Chapter 50 Beware of The Merchandise

Leo was sweeping with a broom inside the back of the fruit store backstorage a clear indignation as he mutters under his breath "Esai's working ethics is unbelievable however, he just had volunteered us to work!"Leo sweeping mightily with his arm back and forth motion. Abel shines the fruit shelves with a rag towel making sure there is no filthy spot as it was a modestly small store with basic things such as air conditioner and fridge that keeps the fruits fresh. Isaac and Esai organized and lifted the supply boxes to their proper containers that had labels to keep in order.

It was afternoon. The store owner is happy with their work. Not only did he give them fruits but he paid them two silver pieces. "Much obliged, my friends and thank you for your hard work." As the store owner waved goodbye to the boys as they made their leave as well thanked him.

"See Leo, working has its rewards" As Esai took a bite out of the green pear look which tasted like cherry and blueberry that made it flavorful with each savor.

"I guess so, I'm still annoyed that I had to work for it."Leo took an orange fruit that looked like an apple as munching on it tastes like pineapple and preaches.

Isaac and Abel took a bite of another fruit that looked like pineapple that was red and moist like watermelon as they enjoyed the flavor. Esai possessed the two pieces of silver as he was wondering what sort of thing they needed to buy. As they are wandering around, this place is a city that has narrow columns organized from clothes, accessories,tools, and food. Seeing people buying things can be intimidating if you do not know what to do.

Isaac comments "This reminds me of a market mall." view of what they pass by.

Esai agrees with Isaac's assessment "Yeah it is something unusual to me it is something I would read in the ebook than seeing back on Earth where most things are bought through a store from use vendor panel that shows and review an items get a list of item that preselected for what you need as such basic necessities." Esai could not believe that people were physically going in and touching the items.

There was a certain woman wearing a red bandana with white spiral symbol standing at the corner stand that called out to Esai, "Hey the boy with spiky hair I got products that might help you on your journey." as the woman warmly smiles for Esai.

Esai was genuinely surprised as he looked around to see if she was mistakenly calling for someone else to just confirm,"You don't mean me?" as he pointed to himself as the woman nodded her head.

"That lady is in trouble, it is best to just ignore. She just wants your swindle of your money. It is wise to walk away." Isaac turns his head away from the lady.

"Not sure if you heard of 'Buyer Beware' for once merchants get hold of you it is over."unusually wise Leo passes her by.

"Yeah, let go Esai." Abel catches up with the group.

Esai stood there indecisive as his friends talked about other things, but there was something about her that stood out; it was her charismatic spirit and warmness that drew Esai as walked over to her vendor stand. Isaac, Abel, and Leo are talking about getting a map to sort of figure out where they are as they were about to ask Esai.

"Esai what do you think we should get--" Isaac stops to notice that Esai was not there with them because they have traveled to another side of the section.

"HOLD UP WHERE IS ESAI!?"Isaac turns around as Abel and Leo stop, just to take notice of Esai's absence.

"He was just right behind us." Abel was sure as he searched for Esai.

"YO, ESAI IS ABOUT MAKE A MISTAKE WITH THAT SCAMMER!" Leo just pointed out where Esai was at.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo quickly backtrack toward where Esai speaks with the woman they specifically warn not to be near to. Hopefully they are not too late to stop Esai because they are going to need that money to buy important items such as a map.

"Esai is too naive for what lady is going to him." Isaac sprinting toward him.

"Talk about an airhead." Leo runs along with Isaac.

"Shesh, we already have trouble in our hands." Abel closing in.

The woman wore red bandanna with a white spiral design, aqua green t-shirt with a red buttoned vest, fair skin, ocean blue eyes, long brunette hair with a low pony hair style, and well in great shape.

"Ah, I know my potential customer when I see you. What is your name?" the woman placed her hand down as she lowered her head at Esai's level.

Esai stutters by introducing himself "M-my n-name i-is Esai Kinzuma." As he exaggerated his annunciation of his name.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo went to stop Esai from making a mistake. However, they changed their minds the moment they showed up. Esai uses his spiritual sensing that her spiritual presence is warm and inviting, but there is a hidden heaviness that she carries with her from what Esai can tell. The woman introduced herself "My name is Rei Merchandise, I am a merchant of all trades. Give me a moment to call my daughter in the back. Mazura, please come out and introduce yourself." As Rei calls out to her daughter.

The girl was carrying three boxes placed by a shelf. As she timidly said "Okay…''She walked to her mother's side however, her demeanor changed when she saw Esai as she quickly grabbed her mother's arm. Esai seeing Mazura for the first time as he blushed as his mouth slightly opened in astonishment as well make Mazura's eyes spiraling and her lips shaky nervously.

Mazura had a yellow bandana that had similar designs of her mother. She had a brunette short wild bob hairstyle while having bangs on her hair strand between her forehead and eyes, she had bronze skin that glistens as wore an orange t-shirt, and beautiful cognac with slight tint yellow eyes that sunlight brought out the glimmer of her eye. Abel was hiding by the corner of the stand, Isaac glanced at Mazura with wonder, and as for Leo his mouth wide open as his eyes turned into heart shape.The seemingly it would go on forever until Leo broke that moment by going toward Mazura by saying "Hi, my name is Leo Esaki what's your name?" Leo with a goofy smile.

Mazura was surprised by this turn away as she immediately hid behind her mother's back while trembling with fear. Rei's warm presence turned into a violent aura. Everyone was caught off guard as Rei's ocean blue eyes blazed as she slammed her hand on her counter "Listen here you shrimp, if you think you can scare my baby? You are going to answer with my fists! Got it blondie?" Leo dared not tremble in fright while Rei basically threatened him with her fist at his face for it would make things worse "Sorry it will not happen again." Leo backed off.

Rei had calmed down "Glad we understand one another, so Esai what do you need?" Esai was trying to think what they would need, "Quite honestly do you have anything that you would recommend, miss Merchandise?" Esai intently studied for Rei's reply.

Isaac tries to warn Esai, but he is too afraid when Rei glares at him which prompts him to be silent. She warmly gleamed as clasps her hands together. "Excellent, I have a starter item for you." There was a cart that had these flask capsules along with food supplies and camp equipment. Esai sees how high quality they are and asks Rei "How much does this cost Rei?" Esai examines the products.

Rei smiled "I show my best quality. This is five gold pieces for this starter." Esai thought that was pricey as Esai showed two silver coins "Sorry I only have two silver coins. Is there a way to downgrade to an affordable price?"Rei switched out the containers with another container as she made an offer "I have products that have basic camp supplies that are portable that automatically makeshift camp." Esai asked how much.

Rei does her mercantilism and answers honestly "Well it cost exactly two silver coins as well I am giving away a meaningless Family heirloom." Rei pulled out a ring as Esai's spiritual senses had revealed that ring's imperialistic ancient aura and filled with highly concentrated spiritual energy from his sight. Esai pays Rei as he picks up the ring as his friends grab the camp gear.

Esai asked Rei why she would have such a possession "That ring used to belong to the first Messenger that he originally meant for his love before she got murdered. My ancestor whom I am named after she had feelings for him however, he did have some feelings for her but he broke her heart when he went for a seer named Rina Tolu who he ended up marrying. My ancestor was furious that she stole the ring from Rina and cursed all the Rehigh and sister Sarah, their descendants with sore and harsher trials until she received her apology. The Messenger was furious with her and cursed equally what she did that her descendants will suffer the curse of greed and jealousy shall divide all her families until she apologizes and returns the ring." Rei finished.

Esai was careful of how he reacted to mention the Messenger as he saw the ring design flames that are golden orange that felt warm up on the touch. Rei felt extra generous and tossed another ring. Esai caught the ring with his hand as he examined it. The ring is platinum that has an engraving design that has two lines that have an interconnect like spindle like infinity symbol. Rei spoke about these rings "I want to depart with these rings I gain nothing from keeping them."Esai felt he needed to depart a conversion with Rei "Hey did you know that your name has two meaning in Japanese and Spanish?" Rei shook her head no as Eai answered "Alright 'Rei' means spirit also means to laugh." Rei starts to laugh "Wow, thanks for that Esai you are alright kid if you ever need to buy from me? I can add a device that can come to you whenever you need to buy or help from me."Esai is grateful for her kindness as Rei thanked for his business as Mazura waves shly at Esai. Rei tossed a device to Esai as she waved goodbye.

Esai's suit has special features as he pressed a button on his cuff as it has a limited pocket dimension. Esai recalls that one of his teachers said that he can store things as much as he can carry whatever that means. He placed the rings and device into screen slots as his suit hologram projection. The hologram projection shut off as Esai noticed the weight immediately. Esai, Isaac, Abel, and Leo start walking away with worry of not knowing where to go. Isaac had to ask Esai "Do you have any idea where we are going?" As Esai admitted "No idea where to go?" Abel complained "What are you saying we are lost!?" Leo casually jokes "Might as well be a wandering blind bat then." Everyone sat by the wall to rest and discuss their plans while a girl wearing a raggy brown cloak paid no attention to them while she begged for money. "The real question is how can we get off world?" Isaac spoke with worry.

"Is there even any off world transportation that can be purchased?" Esai suggested while Leo laughed "Sure, if you haven't realized we are broke for you got suckered by the merchant." even Abel and Isaac agreed.

The girl recognized the voice as she unhood herself to reveal her toffee face as her green hair strands are divided evenly as her baggy eyelids show her blue eyes "Esai, how are you alive? I thought that you had died?" Somu stares deeply with weariness like seeing a ghost.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo immediately on defense as they saw her as for Esai could not help be in astounded as he not see Somu as he expressed genuine worry as he got close to her "Somu, are you okay I haven't seen you since--" Esai hesitated when he recall what happened back on Earth that left a trauma as he trembles.

Somu went to embrace the right arm of Esai while standing behind his back for comfort. His friends did not trust Somu while Esai felt awkward but regardless they found a familiar face. Somu is low in her spirit since what happened and does not want to talk about it. She is very avoidant about what happened in the last five months.

"Somu...is there off-world transportation?" Isaac watches for a response.

"I had been saving up money for sometime to get out of here myself. Although, you have changed my plan." Somu spoke dejectedly.

Esai asked while trying to get her off his arm "Somu, do you have enough money to buy a spacecraft?" Somu still embraced tightly on Esai's arm as she answered him, "Esai buying a spacecraft is expensive, however, I can buy all five tickets." Isaac finds that very questionable as Somu is still attached to Esai's arm as she leads them to her hiding place.

That was a very run down alley way that discarded metal pipes on sides, trash papers scattered, and rusty dumpers. Esai's arm begins to get sore because Somu has Spirit Sensitive strength now harming him.

"Somu, could you ease up my arm, it is hurting now." Esai begged Somu to loosen her grip on his arm.

"Sorry…"Somu apologized as she let go as she did not realize that she was harming him.

Somu went to her makeshift camp that had one metal bar that pitched tent patchy clothes to grab her money bag that she had saved up. Leo comments seeing Somu's money bag that largely compacted "Wow this alleyway does not seem that glamorous nor homey." Somu stares coldly at Leo, causing him to be quiet.

Somu roasted Leo "That is because I did not want to stand out you idiot if I start living in a luxurious place especially a kid living alone they would be sending child services to me!" Somu's vein popping on her neck caused Leo to back off from anything from what Somu had said.

"Let go, we have a flight to catch."Somu gently tugs Esai's arm aside while embracing.

Isaac and Abel are now nervous about Somu's behavior while she leads the way. Regardless, Somu stays close to Esai afraid that if she blinks he would disappear. There a crowd of people gathered around the space station transportation. Ships come and go like clockwork as Somu, Esai, Isaac, Abel, and Leo watch people purchasing a ticket pass to get on their flight. It took a few hours as the sky was darkening as the sun was setting to reach a ticket post stand.

The woman who wore a flight attendant uniform looked suspiciously as the group of kids stood at her window view as Somu approached with her money bag. The woman sees Somu bring five gold coins as ticket admission checks the legitimacy of the coin "So where are your parents? As she interrogated while watching the rest of the boys that are with her.

Somu uses persuasion "Well our parents are expecting us at this next flight at Volus Sector." The woman was not entirely convinced but she gave them the ticket passes " Don't lose your pasess they act like your IDs only temporarily until you reach a summit to issue your permanent residency or temporal pass if planning to move to a different planet or sector. Have a safe journey."Each of them got their passes as they went to the metal detector. The security guards examined all theri gears making sure there were no weapons.

"Alright you are cleared to go. Move along."The security guard prompts them to leave.

Somu, Esai, Isaac, Abel, and Leo went directly to the passenger of the spacecraft while people were organizing seating themselves. There were many people speaking about their daily lives while waiting for pilots to take off. Isaac, Abel, and Leo eyed on getting window view seats.

"I call dibs on the window seat!" Leo rushes toward the seat which are unoccupied

"Hey, it's not fair I want that!" Abel fights for the window seat spot.

"SERIOUSLY!?"Isaac hops over the seats.

Somu and Esai could not help but laugh at them, seeing them fighting something trivial as they pushed and shoving one another. However, Esai wanted to avoid the window as he explained "I am going to the back row because I am comfortable being there." Esai walked towards there. This caused confusion with Somu, Isaac,Abel, and Leo about the reasoning of Esai. Leo joked about that, "Why is it not like you are afraid of the big vacuum of space." This got awkward for Esai as Leo saw his expression as a look of embarrassment. Esai walked alone in the back row that had no seat window which ease his nerves. Isaac, Abel, and Leo took their seats while Somu actually went to join two rows behind Esai. Conversion continues with casualness throughout the ship. Esai's hands clenches on his laps as he senses the ship is going to make its departure.

"It was only a joke, I didn't mean it." Leo snaps his fingers.

Isaac glanced back to see Esai was about to have a panic attack "Leo sometimes you have to read your audience before you do that if you want to be a comedian. Esai is shaken from that event." Isaac noted.

Abel leans at the window to see outside. The ship had thrusters lifted up in the air to get off the runway. It was rumbling at the passenger's seats which was expected while Esai held on to the arm's rest with his life. There the ship went to space as the pilots were making calculations before warping to space. There was a woman wearing a brown cloak who went to speak with pilots as she whispered to their ears. Her voice echoes to their heads like bell chime in their minds. Which changes their behavior as the woman's voice breezes as she issues an order to them.

"I will send you the coordinates through your mind once you reach this sector. Return to your original destination and say to all your passengers you made a mistake." The woman ushers then returns to her seat.

The ship went into warp drive in a different direction. Zooming through space is traveling a great distance from a stream of light. The same woman made a specific message as a whisper like a wind to who can hear it "I know you five children are part of the Factions. Come with me the pilots will return to their normal course and realize their mistake." The woman leaves when the ship exits the warp drive and enters the planet's surface.

While the crowd is murmuring in their seats. Esai in the briefest moment he had thought about it he sensed no deception from her for it was genuine. Eventually Esai and his friends follow behind. As soon as they entered registration there were securities that were composed of women. One of the security women is in her early twenties, dark skin, black hair, a stern face, and has an athletic body. The stern young woman said, "Sarah, you found five children this time?"The brown cloak woman whose name is Sarah had unhooded herself.

She has brown long hair that goes down to her shoulders with layered bangs while her left side hair sticks out. She has russet brown wide set eyes and has a contoured nose. While she has fair skin. Sarah turns toward Esai "My name is Sarah Tiyo, you children are safe on this planet Natara. All Factions are welcome as long as no one intends no harm."Somu is taken by this "Natara the sanctuary haven for women!? I thought men are forbidden to set foot upon this place!?" Somu's voice echoed throughout the station.

Esai,Isaac, Abel, and Leo are starting to feel the heavy scrutiny from the security women except for Sarah as she explained "Normally yes, men would not set their foot here, but our policy and laws have changed since Edom's destruction that happened thirty-seven years ago. I was a little girl when I was taken by the nuns when my father went to war…" Sarah is lost in thought like it was something like a sad departure that she experienced.

Regardless, Sarah smiled despite it being a sad memory and said to everyone "Children you will be all registered this will be your new home." As soon as Sarah finished speaking, Esai felt homesick. The securities that Isaac, Abel, Somu, and Leo got registered to their computer system. Sarah grabbed Esai's hand as she noticed him feeling down as she tugs Esai toward the exit. Once they went outside as they approached the balcony having a view of the city. Sarah points at a peculiar building that is a skyscraper "Esai, see that building? I live there with my servants. You and your friends are welcome to stay."Esai sees the city and flying vehicles zooming by.

As Sarah leans toward Esai as she warmly reassures "No one will harm you that I promise you, I promise you, Esai Kinzuma."She straightens up as Somu walks toward Esai not wanting to be separated from him. Isaac, Abel, and Leo are taken in the sight of the city. There are buildings that are wall like designs which surround until the center is a tower skyscraper that stands out. Sarah took them to the vehicle to fly to her residence. Once they arrived at the destination, Sarah led Esai, Somu,Isaac,Abel, and Leo to the lobby. It was a nice suite that organized rows of sofas and tables that were straight hall layouts.

Sarah led the children toward a suite desk that is hexagon design that had two adults that were a man and woman that greeted them by the table counter where guests make reservations for a room, making appointments, or paying rent for however long they had to do.

"Welcome back Miss Tiyo, how was your business trip?" asked the woman.

This woman is wearing a lobby suit,wearing glasses, and has bronze short hair. Sarah responds with a hint of sarcasm "Oh you know I am adopting new kids, how is your husband hunting going for you Kathy? Sarah smiles mischievously.

Kathy retorts back "Sarcasm does not match your kind demeanor it causes wrinkles." Kathy has a vein popping on her forehead. The man who is right next to Kathy knew it would be wise to stay out of this squabble as he is checking the calendar on the tablet if anyone is due to pay rent.

"Careful Kathy, your vein is about to bust a vessel that is most hazardous to your health." Sarah retorts to wait for her response.

"Sarah, maybe you should stay within the limit of your boundaries at times you are conceited with your assumptions." Kathy roasts.

"Good one but, can you back up with your inactions when you had not even tried even if it was right next to you." Sarah pointed right next to her coworker, causing him to be bashful.

This made Kathy flustered "Hey now Aaron is a good friend of mine...leave him out of this!" Kathy was making it obvious that she had feelings for him.

"Ah, and I thought I was conceited and you were blind well. That means I won this round. I will be checking to make sure you don't forget that." Sarah waves goodbye as she leads the children to the elevator.

Kathy had head down in defeat as Aaron wanted to comfort her. It seemed she was feeling glum as he thought he should talk to her after work. Awaits as Sarah and the kids are in the elevator thinking about what would be heading up. While the elevator is playing jazz music this building is tall and brings perspective of things. Esai thought about how there were many paths that were a coincidence to his path of seeing his friends again, even Somu after that incident back on Earth. Esai does not believe in coincidence from what he had learned from this that he was led by his own spirit brought here.

Never thought he would see his friends again, but their arrival had been way too convenient for him when he made that teleportation in the right time and right place. Isaac, Abel, and Leo had amnesia which somewhat is simitude of what Somu went through when Tani had controlled her. It still scares him that such a person would do such unspeakable evil to him and Somu.

Somu was thinking about it too as she had another chance because she has Esai back on her side. There is a good possibility that she could ask for help from this Faction in this world.There was rapid heart rate coming from Somu chest however, it was controlled from use of Sarah's spiritual intimidation, but sorely aimed at Somu with a mental threatening message "Whatever you are thinking about we are not going to war with Taru Ven and his army. We are considered a safe haven from war. If you attempt to incite or mean to inform about the people that will cause fear I will personally put you to prison! So drop it!" that echoes Somu's mind.

The elevator made a chimed ding as they arrived at the penthouse level as they were greeted by the maids. One of the maids approaches with a wet towel. "Welcome back Miss Tiyo." as Sarah thanked her as she wiped the wet towel to her face.

This was a spacious penthouse; it had an exquisite room that had futuristic furniture that is organized while having a layout great room where it is large enough for guests to have parties or meetings. There is an outdoor balcony that has an open window for outside view to show the city while flying vehicles on going traffic. Somu is silent because of the threat she received from Sarah as she went to introduce her servants.

" Would you like to introduce to you all my servants?" Sarah began the introduction.