The woman thanks Aurodha profusely for her assistance to which my girlfriend softly assures her that she's happy that the kids are safe.

With the crisis averted and Aurodha returning to her seat. I can't help but feel like and idiot for just sitting here and doing nothing.

I never really thought about those kids being in any danger, but then again, the railings aren't really design to repel small bodies from falling over.

"I'm sorry...." I morbidly mumble.

She inquisitively hums. "Whatever for?"

"For not stepping in." I clarify. "I just..." I quickly remind myself that I'm no longer in the business of making excuses. "I'll pick up the slack next time that happens."

A warm low giggle bubbles in her throat. "Don't fret, Darling. They were in no danger to a tragic demise. I merely wished for them to be kept on a short leash to preserve everyone's sanity." She is quick to stammer. "And for their safety, of course!"

I can't help but stifle a laugh. "Of course."

"You don't believe me?"

"No! I do! I do!"

"Then why were you amused by what I said, mister?"

"U-uh... well I..."

I struggle to explain my way out of this mess as our aeroship begins to carefully angle next to our stop: The Famous Old Shop.