Turn 6: Way of Life
"One way or another, trouble seems to creep in."
Dull steel once again clashed at the training room the Doctor is now fond of, a shattered practice hooksword lade bare while a katana was knock down to the floor, it belonged to one of the newer Operators in Rhodes Island. He was the former manager of the underground Azazel Clinic at Ursus, Chernobog. When the place was besieged by Reunion he decided to go to Rhodes Island and now he serves as both combatant and tactical support.
The Liberi veteran put aside the practice blade he was using, satisfied with the progress the Doctor was making. The Doctor came towards him before asking to be under his tutelage, normally he would say no but this was the man that Reunion fought Rhodes Island for so surely there must be something special about this man.
He was wrong at least at first, the Doctor was not a remarkable person in the field of combat. The man was certainly a terror in the tactical aspect of battle but he was an average person even when he was holding that hooksword of his, strange weapons as they have an extended hook that prevented them from being a perfectly good rapier. The blade if it was meant for disarming would shatter if the enemy has a more durable weapon.
Yet the ingenuity of the Doctor, to think that his tactical prowess was also converted into spur-of-the moment creativity in missions. Applying the terrain he was able to get across point A to point B without much difficulty because of the grappling hook he carried and the unconventional hook of his blade. Perhaps that spark that he had seen within the young man was something that shouldn't be ignored.
Keep in mind, this was before he had ever seen the Spirit ARTS as Rhodes calls it. Such power how it frightened the old veteran to think that such select few can harness it and the organization where such things originated from has barely any idea how it works.
Hellagur was not too keen in taking up students anymore, however with the potential that the Doctor had blindsided him with and the man's desire to better this world perhaps he could test his intentions towards the strength he seeks.
"I need every piece of knowledge and strength I can get...I want to be strong enough to protect Rhodes Island."
"Are you not one of the two people in Rhodes Island who has a special form ARTS? Such strength is quite formidable on its own."
In all honesty, he half-expected the Doctor to say that it was not enough or he needed more power; what difference does either statement say? It was like saying you're an optimistic or pessimistic about your own inadequacy, acting out of depravity or greed can be surmised as two sides of the same coin in a way.
Yet,
"Without it, I am nothing but a weakling...our enemies are getting stronger and I cannot continue on relying on such power like a crutch."
The man did not seek the way of the blade out of a single-minded need to fill a gap of power, this was a man aware of his strength and weaknesses and came to him to rectify this oversight. The Doctor must have experienced the bitter taste of failure to see that he has still more to grow, not conforming to his current level.
"I see, you understand what it means to need strength...very well I shall teach you in the discipline of battle."
This is the third time he decided to accept one's favor, the two had left him with scars so deep perhaps the third will be the one that will not result in tragedy. Ah, but this third request was from someone who wanted tear away the binds that hurt the people in this world.
A young man that just needed to be strong to protect his home that was what the Ursus veteran, the General saw in the Doctor.
"You have grown Doctor." The Liberi observed the aftermath of the sparring session, his practice blade was on the ground but the weapon that the Doctor hold was shattered. Still it was a huge leap from what he used to be, the form in his swings was self-taught as such the posture was a mixed bag of comfort and over-exertion.
His apprentice chuckled weakly, "Thanks Master." He bowed in gratitude, only in Rhodes Island will you find a higher ranking member having this kind of relationship with their underling, "Still my weapon broke so I just it's a loss?"
"I'd consider it a draw as in a real battle we would have resorted to our fists." Hellagur solemnly noted, "However I'd probably be at a huge disadvantage with that Persona ability of yours." His assessment was fair, even though the Doctor was honest enough to point out this power's weaknesses.
The Doctor stretched out his arms to unbind the sore muscles on his arm, "Hnnngh...so Master should I work on my swings again?" Even after all this time, Hellagur couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable being called "Master" by his field commander. Yet, that goes to show the respect the Doctor has for him.
"No, that's all for today after all you still have go plan the whole Ark's vacation no?"
Something dawned on the Doctor, "Oh right, thank you for reminding me Master..." He hastily picked himself up and rushed outside the training room. Hellagur gazed at his student's retreating silhouette slightly smiling at this young man's antics.
LEARN! Temper Blade
Cooldown: 5 turns/160 seconds
The user focuses their energy to their blade, the residual aura makes the weapon act like it was just tempered.
TIP! Personal Skill Limit
The Doctor has only so much brain-space when choosing what skills he has learned in his journey to use, thus his mind has a mental limit of at least five skills to use. Certain Associates and milestones can rectify this problem.
0o0
"Like I said, the answer is a resounding no." Kal'sit huffed in indignation, for the third time the Doctor and Amiya offered her to come with them on their vacation. Why can't they understand that as much as she wanted to unwind she still has some things to do?
Oh how she refused to look at the two, however she can tell that the one annoyance and Amiya are pouting at her. "I still have things to do, so I'm deeply sorry I can't join you two." Kal'tsit exasperatedly explained and yet that did not deter the two.
"So..." The lynx couldn't help but feel anxious when the Doctor started talking, "If you ran out of things to do then you'll come?"
Kal'tsit turned towards the man and nodded, "It's not like that will be the case but yes." Then it dawned on her, surely that would be impossible right?
"You two didn't..." Suddenly a pile of papers where put down her desk, a massive pile of what she would assume is her finished work. The person who sat it down was Saria who knowingly smiled at the Doctor and Amiya.
That they did, they did all of her work beneath her back. How all this is possible, Kal'tsit would guess that it was when she decided to take a two hour nap. Still two hours was too brief, that was until she noticed knowing smiles from the whole office.
"This is mutiny!" She internally screamed, even if she checked all those finished documents that would just take an hour of time and knowing her staff they would be onboard with the idea of her taking a break.
Folinic and Susurro exchanged knowing glances at their hapless superior, then decided to leave the room giving the three heads of Rhodes Island to their current discussion.
Knowing that she was heading towards a losing she sighed a defeated breath, "Fine...I'll go with you two." She hoped to whatever deity in Terra that she won't be forced to wear a swimsuit, well knowing the place's blistering weather that seemed like a lost cause as well.
The two leaders celebrated with a mission success, and while they were congratulating themselves on forcing the lynx to relax Kal'tsit was dreading the unbearable summer heat.
In the recesses of her back she could almost feel Monst3r chuckling like the cur that is when those two are involved.
Is taking a break a bad thing though? With Reunion temporarily impeded after that horrible mission, Wei with his endless "generosity" had given the key players in that ordeal a break from their temporary duties.
"Two days in Siesta what could go wrong?"
0o0
"Terra, it's so hot!" Kal'tsit couldn't beat the heat it seems, there she was with the Doctor and Amiya who both wore their summer wear. She was a stubborn fool that refused to wear something fitting for the climate of Siesta and now she's figuratively melting in the heat.
The Doctor laughed at her plight while their charge was awkwardly chuckling, feeling bad for the sweating head of the medical department.
"You know, we can go back to the hotel and you can change." Her companion teasingly said, she knew the man was hysterically laughing in his head at her situation, the bastard.
Usually, she wouldn't let him get the last laugh and stick to her guns but the damn sun is quite the persuasive heavenly body today thus she nodded.
"Alright, good thing we aren't that far from the hotel."
Minutes later the woman changed into a modest bikini that shows her stomach, the bottom part was a bikini skirt and to complete the ensemble she wore a semi-transparent summer coat. Of course since she isn't in the beach just yet she wore the same jean-shorts that Amiya donned on for now.
"Phew, much better."
0o0
It was the best time to go to Siesta, the atmosphere was festive and music is on the horizon. After all it is the annual Obsidian Festival, a gathering of the most hit musicians and bands in all of Terra it was such a well respected event that any faction worth their salt would pause their machinations just to view the proceedings.
Even Reunion, after all being a former musician himself Mephisto while adamant in executing his big sister Talulah's will would never consider attacking such an event. The idea would be suicide in itself but it would also be sacrilege.
Mephisto may have gone off the deep end but even madness has principles that and the rumor of MASK being in the festival was too good to just ignore. Luckily even his leader respected the unspoken rule as they readied the crew and sat on the flat screen TV they managed to pilfer from Chernobog. Crownslayer lost the rock-paper-scissors game so she's in charge of snack duty, the Vulpo was currently making copious amounts of popcorn with the other important machine they stole during the Fall.
What else but a popcorn machine.
Going back to the people that are actually in the venue of the greatest music event of all time, musicians and dancers scattered about the land all of the people enjoying the little concerts and performances that they do for the tourists and locals.
It was quite the sight, as if they were walking by one musical after the other.
Amiya's eyes sparkled brightly as she was mesmerized by the violinist doing their act with gusto, she glanced at her own that she brought with her.
"You want to join them?" Kal'tsit smiled, Amiya loved to play the violin and when he returned she started to play her favorite instrument once again. If she had any spare time, she would check if the two were practicing with the other Operators they managed to assemble in their own band.
Since then Yato and Noir Corne had a more positive relationship compared to before.
Amiya shook her head in embarrassment as Kal'tsit said that, "No I don't really that I'm good enough for that."
"Is that so?" The Doctor said in mock astonishment, "I'd say you're better than them in a heartbeat."
Amiya blushed red at that comment
"For once I agree with you Doctor." Kal'tsit added her two cents in and it doubled the scarlet burning of the little Cautus' cheeks.
The three chuckled as they went towards the beach, killing time till the main event's arrival.
0o0
As far they knew the way to the beach is through the Second Avenue, it was more of a jazzy place compared to the last place they went to, they took in the sights while the Doctor narrowed his eyes at Cafe Renegade.
"So that Cafe is more of a franchise huh?" He wondered what the Sarkaz was doing and by extension Talulah, are they in Siesta for the festivities? Little did he know is that they are watching Siesta's events at Chernobog but the as the Doctor's thoughts start to drift off his friends from Reunion the three stumbled across Sora, the Penguin Logistics Supporter and idol.
"Good morning Doctor, Dr. Kal'tsit, and Amiya." She greeted the three with her ever present cheery smile. The two adults returned her greeting with a smile and nod, "So what brings you three to Second Avenue?"
"Good morning Sora, we were headed to the beach actually and we heard that Second Avenue was one of the places we're gonna go by." Amiya with an equal level of cheer explained, "Still never took you as a fan of jazz Sora."
"I'm all for all kinds of genres after all when it comes to music I'm an expert in all of them." Well that is true, Sora pitched in sometimes when the Doctor needed to refine his voice the girl was bit jealous that the man can go into a feminine voice naturally, "Still, even though I love music with all my soul sometimes it's hard to sleep with show after show so I'm here to unwind and relax."
Some of the Operators got a head start in going to Siesta, most of them just wanted a better place to camp out while waiting for the grand event to come and other Operators were veterans to the Obsidian Festival.
To think Dobermann was one of the most prepared for the Obsidian Festival, the Perro trainer of new recruits quickly and efficiently did her tasks and cashed in her early vacation perk for doing so. Bless her heart that she took Jessica and Fang with her on the trip, much to Kroos' dismay.
Never had the Ark seen the lazy Cautus work herself to the bone just so she can catch up with Fang. At least now there is one thing that can motivate her.
"That's a music festival for you, knowing the other Operators they would enjoy this kind of rowdiness." Kal'tsit commented thinking back to the parties she was forced to attend, the last time she went to those things she got a little schwasty.
Sora nervously chuckled recalling some of the other Operators reactions, "I guess so, given that Ifrit rushed out saying something like "Here I come Ocean." "
"That's just like her..." Amiya smiled, that girl was really excited on going to the beach that Silence and Saria actually got along in helping her prepare.
It was more of a huge lake than an ocean but who really cares about the technicalities when you're having fun? Little Ifrit certainly does not care, if it's an ocean it's an ocean,
"It does have water and has a beach, I'd say it's close." The Doctor pondered, "Well either way that won't stop the more chipper people like Sora from having fun."
"Right-o about that Doctor, well anyways I'm going to rest up here after that I'm gonna have the time of my life." Sora agreed with the Doctor's statement, "Bye guys, nice seeing ya."
The three waved back, happy with the sudden encounter now at that's left is going to the beach.
0o0
The radio broadcast is unavoidable throughout Siesta, usually it would broadcast advertisements of going to the Siesta Gift Store or something along those lines but today is a special event.
The Obsidian Festival.
One of the remote land's more popular products was everything obsidian. The odd black stone is a target for many as it is to the lesser eye a mysterious rock. Being made in the volcanoes certainly gave the stone's reputation a tad bit off from reality but who really cares about being right when you can make a profit.
Oddly enough, the radio broadcast reassured the tourist and people about the Volcano's state. This must have been a daily thing for the land, as living with a magma pool for a neighbor would incite caution among it's residents. Still why did the man on the radio spoke like he was trying to convince the people of their safety rather than delivering proper analysis?
"Speaking of which it's believed that Obsidian has the ability to suppress Oripathy."
The other speaker was amazed by the mythic properties of the rock, and his companion seemed pleased with that reaction.
This intrigued the Doctor and Amiya, a stone that can suppress that stupid illness sounded to good to be true but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to analyze things, although judging from Kal'tsit's eye roll she isn't too convinced about that given her status and knowledge the Doctor realized that it must be one of those souvenir myths to promote the local economy. Kind of like how some Laterano peddlers sell bottles of water claiming it to be blessed by their god, Executor would recall times where the Notarial Hall asked of him to acquit the heathens in using their god's blessing for coin.
"Well the reality of Siesta speaks for itself, no?" There was a hint of pride in that voice, "Scientific "theories" or and what not may speak otherwise but we are one of the few cities with a small population of Oripathy contractors."
"Quite specific wording..." Kal'tsit muttered, she motioned for the two to hurry after all seeing actually medical fact and theories be dismissed is a sore spot to a medical professional.
"At any case, stalls of souvenir shops are scattered all around Siesta so feel free to take your pick." The speaker dropped the pressing of Obsidian's properties it seems, perhaps it's because of courtesy, "Thank you Mister Cronin, we shall see you later."
The now identified Cronin spoke last, "It is the volcano's gift from Siesta that we wish to pass on to you all, We hope that you all will enjoy the festival."
Amiya wondered on what the man said and how dismissive Cronin was at science, "Obsidian can do such things to Oripathy I've never heard of that before."
"It's a tourist ploy, that's just how it is." Kal'tsit said in an equally dismissive tone, however given her occupation they'd say it was justified, "It's irritating to hear that man dismiss scientific fact while peddling some black volcano rock."
"A standard case of misinterpreting correlation and causation I'd say." The Doctor added his two cents in, "I'd be relieved if such a cure can be procured so easily."
The young rabbit girl's ears drooped, so much for the wonder of Siesta. It was unnerving to see such a painful reality in Terra to be almost a mythical aspect in Siesta.
"Perhaps that's just the reality of remote places like this, a lot people aren't aware of Oripathy nor of the Catastrophes." Amiya paused for a while, "I wonder if that's a blessing or a curse."
"Of course ignorance is a curse." The three looked behind the sudden outburst, it was the Caster Skyfire and Catastrophe Messenger Provence a Vulpo Sniper. Of course the Feline was busting out her swimsuit while Provence was on her usual on-duty attire.
The Doctor and Kal'tsit sighed, the former more on relief because for some reason the Doctor was slightly jumpy after that radio broadcast, "Oh it's just you two, so...anything of note Provence?" Judging by her attire, Provence did a little inspection of the land and as Catastrophe Messenger it would be good precaution to know her findings.
The unusual Lupo shook her head, "Nah, we're just on a little field trip because Sky here insisted." It was also a habit of the Messenger to inspect every new land she goes on.
"To be fair, when do we get opportunities to inspect an honest-to-Terra volcano?" Skyfire supplemented, and indeed Siesta's volcano was quite the specimen and the formation of Obsidian should account for something.
With that said, the two groups decided to part ways after all Amiya wanted to see the beach. The crisp waves of the pseudo-ocean should distract them from the hidden layer of Siesta.
0o0
It was a bustling place on the beach, hot sands, hot food, and hot babes it looked like what the brochure advertised in the Victorian Magazine HOUR as one of the best places for tourists.
"One Mango Martini Smoothie." Came the relay of Gummy as she was working double time in managing the food stall that Siesta allowed tourists to set up on.
Siesta's policy was pretty welcoming for the talented cooks of Terra, there was even another Rhodes Island Operator managing his own stall cutely named Kjerag Cooking. The name no doubt was made by Cliffheart but the real reason as to why people come to the place was Matterhorn. The Minos was a hit with tourists and locals on the beach, to eat delicious food while staring at those exposed pectorals was a transcedent experience that the innocent Defender was unaware he was providing much to Cliffheart, Courier, and Pramanix's amusement.
Back to Gummy, she found that she was in quite the pickle; funny that she was just finished adding pickle brine to a particular pickle-flavored cocktail. Orders came out of the wazoo as the tourists ordered Strawberry Tequila Ice Cream, Mango Martinis, Fermented Bubble tea with Pudding and Soberdough Burgers of all things. It is Ursus after all of course they would incorporate any amount of alcohol, much to her chagrin was the lack of orders for Choco-Vodka Parfaits.
It would be nice to have some manpower in this place as Zima was on her break and Istina was busy preparing the ingredients.
Luckily she saw two people she could rely on.
"Doc, Amiya over here." Gummy called out as she saw the three venturing through the beach.
"Ah, Gummy I've seen you have been busy with your vacation." The Doctor observed that most of the Rhodes Island Operators are here in the beach, he can even see Shining making a sandcastle with Nightingale the latter unable to swim because of reasons best left unsaid. It was a cute sight nontheless.
"Say Gummy, how did you end up managing a stall?" Amiya wondered and saw of what looks like Istina's head poking out, "Oh and hello Istina." The bear girl gave a wave instead of verbal greeting, too transfixed in her current job.
As Gummy gave the Strawberry Tequilla Ice Cream with complementary waffle a female tourist had ordered she answered her question, "The sponsor basically allowed tourists to show off their cooking skills here, given the opportunity I thought to promote more of Ursus cuisine here."
"Is having alcohol a mandatory ingredient in Ursus recipes?" Kal'tsit exasperatedly asked as she noticed the menu board has all bar one with something with alcohol in it. The one being bottled water.
The Doctor shyly laughed at her rhetorical question, "To be fair, the alcohol in some of these dishes is removed only leaving the flavor of the liquor." Still he noticed that the boozy desserts and drinks are quite the popular item as he noticed Gummy prepare a Sake Split, a banana split with boozy ice cream and what seemed to be a chocolate rice wine syrup. He recalled a time where the girl was curious about the Higashi liquid courage and it's culinary applications.
Thankfully it seems to be the cooking variant of the stuff.
"Thing is..." Gummy began, "We're getting overwhelmed with all these tourists so I'm going to ask for some help since Zima is on break."
"Only those two?" Kal'tsit asked it was odd for her to be singled out, then again she was made aware on how intimidating she can be by accident, "
The Doctor saw this and said, "Asking all of us to help is a bit too much, on the bright side you can have a bite to eat Kal'tsit I've noticed you're a bit peckish." In truth he just fears the prospect of the lynx cooking, the woman managed to set fire to boiling water last time.
"Well all right, I'll be careful no need to remind me." With that Kal'tsit decided to do something about her parched throat first, Monst3r was complaining about the lack of water in her system.
0o0
Kal'tsit decided to sat on an outdoor bar, she might as well hear any prospects or secrets that might spill in the heat of the moment. It's been a while since she had to entertain herself by hearing what others might have to say.
"Whiskey for two." Suddenly a glass of whiskey has handed to her and another person, a Feline by her looks she looked like an integrated local rather than a born Siestan. The waiter must have thought that they were hanging out given that they are the same race of Ancient.
A tense feeling of silence emanated for a while.
"You look odd for a tourist..."What was that supposed to mean, well what she was wearing was deliberate to cover her backside just to not let Monst3r be visible lest someone recognize her, "Sorry, it's a little weird to say that it just you seem to be deliberate in hiding something."
This woman was prodding areas she shouldn't, Kal'tsit touched her covered shoulder in irritation. The Feline noticed it an instantly felt bad, "I see...it's hard huh? I'm the same so I apologize."
Same? She just touched her shoulder, granted it was the one with rocks protruding...oh.
"Sorry about that, let me put that drink on my tab..." Weird, given that Kal'tsit thought that the drinks are free that's why she came here she forgot her wallet, but who was she to turnover goodwill?
The woman decided to strike a new conversation and thought of a different topic, she sipped her whiskey and began, "So what do you think about Siesta? I'm quite fond of her...Youthful but it's maturing well."
"Well it's my first day here so I feel my opinion would be misinformed, and I wouldn't want to accidentally hurt a local." Kal'tsit replied sipping on the whiskey that her "pet" gladly absorbed some of the fluids on it, for some reason Monst3r wasn't eager to take its share during parties.
"Perceptive, however I'm not really born here I grew to treat this place as my home." The woman stared at her glass she must have a lot of things on her mind, "No matter where they came from, people hold the same love for what their family is after all."
Kal'tsit pondered on what her family is, she went back to taking in Projekt Red and taught all she needed to survive, then to Amiya's growth from the small girl that she is to the Caster and now Persona-user that she is. Then the image of pinkish-white haired Sarkaz floated in her mind as well as a silhouette of the most brilliant man she knew, even with all the hate she had for his decisions she couldn't act on it.
It was impossible to hate what he is now.
"I guess there is some truth to those words." Suddenly a man in a suit approached her newfound companion at the bar, by their posture they aren't in any pleasure stroll that's for certain.
Kal'tsit couldn't make out on the whole of what the man was saying but she did hear the name Cronin, so the dismissive fool is more than a spokesperson of Siesta based on the tone of the conversation was he more like a VIP?
None of her business that's for sure.
"I see, well I'll be off Miss Stranger I hope that you can fall in love with this city." She left the bar to attend to whatever it was that was of importance, she didn't even dropped her name before leaving.
"What a weird one, that Feline." She might as well head back to see what the two were doing after a while, Monst3r was still getting parched and by extension she too so she asked for some sparkling water instead, it's bad to get drunk at this time of day after all.
0o0
"I'm going to wander off a bit, you guys can handle stuff without me right?"
"Yeah, Zima's coming back anyways thank you so much Doctor."
He could go find Kal'tsit but there was still time to explore this sandy oasis, it is a good time to do some vacation reconnaissance so he can plan out something for tomorrow. Hopefully he'll ran into some familiar faces and get info from them.
Still, he didn't expect to run into one so soon.
"Ch'en?" The Doctor was surprised after the last operation, the superintendent didn't set foot into the landship leaving Hoshiguma and Swire on the Lungmen paperwork delivery duty.
The Lung failed at hiding her astonishment at the Doctor being in Siesta, "Ah what are you doing here!? Er I mean what do you mean who's this Ch'en person?" That was strangely out-of-character but maybe that was what embarrassment does that to you?
"What do you mean you're Ch'en you're even wearing a "I Love Lungmen" hat." He's got her there and her companion was laughing at her antics.
She refused to face the man she could only mutter, "I'm not Ch'en...I'm Female Tourist C." It's hard to laugh at her response, in fact her companion did a spit take and laughed.
"Hey, Ch'en I've never seen you this expressive with a guy before is he your..."
Ch'en suddenly did a one-eighty and gaze at her friend with a chilly pair of eyes, "Don't finish that sentence Amelia."
"What do you mean? I'm not Amelia, my name Female Tourist A." Said tourist said all that while doing a transformation pose, like those poses in Mask Courier.
Ch'en's cheeks were getting redder by the minute, seeing that they have teased her enough the Doctor decided to go back on track, "Ok, in all seriousness what brings you to Siesta Ch'en?"
"At first I was on the fence if I should go or not but I heard that rumor..." It was all in Obsgram the rumor of MASK appearing in the concert, the only thread of evidence is a clip of Emperor confirming that he's good friends with the vocalist of the band.
The band MASK which stands for "Music, ARTS and Spirit Keepers," is one of the quickest growing musical bands in Terra, the name was derived from the strange otherworldly songs that became instant hits in the underground music community, eventually hitting the surface in fact the nature of their growth was supernatural in nature as they quickly got acquainted with the same label that Emperor himself produced; rumor has it the man slipped them the pass to quick fame. MASK doesn't really speak out to the internet, it seems like they want to keep things quiet.
Not like the fanbase is complaining though, the music they make slaps. Although at every album Monster Siren Records produced they've gone out of their way to credit a mysterious lyricist called SOS.
"So, that's more than enough to convince ya huh?"
Embarrassed when the Doctor said it like that Ch'en could only nod, "I might as well have some fun on my mandatory vacation."
"He didn't appreciate your vigilance it seems." It was nice to see the dragon lady again, but he still had some things to go check in the beach, "Still it was seeing ya Ch'en I should take my leave."
"Yeah, take care." Ch'en smiled back at him, it was always nice to see familiar faces after all.
The man disappeared into the background and the woman stared at his direction, sensing that the Doctor was gone Amelia asked, "So what really is your relationship with him?"
"I told you it's nothing like that!"
0o0
The glistening sun and bright waves we're quite the hindrance in making way in the beach, the Doctor lamented that he should have at least brought the visor his old ensemble wore. He was such an idiot for missing out on shades.
Still the Doctor managed to find the stand that Ifrit made for herself, she was actually doing well being the sole grill girl.
"Hey Ifrit, you've seen Silence or Saria anywhere." He ordered a few skewers of meat and sausages, he also separated some of the food for Kal'tsit just in case the woman hasn't eaten anything yet. It was slightly weird for the two to leave the young Sarkaz unattended.
Ifrit was busy scorching the meats on the grill to perfection with her ARTS staff, her show was quite the attraction to the tourists and locals here, "Oh yeah Silence and Saria went to buy souvenirs for the others that couldn't make it."
Yeah, that makes sense people like Magallan swore off the hot climate of Siesta. Still some where motivated by the rumor of MASK appearing that they were willing to go out of their comfort zone.
"Thanks, also here's the payment for what I ordered." The Doctor handed a few bills of LMD, more than enough to pay for what Ifrit's stand is charging for.
The young girl was startled and given the math lessons she took Ifrit noticed that the money he gave was higher than what he should pay, "Hold on, subtract this to this...here your change Doc."
It was really heartwarming to see the rough and brash Ifrit that couldn't do mathematical operations by the hundreds place, showing the fruits of her education.
It was impressive that she didn't even require a calculator anymore however instead of taking the change, "Keep the change Ifrit think of it as a tip."
0o0
It took a while but the Doctor finally found the woman in the bar she was at, she was asleep on the counter luckily there were no sleazy bastards here to take advantage of that. Not that they would be able to since he noticed Projekt Red and a certain Phantom's presence in the bar. It seems that they were doing what he requested them to, which is to watch over the two when they were alone not because of he was suspicious of them but just in case something happens to them the Lupo was eager to protect her maternal figure so it was fine.
The specter in question noticed in turn that their cover was blown by their employer. Nevertheless they were satisfied to serve a lord that can sense their servitude, their work is done so it's best to depart.
"Hey, Kal wake up." He shook her body and he received a groan in return a few moments the sleeping beauty woke up with slightly messy hair.
"I'm awake, I must have dozed off while waiting."
The Doctor could guess as to why, "You didn't sleep properly again didn't you?" He slightly scolded the woman not before handing her a stick of meat.
"What of it." She harshly responded but quickly apologized, her harsh tone was muscle memory at this point of her long life, "I take it that it is from Ifrit's stand?"
Did Kal'tsit passed by her food stand before? The Doctor was astonished at the quick but accurate guesswork his fellow doctor made, "Yeah...how did you know that, you saw her?"
"No, her ARTS has a unique property so I figured." That makes sense even for Ifrit's ARTS is extremely distinct, the young Sarkaz's troubled condition has even etched itself to her flames, "Heighten senses or not her ARTS figuratively leave footsteps on where she was if you pay close attention."
Oh right, Kal'tsit accidentally revealed Monst3r's existence to him before. It was when they were synthesizing new products with the materials he acquired not too long after his retrieval, since then the other medical practitioner was more open as to what the thing of her back is to him. How it came to pass is a story for another time.
One of things that she said she gained from having her new extension of her self was a heightened sensitivity towards her surroundings making sneaking up on her impossible. That and witnessing the Operators fight and seeing how their ARTS act and having access to their files makes identifying who's who pretty easy.
"You never really miss a thing huh?" Suddenly his phone vibrated, it was Provence calling him via the Rhodes Island Communication Terminal App. It was made to make sure important calls are not intercepted by more technological adversaries, a call from this app at this place of things mean things are dire, "Hello, Doctor here what can I do for you?"
"Thank Terra you picked up, is anyone with you?" Provence said in a hurried state, something tells the Doctor that her trip with Skyfire revealed something bad.
"Yeah Doctor Kal'tsit is with me, what's going on?"
He can feel the anxiousness of the Lupo on the other side of the call, "She is? I know you probably have an idea on what I'm going to say so put Dr. Kal'tsit on the line." The other Doctor complied and he himself tensed himself for a fight suddenly Siesta's heat felt like a spotlight's gaze.
"I'm here, proceed on your sudden report Provence."
She had a feeling that Siesta wasn't all it seems with that Cronin person before but now her irritation from before slowly starts to reveal itself as intuition. So much for taking a break after what happened in Lungmen a few days ago, one minute she was with her charge and the Doctor the next somebody is relaying potentially catastrophic information.
"To sum it all up, Siesta's life is in peril."
Such is the way of life.
0o0 Chapter END 0o0
Extra Turn: Fleeting Snow
Has it been a year ever since he was retrieved?
Now this time of year is his reprieve.
From all battles and masks he wore like a cloak,
Or materials to gather and Operators to promote.
Yes, it was nice to see the Doctor well-rested,
After so many close calls and trials they bested.
Head empty of stress like a certain Abyssal,
Unlike another Doctor whose mood was dismal.
You see, if there's one thing they dreaded it's that time of year.
A merry Ark full of Christmas cheer.
Streets of the city decorated with lights so bright,
Disturbing her work, every year it's a plight.
Even if she desired to go feel the cold breeze
She had papers, conditions, and deadlines to please.
O woe is she who does all this alone,
Her festive heart had turned into stone.
She loved Christmas after all it's two days apart,
From her own day, the same that repaired her heart.
Now he's back and enjoying the Yules,
Yet something feels missing and she does not have a clue.
After a very minor workload, it's Christmas after all,
There she realized what made her heart fall,
Not by love of course but sadness and longing,
She considered her mother and now she was frowning.
"I'm busy." She dismissed the bunny girl who asked,
If they could outside after she's done with her tasks.
Her bunny ears drooped with a resigned sigh,
All her courage mustered she only asked, "Why?"
The lynx woman explained that she things to do
But that's thing she always goes from one thing to two.
She did not bore hatred for ol' Saint Nick,
And yes she admits she was kinda acting like a dick.
But Christmas died for her like how she fell
If one friend ended the other so dear, would your heart ever swell?
So she buried her life in giving others meaning,
Yet she forget that was made her so endearing.
All too focus to atone for the sins of the past,
She forgot how to live in a moment coming to pass.
Yet the next day to her surprise,
It truly was a sight for sore eyes.
Her papers are done and even her desk was clean,
There was no other thing to do, it was hard to be mean.
"How can this be?" She made sure to be busy.
"We can't have you working at a time like this, silly."
The Doctor and Amiya shouted Merry Christmas to the Head Medic herself.
Soon she realized she was given help.
It was reliable too, like that time in Siesta.
"You two can't stop poking at my stiff, now can ya?"
The two in question were sheepish but content,
And soon after they gave out their present.
Surrounded by knit Jack Frosts and Monst3r themed gift wrapping,
Was a new pendant that was verdantly glimmering.
"It's beautiful...how much did it cost?"
The gem was literally priceless as it came from a Shadow Boss.
The two Persona-users smiled at relief,
Nothing about this gift was cheap.
So for once maybe partaking in Yules was not so bad,
For one, the people that mattered to her were glad.
It's just a shame she had no gifts to give back in reciprocation,
But as to the two her happiness is their only motivation.
She might as well be lost and be happy just this once,
It seems that her Scrooge was defeated by their stunts
"Alright, you two it's Christmas so let's go."
Thus, the three had celebrated along the fleeting snow.
"Hey Amiya, how did you know she was feeling the blues?"
The rabbit giggled, "You know already Doctor, you already have the clues."
"Ah, well I though you were more reserved with that kind of power."
She was but, she wanted to give back to woman she considered as Mother.
Author Notes
Merry Christmas, well it was yesterday but I finished it at Christmas Eve and had to go work out how I'm going to do the Christmas special. I just got back since Christmas parties can be hectic. So I hope you enjoy the relatively short chapter compared to the bigger ones I usually upload and the Christmas special I made, it was more of a poem because I was going for a more classic Christmas Tale.
So I made Heart of Surging Flame come faster than intended, in order to set-up a future Associate Character Arcs and to introduce what dungeons will look like in this crossover in tandem with the Id crystal phenomena. I made Kal'tsit play a part in this so she can get screen-time before she's inevitably sidelined for Episode 4 and 5. This is slightly less depressing thankfully since we're going back to Depressing Highway with the next few Episodes.
Oh and Hellagur is an Associate, so I'll leave the guessing of his Tarot to you guys.
Don't worry the event will be two more chapters long with the last one having the set-up for Episode 4 starting.
So my dear readers, have fun stay safe and Merry Christmas to all of you and a Happy New Year.
Once again I Wordbound, thank you for reading.
Oh and good luck getting what you guys want in December 30.
Next Turn: Turn 7: Danger Zone
