Volume 3, Chapter 24: Third Party Interference

We arrived at the bottom of a path, walking through a large Japanese style arch. Kisai stopped, taking a few steps back. Kuan inspected the ground, nodding his head.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Traps,” Kisai replied.

“You’re gonna deactivate them?” I questioned.

“Kuan, demonstrate your other power,” Tess ordered.

He adjusted his glasses, staring at the ground. Kuan then tapped Kisai on the shoulder, who tapped the ground with his foot, giving a nod.

“What’s happening?” I looked around in confusion.

“Tomo, are you familiar with basic programming?” Tess asked.

“Uh, not really,” I replied.

“Kuan’s power is known as conditional execution. There are checks in coding where it’ll execute if certain conditions are met. That’s the basis of Kuan’s powers,” Tess explained, giving me her usual serious look.

“I’ll take your word for it,” I said.

“Jin’s familiar with the trap so that helped. My powers aren’t much use if I don’t know enough,” Kuan remarked.

“Let’s keep on moving. Kuan’s quite valuable,” Tess praised him.

We finally arrived at a gate with gray walls. This resembled a fortified army base more than an actual village. Kisai knocked on the gate, glancing upward at the lookout perched on top. The gate flew open with a loud whoosh and a small child stared at us.

“Hey, how’s it going? It’s been a long time,” Kisai greeted.

“Ah, Jin! I have to go tell everyone,” he exclaimed, scurrying off.

“You know him?” I asked, glancing over at Kisai.

“Yeah, he’s the kid of a mage I saved. Wonder if the council knows anything,” Kisai answered.

“Jin, you’ll take the lead,” Tess declared.

“Don’t want to do it?” Kisai asked with a slight grin.

“You know this dimension’s inner workings much better than me,” Tess answered, shaking her head.

“We all know you’re freaking capable,” Ichaival sighed, shaking his head.

“You’re right, man. Of course,” Jin agreed, nodding at Ichaival.

A group of five people walked towards us. Kisai glanced at them, and for a second, his face turned rather serious. It reverted back to his usual calm, amused look soon after.

“The legendary mage makes his appearance known once again,” one of them uttered in a nasally voice.

“Can’t seem to get enough of this place,” Kisai replied.

“Your appearance is no blessing to us,” another accused.

“Regardless of how you view Jin, we’ve come for information,” Tess declared, standing next to Kisai.

“You’re not a welcome sight either. Come to the counsel room, but only you and the mage. Boy, lead the rest to your house,” the first voice decided.

“That’s how you want to do things, huh?” Kisai muttered.

“Sorry to impose,” Tess said, looking over at the boy.

“Come on, follow me!” the boy offered.

We arrived at a medium sized house with a large pond in the front, filled with leaping fish. Our guide unlatched the gate, placing his hand on a digital panel. A pathway opened up for us.

“Hey, come inside. Dad wants to see you,” the child urged.

“Welcome. I heard you’re companions of Jin, the great mage,” a voice greeted.

A tall man, with a gash above his left eye, appeared. He wore a light blue kimono and the stubble on his face made him look rugged.

“We should probably introduce ourselves. I’m Tomo Yuki,” I said.

“Jeong Kuan,” Kuan finally revealed his family name.

“I’m Ichaival Darryl. Sorry for coming in so suddenly. Hope we aren’t bothering you,” Ichaival said, demonstrating the most courtesy.

“No, not at all. I’ve been just sitting around all day. It was a great shock to hear Jin returned, as we thought the entire incident had already been resolved,” the man laughed.

“Dad, Dad! You haven’t told them your name yet. How can you be so forgetful?” the child scolded him.

“How forgetful of me. I’m Ishi and this is my kid, Grant,” the man said in a booming voice.

“Jeez, you can’t really do anything without Mom around,” Grant scolded, shaking his head.

“Hey, don’t sell your old man short. Anyways, Jin’s talking to those five fools, right?” Ishi asked, his face now serious.

“Fools?” I questioned his choice of words.

“Our little five member council. At least that’s what they claim to be,” Ishi revealed.

“Can you tell us more?” Kuan requested.

“They’re extremely secretive. I wouldn’t trust any of them,” Ishi responded.

“And Jin’s relationship with them?” Kuan asked.

“Jin can alienate people, without him really noticing. Not that I’ve ever thought about him that way. He’s a damn good kid,” Ishi replied, pouring us tea.

“Of course,” Kuan said.

“How’s the seal related to all of this?” I asked.

“The location of it is here. Well, more like the portal leading to it,” Ishi revealed.

“Are you serious?” Ichaival exclaimed.

“Wasn’t there one more of you?” Ishi counted on his fingers.

“She’s with Jin right now. Do you know her?” I replied.

“I’ve seen her a few times before with Jin, but never asked her name. I’m impressed, but scared by her at the same time. Her magic reservoir is ridiculous,” Ishi answered.

“Do they suspect she knows something about the seal?” I followed up.

“They want to see how she reacts. Probably won’t get anything out of her,” Ishi answered.

Ishi excused himself, asking us to make ourselves comfortable, while he and his son departed the room.

“What do you think, Tomo?” Kuan asked.

“Kuan, you seem like a totally different person,” I observed.

“No idea what you mean,” Kuan denied.

“Where’s your usual, well, quirkiness?” I tried pinpointing what felt wrong.

“Kuan’s always weird, still is,” Ichaival commented.

“Damn, Ichaival, you figured me out,” Kuan smiled, sitting closer to Ichaival.

“Really?” Ichaival protested.

“Anyways, let’s be serious. Tomo, any opinions?” Kuan reverted back to his serious face.

“Either Kisai’s not telling us the truth about the seal, or Tess is lying,” I replied.

“True and the old man doesn’t know anything either. Ichaival, any thoughts?” Kuan looked over at his friend.

“Same as you guys. We can’t do s**t without Jin,” Ichaival replied.

“Hey, Kuan, how did you meet the others?” I asked about their origins.

“I met Long in freshman year. Jin too. I really started to get to know Darryl, probably around sophomore year, right?” Kuan answered, glancing at the false archer.

“That sounds right,” the Filipino man answered.

“What about all this hero stuff?” I elaborated on my previous question.

“Oh, you mean that. Probably middle of junior year, I honestly don’t remember,” Kuan ventured a guess.

“Definitely junior year. I got dragged into it with Shigetzu,” Ichaival added on.

“Interesting. You know….,” I started, but then felt drowsy.

I dropped the tea cup and my vision blurred. Kuan noticed my condition immediately, tapping his glass frames, but slumped downward. Really, this s**t was drugged? Of all the things, I swear….

I woke up, bound to a chair. A circle, drawn around me, was beneath my feet. Kuan, handcuffed to a chair, was tied to a chair too. Ichaival hung from the ceiling, metal cuffs around his wrists. A faint light surrounded him, pulsating every few seconds. The hell was this bulls**t?

“Man, where are we?” Ichaival grumbled, finally awake.

“Damn, we’re dumb,” Kuan remarked, rattling around in his chair.

“Indeed, we anticipated more resistance, but alas you are all quite disappointing. Ishi, as always, is too accommodating. He and his son are enjoying a pleasant nap at this moment. You, girl, over there. Something is off about you. I can’t quite analyze it, so I restrained you in the highest possible magic constraint. Just in case you try anything,” a man said, appearing out of nowhere.

So he didn’t know my powers, but that hardly mattered. I glanced over at Kuan, who offered me a thin smile. What exactly you want me to do?

“And this man hanging from the ceiling, he can teleport. An easy fix to prevent him from doing anything,” he explained.

“Please, do you ever shut up? No one cares. Just go away already! There’s no need for such long exposition,” I retorted.

“Silly girl, of course there is. How else do I get you to see my power and intellect?” the man chuckled at my response.

Kuan broke free of his handcuffs, pulling out a knife from his belt, and sliced off the rope bounding his feet. Our abductor shot a magic projectile in response. It veered off course, striking the magical barrier around Ichaival.

“What is this madness? You possess black magic!” the man continued shooting projectiles.

All the projectiles missed, striking his barrier instead, and eventually the faint light vanished. A portal appeared behind Ichaival and the false archer appeared behind our enemy, clubbing him in the head. Kuan fired two shots from his handgun, both bullets striking the man’s chest. Ichaival, with Kuan’s assistance, hung him from the same restraints he was just in.

“You guys going to fill me in?” I asked, still stuck in the magic circle.

“Ichaival, I got this. Guard me if anyone comes in!” Kuan directed.

“Got it,” Ichaival responded.

“Anytime now!” I said.

“S**t, I don’t know enough to crack this,” Kuan said, staring at the circle.

“Let’s just ask this guy,” Ichaival suggested.

“He won’t be waking up for awhile. Thanks to your girlfriend’s abilities,” Kuan revealed.

“I thought Jen’s powers only worked with her arrows,” Ichaival countered, staring at his friend in disbelief.

“I copied it, duh. Not as good as Tomo, but it works,” Kuan replied.

“You can do that?” I asked, taken aback.

Ichaival searched the room for an exit while Kuan continued inspecting the circle with a thoughtful expression on his face. Why wasn’t he a main tier hero? His versatility and skills were superior to everyone else in the lower tier.

“Let’s try this,” Kuan said, tapping the rim of his glasses.

The magic circle lit up, pulsating every few seconds, and then nothing. That was a start, but not good enough.

“Jin’s the only who can break this. I don’t know enough,” Kuan remarked, sitting down.

“What, do we wait until Kisai gets here?” I questioned, feeling let down.

“Of course! I’m the f**king greatest, right?” Kisai appeared with Tess behind him.

Great timing. I had suspicions Kisai already knew of our predicament, but chose not to intervene. Seemed like something the heroes would do, especially Shan.

“You’re free now, Tomo,” Kisai announced, snapping his fingers, making the magic circle disappear.

I stood up from my chair and Kuan sliced off my restraints. Tess called Kisai over, pointing at our captor.

“I should have known. Tess, what do you want to do?” Kisai inquired.

“Leave him,” Tess replied, opening up a portal.

It was tinted gold, in the shape of a keyhole. We all entered, returning back to the village again. Pretty anti-climatic, I expected more resistance from whoever captured us.

“What the hell is going on?” I grabbed Kisai by the shoulder.

“The council tried to convince us not to break the seal. I said… no. Just no. We won after they fought us. Anyways, I noticed one of them was missing, and then we found you,” Kisai explained.

“Why are they after you? I thought you were suppose to the good guy!” I exclaimed.

“Did I ever say that? I’m not that good,” Kisai denied, shaking his head.

“Tomo, please refrain from any further questions,” Tess ordered.

I sighed, but obeyed her. We returned to Ishi’s house and Kisai headed downstairs. Tess inspected our tea cups, sniffing it.

“Tess, that’s what knocked us out!” I pointed out.

“Hmm,” Tess muttered.

Kisai returned with Ishi and Grant following behind him. I tightened my fists, giving them a glare. Kisai shook his head, noticing my look, and sat down on the couch.

“Oh, I still have a headache. What a nasty surprise attack. I really have lost it,” Ishi muttered.

“Grant, you good” Kisai asked the child.

“No, I’m fine. I woke up from a really long nap,” Grant shook his head, stifling a yawn.

“Ishi, you have anything to tell us?” I asked.

“I understand your suspicions, but trust me, I didn’t know about the tea. I received it as a gift from the council. Never expected it to be spiked. I apologize, you got captured because of me,” Ishi answered.

“It wasn’t the tea. One of the council members cast a delayed sleeping spell. I didn’t realize until we were confronted by them,” Tess revealed.

“Figures that they pull a dirty trick like that. Damn, I’m really getting old, if I can’t even recognize something like that,” Ishi lamented.

“How did they slip it past you, Tess?” I inquired.

“Ah, I may have an answer. Six months ago, a particular woman visited the council. They seemed quite pleased by the information she provided,” Ishi revealed.

“Ace. She knows our tendencies,” Tess guessed, her eyes turning cold.

“So, now what? We just go break the seal?” I asked, glancing at Kisai.

“Ishi, we’re heading out. I’ll make it up to you later,” Kisai decided, smiling.

“Indeed, we must make progress,” Tess agreed.

“Jin, I must warn you. There are mages, who are more than willing to destroy you. But, knowing you, you don’t see them as threats at all,” Ishi advised.

“I wouldn’t say that. Thanks for telling me though,” Kisai said.

We headed outside, holding a quick meeting on the situation. It was about time I started getting answers.

“Tess, it’s about time you tell me what’s going on,” I demanded.

“Yes, it’s time,” Tess agreed.

“I’m confused too. It’d be nice to actually know how much you f**ked up, Jin,” Ichaival said.

“Kisai, what’s up with the council?” I asked first.

“The council was formed after the seal was created. Their job is to make sure no one learns about its whereabouts. They’re part of a larger organization that monitors magic use. Pretty easy job. The reason they hate me so much, well, I’m just better. That’s about it,” he explained.

“Seriously? What kind of bulls**t is that?” I shouted.

“Tomo, pettiness causes many wars. Jin poses a threat at full power, despite the fact he’s not a permanent resident here,” Tess reminded me.

“He’s pretty much a target then?” I commented, glancing at Kisai.

“People will do whatever it takes to stop me. There’s factions forming now, debating the use of magic,” Kisai replied.

“There must be something special about this location, right?” Kuan questioned.

“The village rests on an intersection of magical ley lines. Makes it a big ass magical reservoir. Even a mage with no aptitude can cast impressive spells. Only one of the few places capable of a link to the seal,” Kisai revealed.

“Explains the freaking traps,” Ichaival said.

“What about the seal itself?” I recalled.

“The seal actually isn’t located in one specific location. It shifts around multiple places. However, I know a portal link which can take us there,” Kisai revealed.

“You should have said that in the first place! I swear, you’re all so bad at saying the simplest things!” I exclaimed.

The mage didn’t respond, leading us to a bridge. We crossed over a stream, arriving back in a forest with massive trees. We walked for five minutes before stopping. Kisai placed his right hand on a tree and bright, yellow light particles floated upward. They all clumped together, forming the shape of a door.

“Lame, yeah, I know,” Kisai admitted.

A looming fortress in the distance came into our sights, cannons mounted on it. Kisai stared at the fortress, calling over Tess with a concerned look.

“The magic levels are too high. Something’s wrong,” Kisai informed Tess.

“I agree. How do you wish to proceed?” Tess asked.

“We’ll scout, can’t just stand around,” Kisai responded.

“As you wish,” Tess said.

I didn’t know what these high magic levels meant in terms of enemies. Most likely getting our asses kicked.

“How should I say this?” Kisai said, staring at a cannon.

“We’re out of its range, right?” I questioned.

“It’s more like a missile launcher,” Kisai replied.

“Do we need to be worried or not?” I asked once more.

“There should definitely be…,” Kisai ended his sentence abruptly.

I heard footsteps approaching. Kisai glanced at Kuan, who readied his gun.

“Darryl, get ready to teleport us when I give the signal!” Kisai ordered.

“Got it,” Ichaival nodded.

A large, muscular cat rushed at us. Ichaival appeared behind him, striking him with multiple knives. The cat swung his large arm backward, smacking Ichaival straight in the face, sending him flying into a nearby tree. He tore out all the blades, showing no signs of pain.

“F**king Darryl,” Kuan chastised, dodging as the cat hurled Ichaival’s knives towards us.

Kisai fired a small bolt of lightning at the enemy, striking his chest armor. The cat collapsed onto one knee as it spread throughout his entire body. I smelled something burning, realizing it was the fur catching on fire.

“What was that attack?” I asked, staring at the enemy.

“Just electrical conduction,” Kisai replied.

“Are you kidding me? No way, that’s such a small amount of magic!” I shook my head in disbelief.

“Not unless you compress it. Once it hits, the full force is unleashed. Especially if it hits something like his armor,” Kisai explained.

“You’re teaching me that next time!” I shouted.

“Sure!” Kisai agreed.

Despite flames engulfing his body, the cat appeared fine. He purged all the flames, brushing it off with ease. What the f**k was he made of?

“Well played,” the cat spoke for the first time, his mouth curling up.

His sharp line of fangs reminded me of Lionel. There was no relation, right? Impossible, considering Lionel was on the side of justice. Associating with creatures like this guy was unlikely.

“If that doesn’t work…,” Kisai said, firing more tiny sparks of electricity.

The beast deflected it with his paw, raising it in front of his face. Kuan provided support, shooting him. Didn’t seem to cause any major damage. Was it to set up a more devastating attack?

“Kuan, provide a visual,” Kisai requested.

“The same as always, right?” Kuan asked.

“Yeah,” Kisai said.

Pulsing lines going in all directions, similar to veins depicted in a doctor’s chart, became overlaid on his entire figure. Our enemy didn’t notice them, smirking at the mage. Kisai placed his finger in the air, drawing along the lines and the cat collapsed to the ground. He glared at us, stuck on the floor.

“My win,” Kisai boasted, staring down at the cat.

“What…. my legs and arms?” the cat stuttered.

Even with Shan’s gravitational power, the target could move. Here, the cat’s legs and arms were motionless.

“Tess, what should we do?” Kisai stood over the cat, staring over at the Gatekeeper with a grin.

“Let’s see what he knows. Tomo, your turn,” Tess directed.

“What do you mean?” I stared at the Gatekeeper in confusion.

“Perform a mind dive. I’ll weaken him with my chains,” Tess elaborated.

“Wait, wait, is it even safe? He might have backup, or there could be other enemies,” I protested.

“Rest assured we will protect you. Trust in Darryl and Kuan,” Tess assured me.

“I better not return and find myself surrounded by enemies!” I relented, staring at the beast, grimoire in hand.

“I’ll guide you. Jin, assist me,” Tess commanded.

“Tomo, relax, I’ll make sure you’re safe,” Kisai said, smiling as usual.

Time to find out what this cat knew.

***

Mind Dive: What The Cat Knows

“Well, well, if it isn’t Ms. Tomo. No doubt Tess sent you,” Ace greeted.

This felt more like the research lab experience, instead of viewing a memory. I was in a small room with a large clock in the back. Both hands rested on the number 12.

“Tomo, I’m real. Well, more like something installed in this idiot’s head, in case he ever fell into enemy hands,” Ace continued.

“What the hell is this? One of your powers?” I asked, glancing around the room in confusion.

“Yes, isn’t it lovely? Don’t be shy, Tomo. I won’t hurt you, not yet,” Ace offered.

“Everyone knows you will eventually. What are you planning?” I questioned.

“I can’t exactly go around telling you everything, right? Tomo, I won’t stop them from retrieving their ultimate weapons. I look forward to it actually. It’s no fun without everyone at their full powers. You won’t find anything inside this cat’s head, even if you search. Don’t, because it’ll hurt you,” Ace advised.

“Is that all?” I glanced at the woman.

Ace smiled, not saying anything. The clock hands remained stationary. I never actually ended a mind dive on my own since it usually finished by itself. I glanced down at my right hand, grimoire appearing and it flipped open to a page in the middle.

“One more thing, Tomo. Pass a message onto my friends, will you? Tell them to stop worrying about me. There are more important things. In fact, not even the Traveler is of concern. Pretty cryptic, huh? It’ll give them something to think about,” Ace spoke once more.

“Ace, why Ichizen?” I inquired.

“You’ll have to figure that out on your own. Maybe when we fight, I’ll tell you. Only if you win though!” Ace laughed.

The clock hands finally moved, spinning in a rapid motion. I closed my grimoire and the scenery faded.

Mind Dive END

***

Kisai lay on the ground, his breathing heavy. Kuan and Ichaival checked on his condition. Tess released her chains on the cat, whose eyes were now closed. What the hell happened while I was gone?

“It was Ace. She blocked off access,” I answered, passing on her message as well.

“What are you plotting, Ace?” Tess whispered.

“What’s wrong with Kisai?” I asked, pointing at the mage.

“She short-circuited the connection and knocked him out,” Tess replied.

“Should we head back?” I asked, feeling fatigue set in.

“We’ll try again next time,” Tess decided.

“What about him?” I pointed at the disabled cat.

“We’ll leave him. Ace will come back for him,” Tess replied.

“Foolish…,” the cat’s eyes flew open.

Tess punted the cat in its head, knocking him out cold. The Gatekeeper dragged him across the ground over to a tree. She tossed a chain over the tree branches, dangling Ace’s minion from the tree.

“Let us leave now,” Tess commanded.

Kuan and Ichaival lifted Kisai up, hauling him to Tess’ portal. Once back in the training facility, Tess headed toward the locker room.

“Ichaival, you okay? He hit you pretty hard,” I questioned.

“I’m fine. Thanks for the concern,” Ichaival replied.

“I’m surprised Jin was taken out so fast, but it is Ace,” Kuan remarked, staring at the mage.

Ichaival and Kuan placed Kisai down on a bench. Tess returned, carrying a medical case.

“Tomo, any injuries?” she asked, opening up the case.

“Not really, I didn’t do much,” I shook my head.

“Darryl, here’s an ice patch,” Tess offered, tossing him an ice compress.

“Thanks. Ugh, that cat’s power is ridiculous,” Ichaival remarked.

“I thought you said it wasn’t bad,” I commented, staring at Ichaival.

“Yeah, but now it’s starting to hurt. S**t, I need to start working on something else when I go to the gym,” Ichaival said.

Tess inspected Kisai, checking his pulse and administering other tests. She packed up her medical case after confirming he was in no danger. Kisai muttered something and his eyes flew open.

“The f**k?” the man said, looking around at us.

“Damn, you’re weak,” Kuan said, walking over to him.

“My head hurts a lot. Like something pressing against it,” Kisai said.

“Jin, please refrain from any strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. This includes, of course, homework,” Tess advised.

“Not like he would have done it anyways,” Ichaival remarked.

“Hey, that’s not true. I would have done at least half,” Kisai countered.

“Regardless, you should not. Go home and sleep,” Tess said.

“Fine. Kuan, want to drive me home?” Kisai asked, looking over at his friend.

“No,” Kuan refused.

“Aight, it’s up to you, Darryl. Drive me and then walk home from my house,” Kisai suggested.

“Hell no, that’s dumb. Plus, I don’t want to ruin your nice car,” Ichaival shook his head.

“I was just kidding. I’ll see you guys later,” Kisai said, smiling as he exited.

“You ready to go too, Darryl?” Kuan asked.

“Yeah, I want to go home and change. Hit the gym later too,” Ichaival replied, pressing the compress against his nose.

They left, leaving me alone with Tess. Just like always, huh? I couldn’t recall a time after a venture into another dimension that it wasn’t just me and the Gatekeeper. I pulled out my phone, glancing at the display. It was around two, not too bad.

“Tomo, be ready. Ace has declared her intentions. What she hopes to accomplish is still a mystery. I’ll see you next time,” Tess said, departing.

Time to go home. Not much else to accomplish around here.