As the first rays of the twin suns painted the sky in vibrant hues, Mikoto Misaka and Vita found themselves in the middle of a bustling scene that could only be described as controlled chaos. A company of one hundred soldiers, clad in meticulously crafted black and silver-lined armor and armed with gleaming weapons, mini railguns, and high-tech metal swords. Much of it was fashioned after the uniforms of those who had fallen. And trade developed by Vita, much of it using modified bug shells. They stood in formation, and their disciplined nature was well-defined. Something many of the leaders of the houses of Mikoto would be proud of. The air was filled with a palpable mix of anticipation, nervous energy, and unwavering determination. Friends, families, and spectators added to the atmosphere of somber reflection and bubbling excitement, creating an atmosphere charged with emotions.
Mikoto had expected a solitary journey, perhaps shared with a trusted companion at most. She relished the thoughts of quiet contemplation, relying solo on her own abilities and instincts. However, to her dismay, she discovered that a certain persistent vampire had deemed it necessary to turn this into a grand affair. Vita's involvement came to light during an unexpected gathering in the hot springs. Mikoto enjoying their version of fire wine with everyone. Conversations grew lively, and, with Rae's drunken slip of the tongue, the hot springs became an electric bath, much to the excitement and pleasure of everyone involved. And as Aya, Gallah, Rae, and Nya lay slumped over the warm rocks of the hot springs, satiated expressions on their faces. They quickly confessed that everyone knew she would probably try to sneak away undercover of the night. And it was Vita who came up with the idea. And She had initially started planning before the negotiations. Complete with an elaborate sendoff.
"I really hate Vita." She muttered under her breath. The blood drained from her face. Her face became a mix of frustration and begrudging admiration for the pain in the ass.. "funny.." little misaka said, her voice tinged with mischievous innocence, "I thought it would be me…to have that effect on you," thinned her eyes, rubbing her chin. "hmmm.." she mused, acknowledging the irony of the moment.
Vita had been by her side when they walked along the cliff side of the gardens, weaving their way through the crowd. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought of her dear mistress predicament. A mischievous glimmer in her eyes hinted at a secret satisfaction she derived from her constant meddling. Yet despite the annoyance of the situation, Vita knew deep down that this journey held greater significance than Mikoto could understand. Vita had experience in the hardship of military matters. Mikoto was used to the modern versions of military warfare. The quick in-and-out attacks of a few well-trained vampires. But Vita had been involved in many human military expeditions over the last eight hundred years. This was the type of warfare that could easily hide the feeding habits of a vampire. Long marches and brutal sieges left thousands dead or dying on blood-soaked grounds. The impacts of using cruel and vicious weapons of destruction could hide the feeding wounds left by fangs.
"I suppose there's no escaping you or your grand plans? Is there?" Mikoto finally conceded a wry smile on her lips.
"Just another day?" little misaka spoke, "in the life of Vita."
Vita chuckled, her voice laced with amusement. "you know me too well, Mistress. But trust me, this journey will be unlike anything you have experienced. And it is not just you and me. We are responsible to the soldiers and those bidding us on a safe journey. , "a warm smile spread across Vita's face, eyes glimmering like the twin suns. "you are their goddess…" she said, with a growing smile. "After all." Brimming with unwavering faith. "I have always seen that in you. My beloved Mistress." She mouthed the words so Mikoto would not hear.
Mikoto's gaze softened, a flickering of understanding crossing her face. She had always been driven by a profound sense of duty and justice, and Vita's words had stuck a chord within her. Perhaps this grand sendoff, despite her not wanting it and despite the initial reservations, was just a reminder of the trust and faith others believed in and believed in her.
She was the goddess who had destroyed Bahamut and those who supported him. She was the one who rallied those around her to rise and defeat the enemies. The ones who had hunted their own. They had risen from a humble village to a thriving city. All because she had come to them.
And now they have come to wish her well and give her the sendoff they felt she deserved.
She had said her goodbyes, walking towards the wagon pulled by ugly beasts. Quickly sniffing the air, face twisted in disgust. The memories of the last time, the thought of the long journey, the pain her butt suffered, the complaining of little misaka, and the stench that was now going to linger and linger. "why can't I just use my wings…" she whispered.
"What fun would that be?" Vita said.
She was on the opposite side of the wagon, with a wide smirk and wearing a daring cowboy hat made from strips of plants woven together, and grabbed the reins with confidence.
"where the hell did she get that monstrosity!" little misaka spoke. Eyes gleaming. "I want one!" she added with a smile.
It was clear from the gleam in her eyes and the mischievous curve of her lips she was relishing the thought of embarking on their long journey alongside those repugnant-smelling bugs. Suddenly, one creature farted, releasing a noxious gas, and a putrid cloud rose from behind it. Vita erupted into laughter. Mikoto quickly covered her mouth and nose, knowing with her vampiric senses it was a losing battle. Her eyes already watering as the offensive odor slowly drifted toward her. A far way scream was heard in the distance.
"Flap your wings!" little misaka yelled. "For the love of all beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers. Flap it away!" little misaka screamed in horror,
"I call them thunder burrowers!" Vita exclaimed, cracking the reins with gusto. "you should see them at top speed!" she added, her voice filled with excitement and nausea. "It seems even she has trouble with the ass end effects." Little misaka spoke, her voice muffled by the oversized gas mask.
As the thunder burrowers moved, setting the wagons forward. Mikoto, nose and mouth covered, eyes watering, slowly looked over her shoulders at the line of wagons pulled by these thunder burrowers, and she could only wonder if they were having the same problems.
Hoping for a quick journey aided by a change of wind direction.