A Hidden Purpose

Kardia Shore, Clifftop, Sunset

After seeing the look on their faces Kien calmly sheathed his weapons on his back then leaning back like usual he could only sigh as if not desiring to repeat what he had just said.

"I'm not repeating myself, stay here for all I care."

Kiizu was stunned, how could this be? They barely held their own against him and he did not even break a sweat. Attempting to walk towards him she suddenly felt exhausted due to fatigue as she suddenly felt herself stopped mid-fall, looking down she saw a hand clasped against her chest.

"This is..."

BONK!

Looking up, she saw him and immediately flushed red at this sudden event. However, as soon as she began to savor the moment, she found herself lifted to her feet and a firm chop to her forehead.

"Ugyuu..."

"It took the four of them to hold their ground against me, you on the other hand stood your ground well enough."

"Eh?"

Trying to comprehend what he was saying all Kiizu could express was a face of confusion to which Kien could only sigh then walking off towards the beam of light.

"Good job."

Standing guard once more, Kien waited for them as everyone took a moment to look at themselves and accept what just happened. The hooded girl immediately walked up to Kien and shot a look of displeasure before entering the light whereas the young men and girl quickly walked up to Kiizu.

"Hey! So, you survived."

"Yeah, like look at you."

Pointing out her tattered clothes Kiizu felt a little embarrassed at the outcome of her bout with Kien though was stunned as the other girl quickly hit the boys who were clearly enjoying a moment of satisfaction.

"I'm sorry about them, they're nice people but you know how boys can be."

"No no! It's no trouble, I just didn't know what to say."

"Anyway, I'm Ringo. The loud one is Nashi and the idiot is Kaki."

"Oi!" Both shouted irritated at the introductions.

Puffing her cheeks, Kiizu could only laugh at the direct descriptions of them as they all laughed in response. Their laughter was short-lived as they realized that they were holding up the examination.

"Crap, we gotta go before he kills us!"

"Don't say it out loud you idiot!"

"Well, what do you want me to do?"

"Just shut up!"

"Come on Kiizu, I gotcha!"

"E-Eh?!"

Sweeping her off the ground, Nashi caught up with the rest of them as they each disappeared one-by-one into the light. Shaking his head, Kien could only smirk as he himself stepped into the light which soon vanished.

Eltheca, Courtyard, Evening

Arriving out the transporter Kiizu was stunned by the amount of people waiting for them congratulating them on their success as cheering and celebratory clapping was heard.

"Well, didn't think we'd get a welcome party huh?"

"Y-Yeah, for sure."

"Oh?! I'm sorry, let me put you down."

Forgetting that he was still holding her in his arms he set her down as she turned her head then attempting to hide herself though with little success.

"Kiizu! Are you alright?!"

"Hmm?"

Noticing Ensher running over to her, Kiizu smiled as she felt the little girl embrace her immediately with Marian grinning in the distance.

"I'm alright, just a scratch."

"Wait, so you're all that's left?"

Kiizu's eyes widened briefly then realizing that they were the only ones who passed through the transporter. Looking for Kien, she found him resting against one of the pillars who soon turned to answer the question.

"They passed my test; the others are left there for the night."

"Did you at least provide for them Kien?"

A young man stepped out from the celebrating crowd as small bursts of magic illuminated the area as Kien looked up at the towering figure and simply stared giving no response.

"What does it matter to you?"

"I swear your negligence to the cause is stifling..."

Retaining his look of displeasure, Kien simply sighed as the man could only walk away gritting his teeth. Kiizu frowned as her ears drooped with what had just happened though she understood where the man was coming from.

'Leaving them alone with nothing does sound rather cruel when you think about it...'

"I wouldn't worry too much about Ethan, he has a soft spot for everyone in The Chase."

"Hmm?"

Turning towards the voice, Kiizu noticed it was another girl dressed candidly in a rather charming outfit as if looking to perform for a large group. Noticing her gaze, she smirked and struck a pose then introducing herself.

"I'm The Dark Mistress Crim Plie, pleased to meet you!"

BONK!

Taking this moment to steal the spotlight, Marian landed a blow on Crim's head which sent her into a brief daze then rubbing her head she immediately flushed red with anger looking at the fox who only stifled a laugh.

"What was that for?!"

"Pfft...I couldn't resist."

"Pfft! Pleased to meet you too Crim."

As the celebrations soon continued Kiizu could not help but look at Kien who calmly watched them then turning his gaze to Kiizu she saw a tiny smile on his lips that soon disappeared as he walked towards her.

"Enjoy this night, tomorrow we leave for our first mission."

"Tomorrow?"

Ensher piped up hearing this as she puffed her cheeks then gesturing to Kiizu and the others.

"You've already done a number on them, let them rest."

"You don't understand Ensher, I didn't bring them back here because I like them."

"Then..."

Crossing his arms then nodding to her he looked at the others who were busying enjoying the festivities and food with the other chasers.

"They were able to hold their ground and not faint like the rest, that alone shows me they're willing to fight till the end for The Chase."

"You're still thinking about what happened then, aren't you?"

"..."

Kiizu was confused, realizing there was more to this conversation that meets the eye though all she could do was listen. Attempting to speak she was cut off by Kien who only gave a simple answer.

"Always."