Tamerion village
The group arrived in Tamerion, a quaint village that exuded a sense of peace, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of Kido or the bustling energy of Honsen.
"We're here," Yuzu announced, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
"Hopefully, the girls are here as well," Tomo added, his tone carrying a touch of worry.
"Yeah, let's not waste any time. We should start looking for them," Linn urged, eager to begin the search. Yuzu and Tomo exchanged nods of agreement, and the three began to move forward. However, Daisuke's voice boomed, halting their progress.
"Hold on there," Daisuke said, his large frame a noticeable presence. The three turned back, their expressions reflecting their confusion.
"What's wrong, Daisuke-san?" Yuzu inquired, tilting her head slightly.
"You guys still haven't told me who these mysterious people we're searching for are," Daisuke pointed out, his curiosity evident.
"Oh, right, sorry," Linn said, lightly touching the back of his neck. "We're looking for two girls about my age. One has black hair and purple eyes; the other has blond hair styled in pigtails and bright blue eyes. Oh, and they're both wearing what look like school uniforms."
Daisuke's eyes widened slightly, a hopeful tone entering his voice. "Are they cute?" he asked, perhaps a little too enthusiastically.
Tomo's expression was deadpan. "They're twelve."
Daisuke's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't ask how old they were; I asked if they were cute."
Linn paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He had never really considered his friends in that way before. "I mean, I guess they were kinda cute," Linn admitted, a faint blush rising as a wave of shyness washed over him.
"Great! In that case, I'll stop at nothing to find your friends!'' Daisuke exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"You'll really do that for me?" Linn asked, genuinely surprised by the giant's eagerness.
"Of course," Daisuke replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "For any pretty girl, I'll search to the very ends of Seren to find them!" Yuzu, Tomo, and Linn exchanged glances, a collective sweatdrop forming at Daisuke's unwavering enthusiasm.
"Let's just focus on searching for the girls," Linn sighed, trying to steer the conversation back on track. Yuzu and Tomo nodded in agreement. The three attempted to split up to cover more ground, but Daisuke's voice again stopped them.
"Hold on a second," Daisuke said, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Now what?!" Tomo exclaimed, his patience with the towering figure beginning to wear thin.
"Easy, boy," Linn said soothingly, while Yuzu gently patted Tomo's head to calm his rising frustration. "What is it, Daisuke?"
Daisuke reached into his pocket and produced a folded piece of paper. He brought it close to Linn's face. Linn squinted, trying to make out the details. Suddenly, his eyes widened in utter shock. The paper was a wanted poster… featuring Linn himself.
"Care to explain this?" Daisuke asked, his voice now carrying a hint of suspicion.
"Well, I…" Linn stammered, a nervous tremor in his voice.
"Wait, where did you even get that?" Tomo interjected, his curiosity piqued.
"I found it in Miss Cheerlie's dresser drawer," Daisuke replied matter-of-factly. Yuzu, Linn, and Tomo raised an eyebrow in unison, their gazes questioning.
"And what exactly were you doing in Cheerlie-san's drawers?" Yuzu asked, her voice taking on a low, dangerous growl. Linn and Tomo instinctively stepped back, noticing the sudden shift in her demeanor.
"I was looking for her panties," Daisuke said, his tone remarkably nonchalant as if stating the most obvious thing in the world.
"YOU WERE WHAT?!" Yuzu shrieked, her eyes seeming to lose all color as pure disbelief and anger washed over her. Seemingly oblivious to Yuzu's reaction, Daisuke turned his attention back to Linn.
"So, how about it?" Daisuke repeated, holding up the wanted poster.
Linn sighed, the weight of the situation settling upon him. He explained the events that had led to the wanted poster, detailing their run-in with the empire.
"I see," Daisuke said slowly, absorbing the information. "I didn't think there was anyone dumb enough to stand up to the empire, but you've certainly proved me wrong, kid."
"You know about the empire, Daisuke?" Linn asked, surprised by the giant's familiarity with the powerful entity.
"Of course, I do," Daisuke replied, as if it were common knowledge. "They are the biggest kingdom in the world. It's more surprising that you didn't know who they are."
"Well, that's another thing I have to tell you," Linn continued, taking a deep breath. "I'm from another world."
Daisuke raised his eyebrows skeptically. "'Pull the other one.'"
"It's true," Tomo chimed in, backing up his master's unbelievable claim. "Master and I, along with the two girls, were transported to this world, and now we are on a quest to find the girls and return home."
"I see," Daisuke said again, a thoughtful expression on his face as he processed this new information. "In that case, let's find these kids and get you guys home."
"Wait, you'll still help us?" Linn asked, a flicker of hope in his eyes.
"Aren't you concerned about the empire?" Tomo piped up, still slightly wary.
"Of course," Daisuke said, a genuine smile spreading across his features. "Like I said, I owe you guys a debt, plus it's about time someone stood up to these empire jerks."
"Thanks, Daisuke," Linn said, relief washing over him.
"You're welcome," Daisuke replied warmly. "'Shall we go?'"
Linn nodded, a renewed sense of purpose in his eyes, before his gaze drifted past Daisuke, and he suddenly broke out in a heavy sweat. Tomo, sensing his master's discomfort, merely chuckled softly. Daisuke cocked his head, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"What's wrong?" Daisuke asked, his large form casting a considerable shadow.
"N-nothing! I'll go on ahead!" Linn stammered, before turning and comically sprinting away, his legs a blur. Daisuke blinked, utterly bewildered by the sudden departure.
"'It was nice knowing you, giant,'" Tomo quipped, patting Daisuke's massive shoulder before quickly following his fleeing master. Daisuke watched them go, his confusion deepening. He shrugged, deciding to follow more leisurely, but as he took a step, a tug on his arm stopped him. Daisuke turned to find Yuzu standing there, her expression a picture of sweet innocence… while a palpable dark aura emanated from her, sending a shiver down Daisuke's spine.
"Daiisukee-sann," Yuzu said, her smile never wavering, yet somehow feeling incredibly menacing. "'Why don't you stay and have a chat with Mommy, hmm?'"
Daisuke recognized that tone instantly. It was the same tone his own mother used when he was in deep trouble. He wasn't entirely sure what he had done this time or why Yuzu was acting this way, but one thing was sure in Daisuke's mind: he was wholly and utterly screwed.
O00
Yuzu strolled down the quaint village street of Tamerion, her brow furrowed with concern. The peaceful atmosphere of the village offered little comfort as she searched for their missing companions. She approached townsfolk, her voice laced with worry as she described the two girls, but each inquiry yielded the same disheartening response: no one had seen them. "I wonder where they could be," Yuzu murmured, her thoughts drifting to Linn. "Poor Linn, he must be worried sick."
Lost in her thoughts, Yuzu continued her search. Suddenly, a blur of motion hurtled towards her. The unexpected impact sent the figure tumbling to the cobblestone street, limbs sprawled awkwardly. Yuzu, grounded and sturdy, barely registered the collision. She blinked, a slight tilt to her head. "Did something bump into me? Ah, must have been a bug," she mused aloud, dismissing the incident with a wave.
"How rude!" a shrill voice exclaimed from the ground.
Yuzu gasped, startled as the disheveled figure sprang to their feet, face inches from hers. She stumbled backward, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes.
"HOW DARE YOU TREAT THE GREAT NANA THE WITCHLING THIS WAY?! I SHOULD HAVE YOU HUNG FROM THE GALLOWS FOR THIS SLIGHT!!" the girl shrieked, her voice echoing in the quiet street.
Yuzu took a moment to observe the irate individual before her truly. The girl was about her height, with striking pink eyes that blazed with indignation and a neatly cut bob of pink hair that framed her face. Her attire was peculiar: flowing fuchsia robes, magenta shoes that seemed a bit too large, and perched atop her head, a pointed purple witch hat that listed slightly to one side.
"I'm sorry," Yuzu said quickly, offering a slight bow. "I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you okay?" She reached out to place a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder, but the witchling recoiled as if burned.
"Don't touch me! You'll get commoner germs on my uniform," the girl sniffed haughtily, brushing off imaginary dust from her robes.
"I'm sorry?" Yuzu repeated, a touch of bewilderment in her voice.
"Hmph, you should be," the girl retorted, narrowing her pink eyes at Yuzu. Yuzu tilted her head, studying the strange girl.
"Is something the matter?" Yuzu inquired gently.
"To think you can stand in my presence and not be subdued. Who are you?" the girl demanded, her voice laced with disbelief.
"Oh, I'm Yuzu Katagiri," Yuzu replied, bowing slightly with a polite smile. "And you are?"
The girl's jaw dropped, her pink eyes widening in comical shock as she stared at Yuzu.
"What?! You don't know who I am?!" the girl shrieked, her voice cracking with outrage.
"Not really," Yuzu admitted sheepishly. The girl sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes with exaggerated exasperation.
"Typical of a commoner," she declared, puffing out her chest. "Listen well, girl, 'cause I'm only going to say this once. You stand before the great and powerful NANA THE WITCHLING!"
An awkward silence descended upon the street, broken only by the faint rustling of a tumbleweed as it drifted between the two girls.
"...Nana the Witchling!" the girl repeated, as if prompting Yuzu for a reaction.
Yuzu sweatdropped. "I heard you the first time, hun."
"Then why are you not prostrating yourself and showering me with praise and admiration?!" Nana demanded, her hands on her hips.
Yuzu blinked, her expression a mixture of confusion and mild amusement. "Because I don't know who you are?"
Nana's face crumpled in disbelief. Her bravado vanished, replaced by a sudden flood of tears.
"How could this be?!" she wailed, her voice thick with emotion. "How could you really not know who I am?!"
"Hey, are you okay?!" Yuzu asked, her earlier amusement replaced with genuine concern.
"Now you're pitying me too?!" Nana shrieked, her tears momentarily forgotten as indignation flared anew.
"I was only trying to—" Yuzu began, but Nana cut her off.
"Wahh, you'll pay for this humiliation!" Nana screamed, her face a mask of comical distress, as she turned and scurried away, her pointed hat bouncing precariously on her head. Yuzu watched her go, a single sweatdrop rolling down her cheek.
"What an odd girl," Yuzu murmured, shaking her head slightly as she searched for the missing girls.
000
Linn and Tomo were in the center of town, where a farmer's market was bustling with villagers. Linn approached a villager, asking if they had seen two specific girls. The villager replied negatively. Linn thanked them, and the villager walked away. Tomo approached Linn.
"Any luck, Master?" Tomo asked.
"No," Linn replied. "You?"
"Nothing. Nobody's seen them," Tomo reported.
"Darn it," Linn exclaimed. "Where are they?!"
"Calm yourself, Master," Tomo advised.
"How can I?!" Linn yelled, his voice laced with worry. "I don't know where they are or if they're in danger or—"
Just then, Tomo grabbed Linn and gave him a shake. "Master, relax. Deep breaths," Tomo instructed. Linn took a deep breath and sighed.
"Better?" Tomo asked.
"Yeah," Linn replied, his voice softer. "Sorry, I'm just so worried."
"I understand, but freaking out isn't going to help us find them. We just have to keep searching. You mustn't lose hope," Tomo said encouragingly.
"Yeah, you're right. Thanks, boy," Linn said.
"You're welcome, Master," Tomo replied.
Just then, Daisuke approached them. "Hey, Daisuke," Linn greeted. "Have you—" He stopped, noticing the strange look on Daisuke's face.
"Are you okay?" Linn asked, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Never better," Daisuke replied, though the bags under his eyes and a general air of gloom suggested otherwise. Tomo chuckled softly.
"I take it you had a 'chat' with our resident mother hen?" Tomo inquired.
"How did you guess?" Daisuke confirmed.
"You have the same look Master gets whenever she lectures him," Tomo remarked. "So, how did it go?"
"It was horrible! She just went on and on about how I shouldn't touch a lady's belongings and that she'll 'ground' me if I do it again," Daisuke complained, comical tears welling up in his eyes.
Linn chuckled. "Yeah, Yuzu can talk your ear off as much as she can pull it."
Tomo looked around. "Where is Yuzu anyway?"
"Don't know," Daisuke replied. "We parted ways after she scolded me."
"Wait, don't tell me she's missing?!" Linn said, concern etched on his face.
"No, I have her scent. She's still in town, but she's taking a while. She must have gotten caught up in something," Tomodachi reassured them.
"I see. Let's go check on her and regroup," Linn decided. Tomo and Daisuke nodded in agreement. As the three turned to leave, their path was blocked by a group of villagers.
"Excuse me, but we need to pass," Linn said politely. The villagers remained silent as they advanced on the group.
"Uh, hello? Is something wrong?" Linn asked, growing uneasy. The villagers remained silent, but Tomo's ears suddenly perked up.
"Master, I'm sensing hostility from these people!" Tomo warned.
"What?!" Linn exclaimed.
Suddenly, the villagers rushed towards them. One of them punched Linn, who dodged it with practiced ease. Linn retaliated with a punch of his own, hitting the villager squarely in the face and knocking him out. Another villager attacked Linn, who blocked the blow and delivered a sharp kick to the villager's stomach. The villager crumpled to the ground, clutching his stomach before losing consciousness.
One of the villagers tried to grab Tomo from behind, but Tomo swiftly headbutted him, rendering him unconscious. Another villager attempted to seize Tomo by the tail, but Daisuke intervened, grabbing the villager by the scruff of his collar, lifting him into the air, and slamming him to the ground.
Two of the last remaining villagers brandished knives and charged at Tomo and Daisuke. However, Linn moved with lightning speed, delivering devastating close-fisted strikes to both men, who collapsed to the ground, twitching. In an instant, all the villagers had been defeated.
The boys stood there, bewildered, while the remaining villagers watched in horror and confusion before fleeing in terror.
"What the heck was that about?!" Linn yelled, his voice filled with disbelief.
"I'm not sure," Tomo replied, equally confused.
Daisuke held up a massive finger, looking at the retreating villagers and then at Linn. "I wonder..."
Linn and Tomo turned their attention to the giant. "What is it, Daisuke?"
"Maybe they were—" Daisuke was interrupted by a sound of clapping. The group turned to see a small figure wearing a mask and holding a book.
"Well done, gentlemen!" the figure cheered. "That was a fine battle! Yes, a fine battle indeed!"
"Who are you?" Linn asked. The figure ignored him and opened the book. The book glowed purple, and the figure began to chant something.
"You will make fine playthings..." the figure chuckled gleefully as a flash of light suddenly engulfed the area.
000
Yuzu entered the plaza, scanning the area until she spotted her companions.
"Hey, boys," Yuzu greeted them, but the three turned with vacant, soulless stares.
"Did you find the girls?" Yuzu asked. They didn't respond, their gazes fixed on her, unnerving her.
"H-hey, why are you staring at me like that?" Yuzu asked, feeling uneasy. The boys remained silent, their eyes seemingly drilling into her.
"You guys, what's wrong?" Yuzu asked, her voice laced with growing unease. Her three companions turned to face her, their eyes devoid of recognition, fixed instead in chilling, empty stares. A sudden burst of high-pitched laughter sliced through the tense silence. Yuzu's gaze darted past the unseeing faces of Linn, Tomo, and Daisuke to a diminutive figure standing a short distance away.
The newcomer was about Yuzu's height, a curious ensemble adorning their small frame. A stark white mask with sharp, red geometric patterns obscured their features, yet the vibrant pink eyes that peered from behind the openings blazed with an almost comical level of self-importance. Wisps of a neatly cut, pink bob peeked from beneath a tall, pointed purple witch's hat, perched precariously askew. Flowing fuchsia robes billowed around them, and oversized magenta shoes completed the peculiar outfit.
With a flourish, the figure executed a dramatic bow. "Welcome, mortal! You have arrived just in time!" Their voice, though small, carried an air of theatrical grandeur. "Allow me to introduce myself! I am the great and powerful Boltar!" They puffed out their chest. Together with my massive army of loyal subjects," they gestured expansively, though no such army was visible, "I have come to take over your world!"
Yuzu stared, a blank expression mirroring her confusion.
"Ah, I see you are struck silent in awe of my greatness!" Boltar declared, striking a pose. "It does tend to happen in my presence. But do not worry, mortal! I am a merciful lord! If you pledge allegiance to my cause, I will spare thee! But you must act fast! Tamerion was merely a stepping stone! Soon, my influence will spread over all the kingdoms, and then... all of Seren! Yes! Not even the Empire will be able to stop my rule! Everyone will bow before the great and powerful Boltar!"
"Nana-chan? What are you doing?" Yuzu asked, a hint of amusement coloring her curiosity.
The figure flinched visibly. "I-I am not Nana! I am The great Boltar!" they insisted, their voice wavering slightly.
"No, I'm pretty sure you are Nana," Yuzu said gently. The figure flinched again. "Sorry, dear, but you're the only one I know who wears that... particular outfit," she added, her eyes flicking to the crooked hat. "Plus, your voice..."
With an exaggerated sigh and a theatrical sweatdrop, the great Boltar reached up and yanked off the white mask, revealing the indignant face of Nana the witchling.
"To think you would see through my great disguise!" Nana grumbled, crossing her arms. "You are no ordinary foe." A puff of air escaped her lips, as if she were exhaling smoke. "But you're too late! My reign has already begun!"
"What do you mean?" Yuzu asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I mean, you stupid girl," Nana sneered, pointing a finger, "is that I've brainwashed your friends... and these villagers! And I have taken over Tamerion!"
"But why?" Yuzu inquired, her confusion deepening.
"Fufu..." Nana giggled, a sound that lacked actual malice. I'm glad you asked! It's simple, really! It's because I am the one, the only Nana, the witchling," she declared with a dramatic flourish.
Yuzu continued to stare blankly.
"Hey! What's that look for?!" Nana demanded, her pink eyes widening in annoyance.
Yuzu blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry. I just thought you had a better reason than that."
Nana contorted in disbelief, anger veins visibly throbbing on her forehead. "That's it! I've had it with your disrespect!" she shrieked. ''I'm going to teach you a lesson that you'll never forget! Boys, get her!" Nana commanded
Linn, Tomo, and Daisuke began to advance menacingly towards Yuzu, their vacant eyes sending a shiver down her spine. She backed away nervously, her hand instinctively tightening around the handle of her trusty ladle.
"You guys! Snap out of it!" Yuzu pleaded, her voice laced with desperation, but her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Their soulless gazes remained fixed upon her.
"Ohohohoh, don't bother, you foolish girl!" Nana mocked, striking a triumphant pose. "These men, and the rest of the villagers, are under my control!"
"You release my friends and the villagers this instant, young lady!" Yuzu ordered, her voice firm despite her fear.
Nana stuck out her tongue impudently. "Make me."
Yuzu growled. She tries to step toward the witch girl, but Linn Tomo and Daisuke block her path.
Suddenly, Linn lunged, throwing a punch. Yuzu, shocked, narrowly dodged the blow. Tomo came at her from behind, attempting to bite her, but she evaded him, hopping backward. Then, Daisuke raised his massive hands in a karate chop. Yuzu backflipped out of the way, landing lightly on her feet, ladle in hand.
Breathing heavily, Yuzu watched her friends, trying to figure out how to counter them. 'Okay, Tomo is fast, but his attacks are erratic, almost like he's testing the waters. He's not used to fighting. She then focused on the giant. Meanwhile, Daisuke, while slower than Tomo, is incredibly strong. He could probably snap me in half if he wanted to. Her gaze shifted to the hero wannabe. And then there's Linn. He's not only fast, strong, and precise, but also smart when it comes to fighting, a great martial artist. He's definitely the one I need to watch out for the most. Now, how can I beat them? Yuzu racked her brain, a sudden thought causing her eyes to widen.
'It's no use!' Yuzu mentally screamed. 'There's no way I can beat these guys!'
Nana, observing Yuzu's expression, laughed.
"What's the matter, Yuzu Katagiri?" Nana taunted. "Having trouble?" Yuzu glared at the witch girl, the source of her current stress.
If I can get to Nana, I can break her hold on the guys. But I don't think they're going to let me. She looked at the boys as they advanced menacingly. Argh, if I could only distract them somehow! An idea sparked in Yuzu's mind. Wait, that's it! Yuzu reached into her hoodie and pulled out a meat skewer. I hope this works.
"Hey, Tomo-chan, look what I got!" Yuzu waved the meat skewer. Tomo's blank eyes turned into hearts as he stared at the treat, his tail wagging and tongue lolling.
"Fetch!" Yuzu shouted, throwing the meat skewer. Tomo caught it mid-air and happily began to devour it. Nana looked on, baffled.
"What are you doing, you stupid animal?!" Nana shrieked. Yuzu smirked. It's like I thought; they may be brainwashed, but they still retain their personalities! In that case…
Yuzu looked up to see Daisuke poised to deliver a karate chop.
"Daisuke-san, look! There's a group of girls over there!" Yuzu pointed. Daisuke turned to see three girls chatting. Heart eyes replaced his blank ones as he rushed toward them.
"Not you too, you giant fool!" Nana exclaimed, incensed. Yuzu sighed in relief.
Now that leaves… Yuzu turned to find Linn rushing toward her, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks that she narrowly avoided.
Linn is so strong and fast! I can barely keep up. I need to distract Linn, but how? Yuzu thought.
Linn continued his relentless assault, Yuzu barely avoiding and blocking his attacks.
Just then, Linn's roundhouse kick knocked the ladle out of Yuzu's hand, followed by a straight punch to her gut. Yuzu gasped, bending over. Linn hoisted her into a fireman's carry, spinning her around a few times before tossing her to the ground. He then picked her up by her legs, swinging her around for nearly five minutes until Yuzu was dizzy, her eyes replaced by swirls. Finally, Linn launched her through a food stand, the owner staring in disbelief.
"My radishes!" the owner cried, comical tears flowing. Linn began to walk toward Yuzu, looking to finish the job. Yuzu got up, spitting out a radish and glaring at Linn with an angry tick mark on her forehead.
"LINN TSUKIYOMI, YOU STOP THIS FOOLISNESS RIGHT NOW OR I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS HOLY, I WILL GROUND YOU FOR A MONTH! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?! Yuzu yelled.
Linn looked on with blank eyes, then stopped, shaking and crying comical tears.
Yuzu sighed. "Thank goodness that worked." She looked at Linn, still shaking and crying, a sweatdrop forming on her brow. I don't think I'm that scary, am I? Meanwhile, Nana stomped around, incensed.
"You fools!" Nana shrieked. "Can't you do anything right?!" Yuzu retrieved her ladle and turned her attention to the young witchling.
Yuzu pointed her ladle at Nana. "Last chance, Nana-chan. Return my friends and the villagers back to normal."
"Screw you!" Nana retorted. "I don't take orders from you!" Nana pulled out her book and glared at Yuzu, the light billowing from its pages. "I'll take care of you myself!"
Yuzu narrowed her eyes, getting into a battle stance. "You've been a very naughty girl, Nana-chan. I think you need a time-out."
"I'll put you in the corner fast, you bitch!" Nana growled.
"Language, young lady," Yuzu chided.
Yuzu charged at Nana, ladle in hand, swinging downward.
"Barrier!" Nana shouted, her book glowing bright purple. A see-through light screen popped up, blocking the attack. Yuzu swung rapidly at the screen, trying to break through, but to no avail.
"Fireball!" Nana chanted, thrusting her hands out. A ball of fire shot from her hand, aiming at Yuzu, who ducked and swung her ladle upward, hitting Nana square in the chin. Nana grunted in pain and glared at Yuzu.
"Constrict!" Nana yelled as an invisible force bound Yuzu in place. Yuzu struggled, trying to wiggle free. Nana smirked, walking to Yuzu and placing her book in front of her face.
"Pound!" Nana simply said as the book glowed. A large yellow ethereal fist popped out and punched Yuzu in the face, sending her flying a few feet. Yuzu landed with a thud, then got up, wiping blood from her mouth, and charged. "Pound!" Nana chanted repeatedly as multiple fists rained down on Yuzu. Yuzu dodged left and right, continuing to sprint toward Nana as the witch began to panic. Yuzu reached Nana and swung her ladle with full force.
"Barri–!" Nana tried to chant, but it was too late. Yuzu's ladle collided with Nana's face, sending the witch girl flying. Nana hit the ground hard, placing a hand to her bleeding nose. Enraged, she got up and glared at Yuzu.
"HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO THE GREAT NANA THE WITCHLING?! YOU SHALL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE!!" Nana fervently flipped through her book, landing on a page. "This spell will finish you off once and for all!"
Yuzu gripped her ladle, steeling herself as Nana began chanting the spell, veins pulsing.
"In the name of the great Boltar, bestow upon me great power and oblige my command!" The book glowed brightly, and Nana surged with energy, engulfed in a purple aura. Pointing her hand, she shouted, "OBLITERATE!"
Yuzu flinched, bracing for the attack. Nana grinned maniacally. After a few moments, nothing happened. Both Yuzu and Nana blinked.
"Obliterate!"
Nana reread the spell, still engulfed in the purple aura. After a few more seconds, nothing occurred.
"MY SPELL IS NOT WORKING?! THIS IS INCONCEIVABLE!!" Nana's eyes widened in disbelief. Yuzu, momentarily taken aback, saw an opening and rushed forward. Reaching Nana, Yuzu struck her repeatedly with her ladle. Overwhelmed by the barrage, Nana dropped her book and collapsed in a heap, defeated.
Yuzu panted heavily and mentally cheered. She grabbed Nana by the collar.
"Now," Yuzu gasped, "return my friends to normal."
Nana glared weakly. "Screw you, no chest " she muttered.
An angry tick mark appeared on Yuzu's head. She seized Nana's ear and twisted hard.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Stop! Be gentle! I have sensitive ears!" Nana wailed, flailing her arms and legs.
"NOW, YOUNG LADY!" Yuzu demanded.
"Okay, okay!" Nana relented. She picked up her book and cast a spell. A purple aura engulfed Linn, Tomo, and Daisuke's heads, rising up and then disappearing. Linn blinked, his eyes no longer blank.
"What's going on?" Linn looked around.
"Linn!" Yuzu cheered. Linn turned toward the voice.
"Yuzu!" Linn said, approaching her. "What happened?"
Yuzu hugged Linn with one arm, the other still holding Nana. "You're back! I'm so relieved."
"Back? Where did I go?" Linn replied, confused. Tomo approached them, equally bewildered.
"Master? Yuzu? What's happening, and why am I holding a meat skewer?" Tomo asked.
"Tomo-chan, you're back too!" Yuzu said. Tomo blinked.
"Did I go somewhere?" Tomo looked at Linn for an answer, but received a shrug. Just then, Daisuke rejoined the group.
"There you guys are," the giant said.
"Daisuke-san, you're back as well," Yuzu said. Daisuke raised his eyebrows.
"Back from where?" Daisuke asked, "And why does my face hurt?" The group looked at Daisuke's face and noticed several scratch marks, handprints, and kiss marks. Linn and Tomo exchanged sweatdrops.
"I'm just glad my boys are okay," Yuzu said. The boys looked at each other and then at Yuzu and collectively asked, "What happened?" Yuzu smiled and giggled at their responses.
000
The gang stood in the middle of the square as Yuzu explained that Nana had brainwashed them and the villagers.
"I see," Daisuke said, rubbing his chin. "That explains the villagers' actions."
"And why we can't remember anything," Tomo added.
"Are you okay, Yuzu? We didn't hurt you too badly, I hope," Linn said, worry and guilt in his tone.
"I'm fine, Linn," Yuzu replied. "I'm just glad you guys are back to normal. Now then…" The gang looked towards Nana, the young witchling scowling back at them. "What to do with you?"
"I returned your stupid friends to normal. Can I go now?" Nana said haughtily.
"Not yet," Yuzu replied.
"Why not?!" Nana replied.
Yuzu nodded toward the unconscious villagers. "You still need to undo their brainwashing as well."
"Oh," Nana replied, "I can't."
Yuzu narrowed her eyes and motioned to twist Nana's ears.
"Wait, let me explain!" Nana said, panicked. Yuzu motioned for her to continue. Nana sighed. "I can't undo their brainwashing because I wasn't responsible for it."
"What?" the gang replied, confused.
"Yes," Nana said. "They were already brainwashed when I got here. I just decided to take the credit. It made taking over Tamerion much easier."
"But why do all this?" Linn asked.
Nana snickered. "I'm glad you asked. Listen closely because I'm only going to say it once. It's because I'm the one, the only Nana the witch—ow ow ow!" Nana flinched as Yuzu's hand shot out and twisted her ear.
"The real reason, young lady," Yuzu said sternly.
"Okay, okay," Nana cried in pain. ''Someone told me that if I took over Tamerion village and proclaimed that I was Nana the witchling, then everyone would respect and praise me." Nana's expression darkened. That 'she'll' respect and praise me."
"Who's 'she'?" Tomo asked.
"None of your business!" Nana winced as Yuzu twisted her ear again.
"Answer the question, Nana-chan," Yuzu said.
"No, I don't care how hard you twist, that part I'm not revealing—" Yuzu glared, her eyes almost telling the witch not to tempt her. Nana glared back defiantly. The two stared at each other for a minute or two before Yuzu sighed.
"Fine," Yuzu said, seeing that Nana was not going to budge on that particular topic. "Can you, in lieu of that, tell us who told you to take over Tamerion?"
"Some blond bimbo named Luna," Nana answered. The gang looked surprised.
"You met Luna?! Where is she?! Where did she go?! Why did she tell you to take over Tamerion?!" Yuzu bombarded Nana with questions, shaking her.
"S-slow down, lady, let me think," Nana said, getting dizzy.
Yuzu let go of Nana. Nana dusted herself off and answered.
"I met her a few days ago. I was in the middle of testing a new spell, and it went wrong, then she showed up. After she saved me from… my predicament, we talked a little, and I told her about my problem with 'her.' She then suggested that I take over the village and make a name for myself. Then 'she' would have no choice but to acknowledge me."
The gang listened intently, digesting every word.
"I see," Linn nodded.
"I told you everything. I'm outta here." Nana picked up her book and began leaving when Yuzu suddenly snatched it by the strap.
"Not so fast, Nana-chan," Yuzu said firmly.
"What do you want now?!" Nana snapped.
"The woman you met is the woman I'm looking for. Since you saw her, you're going to tell me where she went," Yuzu said.
"Like hell I am! Let go!" Nana said, trying to pry Yuzu's hands off her book, but Yuzu's grip was too firm.
"Sorry, Nana-chan," Yuzu said apologetically, "but you're the only clue I've got to Luna. I can't let you go; you're coming with us." Everyone gasped.
"What?!" Linn exclaimed.
"First, you brought this giant with us. Now you want the witch, too?" Tomo questioned.
"This seems to be a recurring theme with you, little mama," Daisuke chuckled, amused.
"Sorry, guys," Yuzu replied sheepishly, "it's just until I find Luna."
"If you say so, Yuzu," Linn said, knowing there was no arguing with the mother hen.
"I'm not going anywhere with you fools!" Nana yelled.
"So we're in agreement," Yuzu said, completely ignoring the struggling witchling.
"Don't ignore me!" Nana yelled.
"It's fine by me," Linn said.
"Me too," Tomo said. Daisuke simply nodded.
"Then it's settled," Yuzu chirped.
"Don't I get a say in this?!" Nana shrieked.
"No," Yuzu said. Still gripping Nana's book, Nana cried comically. Just then, the villagers the gang had previously knocked out began to stir, and the gang turned their attention to them.
"Are you okay?" Linn asked.
A middle-aged man answered, "Yes, we're fine, but I must say, you guys pack a punch."
Linn nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that."
The middle-aged man shook his head. "No need to apologize, lad. In fact, we should apologize to you for attacking you. We're sorry," he and the rest of the villagers bowed.
Linn shook his head and his hands. "No, it's okay. You guys were brainwashed. It's not your fault."
"Brainwashed?" the man replied, confused.
"That's right," Tomo replied. "This girl presumably brainwashed you and the other villagers," the beastkaliin pointed to the witchling.
"It wasn't me!" Nana retorted.
"I see," the middle-aged man said. "Forgive us, we don't remember much, and I certainly don't remember this girl before."
"Hah! Told you so!" Nana bragged before a sharp tug on her ear stopped her. "Would you cut that out?!"
"I see," Linn prompted, seeking clarity. "Can you recall anything else?"
The villager furrowed his brow, his eyes drifting as he wrestled with fragmented memories. "Let's see…" he murmured, a hand instinctively rubbing his temples. "I remember being in the town square… yes, that's where it started!"
"Yes?" Linn pressed, his anticipation building.
"We were approached by figures cloaked in the sigils of the Empire," the man recounted, a tremor of unease in his voice. "They declared that we were to be taken away… to a facility."
Linn's eyes widened in alarm. "The Empire?" he repeated, the name carrying a heavy weight.
"A facility?" Daisuke echoed, his large frame tensing with concern.
"What happened next?" Yuzu inquired, her voice sharp and urgent.
"We resisted, of course," the villager stated, a flicker of defiance in his eyes, quickly fading into resignation. "But then… we were attacked."
"The Empire men attacked you?" Linn questioned, his disbelief evident.
The man shook his head slowly. "No, just a single person. But they were unlike anything we'd ever faced. So strong, so swift. We tried to fight back but were soundly defeated and… taken to this facility. After that… the memories become a blur, I'm afraid."
A wave of astonishment washed over the group, their faces mirroring the shock of this unexpected revelation.
"I see," Tomo said slowly, his demeanor replaced by a serious expression. "Do you at least remember anything about who attacked you?"
The villager closed his eyes, concentrating intensely. "Hmm…" he hummed, his brow deeply creased in thought. "Yes… I believe… it was a young girl."
"Girl?" the gang gasped in unison, their surprise palpable.
"Yes, yes, that's right," the man affirmed, his recollection solidifying. "It was a young girl, about your age and height," he gestured towards Linn, "if not taller. She had striking blue eyes and bright blond hair… tied up in pigtails."
"What?!" the gang exclaimed, their voices ringing with disbelief and dawning recognition.