sunfloras | 𝔀𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷' 🔪

[The city of Seregarde is often regarded as a wonder by its neighbors. Its mixed population of humans and Beastmen aside, it is the most technologically advanced as seen in its tall buildings, magically and mechanically sturdy carriages, and lighting system. Every other day, there seems to be a new invention that would revolutionize the home or the way the city functioned with even more efficiency.

Remnants of nature still cling in the form of greenery that crawls up the sides of its houses and the more neatly structured streets and parks. Magic has not been cast away, just more utilitarian in objects rather than its people.

Fio always finds something new and interesting she's never seen before in Seregarde. She always plays around with the idea of settling here if her journey completes itself...

For now, she's going to play tour guide to her new friend that she's made.]

All I am saying is try not to gawk too much, especially at the Beastmen. They wouldn't take kindly to that attention especially outside of the city.

[With his hands in the pockets, Akira was following Fio with the usually cocky smile on his lips. He had to admit that this world wasn't too out of place from his home. Compared to the stuffy streets where rogue robots ran amok on occasions or street thugs liked to cause trouble, this one was a lot more peaceful in plenty of ways. Akira didn't hate his home, though. At heart, he always loved a little action to stir up his easygoing life as much as he enjoyed taking naps whenever he could.

Maybe he should bring back some souvenirs for the kids and Taeko. He felt that they'd probably appreciate that. Compared to that Dominion of Hate that he was stuck in once, he couldn't feel any negative vibes at all. No need to keep his guard up, no need to feel tense, no eerie foreboding voice taunting him about the sins of humanity... It was nice and safe around here.

Now the chances of Akira picking a fight with someone weren't zero, but he'd try to be on his best behavior for Fio's sake. Though if someone punches him, he was totally going to hit them back.]

Yeah, yeah! I know my manners and all that! You tryin' to be my mom or something?

[Even with people he was closest with, Akira was still a snarky rebellious punk at times. But there's no venom or actual annoyance behind his words... For him, this was just banter.]

I wouldn't be overly concerned if you didn't give me a reason to begin with.

[Fio knows Akira is kind of heart; she admitted that much already. But he's also hotheaded as well something that she's witnessed before.

A group of children, some young rabbits and puppies, run past Fio and Akira, ears perked up and tails wagging and twitching excitedly as they make their way to school. Fio continues speaking, crossing her arms.]

I'm not nagging for the sake of it; I hope you realize that. We're fortunate that this city has the best relations between Beasts and humans but that's just relatively speaking.

But anyways... What would you like to see first? I've explored a large part of Seregarde but I don't know every nook and cranny.

Heh heh... I don't plan on startin' shit unless someone start somethin' first. If a punch is thrown at me, I'm only obligated to hit back.

[Plus with his mindreading abilities, Akira felt that he could understand what people really thought of him around here. At this point, he's certainly heard plenty of less than pleasant thoughts thrown in his direction. Even at home, he was still an outsider in a sense.

Sometimes, it bothered him. But he continued to endure and believe in the good of people. Throwing his arms behind his back, he notices the kids running past them and couldn't help and smile. He always had a soft spot for children... He helped out at the orphanage back home, so they naturally seen him as an older brother figure.]

But it is pretty nice and laidback here... I gotta give ya that. I'm pretty sure there's some skeletons in the closet here or there, but as long as the kids are still smiling... Then I'd say it's a good place to live.

[If not, then he'd do something about it. The Bright Sparks Orphanage never leaves a crying child behind in his book. Whenever Fio asks about a place to visit first, he hums in some thought...]

Do they have any shopping malls around here? I could look into getting some souvenirs for some folks at home.

A shopping mall?

["Mall" is a term she isn't familiar with, but shopping? Shopping is universal.

She points down a path where there are more voices and a flurry of activity. It's located along the harbor which makes sense; where there's a coast, there are ships, and where there are ships, that's where trade is sure to be.]

I don't know if it's what you're looking for, but the market along the harbor is active. We can also pick up something to eat as we shop as well.

[Fio suddenly looks serious.]

However, we must, and this is very important... We must stop by the bakery after we explore the harbor market. It is of utmost significance.

[Looking down the path that she was pointing to, Akira could also faintly smell seawater in that direction too. It was a good thing that he gotten over his subconscious distaste of harbors. That was linked to a big traumatic incident in his past.]

Huh... A harbor, huh? Sounds pretty old fashioned, but I'm down for that! I could totally use a bite while I'm at it.

[In response, he just looks at her with an incredulous face.]

Lemme guess... You're hungry for something there, ain't ya? I don't think I need to read your mind for that.

[Fio's eyes are gleaming, not unlike a bird who has spotted a shiny new treasure.]

There's a new concoction they've named, "curry croquettes." Apparently it's all the rage since it's a piece of fried bread with a delicious savory filling. It's supposed to be even more delicious when freshly made!

[girl calm down, but obviously Fio is very, very passionate about bread-related treats.]

So as you can guess, we must not dally too long!

"Curry croquettes"? Hold on a sec... That's a delicacy back where I'm from.

[That's absolutely something that he's eaten plenty of times back home. It's also something that he could make, but his specialty was taiyaki. Akira grins more lop-sidedly from hearing her enthusiasm.]

Croquettes are pretty popular, y'know. You can put all sorts of food in 'em from salmon to ground beef to mashed potatos.

Truly?

[Fio blinks, confused but it clears up once she mentally chalks it up to, "Other worlds, other possibilities." More importantly...

She'll continue to speak to him as she starts off towards the harbor, beckoning for him to follow.]

If it's something you know about then can you make it as well?

[Akira's gonna end up working for her as a personal chef at this rate, if Suiren doesn't get the position first.]

Heh... It'd be a damn clinch for me! Cooking becomes more natural once you get the hang of it.

[Putting his hands into his coat pockets, he follows along... But hearing that question makes him shoot Fio a rather suspicious look. He might've had a kind heart underneath that roughness, but he was still a delinquent who loved money.]

Buuuut I am a local businessman who runs my own stand, so I don't cook random shit for free. If I make it for you, then what's in it for me?

[If Matsu were here, he'd slap him upside the head and say "That's ain't how you talk to girls, Akira!"]

Well... I don't know if our currency would be worth anything in your world...

[To Fio's credit, she's actually considering some sort of repayment. One can't call her cheap!]

And the treasures we happen across we tend to sell anyways so that we can resupply as needed. Hm. I can't think of any appropriate compensation.

[The smell of the sea salt in the air grows stronger as does the din of the crowd where the harbor market is set up. Colorful tents, stands, and carts of all shapes and sizes are within view.]

Maybe if I buy you something of interest here, then you cook me your version of curry bread. Deal?

Hm... Well, I ain't too picky. It ain't gotta be money if it's not gonna convert well or you're out of change right now.

[Since she was a princess, Akira knew that cash wouldn't be a problem. Plus he had no problems with negotiating with customers that couldn't buy taiyaki. Though those cases were extremely rare for him. A businessman had to know when to be flexible when it counted. After all, the important part was making sure that people kept coming back.

Akira will take a second to rub the back of his head as he thinks about it. He really has nothing to lose here!]

Alright then. You've got your deal, princess! [He flashes her a bright smile and gives her a thumbs up.] I'll make sure that it's the best damn curry bread you ever had!

[Dungeon crawling and exploring the vast world below the Sky Empire has been fruitful if nothing else, for Fio and her band.

But anyway, it's time to focus on the harbor market. The princess is greeted by some stall owners who wave or call out to her and she shyly just waves back before talking to Akira.]

I really do like it here. When I was... At home, I only heard bits and pieces about this city. Being here and seeing how humans and Beastmen can live together makes me hopeful for the future.

[The scar on Akira's head flickers for a second as he decides to read a few minds. As he expected, there were some people who were questioning what kind of person was hanging out with the princess like this.

"Who is that ruffian? "Does he plan on stealing something from my store?" "He's covered in some weird scars... Is he dangerous?" "Maybe he's her bodyguard... That would make sense."

Interesting... He was used to people making accusations about him, but hearing 'bodyguard' gives him a quick snicker. That was the nicest thought he had heard so far.]

So, uh... I ain't the brightest bulb whenever it comes to royal ranking and all that... But princesses usually become queens someday, right? Are you sure you're ready to shoulder all of that responsibility on your shoulders?

[Fio stops in front of a food stall that had normal fruits like apples, oranges, and pears, and some more unusual fruits such as very pink peaches, round melons with crisp citrus scents... But it's Akira's last question that makes her turn towards him again with a strange expression on her face.

It's somewhat pained.

(Very briefly, he can see in her mind, looking at her nine other siblings as they stand above her like malevolent shadows including her oldest brother and his broad back as he kneels in front of the altar to accept his throne...

This whole scene goes up in flames just as quickly and all she can think is, "There's no place for me to return to.")

Her words are different but the same when she replies to him carefully.]

My title as a princess is... Variable. And even if the Empire and the Avian's home in the sky is restored, I'm the youngest in the succession. My oldest sister is at least alive from the last I heard of her.

[Brisana was someone who the other Avians would rather look up to, rather than the princess with tainted human blood; she was bold, courageous, and just as levelheaded, if not more than Valen, wherever he was.

Fiorella sighs and takes a pink peach, paying the vendor for it before holding it out to Akira for him to accept.]

Basically, my being queen was never considered an option in the first place.

["Me and my damn big mouth." is what Akira thinks at the back of his mind. It was times like this where he was thankful to have his mindreading ability to know what was really going on in someone's head. A nice face could always hide wicked intentions. And on the other end of the spectrum, a kind smile could hold great sadness. Even if it wasn't his feelings or experience, he could understand what someone was going through by a small fraction.

No home to go back to or a title to call her own. He might've not been royality, but Akira had lost important things himself. His father, Matsu... And yet, he had had family and people who loved him enough to support him.]

... Ah, I see how it is. Sorry 'bout that. It was a shitty question to ask.

[Awkwardly, Akira rubs the back of his neck as he takes the peach. Then he reaches out again to place a supportive hand on Fio's shoulder. It's a firm grip, yet his touch is very gentle. Whenever it came to Akira, he was good at expressing his feelings through physical touch better than his words sometimes.]

There's always free rooms open at the Bright Sparks Orphanage if you ever wanna crash somewhere. Even if it's temporary, we never turn down those that need a roof to stay under.

[She was definitely not a bad person, so Akira couldn't see her causing trouble for the children or Taeko. Taeko might've gotten on his case for inviting a girl his age in, but that would be something that he could explain on his own time.]

[Fio shakes her head.]

No. There's no way you would have known without a lengthy explanation, never mind what you are able to hear and see. I would rather be straightforward instead of holding the heaviness all alone.

[When he grips her shoulder, Fio feels her cheeks warm. Not out of embarrassment (maybe a little) but rather the friendliness and comfort behind it.]

If I ever crashland into your world, I will take you up on that Akira. You'll have to show me around there as I'm doing here, alright?

Now, try that peach. The aroma is amazing and I think it might inspire another culinary creation from you.

Hah! It's really different compared to what I've been seein' around here so far. Might be a little overwhelming, but I think I'll make a good tour guide for ya.

[Looking down at the peach, he'll take a moment to nibble on the fruit... Then after he chews on it, Akira's eyes (and face) sparkle with amazement! While it looked like your average peach, it had a certain flavor that really stuck out on his tastebuds. The tang blended in perfectly with the sweetness!]

W-WHOO-OOO-OOOOOA!! Holy shit! This is fucking delicious! [Pardon his language.] Hey, Fio! Does this peach have a special name or anything!?

[Fio actually giggles at Akira's reaction. It's... Kinda cute? Yeah, it's cute how overly enthused he is about what amounts to a seasonal, but common fruit around these parts. He even startles the poor feline shopkeeper whose orange tail bristles at the loud shouting.

The princess gives an apologetic nod to her before continuing.]

I believe they call this one "Pink Pearl" due to its color. I'm glad you like it.

[While they're enjoying themselves the market security located a few stalls down are whispering amongst themselves. It catches Fio's interest since they look and sound worried.]

Huh... Akira, can we go and talk to the guards? Or would you like to look at some more items before we do?

[Pink Pearl, huh? He'll have to remember that for future reference. Akira was just finishing eating the peach before he heard Fio bring up the guards. He'll take a second to lick his fingertips and his lips as a roguish smirk crawls onto his face.

His intuition was smelling something dangerous. As peaceful as things were, it wasn't in his nature to ignore any potential trouble. And if he got a good fight out of it, then that'd be a bonus!]

Yeah, let's see what's up over there. Don't think the market will be going anywhere anytime soon!

[That being said, Akira was going to be approaching them first in a rather flippant manner.]

Yo! Me and my girl here were noticin' you guys having a secret meeting! Is there some shit going down or what?

[The guards turn to face the duo and at the sight of Fio specifically they bow their heads and acknowledge her respectfully.]

"Princess! We heard you were in the city. Greetings to your friend as well."

[Fio nods back and holds up her hand.]

At ease sir. I have the same question as my friend. Is something the matter?

[The guards look at each other but they know that the Avian princess has been the city's steadfast ally. She and the rest of her party automatically have access to information that will benefit Seregarde.]

"Other guards and merchants coming into the city have reported another sighting of the Singed. Parts of the outer forest and some territories have been burned again."

"Our mages have been doing their best to purify those areas but as soon as they complete the process the Singed will have caused damage to another area instead. It's running them ragged, basically."

[Fio sighs... The Singed were still highly dangerous even after she helped Seregarde boost their defenses against their fire.]

Do you think the group of Singed is small enough to subjugate before they reach the city gates? I can go take a look.

"If... If you are certain Princess. You've done so much for us already."

[Fio turns to Akira.]

I apologize... Our day of relaxation may have to pause for the time being.

Hmph... Cool. Great. Glad to see that I'm treated like chopped liver over here.

[Akira says as he folds his arms with a bit of a scowl. He knew that Fio was a princess and they would pay better attention to her, but he wanted to say "Loosen up a bit, fellas!" But he listens out on their explanation... 'Singed' was a word that he wasn't familiar with, but they sounded like a breed of monster or animal.

Luckily, his experience built up from fighting delinquents goons from home, stray rogue robots and various kinds of monsters in the Dominion of Hate had given him some slaying experience. If it was anything city-sized huge, then that would've been a job for the Steel Titan. But he couldn't see things escalating to that... Once they were finished explaining the situation to Fio and she turns to him, Akira puts his hands in his pockets again with a shrug.]

... Eh, it's no biggie. My fists were startin' to itch anyway. But these 'Singed' things sound like bad news. What exactly are these pests you guys are havin' trouble with?

[If they slipped into the city, then it sounded like they would cause even more destruction. If homes were burnt down, then those kids he saw from earlier wouldn't have a place to stay...]

[Fio shoots Akira a look, the kind that says, "Behave, please?" He'll get an explanation from the city guard at least.]

"Unfortunately, they're more than just pests."

[His companion nods. Fiorella has her hands clasped together staying quiet as they explain the world's blight to Akira.]

"The Singed are the undead, but tainted by the flames of the Fire Bird. They are an affliction to both humans and Beastmen alike. "

[Fio finally interjects.]

It's a recent and ongoing problem. I can explain the rest to him if you give me the location of where they were last spotted.

[The guards nod and they quickly give directions to the princess. They leave when they're done and Fio turns to Akira, tugging him lightly by the hand.]

Let's go. The sooner we get this done, the more time we have to relax.

[And here he thought that dealing with stray rogue robots were a problem! He was pretty sure that he's seen horror movies about zombies eating people and passing along viruses to people, but it was strange to see this was a real thing. He's quiet as he absorbs the new information about the Singed before him. Though all things considered...

Fio has been fighting against monsters probably for a long time. He's experienced moments of peace where he could relax with his family and friends, but it felt like she had it rougher than him. Whenever she tugs his hand, he doesn't realize that it was shaking a little. Was he actually getting nervous? Or was he anticipating the thrill of the fight? Or was he just worried? Even if Akira put on a tough front, there were moments where even he had experienced insecurity...

He decides to let Fio lead the way for him. The delinquent's expression looks slightly sheepish as he's in deep thought.]

So, uh... I've got a question for ya, Fio. How long have you been fightin' against monsters in these lands, anyway?

[With monsters and the issues involving humans and beastmen in her world, he had to wonder if this girl would ever truly find peace. Whenever he reads someone's mind, Akira couldn't help and feel like a piece of them became a part of him. Especially if they were a personal connection in his book... He was an outsider around here, but she was also his friend. Wasn't that a good enough reason to get involved?]

[She lets go of Akira's hand but continues to lead the way to the gate. It's a bit of a walk so Fio has time to consider and shape the answer that she'll give to him.]

It's been... Goodness, several months already. Time flies by as they say.

[The fall of the Sky Empire felt eerily distant; from the moment she woke up in Lord Aoshun's domain, to setting off with Suiren to purify the lands, and then meeting all of her new traveling companions who pledged themselves to her quest... So much has happened and though progress has undoubtedly been made and respect for her and her party had increased...]

We've all been fighting for a while now. It isn't just me. Suiren, Cassian, the twins, Zephyr, Lina, and Riorr... I wouldn't have survived on land without them.

[He couldn't help and sympathize hearing that. While he was used to dealing with his problems all by himself, he was slowly warming up to the idea of teamwork as of late. He's definitely seen the rewards of fighting alongside with people he's never met before. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he takes a moment to hum to himself... He felt that this was going to be a small trip, but talking never hurt with passing the time along.]

That right? Not sure if I told you this yet, but I had to team up with a bunch of people too. Technically, they weren't from my time... But we all banded together to save someone.

[He ponders on where to start with this... For sure, Akira felt that it was something that deserved to be in the history books or a TV show.]

You up for a little story? It won't take too long, I promise.

[Fio glances at Akira as they continue walking and nods.]

I'm listening.

[It can help take her mind off things and let her learn more about Akira. He's listened (sometimes literally) to her own thoughts so much already. She wants to know what his are and how she can help instead.]

[Akira casually slides his hands into his pockets as he reflects on some of his journey... Some of it was very personal, but ironically it had managed to lead to connecting with other people beyond the ones in his neighborhood. Really, he felt that this wasn't a story about him... But more about someone else. Someone that taught him a very important lesson about how to live life. He had to wonder if that knight truly found peace in the afterlife...]

In an era that was distant from ours, there was a picture perfect knight... You could say that the dude was the peak of goodness. Flawless, never do wrong, devoted to his duty... The knight had fought and protected his people through tooth and nail from evil.

But something tragic happened where he was betrayed by everyone. His allies, his people and even the girl he loved had turned their backs on him. His whole kingdom viewed him as a villain and that's what he became. And as he was consumed by his own hatred for humanity... He turned into a monster.

Usually, you see or hear stories about the hero slaying the Demon Lord... But you never hear a story where he ends up becoming one, right?

[Fiorella listens to Akira's story carefully, taking in every word and the weight of its meaning. They finally reach the gate by the time he finishes and the princess stays silent trying to come to her own conclusion.]

You're right. Such a story isn't known here. But hope followed by betrayal isn't so uncommon.

[She feels for this knight in the story. He had done everything to protect his people only to suffer a backlash.]

Did this ex-hero exact his revenge on the people who turned on him?

Edited 2023-07-20 02:24 (UTC)

... Sure did. He became a being of absolute hatred and slaughtered the whole kingdom that he wanted to protect so badly.

[Lifting a hand up, Akira gently clinches it into a tightly packed fist. He remembers his experiences in that realm and speaking to the spirits of his victims. Some were angry, others were still fearful and some showed regret into the monster that the night had become.]

It shows that anyone with hatred and anger in their heart can become something like that... Just as long as you've got the right conditions. And...

[He remembers the words that the Odio spoke to him: "O Foolish Child... "In anger finds his strength... "Whose faith in men endures despite their sins." Even if Akira tried to act tough and above it all, he was still a vulnerable young man who felt more than the average person.]

I guess I get scared sometimes. My powers are linked to my emotions and all... So if something happens and I slip up, I might end up becomin' a freak like that.

... I was afraid of making a mess of things all the time when I was younger.

[The guards at the gate open it up so that they can both step outside. She gives her nod of thanks before continuing her conversation with Akira.]

I still am really.

But you have a very heavy burden in your power. And you've made it this far, met me and I can't call you anything else but a kind person despite everything you may have felt as everyone's whispers poured into your heart.

[Fio looks at Akira with some renewed determination.]

So if you're able to stand here in front of me like this then... I'll keep doing my best too, Akira.

[Afraid of making a mess of things, huh? He felt that it was a similar experience like himself... Even now, he's afraid of losing control. But he had to remember that he was the one grasping these powers of his and not the other way around.

Her words felt like cold water hitting him in the face. He was worried about turning into something that even his sister wouldn't be able to look up to him anymore... But those words bought him back into reality. He's quiet as he follows Fio and ponders on her short speech.]

Heh... It's been a pain in the ass for sure, but I don't regret these powers of mine. I can use 'em to help people as best as I can. Even if I turn into a monster, I'd rather be one that can protect people.

[His forehead flickers briefly with a yellow light... Companionship, friendship, camaraderie begun to flow within his heart. Then he flashes her a very bright smile and gives her a thumbs-up. It was almost as if he was the sun itself.]

But thanks for the pick-me-up! As long as we stick together, we won't lose to something like hatred!

You're welcome.

[That's all that needs to be said really. But Fiorella is feeling a lot more heartened after their talk and she smiles back at Akira. The gates close behind them and the princess takes a deep breath.]

Alright. Time to get to work. Since we're outside the city, we have a lot more freedom of movement but we should keep collateral damage to a minimum if possible.

Okaaaaaay! I've dyin' to flex my muscles a bit!

[He takes a moment to stretch his arms and even strikes a little guts pose once he felt his body become fully relaxed. Physical strength was one thing, but what about his mind? That felt clear as crystal as well... Whenever it came to battling, Akira was a jack of all trades, but master of none. He was no martial artist, but he knew how to compete against the rest of them with his street fighting skills. And esper abilities could even put some magicians out there to shame.]

Since this is your home turf, I don't mind if you take the lead. If you can defeat the enemies up front, then I'll support you from the back! Healin' shouldn't be a problem for us either.

[He's even got that covered by being able to heal up some cuts and bruises! The less critical the wound, then the less time and energy it would take. Of course, he couldn't revive the dead or heal anything fatal... If so, then certain people that have already past on in his life would still be there.]

[Just being right outside the city, there aren't any immediate signs of danger. Having had the experience, however, Fio knows that after a mile or two they'll start seeing more.

The Singed aren't subtle creatures.]

We'll follow signs of smoke and burnt smells. It may be faint since any assigned mages are cleaning up the remains of their damage but we'll focus on the areas that haven't had the attention yet.

[Let's go!! Down the path they go and soon enough, emerging from some trees are the plumes of ashy smoke.]

Already? That's much too close for comfort.

[And with that, Fiorella summons her glowing daggers by her side and starts to jog ahead.]

Watch my back!

𝔀𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷' 🔪

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