Chapter 8 home

Luna leaned over the wooden railing of the ship, her silver hair catching the sunlight as the breeze played with its strands. The vast expanse of the shimmering lake stretched out before her, a sight so breathtaking that she couldn't help but let out a soft gasp.

"Whoooaa!" she exclaimed, her wide eyes reflecting the glint of the sparkling water. Around her, the crew bustled with energy, their voices blending with the sound of the wind and water. Some of them were using wind magic, their outstretched hands glowing faintly as they conjured breezes to push the ship forward.

She turned away from the rail, setting her sights on the sack of coins she had placed on the wooden table nearby. With a small sigh, she plopped down into a chair and pulled out her map, spreading it across the table. Her fingers trailed along the paper, tracing the route she had taken so far.

"This ship only cost me five small silver coins," she murmured to herself, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, I have no idea where I got all this money from, but I'm not complaining. It's coming in handy."

The ship itself was a marvel. It was a grand vessel, with sails billowing high and a crew of around fifteen people. The chatter of the sailors and the occasional call of seagulls added life to the journey. This wasn't just any ordinary transport ship; it was a connection to something extraordinary—the city of Poseidon, her next destination.

As the ship neared the port, Luna's eyes widened with awe. From her vantage point, she could see the city sprawled below, nestled in the crater of an ancient meteorite.

"It's like something out of a storybook," she whispered, leaning forward eagerly.

The city was surrounded by towering waterfalls that cascaded down like a shimmering curtain, enclosing it in a wall of water. The sound of the waterfalls was a low, continuous roar, soothing yet powerful. In the center of the city stood the castle, an imposing structure that seemed to merge seamlessly with its surroundings.

The castle's towers stretched skyward, their heights varying, but one stood far taller than the others, like a sentinel watching over the city. The stone walls were earthy and strong, blending with the natural rock formations around it. The medieval architecture, with its spires, battlements, and intricate bridges, gave it a fairytale charm that made Luna's heart flutter.

She descended from the ship, her boots clicking softly against the wooden dock. Taking a deep breath, she gazed over the edge of the railing. The abyss stretched below, revealing the full splendor of Poseidon.

"I can't believe I'm really here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The staircase that led down into the city spiraled gracefully, carved into the stone walls of the crater. As Luna walked, she could hear the faint hum of the waterfalls behind her, the sound mingling with the distant murmur of life in the city below.

Finally, her boots touched the cobblestone streets of Poseidon, and her surroundings seemed to embrace her with their charm. She took a moment to take it all in, her amethyst eyes dancing over the picturesque scenery.

The streets were a dream. A narrow canal ran through the center, its crystal-clear water reflecting the vivid blue of the sky above. Quaint stone arch bridges, draped in flowers and greenery, spanned the canal at intervals, connecting the two sides.

"This place… it's so peaceful," Luna thought, her gaze lingering on a wooden rowboat docked at the edge of the quay.

The houses lining the canal looked as if they had leapt out of a painting. Their half-timbered designs featured sturdy wooden beams crisscrossing over stone walls, with charming tile roofs capping them off. Flowers were everywhere—spilling from windowsills, climbing up walls, and adorning the bridges. The air was fragrant with their scent, mingling with the cool mist from the waterfalls.

Luna couldn't help but smile as she wandered through the streets. She passed by bustling market stalls, where vendors sold fresh produce, handmade trinkets, and colorful fabrics. The cheerful chatter of townsfolk filled the air, and every so often, she caught snippets of conversations about the latest gossip or upcoming festivals.

"This city feels alive," she thought, her steps light as she made her way across one of the flower-covered bridges. She paused in the middle, leaning on the stone railing to look down at the canal.

The water flowed gently, reflecting the vivid colors of the flowers and the warm hues of the houses. A small fish darted by, its scales glinting in the sunlight. Luna tilted her head, resting her chin in her hand.

"Maybe I could live here someday," she mused softly. "It feels… like home."

Her journey had only just begun, but in this moment, surrounded by the beauty of Poseidon, Luna felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time.

Luna stood on the edge of the bustling port, staring at the natural rock arch carved into the limestone cliffs before her. It rose majestically over the turquoise waters, its beauty leaving her momentarily breathless. The sunlight danced on the rippling waves below, casting shimmering patterns on the arch's surface. To either side of the arch, ports were alive with activity—ships docked and undocked, carrying passengers and goods, their sails billowing in the light ocean breeze.

"This is it," Luna murmured to herself, her violet eyes fixated on the scene. "Finally, I can move away from this city."

She shifted her gaze to a nearby footstall where she had been negotiating for her meal. It had been two months since she had arrived in Poseidon, two long months of waiting. Storms had plagued the oceans, turning the waters into a roiling chaos that made travel impossible. Only now had the weather calmed enough for the ships to resume their routes. During that time, she had stayed in a modest inn, paying for her room with the mysterious fortune she still couldn't recall earning.

"How much is this fish?" she asked the vendor in the local language, her accent slightly off but understandable.

The vendor, a burly man with a friendly grin, handed over the fish wrapped in a leaf and told her the price. Luna handed over a small coin and took the fish, sighing softly as she walked away.

"The city of Poseidon… the city of water and fish," she muttered to herself, sitting on a wooden bench near the dock. She took a tentative bite of the fish, her expression twisting into a grimace.

"I hate water," she said, her voice heavy with exasperation. "And I hate fish. It's way too salty." Her nose wrinkled as she forced herself to chew. The taste and smell, once novel, had grown unbearable after weeks of eating little else. She glanced at the vibrant stalls and market stands, all offering seafood in endless varieties.

"I'm so tired of the taste and the smell," she groaned, setting the half-eaten fish aside.

Her lament was interrupted by a loud, booming voice.

"Buy the most delicious crabs in the world! Fwahahaha!"

The laughter jolted her memory. That voice… it was familiar. She scanned the crowd, her heart racing with curiosity. Her eyes finally landed on a cloaked figure standing by a cart stacked with strange, purple-shelled crabs. The person was small and wore simple, dark clothing, their face partially obscured. The faint scent of fish seemed to follow them.

"Kiruaki Kiriari?" Luna said hesitantly, her voice barely audible.

The figure froze, then turned dramatically toward her. "Who dares to say my name so boldly in a place that reeks of trimethylaminuria!" Kiruaki Kiriari declared with theatrical flair, only to suddenly clutch her stomach and throw up over the side of her cart.

Luna blinked in stunned silence as Kiruaki Kiriari wiped her mouth, utterly unfazed by her own outburst.

The purple crabs caught Luna's attention. Their claws gleamed in the sunlight, a striking violet hue that seemed almost unnatural. Each crab had four claws—two on the sides and two smaller ones above them, twitching slightly as if to emphasize their oddity.

Kiruaki glanced at her, tilting her head. "Ah! The one who lost her memories…" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So it is this much out of control."

Luna's heart skipped a beat. "She knows I've lost my memories," she thought, her hands tightening into fists. "I know her name, but… who is she? Was she a friend? An enemy?"

Before she could voice her questions, Kiruaki snapped her fingers sharply, drawing Luna's full attention.

"I don't know anything," she said with a grave expression.

Luna blinked, her mouth half-open to protest.

"But," Kiruaki continued, "you're almost there. Just take the ship and go to Deity. Don't stop. You need to make it back and find the one named Tatsuya Fukushu."

Luna's mind reeled. "Tatsuya Fukushu?" she repeated. The name tickled something deep in her memory, but she couldn't grasp it.

HONK!

The ship's horn blared loudly, signaling its imminent departure.

"Go!" Kiruaki commanded, her voice firm. "Don't stop. You can make it!"

Luna hesitated for only a moment before nodding. She ran toward the ship, her boots clattering on the dock.

Once aboard, she slumped onto a bench, clutching a sack of purple crabs Kiruaki had thrust into her arms as a parting gift. She spread her map across her lap, tracing routes with her finger as she calculated the fastest way to the city of Deity.

"At least these crabs don't smell like fish," she muttered, her nose twitching as she peeked into the sack.

The journey ahead would be long—at least a month and a half. The ocean between Poseidon and Deity was vast, and the waters were known for their unpredictable storms. Though the weather had calmed enough to allow travel, there was always a risk of rough seas.

For the first few days, the voyage was uneventful. The waves lapped gently against the ship, and Luna spent her time studying her map and jotting down notes about possible routes and landmarks.

Then the storm hit.

Waves as high as ten meters crashed against the ship, sending it rocking violently. Rain lashed against the deck, and the crew shouted over the howling wind as they struggled to keep the vessel steady. Luna clung to the mast, her knuckles white as she braced herself against the chaos.

"Just hold on," she whispered to herself, her heart pounding. "Just hold on until it's over."

When the storm finally subsided, the ocean returned to its tranquil state as if nothing had happened. Exhausted but relieved, Luna leaned against the railing, staring out at the endless horizon.

"Tatsuya Fukushu…" she murmured, the name echoing in her mind. "Who are you? And why do I need to find you?"

Her journey had only begun, but with every step, she felt the weight of her forgotten past pulling her closer to an answer.

Part 2

Luna leapt off the ship and stretched her arms high above her head, savoring the solid ground beneath her boots. The journey across the sea had been long and exhausting, and the sight of land brought a grin to her face.

"Finally, land!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the busy dock. Villagers in simple clothes gave her a curious glance before continuing their work, hauling cargo and shouting instructions to one another.

The small village was named Pontus, a quaint coastal settlement with weathered wooden buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. The salty scent of the sea lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of nearby forests. Luna didn't linger long. She quickly rented a goat-drawn carriage, eager to reach her destination.

As the carriage rattled along the bumpy dirt roads, Luna overheard snippets of conversations from travelers passing by.

"Have you heard? The empire has fallen…" one man whispered to his companion.

"Impossible. The empire was strong—"

"Not anymore. It's chaos everywhere now. Cities are crumbling."

Luna frowned, gripping the edge of the carriage. "The empire… fallen? What happened while I was stuck in Poseidon?" she thought, her unease growing with each passing mile.

The journey to Deity took two and a half weeks. Each day, the scenery shifted from rolling meadows to dense forests, and finally to the rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding the city. By the time Luna reached the gates of Deity, the sun had long since set, leaving the world bathed in shadows.

The towering metal gates of the city loomed before her, their surfaces scratched and dented as if they had withstood countless sieges. They were thick and imposing, seemingly unbreakable. Yet, there were no guards stationed at the entrance. No travelers were waiting to enter or leave. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint whistle of the wind.

"Why is it so quiet?" Luna muttered, her heart pounding. She pushed open the heavy doors, the metal creaking ominously as they swung inward.

What she saw stole the breath from her lungs.

The city of Deity was in flames.

Buildings crumbled as fire consumed them, sending plumes of black smoke spiraling into the sky. The air was thick with ash and dust, clinging to Luna's skin and filling her lungs. The once-vibrant streets were deserted, eerily still save for the occasional sound of collapsing wood and stone.

"Is this really Deity?" Luna whispered, her voice trembling. "Am I… really supposed to be here?"

She stepped cautiously into the city, her boots crunching on charred debris. Every corner she turned revealed more destruction—collapsed houses, shattered windows, and scorch marks on the cobblestones.

"This… this looks like hell," Luna thought, her stomach twisting in dread.

As she wandered aimlessly through the ghostly streets, she stumbled upon an alleyway that tugged at the edges of her memory.

"This street…" she murmured, her fingers brushing against the soot-covered wall. "I… I know this place. But why? Why does it feel so… painful?"

She shook her head, forcing herself to move forward. The air grew hotter as she approached the heart of the city, where the church and castle stood. Or what was left of them.

The grand church, once a beacon of hope and faith, was engulfed in flames, its stained-glass windows shattered into colorful shards on the ground. The castle, a symbol of power and strength, was a smoldering ruin.

Luna's stomach churned violently as her eyes fell on the sight before the church entrance.

Five spikes rose from the ground, and atop each one was the decapitated head of a person. Their faces were frozen in expressions of terror and agony, their skin decayed and discolored from time. Flies buzzed around them, adding to the grotesque scene.

"Goha!!" Luna gagged, doubling over as bile rose in her throat. She turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What… what is this place?" she whispered hoarsely, her voice breaking. "I need to get out of here. I need to leave!"

She broke into a desperate run, her heart hammering in her chest. The city seemed to close in around her, the flames casting flickering shadows that danced like malevolent spirits.

Then, a voice called out.

"Luna!!"

She skidded to a halt, whipping around to see a figure running toward her. The girl had long, dark purple hair styled in two braids that fell over her shoulders. She wore a battle-worn black yukata adorned with beautiful floral patterns, now marred by burns and tears. Her face was bruised, and she clutched two katanas tightly in her hands.

"How are you here?" the girl demanded, her voice a mix of shock and anger. "You got killed by the demon of greed… two years ago! On our way to Deity!"

"Two years ago?" Luna repeated, her mind spinning. "I… I don't know who you are. But you seem to know me. Do you… know Tatsuya Fukushu?"

The girl's expression shifted to one of sadness and confusion. "I'm Chika Utsukushi," she said softly. "I'm the one who saved you from the man in the clothing store. The one who tried to kill you."

Chika's words stirred a faint flicker of recognition, but it was like grasping at smoke.

"I'm sorry," Luna said, shaking her head. "I don't remember. But… I need to find Tatsuya Fukushu."

Chika's eyes darkened. "So, you've forgotten him too," she muttered. "Come with me."

The two ran through the city, their path leading them into a dense forest of towering conifer trees. Fog blanketed the ground, swirling around their feet as they moved.

They emerged into a small clearing, where a brown-haired boy lay on the ground, bloodied and beaten. His diamond-patterned kimono was riddled with holes and stained with blood. He clutched a katana weakly in front of him, his trembling arms barely able to hold it steady.

Standing over him was a small girl with long white and pink hair adorned with a delicate flower. Her bloodstained clothing—once white, now more red—hinted at the ferocity of the battle. In each hand, she held a sickle, their curved blades gleaming menacingly.

Luna's eyes locked onto the boy.

"That's him," she whispered, her heart racing. "That's Tatsuya Fukushu!"

Without hesitation, she drew her knife and launched herself at the girl with the sickles.

"Haaa!" Luna screamed, her blade clashing against the sickles in a shower of sparks.

The girl leapt back, giving Luna the chance to glance at Tatsuya.

Everything about him seemed so familiar, yet maddeningly out of reach.

"Tatsuya Fukushu," Luna said firmly, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "I don't know who you are, but I'm here to save you!"

Tatsuya's wide eyes met hers, his lips parting in disbelief.

"Luna?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

Luna's breath hitched. She didn't know why his voice made her chest tighten, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.

"Tatsuya, stay back!" she shouted, her grip on her knife tightening as she launched herself at the girl again.

For the first time in months, Luna felt like she was where she belonged. At last, she had found the one she had been searching for. And she wasn't going to let him slip away.

END.