Chapter 29: Back To Square One
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Arashi and everyone else was either sprinting and moving in a zig-zag to avoid the trees or jumping from one branch to another. Yuko said. "What do you guys think is on that crystal?" Igai said. "I don't know. Can't say for sure without solid evidence." Fuitchi said. "I guess Reiki should be in the background somewhere avoiding all the conflict." Enkei answered. "I think Reiki was probably helping some of them." Arashi stayed silent and Seijo ignored them while keeping his eyes on the crystal. 

A few seconds later it stopped glowing before it finally stabilized. Seijo said. "It's ready. Should we stop or run while we watch?" Everyone noticing Arashi's mood Yuko said. "I say the second one." Everyone else nodded in agreement a 48-inch screen popped out from the crystal as Sagyo's memories started to play. When it first started playing everyone was running at full speed but the more they saw they started to slow down and stopped completely at what they were seeing.

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Reiki Moving At High Speeds

The voice using Reiki's body to eat a bag of chips was running at a steady pace while a patch of skin on the right hand had a tendril that was also grabbing a potato chip at the same time he was. Without stopping the voice reached for the water bottle in his pocket that barely stayed in it as it was being opened the voice said. "Q... I think we're missing something important." The voice looked at the tendril who had two pieces of chips on it after Q stopped talking, the voice said. "No, we didn't leave any food... Hold the chips I need to search the kid's pockets for a moment."

Tendrils took the bag of chips from his hands using only Reiki's left hand, he rummaged through all of his pockets while Q was inhaling the entire bag. The voice recognized what was missing and said. "Oh, we lost the guild card... The kid can always get another one." The voice saw Q's tendrils eating the last few chips as the voice just stared at it for a few moments and said. "The next bag of chips is mine." The tendril became straight as a needle as Q started to talk to the voice. The voice said. "What do you mean it's not fair?"

After Q finished talking the voice replied. "No, you can't eat the last one, leave it for your kindred." The tendril started to flail. The voice said. "That's what you deserve after eating the entire thing in a blink of an eye." Not even stopping as the voice looked up at the sky and saw the position of the sun, the voice said. "If we keep this pace up we should be able to reach the place in a few more minutes." The tendril tapped Reiki's shoulder to get the voice's attention after a few seconds passed, the voice said. "No, we're not going to empty the shop's entire stock."

The voice waited for Q to finish as he jumped from the ground and landed on a branch. The voice replied. "No, I don't know when his friends would be able to meet him at the front of the shop. So the kid faces the possibility of sitting out in the front door for a few hours which I can say he won't mind since he's currently unconscious." Jumping from branch to branch with ease as the voice made minimal movement.

He said. "Don't scream Q we share the same body for the time being. You screaming at the top of your lungs wasn't required to get my attention just so you can point out how ravenous you are... I'm already making sure I don't make any more unnecessary movements... Yes, yes... And no, the second bag is still mine and leave the third bag alone."

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The Group Of Six Watching A Memory Crystal

The crystal was playing the part where 'Reiki' made a gentle shove and sent the ogre flying. Seijo made sure to only get the battle between the two of them so it immediately went to the part where 'Reiki' was speaking monster tongue. But everyone could only hear gibberish and the monster was growling using its throat with a kick to kill the monster it roared with fear and desperation.

Silence filled the air around all of them as they thought about what they just watched. Before anyone else said anything Seijo said. "Stand at attention. Madam needs to see this." Arashi said. "But-." Seijo interrupted. "This would benefit him greatly, Arashi." Arashi stayed silent and kicked the ground under her making a small dirt cloud.

Seijo pulled out a talisman and the area around them turned dark as the outside everything looked normal while inside the area everything was dampened. All of the boys kept their heads down including Seijo. A few seconds passed and the talisman glowed and turned into a screen roughly the size of a 32-inch flatscreen.

A silhouette was shown sitting on a bed still wearing the same red bathrobe with flame accents. Her face was still being hidden by the shadows but her cleavage in the middle was being revealed more than usual because the belt of it came undone. The woman yawned and said. "Seijo... We've already talked about disturbing me."

Seijo let her finish and said. "Madam I have something urgent for you to see." Keeping his eyes on the ground. With another yawn and a small stretch, the woman's large breast softly bounced as she lazily said. "Fine... What is it?" Seijo started to play the memory crystal as it started playing from the beginning where Sagyo saw 'Reiki' rolling up his left sleeve.

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Inside A Luxurious Home

The house had a lavish design from silk window curtains, a variety of paintings, a few exotic plants in the corner, a large plasma screen tv that was embedded in the wall, and every room is bigger than it had to be. Kiru was sitting down on a dark wooden chair holding an expensive teacup and smelling the aroma of it. Behind her was the same butler who held a dagger above Reiki's head when he threatened her.

The butler was currently making the finishing touches on some English tea sandwiches covering it with a silver cloche as he served it to Kiru. Walking towards the table the butler saw Kiru wasn't drinking the tea that was prepared he asked. "Ojou-sama, is something the matter?" Kiru didn't even turn around and said. "No... Just something on my mind." She took a sip of it as she thought. It's not as good as the last time somehow...

Placing down the cup of tea on the table while the butler revealed the English sandwiches under the cloches. Kiru said. "Is there any news from my order?" The butler respectfully answered. "Ojou-sama countless nobles have sent their best to search for him but his... Features on paper but since the easiest way for them to identify him is by his height so it may take some time." Kiru let out a small sigh as she laid back on her chair not caring about how the butler think.

The butler using utensils to skillfully move the sandwich from the cloche to her plate Kiru suddenly said. "Just make sure that when someone finds him to report immediately. I still need to make sure I'm considered... His friend to avoid some obstacles in the future." The butler neatly placed the sandwiches on her plate when a knock came from the door behind them. Kiru made a visible frown and coldly said. "If this is another false report I will kill whoever's noble's child who's affiliated with the one reporting."

The butler went towards the door while saying. "I don't think that would be wise Ojou-sama. The last time you did that your mother gave you an earful." Kiru ignored his remark while he opened the door, a scout that covered his face said. "Ojou-sama I-I found the boy. I accidentally came across him when I was passing through an alleyway to get a vantage point." Kiru stood up from her chair and walked towards behind the butler saying. "Do you have anything else or did you report immediately?" 

The scout replied. "I followed him for a bit and heard him asking directions for a restaurant named Ramen Made Simple." The butler indifferently said. "Do you have any evidence to serve as proof?" The scout said. "Yes, I got a picture." The butler made a visible frown and said. "A picture..." The scout immediately explained. "It's a new phone." As he rummaged his pockets to reveal a clunky and thick phone to them. It was roughly as thick as a phone book and it was shaped like a smartphone.

He explained. "It's an... Very early build but I managed to collect one in case the value increases. One of its functions is that you can use some observation-based spells on it. I saw the boy wearing a robe with a hidden enchantment to hide his face so I used this as evidence." Tapping the screen a few times he zoomed in on the picture and turned the phone towards them so they could verify his claim. Kiru saw 'Reiki' with an indifferent expression and was listening to somebody in another part of the picture.

Kiru said. "Kanzei, tell everyone that the search is called off we already have what I need." Kanzei nodded and pulled out a black smartphone from a pocket inside his uniform as he walked towards the kitchen and made a few calls. The scout who made the report looked at the ground near his feet staying silent. Kiru sat back down on the chair and reached for the cup of tea but then stopped realizing it was already cold. Without turning around she said. "Don't worry." Which made the scout twitch in place.

Kiru continued. "You'll be paid the whole reward and as I promised. The first individual or group to bring me solid evidence can choose to work here as a newcomer." The scout's eyes brightened up as he made a respectful bow and said. "Thank you very much! Ojou-sama!" Kanzei returned from the kitchen and was now holding a pouch as big as a 20-inch goldfish bowl. He gave the pouch to the scout as the person on the receiving end his hands were lightly trembling as he clutched the pouch with both hands. The scout said. "Thank you very much! For your kindness Ojou-sama!"

With another respectful bow. Kiru waved her hand dismissively as she said. "Kanzei, make sure he deposits the money to his account and keeps him safe from his... 'Problems' that will arrive." Kanzei replied. "As you wish Ojou-sama." As he opened the door and waited for the scout to go out first. The scout went out first and took a peek inside the pouch and saw platinum coins. The scout suddenly felt light-headed as Kanzei said. "Let's go, rookie. The first lesson of the day. We don't make Ojou-sama wait. We wait for her." As he kept on walking without turning back the scout seeing this ran to catch up.

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The Zodiacs Somewhere In The Arch Forest

As the part where 'Reiki' was speaking in monster tongue with another kick, the monster died as the video stopped playing. All of them stayed silent as the silhouette of the woman stayed silent for what felt like an eternity to them. The woman said. "Starting now that kid is an official seed to become a dragon. For now, keep his existence a secret to the others lest they kill him behind our backs." Arashi raised her hand to shoulder level indicating she wanted to say something.

The woman said. "You may speak Arashi." Arashi took a moment to compose herself and said. "I already got him to join us on the condition that I sign a contract with him." The woman spoke with interest. "What's the contents of the contract?" Arashi said. "I don't think I should say in front of everyone. If you ask the contractors for a copy of my most recent deal that I've made. I can tell you but everyone needs to go outside the area."

The silhouette stayed silent as a few seconds passed, the woman said. "Fine. Everyone out." All of them, including Arashi herself, were completely shocked by her answer. The woman seeing no one was leaving said. "Do I need to repeat what I've just said?" All five of them ran out leaving the two of them alone. The woman said. "Now, only the two of us will know."

Arashi made a small gulp and said. "The contract was for his father's debt that disappeared." The woman stayed silent which Arashi took as an indication to continue. She said. "He asked for 50 platinum coins. The loan was ¥5,300,000 and was loaned 8.5 years ago reaching ¥15,252,006.96. I already sent the word to take out some of my own money to pay it off. Before or on Saturday as he requested."

The woman asked. "What other details were in it?" Arashi thought for a bit and said. "Other than a few alterations on it he wanted his privacy, someone to pay the difference, and the moment he pays it in full he wants to leave." The voice stayed silent for a whole five seconds making it feel an eternity for Arashi. The woman said. "You've done a great thing Arashi." She lets out a small sigh of relief but the woma

 continued to say. "But. If I find out you missed an important detail..." As she trailed off which made Arashi visibly shiver. The woman said. "Call them to get back inside." Arashi walked outside and made a get inside the area gesture with her hand. The woman said. "Seijo. Make notes, here what everyone needs to do."

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An AlleyWay In Akihabara

'Reiki' was staying in the shadows trying to avoid all the cameras as much as possible. With a left turn in a dingy alley with a few trash bins here and there going into a dead end a few times the voice was able to find the area near the ramen shop Arashi showed Reiki. Waiting for the traffic light to turn red to cross the road and a few turns and another 15-minute walk. The voice saw the shop named. 'Ramen Made Simple.' After reaching the front entrance the voice said. "No key on me. The kid would probably blow his fuse if I break in..."

The voice made Reiki's body squat and searched under the welcome mat and saw nothing. The voice said. "Worth a try." Making Reiki's body sit in front of the door in a carefree manner started to wait for the first person to find him. From the corner of his eyes, the voice saw a black moving vehicle that stopped in the middle of the road and the person who got off the car was Kiru. She closed the door and the car drove off somewhere after taking a turn.

Kiru walked towards 'Reiki' and stopped in front of him. After changing her clothes she wore a one-piece white dress that revealed her shoulders ass the hem of her dress was a few inches longer than her knees. With a sun hat with a wide brim that had a single flower on it and white open toe heels to compliment her outfit. She had a small wallet that was slightly bigger than the yen bill she was holding in her left hand.

Kiru looked at 'Reiki' that still had his hood on but the voice could see that her eyes had a small halo in her pupils. Bringing the hood down to reveal Reiki's face was still the same with an indifferent look and some dried blood on his left cheek. Kiru said. "Little brother you got Onee-chan worried there for a while. Let's go, I'll get you new clothes and all the food you can eat." 'Reiki' just looked at her not saying anything. Kiru said. "Little-."

But was interrupted by the voice saying. "Not that convincing since you brought three people with you." Looking across the bush, then towards the roof of a building, and lastly turning his head towards the right to look towards the closest person that was behind the building. Turning his gaze back to Kiru with a blank look on her face for a split second before regaining her composure the next moment. The voice thought. Well, at least the kid's instinct is decent. Kiru said. "There for me, little brother. My parents assigned them to me for my protection. Despite how... Influential they are, we still have people who would do anything to bring us to our demise."

The voice said. "My words were 'Don't meddle with what I do. I'll be the one to approach if I need help.' Need me to write it down on your forehead?" The corner of Kiru's lips twitched a bit as her right hand she placed behind her back making a wagging gesture with her finger. She said. "You're clearly in a bad mood little brother-." 'Reiki' suddenly said. "You would be too if you were bleeding, tired, in need of a blood transfusion, and have broken bones in six places."

Kiru was rendered speechless when she heard what he said she opened her wallet and rummaged for a bit and pulled out a medium-sized potion with gold designs on it to show its quality. Kiru said. "Here." As she held out the potion towards him she continued saying. "Little brother if you need a potion you should've just told me." With a bright smile waiting how he would react. Looking at the potion he said. "Got anything that I could afford?"

Before Kiru could say anything a familiar voice behind her said. "I'll take it from here Kiru-san." She turned around and saw that all six of them were standing right in front of her. Kiru smirked and said. "If it took you this long to find him I question whether you're qualified to be his nee-san. And besides, I'm just making sure little brother is all right." 

Even with an indifferent expression, Kiru could see the anger in her eyes. With gritted teeth Arashi said. "Well, unlike you who can only snatch opportunities. I went searching for him and found someone that said. 'He's in a ramen shop.' Going by that he wanted me to find him." Looking at the potion in her hand she continued speaking. "Not only that I even bought a healer that your family could never afford."

Asmirk slowly formed on her lips. Kiru didn't get angry and said. "Well, not everyone can afford to buy a potion for every time they have an injury. Unless your me." The two of them not backing down the voice sitting thought. Perfect time to go unconscious.

[System: Third party has forfeit control of the host.]

The voice said. [Q keep yourself hidden and make sure to help him grow his limbs back.] Reiki's eyelids slowly closed as his body fell backward on the ground with a soft thud. Everyone turned their eyes on him and saw that he passed out. Seijo being the first one to react, saw that the robe he was wearing was drenched in blood.

With a soft pinch, the robe started to leak blood, and with a closer glance, some parts of it started to dry up making some of it crusty. Seijo said. "Tiger, open the door." Arashi snapped back to reality and started to frantically search for the key she has. While she walked towards the door and searched for the key in her grey string bag she said. "This is all your fault!" Kiru narrowed her eyes and said. "If you hadn't disrupted me I would've given him the potion before he fainted."

Not backing down Arashi said. "If you would've just move aside! Dragon could've healed before this happened!" Finally finding the key she unlocked the door and opened it wide enough so Seijo could carry him in. She said. "Sorry for the intrusion." Seijo had Reiki on his shoulder like a sack of rice and said. "Pardon me." Kiru came in and said. "Pardon my intrusion."

Yuko came inside and looked behind her and said to Igai, Enkei, and Fuitchi. She said. "You guys aren't going to enter?" All three of them had weird looks on their face and just either shook their head or tactically stayed silent. With a shrug of her shoulders, she went inside and said. "Please excuse my intrusion."

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