Vol 13 Chapter 6 (1/2)

Chapter 6 - The Two Who Were Washed Away...?

Part 1

New Year's Day had pa.s.sed. It was roughly 4pm on January 2.

Before Kusanagi G.o.dou were the vast emerald-green South Seas.

Furthermore, currently beneath some trees in a white beach's shaded

corner, he was staring into the eyes of his one and only

companion — Mariya Yuri.

They were both dressed in swimwear. Apart from that, G.o.dou was wearing

a s.h.i.+rt while Yuri had a windbreaker. From a bystander's point of view,

these two probably looked like a j.a.panese couple enjoying a swim at the

beach.

But that could not be further from the truth. After forging the ”black blade”

and destroying the island of the demonic realm using a deadly gravitational

storm, only mere hours had pa.s.sed.

After that, the two found themselves collapsed on this beach by the time

they regained their senses.

Other than physical exhaustion and severe depletion of magic, their bodies

showed no abnormal symptoms and one could consider them safe and

sound. (G.o.dou also owed his current vigor to Yuri's casting of healing

magic back when performing the ritual.)

But it was true that they were currently on an unknown beach somewhere.

They had already frantically investigated their surroundings accordingly.

”Simply for the fact that this is Malaysian territory and inhabited, we are

already quite fortunate. But let alone an airport, this is a remote island

where s.h.i.+ps only come once every three days...”

G.o.dou muttered with deep feeling.

The only person around was a Caucasian male surfing in the distance.

This was not a usual tourist destination for enjoying a swim at the beach.

After all, this place was terrible in terms of transportation.

Locals had explained that only experienced surfers and scuba divers

considered this a good place to visit.

As a remote island somewhere in the South China Sea, the population was

definitely less than a thousand.

”Since this is Malaysia, at least the money exchanged beforehand can still

be used.”

Yuri nodded. The two of them were still wearing the same clothes as when

they were swept away by the sea.

Could one consider this fortune amidst misfortune? The windbreaker Yuri

had put on at the island's beach was suitable for both hiking and protection

from wind. Furthermore, her purse was in her pocket.

Not only coins and paper tender but also US dollars and j.a.panese yen,

very precious in many aspects, were kept in there.

”But there isn't much in total, so we can't afford to waste any.”

”If we are returning to Borneo, we must reserve enough money for that

trip.”

A regular s.h.i.+p came by once every three days on schedule. The one from

this morning had already departed just earlier.

In other words, the next s.h.i.+p would arrive three days later. G.o.dou and Yuri

had to think of a way to survive on their limited cash.

Things would be fine as soon as they contacted relevant parties of interest,

but neither of them had their cellphone. In other words, without a contact

list, they had no numbers to call.

”I must apologize. I cannot even remember my home telephone or

Kaoru-san's number...”

”I haven't memorized any useful contact info either. Don't worry. Oh well,

we'll just cross our bridges as they come.”

G.o.dou comforted Yuri in her depression.

He knew that being technologically incompetent, Yuri even went as far as

to avoid her home telephone. Hence it was only natural for her to be

unfamiliar with that string of numbers. Although G.o.dou knew his own home

number, there was no way he would tell his mother about his current

situation.

”Erica and the rest must be trying to track down our location.”

G.o.dou's memories of swinging the black blade were quite hazy.

But he could still vaguely recall seeing the blue light of flight magic. Not

only Liliana, but Erica and Ena were together with her as well, so the trio

should be safe.

”But to think it had the power to blow away an entire island...”

”I'm sorry. As expected, with me in control instead of a G.o.ddess, simply

unsheathing the sword already exhausted all my strength... Looks like it's

quite hard to control...”

Recalling the catastrophe from several hours earlier, the two of them hung

their heads at the same time.

Furthermore, although G.o.dou tried to attack the G.o.ddess back then, she

should have most likely escaped. Indeed, trying to use the black blade as a

weapon in the current situation seemed quite challenging.

”Well, in any case, I'll have to trouble you for now, Mariya. I'll be in your

care.”

Without a single penny in his pocket, G.o.dou naturally had to turn to Yuri.

It was still unknown how long the duo would have to live here. The one

holding the purse strings during this time would be Yuri. Of course, G.o.dou

intended to split costs and pay her back afterwards.

But Yuri stiffened her expression and declared sternly:

”No such thing. Since this is an emergency situation, the money here

belongs to both of us. Please do not say Til be in your care' or anything of

that sort.”

”No, this is only right.”

”Then I should be the one to say it instead. G.o.dou-san, although I may be

unworthy, please let us get along well during this time.”

This time, Yuri bowed her head and deliberately knelt down formally on the

sand in seiza posture.

The Hime-Miko's seriousness made G.o.dou quite fl.u.s.tered. Then as she

looked up and their gazes met, they both burst out laughing.

The two of them found their polite behavior hilarious.

After that, G.o.dou and Yuri went shopping in the grocery stores by the

coast.

Clothes such as t-s.h.i.+rts. Daily necessities. Sweetened buns and mineral

water for a belated lunch.

In a certain way, the current situation resembled the beginning phase of an

RPG.

Having bought their equipment, it was time to find a place to stay for the

night. There was only one choice in this regard.

This remote island was not a tourist destination. From what they heard, a

set of cottages by the sea was the only room and board facility. No better

hotel existed on the island.

Although it was a little problematic, the pair decided on the cottages as

their accommodations then went out for dinner.

Even choices in this area were quite few. A diner-style place was the only

eatery near the cottage. Without any hesitation, G.o.dou and Yuri entered.

Yuri ordered ethnic style fried rice — nasi goreng.

As for G.o.dou, his order appeared to be curry cooked with a white fish

resembling Spanish mackerel. Containing okra and eggplant, the flavor of

the fish stock came out particularly well.

Although it was not particularly delicious, one could count their blessings

for the fact that it was not terrible.

While tasting each other's food, the pair finished their dinner without

incident. However, a bit of a problem arose when Yuri took out her purse to

pay.

The staff lady spoke cheerfully in English as she summed up the bill.

”Visiting this kind of island specifically, what a weird married couple you

are!”

She must have concluded based on the way they ate together.

That said, G.o.dou did agree that this island did not feel like the type

couples would normally visit as tourists.

With G.o.dou dumbstruck by the question, Yuri bowed her head and

answered:

”N-No, we are not in that kind of relations.h.i.+p. We are simply, umm, just

cla.s.smates, wholesomely... Well, not exactly this kind of relations.h.i.+p

either... I mean...”

But she was answering in j.a.panese, all in a mess.

She was apparently fl.u.s.tered by the misunderstanding. After that, the pair

left the shop and returned to their temporary lodgings at the cottage. Along

the way back, G.o.dou and Yuri remained silent.

This could not be helped. Due to the question raised just now, the problem

of their accommodations was highlighted once again.

The quaint little cottage was built on the seaside.

At least it was equipped with a bathroom. Considering how cheap the rate

was, the bathroom was excessively clean. Due to the fact that this was not

a tourist destination, users dirtying the bathroom did not happen frequently

perhaps?

Then there was the cottage's problem —

The fact that there were no separated rooms meant that G.o.dou and Yuri

had to spend the night under the same roof.

Since multiple cottages were available, there existed the solution of renting

one each per person.

But when G.o.dou considered the idea, Yuri rejected it as ”Too wasteful.”

Advice worthy of a virtuous wife. In the end, they decided to share the

same cottage.

This type of open cottage had excellent ventilation and was rich with

tropical flair.

However, illegal entry was quite easy if one had the intention. G.o.dou

would not feel comfortable letting a girl live alone in a place like this.

Part 2

Back at the cottage, G.o.dou and Yuri took turns showering in the bathroom.

Although they discovered the shower had no hot water, since this was a

remote island after all, this inconvenience was tolerable due to the tropical

heat.

Furthermore, G.o.dou and Yuri had already spent two nights on an

uninhabited island.

While they were there, despite using hot moistened towels for body wiping

and swimming in the sea, they had no access to showers, let alone a bath.

Consequently, a shower no matter how restrictive still gave them full

satisfaction

The actual problem came after that.

A quiet night. Two people alone in a cottage on a liberal island. A dearth of

conversation. A delicate atmosphere.

”l-lf only we could watch television.”

”Q-Quite so.”

Their conversation ended with just a single exchange. Then the two fell

silent.

Instead, G.o.dou threw Yuri a glance. Feeling his gaze, Yuri bowed her

head, but G.o.dou felt that she did so not because she was displeased

about being looked at.

Although G.o.dou was unable to read Yuri's mind, for some strange reason,

he was quite certain of this.

Furthermore, delusions suddenly began to pop up in his mind —

Such as G.o.dou reaching out to her and then Yuri taking his outstretched

hand matter-of-factly, then in this manner...

G.o.dou suddenly jumped in surprise. What on earth was he thinking

about!?

Coming back to his senses, he shook his head vigorously. Yuri looked up

as a result of his actions.

”What is the matter, G.o.dou-san? Why are you making such a horrible

expression?”

”N-Nothing.. It's nothing at all, really...”

Probably suspicious of his answer, Yuri leaned in close. Studying G.o.dou's

expression from the side, her face was pressed quite near.

G.o.dou felt his heart beginning to race. Yuri also suddenly jumped in

surprise, then lowered her gaze again.

Another silent interval took place.

However, their separation was even closer than before. Not only in terms

of their physical distance but also between their hearts, probably —

G.o.dou and Yuri cared for each other beyond necessary levels. Indeed, this

probably could not be helped. After all, the two of them had engaged in

behavior that crossed the line many times already.

From G.o.dou's perspective, Yuri's attire consisting of a t-s.h.i.+rt and shorts

was also quite problematic.

It felt quite fresh to see the cla.s.sy young lady, whose personal wardrobe

was usually limited to skirts, dressed so casually. Inexplicably, G.o.dou had

a feeling that staying in the same room as her might not turn out too well.

Lightly dressed, Yuri's excellent figure was in clear display. Her exposed

arms and legs offered a dazzling and unavoidable view of her skin...

This was not the first time for them to spend the night in the same s.p.a.ce.

However, last time's situation was completely different. G.o.dou felt his heart

thumping in his chest uncontrollably. There was no reason to have a guilty

conscience. Clearly he had no intention of doing anything indecent!

”L-Let's rest for the night! M-Mariya, you should be tired, right!?”

”Y-Yes. It is said that children who go to bed will develop better!”

The Hime-Miko's complete non sequitur revealed her agitated state. Of

course, G.o.dou was nowhere near composed enough to point that out.

G.o.dou quickly switched off the light and lay down on one side of the

two-person bed. Yuri was already lying on the other side of the bed. Then

immediately —

”Kyah!”

”What's wrong, Mariya!?”

Hearing Yuri's scream, G.o.dou jumped up immediately.

”Th-There is something cold on the bed!?”

G.o.dou switched on the light and together with Yuri examined her side of

the bed —

”Uh... It's a lizard.”

”Well... When did it get there?”

A tiny lizard was crawling on the bed. Unfazed by human gazes, it

displayed no intention of fleeing. Was it simply slow in reaction or had it

grown accustomed to humans already?

Fortunately, it was not a leech or a poisonous scorpion —

As G.o.dou felt relieved, Yuri smiled with a chuckle beside him after

discovering the intruder's ident.i.ty. She had clearly recovered and even

used both hands to scoop up the lizard, personally taking it to the window

and releasing it outside.

”I wouldn't have thought you'd be the type to be unfazed by reptiles,

Mariya.”

G.o.dou was impressed by the composure in her series of motions and well

as the unladylike manner with which she caught and released the lizard.

On the other hand, his fearless childhood friend Tokunaga Asuka had a

phobia of insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians and the like, always

running away screaming whenever she encountered them.

Meanwhile, Yuri, the person in question, was puzzled by why G.o.dou would

feel impressed.

”Y-Yes. Because its size is so small, even my level of strength is enough to

carry it out.”

An answer that missed the point. His curiosity piqued, G.o.dou inquired as a

test.

”Mariya, do you have any creatures you have trouble dealing with? Those

whose very sight disgusts you, ones that you'll never want to touch, stuff

like that? Such as insects, spiders, frogs, moths etc.”

”Nothing comes to mind immediately. Since Hime-Miko training requires

going to sacred mountains and shrines in other places, I had many

opportunities to come into contact with the local wildlife.”

”Really?”

”Yes, because I was frequently together with Ena-san since childhood, this

type of contact happened quite often.”

I see. G.o.dou understood now.

The majority of places considered sanctuaries or sacred mountains would

of course be shrines protected by forests. Frequenting those kinds of

places with a child of nature like Ena would naturally produce this result.

”Ah, but there is the c.o.c.kr... A certain black insect is the exception. That is

one thing I have no wish of seeing.”

”Well, I'm quite sure of all the people on Earth, those who like them belong

to a very small minority.”

Located on an island's sh.o.r.e, this place was not only hot but very humid

also. That type of creature could very well lurk within the cottage.

But G.o.dou specifically avoided pointing it out. Instead, he felt gratified to

witness this surprising side to Yuri. Was this discovery possible only

because they had been together for so long?

G.o.dou also noticed.

Due to the commotion just now, the awkward atmosphere between them

had been dispelled completely.

Yuri also seemed to have realized this. Looking into G.o.dou's face, she

smiled shyly. The mood between the pair became natural as usual.

G.o.dou sat down cross-legged on his side of the bed and Yuri also took a

seat on the other side. Even facing each other again, they no longer felt

embarra.s.sed. With the light still on, they spontaneously began to chat

casually. Perhaps prompted by the old story brought up just now, their

conversation revolved around their childhood memories and middle school

experiences.

There were times when conversation ended.

A cottage without a television was naturally silent. But the two of them did

not mind.

During these occasions, the pair would silently listen to the waves lapping

against this tropical beach. The pleasant sensation was truly impossible to

describe.

The next day, G.o.dou went out alone.

He wandered around places like the sh.o.r.e and the pier where a small

number of fis.h.i.+ng vessels and boats were tied down and moored.

His intention was to directly ask the fishermen and s.h.i.+p owners staying at

the island if they could transport him and Yuri to Borneo. However, none of

the responses were favorable.

”Oh well, even if there was a boat willing to take us back, who knows if

they would be trustworthy or not...”

G.o.dou muttered his grumbles.

It looked like there was no choice but to wait for the regular s.h.i.+p after all.

G.o.dou decided to return to the cottage without a fuss. Along the way back,

he suddenly realized.

Residing in his right arm, Ama no Murak.u.mo, which had been unusable

since yesterday, was now awakened.

Athena's entrusted secret technique relied on the divine sword as a

medium, thereby generating a gravitational storm. This drastic move

seemed to have heavily strained the sword, resulting in an unresponsive

state of slumber earlier.

”...You're fine now?”

G.o.dou's inquiry only obtained an acknowledging ”Mmmhmm” in response.

Then there was nothing. Too lazy to answer, it seemed.

Since the sword probably had not fully recovered from exhaustion, G.o.dou

decided to overlook it. The fact that Yuri and him were able to drift to this

island safe and sound was surely thanks to Ama no Murak.u.mo no

Tsurugi's protection.

Despite being an arrogant, condescending problem child with no interest in

anything apart from battle, the sword is unexpectedly adept at taking care

of others.

By the time G.o.dou returned to the cottage, it was already close to noon.

He could smell a very fragrant aroma of chicken soup. Entering the cottage

where they lived, G.o.dou found Yuri preparing lunch.

”Welcome back. How did it go with the boats?”

”No good. Looks like we really have to wait for the regular s.h.i.+p.”

After G.o.dou reported his findings, Yuri went ”oh well” as she set down the

earthenware pot she was carrying onto the dining table.

Since this cottage was meant as long term accommodations for guests

such as backpackers or divers, it was equipped with a kitchen and cooking

utensils despite its small size.

In that case, cooking would be more economical than eating out.

While G.o.dou was searching for a boat, Yuri was responsible for buying

ingredients and cooking. The timing of G.o.dou's return was perfect, for it

seemed like lunch was ready immediately.

Yuri lifted the lid of the earthenware pot, releasing a very fragrant whiff of

chicken soup aroma. However, the pot was actually filled with white rice

instead. This is rice cooked using soup rather than plain water, Yuri

explained. Scattered on its surface were also diced ingredients such as

ham and mushrooms.

”I tried to imitate the cooking I saw inside the restaurant yesterday.”

In any case, he decided to have a taste first. The taste of Chinese cuisine

was delicious beyond description.

G.o.dou felt rather moved, for he never expected to taste Yuri's cooking

during this trip. Since they had been relying on instant food for the past few

days, her food felt especially delicious.

”I'm so glad for a proper meal like this.”

Life on the uninhabited island in the demonic realm. The battle with the

G.o.ddess. Then there was the gravitational storm the two of them had

caused. G.o.dou recalled scenes from the past few combat-filled days and

expressed his feelings earnestly.

”Fufu. If you like this kind of food, I can cook it for you every day.”

”Really? That's wonderful. I'm so looking forward to it.”

Although they had not intended to imply anything else, the pair suddenly

fell silent.

The exchange just now was essentially like a couple about to get married

or newlyweds... Both G.o.dou and Yuri became aware of this sort of feeling,

which would be a bit inappropriate given their current delicate situation,

right?

However, they had already overcome many crises similar to the one the

day before. G.o.dou averted his gaze slightly and Yuri nodded in return.

Silently, they reached consensus to disregard the previous dialogue, minds

connected as one.

Yuri quickly made a dry cough and amended her words.

”G-G.o.dou-san. If you wish, I can cook anything for you no matter what.”

”R-Really? That makes me so glad.”

”Fufu. Please let me know if you have particular likes and dislikes. I will

bear them in mind. But since we have been spending time together every

day, it is unlikely I would make anything unsuited to your tastes.”

”You don't need to worry about that. I think that so long as it's cooked by

you, Mariya, I'll be satisfied no matter what.”

”If you say something like that, I would be tempted to cut corners, you

know?”

”Even if corners are cut, Mariya, it'll still taste good so long as it's cooked

by you, right? Instead of eating at a restaurant somewhere, even if it's a

half-hearted effort, I'm satisfied provided that it's your cooking, Mariya.”

G.o.dou's honest opinion brought a shy expression of happiness to Yuri's

face.

Then the two of them noticed once again.

The conversation sounded like a couple who had just started cohabitation.

After all, if two people were living together, they should take turns cooking

for fairness. Nevertheless, Yuri was matter-of-factly proposing she take up

the role and G.o.dou accepted naturally.

Chatting over such matters as they finished lunch, they cleared up the

table.

After that, there was nothing in particular that needed to be done. Until the

regular s.h.i.+p arrived, they really had nothing to do but wait.

In the end, the pair went to yesterday's beach for a brief swim, took strolls

around the island and pa.s.sed time in this leisurely directionless manner.

It was simply a casual tropical afternoon with time spent unproductively.

”If this kind of life continued, I think I'd start hating the daily grind of going

to school every morning...”

”1-1 can understand. If I had remained in j.a.pan, I would still be working my

miko duties at Nanao Shrine today. Most likely, I could not be doing

anything like this...?”

These kinds of conversations occupied their time.

In any case, it was currently the third day of the new year, an afternoon on

January 3.

The beautiful sunset glow had painted the ocean and the beach an orange

hue when they returned to the cottage. Then Yuri set about preparing

dinner.

Although G.o.dou wanted to help, Yuri refused, saying ”the kitchen is too

cramped.” Consequently, he could do nothing but idly watch the cla.s.sy

young lady at work from behind.

Despite the fact that his companion was toiling by herself, there was

surprisingly no feeling of resentment.

Perhaps because they had too much time to spend idling on the island? Or

did the reason lie in his companion's modest personality?

G.o.dou was feeling glad that he had a chance to spend time together with

Yuri like this. Yuri was also humming happily as she prepared fried rice in

an experienced manner.

Despite being a simple dinner prepared casually from existing ingredients

on hand, it was quite delicious and completely satisfying.

”Yeah, this is quite good.”

”Fufu. G.o.dou-san, I keep getting the feeling you are quite happy.”

”Really?”

”Yes, really.”

A trivial conversation indeed. Time spent together, just the two of them. But

this was good enough. But just as it seemed as if this tropical night would

pa.s.s leisurely like this —

G.o.dou and Yuri heard the noise.

Clang... Clang... Metallic friction could be heard coming from outside. Soon

after, a figure appeared at the cottage's entrance. The person approaching

while making strange metallic noises was wrapped in a heavy coat despite

the island's perpetual summer heat.

”Fufufu. You are here, G.o.d-slaying monarch.”

The coat was deep blue in color and had a hood which obscured the

person's face. But everything became clear as soon as they heard the

voice. This was indeed the Fire G.o.ddess whom they had fought yesterday

on the island of the demonic realm.

Part 3

The G.o.ddess' alter ego was barely humanoid.

But aside from that, the coat's sleeves were abnormally long, covering her

arms and legs completely. Without a single patch of skin exposed, this

manner of dress was rather jarring in the context of a tropical cottage.

G.o.dou noticed that he did not experience the usual excitement arising

from facing a deity.

In other words, this coat-clad figure was not actually the G.o.ddess' true

body.

”Enough of this. I want to meet your true person.”

”In that case, please accept my invitation this time, Kusanagi-sama.”

G.o.dou stepped in front of Yuri to protect her. The figure, apparently the

G.o.ddess' alter ego, proceeded to reply:

”Although you have used your authority to destroy my territory,

Kusanagi-sama... I still have another island that once served as my master

bedroom. Please allow me to take you there.”

Another island huh? G.o.dou frowned. Could this G.o.ddess really be that

obsessed with islands?

”Fufu. For a stay spanning decades long, I suppose a house needs to be

built there.”

”Not needed at all. I will simply blow the entire island away like last time.”

The black blade exhibited astounding destructive power.

But since G.o.dou could not control it properly, its practicality as a weapon

was limited. In fact, he did not even succeed in injuring the Fire G.o.ddess.