"Arc!" Poco rushed toward the lord and Kukuru. "Toshu is stirring up a mess. He's drunk!"
Arc felt his face get red. "Good old Toshu."
Kukuru giggled nervously.
"Chongara's trying to stop him, but he just started a riot."
Arc sighed and started toward the commotion with Kukuru and Poco following behind him. Toshu, Chongara, and Iga were surrounded by the crowds. Toshu was ranting with a bottle of wine in his grasp. Chongara was angrily responding and interrupting him. Iga stood next to Toshu, restraining him, from attacking anyone. The people parted for Arc. He looked at Toshu impassively.
"Ah, Arc, want ya join me for a bottle of wine? Then, there are all those pretty women over there… and ah…this is heaven…" Toshu said blissfully.
Arc stared at him. "Toshu, I think you've had enough. Come on, let's go." He and Iga helped Toshu away from the crowds, who resumed the party. Poco assisted in the transition by playing his harp. Kukuru returned to the shrine.
"Toshu always gets drunk.," Chongara said. He shook his head.
Iga grinned. "It wouldn't be Toshu then if he didn't."
The four reached a small cottage and placed the warrior on the bed. Toshu mumbled and muttered indistinctly. Arc smiled slightly. "Iga and Chongara, go back and enjoy the celebration. I'll stay with Toshu."
The monk and the pilot nodded. They left.
Arc sighed and comforted Toshu, who was still rambling on about spontaneous topics that dealt with wine and love.
~
Elk shook his head. "I don't understand, Lieza. I thought we cleared them out. The Nameless Crusade is gone. The orbs have all been destroyed. If there were more Chimera, they wouldn't have reacted. There shouldn't be anymore at all."
Lieza shrugged as she rubbed Pandit. "Well, it doesn't seem to be anything huge. The spirits do not seem disturbed at all."
"Yes." Elk nodded. "I can't believe this. A vacation ruined."
Lieza giggled. "Elk, you were bored with our vacation a long time ago. You seemed more excited when we were attacked."
Elk sighed exasperatingly. "I still hate them for Merril. What they did to her… and Gene…"Elk sobbed. "Oh, Lieza, I miss them."
Lieza put her arm around Elk. "Please, Elk. You've already got your revenge. Let's go visit Shu. You can surprised him with your newfound knowledge of technique."
Elk sighed and embraced Lieza. "It's not just that then. We should tell him about the Chimera just in case it does become major."
"The spirits don't view it as a threat," Lieza said. She couldn't help but think of Clive. I hope there are no other people like that man. He was …. No, no, I can't think that… He wasn't attractive… He was just smart… but on the wrong side…he was a brilliant man…if only he had repented… I can't deny the truth. There are other people like him. He hated the spirits for what he couldn't earn. He had no love… what do I think and feel for him? He took me away from Elk… and made me endanger the world… why?..