Book 1: Chapter 9: (1)


    What should he say in this situation? The silence was deafening. Roughly pping his hands together, Matoba said.


    Good job, kid.


    Her Krge hanging from her waist, Trna looked down upon the remains of the man once known as Dennis Elbajhi. While this was the first time Matoba hadin his eyes on him, it appeared as though she possessed some sort of connection to the youth.


    This feat was not aplished through my own power, but through the techniques entrusted to me by my master.


    Replied Trna.


    Dont really get it, but youve definitely got skill. If it were me, Id have run away with my tail between my legs the second I saw him. Scary motherfucker.


    That is for certain. This is the first time I have had to face such a fearsome opponent.


    Still, a single lead bullet wouldve done him in ugh.


    Matoba surveyed his surroundings. The fire in the catbs was steadily gettingrger. If they hang around any longer, they would be steak before long.


    I have plenty of things to say to you, but for now thatll have to wait. That thing rolling on the floor  thats our fairy, right? Grab it. Were getting out of here.


    Spying the ss cylinder rolling on the cobblestone floor, Trna gouged out the wires connecting it to the machine. Inside the cylinder, it was possible to see a small figure floating about.


    Is this it?


    Trna shakily approached the fairy. Kneeling in front, she tilted her head to the side in irritation.


    This is not it. This is a fake


    What the hell?


    Whilst it may not be obvious to the untrained eye, this is merely a doll. I cannot sense the branii of rahtena anywhere. Elbajhi believed it to be genuine as well. I thought it impossible, and yet


    Where the fuck is the real one then?


    Closing her eyes, Trna sharpened her senses.


    It is getting further and further away. I do not know the direction.


    Someone mustve taken it away in all the confusion.


    Matoba clicked his tongue.


    Aboveground, the sound of police sirens could be heard, followed by several gunshots and cries of Dont move! Its the police!. Backup had arrived, it seemed. SWAT was probablying in full force right about now, apprehending or gunning down the remains of Elbajhis men. However


    Is it still getting further away?


    That is correct.


    I find that hard to believe. SWATs here. They should have a clear view of the temple grounds from the outside; theres basically nowhere to run. If there was anyone trying to make away with the fairy, theyd be caught for sure.


    That may be true no, wait.


    Appearing to recall something, Trna dashed towards the catb depths. Compared to the coffins Matoba had seen, rows of exquisitely-crafted sarcophagi lined the entire breadth of the hall. While he had no knowledge of Semani burial practices, these tombs most likely belonged to the likes of nobles and lords of ages past.


    This is an ancient Gravanian temple. If that is indeed the case, those fleeing the oppression of their lord would most likely


    Brushing off the cloud of dust from the sarcophagi, Trna continued mumbling on. Analyzing the engravings, tilting her head, so on and so forth.


    This is it.


    Trna ced a single hand on the foot of the sarcophagus.


    Looking closely, one could make out several faded handprints on the lid of the coffin. Trna pushed on it using both hands. Given her slender arms, one would not think it possible for her to move such a heavy object. And yet, move it did, sliding seamlessly onto the floor. With a loud bang, the contents of the sarcophagus were revealed. Although he expected a mummy toe tumbling out of the coffin, nothing of the sort presented itself.


    In its ce, therey a stone staircase that led further below.


    A secret passageway, constructed by believers in order to escape. There is no doubt it connects to somewhere aboveground.


    Matoba whistled.


    What are you,Indiana Jones?


    There are footprints. As I thought, he escaped through here. That red magician, along with theSpirit Bomb. Most likely, Elbajhi had been deceived as well.


    Red magician? Spirit Bomb?


    I shall exin along the way. Let us give chase, Kei!


    Trna descended into the darkness of the sarcophagus. Matoba followed suit.


    Yeah, yeah. Kei, huh?


    What is the matter?


    Its nothing, Trna.


    He chuckled. Finally realizing the situation, Trna gave a light snort.


    I understand that adding BoMissto my name is troublesome for you. That is fine. I will make a special exception for you.


    Then, you can call me Kei. Special exception for ya.


    Understood, Kei.


    Giggling, Trna nced at her longsword. With a hint of hesitation, she spoke.


    And thank you for the Krge earlier. It helped.


    Dont sweat it. While were at it, mind if I ask you something?


    What is it?


    Youwhats up with those clothes?


    Matoba cheekily fixed his eyes on her body. She was wearing a rather revealing outfit; a skin-tight miniskirt, with both her feet and shoulders exposed. Moreover, she was covered in soot from head to toe, the tears on her clothes revealing portions of her pale-white skin. It would not be an exaggeration to dub her current appearancescivious.


    D-do not stare at it me like that!


    Red-faced, Trna shouted as she twisted her body in embarrassment.


    I dont really mind it, yknow.


    Ill have you know that this is no hobby of mine! I am simply imitating the undercover investigations you bolice undertake!


    Thats all fine and good, but you really shouldnt take ONeill on his word. Come on, lets go.


    Pushing her back, Matoba delved into the depths of the hidden passageway.


    They advanced in pitch-ck darkness. The only proper source of light they had was the Maglight he had handed over to Trna. Damp, cold air blew through the corridor. Even though they had walked over 200 meters by now, the end was still nowhere in sight. Given theirck of vision, their steps were unsteady; running was definitely not an option.


    Spirit Bombs, huh?


    As they ambled onwards in the dark, Trna had given him a general summary of events thus far. Matoba could not help but groan.


    Dont get the theory behind it, but I do get that thats probably how the guys from 22nd were done in. Basically its a powder-based chemical explosive, right?


    If they were to use the high fairies as parts, such a bomb would possess unimaginable power.


    Youre dead if youre hit. That what youre trying to say?


    Not exactly. Most likelyit would subject a tremendous radius to the influence of rahtena. In the worst-case scenario, it is possible that the people living in this city would all be corpses as a result.


    They were able to make something that dangerous? Fuck


    That Red Magician the man called Zda  holds such an object in his hands. If he intends on using it somewhere, a great catastrophe would ur. Would your people still im that the disappearance of a fairy equals that of a mere cat or dog?


    Trna coldly said.


    Look, I feel bad saying that. I really do. But it couldnt be helped. Your people wouldnt understand the importance of uranium or plutonium either.


    They are the toxic materials that make up a nuclear bomb, yes? I have heard of that much.


    See, youre not seeing the bigger picture. Anyway, the problem now is


    The fleeting glimpse of a silhouette.


    In the direction of a loosely-curving corridor. Spotting the light being emitted from the Maglight Trna held, the man pointed his gun towards them.


    Get down!


    Trna immediately got down on the ground. The man shot his pistol. The sound of gunfire echoed throughout the dark corridor. As it ricocheted against the stone wall, sparks were formed out of the disintegrating bullet. Trna shined her Maglight towards their opponent. Aiming his shotgun, Matoba let loose two shots straight at the target.


    They hit. Staggering, the man crumpled to the floor.


    He the magician you were talking about?


    No, this is a corpse. Be careful!


    Just as Trna warned, the copsed man immediately stood up, firing another round at them. With a loud bang, the bullet bounced about in the air.


    Got it, its a zombie.


    As Trna hunkered down for cover, Matoba fired off another two shots. The man shook violently to the side. That was it for the shotgun. Switching to his pistol, Matoba rushed to the front.


    Lowering his gun, the man  a Semani  stared at him. He trembled as he raised his gun once more, steadying his aim. Before he could do anything, Matoba readied his pistol and drove his 9mm straight into the mans head.


    One shot. Two shots. Three shots.


    He bent backward, before falling t on his face, unable to move.


    You dead already? Asshole.


    Kicking away the pistol from the unbreathing mans hand, Matoba turned around. Trna had finally caught up to him on her small feet.


    Any wounds?


    None. I am merely disoriented from the sound of your gun Dorini weapons are simply the worst.


    Youll get used to it eventually. Lets hurry.


    The fairy is right ahead.


    This was no time to gingerly step onwards. Fortunately, the floor had be t before they knew it. Matoba and Trna continued running along the underground passageway, advancing a further 200 meters in the process. Dry air drifted inwards from beyond. They had abruptlye to the end of the road, arriving in a narrow, stone hall.


    (This is)


    They were in an ancient-looking hokora. Within this limited space, therey a in altar. The two of them hade out from behind said altar. It had most likely been constructed on a slope a distance away from the main temple.


    A man appeared from the shrines exit.


    His whole body was covered in red. It was the magician  Zda. In his right hand, a staff. His left held a ss cylinder imnted with an instrument of some sort.


    Freeze!


    Aiming his gun at him, Matoba shouted. Zdas steps came to aplete halt.


    My, what a shame. It seems you have caught up to me.


    With his back towards them, Zda said.


    Drop the stick and the bomb on the ground, old man. Slowly.


    As you wish. Oh? My, oh my. If it isnt the detective from the other day. What a pleasant surprise.


    Just as he had been ordered, Zda ced his staff and the Spirit Bomb on the ground. Even now, he still had yet to make eye contact. He had recognized Matoba from his voice. From what little he had heard from Trna, it seemed that the man waspletely and utterly blind.


    As he continued pointing his gun at the magician, Matoba dered as he descended the altar.


    Nice to meet you, you fucking alien. This is for Rick. Ill put you in jail for the rest of your fucking life.


    Dear me. That is most troublesome.


    Do not let your guard down, Kei. This man is dangerous.


    Following him from behind, Trna whispered.


    I know that. Now, put your hands up and get on your knees. I dont mind if you resist. Im just itching to put a bullet in your ugly mug.


    You appear to be most angry tonight, good sir. However Hmm? My, what a coincidence. You are


    Shut up!


    Jumping out of the hokora, Matoba delivered a flying kick to his back. The magician fell t on his back, a small groan escaping his lips. Driving a knee into his back, Matoba grabbed the nylon cuffs he kept as a backup. Unfortunately, he had used his normal pair of handcuffs on the guard keeping watch on the temple.


    Avenging Rick was a given, of course. And yet for some reason, he felt a distinct contempt, a strange feeling of difort towards this man. It was the same sensation he felt as Ricky dying in that alleyway. A memory hidden deep within the recesses of his heart. In these past few days, he had kept telling himself that it was impossible, silencing his doubts over and over again.


    Could it be? This guy?


    Although Matoba wanted to send the guy flying, he settled for binding his wrists with the nylon tape.


    My, such cruelty towards this blind, old man. Your anger is most just, I assure you. At the very least, please grant this poor, old man some semnce of mercy


    Keep talking, asshole. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court ofw. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.


    As Matoba reminded the suspect of his rights, another man slowly approached them.<hr>


    Trantors Notes:<ol><li>Referring to Bona, or Miss in Farbanian.</li><li>A brand of shlight produced in the US.</li><li>A hokora is a miniature shrine dedicated to folk deities. Usually found in the context of the Shinto religion. However, in this case, it refers to the Semani deities.</li></ol>