Chapter 7
Part 1
—Let’s rewind time back to two days ago. Under the orders of Jin, Kuro Usagi was now sent and locked in her room to reflect on her actions. Standing beside her bedroom window while using her finger to draw across the water droplets that were rolling down the window pane, Kuro Usagi gazed out at Little Garden that was currently raining.
(Oh, it looks like it’s the periodic rainfall period? Hm, unlike the South Side, the East isn’t going to release the Veil.)
Artificial rainfall events were to be executed at fixed intervals. Only during the allotted time for the rainfall period would the Little Garden’s Veil have a visible change in appearance by using the manipulation of light to create an optical illusion that would be perceived as rain clouds.
In other words, although the rainclouds didn’t exist, they would create the illusion of ‘there are clouds in the sky’ before releasing the rain.
…To be honest, this was quite a high level technique that served no purpose. If there was a need for water, they could just release the Veil when it rained outside or even just do away with the need of the raincloud illusion and just release the showers. To actually allow such an astounding miraculous technique to be fully utilized on such a small point due to one’s own interest, it could only be said to be consistent with the style of Little Garden to have such a generous act of consideration.
(Forget it. Little Garden’s function is in itself mainly centered about the idea of entertainment and recreation. To nit-pick on such things would just be a waste of time, right?)
The storm is one of the important factors to add a touch of artistry to the unique characteristic of the seasons. From the ancient times, deities and demigods had always hidden in the clouds while transporting these natural disasters, the presence of rain clouds would then stand to have quite a significant meaning to them.
If it were accompanied by a violent storm streaked with lightning and the rumble of thunder, Humans would assume that it’s the result of the Dragon’s Divine power. Hence the origin of the reverence towards Dragon kind.
However if it were a Sunshower[11], it would be believed as the work of some mage practicing his or her ritual in a remote region somewhere.
For the cities of Little Garden, just saying that there were Eight million Gods would still be way below the actual numbers. For the number of Gods and deities who created this world of Little Garden have legends and mythologies that would fill the world to the brim and more with all their respective stories compiled together.
(Come to think of it, Leticia-sama doesn’t seem to like the rain….? Something about the uncomfortable smell of moisture and the metallic tang of blood being stifling and unable to dissipate…)
What words to say when she’s clearly a Vampire, right? Kuro Usagi gave a bitter laugh as she recalled that conversation.
Just as she resumed her gloomy gaze at the scene outside the window, a corridor echoed with the sound of someone giving a restrained knock on her door
“Well~The door is locked and there’s no one in at the moment des~”
“……That means that we can enter?”
“I guess so?”
The voices belonged to Kudou Asuka and Kasukabe Yō. Although Kuro Usagi had clearly said ‘there’s no one in’, but they still took it for a reply of ‘you may enter’. What in the world could they be planning?
“Ara, it’s really locked.”
“Hm……it’s true, force our way?
*Kacha Kacha* The sounds of the doorknob being twisted and the lock mechanism preventing it from opening travelled into Kuro Usagi’s ears and she stood up seemingly to give up her pointless resistance.
“Okay Okay, Kuro Usagi will unlock it now! You two should learn to be gentler or maybe it should be said as more tactful…”
“Might as well just destroy it?”
“You’re right.”
*Pak!*
“Gentle and tactful!”
“You’re so noisy!”
Kuro Usagi who was chided by the both of them could only shut her mouth obediently.
It would seem that when up against the problem children of a different world, the wooden door just didn’t stand a chance.
Kuro Usagi drooped her rabbit ears as she clutched the broken door handle to burst into a wail.
Not bothering to wipe her tears, Kuro Usagi just took her own thermos to start preparing tea. And during this time, Asuka and Yō had also poured the contents of a small bag that they had brought along with them onto a small plate. It would seem that the contents were actually hand-made snacks.
“……could it be that you two……?”
“No, it was made by the children of the Community.”
“The fox-eared girl and the other older children had brought this to us saying ‘Please patch up with Kuro Usagi onee-san!’”
The three of them had an indescribable and complicated look of their faces then.
Three days ago, after recounting the incident that had taken place at [Thousand Eyes], Jin and Yō had acted as was expected of them as they were also against the idea of Kuro Usagi’s departure. Jin taking the viewpoint of a Community’s leader while Yō based on the position of being new friends.
There was no malicious intent then but it was just a difficult situation to speak in for everyone had been too agitated to think clearly.
But after Asuka joined the fray, the situation quickly went out of hand and to calm the situation down, Jin made the call for her to do some self-reflection while locked in her room.
Whereas Izayoi who was the only one who was adamant about being just an observer to the whole saga had dropped a line of ‘I will be going to play around in Little Garden’ and had left, never to be seen since then. And everyone assumed that he might have gotten tired of [No Name] already.
The children must have also picked up on the charged atmosphere as well and after much thought on what they could do to help, the answer now lay in the plate of snacks before them.
“Those children sure are a despicable lot. Seeing how they had come running over with tears in their eyes to plead us, I think only evil spirits or demons would reject them?”
“No, Asuka, everyone already helped to create this chance for us, we must make the reconciliation a success.”
Asuka gave a harrumph as she turned her head away while Yō tried to coax her.
Seeing this scene before her, Kuro Usagi had also worn a troubled smile.
“You’re right……Everyone in the Community would be really worried if we do not get our act together.”
“Yes, that’s the case. So although it might not sound fair to you, but we won’t allow you to go to another place. The core of this Community isn’t Jin-chan nor is it us. But it’s you who have invited us to join and supported this Community single-handedly till now, Kuro Usagi.”
“……yes that’s right.”
Those were also the words that Jin had said to Kuro Usagi. He had said that if Kuro Usagi were to leave now, the Community would definitely be unable to hold up.
Be it the children who have been entrusted to her care or Izayoi and the others whom she had invited to join the Community.
The one who carried all the burden was none other than Kuro Usagi, herself.
“……I’ve heard from Asuka that the [Moon Rabbit] that you speak of is that of the legend?”
“YES. All the rabbit race in Little Garden have the same origin and that is the [Moon Rabbit]s.”
— The [Moon Rabbit]. In order to save an injured old man, a rabbit willingly leapt into the flames to offer its body and blood. That was one of the stories in the collection of Buddhist teachings. In Buddhism, suicide is seen to be a great sin. But the rabbit’s act is seen to be one of mercy and self-sacrifice, leading to Indra’s summon to create the first Moon Rabbit.
And the rabbits of Little Garden were the descendants of that [Moon Rabbit].
“Because of our ability to draw our power from the core of Little Garden, a [Moon Rabbit] will experience a change in color from the hair to the rabbit ears when they use their power. But there are also some differences between individuals too.”
“Oh I see now. So that means the alarming roll of thunder three days ago had also been Kuro Usagi’s doing?”
“Yes, a small portion of rabbits can call on the power of our first ancestor, the Herald of Indra to possess the Authority to wield Indra’s weapons. If up against normal opponents, Kuro Usagi will never lose!”
*Hei Hei* Kuro Usagi proudly puffed her chest and perked her ears in pride.
“But when you want to join Gift Games, they will limit the qualification of the Participants right?”
“Well……yes, that’s true.”
Her rabbit ears flopped down once more. Observing the rabbit ears that easily showed her true feelings, Yō and Asuka were quite impressed by that function.
“But it’s still quite surprising. Because when we talk about [Moon Rabbit]s, it’s something that's so well known that it can also be found in the records of Man’yōshū[12]. And it’s something that is quite famous in my world.”
“Is ……Is that so?”
“Nn—But, We do not intend to let you jump into the fire. Because we, the three of us……were summoned over by your invitation letter after all.”
Holding the invitation letter in her hand, Yō reached out her hand to lightly rest it over Kuro Usagi’s hand.
‘You shall cast aside your family, friends, possessions and everything in the world of yours.
And come forth to our [Little Garden].’
For the trio who have been summoned by that letter, this was a catch phrase that really struck a chord in them time and time again.
And the whole reason why the trio who have already been sick and tired of their previous worlds were able to muster up an enthusiasm in life was all thanks to Kuro Usagi who approached them with that phrase. Truly that and for no other reason.
If she were to leave for another Community, then for what reason did the trio come to Little Garden is a question that one might ask.
Giving a smile as she seemed to have reached a decision, but also partially one that signaled her surrender, Kuro Usagi opened her mouth to give her reply:
“……Well, Kuro Usagi apologizes for having said such irresponsible words. Don’t worry. It’s fine now.”
“Is that so? Then it’s about time that we start discussing the battle strategies already.”
“Yep, if only there were some constructive context to work on, we would be good to go.”
—EEH? Although Kuro Usagi let out a sound of having been lost amidst the discussion, the duo continued to discuss their matters while paying her no mind.
“I think the only way would be to just participate in Gift Games and obtain any kind of Gift that we can get and just continue in this pattern.”
“No. Time’s too short to do that. If we want to prepare something that the other party will want to lay his hand on no matter what the cost is….we will first need some information and context. Kuro Usagi, do you have any clues on that?”
“Eh? Eh?”
Although Kuro Usagi looked as though her thoughts had been thrown into disarray, but she had caught on to what they were discussing.
In other words, Asuka and Yō had not given up.
Not giving up on Kuro Usagi while not abandoning Leticia.
Asuka and Yō had come to find Kuro Usagi to discuss the battle strategy even though they hadn't met Leticia before. Those kind of feelings reached Kuro Usagi and the rims of her eye started to redden.
“Asuka-san, Yō-san…… Kuro Usagi’s really thankful for both of you.”
“If you want to thank us, do that after we have brought the person back. What’s more important currently is the battle strategy. Is there something that can be used to tempt the other party into accepting our negotiations besides Kuro Usagi……or is there a way to make the opponent play a Game against us with the Vampire girl as the bet?”
“That……That would really be some useful item….”
Having said that, they could only look for a solution in this direction. Kuro Usagi used her hand to prop her chin as she started to run though the options.
There were many precious gifts that slumbered deep in the Community’s treasury and it ranged from precious swords, Divine spears, Enchanted Bows and many other famous weapons and equipment but each and every one of them had many requirements to be met to be usable, making them items that were picky about their owners. Although there were also some Greek artifacts in their storage, Kuro Usagi couldn’t imagine Laius to be that sort of person who would want to collect items that related to his cultural history.
Looking from how they, [Perseus] had invaded their territory to the time when they had conversed in Shiroyasha’s shop with Laius.
Just judging from the character that he displayed from the events above, Kuro Usagi didn’t think that those items would be able to interest Laius enough to make the case negotiable.
“……No, it’s really tough. [Perseus] is an organization that leans most of the authoritative power towards the decision of the Community leader. If we want to nudge [Perseus] into action, we can only think from the direction of instigating Laius into action for there’s no other way. Shiroyasha-sama had said that he’s a person who’s addicted to drinking, enjoyment; and lustful. If we don’t know his interests, there’s really no……”
“Then, let’s look at it from a different direction shall we? Is there a kind of situation where even if Laius holds the final say, [Perseus] will still have to make a move?”
*Uu?* Kuro Usagi started to contemplate that line of thought. It wasn’t that there existed no such objects but it’s just that if they wanted to obtain it, the amount of time left to them was overwhelmingly inadequate. If only there were a few more days, they might just have a plan to solve it ……
“Do you guys know of the story where [Perseus] fought against Gorgon to seek justice?”
“Eh?”
Kuro Usagi’s abrupt question caught them by surprise but they replied without much confidence.
“When mentioning [Perseus], I only know of it being the name of a constellation. And Gorgon should be that snake-haired monster right?”
“Yes. The one who assassinated Medusa was a knight called Perseus(Perseus).”
—The legend of Perseus' crusade against Medusa.
He had received the four Gifts from the Greek gods and journeyed to launch his crusade against the Gorgon.
With a pair of shining wings sprouting from it—Hermes' boots.
A weapon that’s able to behead the Gods—Harpe.
The protection of Pluto’s armor—Hades' Helmet.
Although there was another Gift that is the shield of the God of war Athena, but it would seem that it has already been lost in the world of Little Garden.
Commanding the powers of all these powerful Gifts, Perseus still understood that his power was still unable to match up to Medusa. Hence he used the Hades Helmet to turn invisible and successfully beheaded her when she was asleep.
And in an ironic way, the head of the Gorgon became the greatest Gift that ensured his success on his future ventures and quests.
“Is that so? Then, is there a problem with that legend?”
“Communities that possess a certain level of strength may want to boast about their own legends and sometimes prepare Gift Games that would allow the re-enactment of the legend. They would only allow Participants who meet a certain criteria to challenge that Gift Game. And the bet would be their legend—and Flag.”
Asuka and Yō seemed to have realized what Kuro Usagi was getting at and they drew a sharp intake of breath.
“Flag……! If we can get that, maybe we will be able to use it for our negotiations!”
“Yes. But since it is challenge to the legend, it needs certain special conditions to be met. One must clear two of the Gift Games proposed by the other party and provide the evidences. And both of them are harsh trials that would require a few months or years to clear……but unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of time.”
“I’m coming in!”
Just then, Izayoi kicked through the room door with a *Bam!*. Kuro Usagi cried out in surprise:
“Iza…Izayoi –san! Where were you all this while……No! Before that, can all of you not destroy stuff when you enter?!”
Although she had already given up, but the act of destroying a room door that wasn’t even locked was clearly a deliberate act of finding fault with something that didn’t have one. However, Izayoi only shrugged his shoulders without a sign of wanting to reflect on his actions.
“Well, because the door is locked.”
“Ah, I see! Then what is this door handle doing in Kuro Usagi’s hand huh?! You BAKA!”
Kuro Usagi exerted her full force into her throw. Izayoi laughed heartily as he used the large bundle under his armpit to receive the door handle thrown at him.
“What’s inside that bundle?” Yō stared at the big bundle with curiosity in her eyes.
“Game Trophies, want to have a look?” Izayoi slightly loosened the bundle’s opening to allow Kasukabe Yō to have a look.
And Yō’s expression could be seen changing in an instant. From being calm and quiet earlier, Kasukabe Yō who lacked much variation in her expression could be seen staring at the contents with widened eyes in surprise.
“————……this…how did you get it?”
“Didn’t I already say that this is my trophy?”[13]
“……? What’s up with you guys?”
It was now Kudou Asuka’s turn to run to the bundle to take a peek. Although Asuka had initially displayed a look of puzzlement in response to the contents that she saw before her, but at the moment of understanding it, a little giggle escaped her lips.
*Puhu! * Asuka clamped down on the corners of her lips as she seemed to be controlling her urge to laugh while wearing that expression of repressing her smile as she accosted Izayoi:
“Could it be……all this time you had been running around to collect these things alone?”
“Nn, I’d gathered them until the very end.”
“Fufu, I see. But, Izayoi-san……”
Asuka had a fierce look as she grabbed Izayoi’s ear while feinting displeasure:
“Since you had such an interesting plan…… be sure to report to me from now on, you got that?”
“Well, I guess I’m really sorry about this then, I will be sure to tell you next time, Ojou-sama.”
They exchanged a playful smile. It was a smile on the two problem children that could be liken to the radiance exuded from children who had found a new game.
Lastly, Izayoi brought the bundle before Kuro Usagi.
“Kuro Usagi, I’ve already brought the ticket that can reverse the current situation. You do not have to go to [Thousand Eyes] anymore and as for the rest, I will be leaving it to you to make the choice.”
He tossed the bundle onto Kuro Usagi’s lap but Kuro Usagi didn’t even confirm the contents as she just stared at Izayoi who looked quite pleased with himself with an incredulous expression.
“Could it be…in that short amout of time……for real……?”
“Nn. But compared to the Game itself, the main problem was the race against time. It’s fortunate that I managed to pull it off in time.”
Izayoi gave a shrug while replying in a frivolous manner. However the battles shouldn’t have been as simple and relaxed as he described.
“Thank you… with your…with this, Kuro Usagi can lift her head high to issue her challenge to [Perseus].”
“There’s nothing to thank me for, after all the fun will only start later.”
I didn’t do it for any one in particular. With that, Izayoi gave a smile. However, there wasn’t a need to remind others and without a doubt Izayoi had definitely fought for the Community. Just that act alone was good enough to make Kuro Usagi feel touched.
(Kuro Usagi really……feels that everyone who joined the Community, has really been a blessing.)
Kuro Usagi hugged the bundle tightly. There was no need for her to confirm the contents. Kuro Usagi already knew what was inside and compared to the trophies, the well-meaning of the trio had deeply touched her heart.
Giving a quick swipe at the tears that threatened to flow down her face, Kuro Usagi stood up with gusto and all traces of faltering hesitation had disappeared from her eyes.
She looked around at the faces of the trio as she loudly declared:
“We will be declaring war on [Perseus]. Let’s go fight to regain our comrade, Leticia-sama!”
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