Oni/ MDK Side Story 2

In a small village on the border between Alvadon and Arland, the main street of the village

            Reiji carries a large crate down the road while following Celica, who was looking at a stack of papers. This was the information that they collected from the merchant group they created. Suddenly, they were stopped by a child, who fell on the ground in front of them.

“Oh, are you okay?” Celica asks as she helps the child up.

“Oh, yes, thank you.” The child said, who was covered in dust. Her clothes were torn and dirty, which didn’t sit well with Reiji.

“Hey, kid, question? Are you an orphan?” Reiji asked.

“No, my mother works at the tavern.” The child answers.

“Hmph,” he said, as he thought to himself.

“Babe, what are you thinking?” Celica asks, noticing Reiji’s concerned expression.

“This village needs help. Should we…

“Reiji, before you come up with an idea to…

“Celica don’t worry. I was just going to suggest to merchant group to use this town as a HQ.”

“Hmph, really? Won’t that mean we’ll have to constantly transport goods here? Would we have enough vehicles to supply Alastasia and here?” Celica said.

“I’ll just transport it myself. I’m sure Sage will have the upgrades to the Tank ready soon.”

“Upgrades?” Celica thought. “No, you’re already too busy as is. With managing the cities, and still helping to rescue the remaining Demons, you can’t transport their inventory every day.”

“HEY BRAT! COME HERE AND GET THES… Reiji?” A man yelled as he walked up.

“Huh, never thought I would see you here.” Reiji said with a calm, straight face but he was shocked.

“I could say the same thing. How’s your mother?”

“She’s fine.” He answered. “Not that you care.”

“Babe, who is this man?” Celica asked.

“Babe?” the man said, shocked.

“I’m sure you heard it before from her right. He’s the man who left my mother, Eriko, alone with four kids to raise. This scumbag is my adoptive father.” Reiji answered.

“Oh, I’m the scumbag for leaving an unfaithful wife who suddenly appeared with a baby. Claiming, it was left on the doorstep. Then, what does that make your mother?”

“Idiot, Reiji isn’t…

Reiji places a hand on Celica’s shoulder, causing her to look back at Reiji. With an intense expression, she knew that he didn’t want her to say anything else. Reaching into his pocket, Reiji pulled out a new prototype he created, a communication card. It would allow anyone he gave it to, contact him directly as an emergency lifeline. He was hoping it would serve as an easier way for the people without access to the Demon Communication Network. Giving it to the little girl, Reiji told her. “Give this to your mother and tell her to call me if she needs any help with anything. I’ll do everything in my power to help.”

“Okay,” the child said, before walking away.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, boy.”

“You would know about that, huh. However, I’m not like you.” Reiji said as he and Celica walked away.

In a small house, on the outskirts of the village,

Reiji follows Celica down the stairs into the basement. Once there, Reiji places down the crate beside another crate the same size.

“I still can’t believe they’re making so much with the little inventions I made.” Reiji said.

“Well, of course, Reiji. Your world’s innovations have made the most trivial challenges simple. Besides the medical innovations, you given us ways to make life easier, from the magic faucets to the portable stoves.” Celica said.

“Yeah, but what should we do with all of this. It’s not like we use currency since we have everything needed to survive provided by my powers.”

“Well, we can use this gold to buy the land for the other locations you might make in the future.” Celica asked.

“Right, and with this, we can go to other dimensions and repurpose the gold there. And expanded our production rates for foods and medicines. Heck, it would be nice if we get some…

“Reiji,” Celica said, giving off a strange aura. “Wha… Celica spontaneously kisses Reiji. “I’m sorry for interrupting your serious conversation. But, I wants some special attention from my husband.” She said as she hugged Reiji.

“Oh, Tor, right now isn’t a goo…

“SSSSHHHH, I don’t want your excuses, dear. You promised me a child. And there’s only one way of doing that. Right?” Tor said, moving her nails down Reiji’s face playfully.

“Yes, but it’s still daylight outside, and…

Tor kissed him again. “Just let it happen,” she thought, knowing he was listening.

The next day, at the Tavern,

The little girl is waiting tables while her mother is off busy with a customer. Trying her best to hide her true emotions, she walks to the bar and grabs her orders. Coming out the back room, a big bellied, musky, hairy man deeply takes a breath of relief and satisfaction.

“Disgusting pig,” she says under her breath.

“Hey, that’s no way to talk to a customer. And don’t let that boy put beliefs into your head. He can’t do anything about your current situation. Hell, even if he could, you’d be just as useless to him as you are to me. Hell, the only reason why I keep you around is because your mother makes me enough money to keep the both of you. If she wasn’t, I would have sold you to slavers a long time ago.” Reiji’s adoptive father said.

The little girl looked away and carried her orders to her customers. She then took off her apron and threw it at Reiji’s adoptive father’s head. “I quit! I’m done with this place.” she yells before running out of the building.

“Ungrateful brat,” he said.

“Was that Julieka? Where did she go?” an exhausted woman said as she walked out the back room. She had messy, blonde hair with green eyes and wore some old dingy clothes.

“Uh, yeah, don’t worry she’ll be back. I sent her out on some errands.”

“Oh okay. Well, I’ll handle the front until she gets back.” The woman said.

“Okay, thank you.”

In an alley in the village,

Julieka sits down on the ground and cries. This is the only place in the village she feels safe enough to let out some of her emotions she’s been holding in.

“Aaaaawww, what’s the matter little girl? You lost your mommy?” A man said as he rubbed his hands together while slowly walking closer to Julieka.

“Come with us and we’ll help you find her.” Another man said walking to her from the other side, boxing her in.

“He…

Suddenly, two people crash down on top of them, knocking them unconscious. “Disgusting creeps. Seriously, that’s a child.” Celica said.

“Luckily, we made it here on time. Hey, are you okay?” Reiji asked Julieka, who eyes were full of fear. “Breathe slowly, we’re not going to hurt you. We’re the people who you met yesterday.” He said when didn’t receive an answer.

“Miste… Julieka faints.

“Reiji! Were you exuding too much power? You know that could kill a person right!” Celica said as she pushed Reiji aside. She, then, feel Julieka’s neck to check for a pulse. “Oh, thank goodness, you didn’t kill her. She just fainted.” She said with relief.

“Of course, I know how to control my powers. Unlike someone with claws.” Reiji said.

“Oh please, you heal faster than anybody I know. Not to mention, your skin is supposed to be unbreakable. My claws shouldn’t be able to break your skin.”

“Oh, you found a way to break my skin. Anyway, let’s get her back to the house, so she can rest.” Reiji said.

“Kay,” Celica said as she picks up Julieka. Suddenly, they all disappeared.

Seven hours later, at the house,

Julieka wakes up in an unfamiliar bed.

“Oh, I see you’re awake. Great, I’ll let lord Reiji and lady Celica know. They’ll be happy to hear.” A woman said as she closes a book.

“Where am I?”

“Well, you were saved by Reiji and Celica from some child traffickers in that alley. However, you fainted and didn’t want to wake up. So, they just brought you back here and put you in an extra bed.” The woman answered.

 “Oh, that was kind of them. Where are they?”

“They’re downstairs with a video call with home.”

“Vi…de….o Call? What’s that?” Julieka thought. “Uh, can I go talk to them?” she thought

“Of course, but you should get washed up and changed. The bathroom is over here. I’ll show you how to use it.”

“What’s a bathroom?”

Twenty minutes later, Julieka follows the woman down the stairs to find Reiji and Celica, standing in front a holographic screen with a woman on it.

“What is that?” Julieka asks.

“Oh, great timing. Come here. I want to introduce you to some people. This is my mother, Erica Toujou.”

“Oh, she’s the one you were talking about. The girl that Saito was treating horribly. What’s your name sweetie?”

“Julieka,” she answers, nervously.

“Julieka, that’s a beautiful name. Don’t worry. I’ll be on my way and have a nice talk with him. You don’t mind if I take a spare Tank, do you?” Eriko said.

“No, go ahead. Just be careful with the hyper speed. It could be a little difficult if not trained properly.” Reiji said.

“Okay, I will. See you in a few.” Eriko said, hanging up the call.

“Why do I have a bad feeling?” Reiji thought.

“Don’t worry… I’m sure she’ll be okay. Besides me, Mia, Satania, Yuko, and Cassiel, she’s the strongest woman in the entire demon kingdom.”

“Demons? You two are demons?” Julieka said as she slowly backs away.

“No, we’re not demons. I’m what you might call a god, and she’s a Tiger- woman. And there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to demons. There just people trying to live happy lives just like you.” Reiji explains.

“I know. How about we eat? You must be starved I’ll cook you something delicious.” Celica said as she grabs Julieka’s hand and pulls her towards the kitchen.

“Poor kid, she’s about to experience the strangest food known to man.” Reiji thought.

 

At the dinner table,

Julieka scarves down the food Celica cooked as if it was the greatest thing in the world.

“Wow,” Reiji thought, with a shocked expression.

“Slow down, Julieka. No one is going to take it from you. Have as much as you want.” Celica said, smiling.

Julieka suddenly stops and begins to cry. “I… Is this real?” she said.

Reiji and Celica looked at her, silently.  Then, they smiled slightly. “Of Course, It’s real. No need to worry.” Celica said, softly.

“And, once my mother gets here, we’ll go rescue your mother.” Reiji said.

Immediately, Julieka began to cry hard as she rushes into their arms.

With Julieka passed out on the couch, Reiji and Celica quietly made their way to the kitchen.

“She is so cute. I just want to keep her as my own.” Celica said as she took a seat at the counter.

“Now, Celica, you know we can’t do that. She has a mother she loves. And vice versa.” Reiji said as he grabbed two drinks from the refrigerator. He then gave one to Celica.

“Says the person who took in Raina as soon as he met her.” Celica thought as she opened her drink and took a sip from it. “But, I understand. No one should get in the way of the connection between a mother and child.”

“Exactly,” Reiji said, smugly, as he drank his drink.

“Besides, you owe me a child anyway.” Celica said, bluntly, causing Reiji to spit out his drink and choke.

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door.

“Oh, thank God,” Reiji said, relieved as he rushes to the door.

Celica laughed slightly.

As he reached the door, it flung open, and soldiers rushed into the house like a SWAT team. “What the he…

“You really disappoint me, boy. Kidnapping and child trafficking. You got caught up in some disgusting practices.” Reiji’s adoptive dad said as the soldiers tried to restrain Reiji.

Angry, Reiji easily threw soldiers aside.  “What do you think you’re doing here?” He said as he held a soldier by the neck.

“Oh, you’ve gained abilities too. Well, I always thought you were a freak. This just proves my point.”

Reiji calmed down and took a deep breath. “How much do you want for the girl and her mother’s freedom?” he asked letting the soldier go.

“What?”

“Stop playing games. That’s why you’re here right. Because of the girl. How much do you want for their freedom? Name your price.”

“Okay, so if I say you’re right… And if you somehow pay me the money…. what then? She’ll just come back to me because she’ll need a way for providing for her daughter.”

“How much?” Reiji said looking at him seriously.

“Ten-thousand gold,”

“Deal, give me a second.” Reiji agreed. “Celica.” He telepathically said.

“Yes,” Celica answered.

“Get ten-thousand gold from the basement and bring it to the tavern.” He said.

“Ok,” Celica said as she got up. She then walked over to the basement door, stepping on unconscious soldiers.

“Let’s go. I want to pack Julieka and her mother’s stuff as soon as possible. I’ll give you the gold after she safely in my custody.” Reiji said.

“Really?” Saito said, shocked.

Reiji nodded.

At the Tavern,

Saito and Reiji walks into the building to find a noble pestering Julieka’s mother.

“Well, will you look at that. I forgot about that noble wanting me to sell her to him. Too ba…

Reiji summoned a katana blade to Saito’s neck. “I only tolerate you because Mom told me not to kill you before she gets here. It’s best you remember that.” Reiji said, before he walked over to Julieka’s mother and the noble. “Excuse me, I would like to have an important conversation with her.”

“Back off, peasant. I was here first.” The noble man said.

Reiji sighed. He then grabbed the noble by the shirt and dragged him to the door. Throwing him, Reiji warned him. “Don’t come back if you know what’s good for you. She won’t be here.” He said.

“Rude Brat,” Saito thought.

Suddenly, a damaged, armored car stopped in front of the tavern. Opening, Erika climbed out of the car with Layla and her mother.

“Hello mother… how was the drive?” Reiji asked.

“Reiji, that car is too fast and very hard to control. I think I ran over some monsters or something like that.” Eriko answered.

“I told you not to activate the HyperDrive.”

“I didn’t. I only shifted the throttle to halfway, and it took off like a freakin rocket.”

“Wow,” Reiji thought. “Must be because of the new engine. Sage came up with a way to make the vehicles run off dimensional energy instead of using magic. Should we use a different power source? Something we’ll worry about later.”

“Reiji! I brought the gold you requested.” Celica said as she walked up them, carrying a large, black leather bag on her right shoulder.

“Gold? Reiji, what do you need with gold?” Eriko asked.

“Well, Dad… “Ugh, that feels disgusting to say.” He thought. “He wanted a payment for Julieka and her mother? So I was going to give it to him.”

Layla and her mother looked at him. “You’re paying for slaves.” They thought.

“No, I’m paying for their freedom. Then, I was going to give them a place to live without worry. Probably somewhere in another dimension or universe.”

“Wow, you really thought this through.” Eriko said.

“Wait, other dimensions? Universes? Why haven’t we heard anything about it?” Layla yelled angrily.

“Because there was never a reason to tell you about classified information that didn’t involve you. Last time I checked, you were still involved with Tai and his group. And I can’t let him get any more information than he already has.” Reiji said.

“That’s uncaused for. I alrea…

Reiji suddenly gets a called on his earpiece. “Mom, Celica and I have to go.  Can you take care of the woman and Julieka?” Reiji said as he disappeared along with Celica. Suddenly, the black leather bag appeared in Saito’s hand.

“Eri? What is he?” Saito asked.

“A better man than you.” Eriko said as she walked pass Saito.

Saito looked at Eriko with a shocked expression. “Eri, you didn’t!” he thought.

“Come on, Layla. Let’s follow them inside.” Layla’s mother said as she followed Eriko into the tavern.

Gripping her fist, Layla stood there angrily. “Why? Why won’t you trust me?”  Layla thought, gritting her teeth. Suddenly, she begins to cry. “I’m sorry,” she thought.

Zooming through the forest,

Reiji, carrying Celica, looked forward with a serious look.

“What’s wrong? We left in a hurry.” Celica asked, worriedly.

“Raphael… he’s doing something suspicious on a planet thousands of lightyears from here. Raven and Cassiel are going to meet us at the Armory. From there, We and the Golem Special Unit will be heading Rapheal’s location.”

“What? Really? Captain Nightwing? After all this time, she finally shows her face?” Celica said as her eyes glimmered yellow.

“Wow, I didn’t realize you had such bloodlust towards Raven.” Reiji said as he continued towards the Armory.

Back at the village,

Eriko loads the armored car, with the little belongings of Julieka and her mother. Behind her, Julieka’s mother walked out of the tavern, wearing a cloak.

“Alright, after we pick up Julieka from the house, we’ll take you two to a place where no one will be able to find you. There you should be able to do whatever you like, including living in peace with your daughter.” Eriko said.

The mother smiled and began to cry. “Thank you,” the mother said as she forced her way into Eriko arms.

“You’re welcome,” Eriko said, smiling. “Uh, sorry about this… but what’s your name?” Eriko said, raising the mother from her arms.

“Oh,” the mother said as she wiped her tears. “My name is Melia.” She said.

“Oh, Melia. I’m Eriko, the mother of Reiji.”

“Reiji?”

“Oh, I would’ve thought he’d introduced himself. Guess not. Reiji is the boy who bought you and your daughter’s freedom.” Eriko said.

“Uh, Ms. To… I’m sorry, Mrs. Lucrada. How are we going to transport all of us. The tank probably won’t be able to hold us all.” Layla said.

“We probably should’ve brought an Arc instead.” Layla’s mother said.

“Well actually, we weren’t going to leave so soon. I was planning to stay here in the village for a while. I wouldn’t want to leave the… certain assets unguarded.”

“Certain Assets?” Saito said as he walked up behind her.

“None of your concern. You can return to your tavern.” Eriko said, coldly.

“Woah, that was cold.” Layla and her mother thought.