Noticing that Cherise was for some strange reason seriously pondering his joke, Keller decided to clear his throat before continuing on with his instructions.
Keller: "To ensure this task will have adequate difficulties before you, we will have only several locations of the wilds for you both to choose from. I’m just going to say this outright, the people who lived here long ago were quite literal in the naming of these places, so do keep that in mind.”
That’s a somewhat awkward disclaimer. Surely they can’t be that bad.
Keller: “The first location for you to choose is the Frozen Heights just two weeks on foot to the north. It is a bitterly cold place that's hostile to life all around, so the beasts there are always on the hunt, constantly seeking out their next potential prey. Then there's the Forest of Giants, only a few hours eastward, after a sharp descent down the cliffs of these mountains. And naturally, similar to the last location, the name gives hints as to what you can expect. The trees and creatures in that forest are of a massive proportion.” Cherise and the others were visibly surprised to hear of such places even existed.
…I stand corrected.
Keller: “Lastly there's the Swamp of Doom to the west.”
…No…
Keller: “I'm sure you can expect like the others, the name speaks for itself, and you’d be right!”
Oh no, Keller stop! No need to go into details!
Keller: “And I can assure you that this place certainly got its ominous name for a good reason. For those who enter, seldom have any ever returned from entering that accursed place."
Really wish he hadn’t said that…
To anyone normal, it sounded like more of a formality to mention the place as an option. Especially since Keller deliberately spoke with as much dread as he could manage to get his point across.
Surprisingly, Keller seemed sincere as he described these amazing locations with the utmost serious tone and expression. And seeing that Keller was serious, Cherise had mixed emotions on what she heard. Her changing expressions perfectly mirrored her inner thoughts, as she’d considered the places he mentioned. She anxiously wanted the chance to visit such lands, but these ones sounded unusually perilous, even for the wilds. Regardless, Cherise wouldn't have much time to ponder on the matter, as Ira already had an opinion on the matter.
Ira, no! Don’t you do it…
Putting his hand to his chin contemplatively to give the false impression that he’d given the matter much thought, Ira grinned before speaking.
Ira: "You know what? That last place sounds allot more exciting than the rest." Behind her forced smile, a nervous twitch was the only sign that Cherise gave of her internal screaming.
Looking at Theo to see if he was in agreement, Ira felt the matter was already settled. Theo wasn’t particularly showing much interest, but he gave a slight approving nod in return, which was good enough for Ira’s standards. With their choice being so easily decided, Ira looked back at Keller with an enthusiastic smile, as he started proclaiming aloud.
Ira: "We choo-" But he was cut off by Obi, who was running straight towards him yelling at the top of his lungs the entire time.
Obi: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" He said with his arms crossed, prolonging an otherwise short word.
It was a rather dramatic intervention, which would seem unjustified in nearly any other situation.
At first, Ira was taken back by Obi’s stern objection, as he was then cut off several times by Obi when trying to plead his case. Time and time again with his arms still crossed, Obi denied Ira from defending his choice. Each time, Obi was getting uncomfortably closer to Ira's face, as he continued to repeat his objections. Now only inches away, and face to face, Obi ensured beyond a sliver of a doubt that Ira understood him, as he spoke very clearly and slowly, with eyes wide open.
Obi: “Ira, NOOOOoooo…" A little eccentric perhaps, but during the entire spectacle, Cherise silently cheered Obi on from the sidelines.
Stunned speechless for a few seconds, Ira was at a loss of words with what to say in return of such clear rejection. Even Keller and his entourage were surprised by Obi’s passionate interruption, but the old man silently thought it best not to interrupt. Once the shock wore off, Ira complained back.
Ira: "Oh come on, why not? We can handle it!" Upset that he’d even have to explain himself, Obi quickly responded to Ira in a somewhat demeaning tone.
Obi: "Keller already told you that the people who named these areas were very literal in their name. So... I don't suppose them feeling the need to add the word DOOM to the name of a place, isn't reason enough already? In case you’re curious, they had their reasons!"
Even though Obi was saying this, Cherise could tell that Ira was honestly thrilled at the prospect of such a challenge. And confirming her suspicions, Ira laughed slightly before responding.
Ira: "Come on, if it’s really as dangerous as the name implies, then that'd just make it that more impressive if we were to come back with a beast from there, right?!"
Obi couldn’t help but stare down Ira disapprovingly. And as always, Obi exaggerated his expression, raising his eyebrows after hearing Ira’s reckless plan. He had sincerely hoped that his stern disapproval would’ve been enough to get Ira to back down, but it looked like his attempts were going nowhere fast. Looking at the two, Cherise couldn’t help but hold back a laugh. This wasn’t the first time both her and Obi seemed to care more about the others wellbeing, more than they did so themselves.
Cherise: “Ira, why not choose one of the other places instead? Obi's already done this trial before, so don’t you think it’d be a good idea to take his advice?" A not so subtle hint that she said with a smile.
But seeing that he was still stubbornly not completely taken in by the idea, Cherise was more insistent as she continued asking him more innocently.
Cherise: "Please Ira, I don't want you or Theo to get hurt. So won't you consider one of the other two options instead?" She said softly, using all her feminine charm as she leaned over closer towards him when making her request.
Slightly upset as he looked back at her, Ira saw right through her somewhat underhanded tactics. Nevertheless, Cherise often had a way in winning him over to her side if she really put her mind to it. And it showed. It only took a few seconds for Ira to sigh in defeat before conceding.
Ira: "Okay, fine! We'll do it your way!" He said in mild frustration, though after seeing Cherise’s grateful smile, it proved to be more than enough for him to have no regrets in the decision.
In truth, no one even bothered to get Theo’s thoughts on the matter. Though for better or for worse, he didn’t really seem to care. All the while, Keller’s presence was completely ignored as the group was bickering over the matter. The old man was frustratingly rubbing his eyebrows, and getting more irritated by the second until finally being noticed by Ira, who stood proudly in front of the others.
Ira: "We'll just have to settle for someplace else. Everybody already knows my skills as a swordsman. I may even be the best here, so what do I have to prove? I'll just find the most worthwhile prey I can in one of those others places." He said with brash confidence, either being completely oblivious, or uncaring of the glares he received by those who’d followed Keller.
I wish he’d said that more delicately, but if this is what it’s going to take to get his mind off that swamp, then I’ll take it.
Having dealt enough with the nonsense already, the old man intervened, waving his cane at Ira and Theo.
Keller: "Are you two quite finished, yet? Have you decided on where you will be taking your first trial?"
Ira: "Since it’s the closest, we'll be choosing the Forest of Giants." Which Ira said, without so much as verifying Theo’s opinion on the matter, simply presuming he would go along with the plan anyway.
As Cherise looked over to Theo, it proved that Ira’s instinct on the matter was correct. Theo just rolled his eyes after the choice was made, but he didn’t seem opposed to the idea
, leaving the matter settled.
Shifting his eyes between Ira and Theo for one last verification that they were in agreement, Keller proceeded to speak.
Keller: "Right then. Obi, you will be guiding these two as the Order’s designated representative. And Cherise, if you so choose, I will permit you the privilege of going with them as well.” The old man said, showing his softer side, knowing full well that it was an unorthodox exception he was allowing.
After seeing Cherise's glowing expression in response to his gesture, Keller felt an immediate need to clarify his position.
Keller: "However, during the trials you're only permitted to heal their injuries if they’re life threatening. You are not to help either of them. This challenge is meant for these two alone."
Pleasantly surprised, Cherise's expression lit up with delight, as she ran over to hug the old man to say her thanks. However, her affection embarrassed the usually stern faced old man, who uncharacteristically blushed. Regaining his composure, he nudged her aside while faking a cough before continuing his duty.
Keller: "Well, now with that matter aside, it's time you two were properly equipped for your journey ahead. We’ve already brought Theo's sword along with us." The old man said, as he motioned to one of the men who had followed him there.
The man that Keller waved down started walking up to Theo, before presenting him with a great sword. The length of the sword matched that of Theo's own height. Extending his arms to the man, and usually having hard to read expression, Theo couldn’t contain the slight grin when he accepted and beheld his newfound sword. Grinning the entire time as he was extensively inspecting his weapon from every angle, Theo seemed more than content on its quality. He then abruptly, without even so much as a word, threw his new blade over his shoulder, before he started walking off towards his living quarters. Everyone there looked at Theo, each of them were equally puzzled at his actions.
Cherise: "I wonder what’s gotten into him all of a sudden? Anyone know what he’s up to?" She asked broadly to everyone there.
Obi: "Truth be told, I've been asking myself that same question for the past ten years now, and I’ve finally come up with an answer…-” He trailed off, leaving everyone in anticipation, until he said, “-Nobody knows what’s going on in Theo’s head."
Finding amusement in how Theo responded to receiving his gift, Keller smiled before chuckling slightly for a bit. With a lasting grin, the old man looked over to Ira, and wagging his finger towards him anxiously to him, he spoke in unusual high spirits.
Keller: "I have something special in mind prepared for you."
As soon as he said this, Keller turned around, and started walking off in the direction of his own quarters. Same as Theo, also without so much as saying a word to explain himself.
Cherise: "Now where’s Keller going off to?" In response to her question, Cherise was surprised that the old man looked back to her.
It appeared his old age didn’t dull Keller’s sharp hearing in the slightest. With an almost childlike giddiness, he looked to Ira to speak further.
Keller: "Well Iranagi, aren't you coming?!" The old man paused only to build up more anticipation.
Keller: "You're really going to enjoy this, I can tell. Come on now, follow me." While Keller said this, he was unable to contain his excitement on his face, before walking off expectantly for Ira to follow.
A little surprised at how the old man seemed so surprisingly chipper, Ira looked at Cherise to give a quick smile and a slight shrug. Ira then left, following shortly after the old man, wondering exactly what Keller had up his sleeve this time.
────────
Easily the largest structure at the Order with the exception of the temple itself, Ira was alongside Keller in his living quarters. Although it was the second largest structure there, Keller’s home still remained attached to the living quarters of the others. As Ira was led further inside, Keller stopped in front of a large chest that was clearly placed in the center of one of his rooms for such this occasion. The old man then eagerly turned to Ira.
Keller: "You're in for a treat…" And as if to stop Ira from opening the chest, Keller started to give an explanation as to why he was so excited.
Keller: "If you remember the first time we met, I mentioned my old mentors name was Karabe. Among other things, you likely already knew based on his name alone, but my old friend was originally from the Toride clan like yourself. His full name was Karabe Ishida, and I know what you may be thinking. No, you didn’t mishear his name. He might well could've been a relative of yours!"
The old man started laughing at the thought before coughing slightly. After catching his breath, he continued.
Keller: "Well, as I was saying; back in the day when I was in the first trials myself, I was nearly killed." Seeing Ira's surprised expression, Keller seemed all the excitable as he continued.
Keller: "It's true! A rampaging Tulak was heading straight towards me. If you'd ever seen a Tulak yourself, than you'd know they're very nasty creature. Pointy horns, and thick skin, with an even worse temper.-" He said this while insinuating every descriptive word before continuing, "-And, if memory serves, it was an enormous fifteen feet tall!"
Listening intently up until this point, Ira was positive this was a grand exaggeration. He had never heard of a Tulak larger than six feet, but he didn’t really fault the old man for wanting to keep up his appearances. Nevertheless, Ira looked on with an unconvinced expression, as he tried to fight his unbelieving smile. But it didn’t go unnoticed by Keller, who exclaimed defensively.
Keller: "It's the Truth! It was a monstrous Tulak! Like none I've ever seen before!" He said, widening his arms, as if showing Ira by display would somehow help in his argument.
It didn’t take long for Keller to realize how silly he must look. The old man gave another fake cough before regaining his composure to finish his thoughts.
Keller: "Well anyway, when I was facing down the beast I lost balance, and fell. While down, I stared straight into the eyes of the charging creature that was heading straight for me. I didn’t even have a second’s time to spare to react. I thought it was the end for me. And I would surely have been a goner, if Karabe had not pulled me aside from the Tulak’s charge, at the very last moment. It all happened in a blink of an eye, no, in a fraction of a second, any later would’ve meant certain death." He said before letting out a remorseful sigh.
Keller: "We never did best that Tulak… I like to think that somewhere out there in the wilds, that magnificent creature is still alive and well, guarding its territory. In the end, both Karabe and I managed to finish the first trials, and from that point going forward, we had been the closest of friends, closer than brothers until the day he passed." Sighing again, Keller continued to remorse as he spoke with a smile.
Keller: "I never did get a proper chance to repay him. That was-" And slapping Ira on the back roughly, he finished his tale, "-until the day I saw you. Here’s to hoping wherever Karabe is, he can see I have repaid my debt to him through you." And as if he just remembered something, Keller went wide eyed.
Keller: "Oh, that's right! You didn't come here to hear stories.-" He said while gesturing to the chest, "-Go on now, open it!" The old man said anxiously.
With all the buildup leading to this moment, some of Keller's excitement spread to Ira, who looked on at the large chest eagerly before opening its hatch. Inside the chest were a pair of charcoal black katana's, with even darker silky ribbons strapped at the bottom of the handles, near the base of the hilts. The charcoal like steel the katana's were made of was unlike anything Ira had ever seen. The likes of it deserved further inspection, as Ira carefully examined the blades in awe and wonder. And seeing that his gift was already so well received, Keller explained.
Keller: "Behold, the Black Fangs of Ishida! These were Karabe's weapons of choice. To this day I still don't believe know whether or not to believe his story, but he once claimed that his Black Fangs were crafted out
of a fallen star he saw make impact." To not spoil the mood, Keller changed his tone to be more optimistic and hopeful, as he spoke further.
Keller: "Well, whatever the case may be, these blades are made of a strange and magnificent ore. Test it, and you’ll find they’re both lighter and stronger then steel. They will not bend, they will not break, and they do not dull… You will not find any other finer blades."
After Keller said this, Ira looked on in even more amazement, gripping one of the katana's handles, thoroughly inspecting the otherworldly sword as he ran his finger across the smooth surface. With a delighted grin, Ira’s eyes were still fixated in wonder of the blades when he spoke to Keller.
Ira: "Thanks, old man! These really are the finest blades I have ever seen. I’ll be sure to put them to good use!"
Slightly annoyed at Ira calling him old man in his presence, but at the same time appreciating the fact he was pleased with his gift, Keller gave off an expression with conflicted emotions before deciding to ignore the young man’s slight. And putting on his usual serious tone, Keller cleared his throat before speaking further.
Keller: "Well, no point dawdling. The others will no doubt be waiting for you in the courtyard. Go on! Don't keep them waiting."
After Keller said this, Ira started sheathing both katana’s back in their hilts. And strapping his new prized weapons around his waist, he was escorted by Keller back to the others.
────────
Making his way back with Keller to the center of the Order’s courtyard, Ira quickly realized Theo still wasn’t back from his earlier abrupt departure. Eager to set off and get on with the trials set before them, Ira said mischievously.
Ira: “I see that slacker’s not back yet.” Before answering, Cherise looked over towards Theo's living quarters.
Cherise: "There he is now! But what on Ehya is that?" She said while pointing towards Theo in the distance, who had something unusual about him.
Being left-handed, Theo rested his great sword over his left shoulder. And covering Theo’s entire right arm and shoulder, was a crudely made armored gauntlet. The downright menacing looking thing had unusually pointed metallic fingertips, stretching out like claws that seemed to be intentionally pointedly sharp, as to be weapons in their own right. The whole gauntlet had dents all over, presumably from untrained hammer strikes during its crafting. And although it wasn't pretty to look at, Theo’s gauntlet was well sturdy enough to do the job.
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