Truth, Friendship & Adventure?

Eltheca, Courtyard, Morning

One by one, each member proceeded into the courtyard as they were greeted by Ensher who was frantically running over towards them. Kien, letting out a sigh approached her whilst the others chatted amongst themselves. Kiizu of course participated in the group discussion but sneaked a look at Kien as her ears sensitively perked, straining to hear what they were talking about.

Kien stood looking down at the helpless girl who was taking a breath then interrupted the silence that soon came.

"What is it, Ensher?"

Raising her head lightly, Ensher made her report.

"We were alerted that there was a Parazpel that revealed itself where you were, we feared for the worse."

Taking another moment to breath, she then felt a warm hand rub against her head.

"And we took care of it, I'll include details in my report tonight."

"G-Good!"

Brushing off his hand, Ensher pouted feeling irritated at this nostalgic treatment. Even as children this was merely the same sort of exchange that would occur.

'Always thinking he knows everything...idiot.'

Walking past her, Ensher attempted to speak more but fell silent. Kiizu approached Ensher which took her by surprise in response.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-Yeah, I take it you heard then?"

Kiizu nodded, not looking to hide anything to which Ensher could only sigh and look towards the disappearing figure.

"We grew up together as kids, while he was training, I spent my days reading. My karma had already awakened, but it was unstable and with no control over it, it caused trouble to everyone around me."

"How did your karma activate?"

Turning to Kiizu, Ensher smiled kindly.

"I was orphaned as a child, the sight of my parents' death caused my karma to activate prematurely. Because of that, I was shunned by the locals for seeing things they would have otherwise had never seen."

Taken aback by this, Kiizu was left puzzled as her ears ruffled and tail perked up lightly in response.

"So, what can you see then?"

"The future." Ensher smiled.

'Future?'

Noticing Kiizu's confusion, Ensher giggled taking the opportunity to speak further.

"Well, a future to be specific really. I can witness an outcome that can come to pass. It doesn't mean that it is supposed to be that future, but it is important to take seriously regardless of that."

"Is it hard?"

Kiizu hesitated to reach out for Ensher who simply took her hand and patted it gently.

"It can, but as leader of The Chase it is a small burden to bear."

"T-Then let me help you!"

Sighing in response, Ensher simply smiled and brushed her ears then took a breath to collect herself.

"You are already doing much for us already Kiizu."

"Like what?"

"Staying alive and standing against Bellatos."

Patting her shoulder, Ensher took Kiizu's hand and they walked back towards her comrades who then turned to them.

"I'm glad to see you all completed your first mission. I am sure you're all tired so please do take this time to rest and prepare for the next one. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am!" The group responded in unison.

Smiling, Ensher proceeded back to her quarters as the group then turned to one another as they started off towards their rooms.

"Nashi, Kaki, Ringo, Iris...thank you."

"For?" Ringo asked puzzled.

"Surviving, I don't know what I'd do if any of you died back there."

Feeling a firm pat on her head Kiizu turned to see Kaki grinning as Nashi merely smiled at her.

"You should really worry more about yourself you know."

Iris stood ahead of them but turned pulling down her hood revealing her face. It was full of color as her emerald eyes shone in the daylight. Welling with tears in her eyes, Kiizu could only smile as they all shared another laugh as they proceeded inside.

Eltheca, Hot Springs, Nighttime

The soft sounds of running water filled the area as Kiizu sat in the pool relaxing her sore muscles from the day's events. After running some sword and magic training, she spent time resting and reading up in the library.

'Haa...this feels nice after a day of training...'

Hearing the door opening, she turned to see a young figure calmly walking in.

'K-K-Kien?!'

Clad in merely a bathing towel, Kien sat himself in the still waters as the steam filled the air between them. Kiizu's eyes were glued to his bare body and for the first time she was able to see him without needing to medically assist him.

'Ohmygod, Ohmygod, Ohmygod! What do I do?! He is in here?! How?!'

Suddenly, she realized an important rule that was outside the bath. Open Bathing started at 2200 Hours which was right after Female Bathing Hours.

'That means...it's already past...my time...'

Trying to stifle her breath, she could not help but let out steady breaths to calm herself as she began the attempt to sneak around him. Inching around the rocks she could only notice his calm expression as the moisture in the air allowed him to glow in her sight.

"I know you're there, Kiizu."

"..."

Awkwardly peering out from the rock she looked at Kien who still retained his posture. Slowly pacing next to him she felt a little confused as to what is supposed to happen now.

"K-Kien I..."

"Thanks for helping me last night."

"Eh?"

Stifling a scoff, he opened his eyes and looked at her which only caused her to flush red as his eyes met hers.

"I'm not repeating myself, you heard me."

"Right..."

Crossing his arms, Kien studied her briefly then returned to his previous posture as he let out a sigh closing his eyes.

"I never knew girls could be that big at that age..."

"W-Wha?!"

Clutching her chest Kiizu's face fumed red as she immediately rose to punch him as the calm atmosphere was disrupted by him grasping her fist. The water splashed around as the steam parted as his eyes slowly opened to see Kiizu still enraged.

"You've been training, and it shows."

"Y-You..."

Clenching her hand, her eyes glowed fiercely as she soon found herself launching at him which took him by surprise.

"PERVERT!"

SLAP!