Zataria’s Last Light

As Mizuda embraced Himitsu, Kono and the others stood in stunned silence.

Kono: Uhhhhh.

Ohma: Who is that?

Daru: It appears to be Zodiac and Himitsu's master.

Daru glances at Gram, who is visibly enamored.

Gram: Their master is so hot!

Kono and Daru shake their heads in response.

Daru: Here we go…

As they finish their embrace, Himitsu notices Mizuda's hair is significantly shorter.

Himitsu: What happened to your hair!?

Mizuda: Huh? Yeah, I cut some off. Do you like it?

Himitsu: I mean, yes, it looks really nice!

Zodiac: I prefer your longer hair.

Himitsu: Zodiac!

Mizuda: (laughing) Oh, it's alright, Himitsu. Zodiac will always be honest.

Kono and the others approach as Mizuda turns to them.

Mizuda: So, this is your crew.

Kono: Hello! I'm Kono, the leader of the crew.

Gram: (nervously) M-my name is Gram, Gram the Great.

Ohma: I'm Ohma! I'm a holy knight from the Knights of Judgment!

Daru: (arms crossed) The name's Daru.

Mizuda: Oh, wonderful. It's a pleasure to finally meet all of you. As some of you may know, my name is Mizuda, Zodiac and Himitsu's master.

Himitsu begins tugging at Mizuda's sleeve.

Himitsu: Master Mizuda, you must tell us everything that happened! Why did you leave us in Leorea? What did you do afterward? What were you engaged in during those years? How did—

Zodiac: Can you calm down? You're asking her too many questions.

Ohma: I've never seen Himitsu this excited! He must truly care about her!

Gram: No, I lov— I mean, yeah, she definitely does. (nervous laugh)

Mizuda: Okay, okay, slow down. I'll tell you everything that happened. While I do, grab a seat.

Everyone locates a wooden crate to sit on and forms a circle.

Daru: This will be interesting.

Kono: I can't wait to hear the story!

Zodiac: You may begin now.

Mizuda takes a deep breath and prepares to recount her experiences.

Mizuda: Alright, let's begin. When I made Zodiac and Himitsu run off to my underground base, I went back to Leorea to fight off the Nitharians.

Himitsu: Wait, really? But why didn't you bring us with you?

Mizuda: Because it was too dangerous for you; you were still children. However, yes, I returned to confront them. I ensured that not a single soldier escaped.

Zodiac: Are you implying that you single-handedly defeated an entire army?

Mizuda: Yes, I took down every last one of them.

Gram: (To himself) So she's hot and strong!

Himitsu: But how is that possible? There were hundreds of Nitharians!

Mizuda: I understand it sounds unbelievable, but it is the truth.

Daru: (To himself) Hmmm, I'm not buying it. There's no way she could have done that alone.

Mizuda: After the battle concluded and the following day arrived, I realized that the Nitharians would not cease their pursuit of you. Therefore, I returned home to pack for my journey back to Sampostis to reunite with my crew, as you can see in the background.

Daru: So you're saying you had a crew this whole time?

Mizuda: Yes, even before I met Zodiac and began my assassin training. I have been a member of the Order of Triumph for ten years.

Gram: Ten years!? That's insane! Kono, does that mean you knew Mizuda when she was in Sampostis?

Kono: Well, yes, to some extent. I heard all kinds of rumors about Mizuda and her crew being extremely skilled. But I never got to meet her until now.

Ohma: That's impressive!

Himitsu: Wait, since you're part of the Order, what is your rank, Master?

Mizuda: (Laughs) Well, if you really want to know, my crew is currently ranked 5 (diamond).

Everyone looks astonished.

Gram: Rank 5! Isn't that the highest rank within the Order?

Kono: Pretty much.

Mizuda: Surprising, isn't it? Before I departed, I made sure to leave a letter and a key at my residence for Zodiac and Himitsu. I assume you received it since you have my birthday gift. (Glances at Zodiac)

Zodiac: Oh, you must be referring to these.

Zodiac retrieves his dual blades, presenting them to her.

Mizuda: Yep. Did you like your gift?

Zodiac: Well, yeah, but something does concern me.

Mizuda: (Perplexed) Oh? What might that be?

Zodiac: How did you know these were Zatarian blades?

Mizuda: It's quite simple; it's due to the symbol, which is identical to yours.

Zodiac: Okay, but how do you know that the symbol is related to a Zatarian?

Kono: That's a good question.

Mizuda: I anticipated you would ask eventually. Some time ago, I received a special book about the Zatarians. The challenge was that the text was in their language, rendering it incomprehensible to most. Many pages were torn out, leaving incomplete sentences, but one page displayed a peculiar symbol—the same symbol that Zodiac possesses.

Gram: And Daru too, right?

Mizuda: What do you mean?

Gram: Go ahead, Daru, show Mizuda your back.

Daru: Alright…

Daru removes his shirt and turns around, revealing his back to Mizuda.

Mizuda: So, you truly are Zodiac's brother.

Daru: (Putting his shirt back on) How do you know that?

Mizuda: Zodek informed me about your brotherhood, particularly after witnessing both of you harness your powers during the Newbie Event; at that moment, I had no doubts.

Kono: Wait, you were watching?

Mizuda: Yes, I caught most of it.

Daru: I guess everyone was really watching then.

Ohma: Man, I wish I had been there.

Mizuda: It was certainly an event to behold, especially considering that the Newbie Event is typically not that engaging.

Gram: (Stretching) Yeah, but… they couldn't have done it without me.

Daru punches Gram on the arm.

Gram: Ouch, what was that for?!

Daru: Stop bragging about winning the event!

Gram: But it's true!

Mizuda begins to laugh.

Zodiac: Can you give us the book you have?

Mizuda: Unfortunately, I cannot, as I lost it a few years ago.

Kono: Oh no!

Zodiac: You must be joking…

Mizuda: I was traveling across different worlds attempting to find someone to encrypt it, but I forgot to retrieve it. Rest assured, once I locate it, I will certainly pass it along to you.

Kono: Fantastic! Thank you!

Himitsu: So, you've been with your crew for eight years?

Mizuda: I have been away for some time due to numerous responsibilities. It pains me that I couldn't be there to see you all grow up and take care of you, but I knew Zodek wouldn't let me down.

Himitsu: (Tears in his eyes) I'm just grateful to see you again!

Mizuda: Same here, Himitsu.

Both Mizuda and Himitsu embrace once more as Gram looks on, feeling envious.

Gram: (Muttering to himself) Lucky bastard! That should have been me!

After they embrace, Mizuda's expression becomes serious.

Mizuda: However, there is something important I need to discuss with all of you.

Daru: What is it?

Mizuda: You must remain prepared at all times.

Zodiac: What do you mean by that?

Mizuda: The Nitharians are more determined than ever to locate Zodiac and Daru. During the years I was apart from you, we encountered them multiple times as they wreaked havoc and harmed innocent people.

Ohma begins to feel anger.

Ohma: What! How could they do something so evil?

Mizuda: Trust me, I was equally upset. What I'm conveying is that you need to maintain your training. You must collaborate, build rapport with one another, and develop as a cohesive team. When the time comes, you all need to be prepared. And importantly, you cannot disclose your identity as a Zatarian to anyone.

Himitsu: We'll make sure nobody finds out.

Gram: (Smiling) Oh, don't worry! Gram the Great doesn't lose to anyone!

Daru: Can you just shut up?

Zodiac: Anyone who challenges me will have a blade at their throat.

Daru: Yeah, says the guy who struggled to hit the dude eating ice cream.

Zodiac: Do you want to die?

Daru: (Laughing) Go ahead and try.

Gram: Ugh, here we go again!

They all begin to laugh.

Mizuda: These people will change you, Zodiac.

Zodiac ceases his argument with Daru and turns to Mizuda.

Zodiac: What? No, they won't.

Mizuda: You may not realize it now, but you will. Mark my words.

Zodiac: That's never going to happen.

A few moments later, Mizuda receives a notification on her Jump Watch and glances at it.

Mizuda: Well, it seems our time has come to an end.

Himitsu: Wait, why?

Mizuda: I promised to handle something today with my crew.

Himitsu: B-but we just found you. You can't leave us.

Mizuda gently pats Himitsu on the head.

Mizuda: Do not worry, Himitsu. I will see all of you again very soon. I will know where to find you.

Mizuda's crew approaches her.

???: Are you ready to go now?

Mizuda: Hold on.

Mizuda approaches Zodiac and kisses him on the forehead.

Mizuda: Stay safe, my little Zodiac.

Gram's jaw drops in shock as Mizuda returns to her crew.

Mizuda: Until next time, Maivelance Crew.

The individual eating ice cream uses his powers to teleport them away.

Daru: Well, that was unexpected.

Himitsu: (Tearing up) She left so quickly.

Zodiac: Get a grip. She said we'd see her again soon.

Himitsu: Yes, but we just—

Zodiac: I said shut up!

Kono observes Zodiac as he becomes emotional.

Kono: (to herself) He truly misses her as well.

Gram: Hey, Himitsu.

Himitsu turns to face Gram.

Himitsu: Yes, Gram?

Gram: You didn't tell me you had such a hot master!

Himitsu: What?!

Gram: Yeah! She has some really big boobs!

Himitsu punches Gram in the arm.

Gram: OWCH!!

Himitsu: GRAM, THAT'S MY MASTER! DON'T SAY THAT!!!

Gram: (rubbing his arm) I was just saying she has nice boobs.

Zodiac approaches Gram, grips his shirt, and pulls him closer.

Gram: (nervously) Ah.

Zodiac: Gram, I assure you, I will break, cut, and stab you everywhere if you say something like that again.

Gram: (swallows hard) Um, yes, understood. I won't say anything else.

Zodiac releases him and begins to exit the warehouse.

Kono: There he goes again, leaving as usual.

Daru: (to himself) I suppose he can care about someone other than himself.

Gram approaches Daru.

Gram: Did you see that?!

Daru: See what?

Gram: How Zodiac grabbed me!

Daru: Oh yeah, I saw that, but you deserved it.

Gram: What!? No, I did not!

Daru: Gram, you explicitly stated that Zodiac and Himitsu's master had an attractive figure.

Gram: Well, she does.

Daru: You know, Gram, every time you speak, it seems you become less intelligent.

Gram: Hey, that's not nice to say.

Daru shakes his head and starts to exit the warehouse.

Kono: Well, I suppose it's time to return.

Gram: Everyone likes to walk away all the time.

Ohma: Alright, everyone, let's head back.

Kono and the others make their way back to the house while Daru trains outside, doing push-ups, and Zodiac practices his swordsmanship. Daru glances at Zodiac, who notices him.

Zodiac: (still practicing) Are you going to say something, or just keep staring at me like a creep?

Daru: (chuckles) I didn't think you noticed.

Zodiac: I can see you watching me through my sword.

Daru: I suppose that makes sense.

Zodiac halts his practice.

Zodiac: So, are you going to say what's on your mind?

Daru: Nah, I was just thinking that you actually care about someone else for once.

Zodiac: She's my master. We didn't have a mother, and she's the closest thing I have to one. I believe that when you look at Rito, you see him as a father figure.

Daru: Yeah, you're right. Rito did raise me, and I see Zenshi as a mother figure too. But it's nice to see you care about someone other than yourself.

Zodiac: Yeah, whatever.

Daru: Anyway, I'm going out to get something to eat.

Zodiac: I'm coming too; I'm hungry.

Daru: Very well.

Zodiac begins walking toward the city, leaving Daru perplexed.

Daru: What are you doing?

Zodiac: What does it look like? I am walking to the city.

Daru: Yeah, I can see that, smartass. I meant we need to tell Kono and the others where we're going.

Zodiac: We don't need to inform them about everything we do; we're just getting something to eat. Plus, I'm not eating that nasty soup Kono makes.

Daru: I guess you have a point.

Daru and Zodiac proceed to the city for food. As they walk, a girl approaches Zodiac—it is the same girl he assisted with painting the house.

Girl: Hey, Zodiac!

Zodiac: Oh, it's you again. I'm not helping you this time!

Daru: At least try to be nice.

Girl: (Laughs) It's okay. I just wanted to thank you again for helping my grandpa and me; it meant a lot.

Zodiac: Yeah, yeah. Is that it?

Daru: Sorry about my friend; he's not really a people person.

Girl: No, it's alright.

Daru: Was there something else you wished to ask or say?

Girl: Well, I was going to ask if Zodiac would like to see the finished product of the building we painted.

Zodiac: N—

Daru: (Smiles) You know he would love that. And I'll come too.

Girl: Oh my goodness, really?

Daru: Yeah! Lead the way.

The girl begins to walk ahead.

Zodiac: You know I really hate you.

Daru: Yes, I hear that a lot from you.

Daru follows the girl, and Zodiac sighs before trailing behind them. As they walk, they observe that everything is being rebuilt at an impressive pace.

Daru: Everything is coming together rapidly. It feels as though it was just yesterday that Minus One devastated this district.

Zodiac: I am surprised by how quickly the reconstruction is taking place.

Girl: It is all thanks to Zorren's workers and the machines he constructs.

Zodiac: Machines?

Girl: Huh? Yes, his machines. You didn't know Zorren is the best at creating things?

Daru: No, I was not aware of that.

Girl: He's amazing! After his parents passed away, he took charge and began constructing buildings and machines. He expanded Sampostis, giving people more space to do what they wanted and more room to live. He's truly great.

Daru & Zodiac: (muttering) Good person, my ass.

Girl: What was that?

Daru & Zodiac: Nothing!

Girl: Oh, okay! Well, we're here!

Zodiac and Daru look up at the impressive building.

Daru: This building is huge!

Zodiac: Is this the same building?

Girl: Yeah, (laughs) it looks different now that it's built.

Daru and Zodiac enter the building with the girl, observing people arranging furniture and placing accessories around the main floor. They are taken aback by its beauty.

Daru: This is really nice.

Girl: Thank you! I appreciate it; we all worked very hard.

Zodiac: I don't understand. This building is vast. How did you manage to complete the painting so quickly?

Girl: Well, as I mentioned, Zorren's machines are amazing. When you were helping, we did everything by hand to make sure we got all the corners first.

Daru: So, what did you use afterward?

Girl: We used this bad boy.

The girl reveals a large paint gun with five different cans of paint attached to it.

Daru: Woah!

Zodiac: What is that?

Girl: Why don't you give it a try?

Daru: Alright.

Daru approaches the gun and lifts it with one hand, surprising the girl.

Girl: Wow! You have some serious strength. Most people need both hands.

Zodiac rolls his eyes. Meanwhile, Souta and Junko are entering District One.

Junko: Souta, could you please explain what we're doing here?

Souta: Just keep walking!

Junko: But my legs are sore.

Souta: Why do they hurt?

Junko: Umm… maybe because I'm still sore from fighting Minus One?

Souta: That was nearly a week ago.

Junko: Well, some people take longer to heal.

Souta takes Junko's hand as they walk, spotting Daru in a building.

Souta: Oh, there he is!

Junko: Who!?

Souta pulls Junko aside.

Junko: Ahhh, Souta!

Daru: So, what do I do?

The girl stands beside Daru, placing her hand over his to guide him. Souta peers through the window to observe the situation.

Souta: (irritated) How dare she do that?

Junko leans in, spotting Daru and Zodiac.

Junko: Daru and Zodiac? We're here for them?

Souta: Look at how she's holding his hand.

Junko: Oh dear.

Gram: Good afternoon, ladies.

Souta and Junko jump and turn to see Gram puffing out his chest.

Souta: What on earth, Gram?

Junko: What brings you here?

Gram: Two of my crewmates have left the house, and I am here to locate them and bring them back.

Girl: Simply press this button, and you will be all set.

Daru: Alright, here goes nothing.

Daru presses the button, but nothing happens.

Zodiac: Fantastic, you broke it.

Daru: What? I didn't break it.

Zodiac: Then why isn't it working?

Girl: Give it a shake.

Daru: Okay, let's try that.

Daru begins shaking the device.

Gram: So, have you seen them?

Junko: Yes—

Souta: No, we haven't.

Gram: Well, thank you anyway. Hey, ladies, would you like to get someth—

Before Gram can finish, he is struck by a paintball, causing him to fall to the ground as Junko and Souta peek over while Daru fires another paintball.

Souta: Let's go!

Junko: Right!

Souta and Junko sprint back to their district.

Daru: That… was awesome!

The girl rushes to the window and sees Gram in a bush, covered in paint.

Girl: Hey, I think you hit someone.

Daru and Zodiac walk to the window and spot Gram drenched in green paint.

Daru: Oh, it's just Gram.

Zodiac: What are you doing here?

Gram: (crying) It's always me!!!!