Just when you thought I would be done this month, I present the next chapter for Wild Stars: Sunshine.
It's been a busy few weeks, which resulted in multiple delays.
On the same note, I am wishing several Belated Happy Birthdays to Yoshiko Tsushima, Takami Chika, Sakurauchi Riko, and Kurosawa Ruby.
Now, let's continue.
I do not own Love Live.
Hanamaru: Hmmmmm. very suspicious, zura.
In the library, Hanamaru had a serious look as if she was thinking.
Ruby: What's the matter, Maru-chan?
Her friends, Ruby and Yoshiko, arrive at the library after finishing their classroom duties.
Hanamaru: Oh. Ruby-chan. Yoshiko-chan. You're done with cleaning, zura?
Yoshiko: We are, but did something happened?
Hanamaru: Why you ask, zura?
Yoshiko: You had that look on a face whenever something is bugging you.
As her friends were staring at her, Hanamaru suddenly felt nervous.
Hanamaru: Well… that's…..
[Few minutes earlier]
Chika: Hanamaru-chan!
Hanamaru: Zura?!
Her reading time was interrupted by the second years, confused by their serious expressions.
Chika: Sorry, but we need to go to our clubroom for a bit. Can you hold the books on the table for us?
Hanamaru: T-That's fine, zura.
You: We'll come back before the school closes to return the books back to the shelves.
Hanamaru: I-I understand…
After getting the ok from Hanamaru, the second-years hurried out of the library without a word.
Hanamaru (with a worried expression): I'm worried about them, zura.
Yoshiko: That does sound strange. Did you notice anything else, Zuramaru?
Hanamaru: Not really. They came here to do research on their topics for class assignments… Ah. Now that you mentioned it, Riko was carrying a book with her when they left. It was about the natural history of Uchiura.
Yoshiko: …Could it be that they found something important?
Ruby: What do you mean?
Hanamaru: I wanted to ask them, but I don't know where their clubroom is.
Yoshiko: If that's the case, I know exactly where they are. I'm going to get some answers.
After speaking with a serious expression, Yoshiko heads for the exit.
Hanamaru: Wait, I'm coming too, zura!
After placing the out for lunch sign on the front, Hanamaru accompany Yoshiko, with Ruby following behind them.
Ruby: W-Wait!
[In the Clubroom]
Chika: Riko-chan, you seem really confident about the markings in the ruins.
You: How do you know for sure?
Riko: Back at Mori. I also went to a ancient ruins as part of a school trip and I saw markings that looked similar. At first, I didn't recognize it at first glance, but then I remembered how the one in the book had the same writing style from what I saw before.
Chika: You could remember something like that from that time?
You: So why are you worried? Riko-chan? Is it that serious?
The Hyou was reluctant to give a quick answer since she was not 100% sure, but seeing the concerned eyes from her friends, she knew couldn't keep to herself.
Riko: You said before that the markings were older than this town and maybe even the whole country.
Chika: That's right.
Riko: In order for those markings to be there, there had to be someone to write it on the walls of the ruins in the first place.
You: Yeah?
Riko: If that's the case, then wouldn't that mean that it's possible that people from Mori travel to this land before it became a country?
As You and Chika came to the same conclusions as the Hyou, their expressions slowly changed.
You: T-That would mean….
Chika: No way!
Kanan: It sure is nice of you to bring them some snacks.
Kanan, Dia, and Mari were walking together in the hallway with Dia carrying a brown bag.
Dia: This is just thanks from that time before.
Mari: So you say, but you just want to hang out with them.
Dia: T-That's not true.
Mari: Oh. Dia, you're so hard-headed.
Dia: Mari-san. What is that supposed to mean?
As they arrived at the clubroom, the third-years heard rather loud voices coming from the room.
Chika: If what you say is true, this would change everything that we know about our town.
Riko: Calm down. Chika-chan. All we have are theories.
You: Riko-chan's right. We don't know for sure that it's the truth. We need more evidence.
Kanan: What do you think they are talking about?
While the third-years were wondering, their answer came from the other side.
Chika: Just imagine what everyone would think if they find out that our town of Uchiura, no this country, ….. was founded by the people from Mori!
Mari/Kanan: Eh?!
Seconds after the two let out a word and look at each other, something fell on the floor. When they looked down, it was the bag that Dia was carrying a while ago.
[In the Clubroom]
Riko: The only way we will know is to check out those ruins.
Chika: Then, let's go!
You: I think we would need permission since we are going there as part of club activity.
Dia: What nonsense are you talking about?!
The door opens suddenly with a loud sound, surprising everyone in the clubroom.
Second Years: Wah!
Riko: E-Everyone. What are you all doing here?
Kanan: Well, we were on our way to visit you guys.
Mari: But we didn't expect to hear something outrageous.
Dia: What was that about just now? About our country being founded by another country?
What is all the commotion?
Hanamaru, Yoshiko, Ruby was coming inside the clubroom.
Chika: Yoshiko-chan! You came for the climax of this drama series.
Yoshiko: It's Yohane! And I have no idea what you are talking about.
Dia: More importantly, what makes you think that the ruins are related to your country?
Riko: Well, I just thought that it would explain the monster from before.
Hearing something unexpected, everyone became worried when the monster was brought up.
You: W-What do you mean?
Chika: Please tell us more, Riko-chan!
Riko:…..
The Hyou, with hesitation, began telling the rest of the girls about the history of Mori.
A long time ago, there were powerful, almost immortal spirits called [Kizuna], who lived in the Country of Mori alongside humans. At the time, it was rather peaceful. That all changed when one of the [Kizuna], who later became known as The Great Devourer, whose named was Arc, began destroying the country and devouring its inhabitants. Arc was only defeated and sealed away by a powerful human called the Great Sage with the help from the remaining [Kizuna]. After that, the Great Sage, for reasons unknown to this day, sealed away the other [Kizuna] in inanimate objects like stones.
Centuries passed, and the memory of [Kizuna] faded into myth and legends.
However, despite being sealed away, the [Kizuna] were able to make contact to this world by possessing humans, making them [Host] to the creatures.
Unfortunately, a notorious secret organization called Genesis attempted to revive Arc in order to use the power of the [Kizuna] to rule the country, whose plans almost succeeded over the last few decades.
20 years ago, Arc was partially revived and nearly devastated the surrounding territories before it was stopped.
10 years after the first incident, Arc was fully revived and attempted to attack the whole country once again.
Arc was finally defeated by a group of humans and their [Kizuna] partners, along with the help of all the tribes. Those [Host]s then created a group called µ's to protect the country from threats from both outside and within.
After Riko finished, the other girls remained silent for a bit before Chika steps forward.
Chika: So let me get this straight. Right now, there are giant god-like beings living in your country.
Riko: …Yes
Chika: That is… so cool!
Riko: Eh?
Chika: I knew that your country sounded amazing from the stuff that you told me, but this is on a completely whole level. Why didn't tell us about the [Kizuna] before?
Riko: I don't think it was something that people in this town would understand.
Dia: That's true. If we hadn't experienced it ourselves, I would not have believe it myself.
Mari: Wow! That sounds so exciting.
Hanamaru: It sounds like something from a fantasy book, zura.
Yoskiko: A land with godly beings living alongside humans. That sounds like a place that Yohane would like to see.
Chika: The Country of Mori must be filled with all sorts of fun adventures.
Riko: It's not fun at all!
The anger in Riko's tone made everyone in the room flinch.
Riko: You.. You don't understand how frightening it was…. I was there when it happened 10 years ago. A lot of people died in front of me. I was so scared…
As a result of Genesis' actions, many tribes were devastated, including Riko's tribe when the first incident occurred at their territory.
The Hyou's body was trembling from remembering the memories of her past. Chika quickly hugs Riko tightly from behind.
Chika: I'm so sorry! I made you remember something bad. I'm really sorry!
Riko: ..It's ok now.
After a few seconds of deep breathing, Riko was able to calm down.
Kanan: So that thing you fought against the other day….
Riko: It was different than what I have seen, but it felt the same as when my town was attacked.
You: So you think that somehow that Arc is still alive?
Riko: Arc should have been defeated for good, although I would not be surprised if there are remains of it. But what I didn't understand is why did it appear in this country?
As far as the Hyou knows, the two countries don't involve themselves in each other's matters.
Then, Riko remember her conversation moments before being interrupted and turns to Dia.
Riko: Dia-san, we need permission to go to the ruins to check for clues. Even if it may not be related to what is happening right now, I think we need to know what is in those ruins.
Dia: ….Can I have some time to think about it?
Riko: We understand.
After that, the different years went their separate ways as they process what they learned today but not before the second years go back to the library to return the books as promised.
[Later that night]
You: In the end, we have to wait to get approval.
That evening, Chika, You, and Riko slept over at Chika's place. They were wearing their pajamas, sitting in Chika's room.
Chika (making an irritated pout): Why are we asked to wait? I mean, the fate of our town is at stake.
Riko: At least we are making some progress.
You: Ne, Riko-chan.
Riko: What is it, You-chan?
You: Is it possible for us in Uchira to learn how to use aura like you?
Chika: That's right. If we can do that, we can fight against anything threatening our town!
Riko: I'm afraid it's not that simple.
Chika: Why, Riko-chan?
The Hyou furthered explained that while use of aura has been increasing over the last few years, to the point where it has become something normal in the country, the introduction of learning to use in schools was done only recently.
Riko: For me, it took six years to get a handle on my aura, so I can tell you it's not easy even with shortcuts.
Chika (looks disappointed): That sucks.
You: Then, how did you get so strong? I mean the way you fought before, I don't think it could have been possible for a novice.
Riko: While I was still in Mori, I had a mentor who trained me to hone my skills with aura. To say that I'm strong, I considered myself average compared to others.
Chika: Really?!
You: You mean to tell me that there are actually people who are stronger than you?
As both of the girls look surprised by the declaration, Riko let out a dejected sigh.
Riko: It's true. I heard that some of them can even destroy entire towns without any problem.
Hearing something even scarier, both Chika and You felt a chill run down their spine.
Chika: Riko-chan, your country sounds like a dangerous place.
You: Somehow, I'm not sure if we are ready to visit there just yet.
Riko: While it's true that it's sometimes dangerous, it's not a bad place.
Seeing how late it was, along with the sign from the 'living god of the inn', the three of them decide turn in for the night.
Kanan: It's been awhile since we stay at each other's house.
In a small room, Kanan, Dia, Mari were sitting in different places. Dia previously asked the two if they could stay over at Kanan's house, to which both of them happily accepted.
Mari: It's been so busy the last few weeks that we never got a chance to hang out besides school.
Kanan: So why did you ask us to stay over at my place? I'm pretty that either of your house would've being fine.
Compared to Dia and Mari's homes, Kanan's place was rather small, a modest two-storied wooden building facing the ocean.
Dia: That is… I wanted to ask you two for your opinions about what we heard this afternoon.
When Dia mentioned today, Mari and Kanan showed solemn expressions.
Kanan: To say that I was surprised would be an understatement. I had no idea that Riko went through something like that.
Mari: Somehow, I understand how Riko feel about all this.
Dia (with a doubtful face): Really?
Mari (with a hoarse, low voice): …When the school was attacked and Kanan was captured, I felt my whole world was turned upside down. If anything had happen to Dia and Kanan….. I wouldn't know what to do.
Mari's body shakes out of anger and worry, getting sympathetic looks from Kanan and Dia.
Kanan: Mari…
Dia: Mari-san. I feel the same way.
Kanan: So what should we do then? I heard from Chika and You that they are trying to think of ways to deal with future attacks although so far nothing.
Dia: I believe it's best to work with them. Riko-san is more familiar with what's been happening than everyone else. I should talk to her more about it. Even need to, we will have to be the ones to defend our town.
Mari: That's right! Even if I have to become a monster myself, I will do whatever it takes to protect this town.
Dia: I think Mari-san is little off, but I agree with you.
After the three nodded in agreement, Kanan just remember something.
Kanan: Ne, Dia, Mari. Would you mind coming with me after school?
Dia: If I get my student council work done, then I should be.
Mari: What is it, Kanan?
Kanan showed a playful smile to the two while they looked at her with confused expressions.
[The next day in the clubroom]
Riko: Sorry, but I have something to do tomorrow.
Chika asked Riko to show them her skills after school.
You: I guess it can't be helped. I also have some things to do at home as well.
Chika: Riko-chan.
Riko: W-What's wrong?
Chika(narrowing her eyes): I hope you're not going out alone to practice by yourself.
Riko: I-It's nothing like that.
Yoshiko: Practice?
Chika told Yoshiko about the 'fight' between Riko and Chiba the other day that was witnessed by Chika and You.
Yoshiko: WHAT?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!
Chika: Ma, you said before that you didn't want to be bothered during the weekends.
You: Also, we don't know where you live.
Yoshiko: …..Ma, Yohane cannot afford to expose her lair to the likes of mere mortals.
After letting the matter of weekend slide, the girls were doing their own thing when…
Yoshiko (whispered): Riko.
Riko: What is it?
Yoshiko: T-That is…..
Riko: So what did you want to talk about, Yoshiko-chan?
The Hyou was asked by Yoshiko to talk about something outside of school.
They met in an open area away from people and sitting on a bench.
Yoshiko: It seems that I may have misunderstood you, so I wanted to apologize.
Riko (tilting her head): Apologize? Why?
Yoshiko: When I heard that you came from another country, I got excited and wanted to learn more. But then I heard of everything that has happened to your country and you. You went through something that most people don't experience. While this fallen angel has yet to face her trials in this world, Yohane is familiar with the feelings of despair and fear. Yet In spite of your trauma, you are willing to help everyone here even though that you were not originally born here.
Riko: That was just a reflex.
Yoshiko: Only under dire situations will a person shows their true character. Seeing Yohane's little demon trying their best for everyone's sake, Yohane will not sit idly but fight alongside her demons to protect her domain.
When Yoshiko stood up suddenly to show her determination, the Hyou notices something moving on the first-years' back.
Riko(with widened eyes): Wings?!
When meeting Yoshiko the second time, she thought she saw wings behind, but assumed that they were more decorations and not actual wings.
Seeing the surprised expression, Yoshiko showed a devilish smile.
Yoshiko: Oh? Didn't I tell you before? Yohane is a fallen angel, fated to live a cursed life of misfortune. Hy-
Yoshiko was interrupted as Riko gently touches one of the wings.
Riko: It's surprisingly warm and soft.
Yoshiko: Oh. Wait. Stop.
The Hyou gently strokes one of the wings, which twitched from her touch.
Yoshiko: Kya! D-Don't just touch whatever you want.
Yoshiko retraces her wings from the Hyou.
Riko: S-Sorry! I was just surprised that those wings that I saw before were real.
Yoshiko: Black wings are the symbol of Yohane, so of course they are real. In any case, you don't seem surprised by the source of Yohane's pride.
Riko: Well, your wings remind me of the Tori Tribe back in my country.
Yoshiko (looking confused): Tori…. Tribe? What is that?
Riko then told Yoshiko about the Tori tribe, a group of humans known for their wings and other bird-like traits.
Yoshiko: …So there are others like me?
Seeing the fallen angel with a conflicted expression, Riko continued.
Riko: Is it that rare here for people with wings?
Yoshiko: I have lived in Numazu for most of her life, so I can tell you that I have yet to see brethren the same as Yohane. Well, there was one other in the past, but he's…. gone to a place far from here.
Seeing Yoshiko's saddened expression, Riko didn't inquiry further.
Yoshiko: I suppose you must be disappointed of this one's size. As the one before you is a fleeting mortal vessel for yours truly, Yohane has to work with what she has.
Riko: While I know about Tori, I haven't really seen one in person. This is the first time seeing black feathers. Actually, I heard that a Tori's wings will grow fully when they become an adult.
Yoshiko (with an incredulous expression): … So you're telling me that Yohane has yet to unleash her true potential?
Riko: Maybe. But we won't know until you are older.
Yoshiko: If you say so, then Yohane will talk about this matter at another time.
The two girls continued their conversation until it was getting late and parted ways.
Riko: It's really big….
The day before, Dia asked Riko to come alone to her house to discuss important matters.
When Riko arrived, she was in front of huge wooden traditional house.
Dia: Thank you for coming at such a short notice.
Dia was greeting Riko at the entrance of the Kurosawa Residence.
Riko: It's fine.
Once inside, the two girls went to the living room, where there was a low wooden table.
Riko: I brought some snacks.
Three days before, during a conversation with Chiba, she learns that one of his brothers work at a prominent goods company that uses the port at Uchiura to transport goods to this country. Since Riko was visiting Dia for the first time, she thought to bring something and placed an order for some sweets from the company.
Dia: Thank you. I will bring some tea.
After settling in, the two started talking.
Dia: Also, I wanted to let you know that your request to go to the ruins has been approved.
Riko: Really? Thank you very much. I will let everyone know.
Dia: But on one condition.
Riko (with furrowed eyebrows): And that is…
Dia: I will accompany with you all into the ruins.
Riko (with raised eyebrows out of surprise): Eh?
Dia: Normally, any activities in the clubs in the school requires the supervision of a teacher or faculty member.
Riko: I see.
Dia: However, there are exemptions where student council members can act as a substitute. Also, Mari-san is the director, so getting it approved wasn't a problem. Considering how serious this situation is, it is best that few people know about it until we can build our case. We don't want to cause a panic of our town.
Riko: That makes sense.
Dia: Also, I have visited that place for a field trip when I was younger, so I am familiar the layout of the interior.
Riko: But why would go this far as to come with us? It's hard to tell what's going to happen and may even get dangerous.
Dia: I don't know if you were aware of this, Riko-san, but my family has been serving this town for centuries as amimoto.
Riko: Amimoto?
Dia: The Kurosawa Family has managed the fishing businesses in Uchiura for centuries. Because of that, we are involved with matters of the town. As both the student council president and a member of the Kurosawa Family, I will not let allow anyone or anything to disrupt the peace of this town.
Riko: Dia-san….. In that case, why don't you join our club?
Dia (looking confused): Eh?
Riko: Our goal is to help the town, which also means protecting it. So it would great if you join us.
Dia: T-That's true, but I have my responsibilities at school as well.
Riko: You don't have to meet us at the clubroom everyday, but we can hang out and share information when you are free.
Dia: …I will think about it. I guess I can also asked Mari-san and Kanan-san. On that matter, there is something else I wanted to ask.
Riko: And that is?
Dia: You are the one most familiar with this situation, so I wanted to ask if you can teach us about what you know, whether about the [Kizuna] or possible countermeasures we can do, any information would be helpful. I hope that you can cooperate on this matter.
Riko: I intend to do so, Dia-san.
Amidst Dia and Riko discussing plans to explore the ruins, their conversation was overheard through the door by someone.
Ruby: Onee-chan….
[In the Library]
Yoshiko: So something like that happened.
Ruby: I am scared of the ruins, but Ruby can't just leave Onee-chan like this.
Hanamaru: Well, she won't be going by herself, zura. Chika-chan and the others would be going with her.
Yoshiko: That aside, what are you doing, Zuramaru?
Noticing that Hanamaru reading a green-colored book next to a stack of books.
Hanamaru: Hearing about the history of another country made me curious about the history of our town as well. I am also hoping to do some research that would help us find what we are looking for.
Yoshiko: So were you able to find anything that would help us?
According to Hanamaru, there has been many theories and disputes about who founded the country of Mizu. What was certain was that various factions were created and spread out, laying claim to the territories. Eventually all the territories were united under a single ruler, thus the Country of Mizu was founded.
When cross-examining with the book that Riko was reading, Hanamaru deduces that the ruins was older than any of the oldest evidence of human civilization that were found on this country.
Hanamaru: I wonder if I could find more information at the library at Numazu.
Yoshiko: Since it is within Yohane's domain, this fallen angel will accompany if it means we will find something vital for our mission.
Ruby: R-Ruby will also help. I may be useless in fighting, but I will be my Rubesty.
The three made plans to go to the library for the next few days after school.
[The Next Day]
Kanan: Here is the stuff you asked for. I hope this is enough.
Today, Riko was meeting with Kanan on a remote area of the beach as the blue-haired girl brought four barrels filled with various seafood and fish. Given the sheer abundance, Riko was in awe of the bounty.
Riko (with a smile): This is… more than I can ask for. I am grateful for your help.
Kanan (showing a confident smile): Like I said before, it's no problem at all.
Riko: I'm really thankful… Although… why are Dia-san and Mari-san here?
Along with Kanan was Dia and Mari standing next to her.
Dia (with a hesitated tone): I know this was sudden, but…..
Mari (in a loud voice): We wanted to meet your friend!
Kanan: When I told them that you were bringing a guest, they wanted to come.
Riko: I see.
Along with the third years, there was also the three first years as well as Chika and You.
Hanamaru: So when is your guest coming?
Yoshiko: Any comrade of Riko is an ally of Yohane.
Chika: That's really mean of you, Riko-chan. We could have planned a welcome party for your friend.
Riko: It's no big deal since he would only stay here until the end of the day anyway. Since everyone is here, I guess I should bring him out now.
You: What do you mean?
Everyone: ?
While Riko step back a good distance from the others while pulling out a necklace with blue-green crystal hidden under her school uniform.
As she imbues the crystal with her aura, she kneels down to the ground, and placed the necklace on the ground.
Riko: [Summon]
Without interruption, a circle of green light starts forming around her. Surprised by the sudden appearance, the girls took a step back.
To their increasing shock, a creature with the appearance of a leopard more than twice the size of the Hyou with gray and black-spotted fur and yellow eyes emerged from the circle.
By the time the light from the circle faded away, only Riko, whose body was covered with markings with a similar color as the circle and the creature remained.
With the exception of the first-years, the other girls recognized as the beast that was fighting alongside Riko.
ROOOOOARRRRRR
The beast let out a deepening roar that echoes through its surroundings.
Ruby: Pigi!
Hanamaru: Zura!
Yoshiko: Wah!
While Ruby and Hanamaru hid before Dia and Kanan respectively, Yoshiko was showing a brave stance in front of Mikei although her knees were shaking out of fear.
Yoshiko: What a magnificent animal, Yohane can sense a primal and immense power from this familiar.
Riko (facing the leopard): It's good to see you again, Mikei.
You: so the friend you were talking about….
Chika: was Mikei?
Dia: But why are you bringing him back to Uchiura?
Riko: Well, that's…..
The Hyou shyly explains that Mikei can be summoned by eligible residents in her district. Whether someone summoned them to perform a task, they are required to give the war panther compensation, usually food, in return for their service.
Since Riko was living in a distant country, she would not be able to reach Mikei as she normally could to give her tribute.
Thus, she was bringing Mikei back to Uchiura, so she was providing compensation for both attempts for [Summon].
Riko: Mikei helped a lot during the fight with the monster, so it's the least I can do for him.
As Riko finished explained, she felt something or someone bumping on her back and giving her a vibrating massage.
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Riko: Hai, Hai.
The Hyou gently pats the beast around its neck and she directs the large feline to the pile of seafood.
Riko: Here, Mikei. This is all for you, so don't hold back.
After a few seconds of inspecting the bounty, the beast quickly starts to devour the feast. The girls except for Riko watched with amazement as the meat was swallowed up.
You: All that food… gone in seconds.
Yoshiko: He may even be a bigger eater than Zuramaru.
Hanamaru: Y-Yoshiko-chan! What are you saying?
Riko: Mikei can eat its weight in food. Not only that, but he can only eat meat, so food costs can add up quickly.
Due of their high maintenance, only districts and certain individuals are allow to keep a war panther.
Just as Chika reaches out her hand to touch the panther, who just finished its meal, Mikei turned its head to the Inu and let out a loud, but low hiss while showing the inside of its mouth.
Chika: Kya!
Chika fell backwards out of surprise.
Riko: Mikei! No!
While the rest of the girls back up slightly, Riko uses both arms to hold a tight grip of the beast's neck.
Riko: We do not attack friends. Now, behave!
After seconds of wrangling, the beast relent and lay its body on its side on the ground. Riko let out an exhausted sigh as she relaxes.
Riko: Really, you are really such a big baby. It's alright, everyone. He won't cause trouble. I'll make sure of that.
Despite concerns of the beast, some of the girls approach Mikei and even touching his sides.
Chika: The fur is a lot shorter and softer than I thought.
The Inu was running both hands on Mikei's side, receiving some purring from the leopard.
Kanan (sheepishly): Now that we are seeing your friend up close, he's really big.
Riko: This is a normal size for an adult, but he normally won't attack without a reason.
You: Ah. He seems to be wearing something. Can I touch?
Riko: That's fine.
As Riko makes sure to have firm grip a hold on Mikei's neck for assurance, You use her hands to get a good feel of the vest-like accessory.
You: Wa. It's really sturdy. Is this leather?
Riko: Oh. That is a harness that allows people to ride on top of Mikei. If I recall, Mikei can carry up to 3 people at a time.
Chika: Ne! Ne! Riko-chan! I want ride on Mikei.
Riko: Eh?!
Ignoring the frantic Hyou, Chika continued.
Chika: It's not every day we get to do this! Come on! Pleaseeeeeeeeee.
Riko: ehhhhh….
While some of them was very interested, some of them were still wary about the animal. Being faced by a very persistent Inu, Riko let out an exhausted sigh.
Riko: …Alright, but I will be the driver and you have to follow my directions. Ok?
Chika: Alright!
Using a knot on the vest as a foot hold, Riko lifts herself onto the back position, shifting to the middle of the harness.
After figuring who was riding first, Chika and You climb up and sat at the middle of the harness, riding behind Riko.
As Riko, Chika, and You settle on top, the panther return on all fours, lifting up the three girls.
Chika: Wow. So far up from the ground!
Riko: Make sure you both hold on tight. He can go really fast and cover long distances. Let's go, Mikei.
Using its hind legs to kick off the ground, the beast starts a sprint that gradually picks up speed.
Chika: WooHoooooo!
You: HaHaHa! This is amazing, Riko-chan!
The panther ran in a full circle around the remote beach, making some zigzag movements and jumping over large rocks and logs.
Yoshiko: Ah! Not fair, I want to ride too.
Hanamaru: Maru, too.
Mari: Wow! Riko is riding like a boss.
For the rest of the afternoon. The girls took turns riding on Mikei, while others shyfully watch, with Riko as the driver.
Some time passed, everyone was tired from their activity.
Riko: I think that's enough for today.
The Hyou come face to face with the beast, pressing their foreheads together.
Riko: I will counting on you later on, Mikei.
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
The leopard seemingly disappear in front of the other girls, alongside with the markings on Riko's body.
Dia: It seems that we have much to learn about your country.
The sentiments of the third year's words could be felt by the rest of the girls except Riko.
[The next morning]
Riko: This is… way bigger than I thought it would be.
The second years look up the cave whose ceiling was higher than any of the nearby trees. Since they have the whole day to explore the place, the girls were wearing dark red jerseys with long sleeves and long pants while carrying only the essentials.
?: Oiiiiiii.
Hearing someone, the second years turn to see the third years as well as Yoshiko, with Hanamaru and Ruby behind her, walking towards them.
Chika: Eh? Ruby-chan? Hanamaru-chan? What are you doing here?
Ruby: I-I was worried about onee-chan, so Ruby wanted to come to support everyone.
Days before the trip, Ruby had a profound talk with her sister. Despite the Dia's stern reluctance, her sister allowed her to accompany them into the ruins as long as they stayed together.
Hanamaru: Since Ruby-chan and Yoshiko-chan wanted to come, Maru wanted to come as support. So here we are.
Riko: Hanamaru-chan… What are you wearing?
The Hyou notices Hanamaru has a helmet and while carrying pickaxe with both hands and large backpack in addition to the jersey.
Hanamaru: These ruins may have been explored before, but you have to be prepared for anything.
Riko: Somehow, that seems a bit much since we are only just need to take a quick look at the patterns inside, maybe do a few sketches.
Moreover, the markings they were looking for were located closely to the entrance of the ruins. At the first sign of danger, they would be able to escape outside quickly.
Dia: It's as Riko-san said. It's fine to bring your things, but don't hesitate abandon it if there is trouble.
The girls gather around Dia for a quick briefing.
Dia: Everyone is to stick together, no exceptions. Keep a sharp eye on your surroundings and inform everyone if you find something. Is everyone ready?
The girls nodded as they face the entrance.
With Dia leading the way, the girls entered the ruins, uncertain of what they will find.
Trying out the RPG style dialogue a second time.
Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you for reading.