Yuzu stood frozen in fear as the giant black-and-white creature loomed over her, its shadow engulfing her small frame. The creature looked down at her with a sinister grin, its red eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.
"Oh my god..." Yuzu thought, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird. "He's so big and scary. I'm so scared..." A wave of terror washed over her, and she instinctively stepped back, shaking her head in disbelief. "No, it's okay! I was trained for situations like this. I can handle this!" Yuzu stepped forward, trying to project an air of confidence she didn't feel, and glared defiantly at the monster. The monster raised a single, massive eyebrow at her display of bravado. Yuzu reached into her sweater hoodie, her hand searching for the familiar weight of her ladle... and found nothing but air.
Yuzu blinked twice, her eyes widening in confusion as she repeatedly gripped her empty hand, patting the inside of her hoodie in disbelief. A moment of stunned silence passed before the horrifying realization struck her like a physical blow. 'LINN-SAN STILL HAS MY LADLE!!' Yuzu screamed comically in her head, her eyes going wide and white with a mixture of panic and frustration.
The creature stared at Yuzu, its expression shifting from amusement to predatory anticipation. It let out a low, guttural chuckle, the sound vibrating in Yuzu's chest. "What's the matter, little girl? Don't have anything to defend yourself with?" It took a menacing step closer, its shadow looming even larger.
"N-no..." Yuzu stammered, her bravado crumbling like sandcastles before a rising tide. Tears welled up in her eyes as she dropped to her knees, her small body trembling with fear. "Please... don't hurt me..."
"That makes it so much easier to do this!" The creature roared, its voice filled with sadistic glee. It lunged at Yuzu, its massive claws outstretched, ready to strike.
"KYAHH!!" Yuzu squeezed her eyes shut and screamed, bracing herself for the inevitable impact.
POW!
Yuzu opened her eyes after a moment, her breath hitching in her throat. She looked up and gasped in surprise. Linn stood protectively in front of her, his fist outstretched, with a look of fierce determination on his face. The creature lay sprawled on the ground a few feet away, its massive head turned to the side with a dazed expression.
"Linn-san!" Yuzu exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and disbelief. Linn turned to her, his smile warm and reassuring.
"Hey there, are you okay?" Linn said, his hand outstretched towards her.
"Yes," Yuzu said, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. She gratefully took Linn's hand, and he gently pulled her to her feet.
"Sorry, I was late; trying to lose those villagers was harder than I thought," Linn said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "They were really persistent."
Yuzu shook her head, her earlier fear replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She threw her arms around Linn in a tight hug, burying her face in his chest. "No, I'm fine... I'm just so relieved that you're here now, and that you're okay," she mumbled, her voice muffled by his shirt.
"Woah, hey now, it's okay," Linn said, a little embarrassed but also touched by her display of affection. He awkwardly patted her back, trying to reassure her. Their moment was interrupted by a loud roar from the creature.
The creature glared at Linn as it slowly pushed itself up from the ground, rubbing its jaw with a massive hand. "YOU DARE GET IN MY WAY, BRAT?!" it roared, its voice filled with fury. Linn broke the hug with Yuzu and turned his attention back to the monstrous figure.
"That's right," Linn said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I won't let you lay a finger on Yuzu, or anyone else in this village!" He stepped forward, adopting a confident fighting stance, his eyes blazing with determination.
Just then, a familiar voice could be heard calling out from behind them. "Master!"
Everyone turned to the sound of the voice. It was Tomodachi, running towards them at full speed, his arms pumping and his expression eager.
"Tomo?" Linn said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Master!" Tomodachi yelled, his voice filled with excitement. "I'm back from my nap and ready to help you fight! I overslept a bit, but I'm here now!" He was running so fast he didn't seem to be able to stop. Linn noticed this and began to panic.
"Wait, Tomo! You're going too fast!" Linn yelled, waving his hands frantically in front of him, trying to warn his friend. Tomodachi, caught up in the moment, didn't seem to hear him. He saw Linn waving and misinterpreted it as a welcoming gesture.
"Oh, Master! You're welcoming me back even though I completely abandoned... took a well-deserved rest?! Oh, Master, you're too kind!" Tomodachi said, tears of comical joy streaming down his face as he continued his headlong charge.
"Tomodachi! Listen to me! Slow down!" Linn urged, his voice filled with desperation.
"Master!"
"Tomo, stop—"
CRASH!
Tomodachi collided with Linn with a resounding thud, sending both of them sprawling to the ground in a tangled heap of limbs. The force of the impact knocked the wind out of them, and they lay there for a moment, stunned and disoriented.
Yuzu stared at the scene, her earlier fear replaced by a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. She sweatdropped, her face a mask of deadpan amusement. The creature, on the other hand, burst into laughter.
"Well, that takes care of him," the creature chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Now, where was I—" The beast was abruptly silenced as Linn, with a burst of adrenaline, punched him squarely in the face again, sending him staggering backward.
"Don't count me out just yet!" Linn yelled, his smile determined despite the awkward interruption. Meanwhile, Yuzu watched Linn fight, her earlier fear replaced by admiration. Linn-san is amazing, she thought. I was too scared to even move, and Linn-san is fighting this scary monster like it's nothing. Isn't he afraid?
The monster recovered from the punch, its expression hardening into a snarl. "Okay, kid," the creature snarled, wiping a trickle of dark fluid from its lip. "Now you're starting to annoy me. I'm going to enjoy tearing you limb from limb."
"There's more where that came from if you don't leave this place," Linn threatened, his voice unwavering.
The creature laughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the clearing. "You've got balls, brat, I'll give you that. What's your name?"
"I am Linn Tsukiyomi, the hero!" Linn proclaimed, puffing out his chest with a touch of bravado. "And who or what are you?"
"I am Detriment," the creature said, its voice a low growl. It smirked, its red eyes gleaming with dark energy. "As for what I am? Hell if I know, but I like it."
Linn glared at the monster, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "And what do you want with Yuzu?" he demanded.
"Ah, now that is none of your concern," Detriment chuckled, its gaze flicking towards Yuzu with a predatory gleam. "Now, are you going to hand her over, or am I going to have to get violent?"
Linn said nothing. He simply shifted into a more aggressive fighting stance, his eyes narrowed and his expression resolute. The creature saw this and its smirk widened into a cruel grin.
"Violent it is!" Detriment roared, and with a burst of speed, it charged towards Linn, its massive claws slashing through the air. Linn dodged the first two attacks, his movements fluid and agile, and threw a counter-punch at Detriment's chest. Detriment, however, was unfazed. It caught Linn's fist in its massive hand, its grip like iron, and with a grunt of effort, picked Linn up and hurled him into the ground with bone-jarring force. Before Linn could recover, Detriment grabbed him again and threw him through the air like a ragdoll.
Linn landed on his feet with surprising grace, skidding across the ground but maintaining his balance. He took a deep breath, ignoring the pain searing through his body, and charged back towards Detriment, his movements faster and more determined than before. He landed a swift kick to the creature's stomach, the force of the blow actually causing Detriment to reel back slightly, clutching its midsection.
Detriment roared in pain and fury. It charged at Linn again, slashing its claws in a rapid barrage of attacks. His eyes narrowed in concentration, Linn dodged each attack with incredible precision, his movements a blur of speed and agility. He then delivered a powerful straight punch to the creature's skull, the impact sending a shockwave through his arm.
Detriment staggered back, clutching its face in pain and disbelief. Linn stepped back, his chest heaving, and raised his fists again, ready for another round.
"You're pretty strong for a human... and a kid," Detriment snarled, its voice laced with grudging respect. "But now it's time I got serious!"
With a powerful leap, Detriment launched itself into the air. Its massive form seemed to defy gravity as it sprouted a pair of leathery wings, its transformation both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It soared upwards, reaching a height of about thirty feet, and then hovered there, its wings beating slowly, its eyes fixed on Linn and Yuzu below.
Ha ha ha, he can't hit me from up here! Detriment thought, a triumphant smirk spreading across its face. It raised its massive hands, and a swirling vortex of dark energy began to form between its palms, crackling with ominous power.
"Ha ha ha ha!" Detriment laughed maniacally, the sound echoing through the air. "I'll destroy this village, the girl, and you! Prepare yourself, Linn Tsukiyomi! This is the end!"
Linn and Yuzu looked up at the winged creature, their faces filled with a mixture of awe and dread as the dark energy continued to gather.
"Oh no!" Yuzu cried out, her voice trembling with fear. "He's going to destroy the whole village at this rate! What are we going to do?!"
His mind racing, Linn suddenly remembered something he had done while running from the villagers earlier. An idea sparked in his mind, a risky but potentially effective plan.
"That's it!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening with sudden inspiration. Yuzu looked at him curiously, her fear momentarily forgotten.
"What is it?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation.
Linn turned to Yuzu, his expression determined. "I have an idea, but I need your help, Yuzu," he said, his voice urgent.
Yuzu looked at Linn, her initial fear replaced by a fierce resolve. She nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Okay," Yuzu said, her voice firm and unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect everyone."
Linn took a deep breath and explained his plan. "It's going to sound crazy, but trust me on this. What I need you to do..." he paused for dramatic effect, "...is to pick me up and launch me at that creature!"
The wind whistled through the clearing, carrying the distant sounds of the village. A tumbleweed rolled past, seemingly emphasizing the absurdity of the moment.
"...Eh?" Yuzu said, her eyes widening in comical disbelief.
"I need you to launch me at the creature!" Linn repeated, his voice filled with a strange mix of desperation and excitement.
Yuzu sighed, her earlier resolve momentarily faltering as she gave Linn a deadpan stare. "Linn-san," she began, her voice laced with incredulity, "there are a few... minor flaws with that plan." She held up her fingers, ticking off the issues one by one. "One, Detriment is thirty feet in the air. Two, I'm sure you've noticed, but I'm a small, petite eleven-year-old girl. I can't possibly lift you, even if I wanted to. And three," she leaned closer to Linn and whispered loudly into his ear, her voice rising to a near-scream, "...YOU CAN'T FLY!!!"
Linn stumbled back, holding his ear in pain from her sudden outburst. "Ow!" he exclaimed, rubbing his throbbing ear. "I know that! But this could work! I did something weird when the villagers chased me, and I think I can do it again. I just need a little boost!"
"But..." Yuzu said, her expression still filled with concern.
"Don't worry," Linn said, trying to reassure her. "You don't need to throw me like a baseball. I just need a little push, a few feet into the air. I'll take care of the rest."
"But..." Yuzu said again, her voice still hesitant. Meanwhile, Detriment continued gathering energy in the air, the dark vortex between its hands growing increasingly menacing. The sky above them darkened ominously, and the air crackled with raw power. Linn noticed this and pleaded with Yuzu, his voice filled with urgency.
"There's no time for this! Yuzu, please! We have to do something, now!"
Yuzu looked up at the sky, her eyes widening in alarm as she saw the swirling vortex of dark energy and the darkening clouds. She panicked, her earlier doubts overridden by the imminent threat.
"Okay, okay! I'll do it! I'll do anything!" Yuzu said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Great!" Linn said, his face lighting up with relief. "Just put your hands together, like this," he gestured, showing her how to form a makeshift platform with her hands. "And I'll run up and jump into them, and then you boost me up as hard as you can. Got it?"
"Like this?" Yuzu said, putting her hands together, her expression a mixture of determination and apprehension.
"Perfect!" Linn said, nodding enthusiastically. He moved back a few paces to get a running start, his eyes fixed on Yuzu's outstretched hands. He took a deep breath and then charged towards her, his feet pounding against the ground. He leaped into the air, landing squarely in Yuzu's waiting hands. Using every ounce of strength she possessed, Yuzu pushed upwards with all her might, launching Linn into the air. The force of the jump, combined with Linn's momentum, was too much for her small body. She stumbled backward and landed on her rear with a thump.
Linn soared into the air... for all of two feet. He reached the apex of his jump and began to descend, his face a mask of concentration. Okay, here goes nothing, he thought. While he was still a foot in the air, he kicked his legs as hard as he could, as if trying to run on solid ground. To Yuzu's and Detriment's astonishment, and even Linn's own surprise, the air around his feet shimmered for a moment, and he was suddenly propelled upwards with incredible speed, rocketing straight towards Detriment like a human bullet.
"WHAT?!" Detriment screamed, its eyes widening in disbelief as Linn charged towards it, an impossible burst of speed propelling him through the air. Linn collided with Detriment with a resounding impact, breaking the creature's concentration and disrupting the flow of dark energy. The swirling vortex between its hands vanished, and the dark clouds above began to dissipate. Linn delivered a spinning back kick to Detriment's chin, the force of the blow stunning the creature and sending a shockwave through its massive body.
"Ugh!" Detriment staggered, clutching its chin in pain and confusion. Linn, taking advantage of the creature's disorientation, climbed onto its back and grabbed its leathery wings. With a determined yell, he pulled on the wings with all his might, disrupting the creature's flight. Detriment, its wings now useless, began to plummet towards the ground.
"Uuhh..." Detriment groaned as it crashed into the pavement with a bone-jarring thud, the impact sending tremors through the ground. Still clinging to its back, Linn managed to cushion his fall slightly. He quickly scrambled off Detriment and grabbed its massive legs.
"Wha...?" Detriment gasped in surprise and confusion as Linn lifted its legs into the air. Before it could react, Linn spun in circles, using Detriment's legs as a makeshift handle.
"AHHH!" Detriment screamed as it was swung around and around, the world a dizzying blur of motion. Linn spun faster and faster, the force of his spin creating a miniature whirlwind around them. This went on for what felt like an eternity, about five minutes, until Linn, his muscles screaming in protest, finally gathered all his remaining strength for one final, mighty swing. With a powerful yell, he launched Detriment like a giant, furry projectile into the air.
"NOOOOO!" Detriment roared as it sailed through the air, its voice fading into the distance until it became a mere twinkle in the sky. And just like that, Detriment was gone, banished from Kido Village.
"It's finally over," Linn said, collapsing to the ground, his body trembling with exhaustion and dizziness from the prolonged spinning. Yuzu, who had been watching the entire fight with a mixture of awe and terror, rushed towards him, her face filled with concern.
"Linn-san! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!" Yuzu fussed over him like a worried mother hen, her hands fluttering over his body, checking for injuries and peppering him with kisses.
"Y-yuzu! Cut it out! What's gotten into you?" Linn said, pushing her away gently, slightly unnerved by her overprotective behavior.
"Oh!" Yuzu snapped out of it, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Linn-san!" She put her hands on her lap and closed her eyes, trying to regain her composure. "I'm just so relieved that my baby is alright. You were so brave!"
Linn blinked, his earlier exhaustion forgotten as he processed her words. "My... what?"
Yuzu opened her eyes and waved her hands frantically, her face turning even redder. "No, no! I meant that you're alright! I was just... worried! He he," she stammered, her gaze darting away from his. Linn sweatdropped, sensing that she wasn't telling the whole truth.
Tomodachi walked over to the two, a proud grin on his face. "Well done, Master. You saved the village."
"Uh, thanks," Linn said, still slightly dazed and confused by Yuzu's earlier outburst. And where were you this whole time? He thought, shooting a pointed look at his canine companion.
"There he is!" a voice suddenly shouted from the crowd's edge.
The three turned towards the voice to find a group of angry villagers standing there, glaring daggers at Linn. A renewed sense of grievance had replaced their earlier fear.
"You can't escape this time!" the male villager with the bad back yelled, his face contorted in pain.
"I can't get married now because of you! I'll make you pay, you little pervert!" the female villager shrieked, tears streaming down her face.
"Give me back my cabbages!" the whiny merchant wailed, his voice filled with despair.
Uh oh, Linn thought, his eyes widening in alarm. He had forgotten entirely about the collateral damage he had caused during his earlier escape.
"Yuzu-chan!" a voice called out from behind the angry mob.
The three turned to see Martha, the two men from the tavern, and a fully healed Hendrick and his men standing at the crowd's edge.
"Martha-san! What are you doing here?" Yuzu questioned, surprised to see them.
Martha rushed to Yuzu and hugged her tightly, her face etched with worry. "These guys said they saw you at the village entrance and then saw that monster heading in this direction, and I got worried sick!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I'm glad to see that you're alright, Yuzu-chan," the first man said, his expression relieved.
"The sky suddenly grew dark, and that monster appeared again. We couldn't help but fear the worst," the second man added, his voice filled with concern.
Having recovered from their earlier injuries, Hendrick and his men had been searching for the monster. Finding no trace of the creature, they had decided to check on Yuzu and Martha, only to spot Linn amidst the angry villagers.
"AH, IT'S YOU!" Hendrick yelled, pointing a finger accusingly at Linn. "You're that boy from before!"
"Uh, hi?" Linn chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Because of you, that thief got away, and you humiliated us in front of the whole village!" Hendrick roared, his face red with anger. "I underestimated you because you were just a child, but now I'm serious. Men! Ready your weapons, we're taking him down!" Hendrick and his men drew their swords, their faces grim and determined.
"Not so fast, Hendrick-san, he's ours!" the bad-back villager yelled, stepping forward to stake his claim.
"He has to be punished for looking up my skirt!" the female villager screeched, her voice filled with righteous indignation.
"And for destroying my cabbages!" the whiny merchant wailed, his voice dripping with self-pity.
"Oh, please," Hendrick scoffed, rolling his eyes at their petty grievances. "Those are only minor nuisances compared to what he did to us." He gestured dismissively at the bad-back villager. "You always complain about your back anyway." He pointed at the female villager. "Everyone in the village has already seen under your skirt." He then turned to the cabbage merchant. "And your cabbages aren't even that good."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" the three villagers yelled in unison, their faces turning red with fury.
"You think my back problems are minor?!" the bad-back villager roared.
"You think looking under my skirt is a nuisance?!" the female villager shrieked.
"You don't like my cabbages...?" the whiny merchant cried, his voice filled with wounded pride.
"Look," Hendrick said, trying to reason with the increasingly agitated crowd. "We all want a piece of this boy. Let's just... share him, okay? We'll take turns."
The villagers looked at each other, momentarily forgetting their initial anger as they considered Hendrick's bizarre proposition. After a moment of awkward silence, they nodded in reluctant agreement.
"Okay," they mumbled in unison, their expressions a mixture of confusion and bloodlust. Everyone else just sweatdropped at the sheer absurdity of the situation.
"Good! Let's get him!" Hendrick yelled, raising his sword in the air. The villagers, Hendrick, and his men surged forward, their collective anger directed at the hapless Linn.
Linn, realizing the gravity of his situation, scrambled to his feet and tried to run away, only to stumble and fall back down. His legs, having been cramped from sitting for so long, had fallen asleep. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Linn comically screamed in his head, his face a mask of utter despair.
The villagers, Hendrick and his men, were closing in, their angry shouts echoing in Linn's ears. Linn braced himself for the inevitable onslaught, closing his eyes and wincing in anticipation.
"STOP!!" a voice suddenly cried out, cutting through the cacophony of angry shouts.
The villagers, Hendrick, and his men froze in their tracks, their momentum abruptly halted. Linn opened his eyes and looked up to find Yuzu standing protectively in front of him, her arms outstretched, her small frame radiating an unexpected aura of authority.
"Don't hurt Linn-san!" Yuzu declared, her voice firm and unwavering. The villagers, Hendrick, and his men exchanged confused glances. Hendrick stepped forward, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern.
"Yuzu-chan," Hendrick said, his voice softer now. "This boy has caused nothing but trouble since he arrived here. Not to mention, he attacked me and my men without provocation. He is a menace to our village, and as the village chief, it's my duty to restore order and punish the boy for his crimes." Linn looked down in guilt, his earlier bravado completely extinguished.
"That is true," Yuzu conceded, her expression thoughtful. "But he also saved me and the entire village by defeating that monster. We would all be in grave danger right now if it weren't for him."
"What? He defeated that beast?" Hendrick said, his eyes widening in surprise. The villagers murmured amongst themselves, their anger momentarily forgotten as they absorbed this new information.
"That's right," Yuzu said, her voice filled with conviction. "We owe him our thanks, not our scorn. He is a hero, not a criminal." Yuzu turned to Linn and offered him a small, reassuring smile.
The crowd was still murmuring, their expressions a mixture of shock and confusion. Hendrick raised his hand to silence them.
"Ahem," Hendrick cleared his throat, his expression thoughtful. "Be that as it may, it doesn't change the fact that he attacked us and caused significant property damage and distress to the villagers. Those are serious offenses that cannot be ignored."
"In that case," Yuzu said, stepping forward and placing a hand on her chest, her voice filled with determination, "I'll take full responsibility for Linn-san and pay for any damage he caused. I'll make sure he makes amends for his actions." Yuzu reached into her sweater hoodie and pulled out the small, heavy pouch that Martha had given her earlier. She held it out to Hendrick, her gaze steady.
Hendrick gazed at the pouch, lost in thought. He glanced at his wife, Martha, who approached him and whispered something in his ear. Hendrick nodded, and the two stepped away from the crowd to confer in private. After a moment, they returned, their expressions thoughtful. Hendrick cleared his throat.
"Okay, Yuzu-chan," Hendrick announced, his voice carrying through the crowd. "I'll accept this payment as restitution for the damages. And I'll leave the matter of the boy's punishment in your capable hands. I trust you to do what is fair and just."
"Thank you, Hendrick-san," Yuzu said, her face beaming with relief and gratitude.
"Okay, everyone! Get back to the village," Hendrick ordered, his voice weary but firm. The villagers, still grumbling and nursing their various injuries and wounded pride, began to disperse, heading back towards the relative safety and order of Kido Village. However, three particular villagers lingered, their complaints still echoing in the air.
"Hey, wait a second," the bad-back villager whined, clutching his lower back dramatically. "What about my bad back? Who's going to fix me up?"
"What about my skirt problem?" the female villager questioned, her face still flushed with embarrassment. "That boy ran right under it! My reputation is ruined!"
"What about my cabbages?" the whiny merchant wailed, his voice filled with despair. "He destroyed my entire cart! My livelihood!"
Hendrick just sighed, rubbing his temples in exasperation. He looked like he was about to collapse from the day's stress. Yuzu, however, stepped forward, her expression calm and reassuring.
"Don't worry," she said, addressing the bad-back villager with a gentle smile. "I'll massage your back, like always. I know just the right pressure points to relieve the pain."
"And as for your skirt," she said to the female villager, her tone soothing, "Linn-san only ran under it; he didn't actually see anything. You're still as pure and respectable as ever. No one will think any less of you."
"And you," she said, turning to the whiny merchant, her smile widening, "I'll buy you a whole new cartload of cabbages, the finest in the village. Consider it... compensation for your loss."
"Really?" the three villagers asked, their faces lighting up with a mixture of hope and disbelief.
"Really," Yuzu confirmed, her voice sweet and sincere.
The three villagers all cheered, their earlier complaints forgotten in their newfound relief. The bad-back villager sighed in contentment, already feeling his aches and pains subside at the mere thought of Yuzu's healing hands. The female villager clutched her chest dramatically, tears of joy streaming down her face as she imagined her future marital prospects restored. The whiny merchant, his despair replaced by avarice, rubbed his hands together gleefully at the prospect of a fresh supply of cabbages. Everyone else, including Hendrick, just sweatdropped at the sheer ease with which Yuzu had managed to appease the disgruntled trio.
"Just... just get back to the village," Hendrick ordered, his voice tired but resigned.
"Yes, sir!" the three villagers chorused, their earlier woes completely forgotten as they comically scrambled towards the village. Their enthusiasm was a stark contrast to their earlier complaints.
Hendrick sighed again, rubbing his temples wearily. He then turned to the remaining group, his expression a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion. "I've got to go check on the village, make sure everything is secure. I'll leave the rest to you guys," he said, gesturing vaguely to the surrounding area before turning and heading towards the village, his men trailing behind him.
Martha walked towards Yuzu, her face etched with concern. "I've got to get back to the tavern and make sure it's still standing. Are you sure you're alright, dear? That was quite a commotion."
"I'm fine, Martha-san," Yuzu replied, offering a reassuring smile. "Just a bit shaken up, but nothing I can't handle."
"Alright, but don't hesitate to come to the tavern if you need anything," Martha said, her eyes filled with motherly worry.
"I will," Yuzu promised.
"I'll head back home, too," the first man said, stretching and yawning.
"Yeah, me too," the second man agreed, stepping beside him.
However, as the two men turned to leave, Martha suddenly grabbed them both by the ears, her gentle demeanor replaced by a stern, almost menacing glare.
"Oh no, you don't!" Martha growled, her voice surprisingly strong. "You boys haven't paid for your bar tabs yet. You're coming to the tavern with me and settling your debts before you even think about going home."
"Ow! Ow! I'm sorry, Martha-san!" the first man whined, wincing in pain as Martha's grip tightened. "I-I was going to pay, honest! Just give me a chance!"
"Yeah, me too!" the second man added, also whining pathetically. "Have mercy on us! We were just... distracted by all the excitement! Ow!"
Martha hmphed, her expression softening slightly, but her grip remained firm. She gave Yuzu a warm smile. "I'll see you later, Yuzu-chan," she said, then turned and dragged the two hapless men towards the tavern, their protests fading into the distance.
Yuzu waved goodbye, a small smile playing on her lips. She then turned her attention to Linn and Tomodachi, who were helping Linn up from the ground. A somewhat sheepish expression replaced Linn's earlier bravado.
"Are you okay, Linn-san?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"I'm fine," Linn said, rubbing his head sheepishly. "A little sore, but nothing broken. Thanks for... well, for saving my butt back there, Yuzu. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't intervened."
"You're welcome," Yuzu said, her smile widening slightly. "Now," she continued, her tone shifting to a more serious note, "we must discuss the matter of your punishment."
Linn froze, his eyes widening in alarm. "...What?"
Yuzu placed her hands on her hips, her expression stern and unwavering. "Don't 'what' me, young man," Yuzu said, her voice firm. "I'm grateful that you saved me and the village from that creature, but Hendrick-san was right about one thing: you did cause a lot of trouble for the village. You ran through the streets like a madman, destroying property and disrupting the peace. You need to be held accountable for your actions."
"But I..." Linn began, trying to protest, but he stopped short when he saw the look Yuzu was giving him. Her eyes were narrowed, and her petite frame radiated an unexpected aura of authority. He sighed in defeat. "Oh, okay..."
"That's better," Yuzu said, her expression softening slightly, though her sternness remained.
Tomodachi patted his master on the back, offering what he probably thought was a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Master, I'm sure it won't be that bad," he said, his tail wagging optimistically. "You got this! Just take your punishment like a man!" He gave Linn a thumbs-up, his encouragement doing little to alleviate Linn's growing sense of dread.
"You're not helping, Tomo," Linn deadpanned, shooting his canine companion a withering look.
Yuzu giggled at their exchange, the tension of the moment easing slightly. Then, she remembered something, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh, that's right!" she exclaimed, walking up to Linn with a slightly expectant look.
"Linn-san," Yuzu said, her tone polite but firm. Linn and Tomodachi looked at her, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. "You still have my ladle. I'd like it back, please."
Linn was confused for a second, his hand instinctively reaching for something that wasn't there. Then, realization dawned on his face, and his eyes widened in dismay. "Oh, yeah," Linn said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I did say I'd give it back to you, didn't I?" He patted his pockets, his expression growing increasingly frantic. "It's right... Heret?" he said, his voice trailing off as he found nothing in his first pocket. He reached into his other pocket and then checked his sleeves, his belt, and even his shorts, his search becoming more and more desperate. He came up empty-handed.
"What's wrong, Master?" Tomodachi asked, his earlier optimism replaced by a growing sense of unease.
"I... I might have lost your ladle when the villagers were chasing me," Linn confessed, his voice barely a whisper. He offered a nervous laugh, his face pale and covered in sweat. Tomodachi gaped at him, his jaw dropping in comical disbelief. The two of them slowly turned towards Yuzu, their expressions filled with trepidation.
Yuzu stood there, her smile frozen on her face, her eyes closed, and her hand outstretched expectantly. A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant sounds of the village settling down for the evening. Then, Yuzu's eyes snapped open, and her smile vanished, replaced by an expression of pure, unadulterated fury. A dark, fiery aura seemed to engulf her, and an angry tick mark appeared on her forehead, throbbing ominously.
"Liiiinnn-saaaan..." Yuzu said, her voice low and demonic, sending shivers down Linn's spine.
"Oh, look at the time; it's time for my... uh, my evening nap again. Yes, that's it! I'm feeling quite... sleepy. See you!" Tomodachi blurted out, his earlier bravery completely evaporated. He turned and ran as fast as his legs could carry him, disappearing into the darkness.
"Wait! Take me with you!" Linn cried out, his hand outstretched in a futile attempt to grab his fleeing companion. But before he could even take a step, Yuzu grabbed him firmly by the ear, her grip surprisingly strong.
"NOT SO FAST, MISTER!" Yuzu yelled angrily, her voice echoing through the day. She pulled on Linn's ear sharply, her face inches from his, her eyes blazing with righteous indignation. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused me today?! First, you come to this village in a state of undress, then you beat up my village chief and lead the entire village on a wild goose chase, and now you've lost my ladle?! "
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Yuzu, I'm sorry, please forgive me! I didn't mean to lose it! I was just trying to get away from the angry mob! It was a very stressful situation!" Linn pleaded, tears welling up in his eyes as Yuzu dragged him along by the ear, his apologies doing little to appease her wrath.
"You are grounded for a week, mister!" Yuzu declared sternly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "You are going to help me find my ladle, apologize to every single villager you inconvenienced, and then you will repay me by helping out at the tavern for a week. You will be on dish duty, cleaning the floors, and anything else I need you to do. And you will do it all with a smile on your face!"
"A week?!" Linn cried out, his voice filled with despair. "I can't stay here for a week! I have to find my friends! I have a quest! I have a destiny!" Yuzu tugged on Linn's ear harder, her expression unwavering.
"That's too bad," Yuzu said, her voice firm and unforgiving. "That's what it means to be grounded. Now hush up and come on! We have a lot of work to do, and you're not getting out of this." And with that, Yuzu began dragging Linn by the ear, the hapless hero trailing behind her, his cries of protest and comical tears echoing through the night, his grand quest and destiny seemingly forgotten in the face of his... punishment.
000
One week later...
Linn collapsed onto the tavern room bed, his face buried in the pillow, his rear end sticking up in the air. "I'm so tired..." Linn mumbled into the soft fabric, his voice muffled and exhausted.
"They still had you bussing tables?" Tomodachi asked, sitting cross-legged on the other side of the same bed, his expression a mixture of sympathy and amusement.
Linn lifted his head slightly, turning it to the side so he could speak. "Yeah, and worst of all, I still had to wear that stupid waitress outfit," he groaned, his face contorted in disgust.
"Don't they have male uniforms?" Tomodachi asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"No, Miss Martha said that she only hires girls, and because of that, she only has waitress uniforms," Linn explained, pushing himself up to a sitting position with a weary sigh. "I don't understand how Yuzu can wear that all the time. I kept getting creepy stares from the men, and even when they found out I was a boy, some of them still gave me those looks." Linn shuddered, a visible shiver running down his spine.
"Speaking of Yuzu," Tomodachi said, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I still can't believe you let an eleven-year-old girl ground you like this," he chuckled, unable to resist teasing his master. Linn grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, his face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance.
"It's not funny, Tomo!" Linn yelled, his voice slightly higher than usual. "She's very scary when she's angry; I couldn't say no to her. You saw her that day!" Linn straightened up, his expression becoming more serious. "Besides, I did cause her and the village a lot of trouble; it's the least I could do to make up for it."
Tomo dropped the pillow from his face, his amusement fading as he recognized the genuine remorse in Linn's voice. He offered a small, reassuring smile. "Well, today was the last day of your 'grounding'..." Tomodachi couldn't help but chuckle again, though this time it was more of a good-natured chuckle than a taunt. Linn glared at him, but there was no real heat behind the look. Tomodachi waved it off, continuing, "But we'll be leaving first thing in the morning, and we'll finally be on our way to find the girls."
Linn's expression softened at the mention of Kaila and Erica. A wave of concern washed over him as he thought about his missing friends. He wondered what they were doing now, if they were safe, and if they were alright. He pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task ahead.
"Yeah!" Linn said, his voice filled with renewed determination, though it was tinged with weariness. "We got sidetracked, but our mission's still the same. To rescue Kaila and Erica and go back home!"
"Speaking of that," Tomodachi said, his tone thoughtful. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Yes?" Linn replied, his brow furrowed slightly.
"Even if we do find Kaila and Erica, how are we going to get home?" Tomodachi asked, his question hanging in the air.
Linn froze, his initial enthusiasm draining away. He hadn't considered that. In his single-minded focus on finding his best friends, he hadn't thought about the logistics of their return journey. He had no idea how they had gotten here and even less of an idea how to get back. The realization hit him like a bucket of cold water, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Linn shook his head, trying to dismiss the unsettling feeling creeping into his stomach. "That doesn't matter right now," he said, his voice trying to sound more confident than he felt. "Finding Kaila and Erica is our top priority; we'll worry about the details later. We'll figure something out."
"As you wish, Master," Tomodachi said, though his expression betrayed a hint of doubt.
"Okay," Linn said, forcing a smile. "Now go to sleep. We're leaving first thing in the morning, so we need to be well-rested."
"Yes, Master," Tomodachi replied, obediently lying down on the bed in his usual dog-like position. Linn raised his eyebrows, a familiar sense of awkwardness washing over him.
"You know, Tomo..." Linn began, hesitating slightly. Tomodachi's ears perked up, his head lifting from the pillow.
"Yes, Master?" Tomodachi questioned, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.
"I know we talked about this before, but there's a perfectly good bed right over there," he said, gesturing to a neatly made bed on the opposite side of the small room. "You don't have to sleep in the same bed as me anymore. You're a human now, you deserve your own space."
At that, Tomodachi shot up, his eyes widening in comical horror, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. "You mean you don't want me to sleep with you anymore?!" Tomo cried, his voice filled with melodramatic anguish. "Why?! What did I do wrong? Don't you love me anymore?!"
Linn put his hands up defensively, trying to calm his distraught companion. "N-no, that's not it, Tomo! Of course I still love you! It's just that... well, when you were a dog, it was different. But you're a human now, and it feels kinda awkward to sleep in the same bed with another boy. That's all."
Tomodachi had a comically shocked expression on his face, his lower lip trembling dramatically. He then slumped down, his shoulders drooping in exaggerated depression. "Noooo! My master doesn't love me anymore!! My life is over! Wah!!" Tomo wailed, burying his face in the pillow and emitting a waterfall of tears that threatened to soak the entire bed.
Linn blocked the incoming tears with his hands, his face a mixture of exasperation and concern. "That's not it, Tomo! It's just that... I just thought you'd be more comfortable in your own bed! But if it bothers you that much..." Linn's words were cut short as Tomo continued to sob uncontrollably, his cries echoing through the small room.
"Okay, okay! You can sleep with me from now on; just please, please stop crying!" Linn relented, his voice pleading.
"Really?" Tomodachi sniffed, lifting his head slightly, his eyes still red and watery, but a glimmer of hope shining through.
"Yes, Tomo," Linn confirmed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Yayyyy!" Tomodachi exclaimed, his tears instantly drying up as he launched himself at Linn, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug. "I love you, Master! You're the best master ever!" Tomo said, his voice filled with childish glee, his tail, though invisible, probably wagging furiously.
Linn smiled, a genuine, fond smile, and patted Tomo's head, his earlier awkwardness replaced by a familiar warmth. "I love you too, boy," he said, his voice gentle. "Now go to sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow, and we need to be well-rested."
Tomodachi, his earlier drama completely forgotten, happily complied, lying down on the bed in his usual dog-like position, his head resting on the pillow beside Linn's. Linn lay down beside him, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched his loyal companion settle in. After a moment or two, the two boys were fast asleep, breathing deeply and even.
Unbeknownst to the sleeping boys, the door to their room was slightly ajar, just a crack, and a single, dark brown eye was peering through the narrow opening. The eye observed them for a long moment, its expression unreadable, before the door silently closed, and a small, shadowy figure could be seen darting away from the room, disappearing into the darkness of the tavern hallway. The figure moved with a strange, almost unnatural grace, its movements fluid and silent, leaving no trace of its presence.
Morning
Kido village
Linn and Tomodachi stood outside the tavern, preparing to depart from Kido Village. Martha and Hendrick were there to see them off, having provided them with supplies for their journey.
"That should be everything," Martha said, her expression a mixture of relief and lingering concern. She had packed a substantial amount of food, water, and other essentials, ensuring the boys were well-equipped for their travels.
"Thank you so much, Miss Martha!" Linn said, hoisting the green backpack onto his shoulders. It was surprisingly heavy, filled to the brim with Martha's generous provisions.
"You're welcome, hon," Martha replied, her smile warm and genuine. "Do you have to leave so soon? I must admit, despite my initial reservations, you weren't so bad with the clientele. If only you were a girl, I would hire you full-time in a heartbeat."
Linn chuckled nervously, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Thank you... I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll stick to adventuring for now." If I have to wear that waitress outfit again, it'll be too soon, he thought, shuddering inwardly at the memory.
Hendrick stepped forward, placing a hand on Linn's shoulder. His gruff demeanor softened slightly as he spoke. "Well, boy, even though we had our differences, you stepped up and took your punishment like a man. I respect that. Not many young lads would have done the same."
"Thank you, sir," Linn said, respectfully bowing. "I'm sorry I attacked you and your men. I realize now that I acted rashly."
"It's fine, lad," Hendrick reassured him, giving his shoulder a firm pat. "I figured you'd assume the worst, seeing that chaotic scene. Anyone would have done the same in your situation."
Hendrick removed his hand from Linn's shoulder, a mischievous glint entering his eyes. "But I must say, lad, to best both me and that beast... you're no ordinary boy. What do you say about going another round? Just a friendly spar, to test your skills?"
"Oh, no, thanks, sir," Linn said quickly, his eyes widening in alarm. "I really do have to get going. I have a rather urgent quest, and I really don't want to get into any more trouble."
"Nonsense!" Hendrick insisted, stepping closer to Linn, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "It'll just be a little spar, a friendly bout! Come on, what do you say?" He got into a fighting stance, his muscles flexing.
"But..." Linn stammered, backing away slightly.
"Come on!" Hendrick pressed, closing the distance between them.
"I really shouldn't..." Linn protested, his voice growing increasingly nervous.
"Come on!!" Hendrick was now practically nose-to-nose with Linn, his face inches from the boy's, his intense gaze and eagerness intimidating Linn out of his wits.
Before Linn could protest further, Martha intervened, grabbing Hendrick by the ear and pulling him away with surprising strength.
"Would you cut it out, you big oaf?! You're scaring the poor boy half to death!" Martha scolded, her voice sharp and scolding.
"Ow! Ow! Martha, that hurts! I was just kidding! Can't you take a joke?" Hendrick complained, wincing in pain as Martha dragged him away from Linn.
Martha huffed, releasing his ear with a final, admonishing tug. Hendrick rubbed his ear gingerly, shooting a sheepish glance at Linn. Martha turned to Linn, bending down slightly to meet his eye level. Her expression softened, her earlier scolding replaced by a warm, motherly smile.
"Don't worry about my fool of a husband, hon," Martha said sweetly, patting Linn's cheek gently. "You just go along and do what you have to do. Don't let him bully you."
"Thank you, Miss Martha," Linn said, his earlier apprehension replaced by gratitude. He began to look around, his brow furrowing slightly. "Hey, where's Yuzu? I thought she would have wanted to see us off."
Martha stiffened slightly, a subtle change in her demeanor. Her smile became a bit strained, and her eyes darted away momentarily. "Yuzu-chan had to take care of some... urgent matters," she explained, her voice a bit tight. "But she told me to tell you to take care of yourself and to stay out of trouble."
"Oh, okay..." Linn said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. He had hoped to say a proper goodbye to the girl who had helped him so much during his stay in Kido Village. "Well, thank you for everything. Goodbye."
Linn and Tomodachi turned and began walking towards the village entrance, their figures growing smaller with each step. Martha stood beside Hendrick, watching them leave, her expression unreadable. As Linn and Tomodachi reached the edge of the village, Martha began to cry silently, tears streaming down her face. Hendrick, noticing her distress, placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. Martha looked up at her husband, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Hendrick simply nodded, understanding her unspoken words. He held her hand tightly, offering silent support as he led her back towards the tavern. Martha glanced back at Linn's retreating figure one last time, her lips moving silently.
"Take care of her, Linn-kun," Martha whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation, before she and Hendrick disappeared into the warm, inviting glow of the tavern.
Linn and Tomodachi walked towards the village entrance, bidding farewell to the various villagers who had come to see them off. Several of the villagers waved and called out their goodbyes, their earlier hostility replaced by genuine warmth and friendliness. The bad-back villager, his back feeling significantly better thanks to Yuzu's ministrations, gave Linn a thumbs-up, which Linn returned with a grateful smile. The female villager, her reputation seemingly unblemished by Linn's brief encounter with her skirt, blew him a playful kiss, causing Linn to blush and stammer a flustered thank you. The whiny merchant, his despair over his destroyed cabbages replaced by the promise of a fresh, Yuzu-funded supply, tossed a perfectly ripe cabbage at Linn, who caught it with a surprised grunt and carefully placed it in his backpack.
"Wow," Tomodachi said, his eyes wide with amazement. "It's amazing how fast humans can change. Just a week ago, they were ready to string you up, and now they're practically throwing you a parade."
"I guess so..." Linn said, his voice somewhat subdued, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
"What's wrong, Master?" Tomodachi asked, his ears drooping slightly with concern.
"I mean, I'm glad that everyone likes me now. It's just... everyone is saying goodbye except for Yuzu," Linn explained, his gaze scanning the crowd for a familiar face. A wave of disappointment washed over him as he realized she wasn't there.
"Oh, I see," Tomodachi said, his expression thoughtful. "But Master, why do you care so much? We were stuck here for a week because of her, remember? If it weren't for her, we would have been on our way to find Kaila and Erica much sooner."
"I know," Linn admitted, "But because of her, we were also able to help the village and resolve all those problems. I feel like I owe her my thanks and wanted to say a proper goodbye. But she didn't even bother to show up."
"Oh," Tomodachi said, understanding dawning on his face. He glanced at his master, sensing the conflicting emotions within him.
The two reached the village entrance, their footsteps slowing as they prepared to leave Kido Village behind. As they stood there, a short, blond-haired girl with a pink backpack, her figure small but determined, came into view. She looked out into the distance, as if searching for someone.
"Yuzu!" Linn exclaimed, his disappointment instantly replaced by surprise and relief. A wide grin spread across his face as he recognized the familiar figure. Yuzu turned around, her face lighting up with a bright smile as she saw them.
"Linn-san! There you are!" Yuzu called back, waving enthusiastically.
Linn rushed towards Yuzu, his earlier weariness forgotten in his eagerness to see her again. Tomodachi followed close behind, his tail, though invisible, probably wagging with curiosity.
"Hey, I thought I was going to miss you walking out," Linn said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
Yuzu giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sorry, but I had some things to take care of. I made sure to tell Martha-san to tell you, though."
"Well, yeah, she did, but I was still worried I wouldn't get to say goodbye," Linn confessed, his cheeks flushing slightly. "What are you doing here, anyway? And what's with the backpack?"
"What, this?" Yuzu said, patting her pink backpack proudly. "Well, the thing is... I've decided to go on a journey myself!"
"WHAT?!" Linn yelled in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief. Tomodachi yelped in surprise, taking a step back. Yuzu giggled at their reactions.
"What? Is it that surprising?" Yuzu asked, tilting her head with a playful smile.
"Well, yeah! You've always seemed so... settled here, in the village," Linn stammered, trying to make sense of this sudden turn of events. "Why do you want to leave?"
Yuzu's expression softened, her smile becoming more thoughtful. "Well, after our encounter with that Detriment creature," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness, "I realized how powerless I was. I couldn't even protect my own village, my own people. And you, a complete stranger, had to come and save us. That's when I realized that I needed to get stronger and protect those I care about. And the only way to do that, I think, is to go out and explore the world, to see what's out there, and to help people in need."
"I see," Linn said, his initial surprise replaced by a growing understanding and respect for Yuzu's determination.
"Not to mention," Yuzu continued, her eyes sparkling excitedly, "you guys came from another world! You don't know anything about this place, and I'd be worried sick if I let you go off on your own, at least without a guide. So, Linn-san," Yuzu pleaded, her voice filled with earnest hope, "I beg you to take me with you!!"
"I don't know, Yuzu..." Linn said, hesitating. He was touched by her desire to help, but he was also concerned about her safety. "It could be dangerous out there. If there are creatures like that Detriment thing roaming around, I wouldn't want to put you in harm's way."
"I'll be fine," Yuzu insisted, her voice filled with conviction. She reached into her sweater hoodie and pulled out her trusty ladle, twirling it around a few times with surprising dexterity. "I may not look it, but I'm pretty handy in a fight... as long as I have my ladle, of course."
"I still don't know..." Linn said, his brow furrowed with indecision.
"I can cook your meals!" Yuzu added, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I'm an excellent cook! Martha-san taught me everything she knows!"
"That's not exactly..." Linn started to say, but Tomodachi tapped him on the shoulder, interrupting his train of thought.
"Master, if I may have a word with you?" Tomodachi said, his expression serious. He pulled Linn a few steps away from Yuzu, lowering his voice.
"She seems like she doesn't mean any harm to us," Tomodachi reasoned, "and she's clearly willing to help and guide us through this world. I say we take her with us. It would be foolish to refuse her offer."
"I understand that, Tomo," Linn admitted, "but I'm still worried about her safety. Plus, she's... well, she's not exactly the most stable girl out there, if you catch my drift."
"Yes, but she's more like 'I want to help and care about you' than 'I will destroy you all, '" Tomodachi countered, his tone persuasive. "And besides, Master, we know nothing about this world. If we want to find Kaila and Erica, we need to learn more about this place, and she can help us do that."
"You know I can hear you both, right?" Yuzu said, her voice slightly annoyed, an angry tick mark appearing on her forehead. "You're being awfully loud and rude, talking about me like I'm not even here!"
"Yes, yes, we'll get to you in a second," Tomodachi said dismissively, pulling Linn even further away from Yuzu. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
"As I was saying," Tomodachi continued, "Master, we don't know what dangers lie ahead, and having someone who knows this world could be invaluable. And besides," he added, his eyes gleaming with a distinctly un-heroic glint, "think of all the food we can eat! Her cooking is supposed to be amazing!"
Linn sweatdropped, recognizing the true motivation behind his companion's eagerness. Who are you kidding? You just want the free meals, Linn thought, shaking his head with a fond smile.
Linn and Tomodachi walked back towards Yuzu, who was waiting patiently. Her expression was a mixture of anticipation and slight impatience.
Linn looked at Tomodachi, who nodded encouragingly. Linn then sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Okay, Yuzu," he said, "you can come with us."
Yuzu gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, her eyes widening with joy. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed towards Linn, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Linn-san! Thank you so much!" Yuzu exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion.
Linn patted her head awkwardly, a bit overwhelmed by her enthusiastic response. "You're welcome, Yuzu. Just promise me you'll be careful and alright. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"I will! I promise!" Yuzu replied, pulling back from the hug, her face beaming with happiness.
And so, Linn and Tomodachi, now joined by the determined and surprisingly capable Yuzu, continued their journey to find their missing friends. What new adventures await the unlikely trio as they venture forth into the unknown? What dangers will they face, and what allies will they encounter? Only time will tell. Stay tuned to find out.