"Kano!" Mikoto shouted as she watched him be whisked away by…something. Perhaps another monster, most likely from the middle floors? Her vision didn't catch it but what concerned her was that his walking aid was on the ground in front of her. He had a tight grip on it, how could he have dropped it?
That and she had to snap out of her funk. She just accepted to go on a date with him and then he gets swooped up by a monster? That's so unfair!
She immediately started running after him, the aid draped across her back, which did not react to her touch. For just a split second, the staff vibrated in her grasp. She disregarded it for the sudden spike of adrenaline rushing through her veins. The Far Eastern girl was able to follow the sounds of screams and the imprints in the ground. Whatever this monster was, it was fast but had a decent weight to it. The weight of her katana reminded her that she was thankful she left her home armed.
The monster was still out of her sight but she was able to use her skill, Yatanokurogarasu, to search for the monster, provided that it was one that she fought before. As she used her skill, she grits her teeth, it wasn't within range. Frustration built up in her.
"Why do you have that?"
That voice made Mikoto stop short of running into the Warlord. Ottar stood with a relaxed stance—it didn't look any different to Mikoto.
"S-S-Sir Warlord!" Mikoto exclaimed. What is he doing here?!
"Answer the question," he said, his tone slowly dropping to a dangerous level.
Mikoto looked over her shoulder to see Kano's aid, "K-Kano was taken by a monster. I-I couldn't identify it, it w-was too f-fast for my senses."
Ottar looked into the girl's eyes, for it seems that this one has an interest in his Lady's friend. He was in no position to say who he was allowed to love or spend his time with—despite an internal part of him saying that he should love Freya and only her. The boy had grown on the level seven adventurer.
"We shall handle it."
Mikoto faltered but was also relieved. Selfishly, she spoke up, "Please let me accompany you, Sir Warlord! I need to give Kano back his aid. He never goes anywhere without it!"
Ottar had already signaled for the other observers, the Brignar, to fan out and search. Without a word, he stood out of the way, signaling to Mikoto that he was allowing it.
Her smile returned before dashing off, once more activating Yatanokurogarasu, not discouraged by the negative result. Her eyes were also glued to the imprints of the monster. The trail ended up going on a roof…and the footprint matched a monster that was rumored to be the toughest monster of the Upper Floors.
"Infant Dragon," Ottar commented, having kept up with the girl easily, seeing that she had come to the same conclusion. She was around an experienced level two with an exceptional stat in agility. Ottar, while at the top of the adventurer food chain in Orario, wanted others to ascend to new heights so that they may one day challenge him. Ottar does not have many opponents to fight, as the other Freya Familia executives all have to gang up on him to at least make him try at around two-thirds of his full power and that's not counting all of his development abilities.
"Why would an infant dragon go after Kano?" Mikoto muttered aloud to herself, only vaguely aware that Ottar could hear her every word. "He wasn't doing anything and our conversation was just getting good." Her hand had reached to his aid and gently stroked it like how his fingers raced across-
She shook her head, forcing herself to focus again. "It could have taken anyone else but it went for him specifically. I was more in its line of sight, and it didn't attack anyone else except him."
Ottar admitted that her skills, in terms of deduction, were impressive for someone of her level. However, it was how she said it that made his features shrink in thought. My Lady would never do such a thing…that only leaves…
"Why would this monster's behavior be different from the rest?" Mikoto continued to ask. Ottar deduced that she was unaware of the innate abilities of Goddesses of Beauty. Charm. "The Guild records show that those monsters attack whoever is the bigger threat. Kano doesn't have a Falna, so why?"
While this conversation was happening, they were still following the monster's tracks. It made it easier when the Brignar reported that it had run into their Lady's other favorite mortal, purely by coincidence, fighting a different monster entirely.
Ottar, the so-called 'Emotionless Warlord' audibly sighed. "Bring us to them. Observe, do not intervene."
When Kano finally returned to his senses. He was terrified, and petrified, and he felt like he regressed in age by about a decade. His aid was no longer in his hand.
Some might misunderstand. That aid was the one thing that he treasured more than his life. The very thing that his parents gave him when he was able to walk. Kano always held onto his mother's or his father's hand, so that they could be his guide. Now, that aid was his guide in place of his parent's absence.
In Orario, this was especially crucial. Kano eventually learned that there were trafficking rings…
…let imagination speak for itself. Remember the time he mentioned that being born into this era sucked. That was just one prime example.
Nevertheless, that aid was his lifeline and he lost it. He never loses that. Most people, without even knowing him, would say that he always had it in his hand.
He was quite upset. He was so happy just moments ago, his heart so full, planning a date with Mikoto! He was looking forward to showing her that he can cook! The beautiful girl who was sweeping him off his feet and she didn't even know it. He felt like he could let down his guard entirely around her.
However, he had bigger problems. The monster that carried him. He fully expected to be torn apart and that's it. He didn't expect to be carried in one hand…claw, judging by the smooth yet sturdy texture beneath him. Kano seemed to be oddly calm but he knew voicing his displeasure wouldn't do anything for him.
Still, the trepidation of not having his aid scared him. He could feel the wind blowing in his face, his eyes reflexively shutting and praying that he wasn't going to be dropped.
The roars from the creature carrying him made Kano his ears to save his hearing. However, even with his hand over his ears, it did little to help. The downside to being blind is the fact that every sense dials up a few hundred times, and louder noises sound five times worse. Wincing, he was unprepared for the whiplash as he was revealed, the sunlight blessing his skin. The creature roared again, allowing Kano to identify his courier. An Infant Dragon? Are you serious right now? Of all monsters, it had to be this one…
Kano really sort of regretted even coming out of his room today but he couldn't say he did regret it. Mikoto…the meeting with Freya…today was the most enjoyable.
Soon after, the monster roared again, causing a steep drop in its altitude. The monster seemed to have done something because Kano felt himself being curled toward the Dragon. It was this confusing act that had Kano scared. The monster was acting outside of its instincts. Outside of its purpose. Monsters were supposed to be wreaking havoc on people, attempting to cut them up and murder them, at least that's what he recalls from the books his parents read to him.
The Dragon, correction, the Infant Dragon, actually was far more intelligent than it was led to believe. Its intelligence allowed it to realize that this human was important. The reason was simple. The Dragon wished to start a horde. To be free and collect things.
It was that simple. The human in its grasp was something that it had never seen and it was perfect. Even better when the human did not struggle. Perhaps it was because it was the utter fear he was exuding, something that it did not like.
It attempted to coo at the human, to set him at ease.
"I didn't sign up for this…I just wanted to go on a date…" Kano muttered, not feeling at ease at all. The reminder of his missing aid slowly eroded the rational part of his mind.
The Dragon's instincts perked as it dodged a projectile. Even though it had not been flying, as it seemed perfectly capable of doing so, it did not want to risk its treasure. The number of people screaming in the background made Kano look in their general direction. "Can someone help me, please? I would very much like to not be carried around like I'm a toddler!"
The Dragon sensed that the human wanted to leave but instincts overrode the notion. Human shiny. Human keep.
That was when the Dragon suddenly was tossed about while mid-leap to another rooftop. Kano felt himself flying through the air before meeting the ground. The scream that wanted to escape couldn't as he had no air in his lungs. All of his senses were disoriented. He had no way of knowing which direction was left or right or where the closest object was.
Kano felt himself getting light-headed, his movements sluggish, half-cocked. He tried to breathe…
…and found he couldn't. Panic momentarily clouded his judgment and he tried to struggle before pain flooded his nerves. In a desperate attempt, he managed to raise his left arm and pounded his chest to get his lungs to work. The shock and force to his chest would hopefully allow Kano to breathe. He would have to be quick about it as the burning feeling of having no oxygen clawed at his consciousness overriding the pain.
Thump. No effect. He could feel his chest spasming because of the lack of air. Twice more he tried and twice more he failed. Choking sounds edged out of his throat before he brought down his fist again and finally…finally he could breathe again. He coughed, more like hacking up a lung. He was feeling all the injuries at once. Kano knew what pain was but this felt like everything was burning in a forge with no way to cool down.
I need to move… Kano thought. He didn't want to have others describe what he currently looks like. A mental image was enough. Through a great effort on his part, he managed to roll himself over but as he put his right arm on the ground, a burning pain flooded his senses. He released the pressure on it, falling once more unto the ground and just laying there, suffering in silence. Pain crept through his very body and even after getting his lungs to work properly, he could only whimper. It was only when he felt something dripping out of his mouth that he realized the severity of his injuries.
The copper-like taste. Blood. That's not good…Kano thought before blacking out.
Mikoto watched in horror as the Dragon was brought down and she saw Kano fly through the air and land out of her sight. Ottar, while stoic, internally grimaced, knowing that Kano was injured from a fall that high. He was an unblessed human in the Age of the Gods. A fragile being.
The Far Eastern beauty, however, was livid. She was cursing herself for not being strong enough. That was until Ottar spoke up, "I see the conviction. Go." Ottar admitted to himself that he was once like this and he would encourage the growth in others. This seemed like a perfect time.
Mikoto only hesitated for a moment before dashing off with a single goal in mind. To get Kano back and to set up a time for their date. Once Mikoto had left the Warlord's side, he gestured to his side and one of the Freya Familia members shadowed them. "Get into contact with the Dea Saint."
"Surely, we could bring him to Heith."
"No, it would be suspicious if we took him to our Familia facilities when he has stated clearly that he has no desire to join any familia. Follow my orders." Ottar added the last statement when they were going to bring up something that would incite his anger. Something that no one wanted.
"Yes, Captain."
Meanwhile, Mikoto held her weapon at her side, hand on the hilt, ready to use any and all tactics to take this Infant Dragon down. Even though she was level two, an Infant Dragon was still considered the apex predator of the twelfth floor of the Dungeon. It was not a monster that Mikoto could take lightly, even when it was crippled. How she wanted to go to Kano and help him but this monster had to die first.
In the back of her mind, she realized that he was taking up more of her thoughts and rationality than normal. Part of it was because of how genuine he was and the other part of him was because of the mysterious aspect he held. Kano was someone rare in Orario, almost rarer than Renards in Orario.
The thought of Renards made her think of her best friend. It only increased her conviction to help him and eventually her. That was if she could get a lead on her.
Mikoto quickly analyzed the Infant Dragon before her. What she first noticed was that it was completely unconcerned with everyone else, instead was frantically looking for something. Someone, she thought grimly. The Dragon was interested in Kano rather than its own life. The behavior was strange and abnormal. Truthfully, it was the first time she had seen this, and she was sure that anyone witnessing—adventurers only—could say the same thing.
With her weapon—Shinonome—she rushed towards the Dragon while it was distracted. Mikoto did not express any killing intent toward the dragon, opting to keep a lower profile and use her status to the fullest. Using her magic would be overkill since it would also damage the City, something she didn't want.
When she was in leaping distance, the Dragon only heard the sound of a sword unsheathing before being resheathed. The pain came next but it only served to anger the beast. It only wanted the shiny human! Why did everyone want to kill it for wanting something?
Perhaps this human was important to them, was that why? The Dragon had no intention to harm anyone now that it had its eyes on the human. Sure, it was given help to escape but this Dragon was much more docile than its brethren.
It roared as it felt the pain of a weapon on its side. It looked over to see the girl. The girl that the shiny human was talking to! She was in the way of getting the shiny human. The Dragon almost lashed out at her but at the very reminder of the shiny human, it refocused on finding him. The Dragon's gaze constantly looked around before spotting him on his stomach, arms under his chest, and eyes closed. The Dragon could tell he was still breathing but it was getting weaker and weaker. The smell of blood reached its nostrils and its eyes dilated. Two options weighed before it now, go help the human or fight the other one.
Mikoto, unaware of the Dragon's dilemma, chose to attack once more, taking a different angle. She wanted Kano safe but if the Dragon was around, then he wouldn't be, as well. While the Freya Familia could handle this with ease, as they were rumored to be monsters in the making, Mikoto wanted answers about their…date.
Yes, a date. They were just seconds away from finding out their plans for the date. Being able to cook with someone else who had experience in the culinary arts? That was an opportunity that she couldn't pass up.
Her hands gripped the hilt firmly, scowling at the Dragon, who seemed to not be paying attention to her, and for some reason, that irked her. Her pride as an adventurer was being mocked, and the Dragon was unaware of it happening.
The Far Eastern girl struck with precision, and the Dragon was sure to let her know how much. The Dragon was distracted that it failed to realize that its death was already assured.
More cuts were laid onto the Dragon, who had finally realized its mistake as it had kidnapped one of the most important humans on Gekai, at least, one who did not realize the severity of his importance. The Dragon fell and left behind a magic stone and a never before seen drop item, an Infant Dragon Scale, which would be later dubbed Scalite.
What no one knew was that the desires of the Dragon would be heard. The Dungeon would make sure of it.
Once that was done, Mikoto sheathed her katana, before realizing she had to get Kano. "Kano!" She shouted, seeing him on the ground, and her eyes could see that he was bleeding, and looked to have been since he was tossed aside. Normally, it wouldn't have been so bad if it was an outside wound, but it was coming from his mouth. Normally, that could have meant a bitten tongue, as Mikoto has had those from gritting her teeth too hard and catching her tongue.
Furthermore, his right arm was turning a dark shade of purple, more along his shoulder and elbow. "Broken arm…possible internal injuries, and the one time I'm not carrying a potion to ease the pain!" Mikoto grunted in frustration.
"Well done," a voice came from over her shoulder. She looked to see Ottar standing vigil. Mikoto got spooked from seeing him appear right behind her. Whether the man was contemplating something, Mikoto was unsure but she was more focused on the object of her affection. "Take him to Dea Saint. Due to his wish of not wanting to join a Familia, that is his best option."
Mikoto gulped as the Warlord spoke the truth. What she didn't know was how close Ottar was to offing her right here, and he would have done that in the past. However, he could see the emotion simmering in the young lady's eyes before him. The fear of losing someone close to them, and Ottar was not an emotionless man, he chose to show them to people he explicitly trusts. He could see this young lady wore her emotions on her sleeve but could hide them when needed.
Once he finished speaking, Mikoto nodded, too afraid to speak back to such an intimidating man. She silently gathered him, wincing when he would groan unconsciously. She barely remembered that she had his aid on her back, and the warm feeling she felt was not from her.
Deciding to investigate that later, she had him gathered up in her arms and found he was slightly heavier than she expected, even with her Falna-enchanted strength. Without stopping, she carefully trekked across Orario and got him to Dian Cecht's Pharmacy, where the Dea Saint, Airmid Teasanare, resided.
The Pharmacy had plenty of medical supplies, many of which prices made her flinch, "Hello?"
A voice answered her, emerging from the back room, a woman wearing an elaborate nurse's outfit that had the Dian Cecht emblem embroidered onto it. The woman's dark purple eyes saw who Mikoto was carrying and spoke with a voice of a doll, "Bring him in the back. I shall heal him." Mikoto nodded and swiftly followed the healer. "Is he an adventurer?"
"No," Mikoto answered with a shake of her head after gently setting Kano down on the bed. The room had many elaborate tools and potions on the side, just in case, Mikoto presumed. What am I going to tell Lord Takemikazuchi? Or Ouka or Chisuga? "He's a civilian."
Airmid looked up at this, "The same one who has caused a stir in Orario?" At Mikoto's nod, she sighed, "Of course, Kano always did say that he would rather be a civilian than an adventurer."
"You know him?"
The healer nodded, "Yes, we've met a few times. Enough to be acquaintances, nothing more. He came in asking if I could cure his blindness…but all it did was affect my pride as a healer. My title, Dea Saint, is only because of my extremely rare healing magic." She cleaned the blood off the young man before turning around to grab more supplies. "He assured me that he was not upset and I shouldn't feel bad. He has this unnatural ability to detect hidden feelings even in the blandest of voices."
"He often speaks his mind…he called me beautiful…"
Airmid gave a small smile, "My my, Kano did? That's a first." She wiped away the smile to focus on her task, "So, how was he injured? In fact, why is he out of his room? He never leaves during Monster Feria."
Mikoto couldn't reveal that portion as she did say that she wouldn't. Her honor as a samurai demanded it. The Far Eastern beauty pursed her lips, while Airmid waited patiently, getting a potion to gently dab over any visible wounds.
The healer had already found that he had fractures along his ribs, his arm was broken in three places and he had internal injuries. She began conjuring magic energy into her palm over his chest before sending a pulse of healing into it. Her senses found that it mended the damage. That was when Mikoto spoke, "He had a previous arrangement that he couldn't pass by. He's a man of his word."
Airmid raised an eyebrow at the vagueness but didn't push. She instead continued to patch him, "I see. You have his aid, yes?" Mikoto jolted, remembering that she was indeed carrying Kano's aid. She gently unslung it from her back, laying it against the bed frame. That warm feeling came back again and this time she couldn't help but wonder why that was. "Good, he would be near inconsolable without it. That aid is the one constant he has in his life. But he won't be doing much of anything. The broken arm…"
"He was swiped up by an Infant Dragon…" Mikoto seethed, a frown now present on her lovely features.
"Waahhh? Kano's injured?!" A new voice shouted. Both healer and adventurer turned to see an Amazoness wearing orange highlighted clothes. It was none other than Lena Tally, from Ishtar Familia.
"Ahh, Miss Lena, I will be right with you as my patient is still in need," Airmid answered. "Miss…"
"Ah!" Mikoto squealed, "My apologies, I was too worried about Kano to properly introduce myself. Yamato Mikoto from Takemikazuchi Familia."
"A pleasure," Airmid returned the greeting. "When I have a patient, a majority of my thoughts are on how to heal them as smoothly as possible. As for you, Miss Lena, I have your order ready, please wait patiently and do not touch him, he is still recovering. He will most likely be unconscious for a day or more."
"B-But why?" Mikoto's composure slipped into a panic.
"Using magic on an unblessed mortal could cause more problems than what it would solve. Such an example is magic poisoning, as the raw energy cannot be fully handled unless they are magically inclined. The Falna in this case, would allow someone to accept healing magic. It's why I only used trace amounts of magic to stir his healing. His arm will be in a cast for the next few weeks. Broken bones take longer to heal. Will you be able to get in contact with him during that time?"
Mikoto was about to answer before yet another voice answered, "You can send inquires to me, Miss Teasanare." The three ladies' eyes all shot over to see Lady Freya, standing in her violet shroud. "That, and I heard the owner of the Hostess of Fertility can keep tabs on him."
"L-Lady F-Freya!" Lena shouted in shock. She was just coming to pick up her order, and seeing Kano and Lady Freya was not in her plans. She stood shocked still, scared for her life. She was more than aware of her Goddess' 'rivalry' with Freya.
"One of Ishtar's…" Freya's scorn was thinly obvious.
Airmid, noticing the rising tension, said, "I shall take the appropriate measures. As for payment for my services, I know Kano can pay for it himself. The rates for civilians are much lower and fair in comparison to adventurers, so if you were to pay, Lady Freya, I would have to decline it since he is not part of your Familia."
The woman's violet eyes, so similar to Airmid's own, glanced at each other. Despite the small blush on the latter's cheeks, she kept her composure. Freya's voice came out sultry, but dropped in slight annoyance, "Very well. I leave him in your care." She turned to Mikoto, staring at her, many emotions going through her mind before settling on a small smile, "Treat him well, would you?"
The girl's face was bright red, "Y-Yes…I guess our d-date will have to wait…ah, I have to go inform my God of what happened today. L-Lady Freya, please pass along my thanks to Sir Warlord for allowing me to follow," the entire time, she did not make eye contact with her, fidgeting with her braid.
"Ara ara~, Fufu, I shall, he'll be pleased. Miss Teasanare, I wish to be updated on when young Kano awakens, if possible?"
Airmid nodded absently, now focusing on making sure Kano's arm was properly set. "Of course, Lady Freya."
Lena just shuffled out of the way when Freya approached her. Instead of being confrontational, Freya left the Pharmacy, already wondering what had happened today. If anything, she did not organize this and then one of Ishtar's members was there? Coincidence?
Lena looked concerned and gently walked over to Kano's bedside, a respectful distance still away in case Airmid wasn't done. "So, what happened? I heard some monsters got loose but I hadn't seen anything."
"Miss Mikoto, if you would?" The healer asked.
"R-Right! Uhm…Kano and I were talking…about a…uh…baking interests when…he was scooped up by an Infant Dragon and carried about around the city. As he was taken away, his aid was dropped. I started following it when Sir Warlord asked why I had it…"
"By baking interests…were you planning a date with Kano?" Lena asked, having read between the lines. On top of the blushing face and fidgeting, the girl had protectively wrapped her arms around her waist. Lena may not be the best Amazon, since her love for Bete Loga was strong, but she had amazing observation skills. "Awww so cute! A girl like you getting with such a sweet guy like him! I only met him once but he seems to be that kind of guy, just cruising through life."
Mikoto's blush intensified tenfold, to the point of literal steam rising off her, nodded. "I…am just afraid I'm rushing into this."
Airmid nodded, "I can understand that." The two turned to look at her shocked. "What?" She rose a delicate eyebrow, "I do have my interests."
"Didn't know that," Lena mused before jumping back into a peppy mode. "So, what were your plans? We need to have some girl talk. No Familia politics, just some casual conversation!"
"Miss Lena, your order is ready," Airmid said, switching back to her professional persona as Captain of Dian Cecht Familia.
"Ouu goodie!" Lena chirped. "Give my best wishes to the cutie!" She grabbed the order, which all fit in a chest that she hefted up with ease, her Falna allowing her to do so.
The Pharamacy got quieter, "Miss Mikoto, I recommend you head home for the evening, Kano will be here in the morning. Do you wish for me to pass along a message for when he wakes?"
The girl bit her lip, "Uhm…tell him…he owes me a date…" With that, she ran out of the building. Airmid turned to Kano's unconscious form.
The healer sighed, recalling the first time she met the boy, two years her junior. Back when Airmid was just starting out in her career as a healer, her magic came with her Falna, so she was instantly important.
After that, not many people treated her as a person but more of a 'doll' or 'heal bot'—whatever that meant—and she adopted that doll-like facade if only to get people to stop hounding her. Airmid took her job seriously and they treated her as a commodity. Then, she met Kano one day just by pure chance. He had heard her speaking to someone, by the gods, she can't remember who, and once she was done, asked if she was alright.
By then, she was confused. Of course, she was alright, why was he asking? He then said that she sounded upset and wanted to offer his company, as just a civilian, not anything more. This was around five or so years now. The boy was still young but wiser and astute beyond his years. He did have some child-like behaviors still in him but he never stuck out, at until recently.
Anyway, Airmid then admitted that she had felt…dejected about how she was treated. She was a person too. She had feelings and desires.
All he did was nod and asked her why she let them think this way. He was blind and went about his day like anyone would. Sure, people made fun of him but it was funny when he pointed out their insecurities within their voices, just as off comments.
Kano was a nice person. He still is a nice person. He once said to her, 'A gentle person like you doesn't deserve to be so upset. You have a hidden beauty that no one has found yet. Someday, someone will, and when they do, never let them go.'
She was admittedly caught off-guard with such a suave comment but he clarified that he does not 'hear' her in a romantic light. A kindred spirit. She also noted that he never said anything that had to do with sight or see or look, if he could help it.
Airmid just knew something shifted in him when his parents up and disappeared. She would have offered him a place in the Familia, but knowing how greedy her God was, she knew it was a bad idea, one he agreed on, stating that Familias were not for him and he stood by that sentiment fiercely.
Contact between them was scarce since then…until now.
"I still haven't found that someone. Perhaps you can help me," she said softly. "Now, you better wake up; best not leave a pretty girl waiting. You have a date to prepare for." Whether or not he heard her was uncertain.
For such a long time, he always wondered what his dreams would look like. He obviously dreamed but never had visuals. The thought of being able to dream and see those dreams weighed heavily on his mind.
His consciousness began to return to him and with it a strangled groan. By the Gods, he's never felt so thirsty in his life! "Kano."
"Mmh…A-Airmid?"
"So, you do still recognize my voice?"
Blinking on reflex, "Mmh…water?" A glass was gently pushed to his lips and he greedily drank it. "Thank you," he said, eyelids still closed. "How bad?"
"Enough to have brought Lady Freya through my doors."
"…oh."
"Yes, 'oh', so may I kindly have an explanation?" and it didn't take a genius for Kano to know that she wasn't asking. So, he explained all the details necessary. "You move fast."
"Wha?" He asked.
"To think you wanted to stay in obscurity. Since then, Kano, Orario has been wondering about you and I fear for the day they force a choice on you."
Kano, still truly regaining his full consciousness grunted out a thought that he seldom shared, "Over my dead body and my defiant soul."
Airmid's hands paused as she was adjusting his aid. She still ran the Pharmacy but Airmid had helpers while she dealt with patients. "That's…quite the declaration."
Kano, who wanted to sit up, groaned when he felt his arm flare up in pain. "So…care to tell me how my arm is broken?"
Airmid's voice turned concerned as well as curious, almost befuddled, "I am positive you did not hit your head, but now I must ask: What was the last thing you remember?"
"Did I not just tell you up to that point?" Kano asked, slight annoyance dripping into his tone.
Some shuffling could be heard, "An Infant Dragon kidnapped you and then when it was brought down, you got injured when you hit the ground. I couldn't use all of my magic to heal you since magic poisoning would have occurred. I do not like making my patients feel worse."
"Thank you."
"Also, you owe Miss Mikoto a date," Airmid teased.
Kano tensed, "Well yeah! I got dragon-napped as soon as I was about to accept it…wait…where's my aid?!"
Airmid interjected before he went off, "It's to your left at waist level. Since your right arm was broken in three places, you will have more difficulties with movement. Please do not strain yourself or do any strenuous activity."
"I am not sure I would be able to have sex as is," Kano said blankly, getting to the point of the matter. "I would feel more like a kink statistic rather than a person with feelings." Airmid's eyes met his, "Do not look at me like that…I can feel your eyes bearing down on me…"
The healer sighed, "I cannot understand your point fully but I do understand the worry."
Kano sighed but more toward himself than Airmid. Why did I have to get involved again? If I had just left it alone, maybe I wouldn't have had to deal with everyone else.
'But that would be a lonely existence, wouldn't it?'
The two sides of the conversation took place within his mind. He chose not to entertain that line of thought any longer. "Do you have any stories that you can tell me that do not break your oath?"
Airmid raised an eyebrow but her voice sold out her intrigue, "I do…but I'm afraid that you will be sleeping soon. Due to the magic energy I gave you, I have to closely monitor your vitals in case of magic poisoning. Tomorrow, Miss Mikoto will be here. Miss Lena had stopped by to pick up an order but she saw you."
"Hmm…I guess I'll h-have to v-visit…" Kano mumbled before falling asleep, allowing his body to focus on recovery.
…
Look, I did a thing.
Currently have a Tales, DB Redux, and DxD: Brain chapter in the works. If everything goes right, it will update in that order.
See you around.