The moon shone above the sleepy town that was Melen now. Even if Lyra couldn't see it, she came to learn how 'light' felt on her skin, so she judged it had to be a full moon tonight. Fidgeting nervously, she held her hands behind her back as she leaned against the door of their inn room. With a sigh, she shook her head. Why was she acting like this? She wasn't a lovestruck teenager anymore. No, instead she was a lovestruck twenty five year old woman. A scoff escaped her. Years passed yet she didn't change at all. Acting all confident and flirty with Finn, but when it comes to actual romance she was still nervous as hell. She smiled lightly as she heard the giggling from the other rooms. She was a bit worried after Tiona dragged all the girls plus Hestia to the Loki's girls room, considering how the two goddesses tended to clash. Yet it seemed Solaris played off well with the other tomboy just fine and Haruhime's demeanor helped curb the wild energy to manageable levels. Meanwhile she heard some laughing from the other rooms. Just like TIona and Solaris, Bell seemed to get along with Raul as well. As expected of the High Rookie. Ironic name or not, an average guy was just the person to get along with the runner up record holder. A moderating influence at least. Kojiro seemed to be more aloof, but was just as happy that Bell was finding more people to get along with. Though she did pity him for being cornered like that by all the Loki males, bombarding him with questions. The girls probably had the same troubles from what she could hear. Not like Bell wasn't bombarded earlier, once he came back and joined the others after his little swim lesson. Poor kid. The line between being giddy at the attention and being drowned by it was blurry. Not to mention how he was conflicted in how much he should reveal or hide, like Kojiro's Tsubame Gaeshi or other potential state secrets.
She stiffened up when she heard the footsteps, her line of thought stopping right there. She'd recognize those, the breathing and movements from anywhere. Quickly adjusting her hair, hoping it looked alright enough, she put on a smile as Finn came around the corner, scratching the back of his head with a chuckle.
"Sorry for the wait. We had to do some last minute checks."
"Oh, I haven't been waiting for too long, Braver~!"
Even as she teased him and hugged his arm, enjoying how his body heated up due to her swimsuit and skin contact, internally she was hyperventilating. Half an hour wasn't too long, right? She wasn't being creepy, right? Taking a deep breath, Lyra smiled brightly as they walked arm in arm down the inn.
"Sooo, where is my prince taking me?" She asked playfully, running her finger over his chest. He cleared his throat awkwardly before nodding slowly and raising his finger to his charming smile he must have formed by now.
"It's a surprise."
"Hoho, keep talking dirty to me!" Lyra sighed dramatically. She noted how they were walking towards the beach and couldn't help but giggle. Ah, that was about as romantic as it could get. Good thing she focused before the date or else she'd be a stammering mess and that could not be allowed for her image. "Honestly, if you did this more often I'd tease you way less."
"No, you wouldn't," Finn countered in exasperation, causing Lyra to shrug playfully.
"Nah, I probably wouldn't."
"Really though. Just cancelling our date like that." She sniffed dramatically before looking away. "You really are a heart breaker, aren't you?"
"I did say I was sorry," he replied with a wince. Giggling, she rubbed her face against his arm.
"And since we are together now, I shall forgive you." She paused before leaning away, pointing at him with a frown. "Well, maybe I'll forgive you more if you take me to that fancy restaurant in the next week or so."
Finn sighed, shaking his head. By now, Lyra noticed they moved past the usual beach, the sand under her feet replaced by solid, cold and wet stone. If she had eyelids she could move, she would have blinked. Where were they going?
"For someone wanting to be treated like a maiden, you are still as bossy as ever," Finn said dryly, causing Lyra to huff.
"Maidens have standards!" She poked his muscular arm a few times. "And if I don't push, you would be dilly dallying around non stop! If it weren't for me, you would have a lot less breaks than you did before!"
"Ahahahaha... You really became bolder."
Lyra's smile wavered and she unconsciously reached for her sunglasses. Her voice grew quieter as she let out a sigh.
"I have to."
Finn stiffened up and she realized her mistake. Forcing a smile, she pressed onward, moving faster. Just keep going forward. Because if she ever stopped, if she ever stopped being bold... she would return to the pitiful mess she was five years ago, stuck in a bed and filled with self pity. However, then she heard it. The echoing sounds of waves against a hollow structure. It wasn't too loud. It was rather relaxing. Even beautiful. In her mind's eye she could see the water gently pushing against the small bay that was inside what could only be a cave. Yet she still felt the light on her skin, meaning the cave had an open ceiling. Quite frankly, she blushed a bit even if she only saw it in her imagination. If there was a textbook romantic spot, this was one of them. As if sensing her embarrassment, Finn laughed lightly before leading her to the edge, the two of them sitting down and their feet touching the salt water. Lyra winced when her 'vision' became muddled. Her feet were one of the more sensitive spots she had ever since she became blind. Yet she calmed down when Finn held her hand gently as he looked up with a satisfied sigh.
"I found this cave when I was taking a walk. I figured you'd want some privacy."
"Taking a girl to a remote location in the middle of the night?" Covering her mouth playfully, she giggled as she squeezed his hand. "I know you're the Braver, but that's pretty ballsy even for you~!"
"Ahem. I wouldn't do that."
She enjoyed her little victory as she felt his body heat up. Tilting her head a bit, she smiled even brighter than before.
"Not before marriage? We can fix that real quick!"
"Lyra," he said in a tired tone. With a shrug, she leaned back a bit.
"Fine, fine. For some as old as you are, you're quite prude."
"I like to call that being a gentleman."
And wasn't that pushing one of her many many buttons? With a sigh, she leaned forward, her head hanging over the moving water.
"Whatever you say. Time to take a dip."
She let herself fall. The moment she did so, fear grasped her heart. Her hearing. Her skin. Her smell. Before, she had a clear picture of her surroundings. But now? Everything was muffled. Blurry. It was only thanks to her long experience with panic and trauma that she avoided going back five years in mind. Pushing herself, she swam up, gasping for air as she shook her head, her mental view clearing up a bit. She stiffened up when a hand touched her shoulder before relaxing as her mind reminded her whose hand it was.
"Lyra?"
She forced a giggle, trying to make light of the situation as Finn's concerned voice entered her ears.
"S-sorry. Just have the shivers." She bit her lip as she blushed before opening up her arms as she turned around. "Hold me."
She could feel Finn staring at her as he blinked, processing her words.
"Excuse me?"
"Hold me. Like you mean it," she muttered, surprised the water wasn't boiling by her red face. Under normal circumstances she would be a lot more confident, but being in the water took more of a toll on her mentally than she expected. Finn laughed softly before wrapping his arms around her stomach. Lyra's mouth twitched. Ever the gentleman.
"Yes, ma'am."
Thus they slowly began to drift in the water, moving their legs in sync as they swam backwards in circles a few times. It was... nice. She enjoyed the warmth Finn gave her. His firm muscles. Roughed skin from years of combat. She couldn't help herself as she nuzzled him, rubbing her head against him as she smelled him a few times. He had an excellent poker face, but as close as they were, she could feel his hastening heart beat.
"So why this place? I figured you'd be the type to take me for a walk into town. Enjoy the nightlife," she asked after a period of silence. Finn sighed, shaking his head.
"I kind of felt bad you didn't get the chance to swim. I hoped with me you'd feel safer."
"I'd always feel safe with you," Lyra replied immediately. She turned around, causing Finn to let go in surprise. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him, resting her chin on his shoulder. His wet hair tickled her face, but she ignored it, instead relaxing as she pressed her body against his.
"L-lyra, this is a bit much... "
"You're half naked, how could I help myself?" She let out a snort before patting his butt a few times. "Just be glad I'm not jumping your bones here and now."
"Hahaha... I guess there's that... "
Soon enough, they pulled themselves back up. Finn, ever the planner, held a towel towards her. She accepted it with a small smile before wrapping herself up with it. Suddenly, after they enjoyed the soft waves echoing in the cave, Finn shook his head with his lips pressed together.
"I have to apologize."
"For what?" Lyra asked, tilting her head. The Braver scoffed before lowering his head.
"For leaving you and Tione hanging like I do."
"You aren't-"
"I'm aware, Lyra." He ran his hand through his hair as he leaned back. "I just want to explain myself."
Tiresias perked up. She was always curious. She didn't hide her affections at all. Neither did Tione. Ever since the incident, Lyra only pushed harder since then. Yet Finn would always keep them at a certain arm length. She did understand he was carrying the hope of the Pallum race. That finding the first wife would be an important task.
It didn't hurt any less that she wasn't picked yet. So his explanation was something she yearned to hear.
"I remember what I told you seven years ago. Before the final assault against Erebus."
Lyra let out a scoff, remembering the talk from back then.
"That I am not lacking whatsoever but you were afraid of dating me because you felt I was like your sister reincarnated or something bossy like that?"
"I hoped you would forget that part." Finn cleared his throat. "A-Anyway... I stand by what I said. Or rather... you are beyond 'not lacking'. I'd even say you are pretty much ideal."
Biting her lip, Lyra shook her head as she felt her cheeks heat up.
"You really don't want me to jump you right now?"
"I'm serious here."
"So am I," Lyra whispered, her hands grabbing onto the towel harder. "Cause if I heard you right you are saying-"
Finn raised his hand, stopping her short. She could feel the frown directed at her.
"I'm unsure how to express it. Just saying those three words you want to hear... I don't want to say them without full determination behind them. It'd be unfair towards you. Towards Tione. Towards any other girl out there. I don't want to do this without my heart fully behind it."
"...But I am your number one candidate... ?" She muttered, her voice hopeful, yet disbelieving. Finn crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I'm surprised you're doubting it."
"Uhm, yeah, remember those?" Lyra countered, pointing at the scar tissue hidden behind the sunglasses. Yet without hesitation, he shook his head and grasped her hands, gently holding them up as he stroked them.
"They just show how strong you are." He smirked a bit at her. "Exactly what I like in a woman." Letting go before Lyra's brain could overheat from the stimulation he looked up at the moon. "My only fear is that I am making you girls wait too long. That you'll move on before I can fully brace myself." He sheepishly scratched his right cheek as he glanced at her."It makes me feel a bit like a coward."
"Marriage is a big thing. I guess not even the Braver can be immune to the weight of that," Lyra said with a scoff, sharing a laugh with him. It certainly put things into perspective. Honestly, the blind woman felt honored that Finn gave it so much thought. Still, as they stood up, deciding to go back before it was getting to late, she hugged him from behind, causing him to stumble for a moment. Before he could ask what she was doing, she pressed her face against his strong back.
"Finn. There's one thing you misunderstood."
"Hm?"
She stepped away, with the moon shining behind her. Leaning forward, she clasped her hands behind her back as she smiled, her face shining red with pure love.
"I'll wait forever for you. After all... there's nobody for me but the Braver, y'know?" She straightened up, putting her hand on her chest as her voice became a whisper."You're the only one who even considers a cripple like me."
"That's a shame because you'd deserve a lot more suitors," Finn replied in a soft tone, touching her cheek as he rubbed it gently. She leaned into it, holding his hand with hers.
"Who needs quantity if I have the best quality right in front of me?"
"...You're a great woman, you know that?"
"Feel free to tell me more often, hehe." They stepped away from each other as Finn cleared his throat awkwardly. As they walked next to each other, she snapped her fingers at him with a serious frown. "But do remember that the longer you blueball me, the greater the following explosion is when you do finally make up your mind."
Letting out a nervous laugh, Finn shook his head slowly.
"Saying this really tempts me to propose to you right here and then if only I am afraid for my hips."
"You're level six, you can handle poor lil' five like me!" Lyra joked, slapping his back a few times enthusiastically.
/
"Geez, ya guys really know how to party, huh?" Loki asked in amusement, her arms crossed as her Familia gathered and prepared to leave Melen. Lefiya, one of many girls, yawned as she covered her mouth before shaking her head sheepishly with bags under her eyes.
"Maybe we stayed up a bit too long... ?"
"I dunno what your problem is, I'm dandy," Solaris said in a dry tone, her eyes literally shining with wakefulness, just as Tiona who raised her arm with a wide grin.
"Ditto!"
"You two are monsters though... " Anakitty muttered, causing everyone else just as sleepy to nod their heads. Bell laughed awkwardly, shaking his head. Well, they were talking a bit too long into the night. But he couldn't help himself. Raul told so many interesting stories only someone following the big shots could tell. He seemed rather excited at Bell's interest so they really got into it. Suffice to say, they were lacking a bit of sleep themselves. Looking around, Bell felt at ease. At least everyone seemed to have fun. Especially Lyra, who seemed to glow.
He felt a bit sad the Loki Familia was leaving already, but time schedules had to be kept. So with a conflicted heart, they were waving the Familia goodbye. But not before witnessing Lyra's brazen move, as in kissing Finn on the right cheek in front of everyone. The captain was caught off guard, touching his cheek in blushing shock as Lyra stepped back, putting her finger on her lips playfully.
"Feel you around, my Braver~!"
"Oiii, no sneak attacks!" Tione practically teleported next to Finn and gave his left side a big smooch. Puffing out her considerable big breasts, she huffed in victory. "There! The right side always wins!"
"More like the one who's left!"
With one last high five, the entire Familia left in a laughing, teasing and scandalized uproar. Leaving behind the group of five, Hestia spun around with her hands on her hips as she smirked at then.
"Well then, last day of vacation! Let's make the most out of it!" Immediately she grabbed the Pallum's hands with a giggle. "Lyra, you come with us! It's gossip time!"
"I'm really sorry," Haruhime muttered, yet a curious smile on her face made that apology sound a bit fake. Lyra scoffed before throwing her arms around their necks, laughing in excitement.
"Nah, it's fine. I need to brag anyway!"
With that, the trio moved into town, leaving the other trio behind. Bell blinked turning to Solaris who lazily crossed her arms behind her head.
"You don't want to join them?"
"Do I look like the type that gives a crap for stuff like that?" She asked in a flat tone, pointing at herself. Bell coughed as Kojiro nodded in agreement.
"Fair enough," the swordsman announced before looking around. "Shall we check out the port then?"
"Hell yeah!"
To the port they went. As expected, the smell of fish penetrated their nostrils with ease. Yet it did nothing to diminish Bell's excitement as they walked through the local stalls. As expected, the fresh fish prepared tasted amazing and the trinkets they found certainly caught their eyes. More than once Kojiro had to pull the two of them back from buying too much stuff. Bell had no idea how time could fly past so fast, as the sun was already gone by now. Just as they reached the final stretch of their slow walk, his eyes caught a certain figure. His eyes widened before he jogged forward.
"Lord Eros?"
Indeed, the secondary god of the Night Company turned to them, blinking in surprise before a wide smile appeared on his face. Spreading his arms open, he casually threw the clipboard away, that was smoothly caught by Hemera who smiled at them before bowing and leaving.
"Ah, young Cranel and Sasaki! It's been a while!" He laughed awkwardly before glancing at the Night Company's ship with a strained expression. "I hope you haven't had any issues with weed as much as we did."
"Was it that bad?" Kojiro asked, recalling the details of Loki's investigation. The god sighed dramatically, shaking his head.
"Well, I cannot fault good ol' Njord for using desperate means. Poseidon and Kali are doing a great job, don't get me wrong, but they aren't patrolling Melen's sea all the time." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Still, he should've known better than to accept shady deals.
"I hope the company is doing alright," Bell said with worry. Eros waved his hand dismissively.
"Well, we aren't limited to only sea routes, so there is that." He gestured at the workers not yet on the ship with a smile. "Still, I left some of our workers here. Make up for the lil' corruption that was going on and help with organizing stuff." He raised a thumb at them. "If you need any help, just ring them up!"
Bell's eyes widened before lowering his head in gratitude. He didn't see a need for that but the offer was all too kind. When he raised his head, Eros crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at them.
"How is Nyx doing? Poor girl, alone in the big dungeon city."
"Last I checked she was doing pretty good," Solaris responded, humming thoughtfully.
"Ah, great to hear. She recovered then." Eros gave Bell a pointed look. "It's surprising she became friends with you."
"Well, she is a bit intimidating, but nothing too major?" Bell replied, unsure how to respond to a question like that. The god laughed, patting his shoulder before turning his back on them.
"Heh. Not many think that. Duty calls and other cities are calling for me!"
With those words, he stepped onto the ship. Soon enough, it began to sail away, leaving the trio behind in silence. Solaris frowned, crossing her arms as she looked at the retreating ship, going off into the last remnants of the sun.
"He looks like a gigolo."
"Solaris!" Bell shouted, shocked at the words. Solaris shrugged nonchalantly.
"What? It's true."
"He is a god of love, after all," Kojiro admitted with a chuckle. With that, the trio turned towards the town, intending to meet up with Hestia and co. But then, they all stopped at once. Bell couldn't describe it. But it was as if a shiver went down his spine. That feeling... it was like a prelude. A prelude he lived through often enough. He shared a look with his companions, frowning just as deeply as they did.
"...Do you guys... ?"
"Yeah." Solaris muttered, removing her spear from her back. Bell slowly drew his blades in response as their captain sniffed. "Something's in the air."
"I was surprised nothing happened so far," Kojiro said quietly when he drew his sword as well. It was then that the ground began to rumble. No. Not the ground. They all snapped their heads back. The ocean rumbled.
/
So far, only the renard and the Pallum at the ground seemed to sense the change in the air. The former most likely due to her animal instincts, repressed as they were, and the latter with her experience. Either that or being crippled enhanced her sixth sense as well. Either way, the foolish goddess just looked around helplessly, unsure what caused their reactions. The hooded figure chuckled, cracking her neck as she looked at the sea. At the ship that made its way towards Melen, to get their deserved payment. The figure grasped her katana, tapping the handle a few times as she hummed in thought, her ringed eyes staring at the ship in amusement.
"Can't have them interfere too soon." Tilting her head a few times, her distorted voice was filled with mirth. "Hm, what to pick... Fire... ice, lightning... some wind maybe? Then again, we could always call some rocks... Eh, why not old school?"
She leaned forward in a fast movement, her cloak fluttering in the wind and revealing the number five on her back. Exhaling, her next words came out in such speeds, merely a second or two would pass, barely enough time for a magic circle to form.
"Blade of the void, heed my call. Reach the zero that is beyond mortals and gods. Cut all connections to the world. Break apart, sever and disappear. This is the end of all. My sword is absolute. My will is eternal. In the end... all is reduced to nothingness. Now vanish into the void."
People gasped in shock. Yet it was too late. With the spell already cast, the energy entered her body. then she drew her blade with a feral grin, hidden underneath a white mask that only revealed her eyes.
"Kyo."
She cut through the air. At the same time, a massive cut appeared out of nowhere... and bisected the ship. At the same time, she whistled loudly into the night. At once, the Violas not killed yet, hidden at the bottom of the lake, behind rock and the like, awakened. They all raised their heads, causing panic in the town. Yet they immediately jumped towards the two sinking halves of the ship. The hooded figure chuckled as she sheathed their blade. That should buy some time. With that in mind, she pulled out the golden cup, gifted to her temporarily. She recalled the words. To focus on what the goal was. With a deep breath, she raised the cup that shone beautifully, as her cannon fodder appeared in the streets, intending to cause as much chaos as possible.
"Wake up, ancient sea serpent!"
The golden glitter floated through the air. It flew, flew towards a certain spot in the ocean. Then, after seconds of silence, the waters broke, giving way to a massive roar. A sea serpent, with wild tentacles destroying the rock around it, screamed in agony as it was birthed. Immediately, it made its way to the bay, intending to destroy anything it could see. Yet the hooded figure ignored it, instead narrowing her eyes at the spot it appeared from. Seconds later, as flames shot out against the newborn monster, she let out a long suffering sigh. No new monsters spawned. No shift in the water.
"Hm, the seal is still holding... Looks like this was a failure then."
It may have created a Pseudo-Leviathan... but that was not the goal. Oh well. This was a minor experiment at best anyway. It wasn't a major loss compared to the growing Demi Spirit on the Middle Floors. The Night Queen was quite enraged at its loss. That's why tools shouldn't act on their own, the woman thought with a chuckle. The hooded figure adjusted their featureless mask, her lids closing on her ringed crimson eyes... her back turned to the leaping Pallum, swinging her bladed ring at the invader's neck.