A Few Days Later
Linn, Tomodachi, and Yuzu finally reached Boulderer Villager. As they approached, the village's unique characteristics became apparent.
"So, this is Boulderer Village, huh?" Linn said, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the unusual sight.
The village was indeed aptly named. Boulder-shaped houses dotted the landscape, constructed from the abundant rocks scattered in various shapes and sizes throughout the area. A tall, sturdy clock tower stood in the center of the village, its stone facade blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. A wide river flowed to the left, its waters reflecting the clear morning sky.
"How... aptly named..." Linn said, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
"I'll say..." Tomodachi added, his ears drooping slightly, his expression equally unimpressed.
"Boulderer is one of the more... unique villages in Seren," Yuzu explained, slightly apologetic. "The villagers mostly keep to themselves and have a deep affinity for rocks. As you can see.."
"I see," Linn nodded slowly, his gaze sweeping over the peculiar architecture.
"I have a question," Tomodachi said, his ears perking up, his expression thoughtful. Linn and Yuzu turned towards him, their attention focused.
"What is it, boy?" Linn replied, his curiosity piqued.
"Assuming Kaila and Erica aren't here, where do we go next? According to the map, there don't seem to be any other villages in this immediate vicinity," Tomodachi pointed out, his tone pragmatic.
"That's simple," Yuzu said, offering a confident smile. She pointed towards the flowing river. "We find a boat and sail up the river. Based on the map, it should lead us to a densely forested area. After that, we should be about two miles from the next village."
"I just hope Kaila and Erica are here so we don't have to go through all that trouble," Linn said, his earlier enthusiasm replaced by a hint of weariness.
"What's wrong, Master?" Tomodachi asked, his ears twitching with concern.
"It's just... we've been in this world for a while now and still haven't found any sign of the girls. I can't help but worry about their safety and well-being," Linn said, his voice tinged with sadness.
Tomodachi stepped forward and gently patted his Master's shoulder, offering a comforting smile. "It's alright, Master. We will find them soon. We just need to keep searching, and we will find them."
Linn looked at Tomodachi, his expression softening, a small smile gracing his lips. "Yeah, you're right, Tomo. I can't give up yet. I have to keep believing that they're out there, waiting for us."
"KYAHH!" Yuzu suddenly screamed, her voice piercing the air. This startled Linn and Tomodachi, who stumbled and nearly fell.
"Yuzu?! What's wrong?! What happened?!" Linn asked worriedly. His ears ringing from the sudden shriek, Tomodachi shook his head, trying to regain his composure.
"T-t-that!" Yuzu stammered, her finger trembling as she pointed towards what appeared to be a bulletin board standing near the village entrance. Linn and Tomodachi stared at the board, their expressions puzzled.
"Uh..." Linn sweatdropped, his eyes scanning the seemingly innocuous board.
''Are you afraid of bulletin boards or something?" Tomodachi deadpanned, his ears twitching in confusion.
Yuzu scoffed, her face flushed with a mixture of fear and exasperation. "No, you dummy! It's not the board itself! It's what's on the bulletin board!"
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged confused glances before turning their attention back to the board. They examined it closely, their eyes widening in disbelief at what they saw. A crudely drawn picture of Linn was affixed to the board, accompanied by bold, ominous lettering. It was a wanted poster.
Linn sweatdropped again, his expression incredulous. "Is... is that supposed to be me? Seriously?"
"I don't know, Master," Tomodachi smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Now that I get a closer look at it, it's actually a rather... striking resemblance. The artist really captured your... unique features."
"Very funny, Tomo," Linn deadpanned, his voice flat.
"You guys! This is serious!" Yuzu said, her voice filled with panic, her earlier fear returning with renewed intensity. "The Empire has issued a wanted poster for you, Linn! That means they're actively looking for you! They'll be coming after you! And not just the Empire soldiers! Bounty hunters, mercenaries, bandits, even ordinary civilians might try to capture you for the reward! You'll never have a moment's peace! You'll never be able to rest, eat, or sleep properly! You'll always be on the run, constantly looking over your shoulder! What are we going to do?! This is a disaster!" Yuzu began pacing back and forth, her hands wringing together, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
"You know, if you're that scared, you can always leave," Tomodachi deadpanned, his expression unchanging.
Yuzu stopped pacing and pinched Tomodachi's cheeks. "Stop trying to get rid of me, would you?!" she said, her voice a mixture of anger and determination. A comical angry tick mark pulsated on her forehead. Linn sweatdropped at the escalating situation.
"Hey now, it's going to be fine," Linn reassured them, trying to calm the situation. "I'll handle whatever they throw at me. I'm not going to let some wanted poster scare me off."
"But..." Yuzu said, her voice filled with concern, her eyes wide with worry. Tomodachi gently patted Yuzu's head, offering a reassuring smile.
"It's okay, Yuzu. Have a little more faith in the Master. He's stronger than he looks. We'll be alright," Tomodachi said, his voice surprisingly soothing. Yuzu looked at Tomodachi, her expression softening slightly, and offered a small, hesitant smile in return.
"Okay, I will try!" Yuzu said, taking a deep breath and trying to regain her composure. Linn smiled, appreciating their support.
"Okay then, let's head into the village," Linn said, his expression determined.
Yuzu and Tomodachi nodded in agreement, and the trio cautiously entered the village. As they walked through the streets, they noticed something strange and unsettling.
"Where is everyone?" Linn said, his voice hushed. His eyes scan the deserted streets. The village seems eerily empty, devoid of any signs of life.
"I don't know," Yuzu said, her expression puzzled. "This isn't normal. Boulderer is usually a bustling place, even if the villagers are a bit... reclusive."
"It's like a ghost town," Linn said, a shiver running down his spine. "Are you absolutely sure this place isn't abandoned? Maybe we got the wrong village?"
"I'm sure this is Boulderer," Yuzu insisted, her voice firm. "People were definitely living here before. I don't understand what's going on."
Tomodachi sniffed the air, his nose twitching slightly. "I'm picking up some... unusual scents," he said, his ears perked up.
"Did you find anything, boy?" Linn asked, his expression hopeful.
"It seems there were people here not too long ago. I'm also sensing strong emotions... fear, anxiety... coming from all the houses," Tomodachi replied, his voice low and serious.
"That means..." Linn said, his eyes widening slightly. Tomodachi nodded grimly.
"There are people here. They're just hiding. Inside their homes," Tomodachi concluded, his gaze fixed on the closed doors and shuttered windows.
"Why?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with confusion and a growing sense of unease. "Why would they be hiding? What are they so afraid of?"
"I don't know yet, but I do know that they're terrified of something," Tomodachi replied, his ears drooping slightly.
Linn and the gang pondered this unsettling discovery, their minds racing with questions and concerns. Just then, a voice called out, breaking the eerie silence.
"Hey! What are you guys doing out there?! It's dangerous out there! Get in here, quick!" someone shouted.
The gang turned towards the sound of the voice and saw a middle-aged man standing in the doorway of a nearby house, frantically waving them over. His face was etched with fear, his eyes darting nervously around the deserted streets.
"Somebody's here!" Yuzu gasped, her initial fear replaced by a flicker of hope.
"He seems to be beckoning us to go over there. What shall we do, Master?" Tomodachi asked, his expression cautious.
"I guess we'll go see what he wants," Linn said. The trio cautiously approached the man, their senses on high alert. Once they reached the house, the man didn't waste any time. He grabbed all three of them by their arms and forcefully hauled them inside, slamming the door shut behind them.
Random House
000
The trio collapsed in a heap on the ground as the man quickly shut and locked the door behind them.
"Ow! What the heck, mister?!" Linn exclaimed, rubbing his head and wincing in pain. The man turned and glared sternly at the disoriented trio.
"I should be asking you that!" the man retorted, his voice filled with exasperation. "Didn't the mayor tell you that it's incredibly dangerous to be outside right now?''
The gang simply stared back at him, blinking in confusion. Suddenly, a woman in a simple but elegant green gown appeared from another room, her expression a mixture of concern and weariness.
"Honey, who are you yelling at?" the woman asked, her voice calm but firm. The man turned towards her, his anger momentarily softening as he gestured towards the bewildered trio.
"These guys! They were wandering around outside, disobeying the village lockdown rules! I had to drag them in here before they got themselves killed!" the man explained, his tone still accusatory.
The woman stepped closer, eyes scanning the trio with a more discerning gaze. She sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice, and turned back to the man.
"Honey, do they look like they're from our village to you?" she asked, her tone gently scolding.
The man blinked, his initial anger giving way to confusion. "Aren't they?''
The woman sighed again, shaking her head slightly. "You know everyone in this village, Darren. Do these children look even remotely familiar to you?"
The man, now identified as Darren, put a hand to his chin, his eyes narrowed as he studied the group more closely. He looked at Linn's determined expression, Tomodachi's sharp, intelligent gaze, and Yuzu's worried but resolute stance. After a moment of contemplation, his eyes widened in realization, and he pointed a finger accusingly at the trio. "Wait a second! You're right! I don't know you! Who are you people?!''
The trio sweatdropped in unison, their initial confusion replaced by a growing awkwardness.
A few minutes later, the group, now including Darren and the woman, was seated around a small, rustic table in what appeared to be the family's living room. The woman served tea to everyone, her movements graceful and calming, before sitting next to her husband.
"I must apologize for my husband's... overzealous welcome," the woman said, offering a warm smile to the trio. "He tends to act first and think later, especially when worried about the village's safety." She shot a pointed glare at the man, who whistled innocently, avoiding eye contact.
"It's okay, really," Yuzu said, sipping her tea, her expression understanding. "I know the feeling. Trust me on that one," she added, glancing at Linn, who sweatdropped.
'Why do I get the feeling she's referring to me?' Linn thought, suppressing a sigh.
"Anyway," Tomodachi interjected, his voice sharp and focused, cutting through the awkwardness. ''What exactly is going on in this town? I can sense a palpable atmosphere of fear and anxiety hanging over everything. The woman sighed, her smile fading as the gravity of the situation returned. "It's... It's as you see. We've all been ordered to stay inside our homes, lock our doors and shutter our windows, and avoid contact with the outside world."
"But... but why?" Linn asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "What could possibly cause an entire village to live in such fear?"
"We are being terrorized," Delilah explained, her voice trembling slightly, "attacked and threatened by an evil individual who has taken this village hostage.''
"WHAT?!" the three exclaimed simultaneously, their eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
"Yes," Darren said, his voice grim, his earlier bluster replaced by a palpable sense of despair. "And worst of all, he's been taking all the children of our village. One by one, they've been disappearing."
"N-no way..." Yuzu said, her hand flying to her mouth in horror, her face paling.
"Are you serious?!!" Linn questioned angrily, his fists clenching at his sides..
"Yes," the woman confirmed, her voice barely a whisper, tears welling in her eyes. "Our own daughter was the last child to be taken. She vanished just a few days ago. We assume that she's been kidnapped, just like the others."
"What does he want with these children? What kind of sick monster would do such a thing?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and disgust.
"And why are you all just standing by in your houses, doing nothing?" Tomodachi added, his tone sharp and accusatory. "Why aren't you fighting back? Why aren't you trying to rescue them?"
"You think we haven't tried?!" Darren snarled, his earlier fear momentarily replaced by anger and frustration. "We did try to fight back! We tried to organize a resistance, to confront him. But he was too strong, too fast! He took us all down, one by one, like we were nothing. We were no match for him. Eventually, we decided it was better to just... to stay inside and let him do what he wanted with this village."
"So you're just going to give up? Just like that?! And let this jerk keep terrorizing your village and stealing your children?! You're just going to cower in your homes and let him run your lives?!" Linn yelled angrily, his voice echoing through the small room.
"What choice do we have?!" Darren argued back, his voice filled with despair. "We don't know where he is! We don't know where he came from! He has our children held hostage! We're trapped! There's nothing we can do!"
"Linn! Calm down! Please!" Yuzu urged, placing a hand on his arm, her expression pleading.
"You too, dear. Try to keep your voice down," the woman added gently, her eyes filled with sadness.
Both Linn and Darren took a deep breath, trying to regain their composure. After a long, tense silence, Linn stood up abruptly, his expression resolute.
"Well, whoever this guy is, I won't sit here and let him do what he wants with this village. I won't stand by while he steals your children and destroys your lives. I'll find him, and I'll take him down! I promise you that!" Linn declared, his voice filled with unwavering determination. He turned and started to head towards the door, his hand reaching for the latch.
"Hold on, Master! Wait!" Tomodachi said sharply, his ears perked up, his expression serious. "I understand you're angry, but we can't rush out blindly without a plan. We don't even know where he is or what he looks like."
"He's right, Linn," Yuzu agreed, her voice filled with concern. "As much as I want to help, we need to be smart about this. We can't afford to make any mistakes."
Linn hesitated, his hand still on the door latch. He sighed, his anger slowly giving way to reason. "You're right... You're both right. I was getting carried away. We need a plan." He turned back to the group, his expression thoughtful.
"So then, Miss... um..." Yuzu began, addressing the woman, her tone polite and inquisitive.
The woman offered a small, weary smile. "My name is Delilah, and this is my husband, Darren," she said, gesturing to the man beside her. Darren offered a weak wave.
"Right, Delilah-san," Yuzu said, nodding. "Would you happen to know where we can find this... this monster? Or would you happen to have any information about him? Anything at all that could help us?"
Delilah shook her head, her expression grim. "All that I know is that he comes when the clock tower in the center of the village rings. And he only comes if there's a child present.''
"How... precise," Linn said, his face contorting into a sweatdrop, his mind struggling to comprehend the bizarre nature of their enemy.
Tomo, however, was already deep in thought, his ears twitching, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "We can use that to our advantage," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
"What do you mean, boy?" Linn asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"We lure him here," Tomodachi explained, his voice sharp and focused. "We get him to come to the village, to try and kidnap a child. We have him lead us to his hideout, where he's keeping the other children. Then, we surprise attack him, take him down, and rescue the kids."
"I'm not sure I like that plan, Tomo," Linn said, his expression troubled.
"Not to mention," Delilah added, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and despair, "our daughter was the last child in the village. There aren't any children left. He's taken them all."
"Don't worry," Tomo said, his voice filled with confidence, his gaze unwavering. "Leave everything to me. I have a plan."
"Okay..." Linn said, his expression still filled with worry, but his trust in Tomodachi overriding his doubts.
Tomo turned back to the couple, his expression serious. "When does the clock tower ring?
Delilah looked out the window, her eyes fixed on the clock tower in the distance, its hands slowly ticking towards the hour. "Five minutes," Delilah said, her voice barely a whisper.
"Already?!" Linn exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Perfect," Tomo said, a small, almost predatory smile playing on his lips. "We don't have to wait then. Our plan begins now."
Yuzu turned to Tomodachi, her hands on her hips, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Tomo-chan, you heard Delilah-san. There are no children left in the village. Where are we going to find a child to use as bait? At this hour?''
Everyone in the room stared at Yuzu.
"...What?" Yuzu asked, tilting her head slightly.
000
Yuzu stood defiantly in front of the clock tower, her expression a mix of annoyance and determination. Linn, Tomodachi, Delilah, and Darren were huddled on the side of the house, their faces a mixture of apprehension and nervous anticipation.
"Okay, Yuzu," Tomodachi called out from their hiding place, his voice barely a whisper. "Just stand there and look pretty! You're doing great!"
'Tomo, if I make it out of this unharmed, you are so grounded.' Yuzu thought, a dark aura emanating from her, a comical angry tick mark throbbing on her forehead.
Linn, his expression filled with a mixture of worry and determination, peeked out from behind the house. "I'm still not entirely sure about this, Tomo. It feels... too risky."
"It's fine, Master. Trust me," Tomodachi assured him, his ears twitching with anticipation. "If what these guys have told us is true about this... individual, I don't see how this could possibly fail." He paused, his gaze fixed on the clock tower. "Is the clock ready to go off yet?"
"Yes," Delilah replied, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes wide with fear. "Any second now..."
"Don't say we didn't warn you," Darren added, his tone grim, his hand resting protectively on his wife's shoulder.
A few agonizing seconds later, the clock tower began to chime, its deep, resonant tones echoing through the silent village. Yuzu nervously gripped the hem of her hoodie, her knuckles turning white, while everyone else tensed, their senses on high alert, waiting to see what would emerge.
Suddenly, thunderous footsteps echoed from the village entrance, growing louder with each passing second. The ground vibrated beneath their feet, the sound sending a shiver of dread down their spines. Finally, the source of the commotion appeared before Yuzu, and the trio's carefully laid plans were thrown into disarray.
Yuzu stared in shock at the figure standing before her. It was a towering man, easily over seven feet tall, with tanned skin stretched taut over bulging muscles. His spiky hair stood upright, defying gravity. He wore nothing but simple black pants and dress shoes, his massive chest and six-pack abs on full display. He was a behemoth, a titan of a man, radiating an aura of raw power and intimidating strength.
Linn and Tomodachi gaped at the giant, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief.
"Wow... he's... he's huge!" Linn whispered, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and reluctant admiration.
Tomodachi was rendered speechless, his jaw dropping open. He turned to Delilah, his ears flattened against his head, and pointed a trembling finger at the colossal figure. "YOU DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HIM BEING A GIANT!!" he shouted, his voice cracking with disbelief.
"Oh dear... did I forget to mention that part?" Delilah said, her head tilted innocently, her expression apologetic.
Tomodachi sighed, his shoulders slumping in exasperation, while Linn looked at him with concern.
"What's wrong, Tomo? You look... pale," Linn asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"It's nothing, Master," Tomodachi replied, his voice strained.''Granted, he wasn't exactly what I expected, but... this might still work. We just need Yuzu to play her part."
Speaking of Yuzu, she was still staring up at the giant, her expression a complex mixture of awe, fear, and a growing sense of frustration. The giant, for his part, was looking around, seemingly searching for something, his massive head swiveling back and forth.
Seeing she was supposed to be the bait, Yuzu glanced back at the group. Tomodachi gestured wildly, mouthing the words "Introduce yourself!" Yuzu nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to regain her composure.
"Um, hi there," Yuzu said, her voice trembling slightly. The giant didn't respond, his gaze still scanning the area.
"Excuse me?" Yuzu said more forcefully, raising her voice. The giant still didn't react, and her patience began to wear thin. An angry tick mark appeared on her forehead.
"HEY! " Yuzu screamed, her voice echoing through the silent village.
The giant looked back and forth for the sound
''DOWN HERE!''
The giant finally stopped his search and looked down, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Who are you?" the giant rumbled, his voice deep and resonant, like the rumble of distant thunder.
"Who me? Oh, I'm just an innocent child, just standing here, all alone and helpless. Hahaha..." Yuzu said nervously, forcing a weak smile and striking a deliberately exaggerated "cute" pose, her eyes wide with feigned innocence.
The giant stared at Yuzu for a long, uncomfortable moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he sighed, turned around, and began to walk away, his massive footsteps shaking the ground.
"Wait, what's going on?" Linn questioned, his voice filled with confusion.
"Shouldn't he be... You know... trying to kidnap her by now?" Tomodachi asked, equally perplexed.
"Oh dear... this is new to me," Delilah said, her expression bewildered.
"Me too," Darren added, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Wait!" Yuzu called out, her voice rising in desperation.
"What? Can't you see I'm busy?" the giant said, his tone annoyed, not even bothering to turn around.
"Uh, look at me! I'm a cute and innocent child! A perfect target for a kidnapper! I'm practically begging to be taken! I hope I don't get kidnapped! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge!" Yuzu said, her smile strained, her pose becoming increasingly awkward and desperate. The giant just stared blankly ahead, his expression utterly confused.
"Look, kid, I don't know what you've heard about me, but let's get one thing straight. I'm not into children. Especially not a scrawny little... boy like you," the giant said, his voice dismissive.
Yuzu froze in place, her eyes widening in disbelief, and her body stiffening like a statue. A dark, ominous aura began to emanate from her, and the air around her cracked with barely contained fury.
"B-b-b-boy...?" Yuzu stuttered, her voice dangerously low, her eyes twitching.
"Uh oh... I don't like the look in her eyes," Linn said, his voice trembling slightly, taking a step back.
"Darn it, Yuzu... whatever you do, don't—" Tomodachi began to say, his ears flattening against his head.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A BOY?!?!" Yuzu roared, her voice filled with a primal rage, her earlier fear completely forgotten.
"...Snap," Tomodachi sighed, his expression resigned.
The sudden outburst took aback the giant, his massive frame flinching slightly. "What's wrong with you, boy? I was just stating a fact! You look like a prepubescent—"
Yuzu took a menacing step forward, her eyes glowing with an unholy light. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! ARE YOU BLIND?! WHAT PART OF ME LOOKS LIKE A BOY TO YOU?! AND ANOTHER THING—" Yuzu launched into a furious tirade, a torrent of insults and accusations directed at the giant, her voice rising in pitch and volume with each passing second.
"Wow... Yuzu's really upset about being mistaken for a boy," Linn whispered, his eyes widening in awe and fear.
"To be honest, Master, I also kinda thought she was a boy at first, too," Tomodachi admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
"Wait, she's a girl??" Darren said, his jaw dropping in disbelief. Delilah facepalmed, shaking her head in exasperation.
Yuzu continued her relentless barrage, her voice a high-pitched screech that grated on everyone's ears. "AND ANOTHER THING! HOW COULD YOU KIDNAP INNOCENT CHILDREN AND TERRORIZE THIS VILLAGE AND ITS VILLAGERS?! DON'T YOU HAVE ANY SHAME?! ANY DECENCY?! ARE YOU EVEN HUMAN?! AND BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH..."
Yuzu nagged on and on, her voice a relentless stream of fury. The giant's expression shifted from annoyance to confusion and finally to a growing, incandescent rage. Tomodachi's ears perked up, sensing the escalating danger.
"Master! I'm sensing a significant increase in hostility from the giant!" Tomodachi warned, his voice urgent.
"What?! !" Linn said, his eyes widening in alarm. "That means Yuzu's in serious trouble! We have to do something!"
Linn rushed out from behind the house, his concern for his friend overriding his fear. The giant, his face contorted with fury, raised his massive hand high above his head, preparing to deliver a devastating karate chop.
"SHUT UP ALREADY, YOU ANNOYING BRAT!!" the giant roared, his voice filled with murderous intent, bringing his hand down in a swift, deadly arc.
"Huh?" Yuzu finally stopped her tirade, her eyes widening as she saw the giant's hand hurtling towards her. Just then, Linn appeared, grabbing Yuzu by the waist and pulling her out of the way, narrowly avoiding the giant's attack.
"Linn!" Yuzu called out, surprised and relieved.
"You okay, Yuzu?" Linn asked, his voice filled with concern, gently setting her down. Yuzu nodded, her expression a mixture of gratitude and lingering anger. Tomodachi approached the two, his expression grim.
"Well, there goes that plan. Good job, Yuzu," Tomodachi said sarcastically, his ears drooping. Still flushed with anger, Yuzu retaliated by whacking him soundly on the head with her ladle.
"Don't blame me, mister. This was a stupid plan to begin with!" Yuzu retorted, her voice still laced with fury.
Linn chuckled, shaking his head. "She's got you there, Tomo. We should have just confronted him directly from the beginning."
"Well, sorrry for trying to make our lives easier!" Tomodachi said, rubbing his head and rolling his eyes in exasperation. Having recovered from his near-miss, the giant stood before them, his expression a mask of fury.
"Who are you brats, and what do you want with me?" the giant demanded, his voice a low, menacing growl.
"I'm Linn Tsukiyomi, the hero," Linn proclaimed, stepping forward, his expression resolute. "And we want you to stop terrorizing this village and return the children you kidnapped. We won't let you get away with this!"
The giant sneered, his lip curling in disgust. "Look, kid, I don't have time to play games with you. I need to speak with the mayor of this village. And you are in my way."
"We are not moving until you return those children safe and sound!" Linn declared, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
"Fine, then. If you won't move, then I'll have to move you by force," the giant said, his eyes narrowing, his massive body tensing as he shifted into a battle stance, his fists clenched and ready.
"Fine by me," Linn said, mirroring the giant's stance. His own fists were raised, and his expression was equally determined. Yuzu, her anger still simmering, stood beside Linn, her ladle held firmly in her hand, her eyes blazing with fury.
"Yuzu?" Linn asked, turning to her in surprise.
"I'm fighting too," Yuzu stated firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I can't let him get away with kidnapping innocent children and terrorizing these people. I won't stand for it."
"I see..." Linn said, a small smile gracing his lips.
"Plus..." Yuzu added, her voice dropping to a low, menacing growl.
"Plus...?" Linn questioned, tilting his head in curiosity.
Yuzu's aura flared, a fiery red energy surrounding her, her eyes burning with incandescent rage. "He had the nerve to call me a boy. A BOY! A thousand spankings with my ladle wouldn't be enough of a punishment for that unforgivable insult!"
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged nervous glances, sweatdropping at the sheer intensity of her fury.
"Master... are we sure about this? We've never faced an opponent like this before. He's... he's a monster," Tomodachi said, his ears twitching nervously.
"We won't know until we try, Tomo," Linn said, his voice filled with grim determination.
"But..." Tomodachi hesitated, his gaze fixed on the towering giant.
"If you're scared, you can always leave, Tomo," Yuzu smirked playfully.
"Ha ha, very funny, Yuzu," Tomodachi deadpanned, rolling his eyes. He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve, and finally shifted into a battle stance, his small body trembling slightly with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. "I'm in too. Let's just hope we don't live to regret this."
Linn and Yuzu exchanged determined smiles, their camaraderie solidifying their resolve. They turned back to face the giant, their expressions hardening, their eyes filled with unwavering determination. The three charged at the giant, their combined force a small but fierce wave against a towering cliff. The giant braced himself, a grim smile on his face, ready to meet their assault.
Linn, displaying surprising speed and agility, launched a powerful punch at the giant's stomach, aiming for his core. Yuzu, using her small size to her advantage, swung her ladle diagonally downwards, aiming for the giant's leg, hoping to cripple his mobility. With his sharp teeth and relentless tenacity, Tomodachi opened his mouth wide and lunged for the giant's other leg, intending to bite down with all his might.
All three attacks connected in a flurry of motion, the giant grunting in pain as the force of their combined assault registered. However, the giant's sheer size and resilience prevented any serious damage. He retaliated with lightning speed, delivering a devastating karate chop towards Linn. His instincts kicked in, and Linn managed to dodge out of the way, the force of the blow creating a powerful gust of wind.
The giant followed up with similar attacks towards Yuzu and Tomodachi, his movements surprisingly swift for his size. Yuzu, displaying her own agility, narrowly dodged the chop, while Tomodachi, using his small size to his advantage, slipped between the giant's legs, avoiding the blow entirely.
Yuzu, displaying incredible acrobatic skill, leaped up to the giant's level, swinging her ladle downwards in a powerful arc. The giant, however, was faster than she anticipated. He grabbed the ladle with his massive hand, his grip like iron, and with a powerful heave, tossed Yuzu aside like a rag doll. Yuzu went flying, crashing into the window of Delilah and Darren's house with a sickening thud, shattering the glass and sending shards flying.
"YUZU!!" Linn cried out, his voice filled with anguish and concern. He stood up, his gaze fixed on his fallen comrade, his anger and determination reaching a boiling point. He charged at the giant, his movements fueled by adrenaline and a desperate need for revenge. He unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, his attacks rapid and relentless, overwhelming the giant with a barrage of blows.
The giant, momentarily stunned by the sudden onslaught, was forced to take a step back. However, his immense power allowed him to recover quickly. He powered through Linn's barrage, grabbing him by the arm and throwing him aside like a discarded toy. Before he could capitalize, however, he felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his nether region.
"YEOOOOWWW!!!" The giant roared in agony, his face contorting in pain, his massive body doubling over. Having seized the opportunity, Tomodachi delivered a swift and well-aimed kick to the giant's most vulnerable spot.
The giant knelt on the ground, clutching his groin, his eyes watering, his strength momentarily sapped. Seeing his chance, Linn quickly got to his feet, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. He ran towards the giant, his muscles straining with effort, and somehow, miraculously, managed to lift the giant onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry position.
"HRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!" Linn roared, his voice filled with adrenaline, and tossed the giant over his shoulder with a mighty heave. The giant landed with a thunderous thud, the ground shaking beneath his weight. But Linn was not yet done. He quickly flipped the giant onto his back, straddling his torso, and locked his arms around the giant's massive head, attempting a chokehold.
"Come on... give up... you… UGH!" Linn grunted, his face red with exertion, his arms straining against the giant's thick neck. He tried to lock his legs around the giant's legs, but the size difference was too significant, his legs dangling uselessly in the air.
Meanwhile, despite the pain, the giant was still trying to fight back, his immense strength allowing him to struggle against Linn's hold. He tried to get up, to throw Linn off. Still, he was brought down again, this time by the reappearance of Tomodachi, who, with incredible bravery and a complete disregard for his own safety, bit down hard on one of the giant's legs, his sharp teeth piercing the thick skin.
The undaunted giant tried again to power out of the hold, his muscles bulging, his face contorted with effort, but he was stopped again, this time by the unexpected reappearance of Yuzu. Despite her injuries, she had managed to drag herself back into the fight. With a determined cry, she applied an ankle lock to the giant's other leg, her small hands surprisingly strong, her grip like a vise.
Yuzu and Tomodachi continued to hold the giant down, their combined efforts preventing him from escaping, while Linn tightened his chokehold, cutting off the giant's air supply. The giant struggled and thrashed, his massive body convulsing, his face turning a deep shade of purple. After a few agonizing minutes, the giant's struggles began to weaken, his movements becoming more sluggish, his eyes rolling back in his head. Finally, with a last, desperate gasp, the giant's body went limp. He had passed out.
The gang, exhausted and battered, collapsed off the giant, their bodies aching, their breath coming in ragged gasps. They lay on the ground, their chests heaving, their faces streaked with dirt and sweat, but a triumphant smile playing on their lips. They had done it. They had defeated the seemingly invincible giant.
000
"We did it!" Yuzu cheered, raising her arms in victory,
"It wasn't easy, but we are victorious nonetheless," Tomodachi said, his voice filled with a mixture of exhaustion and triumph, his tail wagging slightly.
Still feeling the effects of the brutal fight, Linn dusted himself off and looked at his two companions, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. "Are you two okay?"
"I'm fine," Yuzu said, flexing her arms and wincing slightly. "Just a little bruised and battered."
"Same here, Master," Tomodachi added, shaking his head to clear the lingering dizziness. "A few aches and pains."
Linn nodded, satisfied that his friends were relatively unharmed. He then turned his attention to the unconscious giant, lying prone on the ground, his massive form still imposing even in defeat. "So... what do we do with him now?"
As the gang pondered their next move, Delilah and Darren approached them, their faces filled with gratitude and relief.
"Way to go, you three!" Delilah exclaimed, her smile radiant, her eyes shining with pride. Unable to contain his excitement, Darren rushed towards Linn and repeatedly slapped him on the back, his enthusiasm bordering on the maniacal.
"You did it! You actually brought down that monster! It's absolutely amazing! You're amazing! I can't believe what I just saw!" Darren shouted, his slaps becoming increasingly forceful.
"T-thank you, sir, but... you're kind of... hurting me," Linn said, his voice strained, his face contorted in pain. Darren, caught up in the moment, seemed oblivious to Linn's discomfort and continued his enthusiastic assault.
"Seriously, that was the coolest thing I've ever seen! Where did you learn to fight like that? Can you teach me those moves? And that incredible takedown you did—" Darren slapped Linn so hard that he sent him flying, his small body crashing to the ground with a thud.
"Linn! Master!" Yuzu and Tomodachi cried out in alarm, rushing to his side.
"Are you okay, Linn? Are you alright?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with worry.
"I'm... I'm okay!" Linn groaned, his eyes swirling, his face planted firmly in the dirt. Tomodachi carefully lifted him off the ground, his expression a mixture of concern and exasperation.
"I am so incredibly sorry about that!" Delilah apologized profusely, bowing deeply. "My husband gets a little... carried away sometimes." She turned to Darren, her smile replaced by a fierce glare, and pinched his cheek with surprising force.
"You're sorry too, right, dear?! Say you're sorry and promise it won't happen again!" Delilah growled, her voice a low, menacing threat.
"Ow ow ow! Yes, I'm so sorry! It won't happen again, I promise! Please, have mercy!" Darren cried out, his face contorted in pain, his voice muffled by Delilah's iron grip.
Delilah sighed, satisfied with his groveling apology, and finally released his cheek. "Anyway," she said, turning back to the trio, her smile returning, though slightly strained. "Everyone in the village is incredibly grateful for what you guys did. You saved us all. We owe you a debt we can never repay."
"You're welcome," Linn said, still slightly dazed, his head spinning. "Wait…everyone?"
Linn looked around and noticed that the villagers, who had been hiding in their homes, had now emerged and gathered around them, their faces filled with awe and gratitude. They stared at the gang with wide-eyed admiration, their earlier fear replaced by a newfound sense of hope and relief. The mayor of the village, a rather average-looking man with an unusually boulder-shaped head, stepped forward, addressing the trio solemnly.
"I must express our deepest gratitude for taking care of the giant for us. It was a truly... fine battle. We never thought we'd see the day when someone would stand up to him, let alone defeat him."
"Uh, you're welcome, sir," Linn said, his gaze fixed on the mayor's oddly shaped head. 'What's wrong with his head? ' Linn wondered.
The mayor nodded, his expression serious, and turned to the assembled villagers. "We'll take it from here," he announced, snapping his fingers with a sharp, decisive gesture.
At the mayor's signal, the villagers, who had been watching the proceedings with a mixture of awe and anticipation, suddenly sprang into action. They pulled out various weapons and objects – farming tools, kitchen utensils, rocks of various sizes, even a few rusty swords – and charged towards the unconscious giant, their earlier fear replaced by a collective desire for retribution.
A chaotic scene ensued as the villagers swarmed over the giant, jumping on him, kicking him, punching him, and generally pummeling his defenseless body. A cloud of dust rose from the melee, obscuring the giant from view, the sounds of grunts, thuds, and angry shouts filling the air. The gang watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.
"Oh, sure, attack him now, when we did all the work," Tomodachi said sarcastically, his ears drooping, an angry tick mark pulsating on his forehead.
"Now, now, Tomo," Linn said weakly, attempting to calm his irate companion.
The villagers, finally sated by their anger, tied up the giant with thick ropes, securing him tightly. Holding a small bottle of smelling salts, the mayor approached the bound giant and waved it under his nose.
The giant sputtered and gasped, his eyes fluttering open. "What... what's going on?" he groaned, his voice groggy and disoriented.
The mayor glared at him sternly. "What's going on is that we have defeated you and taken you hostage. Now, we are going to force you to take us to where you have hidden the children of this village. And you're going to cooperate. Is that understood?"
"Are you the mayor of this village?" the giant asked, his eyes scanning the crowd of angry villagers.
The mayor raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "Yes, that's right."
The giant surveyed the angry villagers, their faces filled with righteous fury, and then glanced at the trio who had defeated him, their expressions a mixture of exhaustion and grim determination. He let out a long, weary sigh, his earlier defiance replaced by a grudging acceptance of his defeat.
"Okay," the giant said, his voice resigned. "I'll take you to them."
"Good," the mayor said, his voice hard. "Lead the way. And try anything funny, and you'll regret it."
000
Everybody walked down the path, the still-tied-up giant awkwardly leading the way, his massive form shuffling under the restraints. The gang followed close behind, their expressions a mixture of vigilance and a growing sense of unease, just in case the giant decided to pull a fast one. The giant led the villagers and their would-be rescuers to a small, unassuming hut, nestled in a clearing.
"They're in there," the giant mumbled, nodding his head towards the hut, his voice surprisingly gentle. The villagers exchanged nervous glances, their earlier bravado tempered by a renewed sense of caution. They looked towards the mayor, who nodded his assent after a moment of hesitation. The villagers rushed towards the hut, their movements a mix of apprehension and anticipation. They threw open the door, the hinges groaning in protest, and burst inside.
"Arnold, are you in here? Are you alright?" a male villager called out, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and hope.
"Cindy, honey, are you okay? Did he hurt you?" a female villager cried out, her voice trembling slightly.
Everybody was searching frantically for the missing children, their eyes scanning the hut's interior. Suddenly, the lights flickered on, illuminating the scene, and everyone witnessed a sight that defied all expectations, a scene that was so utterly bizarre and unexpected that it left them speechless.
It was all the village children. And they were... having a party?
Two boys were deeply engrossed in a heated game of rock-paper-scissors, their faces contorted in concentration, their voices filled with playful rivalry. A girl was lounging languidly on a makeshift beach chair, sipping from a juice box with an air of bored sophistication. And the rest of the children were dancing with wild abandon to the music being played by a surprisingly competent band composed of even younger children, complete with a miniature drum set and a keyboard that looked comically oversized. The scene was a chaotic explosion of color, laughter, and pure, unadulterated childish joy.
"Uhh... what in the world is going on here?" Linn asked, his voice barely a whisper, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and disbelief. Yuzu and Tomodachi just looked at each other, their faces equally blank, their minds struggling to process the sheer absurdity of the situation.
The male villager, the father of one of the rock-paper-scissors players, approached his son, his expression a mixture of relief and utter confusion. "Arnold, what are you doing?!"
"Oh, hey, Pops! What are you doing here?" Arnold asked, barely glancing up from his game, his hand poised to throw out his next move. He threw out "rock," while his opponent triumphantly threw out "paper."
"Ha! I win again!" the other kid cheered, pumping his fist in the air.
"Darn it, Pops! Look what you did! You messed me up! " Arnold growled, glaring at his father with indignation.
"Oh, I'm... I'm sorry, son?" his father apologized, completely bewildered. The female villager approached the lounging girl, her daughter, her expression equally perplexed.
"Cindy, honey, what are you doing? We were so worried!" the female villager asked, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and exasperation.
"Oh, hello, Mother. I am merely working on my tan, as any self-respecting young lady would do on a fine afternoon," Cindy said, adjusting her sunglasses with a casual flick of her wrist, her nonchalant tone.
"I... I see," said the female villager, her face contorting in confusion. The kids continued to dance and party, oblivious to the stunned adults. Their laughter echoed through the hut, starkly contrasting the earlier atmosphere of fear and panic. Delilah and Darren, after a moment of stunned silence, pushed their way through the throng of partying children and spotted their daughter.
"Isabella!" Delilah called out, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and exasperation. Isabella turned to the sound of her name, saw her parents, and rushed towards them, her face beaming excitedly.
"Mommy! Daddy! What are you doing here?!" Isabella asked, her eyes sparkling with glee.
"I should be asking you that question, young lady! What are you doing here? We've been worried sick!" Delilah asked, her hands on her hips, her expression a mixture of anger and relief.
''Partying! '' Isabella replied cheerfully, oblivious to her mother's exasperation.
"Are you having fun?" Darren asked dumbly, his mind struggling to comprehend the situation. Delilah smacked him upside the head.
"I can see that, dear! Why are you partying?!" Delilah asked, her voice rising in pitch.
"Oh, hmm... that's a good question!" Isabella said, striking a thoughtful pose, her finger on her chin. "I don't know!''
The parents' faces faulted, their expressions a mixture of bewilderment and a growing sense of absurdity. Oblivious to their confusion, Isabella looked past her parents and spotted the tied-up giant standing awkwardly in the corner.
"HEY EVERYBODY! THE GIANT'S BACK! Isabella yelled, her voice filled with excitement. All of the kids stopped what they were doing and rushed towards the giant, their earlier exuberance replaced by a barrage of demands and questions.
"Hey, giant! Did you get my ball? The one with the sparkles?" Arnold asked, tugging on the giant's leg.
"And what about my tanning lotion? The one with the SPF 50? I need to maintain my glow!" Cindy asked, striking a pose, her hands on her hips.
"And my dolly! The one with the pink dress and the tiara! You promised you'd bring her back!" Isabella demanded, her voice rising in pitch.
All the children clamored around the giant, their voices a cacophony of demands and complaints.. The adults, including the gang, stared at the scene in utter confusion, their faces etched with disbelief. Finally finding his voice, the mayor turned to the giant, his expression incredulous.
''What exactly is going on here? What is the meaning of all this?" the mayor asked, his voice trembling slightly.
The giant sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat, his earlier menacing aura completely evaporated. "What do you think is going on?''
"Aren't you holding these children hostage?" the mayor asked.
''These kids?'' The giant looked at the children's smiling faces, then turned his gaze to the villagers and the gang.
"I'm their hostage."
A tumbleweed, seemingly out of place, rolled through the hut, punctuating the silence with the sound of the children's incessant chatter.
"...EH?!?!" Everyone gasped in shock, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and dawning realization.
The giant, his voice weary and resigned, went on to explain the whole ridiculous situation. He had found the hut during his travels and had decided to set up a temporary base there. One day, a kid from the village wandered into the hut and started pestering him relentlessly, demanding that he play games and tell stories. The giant, not wanting to deal with the persistent child, had decided to bring him back to the village.
The giant had arrived in Boulderer Village, holding the child by the hand, trying to return him to his parents. The child, however, had been making a huge fuss, kicking and screaming, not wanting to leave his newfound "buddy." Some villagers had spotted the giant with the child, heard the child's cries, and immediately assumed the worst. They had attacked the giant before he could explain, and the giant, having no choice, had fought back in self-defense and fled back to the hut.
The giant had returned to the hut, relieved that the child was gone. While contemplating his next move, he heard a chorus of tiny voices. He had turned around to find not only the child he had returned but also a small group of other children, all of them wide-eyed with curiosity and excitement, eager to join the "fun." This had begun the absurd cycle of the giant trying to return the kids to the village, the kids making a fuss and alerting the adults, the adults assuming the giant was kidnapping the children, attacking him, and the giant, forced to defend himself, returning to the hut, only to find more and more children waiting for him.
The giant finished his explanation, his voice filled with a mixture of exasperation and weary resignation. Everyone else in the hut, including the gang, was left astounded. Their earlier fear and anger were replaced by a profound sense of disbelief and a growing urge to burst into laughter.
"I... I see," Linn said slowly, his mind struggling to process the sheer absurdity of the situation.
"So, that's what really happened," Tomodachi said, his ears drooping slightly, his expression a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
"It was all a... a giant misunderstanding," Yuzu said, her hand flying to her mouth, trying to suppress a giggle.
"Yes, well," the mayor said, clearing his throat awkwardly, his face flushed. "This has been a... an interesting experience, to say the least. But all's well that ends well, am I right?" The mayor and the villagers chuckled nervously, their earlier anger and aggression replaced by a sheepish embarrassment. The gang, however, glared at them, their expressions a mixture of annoyance and disbelief. Sensing their displeasure, the mayor and the villagers whistled innocently, avoiding eye contact.
"Hey, it's fine, it's fine," the giant said, his voice surprisingly forgiving. "They can have the hut. I'll leave. But please, do me one small favor?"
"Yes, of course, anything," the mayor said eagerly, eager to make amends.
"Can you please, please, get these kids to leave me alone? I haven't had a moment's peace in days. They're driving me absolutely bonkers," he said in a strained tone, his eyes pleading, as the kids continued to clamor around him, tugging on his clothes, demanding snacks, and asking him to join their dance party. Everyone else in the hut, including the gang, sweatdropped, their earlier shock replaced by a growing sense of amusement and sympathy for the giant's plight.
OOO
The gang was on a small boat, rowing along the river that flowed beside Boulderer Village, as the mayor, Delilah, Darren, and the rest of the villagers gathered on the riverbank to bid them farewell.
"I must express our sincere gratitude once again for helping us with our... giant problem," the mayor said, genuinely thankful, though a hint of awkwardness lingered in his voice.
"You're welcome," Linn said, offering a polite smile.
"Although you should probably get your facts straight before jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst," Tomodachi added dryly, his ears twitching with lingering annoyance.
The mayor chuckled sheepishly. "Yes, well, what's done is done. I'm not going to dwell on it.''
The gang exchanged glances, a collective sweatdrop forming on their foreheads. 'You should feel at least a little guilty,' they all thought in unison.
Delilah and Darren approached the gang, their expressions warm and grateful. "We've patched up your wounds as best we could. Are you absolutely sure you don't need any further medical attention before you go?" Delilah asked, her voice filled with concern.
"We'll be fine, really," Yuzu reassured her, offering a bright smile. "We need to keep moving, so I'll take care of the rest on the way."
"All right, if you're sure," Delilah said, though her expression still conveyed a hint of worry. Darren stepped forward, extending his hand towards Linn.
"Hey, I know we got off on the wrong foot, what with the whole... overzealous welcome and the back-slapping incident, but I do genuinely appreciate you helping us, even though I was acting like a complete jackass," Darren said, his tone sincere, a sheepish grin on his face.
"It's no problem, sir," Linn said, his earlier annoyance replaced by a more forgiving smile. "I want to be a hero, and heroes help people, no matter what."
Darren's smile widened, and he clasped Linn's outstretched hand, shaking it with surprising enthusiasm. "Well, good luck with whatever you're doing, kid. You've got the heart of a true hero."
"Thank you," Linn said, cheeks flushing slightly at the praise.
"By the way," Darren asked, still gripping Linn's hand tightly, his eyes sparkling excitedly.
"Yea?" Linn questioned, his expression slightly confused.
"The way you fought that giant was amazing! How did you do those moves? They were so cool! You were awesome and—" Darren bombarded Linn with questions and praise, his enthusiasm overwhelming him. He shook Linn's hand with increasing fervor, pulling him closer with each word, until, with a final, particularly vigorous shake, Linn was yanked off balance and sent flying off the boat.
"Master!/Linn!" Tomodachi and Yuzu cried out in alarm. With a swift movement, Tomodachi reached over the side of the boat and pulled a sputtering Linn out of the water and back onto the deck.
"Are you okay, Linn? Are you alright?" Yuzu asked, her voice filled with concern, her hand hovering over his arm.
"I-I'm fine," Linn sputtered, coughing up water, his clothes soaked and dripping. "Just... wet. But fine."
"I am so incredibly sorry!" Delilah apologized, bowing deeply, her face etched with concern. "My husband is also very sorry. Isn't that right, dear?!" she added, turning to Darren with a fierce glare, pinching his cheek with a vice-like grip.
"Yup, yup, so sorry! Won't happen again! I promise! Ow ow ow!" Darren cried out in pain, his words muffled by Delilah's painful ministrations.
The mayor, watching the scene with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, chuckled and shook his head. He then made his way towards Linn, his expression thoughtful.
"By the way, Linn?" the mayor asked, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"Yes, sir?" Linn replied, still slightly dazed and dripping wet.
"I couldn't help but notice that you bear a... remarkable resemblance to the wanted poster that was hanging on the village bulletin board," the mayor whispered, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Linn began sweating profusely, his earlier bravado replaced by nervous apprehension. "N-no, sir! That's... that's totally a different person! You must be mistaken! I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Relax, relax," the mayor chuckled, reassuringly patting Linn on the shoulder. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the crumpled wanted poster, holding it up momentarily before dramatically tearing it in half. "Normally, as the mayor of this village, I would be obligated to report you to the Empire.. But... oops! It appears the wanted poster has been... irreparably damaged. What a shame. Now I have no way of knowing if you're the same person. Woe is me."
"T-thank you, sir!" Linn beamed, his relief palpable.
The mayor winked, his expression mischievous. "No problem, young man. But you should probably get out of here and lay low for a while. You never know when the Empire might decide to show up in force. And I wouldn't want to see such a promising young hero get caught up in all that mess."
"I will, sir. We're heading out right now," Linn assured him, nodding gratefully.
The mayor, Delilah, Darren, and the rest of the villagers waved goodbye as the gang rowed their boat away from the village, continuing their journey along the river.
"Isn't this great, Linn?" Yuzu chirped, paddling with enthusiasm. "We managed to help the village, they didn't report you to the Empire, and now we're just here, sailing towards our next adventure! Isn't life just wonderful?" Yuzu sighed happily, her eyes sparkling with optimism. Linn, however, sweatdropped, his smile strained.
"That's... that's great, Yuzu. I'm glad you're so happy. But..." Linn said nervously, his gaze shifting to the side of the boat.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Linn?" Yuzu asked, tilting her head in concern.
"Well, it's just that, uh..." Linn stammered, his eyes darting back and forth.
"Hmm?" Yuzu said, her expression curious.
"Why is he with us?" Tomodachi asked, his ears twitching with a mixture of confusion and annoyance. He pointed with his paw towards a rather large and conspicuous figure sitting awkwardly in the back of the boat. Said figure was the giant, still tied up with thick ropes, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and resignation.
"That's what I'd like to know," the giant grumbled, his voice low and rumbling.
"All will be explained once we reach the next suitable stopping point," Yuzu giggled, her expression unreadable, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Linn and Tomodachi exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing. They were trying to decipher the enigmatic smile on the little girl's face and the fate of their unexpected, and rather large, passenger.