AN: In this chapter, the introduction of some more characters from the original story: I enjoy writing such scenes, though not so sure about you all seeing how it's pretty much just another closed room conversation. Good thing is, it's the last one for a while.

If you are familiar with the "Tales Of" franchise, you will recognize them.

Chapter 7

The circle of punishment.

A way for the grudges against a single individual to disappear.

For such an event to occur, a single person must have done something offensive, insulting, or incredibly stupid to all the members of the group… which was the case right now.

"I am not gonna hit you." The youngest person in the group said as everyone else, him included, surrounded the person in the center.

"Jude, I know you still have a little bit of pacifism in you, but that piece of shit over there, he deserves it." a redhead two spots from him replied while the blonde in the center only stared.

"…No." the young Wolf Faunus known as Jude Mathis stared at his friend at the center, who simply sighed, but in disappointment. "I know you want this as if it was your punishment, but this goes way further than retribution for a fuck up. So, I am not doing it so you can have a sense of being forgiven." The young Faunus replied as the tattoo of the number seven glowed brightly on the back of his right hand.

"… if you are not gonna hit me for that… then you are gonna do it for this;" The blonde said as he clenched his jaw while the Faunus simply gave him a simple smile.

"There's nothing you can do or say that will-"

"Do it, furry."

It didn't take him a second to reach the blonde's position, his fist full of green Aura as it made contact with Drake's chin.

"[Beast]" Jude muttered as an emerald wolf made of energy came out of the Faunus fist as the impact of the Arte sent the blonde flying into the sky.

"You didn't want to hit him my ass." The red head said as the Faunus groaned in annoyance.

Jude 'Maxwell' Lowell

Age: 17

Race: Wolf Faunus

Aspect: Determination

Titles: The Seventh Guardian, Guardian of Determination, Blind Wolf, Lord of the Elements, Doctor, Paws(hates it).

Facts: Adopted into nobility, Youngest doctor at the age of fifteen only to then be blinded by Ratatosk one month later for saving a woman, married into Divinity, the youngest of the brotherhood.

Current appearance: Messy black hair that partly camouflages his Wolf ears, a black bandana with a white eight pointed star that covers his eyes, a while lab coat with a black shirt under it, pale red colored pants and black boots.

"He's all yours Guy." The doctor sighed as he returned to his place while Drake finally crashed back in the ground.

"… So," the blonde said with a groan as he tried to stand up, only to be helped by the next person in the circle by offering a helping hand. "Am I gonna have to provoke you as well? " Drake inquired as he took his brother's hand, only to be pulled as he was forced to look at the other side before two hands were wrapped around Drake's waist.

"No need." Guy replied as he lifted Drake up so he could fall backwards while letting himself fall backwards by bringing his back and legs to then slam Drake down. "This is for many other times in the past, D." Guy replied as he rubbed the back of his neck, while the number six on his hand shone brightly on him.

Gailardia 'Guy' Galan Gardios

Age: 21

Race: Human

Aspect: Sacrifice

Titles: The Sixth Guardian, Guardian of Sacrifice, The Yellow Phoenix, Lord of Ashes, Last of his house.

Facts: Born into Nobility. Used to fear woman, now married to the former leader of a terrorist group. Never tell him to die in a fire. Many times confused for Drake's and Flynn's brother. The oldest of the brotherhood. Youngest in Achieving the rank of Master at the age of Seventeen.

Current appearance: Spiky Golden hair, A crimson hooded jacket with a tribal phoenix on the back and black shirt, crimson pants and brown shoes.

"Flynn, you are next." Guy said, with an honest sense of pity for who came after him, but someone interrupted him.

"What? No way Jose." The redhead from before said as he took a step forward and clashed his fist, white and purple sparks of electricity making presence as he did.

"You… already-" Drake managed to stand up as he rubbed the top of his head. "Got your turn, Luke."

Luke Fon Fabre

Age: 19

Race: Lion Faunus/Former Replica

Aspect: Courage

Titles: The Fifth Guardian, Guardian of Courage, The Red Lion, The Sacred Flame, The Weakest, the obnoxious one.

Facts: Born into Nobility, kinda. Self-proclaimed weakest of the brotherhood. Got killed by his ex. One of the reasons Drake gets annoyed with red heads. Has the most potential out of everyone, but he's too much of a reckless idiot.

Current appearance: long red hair, black scarf, white overcoat with black stripes under which lays a black shirt, pants and shoes with golden stripes as well.

"Apparently I didn't hit you hard enough seeing 'I hit like a girl'. So, I think I deserve a second chance." The red head clenched his fist as he gave a step forward, only to stop as he heard the voice of the Guardian that came after him.

"Respect the rules." Both Luke and Drake froze as both looked to the side to see another blonde looking at both with cold blue eyes.

"… please don't die." Luke muttered to Drake as sweat ran down his head as he nodded. It was impossible to die here, but the mere thought of seeing who was next made him reconsider that.

"Flynn." Drake said as he felt his own jaw go loose as a phantom pain invaded him.

"Drake." The blonde said as he gave a step forwards his clenched fist, the number five visible to the Son of the Moon who gulped in anticipation, but it never came: all the blonde saw was his friend patting his shoulder.

"It's good to see you." Flynn said, making Drake relax a little. "I am not gonna hit you," his friend replied with a kind smile, the one that made the area around him light up instantly. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to talk at all." Drake's mouth twitched as he felt Flynn's grip on his palm tighten a little. "So, I will leave my turn for later."

The worst thing of all was, Flynn still smiled kindly at him.

Flynn P. Scifo

Age: 19

Race: Human

Aspect: Conviction

Titles: The Fourth Guardian, Guardian of Conviction, The Red Phoenix, Commander of the Imperial Knights. The nice guy. The Knight in shining armor. The Ultimate Boxer. Kitchen disaster.

Facts: Born into Nobility. The 'strongest' of his generation. Never let him in the kitchen. The most balanced Guardian. People think he's related to Drake and Guy at first glance. Should have dedicated to boxing. NEVER be on the other side of his fist, seriously.

Current appearance: Short spiky blonde hair and dark sky blue eyes. Wears a white high-collar military uniform with blue stripes on the chest and sides as well as the collar, which ends in a tasset over his wears white gauntlets and greaves as well as cuisses.

"… don't tell me when you plan on doing it." the blonde said as Flynn simply laughed in kind before he started walking back after replying. "Sure thing."

Drake really wasn't looking forward to it.

"So…" his eyes moved to the owner of the voice, who simply shrugged before putting his hands on the pockets of his costume. "Not doing it."

"Oh, come on! I expected that shit from Jude, don't tell me you are too lazy to do it." Luke was easily ignored as the person spoke to everyone in general.

"… I knew about his plan." Everyone but Drake froze as they looked at him.

Yuri F. Lowell

Age: 19

Race: Human

Aspect: Resolve

Titles: The Third Guardian, Guardian of Resolve, The Crimson Wolf. Slayer. Master Chef. Emperor of Terca Lumireis (by people's choice). The Dark Enforcer. Co-Leader Of the Imperial Knights. Killer from birth.

Facts: Born into Nobility. Married into divinity. The fastest and coolest Guardian. Never call him 'girl face' or any similar names. Don't tell him to cut his hair. Sometimes his meaning of warning usually means crippling someone. The Perfect Partner in Crime. Can permanently kill a deity without outside help.

Current appearance: Long black hair, black eyes, a black eastern vest with golden stripes with a long sleeve shirt with similar designs under it along with black pants.

"In my defense," he raised his hands in defense. "I found out one day before the final battle."

"And you still said nothing?" a soft voice was heard coming two steps from Yuri's place, the long-haired Noble didn't dare to look in that direction, but Drake beat him to it.

"We made an oath of secrecy." Drake raised his voice in defense of his friend. "He was gonna do it if we hadn't."

"But it was a mutual agreement, right? That makes him a full accomplice." The person in question said before sighing. "Let's just get this over with."

Drake actually felt depressed as he heard him in such a depressing tone.

"Yeah." Drake said as he focused on Yuri, who simply shook his head.

"I know you feel the need to be punished, but I am not gonna-"

"Girl fac-" the blonde never got to finish the sentence as he felt an axe kick being slammed on the top of his head, and to his credit, he didn't fall on the ground this time. But he did place both of his hands on it as he tried not to groan in pain.

"… You are a fucking masochist, you know that?" Yuri said as he walked back while Drake gave him a thumbs up, to which Yuri returned by flipping him off.

"Left or right."

All the pain the blonde felt from that last attack seemed to vanish as if a Healing Arte had been casted. But no, it wasn't healed, it turned into pure annoyance as he stood correctly to face his best friend.

Zelos R. Wilder

Age: 19

Race: Human/Faunus/Seraph

Aspect: Loyalty/Friendship

Titles: The Second Guardian, Guardian of Friendship, Seraph of Loyalty, The Orange Lion. Prodigy of Magic. Former Scumbag/Womanizer/Manwhore. Completionist (in the worst sense possible), Drake's best friend (actual and self-proclaimed at the same time). Wingman. Misogynist. Low Grade Siscon.

Facts: Born into Nobility. Son of a legend. Hates his mother, kicked out of the penthouse once, bitch still lived. Went the childhood friend route. Hates the genre of women in general, but recognizes as 'friends' those he has a bond with. He loves his little sister very much despite having different fathers. Used to have a bad relationship with his father, but they are ok now, doesn't call him dad though. The reason Drake gets annoyed with red heads. Probably slept with 37% of all the women on Remnant.

Current appearance: Red long hair, a while bandana on his forehead, light blue eyes, a pink silk vest with a black shirt under it, a black glove that covered his whole left arm, white pants and white boots with golden stripes.

"I know how this game goes, Zelos… so just do it already." Drake said, but his friend just shook his head as he chuckled.

"No, no, no, no, no. Please humor me here, bud." The blonde sighed as he raised his chin a little.

"Don't call me bud…Right."

The blonde received an uppercut that forced him once more into the ground, but he felt dissatisfied seeing as there wasn't any Aura on it. Make no mistake, any normal person would have been knocked out by this, but not Drake.

"I am also not gonna give you the satisfaction, so I am in the middle ground." The redhead said as he offered a helping hand, which Drake took gladly as he stood up.

Don't let the cute face and flirty attitude fool you, Zelos Wilder was as cunning as he was charming.

"Although," Zelos said as he pulled his friend up. "The worst is yet to come." Both stared at the final guardian in the circle, his eyes showing reflection of emptiness that wasn't usual of him.

Lloyd J. Aurion Irving

Age: 19

Race: Human/Faunus/Seraph

Aspect: Justice

Titles: The First Guardian, Guardian of Justice, Seraph Of Justice, The White Tiger. Master Holy Blacksmith, Prodigy of Skill. Hothead. The Big Brother. Defier of Destiny.

Facts: Born into Nobility. The most unpredictable Guardian. Son of a Legend. The J in his name doesn't stand for Justice. Married to a Monster/Perfect Housewife. He always gets into fights with his brother, but it's out of habit at this point. Drake's moral compass and biggest influence. Never mess with his little brother. An Spirit Of Light tried to take over his brother to kill Drake since they were children, Lloyd fought the urge for years. He should have been in SMASH! (not kidding, he was a contender)

Current appearance: Has medium windswept, brown hair and chestnut colored eyes. Wears a semi-formal attire consisting of a white four-button vest with short sleeves and dark gray stripes from the shoulder going down the arm, as well as black trousers and thigh-high round toe white boots. Also wears a long, red scarf and black gloves.

Zelos stood next to Drake for support as his brother started to walk towards them.

"I am not angry," he said as he walked past them, not even sparing a look at his younger brother. "I am disappointed."

Everyone winced at Lloyd's words, they had never come out of his mouth in this kind of context. And it seemed to have been a critical hit seeing as Drake frowned as he looked at his brother's back.

"… wow… seven words and he managed to deal more damage than all of you together, you guys' suck."

Some chuckle, some scowled.

But that was already behind them, now they could sit and discuss what the next course of action was going to be… or it would have been if Lloyd didn't hold grudges, just like his brother.

"You can take my turn, Luke."

"Wait, that's not-" Drake thought out loud, not seeing a familiar electric enhanced fist coming to his face.

The blonde moved his jaw left and right as if trying to put it back in place. But in reality, it was that he was numb once again thanks to Luke's charged punch.

"Having already dealt with traditions, let the meeting begin."

Flynn Scifo along with Guy and Drake were the most responsible of the group. But unlike both of them Flynn was trained in a more military regimen to the point no one doubted him with his position of Commander. So, it was only natural he acted as mediator of their meetings.

"First order of business, the state of your memories, Drake." Jude took charge of the conversation. "We were linked until Origin made its appearance after defeating Ratatosk, so we can confirm whatever doubts you have until that point."

The blonde sitting on the chair that gave its back to the giant tree pondered. "What happened while I kept Ratatosk occupied? I remember him using his very hand to wound me here." He recalled as he touched the left side above his hip," but I don't remember any kind of psychical wound".

"It wasn't," Yuri said. "I would have smelled any other fresh wound on you."

Jude nodded. "So would I. But whatever he did, it did affect your soul for an instant."

"Could that explain the gap and noise in his memory?" Jude shook his head at Luke. "Had the affected part been the head, most likely?"

"Even so, we can't discard the fact that all of it started with that wound. How's his Aura, Jude?"

The young wolf looked at his friend, the bandana around his eyes remained as he stared. "Complete. Its flow's also good…"

"And here comes 'the but'," Luke rolled his eyes as he said what everyone was thinking.

"It seems your core regressed a little when it comes to your lightning." Jude covered his mouth to adopt a thinking pose. "It may be charged thanks to the moonlight, but the fact that you lost charge at sunrise means your core has lost the capacity to adapt."

"Ok doctor, you have your prognosis, what's the treatment?" Zelos joked slightly as he looked at Drake, his eyes showing he already knew the answer, but didn't want to hear it.

"You will have to do the same training you did the first time." The blonde didn't put any effort on slamming his face on the table as he groaned. "Since it already has traces of lightning, it shouldn't take as long."

"Here's the problem," Luke intervened. "I would LOVE to shoot lightning over a hundred times again so he can adapt his Aura like before… but I am sure it has to be in the physical sense." The blonde narrowed his eyes while his face remained on the table; he knew where the red headed bastard number two was going with this.

"Because in case you have forgotten…" Luke crossed arms and rested his back on the chair, a look that could be a mix of anguish and sadness washed over them "…We are not real."

The harsh and cold truth.

The Original Guardians were on Remnant. The only way this was possible was thanks to different factors.

The first one was Jude's semblance; Link. The ability to link one to many minds with each other and subconsciously transmit knowledge between one another. It was incredibly useful in battle if someone keeps the order in setting a strategy… but it has its downsides, as well. Since it transmits knowledge subconsciously, some of it may be stored in another's mind and the person wouldn't even notice it until a certain event triggers it.

For example, suddenly needing to know the name of a specific bone of the body, you will know it thanks to Jude. Need to know what pressure spot to hit? How to perform a certain surgery? Do a diagnosis of a disease? All the knowledge Jude has studied on the medicine field could be transmitted.

Another example would be Guy, who has a talent for mechanics and electronics. Need the design for something? Repair something? Figuring out how it works? and so on.

Unfortunately, as mentioned before; one doesn't control what a person subconsciously transmits, so useless knowledge is inbound. Like the sizes of every girl on Beacon Academy or their kinks, all thanks to Zelos Wilder.

'One semester. One fucking semester and he managed to have his way with 77% of all the women in the academy.' That would be Drake's usual thoughts regarding the subject, he would spend the night outside the dorm because his bastard of a best friend couldn't secure another location.

The second factor would be Drake knows their shadows better than anyone, even their deepest and darkest thoughts and desires.

The third one and probably most important, the pact he holds with them… even if they aren't here. Thanks to it, he can mentally recreate their very souls in this very state to give them essence.

Knowledge, emotions, and soul. All three components needed to create this little nameless Arte in his mind. But in the end, he had to face reality in accepting they were not real, and he did. But even so, all the interactions they have had so far would go exactly the same way if the real ones were here, that's why the Arte was so effective, because it was able to recreate how they would act in any situation.

"Come on, Luke." Zelos said mockingly. "Not feeling like being an imaginary friend?" Everyone chuckled, even Luke as he flipped him off.

"That still doesn't change the fact he's gonna need someone or something with enough charge to knock any normal poor bastard over and over again until his Aura can self-sustain it again."

The blonde raised his face and rolled his eyes, his message clear to everyone.

'No shit Captain Obvious.'

"We still don't know what this world has to fully offer yet," Flynn started, only to get interrupted.

"Not much." Yuri said as he finally rested his back while he rested his crossed legs on the table. "Damn millennials wouldn't survive a damn week here."

Zelos chuckled. "Millennials? Anyone who relies on technology would have a hard time." And so, the conversation went on.

"Honestly, the fact that this generation spends more time inside would indicate a poor physical state. And Huntsmen, even if they are trained, would still be lost here." He stared at Drake. "I know you planned your meeting with that Adventurer, but you were really lucky she had been on that floor to begin with… what?"

Lloyd chuckled. "Speaking like a true old man. Guy, gentlemen. Generation, really?"

Guy smiled 'kindly' at them. "Two years, I am older by just two years."

"That doesn't stop you from speaking like a wiseman."

Guy looked at this fellow blonde with a betrayed expression. "Et tu, Flynn?"

Flynn smiled softly. "Just laying the facts…" he sighed as he turned serious. "I am sorry, but we have to know as well." His face turned to Drake, with a serious scowl. "The tree,"

Everybody tensed. "In the case that you were here somehow didn't work… What do you think would happen? Who would take your spot?"

Drake had his arms resting on the table while his arms were intertwined, now he was tightening the grip between the two.

He knew the reason for that question. Or rather what he really wanted to know, who sacrificed himself?

But it wasn't out of just curiosity, but also fear as to what the chosen would leave behind.

And out of the eight persons sitting around the table, every single one fit the bill.

Drake for obvious reasons: being part spirit as the top one of the list.

Lloyd and Zelos thanks to Origin's blessing.

Yuri had his cursed bloodline, but thanks to it he had some divine attribute in him.

Jude inherited all of The Great Spirit Maxwell's power and authority, ascending as a Great Spirit in the process.

And the rest, like every Guardian with the exception of Lloyd and Drake held a pact with one of the Spirits and managed to reach a rate of armory with them never seen before, making their souls shift slightly to the divine.

But Drake was relieved, because every single one of them remained human. And that meant they were also selfish.

"All of you might have taken a step forward. And then you would start to fight and argue about it and reach the same point, all of you would have left something behind…" he eyed every member sitting on the table. "Sister, Fiances, Wives, Responsibility…" each word was directed specifically to all of them.

"And what about you? Didn't you have anything to lose?" Drake's eyes moved to his right to look at his brother's red ones.

"Of course I did, and we would have that very fucking argument, the only difference that my case would have forced us into a fist a cuffs… and boy we all know that's a bad idea. That's why I didn't tell you anything."

Even so, Lloyd insisted. "There must have been another way."

Drake shook his head. "I studied the damn records regarding the fucking seed with my uncle, it needed a high spiritual soul. We even summoned fucking Origin to confirm it."

Lloyd gritted his teeth "What about the plans we had with Remnant? I am not saying we are dependent on you, but didn't you think we would have a hard time with your absence."

Had Drake been at arm's length, Lloyd would have strangled his brother seeing he was chuckling.

"Because out of everyone in all of Remnant... I have the most Hope in all of you." Everyone seemed down at his words; because the blonde bastard would always put them first if the situation called for it, and usually that would make them pissed enough for a circle of punishment, which already took place.

But now, it hit differently seeing Drake finally lost his life.

"Guys… it's ok. Many of the things I did throughout my life were anything but good…" he eyed his forearm as he rubbed it. "Some more than others."

"That wasn't your fault." Everyone seemed to agree with Lloyd, even Drake who snorted sarcastically. "Oh, I know… but I made the final decision in that particular scenario. Not gonna say the guilt from that pushed me into my final decision, not saying I did it for repentance… because we all know I would do it again… my final decision was my own and my own alone, taking my sins with me was just an extra. Besides,"

he laid back on his chair, his head resting on his hands. "You guys made bonds and connection of your own through the years, and with all obstacle already out of the way-"

"Hopefully." Zelos interrupted him knowing who he was talking about.

"-hopefully! You should have the way clear…" he adopted. "Also, I let a lot of instructions and plans in motion, there's no way some of you which names I will not mention-"

Luke and Zelos flipped him off while Lloyd just stared knowing he was included. "-would fuck it up."

"Can I punch him again?" Luke asked, to which Guy chuckled. "Maybe later."

"You are incorrigible, you know that?" Flynn asked after sighing, but none of them had a room to say that since they were the same. "As for the next subject on the matter, finding a way home."

Drake shook his head. "If I had my blades… maybe, and that's a hard maybe. The moment I flare my divinity every single deity in heaven and earth will try to intercept me. And as much as I would love to go full genocide route on them-"

"There's the collateral damage." Yuri narrowed his eyes at the night sky. "As the one other person who has a tendency to slash by instinct, I agree with your decision." The long haired Noble replied before smiling. "Although… I have to say, even if their powers are sealed… I am disappointed. Our spirits left a bigger impression on each of us when we met them, but these Gods just seem so-"

"Human." Guy replied, knowing full well that when used in a deity, it was a synonym of 'fragile.'

"And annoying… at least one of them." The times when Luke and Drake thought the same thing were weird, but not unheard of. "We can't trust that Goddess's words, even if she said the truth. We don't know if their power is really capable of sending you home." But the times he said something wise was even weirder.

Drake looked at Guy and Jude. "What do you think? She's fire related, do you think she's stronger or has more authority than Efreet? And what about you, of Spirits, you have enough experience on that subject as it is."

"Well… from your point of view alone and without their seal… Efreet's stronger, no doubt. However, we have to consider that we don't know how their divinity works exactly." Guy said as Jude proceeded.

"I agree with Guy, the divinity of the two Goddesses you have laid eyes on so far don't reach the level of a Great Spirit, and barely reaches the level of a normal one."

"Lambs sent to the slaughter." Yuri chuckled at the scenario in which Drake had to engage. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves and come to that conclusion so soon. But… Can we trust Hephaestus?"

Everyone looked at Lloyd, who looked offended. "Oh, fuck you, only because I am also a blacksmith you want my opinion?"

"Yes." Everyone else answered brutally. "You know how the saying goes, branches cut from the same tree…" Zelos narrated while Lloyd looked annoyed.

"Trust in Tsubaki, she's honest. Her Goddess has good intent… but I don't doubt she will turn her back on you if she has to, all in order to keep her Familia safe." Lloyd said as he stared deep in the table. "I am not telling you not to trust her, her advice to you was honest and she means to help you. Just do as you always do-"

"Prepare for the worst/Prepare for the worst." Both said simultaneously as Lloyd stared at Flynn so he could proceed.

"Seeing as we already discussed the topic of Gods, I am gonna go over it and state the final and most important one," everyone looked at Drake, who simply sighed knowing the subject. "The answer is, I don't fucking know."

The subject in question was 'What will Drake do from now on?'

"Hephaestus is right with her advice, and you know it." Zelos stated. "You need to find something to do that's yours and it isn't for someone else's benefit."

"With how he is, the latter part won't be that hard." Yuri replied as Zelos made a list of all the problematic things he could do.

"Start an industrial revolution."

"Nope. If I am gonna stay here, I am not gonna influence Orario with what I know, not to mention I am not planning on helping in their evolution, even if they follow deities like a pack of lost puppies."

Guy agreed. "The deities would easily try to monopolize everything. If there's gonna be a massive fuck up, let it be at the hands of mortals."

There was a mutual 'Amen' said.

"Write a book. You're smart, you can pull that shit."

Luke and Jude shook their heads. "No way in hell/I don't want another Tales Of Lust situation."

"I am with them. Not that I mistrust him if he ends up writing smut, but better be safe than sorry." Yuri replied as he glared daggers at Zelos.

"How many times do I have to say sorry!" Zelos was ignored as Yuri took over.

"Open a restaurant… don't give me that fucking look?"

The look in question was the 'are you serious?' one.

"Let me remind you, that when we helped in the 'Moonlight Rabbit' both of us were scolded because of our bad attitude with the clients." Drake replied.

"Oh yeah," Flynn's eyes widened as he recalled. "What was it you two told people…'What the hell can I get you?'"

Drake and Yuri looked away as the memory came to them.

'Don't order that, it's horrible.'

'Eat this, you idiot.'

'I don't need your money, go home!'

With each phrase they winced more and more until Yuri simply eyed the blonde. "Forget I said anything."

Silence took over.

"…He has to do something, damn it!" Zelos said as everyone tried to think of something.

"Medic?"

"Denied. Even if I technically can't practice medicine anymore, I still have my license. Relying on my knowledge alone is something I will not allow." Jude said with a serious tone, to which he agreed.

"Programming?"

"With what computers you idiot?"

The red head screamed in frustration at Yuri's response.

"Train an apprentice." Lloyd stated before everyone started laughing at the idea.

"An Artes user, probably blessed in the process, in a world where everyone simps for a deity. Can't see anything wrong there. Besides," Zelos stated as he took a breather between laughs. "They all would fucking die… how the hell are we still alive anyway?"

Everyone, especially Drake, Lloyd and Zelos had several flashbacks of their training days under Lloyd's father.

"Please someone say anything, I think Zelos's about to pass out." Jude said as he noticed Zelos's flow of Aura diminished a little.

"I still remember the sharks." Drake muttered softly before Flynn slammed his fist on the table to bring them back to reality by the massive shockwave it generated.

"Meeting adjust."

Drake shook his head as he was brought back to reality.

"There are still a few subjects I think we should discuss." Flynn said as everyone stood up. "But we could leave that for another time… although, I am worried about that Goddess."

Zelos smirked. "Which one?" he already knew which deity he was talking about, but hearing Flynn referring to her the same way Drake did was something he had to hear.

"Sigh…the bitch in the tower."

"I second the notion of referring to Freya as 'bitch'!" Zelos exclaimed, to which everyone but Flynn said 'aye', making the blonde facepalm at their antics.

"In all seriousness." Yuri took over. "Bitch managed to get in here. Not even Ratatosk has that power. We are here now, so it shouldn't be a problem but… what do we do if she does try to get in again? Because you know what's my default option."

Be anything but nice.

"Well…" Drake looked at the door, as did everyone else. "Just give her a warning like I did." The blonde smirked as he adjusted his scarf.

"Brother, believe me. None of us will be able to surpass that." Zelos replied as he grabbed him by the right arm while Yuri did the same with his other hand.

"…What the fuck are you doing?" Drake asked as he looked at both, each gave him a face as if he was about to die. And then he realized.

"…Flynn." The blonde said as the Fifth Guardian walked with his clenched fist and a kind smile.

"Still have my turn, remember?"

The blonde sighed in defeat as both Yuri and Zelos muttered 'Don't die', to which he cursed both as the fist suddenly landed on his face.

A massive shockwave which shook the whole place was created the moment Flynn's normal punch made contact with his brother's face as both Yuri and Zelos let go of him, otherwise they would have been sent flying past the door as Drake had been.

"That should knock him out until tomorrow." Flynn muttered as he and everyone stared at Lloyd, who had a scowl on his face and crossed arms.

"So, what's this really about, bud?" Zelos asked as everyone noticed Lloyd's reserved behavior during the meeting. Even when angry, he was always the hot head.

"Don't call me bud." The brunette replied as he ignored the question by turning around.

His words were true . He wasn't angry at Drake. Hell, he wasn't even disappointed in his brother's choices. If there was only one person he should be disappointed in, it's himself.

"…Are you ok?" Mia Grande asked after standing next to the stairs for the last five minute. Just like the day before, the blonde was already awake sitting in front of the counter.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because you have been moving your jaw at every damn angle as if it was broken." Mia deadpanned as the blonde kept doing just that as he gave her the same look. "It doesn't even look broken."

"… There are things in life no man should receive directly, physical or not." The blonde replied as he recalled waking up with a killing headache and the feeling of a sore jaw thanks to Flynn.

"… Bad dream?" She moved into the kitchen as she received a grunt in response. "You hungry? I heard what you said about eating Jagamaru's all day yesterday, I figure your stomach would want something decent." Mia said, the offering of an early breakfast implicit in her statement. "Or, you could cook something for yourselve-"

And there it was!

"Not feeling it really… if you want to eat what I cooked yesterday, why not try to cook it yourself?" it wasn't a taunt, just an honest question. Mia didn't take it that way as her eyebrow twitched as she stood in the kitchen. "Was hoping to see how you did it?"

"… sorry, not really feeling like cooking today, maybe another time." He could hear Mia moving stop in the kitchen as he chuckled. "I take it you are gonna extend your stay then?"

"Honestly… Probably. Not in the mood of buying a place to be frank." Drake thought it was a waste of money, in the worst-case scenario he must leave, all that time invested on it would have been wasted. Besides, he was in no mood of having to clean every single day or buy groceries and furniture.

He would hear Mia's snort from the kitchen as he caught the smell of fire. "I knew you were a rich kid. Only seen those eating manners from a damn elf or snob nobles."

The blonde made a deadpan from his seat, Mia had no idea how right she was.

"Not like that title will serve me any benefit here. Kind of a relief really." Drake replied as Mia remained quiet for a moment as she processed his words.

"I know I said you had manners at the table… but I didn't expect you to actually be one."

The sound of dishes and the smell of fried eggs caught his attention as he removed his scarf. "Former. Besides, I was technically adopted into it."

"What? Did you make daddy mad and got sent here?"

He snorted. "Believe me, I wish that was the case. Being a Noble is a pain and a waste of time when you don't abuse the title. Also, me being here doesn't have anything to do with a title that isn't worth two liens to it here."

Mia narrowed her eyes as she finished preparing her food. "Lien?" she heard a sigh coming from the counter. "The currency we use from where I am from, pay no mind to it."

"Must be a really secluded place seeing as Valis is used everywhere. Why come here then? Why come to this hellhole called the center of the world?"

"Someone's suddenly more talkative." He thought out loud as Mia walked behind the counters with a plate of fried eggs, bacon, toast and some juice.

"Just making conversation. I am used to ordering or shouting at someone as I work, so you could say it's a kind of habit." Mia replied with a shrug while Drake deadpanned seeing there was a clear difference between those two and having a conversation. "You are free of keeping your secrets to yourself."

'…truth.'

"Well…" he took his fork before replying. "In a few words… I was sent here against my will." Mia looked confused at him as he ate. Because the way he said led her to believe he had been abducted, and yet he was way too calm for that, not to mention the fact that he had money.

"Hope you are able to do… whatever it's you are here for. Enjoy your food." Mia stated before walking away, leaving the blonde with his own thoughts as he ate.

'I don't even know what that is?' he thought with a sigh as heard a pair of steps coming down from the stairs.

"Someone's rather early." He didn't have to turn around to see who it was. Because he felt a glare on the back of his head, and only one person in this establishment had something against him for some reason.

"It's my punishment for advertising other places and not acting educated with our patrons." Ryuu walked next to him and bowed slightly. "I apologize for my previous behavior." She replied in her usual stoic voice as Drake focused on his food.

'If you are gonna apologize, at least have the decency of meaning it.' Drake wasn't gonna word those words. He wasn't in the mood of dragging a conversation that wasn't gonna get him anywhere or had any worth to him. So, he decided to keep quiet instead and ignore the glare she was giving him for not answering back.

"Mia, what time does the Guild open?" the eye of the elf twitched, Ryuu felt offended by the fact he was treating her like she didn't exist. Better for her since he wouldn't address her at all.

"I thought you said you weren't an Adventurer? Thinking of becoming one?" Mia asked as Ryuu gave a slight nod out of pure courtesy before retreating. Mia had seen the interaction, and decided not to intervene seeing none of the parties wanted to start an argument, even if she knew Ryuu was just being petty. However, she's already old enough to decide how she wants to act, so Mia isn't gonna do anything about it unless it gets worse .

"I am not, and I am not gonna become one." He replied as he finished his breakfast. "Just need to see their library." Mia deadpanned at him.

"You are going at this hour, to the guild just so you can read?" Drake chuckled as he planted a few Valis for serving him early. "… it should be open by the time you get there if you leave now. Don't expect to receive any service though."

The blonde nodded as he adjusted his scarf and left.

"You are weird, you know that?" Drake simply grunted in agreement as he walked out of the establishment.

Ryuu sighed in relief, only to then freeze as she felt Mia's glare on her. "I know you don't like him because of how suspicious he is. At least I hope that's the real reason and not because he's not giving Syr the light of day." To her credit, Ryuu didn't react at her last statement. To her defense, all of the above were true . "But unless he doesn't give us a reason to throw him out, then don't antagonize him."

"Yes, Mama Mia… wait," Ryuu started to process Mia's words, especially the part about not throwing him out… like if he was gonna stay for more than one night. "Does that mean that he-"

"Here's your punishment." Mia said with a grin as she put the cleaning utensils in front of Ryuu. "I want those bathrooms shining." Ryuu's jaw dropped as she recalled the reason as to why she woke up earlier than usual, her punishment.

The Elf in response simply sighed as she faced her fate.