A/N
Sorry for the late update…Life's busy.
Right, I know it's going to be a bit awkward with Teiru not having her name and all. I mean, I keep referring to her as Teiru, while she hasn't been named yet. But she will be in this chap sooo…yeah. Apart from that, I'm not really satisfied with this chapter, it's mostly dialogues and stretching. But it had to be done, and I can't rush content like this. Therefore, this chapter is a bit of a bore.
-.^
Teiru gulped and nodded, casting a quick glance at Yuu. Yuu's gaze was fixed on nothing in particular however, her arms crossed. Teiru moved her gaze to look at the man next to her, who gave her a small reassuring smile.
''Where have the other's been brought to?'' Yuu spoke, interrupting the calm, yet awkward silence.
''Hmm…I believe to the fountain near the faction agents, but you should ask Xuja.'' The beard, because that was really most that Teiru could see, spoke.
''Very well, I want my reward anyway.'' Yuu spoke while uncrossing her arms and walking away from the group.
''Excuse us.'' The man bowed his head and gestured Teiru to follow as he walked after Yuu.
''Who's Xuja?'' Teiru tilted her head, enabling herself to look at the man's face.
''She's our dispatcher, for quests and rewards you should find her.''
Teiru nodded, quickening her pace to compensate with the man's large steps. Yuu was the first to reach the white haired woman, who smiled at them. Teiru glanced at the slightly pink-robed woman, who smiled at Yuu.
''Ah Yuu, quick as always I see. ''
Yuu nodded. ''The cave, as you called it, will only be inhabited by monsters from now on.''
Xuja sighed and placed her fingers against the side of her head, rubbing her temples. ''Yuu, The assignment was to minimize the amount of blood spilled the best you could.''
Yuu raised her eyebrows. ''If I remember correctly, the original assignment was to get those Athan's out of there, wasn't it?''
''Indeed, but knowing you I corrected it a bit. In vain it seems.''
''Sorry Xuja, there's no stopping her.'' The man interrupted, and Xuja smiled as soon as she took notice of him.
''Ah, Gorou. Yes it seems that way, she's quite the handful isn't she?''
''Gorou?'' Teiru asked, but she was ignored.
''Yes she is.'' He laughed.
''Shut it you two.'' Yuu growled.
''Your name is Gorou?'' Teiru asked again, this time catching their attention.
The man, apparently named Gorou, nodded. ''Yes, it means fifth son.''
''…That's one big mother…'' Teiru murmured.
It wasn't until Gorou let out a desperate sigh that both Yuu and Xuja burst into a fit of laughter, the sounds filling the air around them.
''If I recall correctly, Yuu said the same thing when you formed a party for the first time, didn't you?'' Xuja spoke, her hand lifted in front of her mouth while she laughed.
''Yes, I did.'' Yuu laughed, one of her arms folded around her abdomen.
Gorou gave them a desperate look and lowered his hands, which had previously been on his face. ''Why? Why does everyone react that way?''
Teiru smirked. Her gaze shifted to Yuu, who's seemed much less dangerous now that a smile had appeared on her face. Teiru's own smile widened a bit, a small part of her feeling proud that she got these people to laugh. Gorou let his head hang down, gloom all written over his body. Yuu kept laughing, her eyes closed as she did so. Just like Xuja, she had raised her free hand, the back of it turned to her face. Chuckling, Xuja walked the few steps necessary to stand next to Teiru. She placed a pale but soft hand on her shoulder while turning her head towards Yuu and Gorou.
''Alright, go visit the faction agents. After that, Yuu, I need to speak with you.'' Yuu raised her eyebrows but shrugged.
''Fine.'' She turned around and gestured Teiru to follow her.
''Come.''
''I'm not a dog.'' Teiru spoke, crossing her arms, but still walking after the woman.
''You sure look like one, now come.'' Yuu kept walking, turning around the corner to walk up the stairs.
''Hey!'' Teiru uncrossed her arms and dashed forward, catching up with Yuu.
Gorou raised his hands in defeat as he walked after them as they started bickering again, earning the attention of those who passed them.
''Good luck,'' Xuja chuckled and waved after him as he walked away.
''Thanks.'' He mumbled.
''And make sure Yuu comes back here! I won't chase her like last time!'' She yelled after him, the man waving as a sign of recognition.
The two were still bickering when they reached the fountain, both of them oblivious to their surroundings.
''I told you it's more a fox than anything else! W-Will you listen to me!'' She breezed when Yuu kept staring straight ahead of her, barely acknowledging the girl.
''No.''
Teiru growled and was about to show Yuu just how pissed off she was when said woman halted, resulting in Teiru bumping in to her. The girl was about to yell at the woman when she noticed the persons standing a few feet away from them. They all stared at her, not amused to say in the least. Yuu bowed and raised her hand to push Teiru's down as well when the girl didn't copy her action.
''Show some respect you fool!'' She hissed.
''How should I know I need to respect them? It's the first time I'm here!'' Teiru hissed back.
''Look at them! When you see their clothes and armor you're ought to know these people stand way above you!''
''We can hear you, you know.''
Both of the women looked up, a slight blush coloring their faces as they looked at the Arden agent, who seemed to be the only one who was, extremely at that, amused.
''I apologize.'' Yuu bowed her head.
''Hehe~ It's okay,'' The Arden agent inhaled a large amount of smoke before exhaling and chuckling. ''You don't get to see many…interesting things from standing here all day long.'' His eyes shifted from Teiru to Yuu, a wicked grin on his face.
''I would imagine so.'' Yuu huffed.
''Hehe, now, I assume she's one of the freed Athans, no?''
Yuu nodded, looking around for the others and spotting them at the fountain. Teiru followed her gaze and spotted them as well. Most of them smiled while splashing around water, other's scrunched their eyes shut as a few volunteers scrubbed their bodies.
''Alright, this is where I'm off.'' Gorou spoke, adverting his eyes from the fountain as a blush colored his face.
''Like what you see, Balo-kun?'' Yuu grinned.
''Stop that! I'm not as perverted as you!'' The man hissed, looking away again quickly after.
''Hmpf, fine then. Then our ways part again.''
''Yeah, till next time Yuu.'' Gorou spoke as he walked away, waving.
Yuu huffed but waved as well before turning her eyes back to the fountain.
''Alright, so what now?''
''She can just join them, in the meanwhile…'' The Arden agent spoke, hiding his mouth behind the back of his hand as he smirked.
Yuu raised a hand to silence the Arden agent. ''I know, I know. I won't avoid her, I need to get my reward anyway.''
The Arden agent smirked knowingly and stepped forward, placing a hand on Teiru's shoulder.
''I'll take over from here.''
''Wait? What?'' Teiru's eyes widened, her heart beating faster. She didn't particularly like Yuu, but she didn't want to be left alone in this new mess either.
''What, you wanted me to babysit you?''
Teiru puffed up her now rosy cheeks and crossed her arms.
''As if!...''
Her face returned to normal, but she adverted her eyes away from Yuu, turning silent. Yuu regarded the girl for a few moments before sighing and flicking her forehead.
''Ow!''
''Relax foxy, I'll be back after I've spoken with Xuja.''
''Foxy?'' Teiru, who had raised a hand to rub her forehead lowered it again, a blank look on her face.
''See you in a bit.'' Yuu quickly ruffled the girls hair, her eyes widening at her own action. Teiru didn't seem to notice it and Yuu quickly broke the contact before turning around and walking away, raising her hand in a half-assed wave. Teiru didn't register it though, blinking it confusion.
''Foxy? Seriously?''
Teiru finally regained her composure and glared at Yuu's back, the woman's form getting smaller as the distance between them grew wider. The Arden agent chuckled.
''Come on, let's get you taken care of.''
The young girl glared at the other woman once more as she turned around, thinking it was in vain. Little did she know, Yuu smirked as she walked away.
Xuja smiled as she handed Yuu her reward, a large pack of Tachi pills. Yuu nodded. ''Thanks.''
''Of course my dear, you helped us out quite a lot.''
Yuu shrugged. ''Can I go now? I need to buy the stuff necessary for that brat to survive, thanks to you.''
''And I'm very grateful.''
''You're just trying to save some money by letting me buy it.''
''I wouldn't dare. Now off you go.''
She chuckled and waved her hand in Yuu's direction, earning another sigh from the woman. Yuu nodded once and turned around, raising her hand and waving as she walked away from the dispatcher.
She first made her way to the tailor, who seemed surprised when she bought Arden clothes and armor, rather than those fitted for a Rayan. She bought some food, water and remedies as well, and an extra bag, filling it with the just purchased contents. She stared at the pouch inside the bag, intended to store gold. She sighed.
''Might as well…'' She muttered before opening her own pouch and moving some of the content to the other bag.
''There.'' She shook the bag, the coins jingling into place. She hoisted the bag over her shoulder and turned around, making her way back to the fountains.
Teiru was still at the fountain, a bucket of cold water being held above her head before being emptied above her head. The girl shrieked as the cold water hit her body, goose bumps appearing on her skin.
''C-cold!''
''Stop nagging, would you rather walk around covered in mud, dirt and blood?'' Yuu smirked as she walked up to the girl, placing both the girl's and her own bag on the ground before sitting down a few feet away from the girl. She removed her scythes from their sheaths, of some sort, and placed them on the ground, letting out a relieved sigh.
''The blood isn't my own, you caused it, thank you very much.'' Teiru huffed, glaring at the woman from the corner of her eyes before shrieking again as another bucket of cold water was emptied above her head.
''You're welcome.'' Yuu smirked again, and crossed her legs. Her grin faded as she regarded the girl, who was cursing and telling the woman behind her to be a bit more gentle. She scoffed and crossed her arms, shifting her gaze to the second bag.
''What?'' Teiru asked.
''Nothing that concerns you.''
''…Liar.''
Yuu's head swirled to give the girl a glare. ''What?''
Teiru pointed at the bags. ''You only have one bag, and there are two. And your gaze shifted from me to the bag.''
''That could have been a coincidence.''
''But it wasn't.''
Yuu let out a sigh. ''Alright fine, smartass. This bag is for you. Xuja told me to buy you some basic provisions and I did so. I'm just annoyed by the fact you cost me money.''
Teiru crossed her arms and looked away from Yuu and her bags. ''You didn't have to buy it.''
''Oh I did. I'll warn you brat, when Xuja tells you to go and do something, you better do it.''
''I'm not a brat!''
''Does Foxy suit you better?'' She grinned.
Teiru's eyes widened. ''You!-''
''Fine. What do you want me to call you then?'' She leaned forward to the ground, unzipping her boots before slipping her feet out of them. She took off the socks as well, and rolled up her pants, of some sort, before turning on the spot and letting her lower legs sink into the water.
''Haah, that feels good.'' Her eyes drifted closed as she let out a sigh of relief, but she opened one to peek at Teiru, who hadn't answered yet.
''Well?''
''Uhm…'' The girl muttered something she could not quite make out, not even when straining her ears. She let out a huff.
''Talk louder, I can't make out what you're saying.''
''I don't really have a name…'' Teiru's cheeks gained a little color, and she looked away while puffing up her cheeks.
Yuu blinked. ''Are you serious?''
The girl's cheeks flushed and she crossed her arms. ''Why would I joke about something like that?''
''Then how did they refer to you all this time?''
''No AA27.'' She stated, uncrossing her arms again.
''Catchy…'' Yuu muttered, before sighing.
''Well if you don't want to be referred to as a brat, Foxy or No AA27, you need to come up with a name you don't mind.'' She spoke, scratching the side of her head in the process.
Her answer was a blank look, before said girl turned her head away while thinking. She knitted her eyebrows together.
''Come on, is it that hard?''
''Hey, we're talking about a name here.''
''Point given. I really can't make you give in to Foxy I suppose?''
''No.'' She glared, her ears and tail twitching in annoyance.
…
''Teiru.''
''What?'' The girl turned her head back to Yuu in confusion, staring at her with questioning eyes.
''The name,'' She huffed. '' Teiru.''
''W-well…'' She repeated the name in her head. It sounded…weird, yet not. ''Yeah, I-I like it.''
''Then Teiru it is.''
Yuu pretended to look away, but observed the girl from the corner of her eyes. While she was taken back by the sudden change, her eyes glimmered. Probably unbeknownst, her ears and tail twitched in delight, and a small smile played on her lips. This resulted Yuu's lips curving upward in a small satisfied smirk. The girl now named Teiru didn't notice though. She didn't notice Yuu, the cold water running down her body or anything else. She stepped out of the fountain and put on a new, clean set of Arden clothes without thinking. Seconds passed and her smile widened, and she realized she was truly happy about being named. She repeated her name in her head over and over, and it sounded right, as if she was named Teiru ever since she was born. She grinned as she looked down at her cleaned body, satisfied with her new appearance.
''Well then, Teiru~'' Yuu spoke in a playful tone, and Teiru suppressed a shiver as her new name rolled of the other woman's tongue. She turned her head to look at the woman.
''Yeah, what?''
''I am saying goodbye.'' Yuu stood up and raised her arms as she stretched and arched her back.
''What?'' Teiru's ears perked up once more that day.
Yuu sighed. ''You can't expect me to babysit you now. I have business to attend to.'' The playful tone had disappeared from her voiced, being replaced by a stern, low-voiced one.
''B-but! That's not right! It's irresponsible! I have no idea what to do and you're just going to ditch me? Not that I'd like to stay with you, it will probably be a drag, but still!'' she flushed, but neither of them took the time to notice.
''You can ask Xuja, the faction agents, and your fellow Athans.'' Yuu sighed, stepping out of the fountain.
Teiru opened her mouth to object but closed it again. Her eyes darted around, as if the answer could be found in her surroundings. Her tail had started to twitch uncontrollably, like an annoyed or unsatisfied cat. Yuu calmly observed her. While she agreed that it was quite irresponsible to leave the girl to fend for herself, she meant what she said. She had quests to complete, some quite dangerous, both the monsters and surroundings not suited for those with little to no experience.
''I can't afford to have some girl tag along.'' She spoke, more to herself than to Teiru.
''I-!''
She closed her mouth again. What was she going to say? She gritted her teeth as she realized Yuu was right. She was pretty much a newborn in this world. She knew very little of the Athans and Humans, Dragon palace or any other region for that matter.
''You can think of the reasons yourself right? You don't have enough knowledge of…well, everything.''
''Then teach me.'' Teiru blurted out.
''Excuse me?'' Yuu blinked, obviously not registering what was happening.
''I said teach me.'' Her face flushed, but she tried to look as serious as she could.
''…''
Yuu remained silent, confused.
''You won't have to teach me about every little thing or anything,'' Teiru spoke quickly, afraid the silence meant rejection. ''I mean, if you could just teach me a little more about this place, or about what I should do, or the basics of fighting I'd be-''
''Whoa, hold your horses kid. You want me to teach you how to fight?'' Yuu's eyes had widened before she raised her hands to interrupt the girl.
Teiru blinked. ''W-Well, yes, why not?''
''Do you really think you can handle that?'' Yuu crossed her arms, while Teiru puffed up her cheeks.
''Of course I can! If you just teach me how to-''
''I refuse.'' Yuu crossed her arms.
''Listen-''
''No.''
''B-But!''
''I said no.''
Yuu's voice took on a dangerous edge and she narrowed her eyes at the smaller girl. Teiru fell silent and she regarded the area once more, slightly panicking.
Meanwhile, Yuu turned had finally gotten the chance to put her shoes back on and put her scythes back into place, and she was now making her way towards the bags. Teiru's eyes widened as she followed the movement, and within seconds, she dashed forward, grabbed Yuu's bag, and made a run for it.
''What the- Give that back you little twerp!''
Yuu's eyes widened in rage and surprise before she dashed after the girl. While Yuu was far more experienced and trained, Teiru proved to be quite the challenge to chase. The girl was pretty darn quick and very agile, and each time she was within Yuu's reach, and the older woman's fingertips almost brushed her skin the girl seemed to gain new energy, and dashed in a different direction. They received multiple odd looks from bystanders, but Yuu didn't give a damn. That bag was extremely important, even though the girl didn't know. It contained all of her quest information, her logs, her money, remedies, provisions, and on and on. If she were to lose that bag she'd be doomed.
''I've had it with you! Give it back!''
''No!''
Truth to be told, Teiru was about ready to throw the bag away and hide until Yuu would be long dead. The thought of having to face the angry woman behind her made her tremble. This has to be one of the stupidest things I've ever done.She gritted her teeth and sped up, dashing through the crowd of Athans in hopes of losing Yuu.
''Hey!'' Someone called out, very annoyed by the rude behavior.
''Sorry!'' Teiru yelled and turned her head, but she didn't have the time to stop and apologize in a proper way and thus, kept running.
''Teiru!'' Teiru gulped as she heard Yuu rage, but it only gave her the motivation she needed to run.
However, it was still a fact she did not now the ground of the Dragon Palace, and therefore had no idea where she was running to. And thus, as she crossed the small bridge next to the palace, she was suddenly met by a ridge, followed by large amounts of water gushing down on either side of her. She stopped just in time, flailing her arms to regain her balance as to prevent herself from falling. She let out a sigh of relief and placed her hand on her chest, her racing heartbeat reminding her as to why she was running in the first place. But alas, when she turned around, Yuu had caught up with her and had silently snuck up behind her. The taller and older woman's body was only inches away from hers, her arms crossed in front of her chest as she glared at Teiru. The younger girl gulped again, but kept the bag hidden behind her back.
''Hand it over to me.''
Yuu uncrossed her arms and held out her left hand, her eyes narrowing as the girl made no move to do so.
''I said-''
''I heard you!''
''Then give-''
''No!''
''Why you -''
''You can swear all you want , I won't give it back!''
''Stop interrupting me!'' The woman roared, her sudden outburst startling the younger girl.
As to be expected when one startles, she took a step back. However, rather than falling, her flailing arms were quickly caught by Yuu's, whose reflexes shot into action the moment the girl seemed to lose her balance. In the same movement though, she pulled the girl away from the ridge and turned her around, effectively snatching the bag from the girl's grip. Yuu scowled and let out something akin to a growl. Teiru's ears flattened and she avoided the woman's gaze.
''Gods I should have just listened to Gorou and leave with the others instead of following my hunch. You're annoying.''
Teiru's face reddened, and she felt even worse. She had just ruined any possibility of Yuu teaching her something, anything, by doing this.
''I'm sorry.''
''You bet you are!'' The woman snarled, earning a wince from the younger girl. An awkward and painful silence followed, during which neither of them seemed willing to speak or move. Eventually however, Yuu sighed.
''Look I wouldn't mind teaching you bits and bits, but the fact is that I can't. I have quests I have to fulfill, the sooner the better. The regions where I need to finish them are far too dangerous for you, or any other inexperienced Athan, or human for that matter, to survive. You'll be killed within minutes, I cannot afford to look after you every single minute.''
Teiru looked at the ground, hope had flared when Yuu said she wouldn't really mind, but it was crushed as the other words flowed from the older woman's lips.
''However,''
Teiru froze, her ears perking up.
''I agree that it would be highly irresponsible to leave you without any knowledge. While I still do not have time to teach you myself, I will take you to Guli, and ask him to take you under his care for now.''
Teiru looked up, her mouth opened in surprise. While she was wary of the long bearded man, it was still better than asking anyone else she did not know or to find out everything on her own.
''T-Thank you.''
Yuu waved her hand, huffing. ''Yeah, Yeah, just follow me.'' She spoke, before turning around and walking away, Teiru following close.
''I WHAT?''
Heads were turned it their direction as Yuu yelled in surprise, her eyes widened due to the shock.
''You heard me.'' Guli spoke, his rumbling voice sounding just as calm as always.
''I-I apologize but I can't possibly accept this!'' She stuttered, her calm composure ruined.
''Can you not? I am sure there are more than enough disciples who are willing to take over your quests log, they will even share the reward if I tell them to do so. You won't have to do anything for half the reward. In return, I want you to take on the role as this girl her guardian.''
''Sir, with all my respects, I don't think that-''
''Hmm?''
Teiru, who had been silent through all this, took a step back as the senior opened his eyes and looked at Yuu. Said woman also took a step back, much to Teiru's surprise. The woman actually seemed afraid of the long bearded man.
''I-I can't possibly discard my duties, I have many important businesses to attend to a-''
''The quests will be taken care of, your personal matters can be combined while you serve as her guardian. Now young one, if I'm not mistaken, I am still the oldest, unfortunately, and I am also the one who holds, next to the Goddess of the Moon, the most power.''
The magic around the Senior's staff started to glow more intense, the man's eyes still staring at Yuu.
''Well, will you accept this old man's request?''
''I-I…I accept.'' She bowed, looking at the ground.
''Great! '' Guli's face broke into a bright smile as he spoke, obviously satisfied with the results.
''Well then, youngster,'' He turned to Teiru.
''From now on, you will follow Yuu, and acknowledge her as both your superior and your guardian. She'll teach you about the knowledge of this world, as much as she knows that is, she wasn't the best of students…'' He rumbled, stroking his beard. Yuu, who was still too shocked to actually respond, merely scowled.
''Now, where was I? Oh right, feel free to ask her, I am sure she'll tell you what it is you want to know or learn.'' Gulli smiled and glanced at Yuu again. Everything he said sounded gentle, but it was obviously it was more of a command to Yuu than anything else.
''Now, of you go.''
Yuu turned on her heels and walked away, huffing.
''T-Thank you sir.'' Teiru bowed and followed the older woman.
''Now you have manners?'' Yuu huffed again.
''Better late than never right?'' She smirked.
Yuu scoffed. ''Don't think I'm going to take it easy on you brat.''
''Huh?''
''I take my assignments very serious, let it be a quest or teaching. I'm strict, so you better prepare yourself. After all, it's thanks to you I have to change my plans and discard pretty much every quest I took on.''
''B-but!''
''No buts.''
''…''
Teiru let out a giggle, causing Yuu to turn around and raise her eyebrows. ''What now?''
''No butts.'' The repeated after her.
''…You know I didn't mean it that way.''
''It sounded funny.'' The girl giggled again, a smirk on her face. But while Teiru kept giggling and snickering, Yuu placed a hand on her face and let out a sigh.
What had this girl gotten her into?
-.^
A/N
So! That's it for the second chapter. I have to admit though, this really is a challenge. I'm sorry for updating like, three months late. I'll try to update faster, but school is keeping me pretty damn busy, along with work. So yeah, bear with it please.
Alright, because some of you may get confused; During the bathing/cleaning, the freed Athans were indeed naked. I think it would be more than natural for Humans and Athan to bathe together in the Jade Dynasty universe, it doesn't sound like a world where one can expect much luxuries. Of course, poor Gorou feels a bit embarrassed should he peek, while Yuu doesn't mind. The sneaky bastard is such a perv.