Chapter 21

The Pleasure District

“Whoa, what the heck is that?!” Aaron pointed at a giant monstrosity in the sky. The sky darkens, and the air itself shook as the metallic beast flew over our heads.

“You brats must be new here.” An older man laughed. The old man adjusted his hat on his head and looked up at the ship with a prideful expression like a father watching his kid grow before his eyes. “That ship is called ‘The Enduring Light!’ the pride of our country!”

“Whoa!” Aaron’s eyes were practically glowing with excitement. I can’t blame him. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it either.

“Man, this country amazing!”

“You make it sound like this country the only one with an airship.” I interjected. “Every developing country possesses airships. They’re the fastest and safest method for trading and traveling.” Not to mention they’re the perfect machines for war.

“I guess my country the only one that sucks.” Aaron’s looked down at the ground dejected. Aaron comes from Ath, a country that hasn’t made any technological advancement in centuries because of the church that rules the country believes that the only way to ascend is through hardship. Whatever the hell that means.

“No need to feel bad. Only kings and nobles get to use airships. People like us are forced to use the roads infested with monsters and bandits.”

“Really? Then I guess we all suck!” Aaron happily shouted for some reason.

“Hahaha!” The old man laughed again. “You’re quite the energetic boy, aren’t you?”

“I bit too energetic.” I said under my breath.

With the airship gone, the old guy went back to fishing. I don’t know a thing about fishing, but I feel like there are much better places to go fishing than on a bridge, especially one connected to the Pleasure District. But what’s weird me out, even more is how quiet it is. We're in the middle of the city, but we’re the only ones on the bridge. I guess this part of the city only comes to life at night.

“Do you come here often?”

“Are you hitting on me miss? Sorry, I’m a faithful man who got a wonderful wife waiting at home for me.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Oh. Sorry for assuming, I got a bit excited thinking someone might take an interest in this old man.”

For an old guy, he just as energetic as Aaron.

“Yes, I come here quite often. Since this bridge is so closed to a dangerous area, it’s quiet during the day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those grumpy old people that finds everything too loud. I love the sound of the city, listening to people talk about their day while vendor shouts about their products is music to my ears.”

The old man's eyes become distant as he talked about the city.

“And watching people go about their life chasing their dreams and ambition makes it feels like I’m part of something bigger.”

All I asked was a simple question why do I have to listen to his monologue? I would love to interrupt him, but I’ll miss out on important information if he thinks I’m some impatient brat. I’m honestly surprised Aaron hasn’t gotten bored listening to him. I guess the city life really interested him.

“But as much as I love this city. There are times when you just need to get away from it all. Whenever I come out here and listen to the flowing water and the chirping of the birds always reminds me how beautiful this world is and how insignificant my problems are.”

The old man let out another laugh.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to ramble.”

“It’s fine. I just want to know have a lot of people cross this bridge? I mean more than usual.”

“Oh yea, a lot of tough-looking guys came through here. I think another gang war is about to happen.

That or pleasure District is where tournament participants are gathering. Like I thought. I looked over at Aaron, who silently nodded. It looks like we are on the same page.

“You look like you’re looking for trouble.”

“More like preparing for the trouble to come us.”

“That so? I guess the only thing I can do is say good luck.”

“I doubt luck going to help, but thanks anyway.”

“I hope you manage to catch some fish, mister!” Aaron shouted as he waves goodbye. “It really is beautiful, isn’t it?” Aaron said as he looked up at the sky.

“Yea, it is.” I didn’t bother looking up, I know how beautiful the world is, but I can’t bring myself to love the world like my father. There are far too many things that ruin this world of ours, like this place, for example.

The pleasure District. At night, the kings of the underworld open their shops so the commonfolk can indulge their darkest desire. During the day, the streets seem to be filled with wannabe punks loitering around closed stores, looking for trouble since they don’t have anything better to do. It’s disturbing, how much this place reminds me of home.

“From here on out, try not to look anyone directly in the eyes. The people here will use any excuse to start a fight.”

“I got it!” Aaron looked down at the ground as he walked.

“You shouldn’t look down at the ground either. The people here will take that as a sign of weakness. Just walk like you’re taking a stroll through the park.”

“R-Right!” Aaron stood up straight and marched forward like a soldier. His stiff walk made him stand out more, but no one seems to have the intention of bothering us, yet.

“it’s going to be hard to get the information we need here.”

“Yea, even I can tell the people isn’t that friendly.” Aaron suddenly stopped. “Are we sure where in the right place?”

“Yea. At least I’m confident that we are. The old man said he saw more people than usual passing through here.

“I see.” For some reason, Aaron’s smile widen. “Then leave the rest to me.” He said, proudly pointing to himself.”

“Oh, how do you plan on finding the meet-up location?”

“First, we need to find a better location.” Aaron quickly glances around. “This way!” he shouted as he ran towards the alley.

I purposefully walk slowly to keep some distance between us. I doubt Aaron going backstab me, but still, I should be careful.

“Where exactly are we going?”

“Higher!” Was all he said as he climbed a ladder attaches to a building.

I was hoping he would tell me more of his plan, but it seems he doesn’t have anything attention of elaborating until we were on top of the building.

I reluctantly climbed the building. Thankfully, nobody seems to be using this building. The last thing I want to see is the illegal activity they be doing in this part of the city.

“Yea, I should be able to cover a wide area up here.”

“So, are you going to tell me what the plan is?”

“Hehe.” Aaron looked at me with an annoyingly cocky smile. “It’s simple. I plan on using my bow!” He shouted as he raises his bow into the sky. “You see my bow, has a special ability that’ll hunt down anything I desire.”

“That’s a nice ability.”

“You’re not surprised?”

“About what?”

“My bow. Most people would be surprised if I told them my bow had an ability or think I’m crazy.”

“I was a bit surprise when you said that, but I kind of figure your bow was special.” Being a thief for a good part of my life gave me the ability to tell when an item is special. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary bow. But if you look close enough, you can see that despite how simple it looks, it was made with love and care. The wood is smooth and clean like it was made recently, even though the engraving on the side of the bow is clearly some ancient forgotten language.

“Oh.” Looking strangely disappointed, Aaron aimed his bow at nothing in particular. “Can you tell me what we’re looking for? Please be as specific as you can.”

As much as I wanted to say hunt down the tournament location, I couldn’t. While I was confident that we were in the right area, there's still a chance for it isn't here.

“Try to find anyone that’s looking for the tournament like us.”

“Got it!” Aaron shouted. The marking on his bow lit up one by one as he pulled the string. An arrow seemly made of energy forms in his hands. “Hunt.” Aaron released the arrow, letting it soar through the sky. I know it may sound like I’m crazy, but I swear I saw wings sprout from the arrow as it flew through the sky.

“Pretty cool, huh?”

“That bow is a living armament, isn’t it?”

“What the heck is that?”

“mmm.” I rub my temple, figuring out how this kid is unaware of the powerful artifact he possesses.

“Living armaments are powerful artifacts that have been imbued with the soul of those that once wielded them. I don’t really get it myself, and to be honest I didn’t really believe it until recently. But It seems these souls are what gives the artifacts their power.”

I guess the best example would be Dante’s sword, Penance. Although he didn’t inherit that sword from anyone it was created from his own soul apparently, same with his spirit Minos.

“So, that’s how they work? Someone from my village found it a nearby ruin although, for some reason, I was the only one capable of using it.”

Sounds like the bow is very picky. I wonder if the artifact has an anti-thief ability that prevents people from stealing it. Of course, I have no intention of stealing it. I’m just curious.

“Anyway. How long do we have to wait for your arrow to come back?”

“Not long. My arrows only last for a few minutes. I hoped we get the information we need. I won’t be able to use this ability for a while.

“You should keep that information to yourself, I might use it against you.”

“I doubt it. You don’t look like a bad person.”

“You shouldn’t blindly trust people you just met. I know you came from a place where you had to trust one another to survive, but here you’ll be lucky to find a friend that won’t backstab you.”

“Are you the same? Are you going to backstabbed me?”

“I don’t know.” I looked down at my left arm that I wrapped in bandages in order to hide the tattoos that’s spreading on my body. “To be honest, I really don’t trust myself that much. “I have no idea what I’ll do if I find myself in a stressful situation.”

“I think you’ll do the right thing. I mean, I don’t think a bad person would go so far to help me and teach me about city life. Am I right?” Aaron said with a bright smile.

“It must be nice to have such a simple black and white view of the world.” Or perhaps, I’m just thinking too much.

In the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a blueish light. Before I had a chance to turn around. The light whizzes past me and pierces Aaron.

“Shit!” I race towards him.

“It’s fine.” Aaron raises his hand to stop me. The light slowly sinks into his head, until there was nothing left.”

“Are you okay?” I slowly approach Aaron.

“No.” He groaned while holding his head. “No, no, no, no. Catherine, we need to move now!” Aaron suddenly grabbed my hand and leapt off the building. As soon as we landed, he immediately sprinted down the street while dragging.

“What the hell are you doing?!”

“We need to move now. She’s in danger!”

“Who the hell is she?”

“Are only lead for the tournament! Some bad people took her.”

‘So, what it’s none of our business?’ Is what I wanted to say. But if what he said is true and that she’s our only lead, then it looks like we have no choice but intervenes.

“I really don’t want to do this.” I increase my speed to keep up with Aaron. After taking a few turns, we arrive at an abandoned-looking apartment surrounded by dilapidated buildings.

“This building!” Aaron shouted loud enough to alert everyone in the area.

“Wait.” I grab Aaron’s hand to stop him. “If we’re going to do this, then we’re going to do this the smart way. I’m going first.”

“Are you sure?”

“No. but it’s better than you busting in and getting us killed.”

I pulled out my knifed and slowly crept up to the creepy building. Now that I think about it. If this goes the way I think, then this may be my first fight. Am I ready for this?

I look down at my weapon Bella gave me. As you would expect from a survival knife, it looked sharp enough to easily cut through anything that’ll stand your way, including the tough hide of a beast. Knowing I got such a reliable weapon in my hand calm me down a bit.

“C’mon Catherine. We need to move now.” Aaron grab my shoulder and violently shook me. snapping me out of my thoughts. I found myself standing in front of a closed door.

“If we take too long, she’ll die.”

“Relax, have you seen any dead bodies on the street?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“This may be a lawless area, but that doesn’t mean people just go around killing people for fun. Even criminals have rules they followed. If they didn’t, then the military would get involved if things got too out of control.

“So, why they capture her?”

I could think of plenty of reasons why a bunch of scumbags would want to kidnap a woman, but it's probably not a good idea to tell someone as emotional as Aaron.

“I don’t know, probably to use her as a hostage or something.”

“Scum!”

“Indeed, but at least we have time to save her. So, let’s take this slow.”

“Got it.” Aaron back away and aimed his bow at the front door.

Slowly, I open the door making sure it didn’t make any noise, just like I fear the floors inside of the building made of old wood. A single careless step would create a noise that would echo throughout the eerie building.

“I really don’t want to do this, but I’ll go in alone. If you hear any loud noises, then feel free to bust in do your hero stunt.”

“Mm.” Aaron grunted while keeping his bow trained at the door. I guess that means yes.

I slowly walk into the building, making sure not to make any noises. As soon as I enter, I was immediately greeted with two choices. Directly in front of me was a hallway that led deeper into the building. And to the left, there was a staircase that goes to the second floor.

If I was planning on stealing like I usually do. I would’ve ignored the hallway since I can hear a noise down that way. However, this time my target was a kidnapped woman. I had to check the noise to see if she was there, even though I don’t want to.

Don’t think just keep moving forward, just keep pushing onward. You have to, if you back down now then… don’t think about it! just keep moving.

The noise got louder as I crept down the hall. It was beginning to sound like someone was fighting. Is the group arguing or is the captive trying to escape? If it’s the latter, should I get Aaron? Or should I check the situation?

Before I had a chance to decide. A plump man burst through the wall in front of me.

“Woah!” I jumped back, startled by the noise.

“Ugh.” The somewhat plump man lets out a weak groan.

“There’s one more thing I like to confirm with you” A woman with short black hair steps out of the huge hole in the wall. Calmly, she dusts off the dirt off her white dress shirt as she approaches the man.

“Fuck you!” The man pulled a knife out of his pocket and lunge at the woman. I winch at the knife as it went straight for her stomach.

“What the?!” The man's eyes widen as the knife that should’ve impaled her hit nothing but air despite her not moving. It almost like the knife slip off her body. The Woman raised her knee planting it into the plump man’s stomach.

“!” The plump man gasps as he flew backward like a deflated balloon.

“Last time I’m asking.” The woman pick up a sharp piece of wood that came from the broken wall. “Tell me is what you said is true or were you lying?!” The woman plunges the wooden stake into the man’s thigh.

“Ahhh!” The man howled in pain.

“Hurry up and speak or do you want to walk with crutches for the rest of your life?” The woman twisted the piece of wood, making him scream even louder.

“It’s true! It’s true!” The man screamed.

“Um Catherine?” Aaron tugged on the sleeve of my jacket. “I think I might’ve been wrong.”

“Yea, I think the thugs were the one that needs help.”

“Hm? What are you kids doing here?”

Both Aaron and I backed away from the woman holding a bloody stake.

“Go home this isn’t a game.”

“I’m aware.” I step forward, using what little courage I had. “But that won’t stop me. Now, tell me where the location of the tournament meet up.”

“Ah, you guys trying participate in the tournament?” The woman laugh. “Here.” Suddenly, she toss the piece of wood at us.

“Huh?” Aaron unconsciously open his hands and accept the piece of wood. In an instant, the woman closes the distance between us and slams her palm into Aaron’s chest sending him flying. The woman immediately turn thrusting her palm at me.

I placed my back towards the wall and crossed my arm to defend. The woman abruptly stop and duck low. As she ball her hand into fist as she rose.

“Shit!” I grit my teeth and brace myself for the attack. Her full-body uppercut easily lifted me off the ground. Her fist broke through my guard and was coming for my chin. I lean my head backward, barely avoiding her strike. While holding onto her arms, I raised both my legs up and put everything I had into my kick, aiming at her chest.

In the next moment, before my kick could reach her. I was slammed into the hard wooden floor. I bit down hard on my lip to keep fading conscious from slipping. Through the dull pain that was ringing endlessly in my head, I could hear some part of me shouting at me. Even before I could decipher what my instinct was telling me, my body was already following its order. I quickly rolled away from the woman, just barely avoid her foot which slammed into the spot I was a moment ago.

“Scatter!” Aaron shouted as he releases energy from his bow. The energy split apart and transform into multiple arrows that flew towards the woman.

“Interesting.” The woman said with a small grin. Just like the knife, the arrows seem to slip past her.

Why the hell is none of the arrows hitting her? Does she possess an ability that makes her untouchable? How do we beat something like that?! Calm down. If you panic, you die. Focus. Focus!

I stare intently at the woman looking for anything that could give us the edge. It’s very subtle, but I can see her body moving ever so slightly, dodging the arrows at the very last moment, making it look like attacks sliding off her body.

It must’ve taken years of training for her to be able to move her body with such precision and timing. Taking her down isn’t going to be easy, but now that I know what she’s doing, we have a chance now!

“Here, I go!” I extend my right hand and shout, “First Round!” Orbs of light suddenly materialize and dance around my right arm. The woman abruptly turns around charge straight at me. The arrows that were raining down on her eventually stopped.

She's using me as a shield to stop Aaron from shooting. As much as I want to run away, I doubt I’ll be able to get away from her.

I dash straight towards her. The orbs dancing around me smash into each other, creating a blanket of soft light that covered her arm. The woman thrust her palm at me. Time seemed to slow as our attacks grew closer. At the very last second, the woman slightly adjusted the course of her attack, which cause my fist to slide past her hand.

Yea, I figure that would happen.

I gritted my teeth and waited till her palm was right in front of my face. At the very last moment, I duck low swung my knife. The woman expertly steps to the side, narrowly avoiding my slash. I use the monument of my miss strike to dive towards the ground to avoid her counterattack.

Sorry, but I never had any intention of fighting you head-on. I just wanted to get out of his shooting range.

“Now!” I shouted as I roll towards Aaron. Instead of energy, lighting formed in between Aaron’s bow as he pulled the bowstring back.

“Strike Down!” Aaron releases his bowstring, letting the arrow fly at blinding speed. The lighting roar and exploded, swallowing the entire world in a bright white light.

When the light finally faded, I found myself laying down staring at the ceiling. I look over at Aaron, who was still kneeling, ready to fire again.

“Did you get her?”

“No.”

“What?!” I quickly turn around. The woman stood frozen, looking at the huge burning hole where the entrance should’ve been.

The arrow didn’t seem satisfied with just destroying this building as I can easily spot the same hole in multiple buildings.

“Holy- Don’t you think you went a bit too far?”

“It’s fine. No one was in those buildings.”

“that still doesn’t make it right. Have you never heard of property damage?” I guess it’s a good thing we’re in the lawless part of the city. If we were anywhere else, we would’ve been arrested and forced to pay for the destruction.

“You two are interesting. Why don’t you join my school?” The woman tosses two cards she pulled out of her pocket.

‘Emma School of soft Defense.’ Was written on the card.

“Tired of getting bullying? What to become stronger? Then join my school! I promise when I’m done with you, no one will be able to hurt you.”

“The school location isn’t on the card.” I flip the card around, looking for the address.

“There’s no address because the school doesn’t exist. But that’ll change when I win this tournament!”

So, she made a business card before she even created her business? I can’t tell if she a dumbass or cocky. Going by how strong she is. I’m just going to say she confident.

“So, you want to join?”

“I’ll think about it after.” I slip the card with the intent to throw it away when she isn’t looking.

“Think about it real hard and remember when you find yourself in a dire situation, the only person you can count on to protect you is you.”

“I got it. Now, can you tell us about the tournament?”

The woman whose name I assume is Emma, narrows her eyes at me, clearly annoyed.

“Hm.” The woman crosses her arms which emphasize her chest. “Going by the scumbags’ information, apparently the meetup is at an abandoned theater nearby. It might be a trap, but seeing how this trial is going…”

“It might be true.” I finished what she was going to say.

“After what I did, I’m pretty sure you guys don’t trust me. So, I won’t try to convince you. But if you believe me, you’re welcome to follow.” The woman turned around and left out of the hole that was once the apartment entrance.

“You make it sound like we have a choice.” I click my tongue, annoyed.

“So, we’re following her?”

“Unfortunately.”

We both left what was left of the building and follow Emma from a good distance. It didn’t take that long for us.

“Is this really the location?” Aaron looked up at the boarded-up theater with suspicion.

“I hope so. I’m tired of running around.”

“Indeed. I’m ready to take on some competent fighters.” Emma tightly clenches her hand. I could feel the excitement emanating from her.

Without any warning, Emma kick opens the double doors. I immediately took my knife out, expecting someone to attack us. Thankfully, the building seemed to be empty. Then again, maybe.

“I swear if that bastard lies to me.” Emma storm towards another double door. I fully expected her to kick the doors down, but strangely she froze.

“Huh? This is interesting.” Emma turned around, holding a piece of paper.

“What does it say?”

“Await further instruction.”

“Await? So, this is the right place!” Aaron’s face instantly brightens.

“Which means…” I look over at the double doors the paper attached to. “Behind that door is where everyone been gathered.

“Finally.” Emma balls her hands into fists crushes the piece of paper. “It’s about damn time.”