The quiet and now barren streets of Planeptune made the once hustling and bustling city seem like a ghost town as few people were out at the moment. The cities lights and beautiful structures made the view of the city look breath taking, but in the Basilicom in the dead of night was Histoire. She was sitting at her desk in the living room the only source of light helping her see as she did work was the lamp next to her.
However, next to her and said were a large tower of paperwork around the desk, around two of them next to each other. If anything this was light work for the tome, other times it would be around four to five stacks of paper work building up or brought to her to examine, "Hm..This is from the mining industry down in the west area of Planeptune. They want a increase in operation budget: 169.376 credits. Well this can be arranged, I'll propose an increase of 2.25% to 3.25% by the end of some this month.."
Placing the now finished document to her side, Histoire let a exhausted breath, taking off the glasses she was wearing next to her. "Goodness, even though it's a little less the than the other times it still feels like there's still more needed to be done." Histoire's drooped down, "And Cayde won't do any of the paperwork he's suppose to do leaving me to pick up the slack.( ˃̣̣̥ω˂̣̣̥ ), "Histoire said with a sweat drop.
Raising her ever so slightly, she glanced to her side seeing a violet envelope with writing on it. Looking more closely it resembled more of a letter sent to someone, more specifically. Her. Moving the envelope closer to her she read what was on the cover. "To: Histoire; From Ruby(๑ˊ͈ ॢꇴ ˋ͈)〜 " A small chuckle surfaced from the small tomes throat as she looked at the drawing Ruby left on the front of the envelope.
"You never change, do you Ruby?" Histoire asked herself caressing the letter.
"And you never change your habits do you Histy?" A voice spoke up from behind the Oracle scaring the ever lasting daylights out of her making her not only drop a few documents onto the floor but the envelope as well. She quickly looked towards the voice to see Cayde standing behind her arms crossed with disappointed look on his face. "Yo, what'cha doin' up?"
"C-Cayde, don't scare me like that! I thought you were an intruder!" The Oracle sat upright on her tome grabbing scattered papers that flew from her scare. Noticing the now scattered papers on the floor she was about to float down and get them before a hand stopped her as Cayde picked up the papers for her and set them in front of her. "Thank you."
"Your welcome." He happily said before getting serious. "Now, mind telling why your still up?"
Histoire raised a brow at the boys tone of voice, "I'm sorry but who do you think your talking too?" Histoire crossed her arms fully facing the boy with a slight glare.
"Who do you think? My workaholic of an caretaker, that's who." Cayde sat down in the chair in front behind the desk. "Seriously Histy, I told time and time again to not overwork yourself." Cayde's voice softened as he patted his caretakers head who only sighed looking away.
He was right. Whenever there was so much paperwork on the Oracle's desk she would tend to get carried away and work till the depths of midnight before she's tired or either realizes how long she spent working , and not only that the letter sitting on her desk still unopened after about a month was still lying there next to her. Not opening the darn thing was bugging her to no end, she wanted to open. She really did but some reason she couldn't. The reason is still unclear to her.
"Hm?..Hey what's this?" Cayde asked picking up that same envelope Histoire was looking at. Realizing what he was holding the Oracle quickly snatched it back surprising the boy at her hostile action. "Abababa! Give it back!"
"Whoa, sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." Cayde apologized his voice lowering in guilt.
"O-Oh don't feel bad!" Histoire reassured putting the letter down. "Your not in trouble it's just.." Histoire struggled to find the right words to put in context to make herself look anymore suspicious than she already does. "Complicated." She finally said looking back to him.
"Complicated? Does have something to do with the letter?" He pointed to the letter she was holding.
"Well not..exactly."
"Then, is it bad? Wait..Is someone talking about you in that thing!" Cayde asked standing from his seat, hands clenched. Seeing the violent reaction, histoire quickly started calming him down.
"N-No! It's nothing like that all! Honest!( ꒪Д꒪)ノ" Histoire waved her hands in front her worried.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Now please calm down." Histoire said as the boy slowly sat back down. Histoire smiled not only from accepting her reply but also at how reacted to when he thought someone was speaking ill of her. Seeing that reaction, it made the tome's heart beat against her chest at the feeling of someone willing to go out of their way to protect even if it did turn out to be such a thing. A small blush spread on the tome's cheeks as she watched the boy still quietly looking out the window. "Thank you.." She silently said to herself.
"Hm? You say something?"
"No. Nothing at all." Histoire said with a smile.
Seeing her smile made the boy in return smile before he brought up another question. "So, if's not hate mail what is it?"
"Honestly, Cayde it's nothing to big honestly. It's just a little something someone I know sent me, letting me know there doing alright.( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ" Histoire waved off the question.
Cayde raised a questionable eyebrow, "How do what the letter is if you haven't opened it?"
Oops. Histoire froze on the spot, he caught her. Not knowing how to respond, Histoire stuttered as she tried to find a answer. "W-Well y-you see I um..uh..It's just.." Steam slowly started emerging from the tome's head as she continued to try an answer all the while, Cayde was panicking, telling her to calm as she was clearly overheating.
"H-Histy! Slow down, you're gonna overheat if you keep this up! And I seriously don't want to have reboot you! I don't even know how!" Cayde shook the small Oracle lightly as to not hurt her as she was still rambling. A few mins later the two were panting from Histoire exhausted from not having breathed for the past few mins and Cayde having to try and calm her down. "Finally..you've calmed down."
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overheat like that."
Cayde glanced towards her before a sigh escaped him, "Look, Histy I've noticed how this letter been bugging, so why not just open it and find out what it says?" Cayde asked stating the obvious to kill the Oracle's suspicious looks she's been giving it lately.
"M-Maybe your right." Histoire turned with a determined glare towards the envelope. "It's time that I figure out what this letter really says.." Cayde cheered in the back throwing his fist in the air for the oracle's courage. Histoire picked up the envelope with the same look before her nerves started to resurface. "..In the morning that is. Haha.." Histoire slowly put the envelope down and pushed it away with a nervous smile.
Behind her Cayde paused his cheering and blankly stared at the Oracle before a shadow casted over his eyes. "Come along, Cayde. It's we head to bed, it's gett-!" As the Oracle started to float away Cayde grabbed her by the wings halting her movement as she froze on the spot. "Histy.." Histoire slowly turned behind her to see Cayde glaring at the Oracle, his emerald orbs seemingly glowing in the dark as they stared her down. "Open it."
"Can't we just do this in the morning?" Histoire whined making the dragonslayer rub the back of his.
"Sure whatever, I guess. Just..read it." Cayde started walking back to his room, back still against the Oracle. "Once you do I'm pretty sure you'll feel better. I promise." Cayde disappeared down the hall leaving the tome all by herself t her lonesome. Looking back towards the note she picked it up and turned off the light following her Guardian to their bedroom.
"He's right. Tomorrow, I will do it!(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و" She said to herself determined before entering the room and collasping in her tome the moment she lied down.
"(Man I can really go for a ramen bowl...)" Cayde thought rubbing his stomach walking threw the streets of Planeptune. "I wonder if Brandon's there..)"
Ever since last night, Cayde couldn't let go the thought of reading the letter Histoire had received for sometime now, at first he didn't really care for since it wasn't for but overtime seeing how his Oracle wouldn't open and would always avoid made him slightly irritated the point he finally confronted her about. But now since he got her to finally muster up the courage to read, it's been killing him to know what it said.
While he was lost in thought the smell of freshly cooked food entered his nostrils as by pure instinct without even realizing it was now following smell, leading to none other than Brandon's ramen shop. Entering the establishment he sat at the bar present there and called to his favorite bartender there.
"Oi! Brandon, I'm back!" Cayde called out as the sound of someone walking from out of the kitchen entered the main lobby.
"Cayde? Hey, what's up? Anything interesting happen lately?" Brandon said walking up the boy who smiled at his presence.
"Hm? Nothing to big I think.." Cayde started to recap earlier vents during the week while Brandon prepared a bowl of spicy ramen for him as usual. "Oh, well there was this one time I teamed with Lastation's Guardian to help take down a Guard Vermin in Yukawa Ruins." Brandon had just finished placing the bowl in front of him and started to grab drink and chug it down until he heard the last part of the boys's sentence causing him to choke on his drink.
"You did what?!" Brandon exclaimed with pure shock.
"Hm? Yeah, apparently there was crazed chick named Arsnore who tried to sneak attack both Planeptune and Lastation by attacking nearby villages and many others to provoke us." Cayde then grabbed his chop sticks and smelled his food with a pleasured look. "Itadakimasu." Cayde thanked before digging in.
"Hey, wait a sec! Don't just go on eating like it's normal!" Brandon exclaimed glaring angrily with comical veins and wide eyes.
"(For some odd reason I think it will..Right author?) Cayde thought inwardly breaking the fourth wall. "Anyways..so good, we eventually stopped her and before we could pursue her she escaped by distracting us with a Guard Vermin and now we don't have clue where she is." Cayde finished his story continuing to eat threw the rest of the story.
Brandon sighed, looking at dragonslayer eat he began to ponder about the situation at hand. "If this "Arsnore" is the one responsible for these attacks, don't you think she'll do it again?" Cayde paused his eating, his chop sticks near his lips before they rested back in the bowl. "I don't know, but as much as I'm hoping she won't, she'll most likely will.." Brandon frowned at the thought clenching his hands. "..So if she does. I'll be there to stop her." Brandon snapped his back to the teen as he look to the shop owner with a determined glare.
"Don't worry Brandon, I promise to protect you, Neptune, Compa, Histy and everyone of Planeptune if something bad happens. I promise." His emerald orbs stared into Brandon's brown ones as he gave light chuckle in response.
"Well, I hold you to that." Brandon then held out a fist, "Bump me up lil buddy." Cayde stared before a cheeky grin came on his face.
"You bet!" Cayde said fist bumping his long time friend.
Brandon then returned to the kitchen in the back leaving Cayde to eat to his now lonesome. But that didn't stop him and steaming hot meal. The fresh smell of the season yet spiced noodle strings combined with the ever lasting taste of sweet sauce and everlasting sting against his tongue made the meal irresistible. However, his favorite was the Spicy Ramen Pork Bowl, with extra added meat within the meal made it the best thing he's ever eaten! He didn't keep ordering it however, afraid of him ordering to much might make him grow tired of it but that wasn't case what so ever.
Once done eating, Cayde placed down the chop sticks, pulled out a few credits from his pockets and placed them next to the bowl before walking out the door.
"Come back soon!" Brandon called out from the kitchen.
"Uh-huh!" Cayde now stood in front of the shop seemingly waiting for something until an excited yell came from back within the shop.
"YES FINALLY!" Bradon exclaimed happily within it. Content with his mission, the teen made his way back to the Basilicom with the thought of gaming in mind. It's been 2 days since the encounter with Arsnore (Arfoire), and military and adventure personal of all kind kept their out for anyone suspicious, more particularly the witch. Though things have calmed down, people were still on look out with the upmost caution.
While wondering how to kill time, Cayde felt a vibration come from his back pocket. He placed his inside and pulled out a portable device, similar in appearance to a portable game console.
Due to the boys constant bickering, Histoire had no choice but to give him, One to stop him from annoying her and Two, so she could check up on him every now and then to make sure he was alright even though he would always tell her she didn't have to worry. Even though it was a few years old, he kept it in tip top shape (until the next model came out) making it look like a fresh new model that came directly out the package. Since then, he decided to nickname his little device the C-Pad because of the amount of games and entertainment it's pleased him throughout the years.
After pressing the x button, an image of Histoire appeared on screen.
"Yellow?~" Cayde punned.
"Cayde, I'm sorry to call you all of sudden but can you do something for me?"
"Uh sure..."He replied with a monotone before raising a brow. "What is it?"
"Well you see there's..something I need you to go pick up from the mail in northern part of the Haneda City."
Cayde stared slightly shock at the sudden request. He's only been to Haneda City a few times but mostly it was due to attractions being held there from time to time. Getting a sudden request from Histoire wasn't that big of surprise to him as she's called him out of the blue before to pick something up for, and last she wanted his to pick up some Double A Batteries claiming they were..too heavy for her to carry.
" What?! That's barely even getting in Haneda City!"
" I know, but this is something really important that must be delivered. Can you do this?" The boy whined just a bit not being able to get the full experience of being able to explore one of the biggest Gamindustri has to offer. With a sigh, Histoire added a proposition. "..While your there could also get us a souvenir?"
" Beck yeah! You got it!"Cayde said giving a thumbs to the Oracle who in return smiled.
"Oh thank you so much! I'm so grateful!" Histoire bowed politely making the boy rub his head in embarrassment. "But.." She said grabbed his attention once more. "Whatever you do you musn't open that package. Understood?" Cayde complied to the orders before the communication was cut. Putting his phone back into his pocket and looked towards Planeptune tower.
Haneda City. It's been awhile since he's last been there and going alone just to pick a single package would make the trip boring, besides why was Histoire's package in Hande City and delivered directly to her? Shrugging his shoulders, he decided to think of a way to make the trip to Haneda fun until a bright came to mind.
"That's it!" Cayde said with a growing smile.
"Road trip! Woop woop!" Cayde yelled throwing his arms in the air, sitting in the passenger side of Compa's car.
"Having fun Cayde?" Compa asked the warm wind blew against their a hair.
"You bet!"
"It would be even more fun if Compa and I were next to each other." IF grumbled as she glared at the teen in front of her.
In case you couldn't tell, Cayde had decided to ask Compa and conveniently IF, who was with Compa in her house watching TV, on a road trip to Haneda City with the boy to "Get Souvenir's for Histy and to make the memories last longer." Wanting to call the boy out for his bluff and send him off on his mission alone without a hint of remorse, Compa beat IF to the punch and accepted the invitation without hesitation leading them to now.
"So Cayde, what exactly are we really going to the city for?"
"Well Histy wanted me to grab package for her from there." Cayde replied enjoying the feeling of the wind against his face. "I would've gone and got myself but that would have been boring and so why not bring some friends along make things more fun!"
IF groaned in annoyance. "Great, we're basically doing your job with you."
"Aw, don't complain Iffy. It isn't that bad, right?" Compa sadly asked.
Hearing the saddened tone, IF quickly re-changed her answer, "I-I mean I guess it couldn't be THAT bad to take a nice trip once in a while.." Compa and Cayde cheered putting a small smile on the guild agents face before she noticed something off. "Wait a minute. Cayde?" The boy glanced over his shoulder.
"What's up, Iffy?"
"Well I just gotta ask since now's a good time but...How are you still conscious while in your car?"
Cayde and Compa both froze on the spot, Compa kept steady while she slowly glanced behind her to the concerned agent.
"What?"
"Iffy! Why did you say that?!" Compa panicked.
"Say what? Why isn't his motion sickness affecting him? Didn't he grow out of it?"
"NO!" Compa practically screamed making IF jump in response. "I was doing all the talking and cheering so he wouldn't notice we getting the car!"
"Wouldn't he have noticed before?!" IF retorted.
While the two where bickering, Cayde slowly started to turn a sickly shade of green, his cheeks puffing as something warm entered them. Groaning and moaning in pain and displeasure grabbed the girls attention as IF quickly lurched over the seat raising him over the side of the car. "Cayde, whatever you do..Do not puke in the car!" Worried but mostly scared, IF said afraid of the disgusting liquid getting on her and Compa.
"Ah! It's a sharp turn!" Compa exclaimed as neared an intersection. "Iffy, grab Cayde and hold on!"
"H-Huh?!" IF turned towards the nurse a little too late as Compa sharply made a left causing not only IF to almost fly out the car but sick teen too. Afraid of him loosing his life, IF quickly unfastened his seat belt, just in time as Compa made another sharp turn this time to right. IF wrapped her hand around the boys chest and stomach as they both fell onto the seat with such a force.
"C-Compa! Keep it steady!" IF called out trying to get back in her seat.
"I know! But Cayde really needs us right now!"
"He'll be fine once we stop the car!" IF angrily said comical tic marks appearing on her head. "Damn it Cayde! You and your stupid-huh?" IF stopped her rant just in time to see the boy slowly start whine and groan before he placed a hand on his mouth. Comical tears fell from the boys eyes as he looked towards the guild agent who paled in expression. "C-Cayde..What are you doing?"
"I..Iffy..urk..help me..." The boy whined as he slowly turned and reached for the guild agent who screamed and back up against the other side of the car.
"Gah! D-Don't come near me you idiot!"
"But it hurts..so much.." Cayde crawled. The urge to vomit was slowly becoming greater as he grew closer to the terrified guild agent. "Iffy..I'm scared..."
"Be quiet and stop talking! Compa, please tell where in the city!" IF exclaimed as she placed a foot on the boys face keeping him away.
"Almost! Just a few more mins!" Compa determinedly replied.
"We won't be able to last a few more minu-Stay away!" IF used her foot to push the boy back, but in the process of her doing so he grabbed her foot, then her leg as he slowly started to climb up the brunette who screamed. It was almost like horror film where some weird creature alien like creature would slowly creep on it's prey before pouncing, those were fictional, however, this was almost like one accept a horrifying monster was just sick teen holding his puke wanting nothing but help.
"S-Stay away please.." IF's whole body shook in fear as Cayde loomed over witht eh same sick expression only this time he looked worse than before.
"Iffy.." Cayde whined.
"No. No no no no no no no! NO!" IF quickly grabbed the boy, turning him a complete 180 degrees as she quickly held his mouth for him, her other hand unknowingly against his stomach which in turn was the worst place to be held safe from the crazy ride the group was facing. "Compa!?"
"Were here! I just need to make a few more turns and-" Compa checked her head view mirror as she paled. "Oh no! Iffy, your hand!"
"My what?" IF looked to how she was holding the boy and finally realized what was happening. "Oh sh-!" IF accidentally pressed against the boys stomach in shock and fear at how she was holding him. Suddenly something warm, mushy, along with a terrible smell reached the girls noses as they turned towards the bluette who just then released the pent up vomit he held for so long as screams from the two girls he was riding with was the only thing people could here..
The second Cayde, Compa and IF entered the city proper, they were met with questioning, but grossed looks by both guards and civilians, though it was only natural given their current state..and smell. Whispers quickly bean to circulate amongst the people, most revolving the blue male and brunette's haggard appearance but none the less ignored the gossip (despite both Cayde and IF wanting to give those nosy people a piece of their minds) and continued onwards to a laundry mat.
After taking off and tossing their clothes into the washing machine, the laundry mat was surprisingly accompanied by a bath house in the back pleasing the group as they quickly went to take a long needed bath. After a few minutes the group exited the bath with spared clothes gifted to them by the attendants working their, but that's besides the point.
Right now, Cayde is sitting in a seiza position with IF glaring coldly down upon him, a murderous aura present around her with comical glowing red eyes piercing in the boy. Compa on the other hand was seen drying her hair in back ground with a content smile, humming a song along the way as she returned to pair waiting in the main lobby for the clothes to finish washing.
"Well?" IF asked in cold voice making Cayde jump.
"I-I'm sorry Iffy! I didn't mean it honest, I tried to hold it in but I just couldn't and it..well..." Cayde's voice died down as he recalled the situation some minutes ago.
IF only groaned in annoyance before Compa spoke up.
"Iffy, you know it wasn't Cayde's fault. He can't help his motion sickness."
"Oh trust me, I know. This is exactly why I said he could've gone by himself but no, you just HAD to say yes." IF crossed her arms. "Now look at us! We're a literal laughing stock thanks to this!" Cayde lowered his, regret entering him. Maybe IF was right. Maybe he should have just went by himself, but he really knowing the fact it would get kinda lonely if it was just himself. But then he remembered Colonel, who just minding his business at home, realizing he could have just took his little buddy made him feel even worse.
"I'm sorry..." Cayde quietly said but enough for IF to hear. Sighing in annoyance If simply walked over to an un-occupied chair in front the washing with her arms cross as she sat in silence. Seeing his mentor fed up with him at the moment Cayde sighed sadly as he stood on his two, grabbed his shoes and headed for the door which IF didn't fail to notice.
"And where are you going?"
"To get Histy's package like she wanted me to..alone." Cayde said before exited the building with IF staring at his back before turning herself back around with hardened glare.
Noticing the boy's sudden departure, Compa felt her anger slowly start boil as she stomped over to the guild agent ready to speak her mind.
"Iffy, why would you do that?!" Compa asked with present anger in her voice.
"Do what?" IF asked oblivious to the situation.
"Hurt Cayde's feelings! You know he can't control his motion sickness that wasn't his fault!" Compa said defending the young man.
"When is it never his fault?" IF retorted recalling psat events of Cayde would get into trouble and the kind hearted nurse would always come to his rescue just like she was now.
Compa clenched her hands, her cheeks pouted and her face slowly starting become red with anger. "Iffy, you're being childish!"
"Childish? Me? Childish?!" IF uncrossed her arms slamming then on the arm rest of the chair. "How the hell am I being childish Compa? Explain!" IF grit her teeth together feeling her blood slowly start boil.
"You get mad over such little things just like this! You treat these things like their a national crisis but in the end they're just accidents! Compa's hands clenched as she watch IF turn away with the same glare. "There you go again! Your acting like a child!"
"How the hell am I acting child when I practically risk my life everyday for this country, huh?"
"Maybe if you stop being such a grumpy pants you'll know! Ever since you Cayde started training I've been seeing him less and less by the day! Since you've been gone on quest any other day Cayde's been the one to come by and keep me company on lunch breaks but now he's always coming up with an excuse saying things like "Gotta get back to training" or "I've gotta head back before Iffy get's mad at me!" And when I do come to watch him train it's like he doesn't even know I'm there!"
"Probably cause he doesn't want any distractions!" IF suddenly closed her mouth shut realizing fully what came out of it.
Compa gasped in shock. "Is..Is that what I am? ...A distraction?"
"No no no no Compa! That's not true at all!" IF suddenly stood on her feet getting in front of the nurse. "I didn't mean it like that!"
"Then what do you mean? Any other time when I ask to join you on mission you always decline or make some excuse like "It's to dangerous so stay here." I can take care of myself but when you get back I always find you covered in injuries!"
"Those are just scratches Compa, they're not a big deal!"
"You don't know that! What if they were infected and didn't even know? You could have been poisoned or worse! You don't know what other monsters are out there! You can't always do things by yourself Iffy, why do think Cayde tries so hard?" IF stayed silent as the nurse went on.
"Cayde is doing this so you could be proud of him for living up to your expectations but the other reason he does so he can spend time with you since your always off doing your job." IF's eyes widened.
The nurse was right. The more IF thought about it, the more clear it became. Since she finally made her dream job she's done nothing but besides working and going throughout Gamindustri leaving those she cares about behind like it was nothing. And the many times she would be absent, she couldn't lie when I say she misses the blue teen when she;s out during recon missions and other things, him training to be just like her was starting to make so much sense. The reason he did was so when he passed the exams next year, he could be able to go along with her on missions and send time with her there!
"You mean everything to him, Iffy." Compa looked away from the agent. "..You don't hate him, do you?"
The brunette was silent, her hair casted a shadow over her eyes. Hearing a big take in breath, Compa looked back to see IF grabbing her shoes and heading for the door.
"Iffy?"
"Compa, watch the clothes I'll be back soon!" IF said putting her shoes on and running out the building.
"Aye aye cap'n!" Compa saluted as she watched If's figure disappear down the block. A small smile spread across the nurses face as she sat down with a content smile. "Mission Accomplished." Compa said ignoring the stares of folks who watched the entire show in front of them, as she was waiting however, she noticed a familiar set brown hair next to her. "Huh, Iffy? I thought you went to go look for Cayde?"
"Iffy? Sorry, but I think your mistaking me for someone else." The owner of the brown hair turned towards the nurse with a cocky grin tipping a now noticeable baseball cap. She wore a black hoodie with a white shirt, black thigh high shorts and black sneakers. "But now that it comes to mind, you mind telling about your friend?"
"Huh? Do you know Iffy perhaps?"
"Hm..Something like that. IF and I go sometime back you can say."
"Really?! Is this famous talk where people talk about their friends behind their backs like in the movies?" Compa slightly squealed making the brunette next to her sweatdrop. "Um..yes?"
"Yipppy! What'cha want to know?"
"Man I really messed up.. " Cayde said to himself.
With his head slightly lowered, Cayde walked to the post office to collect Histoire's package she wanted him to get. He honestly, didn't want to go get it alone but after the whole car drama, he decided it was best to just get it done and head on back home to and finish a little bit of training. While walking he noticed a little gift shop in the distance as some people were seen coming out with some monster like hats and goofy clothing taking pictures with one another.
"Hm..If I get Iffy a gift maybe she'll be happy again! Oh can't forget Compa and Histy either!"Cayde said as the idea to raise his friends happiness once again brought a smile and determination in him as he quickly went inside of the shop. "Um, excuse me?"
Exiting the shop with paper brown bag in hand and LED glasses with the words "SWAG" on his face, he felt proud for what he done.
"There, now all I gotta do is get the package and I'll be on my mary way!" He said putting his glasses in the bag and putting the bag into his inventory.
Turning a corner, he began to get sense that someone was watching him or specifically follow him as any time he stopped the footsteps behind would stop to..
"Who is that?.." He quietly said to himself as he continued walking as if he didn't he was being followed. "Hmm..Let me try something.."
Continuing his walk, the feeling of being watched grew more intense, the faster he walked, the faster footsteps behind grew, knowing for fact now that he was indeed being followed, he turned a corner as the whoever was following behind him made way after him turning the corner only to find him no where to be seen.
"Huh? Where'd he go?"
"Y'know I'm pretty sure creepin' on someone like that isn't a very good look for you." Cayde's voice spoke up scaring them as they turned behind them to see the Guardian standing there with a smile. "Yo was-huh?"
Not having noticed before hand when he switched places, he didn't notice the person who was following looked like well until now. It was girl with long snow white hair, blue eyes and perfect skin. She wore a blue button up with a white t-shirt, black skirt and blue and white sneakers. The thing that was a noticeable difference about her however was her chest which should probably be on the chest of an adult female not a teenage girl which could piss off a well known flat chested goddess to no end.
The girl stared in shock before a smile spread across her face, "Aw, seems like you caught me, ey Blue?"
"Yeah it seems so..wait how do you my nickname?" Cayde asked the mysterious girl knowing for a fact the his closest friends would usually call him by nicknames not complete strangers although it he thought about it more he was the Guardian of an entire nation, so nicknames for him come and go as they please.
"Huh?!" The girl gawked slightly at his response. "Are you telling me you forgot me!" The slowly started become angry as she took a few steps forward, causing the boy by pure instinct take a step back. "Whoa, hey relax! I'm sorry but I really don't know or remember who are!" The girl stopped a few inches infront of him in slight shock.
"No way..Am I really all that forgettable?" Comical tears started falling from the girls eyes as she turned away from him. How could say something like that?!"
"EH?! H-Hey c-come on don't cry! I didn't say it to be mean!" Cayde reassured going around in front of her before she simply turned away again. If there was thing Cayde hated seeing, it was someone crying for some reason the image of someone crying with no one their to help comfort them put a bad taste in his mouth like expired ramen. After a few mins, Cayde finally grabbed the girl.
"Hey.." She gently heard him say as she towards him. "It's going to be okay I promise. I'm really sorry I can't remember but if it helps you do remind me of someone I knew long ago."
"I-I do?"
"Yeah! She was quiet and sweet girl but sometime can go a little over top with trying keep me safe from danger." Cayde sweat dropped as memory from his childhood resurfaced. The girls tears stopped all together as she slowly started smiling again.
"Heh, yeah I guess she was but I think she did because she really cared for your well being." The girl out her hands behind her back tilting her head to the side. "Hey, can I ask you one more thing?"
"Sure what is it?"
"If I'm able to guess the name of this girl, I want us to go get a crepe afterwards. Deal?"
The sound of crepe's sounded delightful to the boy as his mouth watered slightly, already imagining the taste in his mouth. "Deal! Now guess away!"
"Hmm..." The girl put a finger to her chin as she seemed to think hard on the question before she stopped seemingly having a answer. "Was her name..Kayleigh by chance?"
"What the what?! Dude, that's incredible how'd you guess it on your first try?" Cayde asked astonished by the how the girl knew right off the bat.
"Well, maybe it's due to the fact that the same girl may or may not be standing in front of you right now."
Cayde blankly stared at the girl who supposedly says she's his childhood friend. An image of the little girl he once saved back when he was younger appeared in his mind as the girl in front of him now slowly started coming closer together he realized their faces seemingly matched. His mouth slowly opened, his eyes wide as day before a loud yell erupted from the area.
"WAIT YOUR KAYLEIGH?!"
IF searched the area for her blue haired companion calling out his name every so often.
"Cayde? Cayde! Where are you? I just wanna talk to you I'm not angry anymore honest!" IF called out but no response was yelled back. Only the humbling and bustling of cars and the sounds of people walking filled the agents ears. IF breathed heavily, staring up at the sky. "Compa's right. Me and my stupid pride..None of this would have ever happened if I just..." IF's voice died out with her hanging her head in shame.
"Where are you?..." IF then continued her search for the teen unaware of someone watching her from the shadows.
Back with Cayde, he was still in shock at the girl he met long ago was now standing right in front of him. The changes from her smaller self were obvious but he never expected changes such as this. Honestly, it almost kinda frightened him how much someone can change in time.
"Kelly?" Cayde slowly took a step forward. "Is that really you?"
"You bet it is! i can't believe you forgot what I looked! Hmph!" Kayleigh crossed her arms, turning her head away in slight anger at her first ever friend forgetting about her.
"Huh!? I didn't forget about you, it's just been so long since I seen you, I just kinda forgot what you looked like.." Cayde scratched his embarrassed while Kayleigh gave him a look of doubt. "Whatever, so what brings you to Haneda City?"
"Why am I here? Wait what was I here for again.." Cayde pondered making the girl sweat drop.
"Don't tell me you came here for no reason?" Kayleigh stared with straight face.
"No I didn't I came here to pick up something..Oh right the package!" Cayde finally remembered.
"Package?"
"Yeah, Histy told me come to Haneda City to get a package that was delivered her for her, although I don't why it wasn't delivered straight to her but that's beyond me." Cayde shrugged his shoulders."Well it's great seeing you again but I gotta get going. See ya!"
"Huh? Wait Cayde, can't I-" But Cayde already speeding past her knocking up wind behind as he ran. "..Come with you." Kayleigh finished as she watched him disappear around a corner. "Grrr...Don't think you can just up leave just like that you blue numbskull!" Kayleigh exclaimed running after him at normal speed.
Meanwhile with Compa, she was sitting by herself guarding her friends belongings like she was instructed only thing was Compa seemed..conflicted. It had been a few minutes since she last talked to the strange girl who left some time ago with their conversation still fresh on her mind.
"So what'cha wanna know?" Compa asked happily.
"Well I was wondering what you thought of IF? Don't you think she's super cool?"
Compa happily nodded like a child in agreement. "Hm hm! Iffy's super strong and super smart too! She can practically do anything!"
The girl chuckled, "Well that's true but.." Compa's cheery moment was ceased at the brunette's pause.
"If she's such a great person like you says she is, why does she tend to hide things from you?"
Compa's world froze as that question was now forced into her. Why does IF hide things from her? But wasn't it normal for people to keep secrets they don't getting out or..was it something else.
"..What do you mean Iffy's hiding things from me? Don't people keep things they don't getting out to themselves?"
"Yes your right about that but I wasn't talking about personal issues. No. I'm talking about certain..motives. Something that pushes someone to do things that they never attended on doing in their lives, even if it Kent acting for the greater good."
"..Motives? What are you talking about?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out." Suddenly the sound of the washing machine went off signaling that someones clothes were finished. "Oh that's me." The girl suddenly stood and went to the machine leaving Compa to think to herself. What was she talking about? Was there something IF was hiding that she didn't want to tell her, afraid she might judge her for it?
"Listen, all I can say is that not everyone are what they seem." Grabbing their finished clothes, they made their way towards the door, glancing over their shoulder to the nurse who was still trying process what was going on. "Remember, sometimes even the gentlest of winds can be a dangerous thing once enough force is applied."
"Not what they seem? What does mean?.." Comps raised as if she were looking towards the sky for answers. "Iffy, just what are you not telling me?"
Somewhere on a random building above the city was the same girl Compa had talked to back in the laundry mat. She watched from above as she were looking for something in particular with cold expression on her face. Gray eyes stared down to the people of the city with heavy gaze wandering from person to person until they found what they were looking for.
"Found you." The girl gazed down to familiar brunette who was seen running around the city in search for her comrade. "Why not pay a little visit?" The girl then turned behind her before jumping off the building into an alleyway below just in time for time for IF to pass by her as she smiled.
"Damn, how hard is to find some with blue hair? I mean seriously, it's not that hard!" IF complained
"Um excuse me, but are you IF?"
"Huh?" Hearing her name being called, IF turned to see the girl with brown hair smiliar to hers making her feel a tad bit agitated in seeing it. "Um yes, can I help you?"
The girl perked up full of energy. "Really awesome! It's just one little thing I need you help me with."
"And that may be?"
Suddenly out of the corner of IF's eye she saw something shining in the alleyway next to her before the little light suddenly shot towards her at break neck speeds. Time slowed down for the guild agent, tilting her head slightly back IF barely dodged the incoming object as it trimmed off a piece of her hair before time resumed with IF stumbling back. The object continued until colliding against the wall and disappearing, IF with a cold bead of sweat looked back towards the girl only to find her directly in her face. "Drop dead." The girl said with a deadly expression.
"Wha-?!" In a spilt second, a sword materialized in the girls hand before she did a quick overhead slash directly above the guild agent causing a mini explosion with a dust cloud. The girl stayed in same position as civilians started screaming and scattering away from the area while the girl stared dead straight at where she attacked. Luckily, as the dust dispersed IF was able to block the attack with her Katars as she held her ground with a snarl.
"What the hell?! What is wrong with you!?" IF snarled while feeling angry for the sudden surprise attack "That was dangerous are trying to kill me?!"
"Guess you were stronger than I thought. Not bad, guess you'll be able to give me a challenge after all."
Seeing the brunette wanted a fight, IF answered to this by kick flipping away and getting a fighters stance.
"If you wanna fight, your gonna get one." IF growled.
"Gladly."
Emerald eyes stared into grey ones as the two brunette's stared each other down with intense glare. In a spilt second, the two fighters dashed forward and clashed weapons. Katars against sword clashed countless times as neither side backed down, showing no signs of fatigue with their constant hacking and slashing. It was after few more clashes, they backed off from each other before dashing forward once more getting into heated sword clash.
"Look pal, I don't what you think your doing but you better cut it out before I really hurt you!" Said the guild agent continuing to hold her ground.
"Oh I'm so scared. Please do really.."The girl smirked at the guild agent with a confident look. "I want to see you angry."
The girl pushed IF back causing her stagger just few paces giving the girl enough time to attack as she jumped above the guild agent with her sword raised in the air above her head. While the two were fighting, Cayde was walking out the post office with a satisfied smile.
"Mission accomplished. Now all I gotta do is find some souvenirs and we'll be home free. Heh, this didn't take as I long thought it was." Cayde's smile slowly started to disappear as the memory of IF upset filled his head. "Yeah..Just like thought."
Although she didn't act that different from how she usually is, the young boy couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering his friend. As many times as accidents happen, this time seemed a little different, almost as if something was on her mind.
"(I should still apologize again just to be safe..)" He thought before he felt an arm quickly wrap around his neck, choking the poor boy as he struggled to break free.
"What the heck the Cayde, are you serious?!" Kayleigh said being the culprit that put the boy in a lock, "After five years of being away, you say hello and leave like it was nothing!? No lunch, games or anything, heck you didn't even want to have nice chat before you just ran off!"
"K-Kayleigh I'm sorry really..I just had to get the package before the post office closes!"
"It doesn't close till later in the day!"
"Urk!" Cayde wheezed and struggled as he tried to get out of the girls choke hold, but her emotions proved better as her strength seemed to increase along with it. "K-Kayleigh air...please..."
"I-I'm not letting you go until you agree to have lunch with for lost time!"
"A-Alright! Just stop choking me damn it!" Releasing him from his prison, Cayde inhaled a hard breath as he tried to regain his breath. "Yeesh, just how much stronger did you get?!" Cayde exclaimed astonished but also slightly terrified by the girls strength.
"Well the school I go to, has training and sparring facilities in it so we can be prepared once we become full fledged adventures!" Kayleigh raised an arm triumphantly demonstrating strength.
Before Cayde could even open his mouth a loud explosion from a few blocks away caught their attention as smoke rose in the air some distance away. The sudden screams of people running from the direction gave the two a clear indicator where the explosion took place before Cayde glanced towards Kayleigh. However, the once determined girl that showed so much strength earlier was now shaking in slight fear at the sight of people running for their lives.
Worried for not only her safety but others who were probably still in the area, Cayde's face grew a determined looking as his blood started boil.
"Kelly, I need you to take this package and go to the laundry mat to find Compa!" Cayde practically shoved the package into the girls chest causing her to take few steps back in shock.
"Wait what about you!?"
"A'int it obvious?" Cayde glanced over his shoulder with a warm smile. "I'm gonna save the day, like a Guardian should." Cayde then blasted off with his childhood friend calling out to him in worry.
Back to fight, IF and the capped girl were still going at it, jumping light posts onto walls of buildings clashing against one another, magic attacks from IF flying towards the girl who dodged them with ease and success before attacking with her sword once more.
"(She hasn't used a single magic attack yet nor did she use her symbol either. What's her plan?)" IF thought dodging a horizontal slice from the girl who smiled at the guild agents skill.
"Man, not only are you good at dodging but attacking as well? Your some crazy chick." The girl complimented.
"I can say the same for you. It's almost like were identical in some ways." IF chuckled returned the gesture causing the two have a little heart to heart moment before they stared each other down again. A few blocks away Cayde, began sniffing the air in hopes of tracking the brunette's scent to find her, while he did so he escorted some civilians to safety as they thanked him in advance.
"Oh, by the way do you know where I can find the monster?"
"Monster?" A business woman said. "There isn't no monster it's two girls fighting it out, one of them was the Gust of Wind fight some other woman like their lives depended on it."
"Gust of Wind? You mean Iffy?! Tell where you last seen her!" The woman pointed behind as another explosion was let loose. "Last I checked they were somewhere close to here."
"Thanks a lot ma'am. Your very brave for keeping calm in the situation." Cayde said helping her to feet. "No get going, I'll handle this."
"Y-Yes, thank you so muich Guardian. Good luck!" She then quickly left the area, leaving the boy to himself as he glanced to where the woman had pointed. "Iffy, I'm coming just hold a bit longer!" Cayde then once again blasted off in directions he was given. Along the way, he finally started to notice the destruction of the fight, roads were cracked, along with some walls on builds wee either destroyed or cracked from the fight that was being taken place. "Jeez and they say I go overboard.." Cayde slightly complained.
"Rah!" IF yelled out doing a perfect roundhouse kick to the girls side making her stumble as she grumbled (hey that rhymed).
"Why you little..!" Suddenly, a wave of energy sprouted from the capped girl, knocking IF back as she dug her Katars into the ground. Small rocks and debris slowly started to rise around the girl as she glared the build agent, a shadow now casted over them with a noticeable frown. "Alright, now you done it.." The sword the girl was using dematerialized making IF raise a brow.
"What's wrong? You giving up?"
"Nope. Just getting a little serious." Suddenly blue and black flame like material sprouted from the girl, holding her left hand out the material slowly started forming in the palm of her hand before it took shape of flaming sword.
"What the..?" IF asked completely astonished.
"Pretty cool right? Yeah, I know." The girl crouched slightly getting into a piercing position as a noticeable necklace with a small purple like crystal glowed as it floated in the air slightly. Sensing the incoming danger, IF got up onto her feet as flames ignited her Katars, her energy slowly rising too.
"Your not the only with a cool trick, y'know?"
"Obviously." The capped girl dashed forward at high speeds preparing to attack at the same time IF was getting into a better position in order to black her incoming attack as she grew closer until..
"Fire Dragon...!" The sudden sound of someone else entering the fray caught both girls off guard as they glanced towards where the voice came from only to see a blue like blur homing in on them before, Cayde suddenly appeared before them, his arms ignited in flames. "Wing Attack!" He then whipped his arms up and down making the flames turn into whips of heat as they went in between the two brunette's. The capped girl in just the nick of time stopped her attack, jumping back in shock at the interference.
"You stay away from Iffy, you freaking copycat!"
"(Copy cat?)" The two brunette's thought at the same time by the nickname sweat dropping.
"Cayde, what are you doing here?"
"Duh, I came to check out to see what was going on and by the looks of things your the one started this whole mess." Cayde bluntly said glancing over shoulder making comical tic marks appear on the brunette's head. "But I really came because I heard you we're fighting so rushed over here."
IF stared in slight shock at the boys response before a smile appeared on her face. "Thanks buddy."
With a happy nod, Cayde turned his attention back to the other brunette with a glare. "Alright pal, incase you don't want a massive beat you better leave now!"
"Idiot! Watch what your saying!" IF slightly panicked hitting him upon the head. "Incase you haven't noticed, this girl on a whole different level and besides it's not like she's actually-"
"Okay."
"Huh?" The duo looked towards the capped girl in shock with wide comical eyes.
"I said okay. Besides I was only here to test out your skill IF. And I gotta say your quite impressive." The materialize like sword disappeared as the girl shoved her hands into her pockets. "Well, I'll be going now, but remember to keep your eye out. You never when I might attack again. Just a heads up!" The girl turned her backs towards them, raising a hand in the air signaling she was leaving before she disappeared into a dust cloud of smoke still present.
"Hey wait a sec! That's not what's suppose to happen, you're suppose to fight us! Not leave!" Cayde was charge after her before IF grabbed him the back of his shirt."Let her go. The fights over for now."
"But but..!"
"I said no. Got it?" If asked sternly.
"Yeah.."
The silence between the two grew heavy as IF struggled to find the words to apologize without making it seem like she was forced to say it.
"Listen Cayde..I'm..sorry about earlier I didn't mean to blow up at you like I did. There was just a lot on my mind and I took it out on you, you even decided to bring on me this trip to which I can understand why. You just wanted spend time with me didn't you?" The boy stared before he slowly nodded. "I thought so, but even when still so mad at you I always finding you bringing me things to make up for it even though I don't deserve any of it."
"But Iffy, I do it because I want to." Cayde truthfully spoke catching the brunette off guard. "I just want to see you smile like you always do Iffy, even if your mad at me. Seeing you and the others always makes my day and knowing that your all happy makes me want to keep moving forward."
IF stared blankly at first before she lightly chuckled to herself. "Oh Cayde, what am I going to do with you?"
After that last sentence, Cayde then remembered something, he assigned a side mission for himself but completely forgot it sue to the fight and meeting Kayleigh again.
"Oh Iffy by the way, I got you something!" Digging in the brown paper bag he stored in his inventory, Cayde brought out the tie-up flame bow be brought from the gift earlier that day.
"What's that?" IF asked staring at the bow.
"Duh isn't it obvious? It's your gift silly! He stuck his hand out towards the guild with the bow in hand.
"For me? But why?" Asked IF confused to the sudden the gift she was presented with.
"Because your a hot gal!" Hearing the sudden compliment caused the girl to blush a light red in embarrassment.
"H-Hot?!"
"Yeah, because you get so hot headed all the time!" Cayde bluntly said with a smile while the guild agents embarrassment was erased completely as she stood frozen in place with shock. "Huh?"
"I mean if you think about it, you get more angry than I do. You start to flip out and start throwing chairs and stuff everywhere, cuss like crazy, and go on a complete murderous rampage until angers completely gone!"
As Cayde explained his reason for buying the item a dark menacing aura appeared around IF. The guild agents hand held a angry expression with vein marks popping on her forehead along with her right arm bent and hand raised to face level while being clenched tightly into a fist. "Why you little.."
Hearing IF's voice, he turned to her only for his once happy expression turn completely pale at the sight before him. "Um Iffy?.."
"YOU LITTLE BRAT!"
"Cayde! Iffy!" Compa & Kayleigh appeared on the scene with worried expressions in fear of what could have happened to their friends. However, those were instantly placed with confusion as they watched IF pull Cayde by the cheeks with him crying out in pain. "Ow ow ow! Iffy stwop it! It hurts!"
"Can it! We were just about to have a heart to heart filled moment but you ruined by opening your big STUPID MOUTH!"
"I'm sowwy realwy! Pwease stwop!" The two girls both sweat drop in relief and confusion as they watched the "lovely" moment before them.
The group made there way back to the laundry mat and collected their belongs before they all hopped into Compa's car as they were saying their goodbyes to Kayleigh.
"It was really nice seeing you guys again, even if it was just for a few hours." She said glancing up the sky as the sun was making it's way to set.
"Yeah it was nice seeing you too." IF said sitting in the passenger side next to Compa.
"Be sure to tell your mom "Hi" for me!" Compa said waving as she started up the car leaving the two friends alone to themselves.
"Well I guess I'm going back now. I'm sorry I didn't get to spend time with like I promised." Cayde scratched his head in embarrassment while the girl giggled.
"Don't worry about it. Just do it the next time you see me, okay?" Kayleigh winked making the boy stare before he smiled in response.
"Sure thing!' He said giving a thumbs up.
"Hey, come on brat! We're leaving let's get moving!" IF called out.
"Yeah hold on!" Cayde called out before looking back to her. "Well I guess..until next time?"
Kayleigh nodded before he turned and went the back door of Compa's car. Opening the door, he heard Kayleigh call out to him one last time as he turned around only to be brought into a warm hug but white haired girl.
"I'm gonna miss you." She snuggled deeper into his chest. Shocked by the sudden gesture unaware what to do at first, slowly hugged her back with the same amount care. (She smells like candy..)" Cayde thought as the smell of her shampoo entered his nose. Ending the hug, Kayleigh took a few steps back as Cayde hopped in the car and closed the door.
"And we're off!" Compa said as she started driving away. In the back Cayde glanced over his shoulder at the disappearing figure of his friend, before he fully turned and waved his hand with a smile.
"See ya Kelly!" Cayde called out as she did the same, her figure disappeared in the distance. As he continued waving IF called out to him.
"Hey sit down or you'll hurt yourself." IF calmly said as the boy complied with her wishes and sat respectfully on the seat but then he noticed something a little different about the guild agent. She was wearing the flame bow in her hair instead of her usual green one, he smiled knowing she probably loved the gift, but the moment was ruined when a familiar sensation returned to him.
"Urk!" Cayde suddenly re-turned to sickly shade of green as he slumped against the seat in pain. "Crap..!" The laughter of IF could be heard as the group made they're way back to Planeptune with groans and laughter all the way there.
Meanwhile, the capped the girl perched above another building watching the group return they're way to Planeptune with a smile.
"See you soon, Gust Of Wind.." She said before she turned and disappeared into the building.
Later that night in Kayleigh's apartment, she was seen sitting at desk doing homework with a mini lamp providing as a source of light. While she was doing it, her mind flashed back to goodbye hug she gave the dragonslayer some hours ago, her face slowly turned red as she was now at this point writing in incredibly fast with a wary but embarrassed smile.
"(Why did I do that?!)"