"There you are."
A young Ryuu tensed up, stopping herself from bandaging up her arm, before she relaxed, realizing who was calling out to her. She sighed as she stopped reaching out to her weapon and glanced to the side. Arash waved at her, bow in his hand, before leaning against another tree with a sigh.
"Honestly…" He frowned at her with crossed arms, causing Ryuu to look away as she pressed her lips together. "Running off like that? Really? You're lucky this is Rivira."
"I can handle myself," she muttered under her breath, finishing up dressing her wounds. Then she forced a small smile on her face as she turned towards him again. "Besides, even if I mess up, you'd be there."
Her attempt to lift the mood fell flat as Arash's features didn't change in the slightest. Ryuu licked her lips, averting her eyes once more in discomfort.
"You have to make more friends."
She clicked her tongue in annoyance, hugging her knees close to herself.
"Only because we are a Familia doesn't mean we have to be friends." She let out a huff, brushing her hair back. "It's a professional relationship based on give and take."
"You mean professional like you acted with Kaguya?"
At Arash's raised eyebrow, she blushed furiously before she shot up to her feet, stompng on the ground with indignation.
"She called me sharp ears! And touched me!"
That damned Far Eastern woman! Either she was that culturally inept that she didn't know how to interact with elves or she did it on purpose! Knowing that…that…that rude one, it had to be the latter! Arash rubbed his temples before reaching out and patting the girl's shoulder. The comfort of his rough yet gentle hand calmed Ryuu down somewhat, enough to cross her arms and take a deep breath.
"Yeah, that wasn't right of her. But you know what?" He ruffled her hair. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. "She knows that now. Last I saw her, she looked regretful, after I explained things to her."
"She better be," she mumbled under her breath. Then Arash removed his hand, taking his welcoming warmth with it. The elf opened her eyes, seeing Arash give her a somber look.
"Ryuu. Look. I know it's not the easiest to make new bonds." He pointed at himself. "But you can't just rely on me."
"Why not? You're the strongest I know," Ryuu replied with a pout. Arash chuckled before shaking his head.
"Maybe so, but I'm not perfect. Sometimes, you have to take care of yourself more. That includes relying on others that aren't me. Can you promise me that?"
"I only promise to try." Ryuu smiled slightly. "And you have to buy me lunch."
"Haha…When did you become so feisty?"
"Hey, elf or not, I can grow up just fine!" She shouted with indignation. Arash in response just ruffled her hair again before leading the way. Fixing her hair, she rested her hands on her own head for a while, feeling the remnants of Arash's touch with a soft expression. Sometimes she wished Arash wouldn't treat her like this little girl he met back then. Then again…
He was just like a brother she never knew she wanted. So maybe that was appropriate after all. It wasn't like they were anything else. The thought ached, but not as much as in the beginning. Like a faint dream she woke up ages ago. Still, some curiosity was there sometimes. Sometimes she wondered what it would be like if there was more between them. Alas, she dismissed such foolish fantasies swiftly.
He wasn't the type to give any girl that kind of attention. And she made peace with that. Not to mention…It wasn't like she'd ever do something so foolish and believe in falling in love like that. And that was just fine with her, she thought with a smile as she followed the back of Arash.
/
The 'main' harbor of the Far East may not be as luxurious as many other locations where ships would make their stop, to share goods or restock on resources. The workers of Sekigahara didn't wear the most clean outfits as they sweated within the city of mist. Yet one could never mistake their expressions for anything but satisfaction. A hard day working, to be rewarded by the end of it, knowing that their work paid off. It overcame the stigma of 'poverty' that the Far East possessed. After all, they at least had jobs, thanks to certain individuals promoting the growth of this harbor. The Far East was reliant on trade after all, on import and export. The warehouses, some looking quite modern and robust compared to others, were filled to the brim with materials, overlooked by the overseers of different Familia with a watchful eye.
All in all, the harbor may not have been the most luxurious place. However, it made up with the passion and bustling of its locals, to do anything for their home to grow, however slight it was, as well as glowing with the outsiders witnessing those efforts. A picture representing growth in a conflict filled and infertile land like the Far East.
Ears twitched. Heads of veterans raised themselves, glancing at the horizon with a narrowed eyes, as they reached for their weapons.
Naturally that picture was utterly decimated by mysterious sounds. Mysterious sounds that resembled…screaming? Even the workers started to realize something was off, looking around in confusion, stopping their work of carrying and recording the items in the harbor.
The next instant, five figures crashed into the harbor at various places, causing many to scream and run away in a panic, while the adventurers fully unsheathed their weapons and rushed to one of the 'crash' sites.
A red haired human, inbedded ino a wall. Her fingers twitched as she was stuck in an awkward position, her arms and legs angled in ninety degrees. She tried to wiggle as much as she could with her hips, yet her efforts were for naught while the guards were unsure what to do in this situation.
At the same time, a woman who appeared to be from the Far East as well slowly dragged herself out of the water, her fingers digging into the stone like she was a demon rising from hell itself. Her expression was utterly furious and wet as strands of hair criss crossed all over her face. Naturally the warriors kept a healthy distance to the seething being.
Meanwhile, a pink haired Pallum slowly rose out of a broken crate, a floppy fish in her mouth before she spat it out with a grimace. Then she slowly raised her arms, covered in the wetness and sliminess of the ocean dwellers. She turned her head slightly, to look at the elf. Or rather at her lower body part, as her upper half was piercing through a rock wall, her legs waving as her arms were immobilized as well. Last but not least, a man with a bow in his hand just landed flat on the ground, sideways, as he coughed violently, but didn't seem any worse to wear.
Suffice to say, the warriors of the Far East were both wary and utterly baffled. It spoke of their discipline and experience that they were ready at any time to cut those intruders apart. Fortunately it didn't come to that, as someone rushed into the middle of all of this, his arms spread wide open.
"Peace! Peace! They are friends of mine!"
With tired breath, Ryoma adjusted his hat, an uneasy smile on his face. The adventurers of various Familia looked at each other. Despite their differences, they nodded as one, deciding that this mess was solely for the Peacekeeper. Thus, they walked away, just like that, returning to their posts as if nothing happened. Ryoma let out a sigh, rubbing his temples before reaching out a hand towards Arash.
"Didn't expect you to be here already," the archer responded, his voice slightly strained. Ryoma helped the man up before they shook hands with a weary smile.
"I had a feeling you would make a scene."
"To my defense, it isn't my fault." Arash paused before shrugging sheepishly. "This time anyway."
"Whose fault is it then?"
Oryou, with their baby in her arms, arrived at this point before pointing up. Before Ryoma had any time to follow her finger, something else crashed on the ground. Coughing at the dust being thrown up, he blinked at the figure, one knee and one fist on against the earth. Rising fully up, Penthesilea dusted herself off before crossing her arms with a curt nod.
"Good to see you, Ryoma, Oryou. Baby."
"Ohma," the mother said, correcting the amazon as she adjusted her hold on her child. The queen shrugged, not caring much either way before she had an amused glint in her eyes as the rest of the Astreaea Familia managed to unlodge themselves from their situations.
"If we don't get Diving in our next selection, I'll call bullshit…ugh, it's all over my hair again!" Kaguya shouted, squeezing her clothes as much as she could. At this point, the ship of the Amazons docked at the harbor, with Astraea walking down the planks with her hands folded before her.
"Language, Kaguya."
"Fine." She spat to the side before sending a death glare at Penthesilea. "I'll call detarame."
Kali cackled even more at that, following her fellow goddess from behind with her arms crossed behind her head. The queen meanwhile was utterly unfazed, instead cracking a small smirk instead. It only caused Kaguya to take a deep breath through her nose, reaching for her blades before forcefully flexing her fingers to relax. Meanwhile Alise managed to free herself, hand against the back of her hip as she was hunched over while approaching the group.
"Owowowowow, I think I hit my lower back…" She smiled pained at Ohma. "Heeeeey, cutie!"
The baby pointedly ignored her, instead just staring at Ryuu, who ripped off part of the wall with her in it before crushing the rocks by spreading her arms at last. Somehow that hurt more than actually being rejected, Alise thought with a whine.
"Smelling like fish first thing in the Far East. Great tourist experience already…" Lyra muttered as she dripped with the oily substance. Without missing a beat, Kaguya grabbed a nearby bucket and splashed the Pallum with it. She twitched in annoyance, dripping even more now before she wiped her mouth. "Thanks. Really great."
"You're welcome."
"Was this really necessary?" Ryoma asked, glancing at the Asura. Said warrior scoffed before waving her hand dismissively.
"They wished to spar as much as they could."
It was by that point that the civilians realized who the newcomers were. The dreaded Amazons of Telyskyura, the Asura herself, as well as the infamous Astraea Familia with their Starfall. Individuals that were often brought up in discussion when it came to deciding who the mightiest in the world was. The only people that could possibly beat their Mizuchi at full power. While the Asura lived up to her reputation however, the Astraea Familia's reputation was a bit…strained due to the nature of their arrival. Nevertheless, nobody could mistake the sheer aura they were radiating, as they gathered in a circle.
Suddenly, Lyra patted herself down, before letting out a breath of relief after pulling out a pocket watch. It was a humble thing, small and compact, with the image of a goddess on its back, worthy of the faith that the Braver had in Fianna. Lyra giggled before pocketing it.
"Phew, baby's still intact!" She turned to Ryuu. "What about yours?"
The elf smiled slightly, adjusting the chain around her neck, before resting a palm against her chest.
"Perfectly fine and secured."
"Between your tits?"
She turned red scarlet at the smug sound of Kaguya's voice. Her head snapped towards her, aghast at the words the Senbonzakura uttered.
"Kaguya!"
"Like where you want Bell to be?"
"KAGUYA!"
"Preferably with his lower body?"
"Oh, that's it!"
The elf tackled Kaguya without hesitation before they rolled over the ground, tearing at each other's hair. People gasped at the sight while taking steps back from that escalation. It was a big contrast to the utter calm the visitors possessed. Astraea for herself looked around with an expression of wonder, humming to herself.
"This is my first time being here. It certainly has that charm that Takemikazuchi has."
Kali chuckled before leaning against a crate.
"Right, you never got out much, huh? Well, welcome to a whole new world. Don't let it wear you out, with their poverty."
"Ahem."
The goddess waved her hand dismissively at the frown she received from Ryoma.
"Yeah, yeah." She walked backwards up the plank of their ship. "We'll do as planned, circle around and get some of that good shit. Try to keep to the schedule and be here on time." She winked at Astraea Familia. "Not in caskets, preferably."
"We'd never do you that favor," Alise responded with a giggle. As the plank was raised, the amazons squealed in excitement, waving at the Astraea Familia. They waved back, a bit awkward at all the worship they received, which only intensified the 'fangirling'. Alise laughed a bit strained before pointing at herself.
"I'm never that bad, right?"
As Kaguya and Ryuu adjusted their ruffled hair and clothes, they shared a look with Lyra, Arash and Astraea. They seemed conflicted on what response they should settle. In the end, they collectively wiggled their hands.
"Eeeh," Lyra voiced out for all of them. Alise nodded a few times before lowering her head.
"Alright, fair enough."
Silence came over the group, as they watched the ship set sail to other parts of the Far East. Then, slowly, they all turned their heads, towards the queen who remained there with her arms crossed.
"...Uuuuuhhh…" Lyra pointed at the sea, licking her lips. "You…uhm…you missed your ship?"
"Or are you going to swim after them, you damn muscle fish?" Kaguya asked in a sarcastic tone. Penthesilea blinked, glancing at them before raising an eyebrow, as if they were all idiots.
"I did not and I will not." She pointed at herself, as if it was the most natural thing to do. "I am coming with you."
Ryoma let out a strained noise, causing his wife to pat his back. Everyone else blinked in surprise. That was not part of the plan. Kaguya especially bristled up before pointing at her.
"This is personal. Butt out of it."
"That sister of yours, or whatever is controlling it, carved my old ship in half." The amazon showed her teeth. "I am not one to leave grudges be."
"If you dare to hurt her…!"
"You wouldn't be able to stop me, Senbonzakura." Penthesilea spread her arms open in invitation. "I have proven this often enough, have I not?"
That did not deter Kaguya from slightly drawing her blades. Thankfully, Ryoma cut in, putting his arm between them.
"Ladies, ladies." He turned to Penthesilea with a serious frown. "We can't stop you from following us. I just ask you that you allow Kaguya to handle this first. It's her sister after all."
Licking her lips, Penthesilea nodded slowly before shrugging.
"I suppose I can agree with that."
"Elfie."
Everyone blinked before turning to the source of the small voice that uttered that word. Ryuu covered her mouth, holding back a squeal as Ohma pointed straight at her. Alise cooed before clapping her hands together.
"Oh wow, he can already talk? Smart cookie!"
"Ohma is best boy," Oryou announced with pride before giving her child a kiss on the forehead. The child let out a delighted blubber, causing Astraea Familia to fuss over the cute little boy. Then Ohma pointed at Penthesilea who was standing a bit further away from them all.
"Pweddy."
She scoffed, ignoring how her 'former colleagues' froze up. She poked the child against the forehead before shaking her head a bit.
"It's Pen to you, child."
Ohma squealed before trying to wrestle with her finger, something she allowed. Penthesiliea chuckled before glancing at everyone else, noticing their stares.
"...What?" She narrowed her eyes slightly. "Do you actually think I would kill a child?"
"Yes."
"Yup."
"Absolutely."
"Kinda?"
"To be fair…"
"You were a Berserker."
"Stop touching Oryou's kid."
Penthesilea felt her eyebrow twitch. Part of her wanted to prove them right, just to punish them for their rudeness. The other part refused to actually validate their beliefs about her. So in the end, she took a deep breath and removed her finger, cracking her neck as she pressed her lips together."
"Just for that, I will double the intensity on the way back."
"You can dial it up?!" Lyra shouted, already feeling her muscles ache.
"Haha…" Ryoma cleared his throat. "As fun as this is, we should get going. You should rest up, eat up, and get ready in general for the meeting tomorrow morning."
Astraea Familia tilted their heads at his words.
"Meeting? With whom?" Ryuu asked, causing Alise to nod in agreement.
"I was under the impression you were going to be the only guide we'd need?"
Ryoma scratched the back of his head.
"Yes, well…you see, many people are interested to deal with the Gojouno."
Kaguya hissed in annoyance at that. Great, more meddling ha-
She froze. Then she stared blankly at the Peacemaker.
"...you don't mean the singular 'the', do you?"
Immediately the mood grew heavier at the implications. Ryoma sighed as he received shocked looks from everyone else.
"I'm afraid so. It turns out…the Gojouno Clan is not as extinct as we were led to believe."