Zataria's Last Light-Chapter 33: Recollecting

Soaring toward the bear, Zodiac hurled his katana to the ground beneath it. As the bear attacked with its massive paws, Zodiac dodged and kicked its face, creating distance. Enraged, the bear let out a thunderous roar.

Kono: Ugh... He sounds really mad.

Gram: (Whipping his head around) I'm just glad he's not after me anymore.

Zodiac: That's it, come on! COME! ON!!

The bear charged at Zodiac, who charged back. As they ran, Zodiac used sudoshi and positioned himself with his blade beneath the bear. He raised his weapon, stabbing the bear in the stomach. The bear continued to run but collapsed to the ground, lifeless, with its stomach split open. Himitsu and the others rushed to Zodiac as Daru approached.

Himitsu: (Running to Zodiac) HOLY CRAP!! ZODIAC, THAT WAS SO COOL!!

Kono: Yeah, that was awesome! But how'd you know to stab it in the stomach?

Zodiac: As we continued to strike it, the creature showed no signs of damage. I suspected there had to be a weak point, so I aimed for its stomach. It turns out I was correct.

Gram: That's amazing! I could have done that too, but I just didn't have a katana.

Daru walks over.

Daru: You got in my way again.

Zodiac: No, I didn't.

Gram: Oh boy, here we go again.

Zodiac: I didn't get in your way; you were in my head the whole time. It was just like that turtle we fought, and I killed it.

Daru: So you're saying I killed the turtle and you didn't?

Zodiac: No, I never said that. I killed that one too, but I wanted to clarify that I killed this one.

Daru: AHHH!!! You're so annoying!!

Himitsu: Umm... I'm confused. So who killed the turtle?

Zodiac & Daru: ME!!!

Daru and Zodiac exchange glances, then look away and cross their arms.

Kono: Man, they really are brothers.

Gram: You can say that again.

As time passed, Kono and the others retrieved the tooth from the bear and returned to report on the mission. Gram placed the tooth on the assistant's desk.

Gram: Here you go! One Kula Bear tooth.

Person 1: They're back already? They left only 15 minutes ago.

Person 2: Dude, that's their 10th mission.

Person 3: Yeah, they started in the morning and didn't take a break.

Person 4: (With dreamy eyes) I think those two are really good-looking (looking at Zodiac and Daru).

Person 2: HEY! I'M YOUR BOYFRIEND!

Assistant: Oh wow! You guys are really something, mission after mission.

Kono: Well, we need money, don't we? We have to make a living.

Himitsu: Yes! These missions are so fun! (Looks at Zodiac) Right, Zodiac?

Zodiac: Sure...

Daru: I want that one. (Points.)

Assistant: I'm sorry?

Daru: I want that mission.

Assistant: Oh, well, I can't grant that request.

Himitsu: Huh? Why not?

Assistant: Because you have reached your mission limit.

Daru: Limit!?

Assistant: Yes, you've completed 10 missions, and that is the maximum for one day.

Zodiac: Why can't we take on more?

Gram: I mean, I'm getting tired of carrying you guys through all these missions.

Kono: What? No, you haven't; it's been Daru and Zodiac the entire time.

Gram: What? No, I warned you about the turtle. I assisted with the others as well, and this time I led the beast to Zodiac so he could kill it.

Kono: No! During all the missions, you got scared and just ran away.

Himitsu: Yeah, she's right.

Gram: (Crosses his arms, visibly upset) You guys don't see the hard work I put in.

Daru: Why can't we take on more missions?

Assistant: Oh, right! Other crews need an opportunity to earn money and participate in these missions.

Daru: But there are countless missions available.

Assistant: Yes, but there are also numerous crews.

Daru: Well, forget the other crews and give the missions to us.

Kono intervenes.

Kono: It's okay, don't worry; we'll just wait until tomorrow to do more.

Daru: This is bullshit.

Zodiac: Yeah. Kono's right; we need to rest anyway.

Himitsu: Oh wait! We can open that mystery box we received.

Gram: (Muttering to himself with a playful smile) It better be some money, hehehe.

Kono: Yeah! And I can make more soup!

Himitsu and the others react with disapproval.

Himitsu: How about we just go to the burger place again?

Kono: Or we can do that...

Gram: Yeah... let's do that.

Kono and the others exit the building, transfer their earnings to the Maivelance bank account, and head to the burger restaurant. As they leave, the sun is setting, soon to give way to nighttime. While walking to Kono's house, a large TV on a building begins to broadcast.

TV: HEY SAMPOSTIS! IT'S TIME FOR OUR NEWBIE CREW SHOUT OUTS.

Himitsu: Newbie shout outs? What's that, Kono?

Kono: Oh yes! The Newbie shout outs! They announce the best crews among the newcomers this year and the number of missions they

have completed.

Gram: Oh cool! Do you think we might be on there?

Kono: I don't think so; we signed up too late.

Gram: Really? Damn it!

Himitsu: (Upset) Aww, that sucks.

Lith and her crew are watching the Newbie shout outs in her house.

Lith: Hmm... Let's see what we have this year.

Reiji: I'm so excited!

Sai: Pipe down, Reiji.

Reiji: (With fervent enthusiasm) I can't help it; I just love the Newbie shout outs!

TV: OKAY, SO AT NUMBER ONE IS... THE BLUE TROOPER CREW.

The Blue Trooper crew begins to panic.

Blue Trooper 1: Oh my gosh! We did it, girls! We're on it!

All Blue Troopers: BLUE TROOPER CREW FOR LIFE! (Strike poses).

TV: NEXT UP IS... THE FLAMING GRILLS CREW.

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Flaming Grill Crew: Let's go! WE'RE BURNING IT UP!!!

TV: THE THIRD CREW IS... THE HUNSOR CREW!

HUNSOR CREW: (Bowing) THANK YOU... FATHER, WE LIVE TO SERVE YOUR NAME.

TV: THE FOURTH CREW IS... THE VIRGO CREW!

VIRGO CREW: Well, was it really a surprise? Come on.

Himitsu: Damn... I really thought we would be up there.

Gram: I mean, it would have been nice.

Zodiac: I don't really care.

Daru: Neither do I.

Kono: Well, let's head back.

As Kono and the others start heading back to her house, the TV announces the final crew.

TV: AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, FIFTH PLACE GOES TO... WH—WHAT THE HELL!? UGH... FIFTH PLACE GOES TO THE MAIVELANCE CREW.

Kono and the others turn around in shock.

Kono: D-d-did he just say the Maivelance crew?

Lith & Sai: WHAT!!!

Reiji: Maivelance? Hmm... I've heard of that crew before. Wait, isn't that Kono's squad?

Lith and the others look at Reiji with confused and annoyed expressions.

Reiji: What? What did I say?

Himitsu: Yeah, Kono, he did say the Maivelance crew.

Gram: (Jumping up and down) WE DID IT!! YEAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Daru: (Smirking) I guess we weren't too late.

Zodiac: I still don't care.

Kono: Oh my gosh! We actually did it! We're in fifth place for the Newbie Shout Outs!

Himitsu: (Looking at Kono) Never say never!

Kono, Gram, and Himitsu start jumping for joy while Daru and Zodiac remain beside them.

Daru: Do you have to do this in public?

Zodiac: This is embarrassing.

As Kono and the others jump in excitement, they head back to Kono's house, while Duviri goes to Zorren's office to deliver paperwork and provide an update about Sampostis. When Duviri opens the door, she finds Zorren in his chair, watching the newbie awards on TV and eating chips.

Zorren: Maivelance? What a stupid name for a crew.

Duviri approaches his desk, placing the paperwork down while glancing at the TV.

Duviri: It seems the Maivelance crew is already making their mark... interesting.

Zorren: Oh, you know about this crew?

Duviri: Yes, they are a brand-new crew that joined the Order today and are quickly completing missions one after another.

Zorren: Oh really? Who is the leader of this so-called Maivelance crew?

Duviri lowers her head as she looks at him.

Duviri: You may not appreciate this.

Duviri picks up a remote and changes the television channel to display the list of teams from the Order of Triumph. She navigates to the rookie category and scrolls down to find the Maivelance crew listed last.

Duviri: Are you sure you want to see this?

Zorren: (Still eating his chips) Just open it already!

Duviri clicks on the name, revealing the crew members, with the first name displayed being the leader: "Kono." Zorren stops eating, his expression becoming serious.

Zorren: Wait, WHAT!? IS THAT KONO!?

Duviri: Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you, Zorren. Those others are the same individuals she brought into your office.

Zorren: NO! THIS CAN'T BE! THIS IS BULLSHIT!

Zorren throws his chips on the floor, scattering them everywhere, and begins banging on his desk. He then rises, grabs his chair, and starts smashing his personal belongings, swinging around the office and breaking glass, statues, and more.

Zorren: AHHHHHHHHHH! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Duviri: (Sighing) It seems I will need to arrange for someone to clean this up.

Zorren drops the chair and picks up a small metal figure of himself, throwing it at the television and leaving a significant crack.

Zorren: THIS WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! HOW DID THEY ALLOW KONO TO REGISTER A CREW!?

Duviri: Perhaps you should contact that assistant. You were the one who instructed him to rig the trials if Kono ever attempted to form a crew.

Still agitated, Zorren approaches the phone on his desk and picks it up to call the assistant. Just as the assistant is about to clock out, the phone begins to ring.

Assistant: Aww, come on! Who's calling me now? I just want to go home!

When the assistant answers, he is met with Zorren's loud shouting.

Zorren: HOW DID YOU ALLOW KONO TO FORM A CREW? EXPLAIN YOURSELF!

Assistant: B-but, Mister President, I—

Zorren: I PROVIDED YOU WITH EVERYTHING TO ENSURE HER TRIALS WERE RIGGED! HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN!?

Assistant: (Sweating) We tried everything to stop them, but the people she brought were too skilled! Please, President, you have to forgive me!

Zorren ceases shouting.

Zorren: How can I forgive someone who's already dead?

Zorren hangs up the phone, leaving the assistant terrified. He turns to Duviri with a menacing expression.

Zorren: I want you to dispatch those prototypes after him. Leave nothing behind.

Duviri nods.

Duviri: As you wish, Mr. President.

The scene shifts to Kono and her group at her house, now nighttime. They are in the living room, with Gram and Himitsu covering their noses.

Gram: Kono, can you open a window or something? It stinks in here!

Himitsu: Yeah, it smells really bad!

Kono: What? It can't be that bad. Do you all smell something? (Looking at Zodiac and Daru.)

Daru: This place smells like ass...

Zodiac: Exactly what he said...

Kono: Are you all serious?

Gram: Forget this, I'm opening the window!

Gram gets up and approaches the dusty, rusty window, struggling to pry it open while shouting.

Gram: OH, COME ON! OPEN! YOU STUPID WINDOW! OPEN!!!

After a few moments, Gram falls onto his backside, exhausted.

Gram: I can't open it!

Kono: Well, I should mention that I haven't opened that window since I moved in.

Gram stares blankly.

Himitsu: I guess that explains the dust...

Kono: But come on, everyone, let's open that mystery box!

Kono pulls the box from her backpack and places it on her small table. The others gather around, intrigued.

Kono: Okay, who would like to open it?

Himitsu: Me!

Gram: NO, LET ME OPEN IT!

Zodiac and Daru stand with their arms crossed.

Zodiac: Honestly, I don't care about this thing.

Daru: Can you all just hurry up and open the box?

Gram: COME ON, KONO! LET ME DO IT, PLEASE!

Kono: Alright, alright, Gram can open it.

Himitsu: Wowww!

Gram smiles as he takes the box and removes the lid. Inside, it glows brightly, making it difficult for him to see. He reaches in and retrieves something small. When he pulls it out, it is a keychain of a pink teddy bear holding a lollipop. Himitsu bursts out laughing while Kono, Zodiac, and Daru smile.

Himitsu: Haha! You got a pink teddy bear!

Gram frowns.

Gram: Man, this is why I have the worst luck!

Kono: (smiling) I am truly grateful to have met all of you. When I first encountered Gram, I sensed he was someone special. Then I met Daru, and shortly after, Himitsu and Zodiac. What I want to express is that I have never had friends before, and not much family either—just my brother and me, but our parents passed away. I don't really remember how; it's kind of blurry. But even though we've only been a crew for a little while, I see you all as family.

Gram: T-t-that was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. (tearing up)

Himitsu: (tearing up) Yeah, Kono, THANK YOU FOR LETTING US JOIN AHHH!!

Zodiac: Softies.

Daru: I'm going to the bathroom.

Kono: WAIT!!!

As Daru is about to stand up, he pauses and looks at Kono.

Daru: Ahh!! What now?

Kono: When is everyone's birthday? I need to write it down.

Gram: Oh, mine is August 8th.

Himitsu: Ooh, mine is September 24th.

Kono: Okay, great! And you two? (looking at Zodiac and Daru)

Daru & Zodiac: No idea.

Kono, Himitsu, and Gram: WHAT!! YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR OWN BIRTHDAYS!!??

Daru: Well, Zenshi assigned me a birthday when I was 5, which is October 13th.

Zodiac: All I remember is Mizuda telling me that my birthday is June 19th.

Kono: So you both don't even know your actual birthdays?

Zodiac & Daru: No.

Kono: Didn't your parents tell you?

Daru: No, because we never knew them.

Zodiac: Yeah, I never met them.

Daru: We were separated and sent to different dimensions.

Zodiac: Wait, how do you know that?

Daru: Huh? Didn't Mizuda tell you anything about our parents?

Zodiac: No. Mizuda had no information regarding my parents or my origins.

Himitsu: Oh, Daru, please explain!

Gram: Yeah, I never knew any of this.

Daru returns to his seat.

Daru: (sighs) Alright, it goes like this.

Daru begins to explain everything that Rito and Zenshi shared with him to Zodiac and the others. After an hour passes and Daru concludes his story, Zodiac and the others are astonished. Zodiac is left speechless.

Himitsu: WOW! THAT'S CRAZY!!

Kono: I am so confused yet also shocked!

Gram: WHAT! YOU GUYS WERE INVOLVED IN THE PRISMA WAR!?

Zodiac: So that's the truth. Our parents' names are Shakiro and Sauro.

Daru: Yes, but there are still some details missing. Those are our parents' names. From what I understand, and what Rito knows, they're dead.

Zodiac stands up and directs his attention to Himitsu.

Zodiac: Himitsu, get up. We're going to see Zodek.

Himitsu: Wait, what!?

Kono: But it's midnight. Don't you want to rest first?

Zodiac: No. I need to tell him everything Daru just said, and I need to do it now.

Himitsu: But Zodiac, I'm tired.

Zodiac: It's either you get up, or I'll make you.

Daru: Hey, Zodiac, listen to Himitsu; it's late, and he needs rest. You both do. Just go in the morning.

Zodiac: I don't need to listen to you. Himitsu, make your choice.

Daru: I don't care if you listen or not; someone needs to rest, and you're ignoring it. So use that dumbass head of yours and listen to your partner, who came with you through the dimension.

Zodiac: Then I'm going alone.

Zodiac turns and exits through the front door, leaving Himitsu momentarily speechless.

Gram: Ugh... What just happened?

Kono: I have no clue.

Daru: Hey! Himitsu!

Himitsu: What? Huh?

Daru: If you want to go, then go. But you need to know when to stand up to him.

Himitsu: Uhh, okay then. I'll keep that in mind. Zodiac, wait up!

Himitsu rushes out the door in an attempt to catch up to Zodiac.

Gram: Hey, Daru.

Daru: What is it?

Gram: You might not want to hear this, but I think you should visit Rito and Zenshi.

Kono: Oh, those are the people who raised you.

Daru: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I feel bad about leaving without saying goodbye.

Gram: It's only right to say goodbye.

Daru: I suppose you're right.

Kono: You will need a pilot for your journey.

Gram: Yes, of course! You can meet Rito, Zenshi, and Greg as well. Man, I love that guy.

Daru: We leave in the morning.

Gram & Kono: Yes, sir!