The warm water enveloped Kojo's naked form, a soothing balm against the lingering cold. Steam curled upwards, carrying the faint scent of the fragrant oils that had been thoughtfully provided in his new private bath. His eyes were shut, his breathing slow and even, creating the illusion of sleep. He wasn't, however, and was rather deep in thought.
Having been recognized, however belatedly, as a foreign dignitary, the crude cell he'd occupied when he was sent to the Obelisk had been exchanged for a spacious chamber, complete with this unexpected luxury.
He shifted slightly, the porcelain of the tub cool against the back of his head. A sigh escaped his lips as he finally opened his eyes, his gaze drifting upwards to the intricately carved ceiling he hadn't yet truly registered. His thoughts, often a restless tide, began to recede, replaced by the vivid recollection of the events of a few days prior.
The arrival of the Pope had been unexpected, a ripple of hushed awe spreading through the assembled crowd. His presence had instantly lent an air of profound solemnity to the courtroom. The gentle cadence of his voice, when he finally spoke, was a stark contrast to the sharp accusations and fervent defenses that had filled the air before.
He had turned first to his people, his expression one of calm reassurance. "My children," he had said, his voice carrying clearly despite its quiet tone, "I am aware of the anxieties that have gripped your hearts. But I assure you, all is well with me. There is no need for undue worry." A collective sigh had rippled through the onlookers, a visible release of pent-up fear. It was evident that they trusted him.
Then, his gaze had softened as it settled upon Syld, who stood rigidly bowed in reverence.
"Cardinal Syld," the Pope had begun, his tone now carrying a note of gentle reproof, "This… trial, was undertaken without my knowledge or consent. While I was not privy to the initial events, I have since been given a sufficient understanding of the circumstances that led us here through the ears on the walls."
Turning then to Kojo, the Pope's eyes held a depth of understanding.
"My son," he had said, his voice filled with a genuine sorrow, "I extend my deepest apologies for the manner in which the Clergy has handled this matter. They acted according to the wisdom they possess, the methods they believed to be just. Forgive them, for they knew not the full scope of your unfamiliarity with our ways."
He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Regarding the actions you have taken, Cham... no.... Kojo Atari, I understand that within the framework of our laws, they are considered transgressions. However," a slight smile touched his lips, "you are a traveler from a distant land, viewing our world through the lens of an outsider. In light of this… unfamiliarity, you shall be pardoned from the severest of punishments."
The Pope's expression then became more serious. "However," he continued, his voice firm yet kind, "ignorance, while it may mitigate culpability, does not absolve one entirely. So, for the duration of your stay within the borders of Ezkanur, you will be required to offer your services to the community. A way to understand our customs, our values, through action."
His gaze then shifted back to Syld.
"Cardinal Syld," he inquired gently, "do you have any interjection to this decree?"
Syld, his head bowed, had replied softly, "No, Your Holiness."
The Pope then addressed the Radiants, their expressions hidden under their veils. "And you, my esteemed Radiants? Do you find this resolution acceptable?"
A low chorus of agreement had echoed through the space. "No, Your Holiness. We have no objection."
Finally, the Pope's kind eyes rested upon Kojo. "And you, Kojo Atari? What are your thoughts on this matter of community service?"
Kojo, still reeling slightly from the unexpected turn of events, had found himself surprisingly unperturbed. "Community service huh?" he echoed, folding his arms and rubbing his chin. "It doesn't sound so bad. Why not?"
A warm smile had spread across the Pope's face.
"Excellent."
He then addressed the assembled people. "Is there anyone among you who wishes to voice their objection to this resolution?"
A unified murmur had rippled through the crowd. "No, Your Holiness."
The Pope had then risen, his movements graceful.
"If all is settled, then I hereby declare the case regarding Kojo Atari closed." He had then turned to the people, his expression earnest. "Despite the events that have transpired, should Kojo approach you for guidance in any matter, treat him as you would a brother. Do not shun one who has stumbled, lest he fall further into inequity."
He had concluded the proceedings with a gesture of profound peace, pressing his palms together in the sacred sign of the church. "May the light of our goddess continue to shine upon you. Shalom."
A collective bow had swept through the room as the people echoed his final word, "Shalom."
Kojo sighed again, the memory still vivid. Community service. It wasn't the harsh punishment he had initially feared. Perhaps this strange land, with its unexpected twists and turns, held more surprises in store.
As the warmth of the bathwater began to cool, the earlier tranquility now replaced by a churning of thoughts. Kojo leaned back against the smooth porcelain, the events of the trial replaying in his mind.
"Syisia," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the gentle drips of water.
"Did you sense something… off about the Pope?"
There was a brief pause before the familiar voice echoed within his consciousness. ("Yes, I did. Something subtle, almost imperceptible. I can't quite put my finger on it, but his vitality…")
Kojo nodded slowly, recalling the fleeting moment when the Pope had passed him. "I noticed it too. A slight tremor in his hand, a barely noticeable stiffness in his gait. If not for my being able to read arcana, I might have missed it entirely."
("Indeed.") Syisia responded.
("I must admit, I was surprised by his appearance. The Popes are normally figures of advanced age. This one… he wasn't old at all. He's young.")
"Yeah, I was there," Kojo said with a touch of sarcasm, sinking his mouth and nose beneath the water's surface and blowing a stream of bubbles. He resurfaced, droplets clinging to his eyelashes. Could their Pope be... enthroned? Elected? Young in their culture? That would certainly explain the youthful appearance of a man who held such a high position.
("Societal structures differ significantly from what we know about our old world.") Syisia conceded. ("However, even within baseline human biology on this world, it's not uncommon for individuals to live well past a century and still maintain a youthful vigor. So, either he's not entirely human…")
"There's no doubt he's human," Kojo interjected, a certainty in his tone. "Pope Innocent is human."
("Don't interrupt me, Kojo.") Syisia chided.
"Sorry."
("Better be. As I was saying, it's also possible he employs other means to maintain that appearance. The people of the Church here don't seem to draw power from arcana. If I recall, Cassie mentioned something else…")
Kojo stepped out of the cooling water, the droplets beading on his skin. He grabbed a soft towel and began to rub it through his damp hair, walking towards the door of the bathing chamber.
"Yeah, that 'Faith' thing Cassie was talking about," he mumbled from beneath the towel. He felt a mental nod from Syisia. He reached for the door handle.
Wiping the water from his face, Kojo muttered, still slightly muffled by the towel, "Guess I'll have to ask Cassie or Yuki about it."
("You know Yukio won't be pleased, don't you? She's no doubt gonna cause you to go deaf with an earful.")
"Right?" Kojo chuckled, finally lowering the towel. He opened the door and froze.
Seated gracefully on his bed was the nun, Mera. A soft, knowing smile played on her lips. Kojo glanced down, his eyes widening as he registered his complete nudity. A blush crept up his neck. He quickly fumbled with the towel, wrapping it clumsily around his waist.
("Oh, this is going to be good.") Syisia chuckled.
"W-what are you doing here?" Kojo stammered, his cheeks now burning.
Mera rose from the bed, her movements fluid and unhurried. She glided towards him, her gaze steady and warm.
"There's no need to be so tense, dear," she said, her voice a soothing, melodic hum that seemed to resonate deep within him. She reached out a hand and gently placed it on his chest, her touch surprisingly firm.
"My, you are quite… muscular. That must explain why you are so… 'big'." Her hand trailed downwards, her touch lingering on his abdomen, her eyes never leaving his.
Just then, the door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing Lin standing in the doorway. Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly as she took in the scene: Kojo hastily clutching a towel around his waist and Mera standing close, her hand having just left his abdomen after nearly going beyond the towel.
"It's not what it looks like!" Kojo blurted out, his voice a little too loud.
"Tch," Mera clicked her tongue, though a practiced smile remained fixed on her lips. Lin's gaze, however, was like glacial ice as it settled on the nun.
"And what exactly are you doing here?" she asked, her tone dangerously level.
"Oh, Lady Lin," Mera greeted, her voice saccharine sweet. "I didn't expect to find you in a man's room."
"I came to see Kojo," Lin retorted, stepping further into the room. "What's your excuse?"
"My sister and I are responsible for… ensuring our guest is comfortable," Mera purred. "I was just checking on him."
"Well, as you can see, he's quite alright," Lin stated flatly, her eyes flicking pointedly at Kojo's still-damp state. "So, you can leave. I have something to discuss with him."
"Very well," Mera conceded, her smile unwavering as she turned to Kojo. "I'll leave you for now, dear one. But I will be sure to come again."
She gave Lin a final, saccharine smile before gliding out of the room. Lin watched her go, her expression hardening into a glare the moment the door closed, causing Kojo to flinch.
("Dang it. No drama.") Syisia sighed in Kojo's mind.
"Shut up," Kojo thought back sharply. "It's not my fault," he stammered, addressing Lin. "She was already sitting on my bed when I came out of the bath."
Lin stared at him for a long moment, then let out a slow breath.
"Alright," she said. "I had a feeling this might happen," she muttered under her breath.
"What was that?" Kojo asked.
"Nothing," she replied quickly, stepping closer. She leaned forward, putting her hands behind her back, a casual pose that somehow made Kojo instinctively step back. "Interested in a game of tennis?" she said with a smile.
Outside in the hallway, Mera continued her stroll, the smile still plastered on her face. But the air around her seemed to crackle with an unseen energy, causing passersby to subtly veer away. Only one thought echoed in her mind:
"That bitch…"