Isekai Beach Episode

Cyan skies shimmered overhead as currents of pastel ether drifted between rosy clouds. Pearlescent sunlight greeted starved eyelids as Sayane tilted her head back to warm her face against its glow. Haven’s mystical caverns were two days behind them now. A small caravan of travel vessels was perched atop the nearby hill, hovering in slumber as the Revolution’s Great Harmony Shard hummed above, titanic and glossy.

They were on their way back to the vault where Sayane had first arrived in this world. It would be where Echo’s remains were placed, as well as the new location of the Revolutionary Shard. Sayane’s journey had begun in that darkened maze, and Echo had been the one to first find her, so she felt it only fitting to be the location to commemorate it as the spark that built into the fires of change.

But for now, they were taking a much deserved detour to the coasts of Sa’Be.

For all intents and purposes, it was a beach.

It wasn’t a beach like Sayane had imagined, but it was more than close enough. Crystalline dust from ages past was settled along gently angling foothills at the base of several city-sized spires of anchor shards. Pylons larger than skyscrapers jutted from the edges of the shining stones and attached to the scaffolding of the Second Ring’s support plate.

The architects of old had decided to accentuate the structural pieces and had formed a metallic hand around the beams and bracing, so that all of the expansive view before them was contained between fingers larger than towns.

Between the crystals and metal, a valley had formed in the titanic palm. Time filled it with clear, sparkling water that ran over the basin edges in white waterfalls. Within the containment, a massive lake had formed, spanning so far that Sayane found barely see its end where it met the curved bracing of the Ring.

Dozens of medium sized ring sculptures dotted the water, partially sticking out like statues placed with intention. It was impossible to know if they were art installations, sacred sculptures, or discarded construction materials. Sayane took a moment to marvel at the magnitude of the development before her.

“So songstresses and mages really built this? These pillars and thus hand? The rings?” she asked Saxum, who had joined them that morning.

His rocky exterior caught the beautiful sunlight and trickled it along his contours as he looked at the enormous scope with her.

“It’s funny, but for us it is such a common knowledge, none seem to stop and admire. They’ve existed for a thousand years now. It’s almost difficult to remember the world before the great binding.”

Sayane scooped a handful of diamond sand into her palms and let it fall between her own fingers, mimicking the position of the great grip they were within and feeling the soft tickles as the infinite grains grazed her skin with chiming whispers.

Anahita broke through the shallow water nearby, meaning in ecstasy as her vinelike hair flung back. Her tiny naked body glistened as bright as the diamonds at her feet as she fluttered her wings and joined them. She settled softly into Sayane’s stomach as Sayane laid back and stretched. Rivulets of green energy pulsed from her body and mixed with the water as it dripped from her hips to Sayane’s bellybutton, where it gathered into a small cupping that Anahita softly swirled with her tiny clawed toes.

Sayane felt a pleasurable sensation move through her stomach and giggled as Anahita laid fully against her exposed midriff.

“I imagine only us two were alive during those days,” Anahita purred as her electric eyes met Saxum’s.

He nodded and glanced to Attis, who laughed.

“I’m not THAT old, dear boy,” he chortled.

“Kol said the world was much more wild and dangerous then? But also said that mages didn’t need songstresses either?”

“Correct. Your kind could both cultivate ether force on your own. It led to great conflicts, with nations and warlords clambering for their own songstresses and mages.”

Anahita nodded in agreement.

“Shards would drift and collide, sending ether fire into the lands. That instability would shift the balance of the world overnight. Once powerful kingdoms would become ruins in a blink. It was tumultuous and fierce. The rings were the answer to that.”

Sayane sighed and recalled the conflict at the ether font. No one had died, but she and Kol had come very close to reenacting those age old aggressions. This wasn’t what she had wanted.

“Kol… I wish it hadn’t turned out how it did. But I still need to work with them.”

“My sisters are searching for a long lost clue that might help us with the soil. Do not lose hope yet, beautiful one,” Anahita offered.

Attis patted Sayane’s leg.

“But what about the other Returners? That one you banished?” she asked.

“Sall’Da is far too egotistical to remain on the sidelines forever. He and the others may have already fled Haven after the ether font, but he’ll be back one day. But it won’t be today, dear one. Today, you’re in the sun. You can allow yourself the relaxation you so greatly need,” Attis smiled.

Anahita and Saxum agreed.

“Oh don’t you worry, I’m relaxing,” Sayane smiled as she felt the sunlight nourish her depleted skin.

Indeed, she was paler than she’d been a few weeks ago. It was as much from Haven’s caves as it was from exhaustion. She intended to soak in as much nurturing light as possible.

“Oh my,” Anahita crooned.

Sayane turned and saw what her little friend was focused on. Azag was approaching, wearing the silken loincloth Can-Mo had swiftly made for him, along with tightened leggings that clung to his tensing and toned legs beneath their new braces. The new exoskeleton had allowed him to walk with only a staff instead of two canes, so now he was more upright and elegant as he moved. Sayane’s eyes lingered on the contours of his flat, tapered stomach as it descended to ridges along hipbones and the bulge that was pressing against the white fabric.

She wasn’t sure if it was Anahita’s doing or her own recent memories, but she didn’t mind either way. Anahita flickered up and rested on Sayane’s shoulder as they both laid on their stomach to watch him approach.

“I hope you are being absolutely devoured every night,” Anahita whispered.

“Oh I am. Don’t you worry. And I can almost ‘devour’ all of him,” Sayane blushed.

“Good girl!” Anahita chuckled.

Azag approached, carrying a small bag of trinkets.

“I got your shawl, and Can-Mo made you a hood to shield your head and shoulders. There was nothing that resembled the ‘sun screen you mentioned, but this should be…”

He paused when he saw the two women smiling at him, chins in their hands. Both were kicking their feet behind them, all-together enthralled with his appearance. Sayane felt feral urges pulsing through her hips and had to bite her lip to stop a laugh.

“Hiiiii Azag,” Anahita sang with a girly giggle.

“H-hello little friend,” he stammered.

“Can you hand me something to wipe off with, I’m all wet,” Anahita continued.

Another wave of yearning built in Sayane’s bellybutton before streaming downward into places she knew Anahita was thinking about. Sayane snorted in agreement as she pulled her knees closer together.

“Me too,” she squeaked.

“I didn’t know you’d gotten in the water?” Azag asked.

“I haven’t,” Sayane laughed.

None of the men seemed to want to prod for clarity. Instead, they were saved, partially, by Can-Mo and Erosc also descending to join them, followed by the three Silencer guards. More blushing rose into Sayane’s cheeks when she realized the five of them were all either naked or in simple loincloths like Azag.

By now she felt ravenous.

“Anahita,” she moaned.

“Stooooop,” she squealed as her face turned crimson.

“No idea what you’re talking,” Anahita said as she took the tiny fabric offering from Azag.

“Thirsty?” Azag asked.

“Y-yes!” Sayane snorted.

Azag sat with a slow motion and Sayane watched the new machina mechanics of his secondary muscular work with the nearly exposed fibers of his flayed body. His movement was measured, but stable. If nothing else, he now only needed one staff for support instead of the two she’d always known him to use.

“How does it feel?”

“Medic Ellox and Lorna did very well. It is easier to breathe now. I had not realized just how much I was hunched forward,” Azag said as his broad fingertips absentmindedly ran along the crystal-laden chest piece that was harnessing his ribs and sternum.

His voice was heavy, and Sayane knew he was as exhausted as she was. Her own fingers settled on a segment of paneling near his heart, and she could feel the imbued machina humming with quiet effort.

“I’m happy,” she whispered.

“I am as well,” he replied.

Blue light moved behind his mask’s faceplate and settled on her.

“You look sleepy,” he said as he unlatched a small container and began to remove shells and a few vials of different colored liquids that all glowed in silence as they softly sloshed against their casings.

“I am,” Sayane admitted.

“I might take a nap in the sun.”

Can-Mo, Erosc, and the three guards reached them.

“I shall join you in that endeavor!” Can-Mo said as he slid near to them, undressed and leathery.

“I was half expecting some manner of swimming vest, Can-Mo,” Sayane smiled.

Can-Mo laughed as a few tentacles patted his blubbery chest.

“Aye, I could have. But my people are of the water and swim uncovered in the silver currents of the deep, so I thought it best to honor my ancestors.”

His bobbing, trinket eyes scanned Sayane’s attire and he took the shawl from beside Azag, holding it against her exposed shoulder for inspection.

“Wonderful. It is as I thought. This color suits you quite nicely!”

“It does!” Sayane agreed as she looked at the teals and deep, oceanic blues that were accented by bright greens.

“And the fitting? Is it how your… bikni were?” Can-Mo inquired as he looked upon Sayane’s exposed buttocks.

She had chuckled to herself when she first received the outfit and realized her lower garments were more akin to a thong than a bottom piece, but Can-Mo had also fashioned a wrap that tied to her waist, covering her visible cheeks with some manner of lightweight, mostly opaque fabric. At that moment however, it was drooping over her backside, leaving her exposed to the sun. Seeing that most of them were far less dressed than her and knowing they’d all seen much more already, she was no longer concerned with such things.

“I like it! And it makes my booty look good,” Sayane smiled as she hoisted her hips up slightly to humor him with a better view.

“I agree,” Azag and Anahita said in unison.

Erosc sat onto his knees, barreled chest expanding slowly between breaths. Fur hid much of his definition, but as he sat there statuesque and massive, Sayane could see the weathered density of him clearly. He gave the sensation of an old oak tree.

“How are you, Erosc?” Sayane asked.

He chuckled.

“I am well, beautiful one. Likely less tired than you,” he said with a labored smile.

Sayane noticed that the others had all nodded.

“Do I look bad?” she asked as she padded her face.

“No, we are just all very much aware how much all of this has taken from you,” Attis replied.

His tone was gentle yet stern, and Sayane knew that he was right. No matter how much rest she got today, it would not compensate for the all-encompassing exhaustion she still felt. Still, the sun was warm and nourishing to her as she slowly laid her head onto her wrists and closed her eyes.

“I just wish I wasn’t alone in this. As a songstress. I know I have all of you, but look what the old songstresses and mages did.”

Azag poured her some of her favorite pink drink and set it by her head as Anahita slowly stepped along her spine, sending subtle pulses of cooling through her back as she went.

“Mmmmm, that’s nice,” Sayane moaned.

Azag poured the others their drinks then moved closer to her, letting her forearm touch the side of his thigh. She absentmindedly lifted her fingers to trace along his skin for a moment.

“That day when you had your panic attack, when Attis and I sang to you,” he started.

“For me at least, it felt like you were… sharing your power with us. I am no songstress or healer but our voices seemed to do for you what you’d done for so many,” he said.

“Aye,” Attis agreed.

“And Kol was keen to share your power as well. So there may be some way that songstresses can give themselves to others.”

Sayane processed their words for a moment. It was true that Kol had implied the mages now needed to borrow songstress power to use the ether for their magic. And whatever Azag and Attis had done, it had soothed her in a way that felt beyond basic support.

“Saxum, have you ever heard of such a thing?” Sayane asked.

Saxum frowned and shook his head.

“I am sorry, I have not. But, in truth, that does not mean it isn’t possible- it may have been the songstresses not wanting to share their power. Before you, none had ever asked for regular beings to even sing with them, so I cannot imagine they’d wish to share their gifts of songworks.”

Sayane sighed, and she imagined how different things must have been in a time when thousands of songstresses lived together in their great tower. Now, it was just her.

“And their big tower or whatever, what happened to that?” she frowned.

“I doubt even Kol knows that,” Saxum replied.

“I saw it. Very long ago. a colossal, fluted, piped pillar of white stone and golden gems that turned the winds of the sky to sound as it traversed the skies. It vanished when The Silence’s slaughter began.”

Sayane exhaled, somewhat defeated. Every day seemed to bring more questions than answers, and she felt as though she was playing some manner of game, but both of her wrists and ankles were tied. All the world was relying on her and her friends, and she felt almost as lost as she did the day she arrived in that vault.

Attis sensed her frustration, and softly patted her shoulder.

“There, there, dear child. We shall find an answer. Just look at how far we’ve already come. Especially you!”

“Aye,” Azag agreed.

“…And, as much as we wish to find answers, they will not be found here at this beach. So I propose we focus on enjoying this moment,” he added as he raised his shell in toast.

“… Until the music returns,” he said with a smirk.

“Until the music returns,” the others echoed.

“Until the music returns. This life is beautiful,” Sayane smiled.

In so many ways, the music had returned. That old toast had been fulfilled, but its lingering felt like a reminder of everything left to do to heal the world. But Sayane knew Azag was right. Nothing could be done about it at that moment. So she raised the polished shell to her lips and let the familiar bubbling tingle of her pink drink cool her face.

“Mmmmm,” she sighed.

“Lovely as always. What is this called, by the way?” she asked Azag.

“Frostblush. Because it keeps its cold for quite some time,” he replied as he detached the lower segment of his mask to expose his fanged mouth and welcome a sip of his own.

“Frostblush. I like that,” Sayane said.

Winds drifted along the placid waters, pulling ripples of shimmering bioluminescence as they whispered across the surface. Pearlescent rosy sunlight shined down on them and in the far distance, more melancholy notes of nature’s song played out as the breezes cut between outstretched peaks from the great shard that held them. Sayane glanced at their guards, who were still standing quietly behind them.

“Girls, do you want a drink? Or to go swimming?” she asked.

All three of them seemed utterly perplexed.

“We are to guard you, Songstress Supreme. Such drinks would temper us, and being in water slows us. But we shall wade beside you if you are concerned for your wellbeing,” Miux responded in an unironic tone as the other two nodded.

Sayane chuckled, unsurprised at the answer.

“I think I’ll be okay. Thank you for all that you do.”

“You are… welcome?” Kurexha replied.

Ixhari’s face turned even more serious, and she held out her arms.

“Songstress, I would like to inform you that we have all practiced our embraces. We shall soon be able to hug you in a satisfactory manner,” she said as Miux snapped to attention and turned to lean into her comrade’s arms.

They held one another as they Kurexha stiffly hugged the two of them from the side. All three looked to Sayane for approval, and she wanted to burst with laughter, but she knew it was sincere so she saved face and clapped. Idol training had made her quite prepared on how to engage with awkward yet endearing fans.

“Wooooow! Well done! Please let me know when you are ready to perform a full hug with me,” she said.

A subtle wiggle appeared from Ixhari’s backside, and Sayane realized the terrifying, murderous guard was wagging the stub of her tail.

They laid in the sun long enough to consume their first drinks and then another, leaving Sayane tingling and relaxed as the sun pumped her with the nutrients of light and frostblush pushed her concerns slightly out of mind. For a moment, if Sayane closed her eyes, this was almost nothing more than a wonderful day trip to Kamakura. Almost.

Chimes from the Violated Shard reminded her that this was very much still a fantastical, utterly different existence. Buzzing vibrations moved from the glittering sand and into her stomach and ribs, and she wondered what the two ancient beings of stone were saying to one another. Whatever their discussion was, it was soothing to Sayane’s body, and soon she was drifting into a dreamless nap while Azag covered her with her new shawl.

She woke a short time later to find Azag and Attis sitting at the edge of the tide. Water lapped at their hips as they quietly faced the sun. Anahita had balled herself in the space between the bend of Sayane’s elbow and her cheek, and was also fast asleep. Erosc and Can-Mo were moving through the water with a relaxed slowness to them. And the three guards were still beside Sayane.

Anahita murmured in her sleep and nuzzled closer. Lavender streams painted the edges of the clouds as they rolled along in the distance.

Everything was pleasant, and Sayane allowed herself to feel a moment of legitimate rest. Illarios’s sun was more forgiving than Earth’s, gently giving the exposed parts of her legs a tightened warmth that made her almost not want to move. She heard Attis laugh his deep, endearing laugh. That was her alarm to rejoin the conscious world.

She rose, scooped Anahita in her hands, and made her way to them, feeling the water welcome her toes then her ankles with a coldness that surprised her and caused her to let out a small squeak. Anahita pulled her legs close to her chest and rested her head on the padded spot at the base of Sayane’s thumb.

Attis was small and frail beneath his fluffy coat. He reminded Sayane of a Pomeranian in a bathtub, once fluffy but now reduced to thin limbs and bony joints. It made his massive toothed mouth all the more surreal.

“Good nap?” Azag asked as he held out his hand to help her sit.

“Yes! How long was I asleep?” Sayane asked.

“Several years,” Attis joked.

“You’ll be happy to know that everything has been fixed, and there is nothing left to worry about.”

“Delightful!” Sayane played along.

“Well, if that’s the case, I guess there’s nothing left for me to do but swim with Can-Mo,”’she pondered.

Out in the water, Can-Mo was moving with a fluidity and swiftness that was completely different than his land-based ways. Sayane could see his tentacles expand out in a fan, then constrict and angle inward every time he pushed his body through the water. Erosc was closer to them, slowly swimming laps with heavy, animalistic strokes.

“Do either of you swim?” Sayane asked them, to which they both let out noises that told her no.

“My fur becomes quite heavy and cumbersome,” Attis explained.

Azag merely chuffed and tapped his braces.

“I probably could have if my body worked properly. I do not know if other Rabal swam. I never saw any, and they abandoned me in a desert. Very little water,” he smiled.

Sayane almost regretted asking, but his tone and voice were unbothered. His glowing eyes looked from hers, out to the waves. Blurred lines curved along his glass faceplate as he turned, reflecting images of the glinting water along his glowing eyes.

“But, if you wish to swim, I will happily wade out with you,” he said.

“I’d like that,” Sayane replied.

“You can leave me with Attis then,” Anahita murmured from Sayane’s palm.

“Sit atop my head, lovely Akna,” Attis said as he patted the place between his elongated ears.

Anahita sleepily yawned and fluttered from Sayane’s hand and to the spot he’d recommended. They rose and began to make their way into the vast reservoir. Diamondic sands shifted beneath their feet and Can-Mo let out a cheer when he realized they were joining him.

Sayane responded with a cheer of her own and she rushed forward into the water, letting it rise above her knees.

“Weeeeeeeeee! Ahhh!” Sayane joyously bleated as she lost her footing and fell face first into the waist deep water.

“Sayane?” Azag asked.

She burst up with a splash and a belly tensing laugh.

“I slipped!” she snorted.

“Ohhhh nooooo water’s in my nose.”

It burned in a familiar way, and soon she was tasting something akin to metal, but she continued laughing. Accepting that her beautiful coverings were officially soaked, she threw herself forward once more, letting her body sink below the waves. Below the surface, she could hear the sounds of the metal shifting in its eternal effort, and the enchanted sands carried sift chimes that lingered in her ears.

Beside her, Azag was feeling the waves push and pull against his legs as the machina shifted to compensate. He let his single walking staff rest against his ribs and stood purely on his two feet. If he were to fall, doing so in the water would be most forgiving. But he didn’t fall. He was able to stay there stationary and upright, and for a moment he was truly happy.

Sayane broke above the surface and threw her arms out with a shout of release. Erosc followed her lead, letting out a roar. Soon, they were all cheering and roaring and laughing beneath the early evening sun.

When darkness began to arrive, they decided it was time to eat. Goods were unpacked, fires kindled, and soon the party was sharing warm bowls and cool drinks below the jeweled sky. Sayane found herself calm, and in a small yet important way, slightly replenished.

As the party talked of simpler topics and ate their dinners, Sayane prepared herself to finally return to the place where it all began. Tomorrow, they would reach the vault. It was impossible to know what awaited them in that mysterious chamber, and even more impossible to know how Sayane was going to feel upon returning. But for now, she wasn’t going to concern herself. At that moment, the sky was beautiful, her love and friends were with her, and the waves were doing their best to serenade her with their own form of music.