I don't think I'm in Japan anymore.
But how did it happen, when did it change? The forests and animals all seem the same to me. But this town isn't a town—it's some kind of village out of a kid's fantasy manga. All the buildings look like Lirien's house, and there're no Japanese people. Hell, there's no Asians at all. It's all foreigners. Am I in Europe?
"Lirien! Where the hell did you take me while I was sleeping!? Where are we?!"
I grab his collar with my right hand, but I don't try to hit him. He might have another one of those bubbles.
"W-w-what do you mean?" Lirien barely spits it out. His face turns red and his confidence melts away. "I-it's just Pines Breath, you know, where did you think you were?"
He's out of breath and starting to panic. His hands are shaking but he doesn't even try to grasp his little tokens like last time. He looks like he's going to cry, so I set him down. He steps away from me and crumbles to his knees.
Why did he fall over like that? It's not like I hit him– Is he that scared?
"Relax, it's not like I'm gonna kill you, but I want answers."
I squat down next to him and try to look him in the eyes.
"Where did you take me? This doesn't look like Japan. Did you fly me out of the country?"
Lirien takes a deep breath, staring at me like I'm an alien.
"What's… Jaa-pan? You broke into our kitchen, remember?"
He stands up slowly. I offer him a hand and he flinches, but accepts it after a moment. I help him up. He takes a few more deep breaths and looks up at me.
"We're in Pines Breath, a village under the protection of the Ironcrown Compact."
He just watches me like a beaten dog, waiting for me to remember.
"Ahhh, I slept through classes, but even I know Japan is an island."
I smirk at him, waiting for his punchline. Waiting…and waiting. The wind rustles the leaves, but Lirien doesn't say a word.
Maybe I'm having some kinda weird dream.
"You must be screwing with me. We both speak Japanese, so you must know about Japan."
Lirien tilts his head a little.
"The Archmagus Graslan rid the world of language over a thousand years ago. Of course we talk the same—everyone does…"
He looks confused. He breaks eye contact and looks away.
"I told you…I can't fix whatever happened to your head. I'm sorry. Rich people in the capital can afford to push that onto someone, but…I…" He gives me a weak smile but doesn't meet my eyes.
Huh? That's not right. I came from Japan, didn't I? No! I'm sure I did! I've got Dad's belt, and my school clothes…that means it was real…right?
"Lirien…I…guess I'll just have to trust you with things for now. At least until I figure out—at least until I pay you back, I mean."
He might be a wimp, but at least I don't need to worry about someone mushy like him stabbing me in the back. I can't worry about where I am until I'm paid up—no use crying about it until I'm free again.
"So…boss, show me around town!"
I slap him on the back and he yelps, but still throws on a smile.
"O-oh ok! Yea! Let's go!" Lirien looks fired up now that he's leading. "I'll show you all over—just follow me!"
Walking into the place, it really is a village. It's not dense like Tokyo. A bunch of houses scattered all over—they look kinda like Lirien's place. Little gardens and fences. A couple even have…goats, I think?
There's smoke in the distance and a tall chimney. Lirien says it's the blacksmith. Almost like I'm in some samurai movie.
We go a little ways. It's quiet, and a lot of folks here are staring. Maybe they've never seen a real man.
The whole place smells nice—like firewood and home cooking.
We stop in the middle of a dirt lot with some benches around it. There's a pretty big building on the far end.
"This is where we'll find you some work. The Twisted Branch. Just try to act friendly, please. My sister loves her job here."
Lirien pushes open the door and I step inside. He waves me on and starts toward a door in the back.
It's some kind of bar—or club, at least. It reminds me of how my dad would describe them. Big wooden tables and chairs. Nothing fancy, but not cheap either.
Rough folks in leather gear. A few even have swords or spears leaning next to them. A few guys eyeball me, but look away quickly.
The food smells great—good-looking meat, soups, and what I think is beer in big mugs. No dancing girls, but maybe that's only at night.
There is one girl that's pretty cute, chatting up some customers.
A fat man is cleaning a cup behind the counter. He has a big mustache and an apron with blood stains on it. He gives me a mean look while we're walking to the back.
The girl looks at Lirien but he waves her off with a smile. I give her a wink and she turns beet red.
Lirien shoots me a dirty look and whispers, "Don't get any funny ideas with my sister, remember that she likes this job, and you're here to work."
Ahh, he's no fun. Oh well, I'll get my chance when he's gone.
Lirien knocks on the door in the back of the room. The bartender huffs something and stops watching me.
"Go on! It ain' lock'd!"
This guy sounds like he's been smoking rocks.
We push inside and there's a little desk with some short stools. A pissed-looking midget sits behind the desk. He only comes up to my waist, but he's got an old man's beard and a weightlifter's arms. Leaning against the wall behind him is a big, cut-up square shield with a crown on it.
He looks at me and sighs, picking up his big mug and downing half of it.
"So… THIS is the one who broke inta' yer' kitchen. Look at 'em! No weapons, no equipment—don' look like his head could hold mor'n half a brain! What do you expect me to do with 'em, Lirien?"
I grit my teeth and nearly knock Lirien over gripping the desk.
"You got a problem, short stack!? Little old assholes should stick to gardening."
When I'm leaning towards him, the little man is barely bigger than my shadow.
He just sits back in his chair and looks at me the same way the guidance counselor used to—like he thinks I'm worthless.
I HATE that smug look, like they think they know everything about me.
My hands move on their own. I'll see how he looks at me through a black eye.
Just as my fingers scrape the collar of his shirt he says, "So, how much DO ya' owe Lirien? Gonna pay it back on yer own, huh?"
Slamming my hands down and grinding my teeth knowing he's right. SHIT, I hate that he's right. I can't make trouble—not yet.
The dwarf smiles just a little. "So ya' know when yer' beat? Good! That much common sense I can work with, at least."
He reaches out his gnarled hand. It's missing a pinky just like Dad's was, but not as cleanly.
"I'm Gralkus. The current Crownwatch here, an' yer' new boss. Ya' got the Compact spirit—let's see if we can turn ya' inta somethin'!"
Swallowing my anger, I shake his hand while trying to stare a hole in him. His palms are rough like sandpaper and his stubby pinky rubs on the side of my hand.
"What do you need me to do? I want to get home, so let's get started."
It's hard to force a smile when the dwarf's shit-eating grin is pissing me off.
He lets go and waves toward the chair. We sit down and Lirien sighs, his hand on his chest.
He clears his throat and pokes me with his elbow. Now he looks all serious. Shit–I guess I'll do it right.
I stand and bow quickly, giving my best impression of my dad. I yell, "Gōki Takanouchi here to pay my debt, please take care of me!"
I smirk at Lirien and he relaxes.
Gralkus leans back in his chair.
"Someone's been recruitin' lately, tryin' to get enough boys together ta' form a band an' start doin' real Compact work. Problem is they're askin' around here, an' the king don' like folks pokin' at the villages."
He leans over and gets a little leather bag out of his desk, setting it on the table in front of Lirien.
"Lirien, ya' know how we handle this sort a' stuff. Go find Merrik, Ferra an' Kaellen. Tell 'em what's happenin' an' I'm gonna trust ya' ta handle it. Rough up the recruiters a bit—probably find 'em in the woods past the mill. Yer' pay's up front."
He turns toward me. His face darkens a little.
"YOU… Gōki, all you'll be doin' is carryin' their supplies. Can't spare animals fer it, an' ya' ain't got the gear fer proper fightin'."
He must be doing this on purpose, just to piss me off and make a fool outta me.
Lirien nods and takes the bag.
I squeeze the arms of the chair.
"So… what? You don't think I can fight? I've been roughing up street punks for years."
I jump up, look down at Gralkus and throw a few quick punches into the air.
"I bet I could beat down some losers without—"
Gralkus slaps the table. His eyes are cold, like they're looking straight through me, and his voice is firm.
"Do yer punks have swords!? HUH!? Tough guy!?"
He stands up and rushes over at me. I try to step back but he grabs my wrists.
"Do they have bows? Are ya' ready ta' die for this on yer first day ya stupid shit!?"
I try to pull away but he just holds me there by my arms. How's he this strong?
"Ya wanna go out there in rags an' try ta fight like we do? We take towns an' caravans in this country, not lunch money!"
His grip tightens as he yells.
"Take this seriously, keep yer head down and—"
Leaning back as best as I can, I headbutt him to get free. My vision goes a little blurry. His head feels like bricks.
"—Earn yer pay. Because if that's the best ya' got, then ya' ain't got much, kid."
He throws my arms back and I fall to the floor.
"Go! Ya got work to do…"
Gralkus rubs the top of his head and Lirien helps me stumble out the door.
He walks me to a table outside the office.
"You just had to get in his face, huh?"
It's not like I'm some old salaryman, I don't gotta listen to that kind of shit.
He looks around toward that cutie from earlier.
"Lyria! Can he get some water?"
She gives him a nod and makes her way to the bar.
"Gōki, just stay here and don't make trouble. I'll find the others."
What does he think I am, some kind of crazy monster?
Besides, my head's killing me and there're better things to do—like keeping track of this little barmaid.
She's like a curvy beautiful angel the way she bounces toward the bar. Short, cute, long blonde hair… wait… short…with blonde… hair… L-Lyra? L-Lirien? Wait—!
That's the sister? This little bombshell?
Ugh, well there goes the fun. All the curves in the world aren't worth listening to Lirien bitch about it afterward.
I can't help but stare either way as she walks toward me with a smile I'll regret seeing forever.
She sits in the stool across from me and waves at her boss.
"Five minutes, Trav!"
He just grunts, but I see him watching me.
She slides me some water.
"So you're Gōki, the one from our kitchen, right? I'm Lyria. Mom and Lirien say you were crazy. Was it drugs? Or magic? Or some kind of curse?"
I'm getting dizzy. She doesn't shut up long enough for me to say anything. I can barely keep up.
She leans over the table and I can't help but stare.
"Your clothes are weird… and what about your hair… and I love your belt… and—are you okay?"
Shit—she saw me staring down her shirt, didn't she?
I slide a hand through my hair and lean back.
"Oh I'm fine. And the kitchen? Sorry about that. I was lost—surviving in the woods for days. It takes a toll on a man. Releases our inner beast."
I take a swig from the mug and slam it down.
"But don't you worry. I'll get this work done in no time and have it all taken care of. No sweat."
She's looking at me like I'm some action star. Heh, not surprising.
"I've got a pretty important job with Lirien today. Taking care of some punks in the woods."
Wait—why does she suddenly look sad? She must know I'm just the bag boy.
She leans in closer. Now she looks serious.
"Please… make sure Lirien is safe. He isn't tough like you. I know he's the only mage in the village, so you need him, but…"
Oh. She's just worried. That's all.
I put on a smile, but just as I open my mouth she grabs my shoulders.
"Promise me! I heard how strong you are—you broke our door with your bare hands. I know there's a new gang starting. They might try to recruit him by force!"
She's getting all teary-eyed and everyone is starting to look.
"H-heh…-Ehem-, don't worry! Hahaha, no one will even touch him with me around."
She smiles with a big snort and holds out her pinky.
I link my pinky with hers. It's embarrassing. I wanted to get to know her, not pinky-swear in front of the whole damn bar.
I can hear people laughing. This sucks.
Lyria smiles and the barman Trav clears his throat loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Sorry Gōki, we can talk more later."
She winks, holding up her pinky finger.
"Yooou promised."
Winking while the drunks giggle at me.
Well, a bodyguard is cooler than a bag boy. This is a promotion.
Nothing else to do but watch Lirien and the others wander around the bar.
There's no rowdy singing or guys in big heavy armor. Nothing like a movie. It's… kind of boring.
I watch Lyria make her rounds. Bringing out beer, some kind of fried snack. Everyone seems nice with her—or at least nice enough not to tell her to shut up.
Trav seems more like a bouncer than a boss. I haven't seen him move even once other than cleaning his glass and staring people down.
I guess he's tired of watching me nurse a mug of water.
Just when I'm ready to catch up on sleep, Lirien is back with my coworkers.
He moves behind me and slaps me on the shoulder.
"Gōki will handle carrying our supplies while we're out. Hopefully it won't take long, but we'll bring a few days' worth in case we need to camp."
I'm doing my best not to look miserable about it.
"I look forward to working with you all. Please look after me."
How many times will I be saying this before I'm done? Ugh, I sound like those chumps who used to suck up to Dad.
It's not like these three are anything special. A big guy, a creep, and a tomboy… well, she's okay.
The biggest one steps over to me. He's the only one that looks like he can fight. Big hefty axe, a shield that looks like a small tabletop, and a belt full of hatchets.
"Great to meet you, Gōki! I'll be leading us. Name's Merrik. You don't need to worry—leave the fighting to us and I'll make sure you're home safe!"
Reminds me of our class president. Always "ready to go!" Oh well, at least I know he'll do his job.
Merrik steps aside and motions for the others.
The tomboy waves and smiles from behind him. She's certainly no Lyria, but she isn't ugly.
Short brown hair, some kind of big dinner fork on a pole and a bunch of knives on her belt.
"My name's Ferra. Hope you're ready for a show, bag boy."
She giggles—it's pretty cute.
Lirien tries not to laugh and I elbow him as the creepy guy clears his throat.
This guy is like a low-budget ninja. Covered face, spooky cloak. He's got a bow, but it looks nothing like the ones in movies, and he has a huge knife on his belt.
"I'm Kaellen. Pleased to meet you."
He holds out his hand. I give him a fist bump instead. I don't know what he touches with those hands, but if he IS a ninja, it might be something nasty.
Lirien steps behind me, patting me on the back.
"Gōki and I will put together the supplies. Meet us back here in an hour."
He tugs my arm and I follow him out the door of the bar. He must be excited to start too.
"We don't need a lot, but it's a good chance to show you where to find it all."
It's like shopping with my mom as a kid all over again. Next thing he'll be yelling about coupons and raffles.
We walk from home to home, each one set up like a little store. Lirien introduces me to everyone, but it's hard to keep track of all their funny names.
Dry rations, leather bags, water skins, tools, ropes, bandages, and most importantly straps—all strapped to the great pack mule. Me.
It's basically all the same crap I carried before coming here. Maybe I'll get lucky and fall back into Japan again.
Getting back to the bar, Lirien yells for the others to come out.
Ferra and Kaellen are wearing more leather than before. Merrik's got metal scraps hanging off him and an old cookpot strapped to his head.
Lyria throws open the door when we turn to leave.
"Gooooooki! Don't forget your promise!"
Wiggling her pinky at me with a smile.
It's hard to be upset when she's that cute. Lirien shoots me a glare, but I ignore it.
Along with some laughing and teasing we head down a long dirt path behind the building.
The road goes a long way from the village. Lirien talks about the lumber, carts, history… Lirien talks a lot.
Ferra clicks her tongue to get my attention. She makes a face and quietly lectures about the world. I do the same and we start laughing.
It's a quiet walk. The air is clean and I can feel the sun high in the sky.
If I ditched the backpacks it would be a great day to relax.
I can hear some kind of grinding ahead of us. I keep quiet in case Lirien already told me what it was.
The "mill" wasn't a treadmill or a rice mill, but a huge woodcutting machine.
I wonder if this is how it's done everywhere. Big saw blades moving with some kind of water wheel. A whole tree gets split in half like it's not even there—crunching, cracking and falling apart.
Someone whistles and I have to run to catch up with the group after staring like an idiot.
Shit, now I look like some tourist kid.
A big dirt lot surrounds the mill. There are huge stacks of logs everywhere.
Old farming carts packed with wood are all over the place.
Almost no one seems to care that we're here. Just a few nods and stares.
Merrik talks to some old guy who points off past the big saw building.
Ferra hops from stump to stump as we wander toward the back of the lot.
Kaellen watches her the whole time. I can't judge—I'm staring too.
We reach the edge of the woods. Everyone keeps a hand on their weapon.
Merrik looks back at me, puffing out his chest.
"Don't worry, Gōki. Stay behind us and everything will be fine."
We all laugh, but I hope he's right.
One bad camping trip was enough.
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