Hello all, and a very Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful day, even if you don't celebrate it! And many more good days to come!
Kinda a long note this time, but please do read until the end! There are two super important things I make know. Like, REALLY important.
Firstly...
So, good news! Remember when I said that a great friend of mine was working on something for this story?
It's a picture of what Renna looks like at the moment! And it's done! He did it so quickly, too.
I hope links work, because here it is:
www dot pixiv dot net/en/artworks/78281193
So where it says dot , put an actual dot. A "." Yeah. With no spaces, please.
Hope that works.
I'm super happy with it! Please, go check it out, and go see his other stuff as well! He's a talented artist, and he's coming up new works for the future! So be prepared for that.
Again, please go check him, and this piece, out.
Secondly…
It happened again where I returned to a chapter to rewrite it.
This time, it's chapter seven, and it's the big fight scene.
Seriously, I HIGHLY recommend going back and rereading this chapter.
I made the fight scene… much longer. Like a whole six thousand words longer.
It's more descriptive, it's cooler, and it gives each character more justice, I feel. Doesn't make it feel too one sided. Because, as I said, I don't want my OCs to come off as super overpowered.
I feel like it also gives more insight into Renna's CPU form, and what she acts like while in it. So please do go back to read it!
Anyways…
Dragonsayianblue: Yup, those new gauntlets are his. And, seeing as you all know what's about to happen, you're about to see them in action!
As for when the PoV will shift to them… It will, but not in the next few chapters. But it will! Don't think I've forgotten them!
Only the regulars, I see…
There's not much more to say, just that I hope you enjoy this chapter.
So yeah! Please enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 23:
It suddenly felt like the rain fell harder.
The atmosphere had changed.
"So here are the rules!", said Renna, smiling brightly. She continued.
"No magic. I can't use any of mine, and you can't use any of yours. That's how it goes, if we really want to see what those two things are capable of."
Gil looked on, listening.
"Secondly, don't hold back. We're obviously not trying to kill each other, but don't go easy on me, Gilly.", said Renna. "I won't either."
"But we shouldn't try to hurt each other too much.", said Gil.
"Yeah, no hospital worthy damage, please.", replied Renna. "This ends when we've had enough. If either of us gives up, or if we simply want to stop, it's over. Since this is just practice."
Gil nodded at Renna.
"And finally…", started Renna, looking towards Neptune and Uzume. "No outside interference.
None at all."
Renna continued to stare at the two of them for a moment, before looking to Gil.
"And… that's that!", finished Renna, holding her arms out.
"Okay.", replied Gil.
"Any questions?"
"No."
"Cool!"
Renna then got low, stretching her legs out. She made her left leg straight and reached her hand out to touch the end of it. She then repeated the process with her right leg.
Gil had stretched his right arm to his left, locking it in with his left arm. He did this with his left arm, too.
Renna stood up straight, making both of her legs straight. She bent down, touching her toes with both hands. She then bent backwards, holding her arms behind her back to stretch some more.
Gil did a similar action, and also stretched his arms into the air, and behind his head. He rolled his shoulders forwards, and then backwards.
This wasn't going to be a life or death fight. It was simply a sparring match to see how well the gauntlets performed.
But it also served another purpose, being general practice.
And it was quite exciting for both siblings, although Renna showed this more.
Renna was rocking her head from side to side slightly, very eager, and still smiling. She had a determined face.
Gil kept scrunching his hands into fists and extending his fingers out multiple times. He was smiling slightly, with a determined face that was much like his sister's.
Renna started bouncing on her feet, and also rolled her shoulders.
"How do you think this'll go?", asked Uzume.
"I dunno. Gilly's never used those gauntlets, but he used them well when he fought those monsters. I think he's good with his hands.", answered Neptune.
"Seems like it. But Renna's got some moves as well. You saw how she was with that dragon when we first met.", said Uzume.
"True!", said Neptune. "Ahhh, I dunno!"
"What about you, Dusty?", asked Uzume.
"I haven't seen either of them fight other than those few minutes ago. So I can't say.", replied Dusty.
"Oh, right… Well, we've only seen Renna fight once, and Neptune here's got the most experience with how Gilsy fights.", said Uzume, lightly punching Neptune.
"How so? Did you fight him?", asked Dusty.
"Nep no! I haven't fought him. I kinda sorta… observed him?", answered Neptune, choosing her words carefully.
"She means she stalked him.", said Uzume.
"I did not! …Not the first time, at least…"
Dusty blinked a few times at Neptune, who rubbed the back of her head in response, trying to giggle it off.
"You are a weird one.", said Dusty.
"Thanks!", thumbed up Neptune.
"You ready?", asked Renna.
"Always.", replied Gil, nodding.
Renna lowered down, holding her hands open while they rested in the air lower down her body.
"I know.", muttered Renna.
Gil held his hand in front of him, with his right hand in front of his left. His hands were also open.
And they started.
Renna ran forward, her hands moving at her sides.
Gil saw this and started running forward as well, looking to meet her in the center of the clearing.
Renna front flipped into the air, bringing the back of her left foot down, aiming to hit Gil.
Gil raised both of his arms up into the air in an X-shape, blocking the attack.
It connected, and Gil flipped his hands around to grab onto Renna's leg. He then swung around, and was going to throw her off of him.
But Renna shot her right foot through the gap under his hands and locked it around Gil's neck, and pulled herself forward.
Gil let go of her left foot as she was pulled towards his face, and Renna spun around so that she was sitting on his shoulders, locking both of her legs onto him.
Renna looked down at Gil, meeting his gaze.
She then quickly leaned her body backwards and stretched her arms above her head. She fell backwards, making Gil fall with her.
She kept herself up with her hands and, in a single, fluid motion, threw her legs back and unlocked her legs around Gil.
This caused Gil to be thrown backwards, tumbling across the ground. He thrust his fingers into the ground, scraping across it to slow himself down while facing Renna, causing claw marks along the earth.
As Renna had thrown Gil, she flipped up into the air, spun around, and landed on her feet, facing Gil.
Orange leaves were brushed up into the air by these quick, sudden movements.
Gil stood up, his arms at his side. He then ran at Renna.
Renna joined in on this.
Gil jumped into the air, pulling his right arm and shoulder back, readying a blow.
He rocketed to the ground where Renna was.
Renna moved out of the way, looking on as Gil impacted with the ground with his fist, causing even more leaves to rise up around them.
As Renna recovered from her dodge, she quickly dashed to Gil. She spun around, going for a roundhouse kick with her right leg.
Gil saw this and swiped his arm up from the ground, sending leaves into the air and slightly obscuring Renna's line of sight.
Renna kicked through, but had missed.
Gil had ducked under it, and had grabbed her leg with both hands. He spun around and faced the same direction as Renna, holding her leg by his right shoulder.
He flung his hands forward, which also flung Renna forward.
Renna spun for a while, but managed to control herself in the air, landing on her feet with a low stance.
She rushed at Gil, and kicked at his chest multiple times.
Gil blocked the kicks with his forearms, whether they came from the right, left, or above him.
After blocking a kick at his right side, Gil pushed her leg aside with his right arm and thrust his left hand towards Renna.
She managed to see this in time, getting low and onto her hands. She flipped forward so that her hands were on the ground and her feet were aiming at Gil's chest, and pushed upwards with her hands so that she and Gil were sent up into the air.
Still moving forward from the motion of the attack, Renna again went to hit him with the back of her right foot.
Gil managed to push the strike out of the way, and grabbed another incoming kick from his left. He pulled Renna towards himself, and grabbed her right arm with his left hand.
He had a hold on Renna's left arm and leg, and spun to face the ground as they both fell.
He threw Renna to the ground, and she impacted with it, with her back to the floor.
Gil, still falling, raised his arms above his head and angled his legs to fall on Renna.
Renna barely moved out of the way, and spun around with her legs out, sweeping Gil off of his feet.
She then quickly jumped to her feet and forced his body to the ground with her right hand.
Leaves fell around them.
Renna stayed in that position, her hand to Gil's chest. He was still lying on the ground.
"Hey, Gilly.", said Renna. She took her hand off of him, and held it out openly.
Gil looked at Renna and took her hand, and was then pulled up to his feet.
"Woah…", said Uzume.
"Hmmm…", came Dusty, rubbing his chin with his fingers.
"Is it over?!", asked Neptune.
"Nope! Round two!", exclaimed Renna, who backed away from Gil.
"I'm ready.", said Gil, in his starting stance.
And they started again.
Renna ran towards Gil at incredible speed, and jumped at him with her left leg out.
Gil managed to dodge through the attack, and clotheslined into her stomach with his right arm.
He ran with her for a while, and eventually spun with her, throwing her into the distance.
She rolled across the ground, coming to a stop and immediately taking off with her boots, upheaving some grass.
Renna moved to Gil, going for a backwards roundhouse kick with her right leg.
Gil blocked it with his right arm, and struck at Renna with the palm of his free hand. This impacted, but Renna held onto the arm, stopping her from moving away.
Renna raised herself from the ground and stretched her legs out towards Gil, positioning the soles of her feet to Gil's chest.
This kept Renna in that position, and Gil's left arm outstretched.
Renna then bent her knees and, using Gil's attempts at pulling his arm away, propelled her knees into Gil's stomach.
She fell backwards onto the ground, and backflipped onto her feet.
Gil gripped at his stomach for a moment, and then prepared himself.
They both charged at each other, and Gil managed to get his attack off first.
He tackled Renna and picked her up over his right shoulder, running with her for a while.
Renna held her hands around Gil's head, and seemed to enjoy this.
It was almost like she was getting taken for a piggyback ride. Almost.
She raised her arms into the air, enjoying the moment.
And then Gil threw her forward, letting her soar through the air until she landed on her feet.
Renna smiled at Gil upon landing, and then ran at Gil.
She saw that there was a large puddle close to him, and would use that.
When she was close enough, she kicked at the puddle, which caused a lot of water to spray forward onto Gil.
Gil blocked his eyes with his left arm, and lowered it down just in time to see Renna's left leg heading for him.
He punched straight at it with his right fist, and the two attacks collided in the air.
The boots and the gauntlets had made contact, and neither of them gave in.
It almost looked like a small shockwave emanated from the impact.
Renna fell to the ground and threw some punches at Gil, who attempted to block them.
Renna constantly shifted where she was attacking, moving up and down his body.
Gil eventually grabbed a hold of her left arm during a punch, and threw his right leg out at Renna.
Renna managed to avoid it by moving to her right, but Gil then moved his leg to her, hitting her in her side.
Renna also held onto Gil's arm, the one that was holding onto her, so she used this to spin around Gil.
She grabbed onto that same arm with her free hand, and pulled herself forward so that she was heading for Gil's chest.
She punched at his chest with her free arm, and Gil responded by letting go of her one arm and grabbing at her sides.
He held her upside down.
Then he threw her straight up into the air.
She flipped through the air, adjusting herself to face Gil.
She rocketed to the ground with her legs out, and Gil stepped out of the way.
She touched the ground, sending many leaves up into the air.
Gil spun around, looking to backhand Renna with his left hand.
Instead, Renna lowered her upper body backwards while extending her right leg out, which kicked Gil at his left side while dodging at his attack.
Gil grabbed at the leg, and pulled Renna towards himself.
He raised his left knee up, catching her in the stomach.
With her legs still by Gil's body, Renna managed to lock them onto the front and back side of his body, holding him between them.
She then forced herself to the floor, pulling Gil with her.
She let go, and Gil fell to the ground. He managed to hold onto her left leg with his right hand, so he didn't roll away.
Instead, he pulled her to himself again, and elbowed the leg he was pulling.
Renna kicked out with her right leg, striking Gil at his right shoulder, causing him to let go and fall onto his back.
Renna jumped onto him, putting her legs on either of his sides, straddling him.
She took her arms and thrust them downwards towards the ground.
Gil caught these in each hand, and held them there in the air.
Renna smiled down at him, and pushed down.
They struggled on the ground for a while.
"What… are they doing?", asked Uzume.
"Why, Uzume, they're clearly in the middle of fighting!", answered Neptune.
"Yeah, I know… but like, Gil could push her off, or Renna could do… something."
"That might not be possible. Renna may have pinned Gil's legs down with her own.", spoke Dusty, coming to a believable conclusion.
"I suppose that's possible…", muttered Uzume. "But still… It looks weird."
"Why do you think that, huh?", started Neptune. "You dirty Goddess, you…"
"N-Nepsy!", said Uzume, looking towards Dusty.
Dusty still had his face forward, but had turned his eyes to look at the two girls next to him.
"You're a what now?", asked Dusty. "You're not delusional, are you?"
Uzume looked fidgety, and glared at Neptune, who shrugged it off.
"…N-No, far from it, in fact.", answered Uzume, noting the irony.
"Hah! Delusions! Fall into the whirlpool of-!", started Neptune, dramatically.
"What's she on about?", asked Dusty, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't worry about her, she has something wrong with her.", replied Uzume.
"I wasn't the one having dirty thoughts about those twoooo!", teased Neptune, putting her tongue out and winking.
Uzume took a flustered face, and tried to grab at Neptune, who moved out of the way.
"Shut it, Nepsy! I was not!", said Uzume.
"So says the liiiiaaar!", teased Neptune.
"I'm not lying!"
"If I were you, I'd stop messing around and start looking back to the fight.", said Dusty.
They both looked at Dusty, then too each other. Neptune put her tongue out again, and Uzume furrowed her brows together, pouting.
"I am intrigued by what you said earlier, though. Don't think I'll forget it, you two.", finished Dusty, who eyed them before looking to the fight.
"Way to go, Nepsy!", whispered Uzume.
"I can barely hear you over the rain!", whispered Neptune.
"I said "Way to go, Nepsy!"", repeated Uzume, a bit louder.
"Oh, okay. Why?"
"Why the hell do you think?!"
"You mean with the whole slipping tongue thing?"
"Yeah!"
"It's not my fault!"
"How?! How is it not your fault?!"
"Ummm… It was the plot's fault!"
"Maybe you're just too high up in the clouds!"
"But I can't fly!"
Uzume facepalmed, and turned to the fight.
"You're such a damn goofball.", said Uzume.
"Thank you!", replied Neptune, who also turned back to the fight.
Gil had managed to throw Renna off of himself, and they both stood up a distance away from each other.
Neither of them moved for a moment.
Renna then ran forward, and looked like she was going to punch at Gil's face.
Gil held his hands out to block the attack, but Renna feinted, pushing both of his arms down, giving her an opening.
She propelled herself towards Gil's face, rising up with a knee from her right leg.
The attack caught Gil under his chin, making him fall backwards.
But Renna wasn't done.
She took hold onto the sides of Gil's head and forced his body down, landing on his back as Renna fell with her knee to his chest.
Gil grimaced in pain, but pushed at Renna, getting her off of him.
She flipped over onto her legs, looking at Gil as he got up.
Gil ran to Renna, who pulled her body back while kicking at Gil with the sole of her left foot.
Gil spun around this attack and struck at the side of Renna's chest, under her right arm, with the side of his right fist.
He followed up on this, leading it into an elbow strike to Renna's chest.
Renna managed to soften the blow by holding onto his arm with both of hers, but it still impacted.
She lifted her body up and locked her legs around Gil's right arm, falling to the ground and pinning him to it.
Gil tried to wrestle Renna off of his arm, but she kicked his left hand with her right leg and, in the same movement, got up and managed to pin Gil's right hand and left hand to the floor with her left hand and right leg, respectively.
She then put her right hand next to Gil's head and looked at him, smiling.
But Gil wasn't done.
He shot his left knee towards Renna's right leg, catching her at the back of her knee.
This caused her leg to give in, which lowered her down as well as freeing Gil's left hand.
He grabbed at Renna's left arm with his left hand, pushing it off.
Renna then stood onto Gil's right shoulder with her left leg, but Gil soon had a grip on that with both of his hands.
He pushed upwards, causing Renna to lose her balance and fall backwards.
Gil got to his feet and grabbed Renna's outstretched left arm with his right hand, and stepped forward.
As he did so, he pulled Renna towards himself and rocketed his left fist towards her face.
Renna, who was still falling, shot her right hand out to block the attack, but Gil stopped his attack and moved his right arm across himself to the left, which also pulled Renna's left arm across herself.
This caused Renna to spin slightly, making it so that Renna had to look left to face Gil.
Gil maneuvered his left arm around Renna's neck, and then pulled her towards his body so that Renna's back was to Gil's front. He still had a grip on her left arm with his right hand.
With Renna's left hand pinned between her and Gil's body, Renna only had her right hand to defend herself.
She reached backwards, looking to push Gil's chin up for some leverage, but Gil moved his head out of the way and managed to grab at her upper arm with his left hand, holding it in place.
Renna managed to bring her right leg behind Gil's, and hit at his knee so that they both fell to the ground, although Gil kept them both up with his left leg.
She leaned backwards, trying to get Gil to fall over.
The very wet conditions had caused some puddles to build up. Unfortunately for Gil, his left leg had been planted in the middle of one.
When he tried to resist Renna's pushing, he pushed forward.
This caused him to slip, which caused them to fall backwards.
That was Renna's intention, but not like this.
As such, it was less controlled.
They both fell to the floor quickly, and Renna felt her head rock back and meet Gil's head. Gil's head had hit the ground, and was then immediately hit by the back of Renna's head.
Renna felt the grip on her go limp, and she managed to get to her feet and turn around, facing Gil.
Her face became worried.
"You… You alright, Gilly?", asked Renna, bringing her arms to her chest while bending down at Gil.
"Yeah… I'm fine.", said Gil, feeling at his forehead with his right hand.
Renna still looked worried. Her eyebrows angled upwards, and her mouth was almost sad looking.
"No, seriously, Gilly… Are you okay?", asked Renna again.
Gil rose to his feet, shook his head from side to side, and looked at Renna with thoughtful eyes.
"Yes, Renna. I'm fine."
After a moment of consideration, Renna returned to her happy face, although her eyebrows showed that she felt guilty.
"Wha-wha-wha-wha-what happened?!", asked Neptune, looking at them with slight concern.
"I didn't see exactly what happened, but Renna looks concerned.", answered Uzume.
"Renna headbutted Gil while he had her in a hold. I don't think that it was intentional, though.", answered Dusty.
"A… headbutt?!", said Neptune. "Wouldn't that hurt?"
"It would. For the both of them.", replied Dusty.
"It did look like Gil slipped there… I hope it wasn't intentional, since this is just a practice fight…", said Uzume.
"I doubt that she would've intentionally done that.", said Dusty, looking at the two girls next to him. He eyed Neptune particularly. "And remember, no outside interference."
"I-I know… Not that I planned to do that, obviously.", said Neptune.
"Uh-huh.", commented Uzume, in a sarcastic tone. "You? Not get involved? What happened to the stalker in you?"
"S-Shush, you.", said Neptune, who was uncharacteristically embarrassed.
"Hey! What's goin' on over there!", shouted Uzume, with a smile.
"Nothing! Everything's fine over here!", answered Renna.
"Maybe you two should stop there?", said Neptune.
Renna looked at Neptune, and then at Gil.
"Yeah, maybe.", Renna muttered to herself.
"Renna?", asked Gil.
"Just wondering if you wanted to stop for now. We could keep going, if you want."
Gil turned his eyes upward, looking to the edges of the dark clouds to see if there was any semblance of sunlight.
There was not.
"I don't know what the time is, but it's probably in the afternoon. I think it's fine if we go now.", answered Gil.
"And we wouldn't want to get sick!", added Renna.
Gil smiled at this.
"Exactly."
They unsummoned their weapons and turned to face the other three.
"Yup, we're done for now.", said Renna, as they walked.
"Catch.", said Uzume, as she threw their umbrella out.
Renna caught it and held it out for Gil, who took it. He then held it above them after spreading it out.
"So what'd you thiiiink?", asked Renna, with her arms behind her.
The three onlookers quietly thought about what to say for a moment.
"I mean, you two are really good at close combat. The way you use your bodies, using every movement to the fullest is really cool.", started Uzume. "Like, when you make a move, there's always a follow up.
I remember the one move you made, Gilsy.", continued Uzume, who faced Gil. "You hit Renna at the side of her chest with the side of your fist, and you used the same motion to hit her with your elbow. That looked sick!", explained Uzume, who was smiling enthusiastically, with her hands partly raised up in fists.
Neptune half lidded her eyes at Uzume, raising an eyebrow.
Uzume saw this, and became embarrassed. She rubbed at her left elbow while looking away.
"I just thought it was cool, geez.", pouted Uzume.
"That wasn't the only thing that caught your attention, apparently.", said Neptune, nudging Uzume. "Hey, hey?"
"Drop it!", reacted Uzume.
"…What else caught your attention, Uzume?", asked Renna, looking towards the redhead.
It looked like Uzume's face changed to partially match her hair colour as her body shot up straight.
"N-Nothing…", replied Uzume, waving it off. "Nothing. Nothing."
Renna raised an eyebrow at this, cocking her head to the side.
"Nothing?", asked Renna. "Doesn't seem like it…"
"It wasn't important! Nepsy just made a stupid joke, that's all!", said Uzume.
"I'd rather you'd leave it at that.", said Dusty.
Renna looked up at him, holding a confused face.
"It was a spectacular fight.", started Dusty. "I hadn't anticipated for you two to be so well versed in combat. And with nothing but your bodies, excluding the armaments."
"Hah, that joke again!", exclaimed Neptune.
"You made that same joke last time Nepsy, it's over now.", said Uzume, in a tired voice.
"The key to comedy is repetition! Normally in threes.", said Neptune, holding three fingers out.
"…Moving back on track, the gauntlets seem to be as sturdy as they should be. They came into contact with another set of weapons of the same material, and they held out fine."
"They did. No problems with them.", added Gil.
"Hm. Good. A testament to their quality!", smiled Dusty, who hit his chest with his right hand, as if to congratulate himself.
Dusty stopped his smiling, and returned to his cross armed stance. He looked at Renna and Gil again, and continued.
"Where did you two learn to fight like that?", asked Dusty.
Renna seemed surprised at the question, and looked around, trying to come up with something.
"…We were taught a long time ago.", said Gil, looking to his right.
"A long time ago, huh? By who?", continued Dusty.
Gil looked to Renna.
"By our parents.", stated Renna. Although she was smiling, she looked sad.
"Your parents? From a very young age, I presume?", persisted Dusty.
"Yes…", answered Renna, again. "They taught us how to fight, but they were realistic with how they did so, since we were… much younger. They cemented it in us, and more."
"…And magic.", added Gil.
"And magic. They taught us how to harness our affinities.", finished Renna.
"So you were taught by your parents, then?", continued Dusty, shifting his stance.
"Was there anybody else?", asked Uzume.
"There was one man… He taught us after our parents…", said Renna, stopping herself.
Dusty saw this, and slightly narrowed his eyes.
"…We were out in the wilderness for a long time, with no home. He took us in. And he taught us more.", said Gil.
"But enough reminiscing!", said Renna. "Anything else, Dusty?"
Dusty looked at her, and frowned at Renna for a moment. He then sighed, and took a more normal face.
"No. Nothing else."
"Alright. And you, Neptune?", asked Renna.
Neptune, seemingly brought back from daydreaming, looked around for a second before answering.
"I think that you two were super cool! Just the way you put your bodies into it, the attacks that you did do, and all that technical stuffs! Awesome-sauce-ome!", answered Neptune, who continued.
"But geez, Renny, you really are good with your feet! And you, Gilly, are really good with your hands."
Renna narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, and smiled at Neptune brightly.
"And… that's all, I think.", said Uzume, who brushed her left hand through her hair. "We should probably get goin' dontcha think?"
"That's a good idea.", said Dusty.
"Then let's-a go!", said Neptune, putting her right arm up and walking merrily.
The group all moved together, travelling back down the path.
Dusty, again, took up the rear of the pack.
Renna and Gil walked at the front again, and Neptune and Uzume took their positions in the middle.
Dusty seemed to be thinking about something, and looked to the ground while walking.
He then looked up, frowned, and called out.
"Stop, all of you.", he said, causing the other four to turn around.
"What's up?", asked Uzume.
Dusty took a deep breath in and out, keeping his frown.
"I'm sure you all know what I've offered Renna, and all of you as well.", started Dusty, causing everyone to realize what he was talking about.
"For the remainder of your stay here in Lowee, come to my house. You are all free to live there as you like, and come and go as you please.", continued the blacksmith.
"I trust that you are all aware of your current… situation?", asked Dusty.
"We've told them.", answered Renna.
"Good. That makes this easier. You all know of that boy. He's vile. He wants your weaponry, and he wants more than that.", said Dusty, directed at the siblings.
Nobody else spoke, letting Dusty continue.
"And he can cause a mess. I've seen him make problems over smaller matters. He's not so kind as to let you all go free, without at least attempting to get what he wants."
"We know. He approached us in an alleyway when we left your shop yesterday.", informed Renna.
"Let me guess, he had his henchmen block both sides?", asked Dusty, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes.", nodded Renna.
"Even more reason to take my offer. He's already started to make moves. And you don't want that to get worse."
"How can we be sure that your house is safer, though?", asked Neptune.
"They wouldn't know that you've moved there. Or at least, not immediately. It'll buy you a day, at the very least.", explained Dusty.
"That's not a lot of time…", said Neptune.
"I know. But I have security measures in my house, while a hotel does not. Whether it be fences, alarms, or heavy duty locks, it would be safer to come with me.", continued Dusty.
"He… does have a point.", said Uzume.
"I'm glad that you see my point."
The four others looked like they were considering it for some time.
They came together, and stood in a square.
They were talking about, with all of them having a time to share their thoughts.
After some time, Renna nodded at Dusty, and walked towards him.
"We'll stay at your house, but you'll have to give us some time. Tomorrow, we'll be there. I still have your address.", said Renna.
"Tomorrow might be too late."
"We need time to pack, and we need to talk to the lady in charge of the hotel."
Dusty narrowed his eyes again, then sighed.
"Fine. But be quick about it. Stop by my shop tomorrow, then I'll direct you from there."
"Okay.", said Renna. She looked behind her and nodded at the other three. "Tomorrow it is."
She turned back to Dusty, and smiled at him.
"Thanks, Dusty. For looking out for us."
"Hmph. Let's continue."
They all continued walking down the path.
The rain was still coming down, as it had hours ago. And still, no sunlight.
There were damp, orange leaves littering the side of the path and scattered about the main part of it. They looked dark orange, due to the dampness.
Nobody seemed to mind, though.
They walked for quite a while, nearing the end of the path.
"Quite the fight you had there, huh?", came a voice.
Everyone stopped, looking around.
Dusty instantly frowned, looking between the trees.
He recognized that voice. As did Renna, and Uzume.
"Come out, Faust.", called out Dusty.
From the left side of the path, out walked Faust through the trees. He had a green zip up hoodie on him that covered his head, and his hands were in two pockets at the bottom of the hoodie.
But his face could still be seen, along with his smile.
"You got me, you got me.", said Faust, in a mocking tone.
Four more people walked from out of the trees, and each of them had a hoodie on as well, which were all brown.
"Oh, and them, too.", continued Faust.
"What the hell do you want?", shouted Uzume, walking to the front of her group.
"You already know, Uzume.", replied Faust, nonchalantly.
Uzume took an angrier face, furrowing her brows while slightly opening her mouth.
Renna walked next to her, putting a hand on her right shoulder.
Uzume looked at her, and then to Faust.
"We've already told you, you won't get what you want.", said Renna, taking her hand off of Uzume.
Faust kept smiling at the pair, and turned his attention to Dusty.
Faust walked forward a bit, getting closer and separating from his group, although they followed him.
"So, old man. Seems that they truly are "valued customers,", huh?", said Faust, who kept his smile, although his brows angled down.
"Yes. I was just here to see how well my creations performed.", said Dusty, his arms to his sides.
"I know, I also saw that. Trees provide a ton of cover, ya know? But anyway, they do perform well.", said Faust, who turned his head to Gil.
"Hey, do you think that they'd fit me? You're the brother, right?", asked Gil.
Gil lowered his head slightly, looking at Faust with angled eyebrows.
Faust sauntered closer, taking his sweet time while walking forward.
"You're the one that's surrounded by these three ladies. How lucky.", said Faust.
Gil didn't talk to him, and kept looking at him.
"And you? With the purple hair? Quite the looker.", continued Faust, looking at Neptune.
Neptune dramatically covered herself with her arms, but quickly dropped it.
"Thanks, but no thanks, pal.", said Neptune, waving her right hand at Faust.
"I heard you were quite unique with the way you acted, and I can see you live up to it.", commented Faust.
"Geez, and you call me the stalker.", said Neptune, who had walked up next to Uzume, nudging at her left side. "Take a look at this guy!"
"Hmph. I have my ways.", said Faust, simply.
Each party stood like this for a while, listening to nothing but the rain fall.
"But you know what I want.", started Faust, again walking forward.
Uzume, Neptune and Renna watched him as he got closer, eyeing his movements and his pockets.
He had reached for something last time, but Uzume and Renna didn't see what it was.
His group had gotten closer as well, although not nearly as close as Faust was.
He was still smiling.
"I want your weapons. Your two swords, and your boots. Not even sure that they'd fit me, but I don't care. And those gauntlets of yours, you. You don't like to talk, do you?"
"Not to you.", said Gil.
"I don't really think you have a choice.", replied Faust. He lost his smile, and his eyes were narrower.
He took his hand out of his pockets, exposing his gloved hands. He showed his open palms, and turned his hands around.
"See? Nothing in my hands."
He was closer, just in front of Uzume.
"Your group is just stock filled with unique looking people, isn't it?", commented Faust. He looked to Renna, and stuck his left hand out.
He found that his hand was caught midair, and looked to see Dusty grabbing it with his right hand.
"Watch it, boy. Or I'll deal with you myself.", said Dusty, in a deep voice.
"Watch it, Dusto.", said Faust, who had a knife to Dusty's body, held in his right hand. "I always have something up my sleeve."
"You're not funny, boy."
"Neither is this knife."
Dusty looked at the knife, and then to Faust.
Dusty let go of Faust's hand, pushing it back at Faust.
"Where were we… Right. What I want.", said Faust, returning to his smile.
"You mean what you won't get?", said Uzume.
"Even under all this rain, you're still a hothead.", replied Faust.
"As if you know me."
"Better than you think."
"Stop it.", said Neptune. "You're not gonna come here on a nice day and ruin it for us like this!"
Faust turned his head to Neptune, looking about her hair and her face, resting on her eyes.
"It doesn't have to be ruined. You like happy things, right?"
Neptune blinked at him, but spoke.
"Yes, I do! And you're a person that takes that away! Gilly here just got those gauntlets, and you want to steal them!"
Faust looked intrigued at what was just said.
"He just got them? Is that right?", said Faust, eyeing Gil before looking back at Neptune.
"Yes.", said Neptune, with a pout. "They were a gift from Renny. So you can't take it away."
"Oh, a gift, is it? Makes them all the more precious."
"It does, but not for you."
"You sure know how to drag out a conversation, boy. If you have nothing else to say or do, leave. Now.", threatened Dusty.
Faust smiled at Dusty, and then looked at Renna, taking a more serious face.
"This is your last chance. I'd hate to have to hurt any of you, so why not make this easier for all of you?", said Faust.
Renna looked up at him.
"It's a no, Faust. Go away.", said Renna.
Faust closed his eyes slowly, then looked at Gil.
"Hey, silent film. You don't want to see your sister here get hurt, right? You'd not want that, right?", said Faust.
Gil stepped forward and partially in front of Renna.
"I will make it so that it does not happen.", stated Gil.
"And what if I were to make it so that it happened anyway?"
"I wouldn't allow that."
"That's not what I asked."
"I know."
The two stared at each other for a moment, and Faust continued.
"Things don't always go as planned, you.", stated Faust.
"I'm well aware."
"Oh really?", said Faust, who's eyes suddenly widened.
With a knife in his right hand, Faust was rushing it at Gil's stomach.
"Gilly!", called out Renna and Neptune.
"Gilsy!", called out Uzume, who saw it coming.
Gil had dropped the umbrella.
He grabbed Faust's right hand with his left one, and in his right hand he summoned his greatsword, with the tip of it resting under Faust's chin.
Gil's eyes were also wide, and his mouth was tight.
Faust and Gil stared at each other, not making any other moves.
Faust pulled his hand back, and Gil let it go. Gil then unsummoned his greatsword.
Faust flipped the knife around and slipped it into his right pocket.
"I wasn't going to actually commit to that. I just wanted to see what would happen.", said Faust, with a smug smile.
"Sure, sure, tough guy. Keep on walkin'!", said Neptune.
Faust smiled at this, and backed away.
"Just letting you know, this was a wasted opportunity for you all.", said Faust, moving backwards.
Gil kept looking at Faust as he and his group walked away, eventually turning around and walking off, out of sight.
He bent down and picked up the umbrella that he had dropped.
He turned to see Renna sharing an umbrella with Neptune.
He walked towards them, and Renna joined him under their umbrella.
"That was fricken dangerous, Gilsy!", exclaimed Uzume, with worry on her face. "You could've… died!"
"I could've.", replied Gil, simply.
"And yet here you are, treating it like it's nothing! What is up with you?!", continued Uzume, who lightly hit Gil's chest with her left hand.
Gil looked down, and then back up at Uzume.
"Sorry."
He suddenly felt two arms coil around him, and he knew that it was Renna.
"I was worried, Gilly. You didn't have to do that for me.", spoke Renna.
"I know you could've handled it."
"That's not what I'm saying! That was really scary for a second."
"I… apologize."
"Of course, I appreciate it though. I'm not saying that you did something bad. I'm just saying that I was worried."
Gil turned around to face Renna, and smiled down at her.
"It was pretty intense. It could've been like how it is in those series where one of the main characters suddenly get the boot!", said Neptune.
"You seriously do not stop, Nepsy…", muttered Uzume.
"It's part of my charm!", winked Neptune, who then turned back to Gil. "That was really cool of you, Gilly. I'm sure everyone else thinks so as well. Especially Uzume over there."
"H-Hey!", exclaimed Uzume.
"I thought that it was really heroic of you.", added Renna, smiling brightly at Gil.
"Such a brave, brave boy." ,teased Neptune.
Gil smiled between the three of them, and then looked to Dusty.
Dusty looked at him with narrowed eyes, and then nodded at him.
"You handled that well, boy. Didn't go too far, but made it known that you'd drop him if you had to. A cool head, and a calm disposition. Would've handled it like that myself.", complimented Dusty.
Gil looked at Dusty with a surprised face, and then nodded at him in understanding.
"Wowee, even got ol' Dusto here to give you a compliment! That's gotta count for a lotta points!", exclaimed Neptune.
"Don't call me that, girl.", said Dusty.
"Sorry, sorry… But back to reporter Uzumoe! What's your opinion on the heroic act done by local hero… Gil?", asked Neptune, pulling out an imaginary microphone and holding it to Uzume's mouth.
Uzume pulled her head back, trying to avoid Neptune's imaginary microphone.
"N-Nepsy… Stop it…", said Uzume, moving her head from left to right as Neptune pushed on.
"No, Uzume, you're an eye witness! So you have to give your report!", continued Neptune, smiling away.
"I took Neptune for a joker.", said Dusty, nodding to himself.
"She's usually like this.", added Gil.
Uzume eventually relinquished herself to Neptune's interrogation.
"Well… Yeah, I thought it was cool…", admitted Uzume, looking at Neptune from the corner of her eye.
Neptune still held the imaginary microphone out, and shook it, egging Uzume on.
"W-What, can't I think something's cool anymore?", continued Uzume.
"Not in this day and age! People might think that you have a crush on Gil. Is this true? How long have you had it? When's the wedding?"
"Ugh, shut up, Neptune. You're always so weird.", said Uzume, who decided to lightly push Neptune away.
"Yeah… You're very weird…", said Renna, who was eyeing Neptune.
"Tee-hee!", said Neptune, bonking herself on the head.
"Can we just get going?", asked Uzume.
"Can we?", asked Dusty, looking down the path to make sure that nobody was around it.
"Sure, sure.", said Neptune, putting away her imaginary microphone.
They all walked down the path. They were close to the city, and could see the roads.
They walked through the rain, crossing streets and moving under cover.
It was still as wet as ever.
In little over half an hour, the group was at Dusty's shop.
"Alas, this is where we part ways, Sir Dusty…", said Neptune.
"Thank you for coming with us, Dusty.", said Renna. "I hope you enjoyed the show."
"I did.", nodded Dusty. "It was my pleasure."
Renna smiled at him.
"And please, do hurry up. I'd still encourage you all to move to my house tonight, if possible.", added Dusty.
"We'll be as quick as possible tomorrow morning, Dusty. You can be sure of that!", said Renna.
"I hope so."
Renna looked to the other three, and then back at Dusty.
"Well, goodbye Dusty! See you tomorrow!", waved Renna.
"See ya, Dusty.", saluted Uzume.
"Fare thee well!", waved Neptune.
Just before Gil said goodbye, Dusty grabbed his right arm.
Gil looked up at Dusty.
The three girls were a small distance away, and all turned to face what was happening.
"You be sure to protect your sister, Gil.", said Dusty, in a low, serious voice. "I don't know what Faust has planned, but you might need to take action like you did earlier, in the worst case."
Gil looked at Dusty, and took a determined face.
"I am prepared to do so. I will make sure that she's taken care of. I will make it so.", replied Gil.
Dusty looked at him some more, then released him.
"That's good. And don't be afraid to come to me if you need help with that.", said Dusty.
"I will keep that in mind.", said Gil, briefly giving the blacksmith a small smile. "Goodbye, Dusty."
"Goodbye, Gil."
And the group of four regrouped, turned around, and headed back to the hotel.
"What was that about, Gilly?", asked Renna, as they were walking.
"Nothing to worry about. He just asked me to protect you.", replied Gil.
Renna gave an amused huff, and then pat her right hand to Gil's shoulder.
"That's nice of him. But it's not like you'd need to be told that. We protect each other, after all.", said Renna.
"All of us!", exclaimed Neptune, out of nowhere.
"We got each other's backs, after all.", finished Uzume.
Gil smiled to himself, and they all kept walking towards the hotel.
Where they spent the rest of the day relaxing, talking, admiring Gil's new weapons…
And playing games, of course.
The next day:
It was still raining.
Gil, still under the cover of his blanket, could hear it hitting the roof. Was it harder than yesterday? It seemed like it.
But maybe it'd die down like it had yesterday.
Gil stretched his arms down while still lying down, and then brought his arms out from the protection of the warm cover.
Gil slowly rose up from his lying down position, breathing in as he did so. He looked around himself, his eyes already acclimated to the low light room.
He looked across the room, and saw three other mattresses, each with a blanket on them.
He could see Neptune in her own bed, sleeping away while her hair ran wild. Maybe she moved around a lot in her sleep?
He looked around some more, looking at the two other beds.
The two empty beds.
Gil blinked a few times at this, and rubbed at his eyes.
He slowly got up from his bed, and went to inspect the beds.
If Gil remembered correctly, Uzume did sometimes go out for early morning runs. Renna had accompanied Uzume on her last one, so maybe they would start going together, from now on?
If that was the case, Gil was happy. If Renna enjoyed it, which she clearly did, then Gil was happy.
And it'd mean that they'd keep in shape. Not that Gil thought either of them were out of shape, or that they'd need regular exercise.
Goddesses were innately strong, after all.
But Neptune…?
Gil looked to her, still fast asleep.
She looked to be… fit. She was. She could run, jump, attack, stretch, and move really fast when she wanted to.
Perhaps Neptune would want to start exercising more. Gil doubted that she'd ever wake up so early, though.
Or maybe he was wrong? Maybe she'd also start going for early morning runs?
Then Gil would always wake up alone.
Or he'd have to go with them, as well.
He didn't mind, either way.
Gil stood up, and walked over to the sliding door.
They'd probably have left a note, like last time.
He slid the door open quietly, and let the natural light come in.
It wasn't very bright, seeing as the sun was still covered by its own cloudy blanket.
He looked back at the bedroom, seeing it clearer now that there more light shone into it.
There was no note on the door. On either side of it.
Somewhere else, then.
He walked to the kotatsu, looking at the top of it.
There was no note present there, either.
They wouldn't have hid something this important.
He moved to the kitchen, looking at the counters, the cupboards, the outside of the fridge and inside of the fridge.
Nothing.
As he walked back into the lounge area, he glanced towards the bathroom door.
Nothing.
Strange.
Wait, of course…
Gil looked across the lounge, at the door leading out of their hotel room.
Planted on the door was a white note, with writing on it.
Of course.
He had gotten worried.
He walked over to the door, looking at the note.
He pulled it off of the wall. This was a proper note, bigger than a sticky note.
And so, Gil started reading.
To the remaining two residents of this room…
Hey. It's me.
I told you, yesterday was your last chance.
But none of you listened.
Not the old man, not the redhead, and not the sister.
And neither of you two, either.
So now things have to get messy.
I did warn you. Don't say I didn't.
Because I told you.
I always get what I want.
So now they pay the price.
I've taken them both with me, as a sort of punishment.
If you try hard enough, maybe you'd be able to figure out where we are.
I'd hurry up though. I'd be very quick, if I were either of you.
And I'd be prepared.
Because, as I said…
They're both quite unique.
Regards.
You know who.
Renna… and Uzume…
They were…
Gone…
Kidnapped…
By that… man…
Gil looked at the letter after he had finished reading it.
He was wide eyed, and he was suddenly very, very alert.
And very, very angry.
What was it that Uzume had said?
Something about how, if it rains, it's usually a sign that a day's going to be bad?
And she was right.
Today was a bad day.
A very, very bad day.
…Yeah.
A very, very bad day.
We'll see where this takes us…
But yeah, what'd you think of it? The fight scene at the beginning? All of the group talking together? All the funny stuff? The group's confrontation with Faust and his group?
And, of course, the ending?
Let me know what you think, and if you're excited to see where this is going.
Because I sure am! And I hope you are, too!
Because things will happen… Trust me.
But anyway, don't be afraid to share a review! Become one of the regulars, if you want! I'll be happy to answer any of your questions as best as I can, or just respond in general!
It gets a bit lonely, after all…
But anyway, enough moping around.
I sincerely hope that you all enjoyed this chapter! I hope the fight was fluid, and that the characters seemed natural and good.
So yeah.
That's all, this time!
Goodbye for now!