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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 085: Payne

Anime: BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense!

Prompt: Fireworks Festival

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note:

KHP*KHP*KHP

Forest

Payne was wandering in the forest near his guild, his thoughts preoccupied with his recent defeat by Maple during the fourth event. He was competitive enough that the loss burned and he wanted revenge, but he also took it as a learning experience. It wasn't as though his guild still hadn't been ranked first place in the event. He would be better prepared to face Maple and her Maple Tree Guild next time, however.

"Hello, Payne," a feminine voice spoke, catching Payne's attention away from his musings.

Knowing who the speaker was, he smiled genuinely. "Hey, Kagome," he greeted.

Kagome stepped out from the shadows, her two-tailed familiar comfortably situated on her shoulder. Dressed in a fighting kimono that was similar to Kasumi's, except Kagome's had a breastplate that didn't hide her feminine curves, she had paired the lightweight outfit with combat boots. Slung over one shoulder, she had her bow and a quiver filled with arrows. With her hair tied into a high ponytail and demon slayer's shield covering the bottom half of her angelic features, the raven haired beauty was a force to be reckoned with. She was a solo player whom Payne had crossed paths with more than once – and one he knew outside of the game.

She sighed. "You know better than to use my real name while we're playing," she reprimanded. "My in-game name is Miko."

Payne chuckled. "I'm not that careless. You don't have to worry about me revealing anything too personal about you," he assured. "Anyway, what brings you here? You don't normally wander so close to guilds." Many had tried to recruit her, but she had refused all offers thus far. She had even declined his invitation. And that had honestly stung.

"I happened to see your fight with Maple and her guild."

"You caught that, did you?" He couldn't help chuckling again. "I panicked, so it was my loss. It was a good duel though. I was able to gain a lot of information. I won't lose next time." He gazed meaningfully at his companion. "Of course, if you had been there, things would've been very different."

Maple was a true monster in the game, but Kagome was on another level. Her skill set included unique techniques that seemed personally crafted for her. Her MP was the highest he had ever seen, with spells that could purify her opponents and heal multiple team members at a time. Her long-range weaponry was also a huge asset to any team she partied with. Her familiar was also capable of flight, casting fire techniques, and could transform into a battle mode that made her as fierce as a saber-toothed tiger.

Kagome smiled. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. I like being a solo player. I'm not interested in joining guilds and I don't enjoy PVP like you do."

"Fair enough," he conceded. "How about this: Why don't we team up for old time's sake? There's supposed to be a quest near here."

"What kind of quest?"

He shrugged. "Just a simple one. Protect a couple from some monsters while guiding them through the forest until we reach our destination. You in?"

The raven haired beauty hummed, a slight smile curving her lips. "Sure," she agreed. "For old time's sake."

Payne grinned charmingly. "Excellent. Let's go while the night is still young."

"Lead the way."

KHP*KHP*KHP

Cave

~Quest: Protection Duty~

The last monster they had to face was a bat-like creature that could fly at amazing speeds, had excellent night vision, and could breathe a limitless stream of fire at its opponents. While it was hard to defeat, it wasn't impossible. With Payne delivering devastating blows and Kagome firing aerial attacks from atop Kirara, her two-tailed companion, they made quick work of the last obstacle standing in the way of their victory.

Payne jumped back, narrowly missing a burst of fire. Holding his sword up defensively, he called out to the raven haired beauty, "One more hit should do it, Miko!"

"Let's finish this," she replied, the thrill of battle coloring her tone.

A smirk curved his lips, his own blood surging with adrenaline and causing a hum in his veins. "We'll attack at the same time. On three… One… Two…"

Then, as one, Payne swung his sword as Kagome fired an arrow. Both weapons blazed with their combined power, a blinding light illuminating the cave.

"Holy Sword of Conviction!"

"Hit the mark!"

The bat-like monster flinched, blinded and paralyzed. It was helpless to their power and, with a final cry, it disintegrated into bits of data that instantly scattered around them in a sparkling display.

Kirara landed beside Payne. Kagome dismounted, a satisfied smile on her angelic features.

"It's been a while since I've seen your fancy footwork, Payne. Not bad," she said.

He rose an amused brow. "I'll take that as a compliment."

The couple they were guarding approached, their automatic chat screens loading.

"Thank you so much for escorting us through the forest," the male half said.

The female half continued, "We are so grateful for your assistance! To show our appreciation, please join us for the festival."

Kagome blinked, curious. "Festival?"

The male half gestured to the exit, which the bat-like monster had been guarding prior to its defeat. "The festival takes place in the little town on the other side of this cave. If you move quickly, you'll catch the beginning of the fireworks."

She blinked again, eyes slowly widening. "Fireworks?"

Payne chuckled. "Come on, Miko, let's go. We definitely don't want to miss this," he said. Easily grasping one of her delicate hands, he started leading the way out of the cave and into the surrounding forest. "I know the perfect spot." Wordlessly, she followed him.

When they reached their destination, hands still interlocked, the handsome Guild Leader smiled at his companion. "Here we are."

"What's going on?"

"You haven't figured it out yet? The reward for completing this particular quest is a Fireworks Festival," he said, a tender smile forming on his face. "The quest is mainly for couples, after all."

A pretty blush dusted her cheeks, her amethyst eyes shining with her emotions. "A couple's quest?"

He squeezed her hand. "How else am I supposed to take my girlfriend out on a date? Our schedules have been so busy lately I only get to see you in the game."

Pure love bloomed on her features and her smile was one of the sweetest he had ever seen. The way she squeezed his hand back was endearing and heartfelt. "I love you."

Leaning down until their foreheads touched, he grinned. "I love you, too."

And – as the first firework exploded in a brilliant display of color and amazement – Payne closed the space between them to tenderly kiss Kagome.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added this series of prompts to their favorites list! You're awesome :)

What did you guys think of this chapter? I just watched the anime within the last few months, so I thought it would be fun to write :D Have you seen it? If you like light-hearted comedy, I would definitely recommend it!

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XOXO,

Celestial Law