Komo-Doubutsu

Chapter 6: The Right Time - Part 2

By: Midori Ushi Law

Two long hours passed and many people entered the lobby while others left. The four talked about a variety of subjects relating to the Great Quest. The one topic they did not bring up was what Doubutsu abilities they had. Ray knew that everyone in the lobby knew hers because of her inability to control the quills when she's angry. However, it was clear that the others intentionally did not display nor discuss their powers. The reason why was apparent; they did not want people overhearing and developing plans and strategies for defeating them if need be. That's when Ray realized that the others in the room had enough information now to plot against her. She made her chance of success drop tremendously. With her outburst, Ray had unintentionally put the funds her people scraped to collect for her in jeopardy.

Chapter 6: The Right Time - Part 2

While she conversed with the brothers, Ray glanced at Lipagron. She now knew that her triumph in the Great Quest relied on Lipagron. Regardless if the boy kept it hidden or decided to shout it from the rooftops, nobody could create a strategy against Lipagron. The most an enemy could do was think that Lipagron was crazy for believing he has the Light Beast's abilities. Sure, they could assume he had no powers at all, but all that would change if he could pass the Preliminary Trials. If Lipagron passed the trials, it would indeed indicate that the young man had some sort of Doubutsu ability, and with the two obviously being comrades, the potential threats in the room wouldn't be so quick to figure out ways to knock her out of the quest. From that small glance during their conversation with Larry and Louis, Ray came up with a simple plan to ensure that her mission was achieved. That plan was to put her faith entirely into Lipagron's success in the Preliminary Trials. She had to force herself to believe in a boy who showed no sign whatsoever that he could do anything remarkable. This reality proved one fact: Ray was desperate and needed a miracle.

"Louis. Enter." demanded the voice from the loudspeaker.

Louis gave a pathetic smile and said, "Looks like another one didn't make it, if your theory is true, Larry." He stood from his seat and started slowly walking towards the northernmost door.

Larry laughed, "Come on, brother! Show those old people what we can do! It's too tense around here. After we're done with this mess, let's go get a drink!"

Louis looked back at the group, silently smiled brighter, and walked through the door.

"Though he's a featherbrain, he's the stronger of the two of us," Larry said with a yawn. The man looked at Lipagron. "You'll be next after us, kid. Though I always thought that lowering the age minimum was ridiculous, I know a smart kid like you will be fine. Hey, what 'is' your Doubutsu anyway?"

Ray's let out a soft gasp. The question came out of nowhere. After the obvious trend of secrecy within the lobby, Larry easily changed everything with his question. Ray wondered if she had been wrong in her assumption. If Larry was so quick to ask, was he also quick to respond to a similar question? Were the other people in the room just as willing? Was she the only one devious enough to conjure such strategies against other people for the slightest chance that they might become enemies? What about Lipagron? If he thought the same thing as Ray, would he still be willing to share what his Doubutsu is? Ray's head began to feel heavy with thought.

Lipagron looked at Larry sternly and said, "The most powerful of all Doubutsu."

Ray watched as Larry put his finger on his chin and thought for a while. "Hmm. That's a good answer. Everyone perceives differently, so if somebody overheard our conversation, he or she would think that you have whatever the most powerful Doubutsu is in their eyes."

Then like it meant nothing at all, the chilling deep voice on the audio machine attached on the ceiling above the northernmost door and uttered, "Larry. Enter."