Soma stops infront of the shop with a flag of two godesses hanging in the front. Once again there's the shopkeeper with her trusty broom.
"I have an appointment with Shiroyasha-sama." He says when the woman stands in his way.
"You must be mistaken." She states plainly, "It is against protocol to serve those with no name or emblem."
Soma doesn't retort because the shopkeeper's claim is probably true. Instead, he sits on the road infront of the Thousand Eyes shop. After a few pedestrians give estranged glances Miss Shopkeep speaks up.
"I will have to ask you to move. You're bothering our prospective customers." The boy gives no reaction to her request. "Excuse me-"
"I have an appointment with Shiroyasha-sama." Soma abandoned his Community's Gift Game to honor his deal with Shiroyasha. He won't return untill his objective is achieved.
"What's with all the commotion out here? Ah, Soma-kun," Shiroyasha steps out from the shop to see him visitor sprawled on the street. "You came? I heard you had a game with Fores Garo today so I thought you might not come."
"That error was on my part, I don't wish to inconvenience you for my mistake." He stands and straightens himself. "I apologize for disrupting potential customers."
"Hm? Well, that doesn't matter. We'll conduct our business in my room."
"But Manager-"
"I gave him my word. Don't you think it would be bad for a Floor Master such as I to go against their word over something so trivial?"
"I believe you shouldn't make promises that conflict with our policies." The shopkeeper turns away and begins to take down the 'open' sign.
With a sigh the loli signals for Soma to follow. "Don't mind what she says. She's just doing her job after all."
Shiroyasha knew that Soma was different from the others the moment she saw him. There's an aura about him that's strangely calming. Those less attuned would surely miss it.
Something she didn't expect was Soma to be so clueless when it came to, well, everything. He asked for the meaning behind honorifics; san, kun, and sama. He asked about baumkuchen and sakura, though admittedly they're all Japanese in origin so maybe it was a 'localization issue' as some may put it. But then Soma inquired about seasons, time, and how plants grow. That somehow lead into questions on architecture, people, and technology.
By the time his questioning was over the had sun set and Shiroyasha gave a fragmented overview on the society of The Little Garden.
"That is all. Thank you for answering my questions Shiroyasha-sama." Soma bows to show his appreciation.
"Yes, and now, it's compensation time! -Is what I'd like to say," The host begins to stroke an imaginary beard. "But this took longer then I anticipated. If you want, I think it would be best if you come back, maybe tomorrow morning? I have a bit of work but I should be able to squeeze you in then."
Soma opens his mouth to speak but no voice comes out.
An enemy is present.
Only those who attack or have ill desires towards Soma and his comrades can be detected as such.
No one from his old world is present. The water god is too large to fit in Thousand Eyes' shop. Its not Shiroyasha's assistant. Fores Garo... Maybe someone from Fores Garo?
With a slam the door slides opens and a man steps in. He's tall, has dirty blond hair, and is equipped with a black choker and ornate boots. Just behind him is the shopkeeper wearing a troubled look.
"I told him you had a visitor..."
"What? It's not like anyone from gate seven could be more important then me."
Shiroyasha expression turns sour. "Laius! Didn't your parents teach you to knock first!?"
"Now, now, thats no way to treat your Community's comrade."
Comrade?
Soma doesn't know why Shiroyasha would be alligned with the man before them. She clearly doesn't like him and he isn't much in terms of power.
"So? What brings the leader of Perseus to disturb me?"
"Hmm?" Laius catches a glimpse of Soma and leans into the door frame as his eyes narrow into a glare. "I think you know already."
A silence falls over the room. Soma rises and bows to Shiroyasha once more.
"Shiroyasha-sama, I will do as you suggested. I look forward to seeing you then." He goes to make his way out but a smug smirk blocks the door.
Ordinarily Soma would cut down opponents in his way, but in his discussion with Shiroyasha he learned killing is forbidden unless a Geass Roll allows it.
"Move."
"What was that?" It's clear he won't comply. "You should learn-" All function in Laius' body stops for an instant. "-your plaaah!"
Without anything to support the weight of Perseus' leader he crashes to the floor. Rage is followed by shock as Laius finds himself in the center of the room, while the kid is in the doorway.
Bowing one final time, Soma takes his leave. He needs to get back as soon as possible.
As Soma appraches the gate swings open.
"Soma-san!"
"What happened?"
"Uh-You mean with Fores Garo? Asuka-san was-"
An uninjured Asuka comes from behind Black Rabbit so he interrupts. "No, not that then. Has anything else happened?"
A hum and empty smile is the last to walk onto the street. "And how'd you know 'bout that?"
Soma's mouth wordlessly opens and closes as a fist he didn't know was clenched unfurls. Black Rabbit is far too calm for anything terrible to have happened.
...Where is Kasukabe?
"My time with Shiroyasha-sama was interrupted by Laius Perseus. I believe he either had or will act against us but, I guess you already stopped it." The other three exchange looks.
"Actually, Soma-kun.."
With increased strength, senses, and the ability to fly, Yo should have won easily. Instead she was gravely wounded. Asuka was able to kill the beast, securing a victory.
The No Names of the past won many items and weapons, some still in their possession. Yo is currently being supported by one such item.
The former comrade Leticia returned. She was responsible for the demonified trees. She and Izayoi were competing when men from Perseus attacked. They turned Leticia into stone and kidnapped her.
"Why didn't you stop them?" Asks Soma the blond. The Izayoi from earlier that day wouldn't let anyone interrupt a match of his.
"They were just taking back their property." He says with a shrug. "Besides, it'll more fun to take on their organization instead of just a few grunts."
"Hey!" Black Rabbit fumes at Izayoi's response. "If you let Black Rabbit stop them Leticia-sama would be safe!"
"From the sounds of it she was solidified then taken. Would there be a way to free her?" Soma speaks softly, his voice almost a whisper, his sea green eyes staring into space.
"W-well,"
"When you attack you; assure her safety, potentially cure her, and steal from Perseus. Laius will retaliate.
"When you give you; risk her safety, prevent rational retaliation.
"Perseus coming to us could put the children in danger." The sea green eyes lock on to Black Rabbit.
"Izayoi's choice was more correct."
"Black Rabbit didn't think of that..." Although her ears droop Black Rabbit maintains a cheerful tone. "But it's nice to know we have someone as thoughtful as you on our side!"
Soma nods, "When you see Laius coax him into a Gift Game. He should be easy to instigate."
"Does that mean you're not coming Soma-kun?" Asuka picked up on the hidden message in his words.
"Yes, I'll stay here."
"Okay!" A new determination flares in Black Rabbit's eyes. "Don't worry Soma-san! We'll find a way to get Leticia-sama back!" She declares in an animated fashion.
Unsure of what got her so fired up, Soma just nods. Soon the trio goes to confront Perseus leaving Soma to a lonely trek.
Soma has two reasons to stay behind, the first being to gather information on Perseus. According to Shiroyasha, almost everything in The Little Garden can be tied to a myth or legend, essentially a story or riddle that reveals the true power and strength one possess. With the library of No Name being a treasure trove there's bound to be a book on Perseus. It's just a matter of finding it.
The second reason is just beyond a door near the top of the stairs. Turning the knob and pushing ahead, Soma is greeted by a magical pink glow. Laying atop a bed near a nightstand is an unconscious Yo. On the nightstand is the device Black Rabbit mentioned with tubes and wires connected to a machine that pumps a liquid, shimmering pink when it touches her pale skin.
"Nyaa"
Curled up by its master's legs, Calico Cat stares at Soma in a questioning fashion. The scene makes the child smile just a tad. He pets Calico as an assurance of his friend's safety.
Soma doesn't dare to touch the device because he doesn't know how it works. Working around the pink glow, Soma inspects Yo's condition. Her health is extremely low even though Black Rabbit said she was stabilized. He can't find any injuries on her body so all the damage must have been done to her arm.
Renewal
A vibrant green hue envelopes the three in the room. Calico jumps, suprised by the sudden warm pulse, but it lasts on him only for a second.
Looking over her Soma nods to himself. Yo's health is rising at a steady rate and will be better in no time.
After a late night most of the No Name elites are still asleep as the sun ascends into the sky. It's breakfast and while the younger children had already eaten, the only elder to show up is Izayoi. This worries the little kitsune chef as she peers into the near empty dining hall. Black Rabbit is never late to breakfast unless she has a job...
"Hey, is the food done yet?" Asks Izayoi to the ears he spies poking into the room.
"Ah-yes," She can't help but feel nervous. Last night she had a hard time sleeping and snuck out for a walk and caught a glimps of Izayoi fighting someone. His strength is cool but kind of scary. Watching didn't help her sleep any, as when she got back to her room she laid for hours just thinking.
"I was waiting for the others to come but..."
"Oh, don't bother. They got in a fight yesterday so give 'em time to cool down."
"Wha-"A fight!? Why were they fighting? Does that mean what she saw last night was Izayoi stopping them?
"Don't worry 'bout that," He says when the girl begins to panic. "They'll be over it soon enough."
"...Okay," She replies in an uncertain tone.
"So, about breakfeast,"
"Yes! Right away," She turns tail, disappearing into the kitchen and returns with a small basket of rolls and a container of some type of jam.
Jam has a long shelf life and can be used to sweeten plenty of dishes. Most ingredients in bread is inexpensive and can last a while if kept dry, the exception being eggs. An exception is easily made for eggs because they are vital for any baked goods and can be eaten standalone for good nutritional value. Izayoi considers praise for Black Rabbit's frugal decisions, but after three years that much should be expected. He takes a piece, lays on some jam and tests the bread.
"Not bad," Reaching for another roll Izayoi strikes up a conversation. "So are you the chef here?"
"Well, the others help me a lot but, Black Rabbit put me in charge of cooking."
The blond hums in acknowledgement, swallowing down another roll. "Is there any kind of food you like making?"
"Hmm... I messed up alot in the beginning, but now making dough is fun! There's a bunch of other stuff I'd like to try and make but we don't have the right ingredients. We used to have lots of gardens... They all got destroyed though."
Glancing out a window, Izayoi abruptly stands from his seat. "Thanks for the food Chef-sama. I can't wait to eat the food you've been dreaming up." He swiftly exits the room leaving the fox-girl on her own.
It is evening by the time Kasukabe wakes up. She's greeted by a relieved Calico who's brought to tears seeing his best friend conscious again.
"Don't worry, I'm okay now." She says petting her feline friend. After a short talk she removes the device from her arm. She stands to leave and assures Calico for the Nth time that she's fully healed.
Walking out of the room Kasukabe has only one thing in mind.
Foooooood
She follows her nose to a door and on the other side is... baked goods? Opening the door the smell gets stronger making the brunette's mouth water.
"Kasukabe-sama? What are you doing up!" Concern is laced across the fox-girl's face.
"Don't worry. Look, I'm all better." She extends her arm to show its pristine condition, not a mark of any kind.
The girl lets out a sigh of relief. "Black Rabbit-oneesama said not to bother you for a few days because you'd still be hurt. Did you come here for something to eat?"
Yo nods and gives an affirmative hum.
"Well, we still have leftovers from breakfeast. I can whip something up if you don't- eh?" In the instant her back turned away Yo managed to confiscate the leftover rolls and began devouring them.
"Ish tishy," Stoping to swallow she repeats herself, "Its tasty," then proceeds to stuff her face again. Seeing Yo's behavior elicits a giggle from the younger girl.
"I'm glad you like it."
"What are you making?" Hunger still unsatisfied, the predator looks for more prey.
"I, uh... Well, um..." Her ears twitch as she shifts around nervously. "Kasukabe-sama, will you please do me a favor?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Well, I heard that you guys- ah, not you- but, the others got into an argument. I thought if I made them cookies they'd make up faster so... Can you please deliver the cookies when they're done?" She bows as is customary when making a request.
"... Your name is?"
"My name is lily." She leaves her head down to hide her shame.
Why didn't I introduce myself earlier?
A hand begins to pat her head.
"You can call me Yo." She looks up to see a soft, warm smile. "You're a good girl Lily-chan." The fox looks away in embarrassment. She would ask Yo to stop but... Her head pats feel really good.
"No, you can't! Jin-kun, please talk some sense into her!" Cries Asuka seething with anger at Black Rabbit's suggestion.
"Black Rabbit, I agree with Asuka-san."
"B-but-" *Thud*
The loud sound makes everyone jump.
Thud*
It happens again and they realize its coming from the door. Being the closest to it, Jin hurriedly pulls the door open.
"Kasukabe-san! What are you doing up!" Black Rabbit leaps over the conference room table. "You're still injured! You need to...Huh?" She looks all over Yo but can't find a mark. "Y-you're all healed?!"
"Don't try to change the subject Black Rabbit."
"Eh! But Black Rabbit isn't-"
"Its nice to see you're doing better Yo-san." Asuka states, suppressing the harsh tone she used on Black Rabbit. "May I ask what is it you've brought to us?" In Kasukabe's hands is an ornate tray with a covered platter, kettle, and cups.
"The children made cookies and tea for us. They want you to make up as soon as possible."
The two are speechless and cast their eyes down.
"Kasukabe-san, I'd like to ask your opinion on this too." Jin's words pierce the awkward mood as they sit down.
They explain what happened while she was injured. How Leticia appeared and got abducted. How they confronted Laius at Thousand Eyes and learned of his plans to sell her. How he proposed a trade, Black Rabbit for Leticia.
"I came here to make friends. I don't want you to leave."
With three against her Black Rabbit has no option but to concede. It hurts to see a comrade be taken, but it hurts just as bad if one walks away.
"Black Rabbit apologies for such irresponsible thoughts."
"Then," Asuka says after a sigh, "We might as well begin discussing a battle strategy." Yo nods in agreement.
"But how can we fight?"
"I'd assume the only way would be participating in Gift Games and amassing Gifts."
"N-no, that would be too slow." Counters Jin, "We only have a week. What we need is something Laius would want regardless of its cost. Black Rabbit, do you have any ideas?"
Surprise is the only thing in Black Rabbit's mind. The ladies never even met Leticia yet they instantly try to help her? They hadn't given up on her or Leticia. Even Jin is trying his best! Tears threaten to fall from her eyes.
"T-thank you, all of you, Black Rabbit is proud to call you friends!"
"If you want to thank us, do it after we've brought that person back. Is there any way to tempt the other party without using yourself? Or a way to force them into a Gift Game with the Vampire as the bet?"
Black Rabbit holds her chin in thought. No Name's treasury does have some spears, bows, and swords of legendary rarity. They mostly have very specific wielding requirements so they're unusable to most. There are also some Greek artifacts in their possession but Laius is hardly a man of culture. Only one thing comes to mind that can force Laius into a Gift Game but again, there's only one week until Leticia will be sold off...
"Do you know the story where Perseus fights against the Gorgon?"
"The only other time I heard mention of Perseus is as a constellation. Gorgon would be the snake monster, right?"
"Yes! Perseus is the knight who assassinated Medusa. Communities who posses a certain level of strength often prepare Gift Games to promote their legends. If you can fufill certain requirements you can earn the right to challenge them in a Gift Game!"
The faces of the other three lit up.
"Then we can challenge them for Leticia-san!"
Yo nods, "We just need to meet the requirements."
"Y-yes! However, to meet the requirements we need to defeat two trials that usually take years to prepare for..."
A clicking sound comes from the door.
"I'm coming in!" The door flies from it's hinges, barely lands on the table, and slides the food onto Black Rabbit's lap. "Oh, Ochibi-sama, you're here too?"
"Izayoi-kun? And Soma-san? Where have you two been?" Asuka is the only one who is unphased by Izayoi's behavior. Jin and Black Rabbit are equally shocked by the entrance while Yo is busy lamenting the loss of perfectly good cookies and tea.
"What, did you miss us Ojo-sama? We were just out doing some errands."
"Errands...?" What errands could they possibly have?
"Izayoi-san!" Yells an angry Rabbit, "What do you think you're doing!?"
"Hm?"
"Why did you kick down the door?"
"It was locked."
"Then why don't you wait for someone to open it!?"
"Why'd I do that if I can open it myself?" Izayoi's smirk widens. "Don't sweat the small stuff Black Rabbit. You haven't even seen what we got yet."
Soma walks into the room with a bundle in his arms. The way he holds them, propped against his chest, makes the package look like an enormous rack.
"What is that?" Yo and Asuka stand to take a peek. "This is...!" Yo's eyes widen as she realizes what she's looking at.
"Hmm, so you went out and got these things? Next time you get another interesting idea be sure to report to me first. Are we clear?" A hint of approval in Asuka eyes betray her serious tone. Izayoi lets out a laugh.
"Okay, I'll be sure to invite you next time Ojo-sama."
"As requested, a way to save Leticia." Soma places the package on the door revealing two orbs. One red, the other blue, and both with intricate designs.
"H-how? And in such a short time!?"
"It wasn't that hard." Soma says as he stares at the stones, "Their gimmicks were predictable and Izayoi could beat the bosses quickly."
Black Rabbit is certain it was more difficult then the guys would let on. Even though they're a troublesome bunch, this instant made it all worth while. There is no doubt in her mind that they will free Leticia.
"Hide," The three boys behind her moved out of sight. Walking into the center of a small courtyard Kasukabe steels herself. Asuka is being the main distraction down below so here she can't let herself fail. She has to make up for what happened at Fores Garo. Utilizing her heightened senses and strength Yo methodically takes down a platoon of invisible footmen.
In order to prepare for this game Jin had Soma tell everyone the legend of Perseus. One detail that returned to her was about Perseus' gear. Hades helmet is what grants them invisibility.
Not sensing anymore men she begins to scavenge helmets from the fallen. Getting Izayoi, Soma, and Jin helmets would let them reach Laius no problem.
"Iza-aah!" Something hard smashed into Kasukabe's stomach sending her into a pillar.
"Oi!" Izayoi's voice is heard but he doesn't come out of hiding.
Quicky regaining herself, Yo switches her tactics. Even if she can't hear or smell him... She begins to emit an extremely high pitched noise. It's a power learned from some dolphins she'd met: echolocation. Sound waves will bounce off her assailants body and alarm her of where he is.
Walls, pillars..-front!
"Eh?" Her fist meets no resistance yet across the courtyard there's a dent in the wall with a man unconscious, his helm slipped off mid flight.
"That's all of them."
"!" Kasukabe whirls around to see Soma standing behind her. When did he get there!?
"Nice job Kasukabe-san," Izayoi and Jin walk out from their hiding places. "Being able to detect the true Helmet of Hades is no small feat. Where'd you learn that trick? Some batty friends of yours?"
"No, I met some dolphins at an aquarium. What do you mean by 'true helmet of hades'?"
"Hm? You had trouble sensing that last guy, right?" He says pointing at the hole in the wall, "His was probably the real deal. The others were probably just replicas."
In the time those two conversed, Jin and Soma collected enough helmets for the four of them.
"We should go." Soma says while giving Yo a helmet. "You can stop any who chase us?"
She nods with a small smile.
"Good luck."
"Izayoi-san! Soma-san! Jin-bocchan!" Black Rabbit lets out a sigh of relief seeing her friends appear on the top floor of Perseus' castle.
"Pathetic, they can't even stop the likes of you?" Laius says with pure distain under his breath as he looks down on the three boys. From his shoes sprout wings granting him flight, Herme's Boots.
"Cut them some slack," Izayoi shouts back, "They did pretty good under such short notice." Izayoi acknowledged he might have lost had he been alone.
"Regardless of preparedness they shouldn't let trash like you get to this point! Anyway, welcome to the stage atop my White Palace. I'll be your opponent as Game Leader." He frowns realizing it's the first time he has said those words.
"Then why don't you come down here?" The blond taunts, "Ya scared?"
"To share a stage with a No Name is an insult to Perseus. Why would I dirty my hands on you?" Laius grabs the black stone hung around his neck. "Demon Lord Algol, Awaken!"
A beam of black light shoots down from the stars landing in front of Laius. A ghoulish gray skinned woman wearing ragged restraints towers above the No Names.
"A-algol the Celestial Spirit!?"
Algol unleashes a piercing feral scream that can be heard throughout the castle.
"Black Rabbit, dodge!"
"Eh?" The scream disorients Black Rabbit enough that she doesn't notice the black beam fired towards her. A cool breeze is followed by pitch black.
"Tch, I don't have the focus to waste protecting you two..."
"Ochibi-sama, your original plan was to get Leticia-san and fight from there, am I right?"
"...Yes," He squeaks.
"And? What about now?"
"Now... I'll choose to believe in you and Soma-san, so please show me your strength!"
Izayoi's smile can be heared as he laughs, "Guess I have to do my best if Ochibi-sama is watching! Soma, can you watch over these two?"
"Yes"
"U-um, why is it so dark all of the sudden?"
Soma answers Black Rabbit's question,
"We're encased by rock. Does Algol normally have petrification?" Algol never came up in any of his research so he doesn't know if it came from her or Laius.
"My guess is its from her placement in Perseus' constellation." Although no one can see it, Soma nods at Izayoi's assumption.
"Wait, why are surrounded by rock?!"
"Jeez, keep with it Black Rabbit." Izayoi says in a mocking tone, "Algol used a petrification gift." Again Soma nods to no one in particular.
"I thought this would be better than being turned to stone like everyone else. Izayoi, left."
"Roger dodger," A single swing of Izayoi's fist shatters the stone dome and sends Algol reeling backwards.
"What the hell was that?" Demands Laius, and for the first time instead of looking down on them, he looks at the challengers. Upon recognizing Soma as the kid from before something snaps.
"So that's how it is!" Perseus' leader yells, "Shiroyasha helped you but here, against me, you're still just filthy No Names! Algol! Crush them!"
Growing twice her normal size restraints tense and snap. Algol moves to crush the kid who walks towards her with a cocky smirk on his face. Bringing both hands down like a hammer the ground cracks, but Izayoi stands unshaken. Grabbing her arms, he is able to lift the Celestial Spirit and smash her into the ground before throwing her back at Laius.
"You gotta do better than that!"
"Grk, Algol, demonify the castle! Do whatever it takes!"
Unleashing a discordant screech, the arena is dyed in black. Walls appear to pulse with life as hundreds of snakes are summoned from the faux shadows.
"That means I should destroy this castle, right?"
A stamp from The blond's foot is all it takes to vaporize the snakes and force the entire area to collapse onto the top floor. Laius' jaw goes slack seeing the destruction below. His castle was built with the strength of a mountain, so any damage is no small feat.
"Ah! S-soma-san, Black Rabbit can-"
"Stop squirming."
With Jin and Black Rabbit, one in each arm, Soma navigates downward using rubble as footholds.
"Impossible!" Laius cries in disbelief, "I won't lose to you! Algol!"
A black energy gathers around Algol's mouth.
"This again?" Izayoi smirks, and Soma isn't sure how to describe what he sees unfold before him.
Algol unleashes another petrification beam, and Izayoi dodges. Raising his leg high, Izayoi smashes the black energy under his heel.
There is no question that the blond stopped the Gift, but how? It cannot be via reflection or diffusion because nothing else became stone. That would leave absorption except that didn't match the visual effect. Everyone could clearly see the beam snap in two, shattered like glass under Izayoi's foot, somehow being nullified in the process.
"Woah," Jin says under his breath as Soma sets him down along with an awestruck Rabbit.
"How is this possible? Such insane strength and the ability to destroy Gifts? Are you even human!?"
"Well my Gift is Unknown, not that that means anything to you." Getting back into a battle stance he says, "That can't be all, right? That thing is supposed to be as strong as Shiroyasha-sama, so why don't we get serious?"
"Izayoi-san, as regrettable as it may be, Black Rabbit thinks that's it."
"Huh?"
"When Algol came in such a restrained state Black Rabbit should have guessed. Laius-sama has dominated a Celestial Spirit but is too inexperienced to use her full power."
Laius glares daggers at the No Name crew before him. No one could have guessed that the leader of such a prestigious Community, with the backing of a Celestial Spirit, would be forced to silently accept defeat from a No Name Community.
"...So you're only here by the work of your forefathers? That's it? After the advantage they gave you is gone you have no counter strategies?" When no retort comes, Izayoi sighs. "If you lose this game," He announces before Black Rabbit calls an end to the Gift Game, "You know what happends to your Flag, right?"
"What?"
"With your Flag I'll be securing your Name. After I've collected both Name and Flag I'll destroy your Community bit by bit. No matter how much you cry, plead, and beg I won't stop untill you've been crushed into obscurity." Contrary to his despicable words Izayoi delivers them light-heartedly.
"But what about-"
"The vampire? We can easily get her back anytime we want. After that pitiful display you think I'd just give your Flag back?" An evil grin cracks through, "If you don't like that you'll just have to stop me here, Leader-of-Perseus-sama."
"No... I can't lose... I won't lose to you!"
Summoning a weapon to his hand, Laius charges forward with reckless abandon.
"""We look forward to your work, Maid-san."""
"Eh!?"
"Hm?"
"...What?"
Having just saved Leticia it seems three of the problem children are in sync.
"The two of you should have no issue for we did all the work."
"I was beaten up and petrified." Yo mimics a look of anguish.
"And you don't need to worry Soma, we already decided how ownership is divided. They get two parts while we get three."
"...Okay?" What is maid?
"Ah... I do owe you for the kindness you've shown me. Being able to come back home is really a dream come true. If your request is for my to become a maid, I'll gladly accept."
Three days after the battle with Perseus Black Rabbit calls all members of No Name to the water reservoir.
"Lets begin this welcome party for our new members!"
A chorus of children's voices cheer into the evening sky. Asuka sighs, not at the younger children around them, but at Black Rabbit who is hopping to and fro excitedly.
"I thought I told her to not go overboard."
Yo and Soma silently agree. They all had the chance to see the No Name treasury and it isn't great. Black Rabbit did her best but feeding 100 people isn't cheap. With this latest splurge of three long tables full of food, Soma estimates only a few days of funds left.
"Are you going to eat?" Kasukabe asks Soma with a plate full of food in her hands.
Soma shakes his head no.
"Everyone, please look up!"
Hundreds of eyes look to Black Rabbit, then up to the sky to see bright streaks soar into the horizon.
"It's because of the hard work of our newest members that we see this beautiful show! After the defeat of Perseus they have been removed from Thousand Eyes and that patch in the sky!"
Awe filled eyes surround Soma, but he himself looks distant and distracted. Yo watches as he walks away from the party alone.
Author's Notes
Kasukabe is probably a god at head pats, just sayin'.
So it's been... What, two years since I uploaded the first chapter? Jeez, I'm getting old. I've had way too many writing assignments as of late so it was a bit of a struggle, but the end is in sight! From now on I'll strive to make 3-5 main chapters per novel along with a few snippets inbetween (the first of which will be up in a week).
Yay! First break from canon albeit a trivial few days and an early Lily intro... Gotta start somewhere I guess.
Jack vile Ripper: Thanks, I'm glad to have satisfied!
Jack vile Ripper: Thanks, I'm- wait a second...
Hoppy854: Is this soon enough? About Soma's past- I wasn't planning on having much of Soma's old world play much of a role... But these stupid game devs keep adding more glorious lore and there's no good reason to resist. So to answer your question, yes, Soma's past will come into play.
Also, did the anime call Algol 'Argol'? Because I kept typing Argol...
Oh, I almost forgot. I changed Soma's hair color to be white.
Please review and let me know your thoughts!
~Bai
Edit: Not even up for 10 min an I made a revision lol. RIP that one person who came with the quickness.