25 The day before the Death Games

The sound of a store bell seemed to have gone off. "Coming." A feminine voice called from the back area of the store as a tall male approached the counter. "Oh! Riyku!" Natalie exclaimed with a warm smile on her face. "Afternoon Natalie, I see you've finally got your feelings through to Deyo," Riyku stated having noticed a silver band upon her ring finger. This caused the woman to blush softly and nod. "That's good. I am happy for both of you." Riyku would add which caused her smile to brighten even more. "Thanks!" She exclaimed. "Though, I am sure you didn't just come to converse with me. You came for this right?" Natalie would pull something from under the counter as if she had been expecting him to come today. She placed a small case on the counter that of which Riyku would open with a nod to her remark. Upon doing so his crimson eyes would take note of pair of black fingerless gloves laying snug on top of purple cushioning. The only difference between the two gloves was that one had some kind of jewel engraved within it. "You know, it was not easy finding something like that. My helpers bent their backs for it." Natalie would state firm to which Riyku would nod softly. "I appreciate the length you went through to gain this. Tell them I am grateful for their aid." Riyku would close the small case with a satisfied expression before looking at Natalie. "Thank you."

Natalie sighed lightly with glee. "No problem. You did pay in full and up front. Still, I don't know what you plan on using that for other than the Death Games. Riyku chuckled lightly while turning away from her. "Well, you should come and watch. Doubt you'll get many customers once it starts." He stated with a wave of his hand before out the door he went. Since it was the day before the Death Games, the shopping district was packed full of people. The only reason he stopped by the Accessory shop first, was because of the fact that the clothing shop and weapons and arms shop were packed full of people. His next destination would happen to be the clothing shop, passing by Deyo's shop he saw how busy it was. Still not as bustling as it had been when he walked past it earlier. Though, he knew he was right in his decision to save Deyo's shop for last and enter into Yumi's shop. The place wasn't as packed as it was earlier, in fact, it looked as if everything had just died down. Seeing Yumi's exhausted expression caused Riyku to chuckle, "Looks like you had plenty of fun." Yumi would look up from the front counter and shake his head with a sigh of exhaustion. "Always a jokester isn't you boy." Yumi would state to which Riyku chuckled lightly again before stopping at the counter.

"Well, I won't take up much of your time. You know why I am here." Riyku stated to which Yumi nodded. "Yes, I do. I have it ready." Yumi would pull a large case from under the counter and place it on top of the counter. "Since you came by the other night to pay I just brought it up front in case you came early morning," Yumi stated to which Riyku would nod. "I was going to, but I saw how packed it was. Decided to stop by other shops and see how everyone was doing." Riyku stated as he reached for the case to open it. "How kind of you," Yumi stated sarcastically which caused Riyku to smirk. His expression shifted to one more filled with gratitude when he laid his eyes upon the jet black armor with strips of red designed in the formation of a rose. The veins that flowed throughout the armor seemed to have the coloration of dark green to match the coloration of jet black and the coloration of several strips of red. Though the roses were not red themselves, only the outline that formed them were red making the roses appear black. "It's perfect. Don't know why you went with a rose design, but it is perfect nonetheless." Riyku stated to which Yumi nodded. "I went with what I first thought of you as. Black beauty. That idea only came to me when I caught a glimpse of you in the all-black attire the first time you came by." Yumi would explain to which Riyku would nod softly. "I'll take that a compliment."

Riyku's gaze seemed to have glanced over several three small jewels upon the armor. At first, he had not noticed them, but when the black jewels gave off a shimmer of shine his eyes had shifted towards them. "I am guessing these are the Support Enchantments?" Riyku inquired. Yumi would nod to his response, "They are. I was informed that the Support Enchantments were, Hydro, Burst, and Aero. Hyrdo is a supplement for water arts, Burst is a supplement for fire arts and Aero is a supplement for Wind arts. Meaning, you can use said arts without chanting. If you ask me, you got some pretty good enchantments. Using Magical Arts without chanting takes years of practice." Yumi would explain. Riyku had chuckled a bit to himself at the end. "Well, I appreciate the explanation. Might I ask a question?" Riyku would inquire. "Of course, Darlin'" Yumi replied to which Riyku shook his head towards his flirtatious manner. "Is it possible to apply enchantments to one's own gear, provided the gear allows enchantments?" Riyku seemed to ask to which Yumi tilted his head to the side. "Well, I don't see why not. Though enchanting Jewels and applying them into gear are two different tasks and can be extremely difficult. If you apply an enchantment incorrectly into a jewel. The jewel may break. This also applies to add the jewel into the gear. Some gears have restrictions on them. Such as using only offensive enchantments. If you force a defensive or supportive enchantment the gear itself will break along with the jewel." Yumi explained to him and he seemed to pick on it quickly.

"Thanks." Riyku turned on his heel and was about to head out, "Do you plan on doing it yourself?" Yumi called after him. "Don't know just yet," Riyku called back as he left the shop. The district was still bustling with people. Looking up at the sky, he could tell that it was sometime in the middle of the day. So, perhaps getting lunch would help pass the time. After all, he could see quite clearly that Deyo's shop was still busy. Chuckling lightly the male began to make his way to Freya's Bakery. Interestingly, the shop wasn't too empty. It was quite moderate for customers. Perhaps people came here for lunch or a snack. Walking up the empty counter he was greeted with Freya who was smiling brightly at him. "Welcome! How have you been?" Freya would inquire. "The usual. Preparing for the Game and what not. It appears you have some customers today. Never thought people would come to Bakery in the late in the afternoon." Riyku replied. Freya would chuckle lightly. "That's because everything is half priced during our final hour. Our regulars come every now and again. Some people wander in and find out on their own. So they come back another day." Freya stated. Riyku would nod before glancing over the selection of rolls, bagels and other assorted baked goods. The cases appeared nearly empty, so he kind of understood why things were half priced. "Well, I guess I'll take some sugar-coated buns per usual," Riyku stated having seen there were only a few left in the display. "That so? So the usual cup of black coffee as well? Or perhaps you would like a little bit of creamer this time." Freya would tease him with a bold remark and a playful wink.

"Picking up a husband, are we?" An elderly voice came about from behind Riyku which caused both him and Freya to look at the person. "Oh, you are the lady I helped the other day." Riyku would state. "Mother!?" Freya exclaimed which caused Riyku to shift his gaze back to Freya. The old woman would chuckle softly. "You were indeed a great help. I can see why Freya has her eyes on you. Tall, Handsome, and an overall gentleman. Not to mean strong." The elderly woman stated to Riyku and Freya seemed to blush brightly. "That was not it! I was merely teasing him! Riyku has always been a good friend, Mother!" Freya would exclaim which caused the old woman to chuckle softly. "Yes, yes. We all know that is how it starts off." Freya would sigh softly before smiling at her mother. "Well, you do not come here often. So what brought you here today?" Freya inquired to which the old woman nodded softly. "Just came to see my daughter and granddaughter. Though, if I am interrupting you trying to catch yourself a man. I'll take my leave." The old woman teased with her daughter, "Mother!" Freya exclaimed with embarrassment in her voice. The whole scene itself caused Riyku to chuckle softly which caused both of them to look at him. "Sorry, sorry. Just seeing how you two act towards one another show how close you are to each other. I am glad you have such a strong bond with each other, but madam if I may be upfront with you. I am not looking for any spouse." Closing his eyes the male would proceed to explain.

"You see, I already have my hands full with five women as it is. I would not wish to place Freya under any circumstances that would bring her discomfort. Right now, I am not looking for a bride. Do not get me wrong, Freya's affection for me does not go unnoticed, and I do find it flattering, but I would rather not waste her time. If she wishes to settle down, I wish her the best in finding a man who will settle down with her." Riyku was indeed upfront about everything. He may have come off as an asshole of sorts, but the truth alone meant he was quite serious about not deceiving anyone. "Oh? So, you already have women swooned over you. Well, polygamy is becoming a popular thing nowadays. Mainly with key figures like the Emporer, and the lords that rule several countries. To be honest, If you told me you did not have any girl chasing you down I would have never believed you." The old woman stated in reply. "Ah, if only I were forty maybe even thirty years younger. I'd chase you down myself." She would add. "Mother!?" Freya exclaimed in embarrassment. "Now, now daughter. This strapping young man has five women in his bed. I won't tell you to jump into the boat with them, but if you truly wish to be a part of this man's life. You should give it some serious thought. From my eyes, I can tell that those five girls mean a lot to him and he is willing to protect them at whatever the cost." The old woman seemed to have changed her tone to a bit of more serious expression. Almost like she was trying to guide her daughter.

"I know. I have seen him walking around with a few of those girls." Freya stated which caused Riyku to shift his glance to her. "Hooh? So you already knew everything about him and yet you are still trying to swoon him. Now, that's my girl." The old woman would sing the praise of her daughter who blushed brightly, "Mother!" Riyku would chuckle softly and the elder woman would follow suit. "Well putting that aside. Follow your heart, listen to your soul, and they will guide you. I am sure this young man will welcome you with open arms." The old woman stated which caused Freya to huff heavily. "Now then. Young man, I must ask you something. Earlier you said you did not plan on having a bride. I assume that is because you do not believe you are fully capable of protecting any lady you betrothed?" The old woman questioned with a piercing glance. Riyku would sigh lightly, "Got me. I guess I should have known since you could somehow tell how I felt about those girls. Though, it is not just them. Everyone that is precious to me, I want to protect." Riyku stated firmly. "But, you afraid of something. Hmm... Well, I won't pry into your life. Though, I will tell you this. You should never shoulder your burdens alone. Those you hold dear are willing to help you, I am sure of it. I am also sure that Freya would help you out too." The old woman smiles brightly which caused Riyku to shift his gaze from the woman to Freya who was blushing lightly and nodding softly to him.

Riyku would release a soft happy sigh, "Thank you." He stated to both of them of which they would nod softly. "Now then. Freya, how long do you plan to keep us waiting? We are customers after all." The old woman was joking when she said that, but Freya would blink rapidly. "Oh sorry!" She shouted before scurrying throughout the department to get both her mother the usual thing she would order which was a lightly sugar-coated roll and a small cup of coffee and get Riyku some sugar-coated buns and a medium cup of coffee. "Here you are." Freya would hand them both their bags and the old woman would be on her way. Riyku would proceed to take a seat one of the tables and set his cases down beside him before partaking of the buns and coffee. His mind would venture into what the elder woman had spoken of about being afraid of something.

'Didn't I tell you not to worry about that?' Seraphina's voice came through a mental connection. Of course, Riyku would nod softly in response.

'You did, but that is not what I am worried about.' Riyku would reply through the mental connection.

'Then what are you worried about?' Seraphina would inquire.

'The issue with Bell. I have this strange feeling that something may happen while I am partaking of the Games. Not with me, but with everyone else. I just can't shake it off. Nothing has happened since the incident at the sports field. If anything, everything is eerily quiet.' Riyku replied to Seraphina.

'Well, I mean. You did put on quite a show. Bell is the only one who knows what happened. I doubt anyone will believe her, so maybe you scared her stiff.' Seraphina stated to which Riyku would nod softly. 'I hope you are right.' He added. His attention was drawn away from his thoughts when he heard a cute voice call to him.

"Hiya, Mister Riyku. Are you okay?" It was Mary, she had this slightly worried look on her face. Noticing this Riyku would nod softly. "I am. Thank you for asking. I was just thinking about some things. How have you been?" Riyku would reply to her with a soft smile and she smiled back in return. "I am great! Mommy showed me how to make coffee today. Though, she says I am still too young to drink it." Mary would reply to him and Riyku would chuckle lightly. "She is right. Tell you what, when you become old enough to drink coffee. I'll drink some with you, and your mother as well. How does that sound?" Mary's eyes lite up at Riyku's proposal. "Really!?" She asked and Riyku nodded. "Yay!" She seemed to hop, skip and jump for joy. "I can't wait to grow up now!" She chuckled softly. "Just remember to continue to help out your mother," Riyku stated to which Mary nodded. "Okay!" She shouted before zooming back to Freya to tell her what just happened. Freya looked to him with a warm smile and he tipped his cup of coffee to her with a smile of his own.

'That's sweet of you. Looks like you just added a mother to your list on this Harem.' Seraphina happened to have teased Riyku who just internally sighed at her remark. Riyku would look up at the clock to take note of the time, he also noticed how nearly empty the place and decided that it was time to pay a visit to Deyo to pick up his weapons now. Curling the bag up with the leftover buns he would approach the counter and set the bag on the table. "Thanks for the snack. I do appreciate it. How much?" Riyku inquired to which Freya shook her head. "Don't worry about it. You are always helping us out after all. As before, I said it is least we can do." Freya stated to which Riyku shook his head. "I insist." Riyku would state to which Freya mulled over her thought. "Hmm... Then how about helping me out with some things tonight? I need to move some stuff around at my house, but it is a bit too heavy for me to lift." Freya stated to which Riyku would nod. "Alright, sounds fine with me. Just send me your address through wristband communication and I'll head over tonight. What time are you planning on doing this?" Riyku inquired to which Freya would reply, "Seven or Eight. No later than Eight though." Riyku would nod. "Alright, see you around seven then." With that, he would be off, cases in hand as he now headed to pick up his final piece of equipment. Seeing as how it was now dusk, the streets were not as busy and Deyo's business seemed to have died down tremendously.

The bell rang the moment the door was open and Deyo's voice called out, "Wel-- Oh Riyku! I was wondering when ya would show up." Deyo stated which caused Riyku to chuckle. "Been getting everything else. Besides, you seemed like you had your hands full all day. I'll take it that I am the last person to pick up my stuff?" Riyku would ask and Deyo would nod. "Just about yeah. Lemme get it." Snapping his fingers, his assistant would come forth with a large case and would set it up on the counter top with a 'thud'. "Don't know why ya want something like this, but hey, I don't doubt ya for a moment. I believe it is called a Soluna. A greatsword with a second short blade built into it." Deyo would explain as Riyku opened the case to take a look at the beautiful black blade. There were two hilts, one normal and one in the middle of the blade as if held a second blade that was detachable.

The blade itself held a similar design to his armor and gloves with the red strips here and there. Though, Riyku did not seem displeased. "Why doncha give it a swing or two," Deyo stated. Riyku would reach for the hilt of the greatsword to lift it from the case. Moving to rest the weapon against his shoulder he would maneuver to an open area of the store. More so, an area tailor-made for trying out various weapons. Inhaling softly the male would exhale before giving the weapon a deft swing downward, then turning the blade to bring it back upward before resting it upon his shoulder again. Deyo was in awe at how weightless the weapon seemed in Riyku's hands. "Damn boy, I shudder to think what will become of those who battle ya. I also doubt anyone else could swing that weapon around as easily as ya did. Then again, It was a request ya made specifically. So, I guess ya know what ya are doing." Deyo stated to which Riyku smirked before returning to the counter to place the weapon in its case and closed it up. "I appreciate all you've done for me, Deyo. Also, Congratulations on making Natalie your fiance. Took you long enough." Riyku stated which caused Deyo to fluster a bit. "Yeah, yeah! Thanks, mate." Deyo stated. Riyku was about to head off until Deyo stopped him. "Oh, almost forgot. Me, Nat and Yumi will be watching ya. So, put on a good show for us." Deyo called out to Riyku who would wave while leaving.

Taking a look up at the sky again, he could estimate that he had time left before meeting up with Freya. For now, he decided it would be best to store his luggage into his inventory, but to do so without being noticed was another thing entirely. Thankfully, there had been an alley nearby so he wouldn't have to walk all the way to the mansion or even to his dorm room. Moving into the alley, he would make sure the coast was clear before using Weapon Return to store his luggage. Surprisingly, that did not take long. Well, maybe it wasn't a surprise, but the time it took was not what he expected. "Well, that's that." Riyku was about to leave the alley when he heard someone shout. Turning his head back to the depths of the alley, he would proceed onward until he came across three people. One of which did not appear to be from around here. That one is a female, while the other two looked as if they belonged to the Lower District.

"Leave me alone!" The girl shouted as she struggled to break free of the two guys who had been carrying her. The two men didn't have much to say until Riyku appeared before them. Stopping them in their path. "Geez... here I thought I cleaned up a good amount down there. So tell me, what do you plan on doing with her?" Riyku inquired as the two men glared down at him. "Who the hell are you!? Out of the way!?" They both shouted, ignoring the male's question. "Help me!" The woman called out to him. By the looks of it, she was being kidnapped. "Look, guy, this has nothing to do with you. This woman stole from us, so we are bringing her in. Plain an simple." One of the men stated. Riyku's brow rose at this statement. "Bullshit! You took what was rightfully mine!" The woman exclaimed. "Shut the hell up already!" The other guy shouted, and Riyku would sigh heavily. "Well, I don't know the full story. But what I do know is that women in the Lower District are not treated properly soooo..." Riyku seemed to dash towards the two men, which caught them off guard. A quick elbow to the first man's gut caused him to hunch over and drop the woman. Well, the woman would have dropped to the ground she had not wrapped her arms around the male's neck. Causing the rope that tied her hands together to dig into the man's throat. The other guy had clicked his tongue as he released the woman's tied up ankles to withdraw his blade. Though when he did that, Riyku had already been in front of him with a fist aimed straight for the man's jawline.

CRACK!

The sound of a jaw being dislocated and broken at that could be heard as the man flew back into the wall of a building and became unconsciously. This left the other man who so happened to have been put into a comatose state thanks to the woman who had choked the man out. Since she finished that she was just sitting, waiting for Riyku to at least help untie her, and untie her did.

"Thanks." The woman stated as she dusted herself off. "No problem. So, what was that all about?" Riyku asked mainly because he wanted to know if this had anything to do with Bell. "That? Oh... Well... They stole something precious to me. Priceless even..." She would dig down her leather vest to pull out a pendant that had been hanging around her neck. "A necklace?" Riyku inquired. "Yes and no. This pendant may appear to be some ordinary necklace to anyone, but it is more than that. It is the last remaining thing I have of my brother." She stated which caused Riyku's brow to raise. "I see, I am sorry for your loss..." Riyku stated softly and the woman shook her head. "No need to be. I thank you for assistance, but I need to get going." Without delay, the woman seemed to make her up onto the rooftop of a nearby building with ease and leave the area.

"Well, she certainly appeared to be the part. With her roguish attire and all." It was then he noticed that night had drawn in. "Guess it's time for me to get going. I did tell the girls I would be late tonight. But, I should call them just in case." And with that Riyku would proceed out of the alley, and proceed with his ordeal to meet up with Freya.