Metsuhai breathed in the night fresh air with indescribable joy, yet it was somehow not complete. Something was in the way, though he couldn't quite pinpoint what. Still he thought- I am back. I am really back. I actually did it.
Capablan seemed to be shocked as well. This was so different from what he was used to see. The rift was long gone, but it will take Capablan some time getting used to his new home. Metsuhai examined his left hand. It was broken. This didn't surprise him, he could tell by the pain. Metsuhai lifted Chizue up with his one functional hand, putting her across his shoulder like before.
"I didn't expect your world to be so dark. Is there no sun here, like in the Necropolice realm?"
Right, he crossed too. That's a miracle really… He deserves it.
"The sun will come up in a few hours. Well it's actually we who are moving but no matter…"
Before Metsuhai could explain further he felt many approaching presences. This was good, but…
"Capablan, you have to go. Run from here, make some distance. Then keep your profile low and don't kill anyone unless you have no choice. My people, the order- will not understand."
Metsuhai created a map in his right hand. It wasn't very accurate. Metsuhai marked a big 'X' on it. "Go to the place I marked. Find a man named Tsukiyama and tell him you wish to join the dark- grey club. Tell him I sent you. Go now!"
Capablan who was badly injured simply nodded, taking the map. He said "I hope we meet again, as friends," and disappeared into the night.
The large order squad was on top of Metsuhai in no time. They surrounded him, stopping in place, shocked.
"It's the Mordon Destroyer!" Called out the youngest of the bunch. "I always wanted to meet you!"
Metsuhai was almost surprised they recognized him. He could imagine how he looked like: thin, exhausted, covered with wounds, bruises, cuts and burns. Both bandages on his arms were in bad shape, the less important one, with the spider mark, so damaged it practically failed to conceal the tattoo- like symbol beneath. Not to mention the demon blood fading from his body. The war made him from a boy to a man.
Several of the warriors were focused on Chizue. "It can't be!" exclaimed a battle hardened veteran holding a war-axe. "Princess Arisu sama! Alive! I was told she was taken into Inferno."
"She was," stated Metsuhai. "I brought her back."
The ten man stared at Metsuhai in disbelief, but no one voiced a contradiction. Their commander only spoke quietly, "No one ever came back from Inferno before." I might be the first, though I hope I am the second man who made it back.
Metsuhai didn't answer, simply looking the commander, an old bearded trustworthy type, right in the eyes. The commander pulled himself together.
"Men, our first priority is bringing Miss Arisu sama to the palace safely. Whatever demon we were supposed to find is of no importance in comparison. I take full responsibility." The commander hesitated, then spoke to Metsuhai, "I would like you to leave the responsibility of carrying Arisu sama to me."
For a moment Metsuhai felt angry and distrustful for no reason. He even wanted to punch the unit commander. It's the damn demon magic, I'm still effected…
There was no reason to refuse. In fact, even with his broken arm, if they were going to be attacked on the way to the capital (not that it was likely), he would be the best fighter here by far. Not carrying Chizue would make her journey safer.
"I will go with you."
Soon enough the group marched towards the palace. The soldiers mostly kept quiet, though constantly taking peeks at Chizue and even more at Metsuhai. Metsuhai suspected it was because of his fame, and what he just achieved, and not that they could sense the demon magic aura still emanating from his body. With one exception. One of the warrior's gazes stopped a bit longer on Metsuhai's hands. He looked disapproving for a moment but didn't say a thing.
The youngest soldier here (a bit older than Metsuhai) eventually gathered his courage and asked "How was it in there?"
"I don't want to talk about it right now."
These were the last words spoken before they reached the palace.
The palace haven't changed since Metsuhai was there last, during Chizue's birthday party. Fancy, but even more so ancient and eternal marvel of stone. Chizue, Metsuhai and the escorting troops were led in by a high ranking officer. They walked for a while, then suddenly the officer stopped and saluted.
Yamato Arisu, Chizue's older brother who somewhat resembled Koi, welcomed them at the threshold of the throne room with a wide smile. "Mori- san, I would like to personally thank you and your men for escorting my sister back home."
"I am honored beyond words Mister Arisu sama," The unit commander rushed to bow,
"We do not deserve your gratitude."
Yamato gestured and Mori handed the still sleeping Chizue to him.
"You men can go now, I am sure you're tired from your night mission. Sleep well so you could continue working tomorrow. Fugughuu san, you'll have to stay here a bit longer."
"Yes sir!"
The unit respectfully made their way out. Metsuhai raised his gaze to meet Yamato's look, though without much interest. Metsuhai just felt drained.
Yamato either didn't notice the meaning behind Metsuhai's look, misinterpreted it or disregarded it. "I wish we could speak, Airborg Destroyer, but my father summons you to the throne room, where you'll have to explain what happened. Whatever my father decides happens next, I will be forever grateful for what you did."
Yamato left, going to some side passage, a shortcut to Chizue's room, where Doctor Kin waited to examine her.
Gou Arisu, Metsuhai thought with rage before entering the throne room, the bastard who wouldn't lift a finger to save his own daughter. The traitor who forfeited the entire war. The man who traumatized Chizue for politics. He should have been the one eating demon meet under the unforgiving infernal suns, breathing poisoned air, sinking in traitorous sand. He has no right to judge me.
Metsuhai opened the door a bit stronger than necessary. Gou Arisu was seated on his throne, expressionless. Aside from his ten bodyguards and a few scribes there was no one there.
Gou got up and all the guards sent stern looks at Metsuhai, expecting him to bow or at least salute. But he did no such thing. "This last month was a hard time for the order. A lot has happened, and there are some things we must discuss. Officially speaking, you have broken several cardinal rules…"
Metsuhai's rage over flooded him, he didn't even think straight.
"I had enough, I don't want to hear this! I refuse to work for you no more and I don't care what you'll do to me, I quit!"
Metsuhai tore the brown strap depicting his rank off his shoulder and placed it on the closest table. The scribes were writing and taping in a frenzy. The guards jumped up and drew their swords half way already. Gou signaled with his hand. The swords were sheaved back. Metsuhai stormed out of the throne- room.
End of part one.