[Present Time – Just Before Dawn – A Dirt Road Through the Forests of Darkova – The Hexarith Carriage Moves Slowly]
Night had long settled over the skies of Darkova, and only a little time remained before the sun would rise. The Hexarith carriage continued down its path in silence, its only sources of light being the full moon above and the glowing blue azurite crystals embedded in the carriage.
In the front seat, Akio was driving. He leaned his left arm against the edge of the wooden steering bar, his right eye half-closed from exhaustion—but he kept on driving.
Akio (mumbling to himself as he yawns):
"How boring… It's way too quiet."
He glanced behind him through the small mirror hanging from the wooden ceiling of the carriage, catching sight of the others. Ann was curled up, asleep on her seat, wrapped in her jacket. Koto sat beside her, asleep as well, but her back was oddly straight and her arms were crossed over her chest. Behind them, Steve was leaning against the window, the blue lights reflecting off his black hair as he let out soft snores. Across from him lay Nyoro, also fast asleep.
Akira, meanwhile, was sprawled out on the wooden floor of the carriage, not caring whether it was a proper place to sleep or not. As for Ken… he sat alone in the far back corner, his head resting against the wooden wall, arms folded across his chest. His eyes were closed—but his expression was not that of someone asleep.
⸻
[Internal Scene – Inside Ken's Mind]
Within, the voice of old Laud still echoed in his memory:
"If this world tries to extinguish your fire… then wage war upon it."
Ken slowly opened his gray eyes. He stared at the ceiling of the carriage for a moment, then turned his gaze toward a side window, where moonlight filtered through the trees. He lowered his head gently and pulled something small from his bag—a fresh chili pepper he had stolen from Terrakula's palace before their escape. He popped it into his mouth and began chewing, then smiled faintly… a rare smile no one ever saw.
Ken (whispering):
"I haven't forgotten… and I won't."
⸻
[At the Front – Akio Still Driving]
Akio (whispering as if speaking to the road):
"You know, road… this carriage is carrying the weirdest group in the world…
A killer smoker, a ninja freak, a spying ghost, a womanizer, a crybaby, a mad doctor…
And me? The future shogun!"
High above them, a shooting star streaked through the sky—unnoticed. In the back, Ken kept staring into the dark forest outside the window.
Ken (very softly):
"Zetara… we're getting close."
He took a deep breath, then rose to his feet and began walking quietly without waking anyone. He stepped past the others with soft footsteps and opened a small door beside the driver's seat, slipping into the narrow restroom inside the carriage. He lit the crystal lamp, its blue glow reflecting off the small metal mirror above the sink.
Ken approached it, placed his hands under the cold water, and washed his face. Then he slowly raised his head.
He studied his reflection… his now messier red hair, and those gray eyes like thunderclouds—calm before the storm. He dried his face, then pulled a small cigarette box from his pocket and opened it quietly. It contained several neatly rolled cigarettes. He took one, placed it between his lips, and with a quick flick of his finger, a small flame lit at his thumb's tip, disappearing as soon as the cigarette caught the spark of life.
⸻
Moments later, Ken had climbed out through the carriage's roof hatch. He sat atop the moving carriage, legs crossed, elbows resting on his knees. In front of him, the dark forest slowly receded, and the night wind blew gently through his red hair. He took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled slowly… the smoke rising and vanishing into the sky, like heavy memories dissolving in the silence of the night.
Ken (thinking internally):
"Grandpa… can you see me now?
Do you see what I've become?"
Ken finished his cigarette, put it out by pressing it against the wood beneath him, then tossed the remains into the darkness without a glance. He stayed seated, his gray eyes watching the forest slowly fade before him… though his thoughts were elsewhere. He closed his eyes for a moment, recalling the images of soldiers' bodies burning under his flames—screaming, fleeing, begging…
And his own face at that moment?
Cold. Emotionless.
Ken (internally):
"Was that revenge?
Or recklessness?"
A long silence followed. He slowly raised his hand, staring at the fingers that had carried the fire—the same fire that took so many lives… many of whom may not have deserved death. He lowered his hand slowly onto his thigh, dropping his head.
Ken (murmuring):
"Grandpa Laud… what would you have said if you saw me then?"
He imagined Laud sitting as he always did—arms crossed, sharp eyes gazing right through him.
"Fire isn't just for revenge, Ken…
Fire protects as much as it burns. Control it—don't let it control you.
Because the moment I killed someone I didn't need to kill…
I realized… strength without a heart will turn you into a monster."
Then came the villagers' screams, blaming him:
"That monster killed my brother! He was a soldier of Kaji! He never came back—because of you!!"
"You caused my cousin's death! He was just a simple soldier! Why did you kill him?!"
Ken (clenching his fist):
"I did become that monster… just like you feared."
He opened his eyes slowly, and the moonlight reflected in his gray irises—cold, unfamiliar. He hadn't just killed… he had wiped out, without hesitation or mercy. And when it was over, he felt nothing.
And that… terrified him.
Ken (softly):
"I didn't understand your words back then…
I thought I did—but I didn't.
You tried to stop me from reaching this point…
But I reached it anyway."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out another cigarette, silently placing it between his lips. With another flick of fire, he lit it, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly—as if trying to release everything he couldn't say.
He turned to face forward, sitting upright. His eyes kept watching as the sun began to rise ahead… but something caught his attention in the distance. He raised his head slightly, squinting.
Ken (narrowing his eyes):
"What is that…?"
He saw faint lights… not from the moon or azurite… but human-made lights. Then, he began to see the silhouettes of buildings—Japanese traditional structures, with curved roofs and classic designs.
It was unmistakable.
They had reached the outskirts of the Zetara Empire.
Ken (exhaling smoke, then whispering firmly):
"Finally… Zetara."
⸻
[Inside the Hexarith Carriage]
Akio was still fighting off sleep, his eyes half-open, his head swaying side to side with the carriage's bumpy movements.
Akio (muttering as he yawns):
"I'm gonna die of boredom…
Not even villains show up in this darkness…
Where are the criminals when you need them?!
I just wanna crush Makia's butt and his troops already!"
He lazily glanced at the map pinned next to him—a small map held in place with brass clips, showing the carriage's movement as a glowing dot along the route. He stared for a moment… then his eyes shot open, and he leaned in, rubbing his eyes hard.
Akio (yelling):
"WHAT?! We've arrived!!!
We're already inside Zetara's borders!!!"
His shock turned to childlike excitement as he jumped from the driver's seat and ran to the back of the carriage. Standing in the center, he raised his arms dramatically.
Akio (yelling at the top of his lungs):
"WAKE UUUUUUUUUP, YOU LAZY BUMS!!!
WE'RE HEEEEEEEEREEEEEE!!!
ZETAAAAAAAARAAAAAA!!!"
Ann (jumping up, panicked):
"What?! Are we under attack?! Who died?!"
Steve (opening one eye lazily):
"I was dreaming about infiltrating Makia's palace…
You just murdered my mission, you annoying thunderbolt."
Koto (rubbing her eyes coldly):
"You could've just said it calmly…
Not like a rabbit run over by a cart."
Akio (waving excitedly):
"Nooo! This is a historic moment!
We made it to my home laaaaand!"
Akira (lifting his head from the floor sleepily):
"Finally… girl time!"
Then, they all turned as a voice came from above…
Ken (from the roof, calmly):
"Quiet down… It's best not to draw attention."
Akio (looking up):
"We're already drawing all the attention by yelling like this!"
Ann (shouting at Akio):
"You idiot! Tell that to yourself!!"
Akio (jumping with joy):
"I'm gonna buy a new kimono!
And eat some ramen!
And finally—SOUFFLÉ!!!"
Ken (softly):
"Akio… shut up."
⸻
Minutes later, the Hexarith carriage stood directly at the border. On both sides, tall wooden pillars bore the blue flags of Zetara. Before them was a grand gate in traditional Zetaran style, carved with dragons and samurai patterns. Above it, a wooden sign read:
"Zetara."
[At the Gate – Entrance to the Zetara Empire]
In front of the gate stood five guards clad in traditional Zetarian armor, each holding a long spear and a shield bearing the emblem of the White Dragon. As the carriage approached, one of them raised his hand, signaling it to stop.
Guard Captain (sternly):
"Stop! You are about to enter the lands of the Zetara Empire… Present your identification and state your purpose for visiting."
Akio halted immediately, pulled the reins, and hopped lightly off the carriage.
Akio (with a polite smile):
"I'll be the first to present my card."
He pulled from his pocket a small metallic card engraved with his name, lineage, and birthplace—an authentic Zetaran ID. The guard stepped forward, took the card, examined it closely, then looked back at Akio.
Guard Captain:
"Sakamoto Akio… born in the Zetara Empire… lineage confirmed, photo matches… Everything appears legal."
Akio (smiling faintly):
"At last… I've returned to my homeland."
Guard Captain (with respect):
"Welcome home, son of Sakamoto."
The guard then turned toward the carriage.
Guard:
"The rest of you, present your IDs!"
Ken quietly stepped down, followed by Ann, Koto, Steve, Nyoro, and Akira. Each pulled out their cards—some real, some forged, like Steve's. The guards examined them one by one, then turned back toward Akio.
Guard Captain:
"Welcome to Zetara… Do not cause trouble, and do not enter the Imperial Sanctum without permission."
Nyoro (muttering as he climbs back inside):
"Finally… the land of the samurai."
Everyone reboarded the carriage, and it rolled forward slowly into Zetara… now within one of the most closed-off and enigmatic nations in all of Valoria.
Ann (from the back, yawning):
"So, where are we going first?"
Akio (calling out without looking back):
"To my home. It's only ten minutes from here."
Koto (quietly):
"Zetara… the last land that still carries the soul of the samurai. Here, only those who follow the rules are respected."
⸻
[Ten Minutes Later – Outside Akio's House]
The Hexarith carriage came to a quiet stop in front of a small traditional home, surrounded by a low wooden fence. Two stone lanterns glowed faintly at the entrance, and trees enclosed the area on all sides. Akio leapt out with visible excitement and ran toward the front door like a child returning from a long adventure.
Akio (loudly, banging on the door):
"Oooi! Daaad!! Open up! I brought a surprise!"
The house was dark, but soon, the sound of quick footsteps echoed from within, followed by a familiar sleepy, grumbling voice:
Fanko (from inside):
"At this hour?! Who's the idiot waking people after midnight?!"
The door flung open, revealing Fanko standing with a scowling face, his dark purple hair a mess from sleep, his brown eyes half-shut.
Fanko (grumbling):
"Which fool—"
He froze when he saw Akio standing there, grinning widely and waving enthusiastically.
Akio (laughing):
"Hey again, my lazy old man!"
Fanko (raising his brows in shock):
"A-Akio?! You came back?! You just left last month!"
Akio (bursting with laughter):
"I missed you so much, I couldn't stand another week without seeing your sleepy face!"
Fanko (laughing as he opens his arms):
"You idiot—get over here!"
He pulled Akio into a warm hug, then stepped back slightly and glanced past him toward the carriage, noticing the new faces climbing down.
Fanko (raising a brow):
"And who are these?"
Akio (gesturing proudly):
"Meet my new friends! This is Ann, Koto, Steve, Akira, Nyoro… and that's Ken. Don't talk too much around him—he might burn you with a look."
Fanko (smiling playfully at them):
"Hmm… They don't exactly look like the friendly type. Come on in, the house is big enough for you to wreak havoc in!"
Ann (laughing):
"That's the perfect welcome for me."
Akira (yawning lazily):
"Got anything to eat before I starve to death?"
Fanko:
"Of course. Come on in, all of you!"
⸻
[Inside Fanko's House]
The air was filled with the scent of old wood and dried tea. The living room was simple, but warm. Fanko led the way, pointing toward different corners.
Fanko (excitedly):
"Table here, cushions there, kitchen over there… And the bed's all mine—so pick a spot on the floor to sleep!"
Akio (laughing):
"As generous as always—even in sleep!"
Fanko:
"I'll whip up something hot for breakfast. Just wait here!"
He hurried into the kitchen with enthusiasm, while the others settled around the low table in the living room. Ann kicked off her shoes, plopped onto a cushion cross-legged, and stretched.
Ann (smiling):
"I love this place… Simple, but it has soul."
Koto (quietly):
"The house reflects discipline… very Zetaran. Comfortable."
Steve sat stiffly in a corner, arms crossed, watching the growing chaos with clear irritation.
Steve (coldly, under his breath):
"This isn't an inn… it's a traveling circus."
Nyoro was standing on the table, inspecting one of the wooden lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Akira (glancing at Nyoro lazily from where he lounged on the décor):
"Ohhh… You really enjoying staring at that old piece of wood? Don't tell me you're falling in love with the rustic décor?"
Nyoro (with a mischievous grin):
"I'm just checking if this lamp will fall on someone's head during dinner… That'd be fun!"
Akira (laughing):
"Ha! I like how you think! Wanna bet it falls on Steve? He attracts disasters with that stiff posture."
Meanwhile, Ken sat in the corner as always, back against a wooden pillar, arms folded, eyes on the floor—completely detached from the chatter.
Akio (looking at him):
"And you, Mr. Gloom? What do you think?"
Ken (without lifting his eyes):
"It's fine."
Akio:
"If you say more than three words at once, I'll assume something catastrophic is happening."
⸻
[Kitchen – Fanko muttering to himself while cooking]
Fanko (flipping eggs):
"Gods… he came back with an army! What did I do to deserve this?"
He paused, then smiled faintly to himself.
Fanko (softly):
"But his face looks a little different… I think he's grown. And more tired, too."
⸻
[Living Room – Moments Later]
Fanko returned with a wooden tray full of simple dishes: white rice, fried eggs, miso soup, and hot tea.
Fanko (placing the food down):
"The food isn't fancy, but it'll keep you alive for today."
Akira (lunging at the plate):
"Big… hot… finally."
Nyoro (eyeing the dish):
"No poison in it, right?"
Fanko (smirking):
"Not on the first visit."
Koto (sipping tea):
"The flavor is unlike any tea I've had before."
Nyoro (grabbing the eggs):
"I love the rustic touch… simple, but actually delicious!"
Ann (smiling warmly at Fanko):
"Thanks for the hospitality, uncle!"
⸻
[Upstairs – Footsteps creak on the wooden floor, a door opens]
Murasaki (groggy voice):
"What's with all the noise…? Is it an earthquake? Or—"
She froze midway down the stairs, staring into the wide living room where strangers sat around the breakfast table, eating, laughing, and chatting—while her brother Akio sat in the middle like he was hosting a tea party.
Murasaki (shrieking):
"Akiooo!!! What did you do to our house?! Who are these people?!"
Akio (looking at her with a mischievous grin):
"Oh, good morning! Look who finally woke up! Come meet my new friends."
Murasaki (blinking rapidly):
"Your friends? Are you kidding me?! You left just a month ago! How did you collect this whole crowd?!"
At that moment, Akira stopped eating, staring at her with clear astonishment. He raised his brow, then slowly placed his spoon down, tilting his head with a half-smile.
Akira (softly, almost dazed):
"Wait… did you just wake up from a dream? Or am I the one who fell into one? Because this… is too beautiful to be real."
Murasaki (raising her brow):
"Huh?"
[Inside the House – Living Room]
Akira (standing smoothly, running a hand through his hair as he steps forward):
"Pink hair, enchanting eyes, and a gentle fury? Why didn't Akio tell us he had a sister who blooms like fireflowers?"
Steve (dropping his head onto the table):
"Oh God… the show has begun."
Murasaki (nervous, staring at Akira):
"Y-you… who exactly are you?"
Akira (placing a hand dramatically over his heart):
"Me? Just a wandering soul… that finally found a new home in your eyes."
Akio (with exaggerated irritation):
"Murasaki, ignore him… He suffers from a disease called 'Emotional Babbling.' No cure discovered yet."
Murasaki slowly descended the wooden stairs, her hair messily tied up. As she stepped down, Akira's gaze clung to her with shameless boldness, chin resting on his palm as though admiring a masterpiece.
Akio noticed his stare, his brows twitching furiously before he snapped:
Akio:
"Akira…"
Akira (still staring):
"Hmmm?"
Akio (slamming his hand on the table, shouting):
"Stop looking at my sister like that, you idiot!!"
Akira (blinking, smiling innocently):
"What? I'm just admiring the local beauty."
Akio (springing to his feet, furious):
"Local beauty?! Do you think this is some cheap inn to flirt in?! Do it again and I'll throw you out myself!"
Akira (bursting out laughing, raising his hands in mock surrender):
"Ha! Gods, Akio, relax! I was only joking! I may have refined taste, but I'm not that reckless… Well, not entirely."
Murasaki (looking between them, confused):
"Stop talking like that, Akio. You're overreacting!"
Akio (pointing angrily at Akira):
"I can't help it, that clown is infuriating!"
Murasaki (raising a brow):
"Akio… you really have changed!"
Meanwhile, in the corner, Ken and Steve sat quietly, watching the circus unfold with bored expressions.
Ken (closing his eyes, exhaling calmly):
"Noise… worse than any racket in the heart of Darkova."
Steve (opening one eye slowly, rubbing his forehead):
"I should've stayed in the carriage… or anywhere without these noisy souls."
They exchanged a brief glance, then stood up at the exact same moment—like a silent pact.
Ken (softly):
"Tactical withdrawal."
Steve (flatly):
"Approved."
The two slipped out of the room unnoticed—except for Nyoro, who was still devouring food. He watched them leave, shaking his head slowly.
Nyoro (murmuring to himself):
"The sane ones leave… the lunatics remain."
Then he grinned, shoving a whole boiled egg into his mouth at once.
⸻
[Outside – Garden Fence]
Birds sang in the distance, and the morning breeze toyed with the leaves surrounding the house. Ken stepped out first, walked toward the wooden garden fence, pulled a cigarette case from his pocket, lit one with a flick of his flame, and exhaled a long plume of smoke. Moments later, Steve joined him, hands buried in his pockets. Neither spoke at first—they simply gazed at the horizon. Minutes passed before Steve finally broke the silence.
Steve (low voice, not looking at him):
"I knew you don't sleep easily."
Ken (eyes forward):
"And you don't step outside without reason. Strange to see you here."
Steve (with a faint sigh):
"Inside got too loud… Your silence is louder than all of them combined."
Ken (even-toned):
"Sometimes I think silence is more honest than people."
Steve (glancing sideways at him):
"And yet… you still keep people around you."
Ken:
"Not because I want to… but because some roads can't be crossed alone. Even if you try."
Steve:
"So that's an admission—you do need others?"
Ken (looking at the cigarette in his hand):
"I don't need them… But their presence keeps me from forgetting who I am."
Steve (quietly):
"You've changed, Ken. Since the end of Darkova… Your eyes have grown colder. Even when they're empty."
Ken (tilting his gaze toward the rising sun):
"Do you expect fire to stay warm after it's used for killing?"
Steve:
"No… but I expected you'd find a way to put it out. Not… get used to burning."
Ken (with a faint, bitter smile):
"Burning isn't the problem, Steve… The problem is I don't feel it anymore."
Steve (plain, honest):
"And that's what worries me."
Steve's features stayed hard as always—but behind that stillness, something stirred.
Steve (low, almost to himself):
"You know, Ken… I always thought I was immune. I live by planning, by rules, by staying away from chaos… I build walls against anything that could shake me. But lately… something happened."
He fell silent. His next words were a whisper, almost as if he didn't want his own voice to hear them.
Steve:
"I saw her."
Ken (glancing sideways, slightly surprised):
"Who?"
Steve (exhaling, as though the confession itself hurt):
"It doesn't matter… All I know is I haven't been steady since that day. I can't analyze what I feel… and I don't even want to understand it."
Ken (calmly, extinguishing his cigarette):
"So even the most disciplined mind can tremble… before a single heart."
Steve (with a rare crooked smile):
"Terrifying, isn't it?"
Ken (looking at him for the first time since the start of their talk):
"Not terrifying…"
They locked eyes for a long moment. No words—just a silent recognition of truths they wouldn't dare say aloud.
Steve (firm but low):
"You're not a monster, Ken. Even if you believe it, even if you try to be… you never were."
Ken (quietly, steady):
"And you… you're not a machine, Steve. No matter how hard you try to be."
Another silence followed. But this one wasn't heavy—it was warm. A silence filled with rare understanding… one that needed no further explanation.
To be continued…