Chapter 8: Crash course training. A new path.
Cloud and Hajime started their training for the Haulia Tribe. It was now the first day while they waited for the thick fog across Verbergen to thin down. It was currently the first day of training. Hajime was with the Haulia Tribe, ready to begin their training.
"It's time we start your training to help your tribe learn how to survive this harsh world." He announced.
"Rabbitmen aren't combat specialist beastmen. We're the lowest in terms of strength." Cam spoke with worry.
"I was not like the very person I became to be when I came here. Even my friend, whom despite having stronger strength, didn't became as strong as me. When we fell in the abyss of the labyrinth, we changed into what you now see of us." Hajime spoke.
"Still…" Cam spoke with reluctance.
"No more excuses! Drop down and give me twenty ASAP!!" Hajime commanded.
Needless to say, the Haulia Tribe were scared from Hajime's sadistic training regimen. They started doing pushups, much to the tribe's chagrin. The boys made sure they built up their muscles while they watched them struggle against their body's limits. Soon, they finished, albeit with exhaustion.
"Take a five minute break! Drink water and prepare for combat!" Hajime ordered.
The Haulia tribe all groaned from their strength exercise. They barely went to the local water sources and had some water to relieve them from their muscle fatigue. It wasn't long till the five minutes elapsed. Hajime and Cloud soon began sparring with every member of the tribe.
"Do not hesitate to let your enemies get the advantage against you! Find their weakness and use it to overcome them!" Hajime ordered.
The boys withheld their strength, but it was enough to do some damage to the tribe members. The other tribes in Verbergen all watched with sympathy as the Haulia tribe were undergoing the survival training. It was a pitiful sight as some of the rabbit men were too tired to continue. Cloud, in a sadistic fashion, motivated them to continue.
"No monsters left us a chance when we crawled in the labyrinth! Hajime and I learned to keep our guard up till every enemy that threatened us was killed! If you wish to survive, learn from our instructions so you can survive even the harshest times!" Cloud shouted with command.
This brought the spirit of fighting within the Haulia tribe. Cloud and Hajime watched as results were slowly showing themselves.
"You had to give a motivational speech like that?" Hajime comically questioned.
"It's all a matter of giving them the drive needed for them to move forward. If they can't prove themselves, they're not worth it in the end." Cloud spoke.
Hajime had to agree, despite his friend's harsh words.
Shea was being trained by Yue to understand combat. She was wielding a large battle hammer that was several times larger than herself.
"You possess the ability to manipulate mana without a magic circle. Concentrate your mana on your body to make it stronger." Yue lectured.
"Here goes." Shea said.
The rabbit girl had some difficulty holding the weapon up. She then recalled Yue lecturing on how to increase her strength.
'Let the mana flow on my body…' Shea thought.
Soon, a faint glow of blue mana encompassed her body. The weight of the battle hammer soon began to feel lighter than usual.
"I can hold it up…! It used to feel heavy. Now it feels like I'm holding a feather." Shea realized.
"Now that you have a grasp, you must do several practice swings with it. Hajime and Cloud suggested doing twenty with a five minute break so you can get an understanding on how to wield it." Yue spoke.
"Twenty practice swings? I'll do it." Shea said.
The rabbit girl began practicing her swings with the battle hammer. Each time she swung, her vertical strikes often caused minor tremors to the ground. Her horizontal swings showcased her strength as a heavy gust from the weapon was created.
"Wow…" Shea commented in surprise.
"I see you're starting to get the hang of it. Keep this up for another day or two. I may allow you to fight alongside us." Yue complimented.
Shea felt the need to smile as Yue showed some praise to the rabbit girl. This got her motivated to continue her training.
It was the second day of training. The members of the Haulia tribe were groaning in pain from the training. Hajime and Cloud watched them with an intense gaze, making them feel intimidated. They soon stumbled upon a small flower, appearing like a daisy. They were gathering to it, adoring the flower. This provoked the boys in response.
"Mind explaining what is so important about this flower?" Cloud questioned.
"This flower is nothing special, but we all adore it." Cam replied.
Hajime held Donner before shooting at the flower. The petals and grass were shown from the ground, billowing in the air where the bullet struck. This frightened the Haulia Tribe in response.
"This world is not as friendly as you might think it is. Such cases or items are not to be used as distractions, unless you want to be killed. If you all want to survive, take your training seriously!" Hajime ordered.
The rabbit people began training hard. Push ups, sit ups, pull ups, even combat training, they were all shaken to the core. The boys watched as they gave pointers to the members whom made mistakes.
"Is that how you swing a blade? Focus more on your shoulders, lower back and torso than your whole arm for a proper swing. Your enemies will not give you a chance or any mercy if you're taken down." Cloud instructed.
To make emphasis on sword combat, Cloud equipped Yaeko and began performing practice swings with the sword. The tribe members that were undergoing sword training followed his instructions. Despite how grueling it was to them, the training started to show results.
"I see you gave them the drive to fight with blades. I'll help with their close combat training. These guys may look weak, but that's a far cry to their real strength." Hajime noted to the swordsman.
"Any help will do, seeing these guys needed this for them to survive. We have eight more days till the fog clears so let's make this time count." Cloud reminded.
"Thanks for keeping track. Let's focus on the training." Hajime said.
Shea was soon swinging her war hammer with effective ease. The rabbit girl was being overwatched by Yue. This left the vampire girl a new test for her to see if Shea was ready.
"Since you have been practicing your swings with your new weapon, I now have a new training regimen." Yue spoke.
"What is this new regimen?" Shea asked curiously.
"Time we go out in the wild to slay a few monsters. No doubt the boys will be doing the same thing with your family to test them." Yue spoke.
"If I have to slay more than one, I'll do my best!" Shea spoke with enthusiasm.
'This girl's enthusiasm is quite strong. Even going this far to slay monsters just to be with us, mainly on Cloud. Maybe being with the Haulia Tribe wasn't a mistake after all.' Yue thought.
Shea kept her practice swings with her hammer, creating deep fissures in the ground with each strike. Fierce gusts from the force of the swings were billowing as she held her weapon with little effort. She was provided a leather scabbard to hold the hammer in place from its handle on her back.
'I know they're training us to be ready for any problems that come to us. My only objective is to go with Cloud… He was the one whom helped us and I want to be with him.' Shea thought.
Shea began to think of Cloud in a seductive tone, much to Yue's displeasure. The vampire girl created a cloudburst that caused a column of water to soak the rabbit girl. The resulting torrent of water got Shea out of her daydream.
"What was that for?" Shea asked, shaking the water off of her body.
"Don't get distracted." Yue said.
It was the third day. The Haulia Tribe were now sporting increased muscle mass. They still appeared meek, but they felt stronger.
"It is time, everyone! It's time to put the test for all of you!" Hajime announced.
"With all your hard training, it is time for you all to complete a task to finish this course. It's time to go hunt for monsters!" Cloud followed.
The Haulia Tribe felt nervous, but Hajime's and Cloud's instructions of merciless combat and strength training gave them the confidence to fight. Under the watchful eyes of the boys, they all ventured to the outskirts of Verbergen. Monsters were roaming about, ranging from various dinosaurs sporting two heads or unique features to gargantuan ones easily towering over three stories high. There were wyverns flying nearby.
"This place shall be the results of your training put to the test. Slay a monster for each of you to prove your worth. Do not let any of your members perish in a fight. Also, don't turn your backs from them. They will strike you down when they see a chance." Hajime explained.
The Haulia Tribe had some struggles with the monsters they faced. Even the smaller raptor monsters nearby proved somewhat difficult. Cloud soon stepped in, Yaeko equipped, demonstrating his fearlessness. Hajime also followed, holding Donner and Schlag. The boys soon had two raptor monsters approach them.
"This is how it's done." Cloud said.
He soon leaped to the side in a side roll, dodging the monster's attack. Holding his sword, he soon stabbed the monster's heart, killing it instantly.
"That's one way to take them down." Cloud concluded.
Hajime smirked as the nearby monster knew it was taking on a fierce opponent. The intimidating aura it felt from the Synergist was all it needed to know of the hidden danger the monster sensed.
"If you're not gonna attack, I might as well end this here." Hajime spoke in a cold remark.
He leaped up to the air, spinning with his left leg outstretched. Hajime was performing a rolling axe kick, slamming the heel of his foot hard on the monster's head. Blood was shown gushing from the nose, mouth and ears. The Haulia Tribe members were disgusted from the display, but they took up arms. Having seen the demonstration, they now bravely fought the monsters. Though it was amateur battle tactic, the tribe didn't lose any of their members. Soon, the members all began to develop a sadistic streak, taking down multiple monsters by the dozen. They even took down the gargantuan monsters with group effort, which impressed the boys.
"That demonstration we did finally got to them." Hajime noted.
"Now we have allies. These guys are showing the efforts, but they must keep their skills fresh." Cloud said.
Shea was now facing Yue with a determined expression. She had her war hammer ready.
"Let's go!" She shouted.
The rabbit girl charged at Yue, whom looked with mild amusement. She soon casted a spell, conjuring a snowstorm that left Shea inside a giant snowball. This caused her to sneeze cutely in response.
"I won't give up… Achoo…! I have to be strong." Shea said, shaking herself out of the snowball.
Yue was impressed of the rabbit girl's determination. The vampire girl felt jealous of Shea's unwavering spirit, knowing she will continue to go forward.
"Use your head to think." Yue spoke in a wise tone.
Shea soon began thinking of a strategy to catch the vampire girl off guard. The rabbit girl began to think of a plan to get close to Yue.
"Here goes!" Shea shouted.
The Rabbitgirl began to swing her hammer to catch up to Yue. The vampire girl kept casting icy winds to hold Shea in an attempt to stop her. She found herself comically encased in a giant snowball, sneezing from the cold touch.
"I won't give up that easily!" The Rabbitgirl spoke with determination.
Yue held a smile of admiration. The two girls began to train as hard as possible.
The fourth day arrived. The Haulia tribe began to develop a hunt of bravado from the relentless monster hunting. The population of monsters was evidently dropping, making the fog ridden forest easier to navigate due to the number of beasts decreasing.
"Looks like we all need to train more to be ready so none of our friends and family have to endure what we lost… Everyone, stand your ground and protect your comrades!" Cloud shouted with motivation.
The Haulia tribe roared with motivated spirits. Hajime had to bite back a laugh as he heard Cloud's speech.
"Never knew you were one for speeches." Hajime noted.
"I'm not. Just a person with few words." Cloud retorted.
This caused Hajime to make a spit take before comically looking at Cloud. This confused the swordsman as he saw his friend giving a funny expression of confusion.
"Are you becoming something of a fictional character where I come from? You're acting like that character too much…" Hajime commented.
"I have no idea what you mean… So I dunno." Cloud shrugged, raising his arms comically in confusion.
Hajime looked away, holding his laughter. Cloud shrugged his shoulders in confusion before going to continue his training with the Haulia tribe.
"The next test is for you all to come at with me with the intent to kill. I won't use lethal force but it won't mean I'll be holding back. The very monsters you fought served their purpose and will continue to act as your training dummies. This training will require you to face smart opponents or any beings whom are like you, but can become an enemy within the blink of an eye." Cloud explained.
The members charged at Cloud, whom was holding a wooden claymore. Hajime watched as Cloud performed a side swipe attack with his sword, creating a powerful gust that knocked the Haulia tribe members back.
"Stand up! Don't let your opponents get the upper hand!" Cloud commanded.
The members all stood up, making a battle cry as they charged to Cloud. He remained calm as the members made simultaneous attacks on him. The swordsman simply dodged the attacks with a graceful dance, side flipping away while he kept his eye on them. Soon, some members split off to try to surround him.
"Useful tactic to take advantage of, especially when you have fewer enemies. Numbers can mean a difference, but that doesn't mean it's a straight victory." Cloud remarked.
He was using Aerodynamics to remain floating up in there before giving the members light taps. The force was strong, but not enough to knock them out. They were briefly sent a couple of inches back but they didn't incur any injuries. Not even a bruise remained, but they took the brunt of the taps.
"You're going soft on them, Cloud…" Hajime remarked.
"I prefer making them motivated so they're willing to listen and help each other out." Cloud noted.
Shea kept her sights with Yue. She began to attack the vampire princess with her physical might. She was caught in surprise due to the rabbit girl's agility, briefly catching her off guard.
'She's improving… Perhaps this girl may be a worthy comrade to be with.' Yue thought.
Shea soon impacted the ground, creating powerful tremors. She didn't give up as she gave chase to Yue, whom promptly created an instant ice block that trapped Shea, leaving her head exposed. Before she could attest, Shea managed to break free.
"I've had some time to learn from Cloud whom provided me some tips." Shea revealed.
Yue grunted from the explosion, keeping her distance till she managed to entrap Shea in thick snow. This time it proved difficult for her to break free.
"You're improving a great deal. You took on my Ice Prison spell and broke free. My Blizzard spell allowed me to keep you trapped, and it did the job. Still, you've impressed me." Yue revealed.
"You think so?" Shea asked with surprise.
"Yes. Perhaps when the training time is up, I will determine if you are indeed ready to follow us." Yue spoke.
It was the fifth day and the Haulia tribe were sporting an increase of muscle mass. They soon began to develop a serious personality, though they almost retained their childish look for nature.
"So, have you all realized this newfound strength that you all have attained?" Cloud asked to the tribe.
"I have and it feels amazing to work for it!" Cam spoke with pride.
"Do not let your pride mask your potential. Always remember that deception can act as a useful tool to deceive your enemies. But never forget your strength that has become praiseworthy. Hone that strength so you can protect the people you care for." Cloud announced.
"You know you're quite the motivator there, Cloud." Hajime commented.
"What better way to motivate them to get better than a good speech? It did the trick to get them all ready." Cloud noted.
"I won't comment further about it… Keep em motivated so we can request their aid one day." Hajime said, turning his attention to the group he was training.
"All of you, do not lower your guard when fighting monsters! Always watch your backs and provide support to each other when necessary. Leave no room for errors!" Hajime commanded.
The groups of the Haulia tribe began their monster hunting activities. Due to their strength training, they not only handled the weaker monsters, but were able to tackle on large monsters with little difficulty. Pieces of the various monsters were brought as proof from them to the boys. Hajime noticed the quality of the materials and began making various weapons from daggers to swords. They were imbued with various elemental effects thanks to the numerous monsters.
"Looks like we trained them well." Hajime commented.
"Looks that way. They're worthy of their reputation." Cloud followed.
Shea and Yue were practicing their combat to enhance their physical prowess. For Yue, it was a constant exercise to manage her mana prowess as she soon became adept in hurling spells without exhaustion.
"Here we go!" Shea announced, hoisting her hammer up.
Shea began to attack Yue during their spar. The rabbit girl was showing signs of improvement, which forced the vampire princess to be on guard. There were close calls as Yue barely dodged the attacks Shea threw at her. Despite how fierce the spar looked, Yue kept her composure.
"You have been improving quite well, Shea. I'll ask you this though. What reason do you want to continue with us in our journey across Tortus? It won't be an easy adventure, considering the monsters we've faced here are but fodder." Yue questioned.
"I want to repay Cloud for helping my tribe… It's too soon to admit to him how I feel, but I'm grateful for his help. If it wasn't for his caring part, I wouldn't be able to see my family live for another day. As of now, I want to thank him for keeping my family safe and helping them get stronger." Shea admitted.
"I see. So you have developed feelings for Cloud… Maybe he might recover from your presence." Yue said.
"What do you mean?" Shea questioned.
"Cloud has lost his memory since he and Hajime fell in the Great Orcus Labyrinth. They both told me of their story and how they became to be now. I'll share it with you." Yue answered.
Yue recounted every detail that was shared to her from the boys. Needless to say, she was crying tears in empathy for Cloud. However, she also felt sympathetic for his friend, whom endured the awful scenario.
"I didn't know how awful it was for them… I'm really sorry for what they had to endure…" Shea spoke in tears.
"You don't have to apologize… Just stay strong and he'll help you." Shea reassured.
The two girls continued their spar after the discussion. Shea had developed newfound respect for Cloud, now realizing his current circumstances.
The last five days of training went by without a hitch. All the members of the Haulia tribe were now sporting an increased muscle physique. This was due to the intense training Hajime and Cloud brought to them, making them formidable opponents. Needless to say, the other beastmen whom once knew the Haulia tribe were shocked to see their newfound ferocity. The rabbitmen were more than capable of taking down monsters that roamed outside Verbergen. Supplies with weapons from the monster pieces gathered to Hajime, they were ready to fight off any threats that dared to incur their anger.
"Boss, we are thankful for your efforts in training my tribe to becoming what we are now. We wish to join your group as thanks for your help." Cal spoke, his voice now deeper and more masculine.
Hajime scratched his head in response. He knew the tribe would make such a request.
"We will request your aid when we need so. For now, just keep training to hone your skills you have now acquired as of today." Hajime spoke.
"We will request your aid one day. Keep your strength honed so you'll be ready for anything." Cloud followed.
Cam and the Haulia tribe couldn't help but shed tears in pride. They were willing to go with Hajime and Cloud, but realized they will be requested from their services in a later time.
Shea was now charging forward, using her war hammer like a spring to hurl herself to Yue. The vampire princess didn't expect the tactic and was now forced to move back. Her blizzard spell casting was increased in speed, but it proved difficult with Shea, whom was moving at a fast pace.
"You're wide open!" Shea shouted.
Having no choice, Yue soon casted an ice spell that flash frosted Shea in a block of ice, leaving her head out. However, the vampire princess was nicked by Shea's weapon on her right cheek. The scratch showed a little trickle of blood.
"You have indeed won." Yue spoke with a smile.
Shea looked with wonder as she noticed the scratch on Yue's cheek. The vampire princess moved her hand to it, which soon healed in a split second.
"Do not worry, Shea. You already proved yourself to be a companion. If you wish to come with us, I'll speak to Hajime and Cloud." Yue reassured.
Shea was now smiling happily as she heard Yue's comforting tone. The rabbit girl was soon freed from her icy prison, resulting in her sneezing comically.
Yue arrived to inform the boys concerning Shea's potential of being a travel partner and comrade. After hearing of the challenge the vampire princess proposed, which Shea succeeded, they couldn't say no.
"So it seems Shea showed her potential and her spirit. I guess the verdict has been set." Hajime spoke.
"It appears so. If she's willing to go this far, then there's no reason for us to refuse." Cloud agreed.
Shea arrived and heard the conversation. She was in tears after realizing the boys have accepted her request. She soon turned to her family and was shocked to see the changes they underwent from the training.
"Dad! Everyone! You're all so different!" Shea comically exclaimed.
"We gave them the motivation needed to keep themselves protected. I have a feeling it will be beneficial for them to hone their skills to ensure Verbergen's safety." Cloud said.
Hajime looked to Cloud with surprise, hearing of his hidden concerns of the Haulia tribe.
'Cloud… I guess your caring part of your personality hasn't changed despite your amnesia.' Hajime thought.
Yue heard Cloud's response and smiled in response. She knew he was concerned for the tribe, something of which she can trust and understand.
'Cloud, maybe underneath all that pain you've endured, you're starting to open up.' Yue thought.
Cloud felt Yue's gaze and tilted his head in confusion.
"Is…there something on me?" Cloud asked in confusion.
Yue giggled in response. Shea soon held Cloud close, teary eyed. This got the swordsman to look at the rabbit girl with some concern. Despite his body voicing not to get overly attached, he couldn't help it. He began rubbing Shea's head in a calm manner, which got her to blush.
"Cloud…" Shea spoke with a cute tone.
The swordsman realized what he was doing and looked flustered, awkwardly scratching his head in response. Yue giggled, seeing how Shea was interacting with Cloud. It was a serene time, however brief.
"Say, the ten days have passed." Cloud reminded.
"Yeah. We did use the ten days to help train the Haulia tribe. The fog should dissipate to reach the labyrinth entrance." Hajime realized.
Hajime, Cloud, Yue and Shea all went to the entrance of the labyrinth. They were now at the entrance of the Great Tree Uralt.
"So this is the Great Tree…" Hajime commented, seeing the tree before him.
The tree in question was a former image of its appearance. It was dead, with no leaves on its branches, but it showed no signs of rotting.
"What's the deal with this tree? It doesn't look like it's alive, yet there's no sign of death or decay on it, other than no leaves on its branches." Cloud questioned.
"This tree has been around before the founding of Verbergen. Though it has been dead long before the nation was established, its body never rotted away. It has stood here for ages unknown even to us beastmen, forever lifeless but unchanged." Cam explained.
"So this tree has been frozen in time since before the nation's founding… That's quite an interesting history." Hajime noted.
The swordsman was inspecting a slab of stone near the entrance.
"Hmmm? Looks like there's a writing on this stone." Cloud said.
Hajime and the others gathered to read the writing.
"This door will open to those whom obtained the four symbols, the power of regeneration, and a beacon of iron clad will from bonds." Yue read.
"Sounds like we may need to find and conquer more labyrinths in order to open the entrance here. Still, let's see if this confirms on the writing." Cloud said.
The group noticed a heptagon symbol. Cloud silently signaled to Hajime to test Oscar's ring to see if it was a key. The ring shined a brilliant blue, confirming everyone's suspicion.
"Looks like this confirms our thoughts that this stone is a door to the labyrinth. Still, we're lacking the symbols needed to open it." Cloud noted.
"Looks like we'll need to hunt down and find the other labyrinths and reach the end in order to acquire these symbols." Hajime noted.
"We did get through the Orcus Labyrinth, but we don't know how the others will be. It's best to keep our guard up till we reached the end." Cloud noted.
"You're right about that, Cloud. It's best to keep our guard up till the end." Hajime agreed.
The boys began to ponder the last meaning of the requirements. The girls soon followed along, realizing the meaning.
"Hmmm… Iron clad will of bonds… Maybe it relates to the bonds forged from helping the beastmen?" Shea suggested.
"It would seem so. Plus, the power of regeneration…" Yue paused.
The vampire princess realized she possessed such an ability and placed her hand on the stone slab. The writing soon faded, but nothing happened.
"Looks like it won't open that easily unless we gather the four symbols." Shea realized.
"It appears so… Sounds like we have to explore more labyrinths to find their symbols in order to open this labyrinth. Judging by how it is created, this labyrinth may be more challenging." Cloud surmised.
"I have a feeling you're right about that, Cloud. Plus, we might learn ancient magic from them." Yue said.
"An oversight, but it's a start. If it's possible that one of Liberators has such a power to travel across worlds, we might find it from them. It may be a pain, but we have no choice." Hajime noted.
The group soon turned to the Haulia tribe.
"Looks like our training course and deal is done for now. We will return in a later time to come back to this labyrinth, for we need to conquer the other labyrinths before we go to this one." Hajime announced.
"You've all proven to be excellent soldiers and are well trained. Keep honing your skills so they can be fresh in your minds and be beneficial for your survival. The best of luck to you all, Haulia tribe." Cloud spoke with a prideful tone.
The Haulia tribe was moved with pride from the boys.
"Bosses, why can't we all travel alongside you? We beg of you two." Cam requested in respect.
"It'll be too dangerous for us all to transport you all to the places we'll go to. What's important is that you keep improving from your training you have received from us." Hajime spoke.
"You have shown to be survivalists and are now strong. Remember our words, for they will be your drive to ensure your tribe's survival. When we return, we will be ready to ensure our end to having you back at Verbergen." Cloud spoke.
Hajime briefly misstepped in response, hearing Cloud's words.
"Cloud, are you serious about this?" Hajime asked.
"I helped the leader of Verbergen cure his affliction. I upheld my end and he needs to do his part. It may take time, but the sooner it happens, the better. This unjust law should have been abolished long ago." Cloud responded, referring to the unjust killing of Atavists among the beastmen.
"Alright then. Perhaps it will indeed help us in the future." Hajime agreed.
Cam was moved to manly tears, realizing the swordsman was helping the tribe regain their spot in the beastman's nation.
"We won't forget your efforts in helping us. Both of you are indeed true to be our bosses, no our leaders! Everyone! Let us continue to train hard to improve our skills so one day our leaders will come in requiring our aid. Until they come back here, we must grow stronger!" Cam spoke with pride.
The Haulia tribe all cheered in response. In the bushes, Ulfric heard the boys talking to the rabbitmen. He felt a sense of understanding pride, realizing why they would go this far to train them.
'I see now… Perhaps it was indeed unjust of us to have this law of killing Atavists among our kind in power. It should have been abolished right at the very start…' The elf elder thought.
Shea was moved with tears. She soon recalled a memory of her mother, whom taught her a story. It was a story of bravery, humility and understanding.
'Mother…' Shea thought, crying silently.
Cloud noticed the rabbitgirl shedding quiet tears. Though he questioned his actions after, he soon held Shea in a warm hug. This got her flustered but she didn't reject the hug. She soon felt his hand gently rubbing her head, near her rabbit ears.
"I can tell you have been through a lot… Do not be afraid if you feel the need to express your emotions." Cloud spoke to Shea.
Shea held Cloud close, silently sobbing. His hold on her was a warm embrace, making her feel secured.
'You're right about your story, Mother. I finally found that person outside the Sea of Trees. He's right here with me…' Shea thought, holding Cloud close.
"Cloud, I want to travel alongside you…" She requested.
"I know… You wanted to travel with us. Thus, since you are the victor, you can travel with us. Just know that the path we're taking will be a difficult road." Cloud reminded.
"I don't care about the trials that lie ahead… I…I want to travel with you because I love you." Shea confessed.
Cloud remained silent, but his face was dusted in a pink blush. Hajime smirked as did Yue, knowing the rabbitgirl held emotions for the swordsman.
"Alright then. I know I warned you, but I can't refuse, knowing that my heart is telling me not to." Cloud said.
Shea immediately hugged Cloud close, using her superhuman strength. The swordsman grunted in response before Shea soon kissed him, much to his surprise.
'I wonder how this will go…' Cloud comically thought.