#and like. about Paimon’s line about her house. I completely get where she comes from

[atalante241]

Do people genuinely forget that the Traveler had had zero intimate/purely positive interactions with Furina before the whole execution thing? Because I feel like they do. The Traveler became semi-friends / acquaintances with her during her story quest and that became more cemented during the 4.3 event

[ushiwakaslut]

     – “ SNEZHNAYA DOES NOT BELIEVE IN TEARS. ”

// former Diluc x reader ; Childe x reader.

résumé : Your little balade in Liyue might as well awake some memories you wish would have stayed burried once you encounter a certain blonde girl

note : i'm so eff-ing tired i'm sorry if it's not that great of a work. it's my first one for this fandom so if you want co come ask for a request don't feel too shy. (i only write x reader tho, no pairing please.)

words : 2,097

Liyue Habor's walls seemed to stretch endlessly into a myriad of ever more eccentric buildings. The stores lined the avenue, their owners shouting their slogans as loud as they could as customers gathered. You sighed, tired of all this noise. The man beside you seemed much happier to be in the economic center of Teyvat. His eyes shone with anticipation as a smile graced his lips. Liyue's blazing sun gave his ginger hair a golden hue. A heartwarming smile caught your lips as your hand grabbed Childe's. The latter had turned around, his smile ever as sincere when it comes to you before he deposed a  kiss against your cheek.

It was almost two weeks in since you had set foot in uncharted territory in search of information. Every day was filled ; between "professional" meetings and reporting to the Tsaritsa by quick letters, both of you were overwhelmed by responsabilities. For the first time since your arrival, you could finally spend a day in the company of your lover.

  “ To what do I owe this sudden surge of affection? „

He laughed, stretching the lines of his face in an expression you adored more than anything. You only shook your head and tightened the embrace you held around his hand. You never knew how to explain all the feelings that were burning in your body, from the faint sparkles in your stomach to the happy beating of your heart. Around Childe, you couldn't explain how happy you were. Finally, with a smile on your face, you stopped in front of one of Liyue's many stores.

Without waiting, Childe had his arms wrapped around your belly, resting his chin on top of your head as you looked at the different perfumes that were on display. Gently, his fingers caressed the fabric that covered (to his greatest misfortune) your skin. The Fatui would have liked this moment to last forever, to be able to be close to you and love you without having to put a barrier, without having to hide. Your voice pulled him out of his thoughts and he opened his eyes to rest his gaze on your face.

“ Should i go for The Golden House Maiden one or for the Valley Weaver one? One is sweet but the other one is.. Refined. I don't know.. „

Your eyes juggled between the two scents and Childe couldn't help but smile at the silly question. He was far from being a great connoisseur of perfumes. Probably that Zhongli would have been of more help with this matter. However, he had detached one of his arms from your body to grab a sample of perfume, then the other, before making a perplexed face.

“Both smell good.. Why not just take both ? ,,

After all, Childe had enough money to offer you both perfumes, no matter how expensive they could be. The Northland Bank would surely not go and check where nor how he spends the money entrusted to him as long as the results of his mission are conclusive.

Although your two missions are quite different, you were both sent as a team to Liyue. Two harbingers in the same place, something that rarely happened. But neither of you would complain, on the contrary. While the time you spend together here is lesser, the time you spend together in Snezhnaya is nearly non-existent. Finally, after months of chasing informations, targets, and downpours, you could get together and share time together.

The perfume store had been the last store you visited before entering your respective hotel rooms. The ghost of a smile still graced your lips as you opened the door to your bedroom, placing the multiple bags on the bed. A sigh emanated from your throat before dropping down beside the bags. A well-deserved rest after this long day of shopping.

However, you knew that this rest wouldn't last long. In less than two hours you had to be back in town with Childe to go to the restaurant with several of his encounters. A sigh, but you were still proud of him for gathering so many informations in such a short amount of time. His flirtatious side was helping him, you were sur about it. After all, you knew him all too well. It was this side of him that made you fall in the first place for Childe. Over time, you got to know other sides of him ; his tender side and his smiles in the morning, his most delicate but also the most sensual  of his touches, his wandering hands but how so warm and reassuring, way bigger than yours, his different smiles, his family but also his secrets, his humor, his fears, his preferences. Childe was a complex man, but far from complicated to love. It was almost natural, like he was a magnet, attracting friendship and love from others without even having to try. With a simple smile.

Finally, you got up, deciding to take a quick bath before the evening that awaited you. Maybe you could get Childe back to your room without anyone noticing. God, how you missed his touch. You couldn't suppress a sigh as you soaped your body, deciding to change the course of those invasive thoughts. It was time for preparations rather than the idea of ​​Childe undressed.

A few days ago you couldn't help but buy a long black dress open at the side. It was displayed in the shop, the lace on the top of the bust making the model's chest all the more beautiful and round. Without hesitation, you went in and out with the dress. A smile painted on your lips as you already imagined yourself in this beautiful dress.

The sun was setting on the horizon, giving Liyue a whole different face. Dry and dressed, you stood in front of the bathroom mirror, trying to put on a good makeup to pay homage to the gorgeous dress that adorned your body. Soon it was the turn of your hair to be tamed in a hairstyle that you had seen in a magazine : “Liyue Daily Fashion”.

As you made sure everything looked perfect, several knocks were heard on the door of your hotel room. Childe, dressed in a much more serious white suit than his usual outfit, stood in front of you once you opened it. You couldn't help but laugh, leaving Childe to pout.

“ Do i look that dumb, darling? „

You could only shake your head before you came up on your tiptoes to kiss his pouting lips. Your hands had gently grasped the collar of his shirt to straighten it.

“ It's rare to see you in an outfit so.. Professional. I never expected to see you in a suit until our wedding day. „

You both smiled at the thought of a possible marriage before he took your hand in his, kissing it tenderly. Kindly, he asked you if you were ready to go. You had gone to get your purse before joining him, locking the door as you left.

The streets of Liyue Harbor had nothing to do with those of this afternoon, as if you were both in a completely different city. The lights lit up the buildings in a festive manner, as various stores opened their doors. The alleys were much more darker, giving them a grim contrast while the fanciest restaurants had opened their doors, revealing the most beautiful gildings. It was all breathtaking and you couldn't help but wonder what the temples must have looked like overnight. Maybe you could save this idea for a future date with Childe.

The restaurant you were meeting at was not as far away anymore and from here you could already see an elegant-looking man sitting next to a much smaller woman whose hair was adorned with flowers you had never seen. A small person floated beside them, visibly lost in a story she was telling the two people who accompanied her. The sight made you smile, and the man you didn't know wasted no time turning in your direction, offering an equally elegant smile.

During this discussion you learned that the prince-like man was none other than Zhongli, the famous consultant of Wangshen Funeral Parlor. While the girl was none other than Lumine, an “adventurer” and Honorary Knight of Favonius, accompanied by her “emergency food” Paimon. Their dynamic was very funny, making the meal much more lively than you might have imagined.

It wasn't long before Zhongli and Childe got lost in a discussion about their “job”, leaving you yo discuss alone with Lumine. You were all ears, smiling, as she told you about her various adventures throughout Teyvat. Until she conjures up a name you haven't heard in years. Your stomach had turned, your smile had slowly faded as the young woman continued to tell how she had met him and how he had become a hidden hero of Mondstat.

You put on a fake smile before apologizing, intimating that you needed to go to the bathroom. Lumine nodded and Childe smiled at you, resuming his discussion with Zhongli just as quickly. Finally hidden from others you sat on the floor, unable to breathe properly as hundreds of memories resurfaced. Memories that you had somehow buried under a ton of hatred, disdain and detachment.

Diluc, a name you never thought you would hear again. A person whom you had loved with all your heart, with all your soul, the one for whom you will have given everything long ago. Tears flooded your eyes as you thought back to his tender face, the emotions he hid so well from the general public, the tender words that only you received. All those mornings spent in his arms, bathing in the heat of the sun and his body, those nights warming you against his chest, those nights spent outside admiring the stars.

All these memories fled deep within you, coming back to haunt you. That day when the sun shone as bright as his smile, when for the first time you saw him stutter and lose all composture. Him, who was usually so careful with his image. After some time he knelt down, opening a velvet box which contained a most magnificent ring. A gorgeous red crystal adorned the middle of it, making the intricacies and details of the silver ring almost invisible. His cheeks flushed, he couldn't help but look away as he said the phrase you'd dreamed of hearing at the time : “ Would you.. Accept to marry me..? „

Tears were streaming down your cheeks, leaving a slightly blackish trail. You couldn't hold back the sobs as you thought about the fateful day. Far were the romantic evenings, the tender kisses and the longing for a future with the red-haired man. You vividly remember that evening, from the reflections of the candles to the cries and screams of Diluc. That fateful evening when you decided to join the Fatuis. The hatred you had seen in his gaze that night had helped you hold on but in hindsight, maybe it was just the look of a wounded man who had just lost his most solid pillar.

Childe's face appeared like a ghost in your memory, his reassuring smile and hugs, his tender words and his silly humor. Another memory came back : when you confessed to Childe. An afternoon when you were both practicing. When he had taken you against him while smiling, placing a kiss against your lips while repeating that he was the happiest man in the world and that he loved you just as much.

“ Childe… „

You came to wipe away the tears that spoiled your beautiful face. You made so much effort to look beautiful tonight .. You got up, trying your best to get a correct, normal breathing back. Then you went to one of the mirrors to put on a bit of makeup. Maybe Diluc was no longer in your life, maybe you would have liked him to accompany you in Snezhnaya, to become a Harbinger by your side. But all that was only wishful thinking of a former young self. Someone you weren't anymore.

When you returned to the table, Childe had grabbed your hand, interlocking your fingers before kissing the back of your hand. Whispering a slight “you okay ?”, settling for your weak smile as an answer. Something was wrong and he could notice it quite easily but for now, he couldn't do anything.  Tonight would be a different story.

[und3rc0ver]

Exhausted (Some Chilumi cuz why not =D )

Haha computer go clicck clack.

After seeing @restlessfandoming writing some awesome fanfics, me -along with my mediocre vocabulary- thought I'll try to make my own. I found Chilumi cuz of their writing, so I think there's no harm in making my own.

P.s: if u read this, ur writing is superior to mine (@restlessfandoming)

(SPOILERS: Events after 1.1 update)

< Part One >

Why is everyone one here so needy?!?! Can’t I just have a break for one single day!?

Lumine - the hero of Mondstat, was tired, exhausted, and breathless. She hadn’t slept on a comfy bed, ate a decent meal, or even sat down and took a couple of breaths for herself for a good month now.

She’d just finished quest after quest, fight after fight, journey after journey. She couldn’t count how many places she visited today. And while it was heartwarming to hear the people’s thank-you’s and receive their rewards during her treks, it wasn’t enough to swing her out of this coma.

To her, it just felt instinctual. She doesn’t even notice it anymore.

And despite being a tad bit oblivious -and dare I say, stupid- at times, the traveller’s guide, Paimon, was the first to pick up on it.

“Oh god, you look more depressed than Diluc!” She joked; but to some extent, she was right. Lumine just shook those words off like some dust off her shoulder, as she ventured through the busy streets of Liyue.

"I'm fine.." Lumine said.

All of these adventures came at a cost: paid usually by time, energy, and patience. But when all was settled, she still hadn’t met all of the Seven, or even found a clue to find her brother.

The thought would immediately drain any happiness she found in Teyvat.

But of all the people she has met, and all the people she has fought alongside and against, only one really caught Lumine's attention.

The Eleventh Harbinger, Childe.

The flipside of a ruthless harbinger being as protective and supportive to anyone was puzzling her. Even after the Harbinger explained his morals and goals, she simply couldn’t fathom the idea of it.

They did have their share of tussles and disagreements, but when is all said and done, they made up rather quickly.

But one thing was for sure; she saw both sides of this coin, and she was intrigued by it.

Besides, seeing Childe being so energetic and silly with Teucer was pleasing to her. It warmed the traveler’s cold and seemingly hopeless heart.

Ah! She stopped at a vantage point overlooking the busy harbour of Liyue. Peering over a thin wooden fence, resting her elbow and head onto the rail.

“Perhaps he’s like a vigilante: he doesn’t seem to like the Fatui’s ideas, but he still is apart of them.”

Lumine was thinking hard, trying to place the right piece in this puzzle.

"It seems like he calls his shots for good results and benefits of his family." She mumbled to herself quietly. She remained puzzled, leaning on the fence, trying to recall what she knew about the Harbinger.

When he wasn't a merciless warrior, Childe was an energetic, and arrogant person: it was these traits that ultimately won over her trust.

However, it was difficult to think about him positively after he tried -and nearly succeeded- to kill her.

But it was not impossible.

Meanwhile, Paimon wasn’t going to just stand there and let the traveler think on an empty stomach.

“UGH,” she groaned, floating right in front of Lumine to obscure her view. “Can we please get something to eat?”

“Okay,” She responded, pulling out a chicken-mushroom skewer.

But like a picky toddler, she pushed the skewer away.

“Do you think I’m gonna eat this garbage again!??” She said furiously, followed up by a small growl from her stomach. “We’ve eaten the same thing for five days straight! Don’t we have like 800 000+ Mora that we can spend?”

At this point, Lumine was too tired to deal with such a small event like this. Pulling a pouch from her bag, she poured some into her hand, and gave it to her hungry fairy-guide.

“Knock yourself out,” She huffed, facing Liyue’s harbour once again. A ship was docking at one of the city’s ports, full of goods and food to trade and sell: which was what stole the traveller’s attention at the moment. It would take a couple of tugs on Lumine’s dress for her to bat an eye at Paimon.

Lumine sighed,

“Not enough?” She asked, looking to snatch the pouch from the guide’s tiny hands.

“Why don’t you come with Paimon?!?! What if someone tries to steal me?!?”

“You’ll be fine..” Lumine answered, “The Millieth will save you anyways.”

“Come on!!” She wailed, tugging Lumine’s arm this time. “Stop thinking about who you want to marry and get me something to eat!!”

The traveler's eyes twitched.

It was this comment that nearly made Lumine explode. Why? It was clear as day that Lumine was quite fond of the people here. Plus, she had an embarrassing habit of staring at people she liked a lot. Anyone observant could see the signs from a mile away. Unfortunately for her, she was just too tired to be anrgy.

“Okay, okay,” she said sluggishly, stretching her arms and letting out a small yawn. “Where do you want to go?”

“I wanna try the Tigerfish from that Chen guy, people say it’s one of the best foods in Liyue!”

So off they went to find Chen, the street food vendor, which was surprisingly easier than Lumine thought.

After a ten minute wait, they arrived at the front of the line, where they were greeted by Chen’s big wide smile. This could’ve been the time where Lumie could treat herself to a little snack; but, she wasn’t hungry, and opted to stay silent.

For now..

“We’ll take four Grilled Tigerfish, please!” She ordered happily. After all, she wasn’t the one to worry about a single expense.

“Alright!” Chen said joyfully. “That’ll be 1520 Mora, please.”

Reaching into the pouch, she pulled out enough to cover the bill, along with a 150 mora tip.

“Say, Traveller,” He looked at the unenergetic Lumine, confused. “Seem a bit down today. Finding your fame in Teyvat to be overwhelming?”

She just laughed it off, taking the grilled skewers from Chen, and passing it to Paimon.

“Well, not really,” she lied.

Because everyone would want the “Hero of Mondstadt” to help them out.

“Just another busy day, full of commissions from all over the place.”

With the transaction now complete, Lumine began to walk towards the Adventurer's Guild to collect her rewards from all those commissions. But a call from a distance pulled her right back to Chen's food kiosk.

“Here,” he smiled, giving her an extra fresh-skewer.

“But shouldn’t I-”

“It’s on the house for today: I insist,” He said kindly. “Seems like you work hard to keep our city in good shape. Take it as a token of appreciation. “

Although it was a kind gesture, Lumine was skeptical of having it: she felt a bit guilty for practically stealing it.

But, if Paimon sees a good deal, she acts quickly.

“Thanks Chen! See you later!!!” She cheered, grabbing the Grilled skewer for herself.

“Anytime,” He replied. “Safe travels!”

“You too..!” Lumine said awkwardly, dragging herself away from Chen's kiosk.

Though she felt guilty at first, she felt pretty good after that kind gesture from Chen. It almost put a smile on the Traveller’s face.

Almost…

While Lumine was traversing through the busy, and colourful streets of Liyue, Paimon -who was starving for the last three hours- inhaled those fish like a vacuum.

Lumine was totally fine with eating her 10th chicken-mushroom skewer today. After all, she liked the plain dish when cooked right: but like Paimon, she too wanted a different taste.

And she, too, wanted to try Liyue’s Grilled Tigerfish.

With a sudden stop next to the Jade-betting kiosk, Lumine gave in, and sighed.

“Got any.. left..?” She asked hopelessly, knowing full-well that there’s probably none left for her anyway.

“Yeah!” The fairy said, holding two skewers of the grilled fish in her hands. “I knew you wanted to try these! They are reeaaally good!!”

One bite, and Lumine loved it. She gulped them down faster than the wind itself! This was a taste that brightened her day: one that made the girl lick the stick to get some more flavour.

Together, they walked around the busy plaza, arriving at the Adventurer's Guild commission board. Both were a bit curious if there were any newer commissions up-for-grabs.

But their luck ran out, and there were none to be seen. Both a shame, but strangely, a relief for Lumine.

I must’ve finished a lot of them. Should get me a decent reward, and maybe a break-

“Hello, traveler,” An all-familiar voice said, drawing the two’s attention. Of course, Kathyrine, the receptionist of Liyue’s Adventurer's Guild branch, was talking to them.

“I assume you’re here for your rewards for today?”

“Yeah..” She admitted.

“Today you completed 8 commissions in Liyue, correct?”

Just as she asked, Lumine slipped eight papers, all signed by each citizen she’d completed a task for.

“Well, it seems that you’ve come prepared,” Kathyrine chuckled. “Here’s your reward.”

The pouch of Mora seemed quite heavy, which Lumine knew would be 60 000 Mora (since each commission would be worth about 7 500 Mora, depending on what an Adventurer would do). It would be enough to buy her a place to stay for a couple of nights.

“Thanks,” Lumine said, gently shaking the pouch of Mora in her hand.

“Actually,” the receptionist continued, “Someone has been causing a lot of trouble near the Golden house. A couple of our adventurers have gone there and came back severely wounded, with one still in hospitality as we speak.”

“Oh,” was all that came out of Lumine’s mouth. She definetely wasn’t expecting a commission there.

“Sorry, where was it again?” Lumine asked.

“I believe this person would be in or around the Golden House.”

“Okay,”

That certainly rang a bell in the traveler's mind.

“As one of our more… experienced members, would you like to take a look and see what’s happening?”

Of course, Lumine wasn’t the kind to back down. It was this trait of hers that helped her save Mondstadt.

“Will do,” She responded.

And off she went to investigate the Golden House.

* * * * *

“You sure you don't want to come in too?”

“I think it’s better for Paimon to sit this one out.”

Once they reached the enterncenof Teyvat's Mora stash, Paimon decided to disappear into her own little world, leaving Lumine alone once again. But she wouldn’t be alone for long, because the feelings of fatigue, and nausea were slowly creeping towards the traveler. Once she cracked the door open enough for her to slide through, she tip-toed her way inside, trying her best to not reveal her presence. But for today, luck was definetely not on her side.

Out of nowhere, an electro-blade flies right next to her neck, begging to pierce Lumine’s skin. But she did not flinch a single bit. She just looked dead-pan into the eyes of the culprit:

Childe.

“I see you’ve come back for a rematch, eh?” He said slyly, letting his blade de-materialize from his hand.

“And you are here to cause some more trouble?” She countered, slowly walking towards the Harbinger: a deep, serious look at Tartaglia's lifeless eyes.

“I guess you can say that,” He admitted, now twiddling with his water blades. “Some have told me you're a workaholic now. No?”

“What makes you say that?” Lumine questioned, sword in hand.

“I’m a Fatui!” He laughed, gesturing towards the ceiling. “I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

At this moment, something weird was happening to Lumine. She felt nauseous, and tired all of a sudden: that burst of energy from having the Tigerfish was now depleted. She felt like her usual-self, or at least the one she presents to most people that meet her.

But worse.

She felt vomit from her throat, and judging on how relatively lumpy the texture was, it probably was those Chicken-mushroom-skewers she’d eaten for the last ten days.

Despite all of it, she still stood tall in front of the Harbinger, not letting herself give in just yet.

“So,” Tartaglia teased, wielding his signature bow. “Are we just going to stand here and look pretty, or are we going to fight?”

She wanted to say yes: she wanted to beat him convincingly: she wanted to assert her dominance.

But her body held her back.

And when the battle began, she dropped her sword right next to her feet, unable to hold it properly anymore.

“Ah, guess you don’t need a sword to beat me?” He said, his weapon hanging at his side. “I like your confidence, Ojou-chan.”

The name rolled off his tongue in a way that made Lumine flustered.

Still, with little energy left in her, she used Anemo energy to retrieve her weapon, and fought fiercely.

Punch for punch.

Block for block.

Blade for blade.

With his bow, Childe released a horde of arrows right at Lumine, but she effortlessly danced past all of them. Imidietaly, she changed a ball of wind to fire, but a slick move from the Harbinger made Lumine look silly.

It was mezmarizing watching the two go at it.

After a very intense skirmish, the two broke apart from each other, taking a small moment to breathe.

For Childe, he regained his strength to fight once again.

But Lumine had a trick up her sleeve.

And all-or-nothing, last-resort move, she had never tried before.

With the last game of energy left in her, she rushed towards the Harbinger, zooming past everything Childe threw at her.

And when the time was right, she tackled him to the ground, catching him off-guard

Luck seemed to finally be in her favour.

But not for long.

* * * * *

"Uh, boss..?" A mysterious, light voice said, panting heavily.

"What..?" Another voice -a little deeper in tone- replied.

"The Millieth are on the scene as we speak, I just got out of there without being seen."

The deeper voice laughed hysterically.

"Millieth? You pathetic coward. I guess I'll have to find it myself-"

"N-NO WAIT!" The light voice pleaded, "there's no need: I found a pattern on the floor, that may interest you."

The darker voice stood tall, looking down to his inferior.

"And what might that be..?" The darker voice snapped, holding the other by their collar.

"There's-There's a pool on the floor."

The boss dropped his co-worker from his grasp, leaning back in his throne.

"What was it…" He said, aggravated.

A pause came from the co-worker, leaving the boss on the edge of his seat.

"WHAT WAS IT!?!" He screamed furiously.

"B-b-blood and v-vomit, and some water.. sir.." The lighter voice whispered.

The boss smirked, twiddling a small dagger in one hand.

"Blood you say?" He asked curiously, leaning close to hear the other's response.

"Y-yes M'lord!!"

"... Good…"

Idk when I'll write pt.2, but thanks for reading anyways.

[houseisekai]

House Isekai: A Realm Reborn - Part 3, Thunder Rolls (1 of ???)

House Isekai ARR Masterlist Here

—

Client: Marianne Von Edmund

After Duvalie, Fireteam Alpha-Nine, and Raelyn set off to Goneril territory, the newly reformed House Isekai are sent to assist the head of House Edmund, Marianne.

Although, things do not go as smoothly as Sitri hopes...

[Out of Time - Final Fantasy XIV OST]

The room displayed massive crystals that showed reflections of the group.

Although it was heavily distorted and any normal person would be barely able to hear what was being said, the figure watching had no such difficulty.

(Buck) “Alright everyone, stand down. How about this? You just tell us what we need to know about these guys, and we’ll go put a few bullets in their heads.”

(Mickey) “If bullets even work on them-”

(Raelyn) “From the one I encountered, a single Bolter round will do just fine.”

(Lisa) “If it means less fighting, then there’s no harm. Duvalie dear, do be careful at least?”

(Duvalie) “O-Of course, Miss Lisa!”

(Aigis) “That was a very fast change in attitude-”

(Rean) “You get used to it.”

(Towa) “I suppose we’ll just meet and explain everything more in detail later?”

The figure raised its hand, engines whirring and steam coming out as it did.

A portal opened in front of the group to their first destination.

The one they called Duvalie was the first one to step through the portal, followed by the soldiers.

"FIRST TELEPORTATION SUCCESSFUL."

The figure slowly turned and a screen appeared in front of it, lines of text and numbers turning green.

(Kazuma) “…Wait a second, none of them knows anything about Fodlan. Why did we let them go anywhere alone?”

(Sitri) “…That’s a good question.”

When the text finished, a crystal behind it displaying a four legged being suddenly flashed off, the light dimming and turning dull.

"SECOND TELEPORTATION INITATING."

The figure opened another portal behind the other group and patiently waited for everyone to step through. As soon as they did, the portal closed behind them.

"OBSERVING."

The crystals picture suddenly split showing two sides, one of Duvalie's group, and one of House Isekai.

It said nothing else as it quietly watched.

===

House Isekai: A Realm Reborn - Part 3

Thunder Rolls

[Raise Your Flag - MAN WITH A MISSION]

Raise your flag

With all your voice

With all your voice

Shout it out loud with all your voice

One day

Someday somewhere

Dream on as we wander

Under pressure, you are waiting for direction

Going on the road without your mind

All misleads they give ignoring our decisions

Killing yourself your soul we have inside

Continue the struggle and feel like you’re discouraged

Rise up again to run to the end

In between the never-ending dream

We can struggle and muzzle the world before it fades away

Raise your flag

With all your voice

With all your voice

Shout it out loud with all your voice

One day

Someday somewhere

Believing that we will reach that goal

Come on and Raise your flag

So just Raise your flag

No matter how many times we feel defeated or lost

As long as we breathe

As long as we carry on

Dream on as we wander

===

…

Everyone was confused on why the portal closed.

Sitri made sure no one was looking at her as she whispered.

(Sitri) “Sothis?”

(Sothis) “Uh, don’t look at me. I wasn’t even the one who opened it.”

(Sitri) “Wait, then where did…?”

(Rean) "If I know anything about her, she'll be fine. I hope the others with her don't have to put up with too much..."

(Aigis) "In any case, we should get going as well, correct?"

(Kazuma) "Yeah, we've wasted enough time standing around as it is."

(Kurt) "I am quite interested in seeing what this world is like."

(Venti) "Indeed, perhaps it'll give me inspiration for new tales to tell at the tavern!"

(Jean) "Well, we shall defer leadership to you then."

Sitri realized Jean was looking at her, which was quickly followed by everyone else.

(Towa) "I guess you technically are the boss!"

(Elizabeth) "Well, Lady Sitri?"

Sitri cleared her throat and nodded.

(Sitri) "Right. Let's move out now then."

Right on cue, a portal opened in front of them, and all stepped through it, being teleported to forest with a beaten path.

As quickly as it appeared, it closed behind them.

Once again checking that no one was looking at her, she turned again.

(Sitri) "Sothis, who's opening these?"

(Sothis) "I'm not sure...We need to look into it once we're done here."

Venti and a few of the other Knights noticed Sitri and Sothis speaking quietly, though it appeared no one else did.

(Venti) "Hey, you see that floating green thing next to Sitri, right?"

(Amber) "Y-Yeah, it popped up earlier!"

(Diluc) "It's most likely similar to Paimon. We shouldn't bother her about this when we got more important matters."

(Lisa) "So, where are we?"

(Kairos) "This would be Alliance territory. Specifically House Edmund's, I've travelled these roads with my family for merchant related business."

(Rean) "Well then, do you mind leading the way?"

(Kairos) "...Of course."

Kairos walked along the path, guiding everyone else. Everyone travelled in their own smaller groups. Sitri was with the Garreg Mach Students, Rean and Towa were with Class VII, and Kazuma and Aigis were with the Knights of Favonius.

(Elizabeth) "I am not sure how I feel about this."

(Sitri) "About what?"

(Helena) "Pretty sure she means House Isekai."

(Elizabeth) "Well, it's not just THAT but...-"

(Kairos) "She means that we don't know how we feel about working with these offworlders."

(Astrid) "Hey come on, I'm sure we all have our doubts but at least give them a fair shot."

(Stefan) "Yeah, if Lady Sitri and our leaders trust them, its for a reason."

(Helena) "If nothing else, they know how to fight what we're up against better."

(Sitri) "You all were chosen for a reason. Your skills are the most exceptional of the three houses, and they will be a core part of this house in the days coming.

(Elizabeth) "Y-Yes, Lady Sitri."

(Kairos) "...Understood."

Aigis looked uneasy as she turned to the others.

(Aigis) "If this is how the current houses feel about House Isekai, I am concerned to think on how the rest of Fodlan thinks."

(Kazuma) "Yeah, people like Ainz and Slayer didn't really help our reputation much either.

(Amber) "But your old group saved this world, I thought everyone would adore you guys."

(Aigis) "It is not as simple as that, I'm afraid."

(Kazuma) "Long story, we'll tell you guys when we get back."

Kurt and Juna couldn't help but listen in on the conversation in front of them.

(Kurt) "Hmph. Were it so easy."

(Juna) "Instructor Rean, Towa?"

(Rean) "Huh? What is it?"

(Towa) "Yes?"

(Juna) "Just how bad were things when you guys interfered to be treated like this?"

(Rean) "..."

(Towa) "...Let's put it this way, none of us would be talking to each other right now."

Juna and the other Class VII members shrugged and continued walking. It'd probably be better to just focus on the mission right now.

A few hours later, they began to approach upon castle gates. They were stopped by Alliance soldiers, who shot a look at the ones obviously not from Fodlan.

(Sitri) "My name is Sitri Eisner of Garreg Mach. We have come here at the request of Lady Edmund."

(Alliance Soldier) "We appreciate the aid. Let them through."

Kairos was still in front while everyone else tagged along behind him. He slowed his walk to look around the estate.

The path to the main castle was well treaded, just as Kairos remembered. The dirt path was still a clean brown, and the grass and trees well maintained, with few servants attending them.

The path was not anything fancy, it was just a straight path to the estate, fitting Marianne's personality.

(Kairos) "It's been years since I've last been here."

(Helena) "Can't say my old team got anywhere close to here. Too much security."

(Astrid) "Your parents were merchants, right?"

(Kairos) "Yes. The noble families that didn't shun us for being commoners were few, and Lady Edmund was one of them, and we constantly made runs to sell our wares here."

(Kazuma) "Sounds like something Marianne wouldn't care about. She was probably one of the few people who wasn't a complete asshole."

(Aigis) "There were plenty of people who were not...rude. Do you think you are misremembering?

(Kaeya) "Or perhaps were you the one, mister Kazuma?"

(Kazuma) "Hey, I didn't start most of the shit here!"

Kazuma spun around to Kaeya.

(Kazuma) "AND YOU CERTAINLY DON'T WANNA START SHIT WITH ME!"

Everyone except Diluc and Jean was fighting back a snicker. Venti failed to.

(Venti) "...Ehe."

(Kazuma) "SCUSE YOU, THE HELL DO YOU MEAN, 'EHE'?!"

(Musse) "He is quite loud isn't he?"

(Rean) "You kinda get used to it."

(Ash) "Really now?"

(Towa) "Believe us, there was much worse people to hold a normal conversation with."

At the doors, a familiar face was waiting to greet them.

Rean Towa, Aigis, and Kazuma smiled as they walked up together with Sitri and the Garreg Mach students.

[Musica Universalis - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

(Kairos) "Lady Edmund."

Kairos, Elizabeth and Stefan bowed.

(Helena) "Huh. Much younger than I thought."

(Astrid) "Hey...Oh crap you're a lord, u-um good evening my...lady?"

(Marianne) "Hah, there is no need to be so formal everyone. Especially since old friends are here."

Kairos raised an eyebrow until he realized who she was speaking to.

Marianne smiled at the former members of House Isekai.

(Rean) "Marianne!"

(Towa) "Hello, its so good to see you again!"

(Kazuma) "Yo. Been a bit."

(Aigis) "It is always a pleasure seeing an old member of the Golden Deer."

(Marianne) "The same can be said to you all. You are quite the sight for sore eyes."

Marianne turned to Sitri and the Garreg Mach students.

(Marianne) "I take it these are your new students, Sitri?"

(Sitri) "They are. They're quite...interesting to say the least."

(Marianne) "When you're dealing with House Isekai at all, it's going to be."

Marianne chuckled softly and stepped to the side, an arm extended to her door while the guards stepped aside.

(Marianne) "Please, come in. We have much to discuss."

Everyone walked inside, following Marianne deeper into her estate.

The Knights opened the doors to the dining hall, where everyone took a seat.

(Kazuma) "Huh, didn't think you'd have a place like this."

(Marianne) "Neither did I, if I am to be honest. At the very least, this oversized dining hall is seeing proper use."

(Rean) "Yeah, it does seem quite excessive, doesn't it?"

The former members continued to have a leisurely discussion, annoying Kairos and Elizabeth.

(Elizabeth) "Don't they realize who they're talking to? Why in the world are they so...casual?!"

(Kairos) "They ought to show some form of respect for her title!"

(Stefan) "Well, they knew her back when they were in the academy right? Makes sense why they're so informal."

(Helena) "That and Edmund said for you guys to pull the sticks out your asses anyway.

(Astrid) "Eloquent as always, Helena..."

The conversation finally ended when some glasses of water was brought out for everyone by the servants, in which Marianne cleared her throat.

[End Song]

(Marianne) "Sitri, I believe Claude told you what was troubling us."

Sitri nodded.

(Sitri) "Yes. I believe he said it was something about an unidentified object in the woods?"

(Marianne) "Yes. We have never gotten close enough to properly identify this threat, it has always turned hostile the moment we attempt and approach."

(Rean) "Has anyone been injured from these investigations?"

(Marianne) "Plenty of injuries, though thankfully none of them were lethal. They appeared to be warning shots more than anything."

(Aigis) "That rules out Shadows at least, they do not hesitate when it comes to killing humans..."

(Towa) "We don't have enough information, I guess we have to see it ourselves."

(Marianne) "I'll give you a map before you leave then."

(Kazuma) "Has there been any other strange incidents?"

(Marianne) "Hm...Other than reports of Separatist movements, there hasn't been too much."

(Kairos) "Separatists have been spotted all the way out here?!"

The offworlders turned to Kairos, looking confused.

(Rean) "Separatists?"

(Kairos) "Yes, thanks to your actions, you've all but ensured a second civil war will occur!"

The original four members eyes widened, then turned to Marianne.

(Marianne) "I'm...afraid that is not entirely off basis, but that being said-"

She furrowed her brows as her fist gently hit the table.

(Marianne) "Kairos, on what grounds do you think you can speak that way to the very people who saved all of us?!"

(Kairos) !!! "I-...I apologize. That was out of line."

(Marianne) "...No matter. I will gather the necessary supplies for your investigation. Just a moment."

Marianne bowed and left the room, leaving just House Isekai in the room.

Sitri turned to Kairos and the other Garreg Mach students, clenching her fist.

(Sitri) "I am quite aware of your stance on House Isekai, but I will not tolerate another outburst again. Am I clear?"

(Kairos) "Y-Yes Ma'am..."

Helena, Astrid, and Stefan shrugged while Elizabeth felt a slight tang of guilt as well. While she had enough tact to not say that out loud, it was very close to how she felt about them as well.

The Knights of Favonius and Class VII shifted uncomfortably watching this exchange happen. It was obvious that their involvement here went beyond their comprehension...

...

[Suspicion - Persona 5 OST]

Shibuya, Central Street...

Ryuji scrolled through his phone over and over again. He looked up from it and his eyes searched for any familiar faces. So far, no one had shown up.

(Ryuji) "Come on, what's takin' them so long?"

He looked down at the phone again and reread the messages, losing count of how many times he's done so.

==

GROUP CHAT: Akira Kurusu, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, Sumire Yoshizawa

Akira: Hey, did anyone else get that message?

You: What message?

Futaba: You mean the one from Sitri?

Ann: So that wasn't just me!

Haru: I could only hear a little bit of the message, I was in the middle of something.

Haru: What's strange is that I cannot get it to replay.

Makoto: Same here. Was anyone able to?

Yusuke: Fortunately I was. The message is as follows:

Yusuke: “This is Sitri Eisner of Garreg Mach Monastery. House Isekai, we are requesting immediate assistance from anyone that can hear this. If you are able, please arrive at Garreg Mach. This message will now repeat.”

You: Holy shit, did something happen?!

Sumire: I wasn't able to hear it either, I'm afraid. What was the tone of her voice?

Futaba: Pretty calm, actually. Still though if she's calling for aid, that's not good.

Akira: Pretty bad timing too. Morgana and I can't exactly leave to meet up in Tokyo.

Makoto: And college is currently taking my attention.

Makoto: Who knows how long we'd be gone for if we went in now?

Yusuke: Is there anyone who can respond, then?

You: I'll be the vanguard then! Leave it to me!

Ann: Thankfully I'm available as well, so I'll go with Ryuji.

Haru: That's relieving to hear. I have company business I must attend personally.

Haru: But, I am not comfortable with only two of our members being able to answer the call.

Akira: I think the Investigation Team and S.E.E.S left us their numbers before we left Fodlan. You guys should give them a call.

Ann: Good idea!

Ann: I wonder if anyone else in House Isekai's answered already...

Ryuji: They better have, it'd be pretty awkward if it was only us!

Sumire: Then we shall leave this in your hands for now. We'll try to show up as fast as we can!

Akira: We're counting on you guys. Stay safe.

You: You bet!

Ann: We won't let you down!

==

The messages finished two days ago, and apparently the distress signal was sent four days before that. Meaning 6 days had passed now.

He and Ann were able to contact Naoto of the Investigation Team and Mitsuru of S.E.E.S. They all planned to meet in Central Street at 12 today.

It was 11:50 PM, while no one was late, Ryuji still felt anxious. It had been two years since they all had left Fodlan, and he still wasn't used to the idea of jumping dimensions, ironically.

(Ann's Voice) "Ryuji!"

He put away his phone and waved a hand.

(Ryuji) "Yo, good to see ya!"

Ann nodded as she leaned on the wall next to Ryuji.

(Ann) "I'm so glad someone else was able to respond. To be honest, I'm kind of terrified right now."

(Ryuji) "Dude, holy shit same! Like what's so bad that they need ALL of us there?"

(Ann) "I'm not sure I wanna think about it, but we have to...ugh, why did Sitri have to call at such a bad time? The fact only a few of us can respond is pretty scary."

(Naoto's voice) "Hopefully, that is all we need."

The two turned as Naoto tipped her hat to them, adjusting her coat.

(Naoto) "I see we all arrived early, today."

(Ryuji) "Well, considering what the situation is, it's better that we get here faster than usual."

(Naoto) "Indeed. Unfortunately, I contacted my group and I am the only one from the Investigation Team responding."

(Ann) "Oh, there's Mitsuru! Hey, over here!"

Ann waved wildly to catch her attention, Mitsuru slowly wading her way through the afternoon crowd of Shibuya.

(Mitsuru) "Hello everyone...So, this is all that can make it right now?"

(Ryuji) "Yeah, it sucks pretty effin' bad that it's just the four of us, but I think we can handle it!...God I hope we can."

(Mitsuru) "Hm. Well, anyways I have at least some news to share regarding House Isekai's situation. Aigis was the first person to respond to Sitri's call."

(Ann) "...And?"

(Mitsuru) "Concerningly, that's all I heard from Aigis before she went in. It's been dead silent otherwise. Although it has only been 6 days, I'd still have preferred to hear something at least."

(Naoto) "Have we heard anything from our former classmates?"

(Ryuji) "We haven't heard nothin' anyone else..."

(Ann) "What about Slayer? He set up our whole communication system to begin with, right?"

(Mitsuru) "That seems to be our only lead that can have us safely arrive back to our world, so I think that may be our best course of action."

(Ryuji) "Right, so we should get going...Er, how exactly are we going to do that?"

(Naoto) "I believe-"

KABOOOOOOOOM!

[Tension - Persona 5 OST]

The buildings shook violently as an explosion rocked the entire city.

People's screams and confused muttering filled the streets as they looked towards the source.

The four Persona Users regained their footing and looked at what everyone else was staring at.

It was a massive cloud of smoke off in the distance near the Subway stations.

(Ann) "What the heck was that?!"

(Mitsuru) "We must put our plans on hold for now!"

(Naoto) "Agreed, let us investigate the cause!"

Mitsuru and Naoto rushed ahead without hesitation, leaving Ryuji and Ann alone for the moment.

(Ann) "S-So confident...!"

(Ryuji) "Man, I dunno if I'm glad or disappointed in myself that I'm not able to react THAT normally to explosions..."

Shrugging, the two sprinted to catch up with Mitsuru and Naoto.

A few minutes later, the four managed to get near the source of the explosion. It was in the middle of station square where a number of officers had gathered to block people from getting past them.

(Officer) "Stand back people, don't get too close!"

(Officer 2) "Hey, no pictures, everyone get back!"

Naoto shoved people aside while the other three tagged closely behind her.

(Officer 3) "You people deaf?! I said-Hey wait a second, you're that Detective Prince!"

(Naoto) "Naoto Shirogane, yes. What's going on here?"

(Officer 3) "Man, we have no idea. One second everything was normal then this big explosion happened outta nowhere!"

(Mitsuru) "Any injuries?"

(Officer 3) "A lot of people injured, but no ones dead, by some miracle."

(Naoto) "May we see the scene, for a moment at least?"

The officer looked at Naoto then sighed.

(Officer 3) "Make it fast, we have no idea if this was a terrorist attack or not."

Naoto nodded and the four moved past the guards and investigated the site.

In the middle of the street, there was a massive crater with a rock in the center of it.

(Naoto) "What in the world...?!"

(Ann) "Hey, doesn't that rock look kinda-?"

The rock upon closer examination appeared to be made of some sort of crystal.

And in the crystal appeared to be a mixture of some form of red minerals into it.

(Ryuji) "Wait a sec, don't that look like?!-"

(Mitsuru) "The Crystal Tower from Zanado? It looks like only a fragment has appeared, and thankfully not even close to its original size. How on earth did it-"

[Blood of Villain - Persona 5 OST]

A hatch opened up making everyone flinch, a puff of smoke slowly emerging from the door.

(Naoto) "Everyone, stand behind me!"

Naoto pulled out a revolver from her coat, officers quickly escorting the bystanders watching away from whatever was about to happen.

The hatch was violently flung off from the fragment, the door almost hitting several people in the process.

And from that hatch, a large foot was sticking out, slowly landing onto the ground.

The figure that landed in front of them was an absolutely massive creature, decked out in metal plating, broken leather and green skin.

It raised its head, cackling at first, but the laughter stopped when it got a good look at its environment.

(Green Creature) "Wot 'da zog iz dis?! Dis ain't da boss's ship! It's full uv 'umiez!"

(Ryuji) "WHAT THE 'EFF IS THAT?!"

Multiple similar looking creatures stepped out with the one in front, looking just as angry. Naoto lost count after the 15th one dropped out.

In total, from what she could guess, it looked like there was about thirty of them.

(Green Creature 2) "Dose lanky Boyz lied ta us! Dey said dey were gunna tellyport us right'n 'der!"

(Naoto) "STOP RIGHT THERE! DON'T MOVE ANY FURTHER!"

The green creatures stared at Naoto, and its disgusting smile grew back again, the cackling returning twofold.

(Green Creature) "Look at 'dat puny shoota 'dat 'umie's got!"

The creature pulled out its own gun and aimed it straight at her.

Naoto's eyes went wide, as the gun it pulled out was as big as her torso.

(Green Creature) "Now DIS?! DIS IZ A SHOOTA!"

(Ann) "HOLY CRAP!"

(Mitsuru) "What are these...Things?!"

(Green Creature 2) "Yer hear 'dat? Dey ain't neva heard uv us orkz before!"

(Ork Leader) "Dere faces are jus irritat'n me! KILL 'DA 'UMIEZ BOYZ! DEN WE GET DOSE LANKY BOYZ WHEN WE GET BACK!"

(Orks) "WAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

Ann and Ryuji's clothes suddenly shifted, making them look down in confusion.

(Ann) "Huh?!"

(Naoto) "Those clothes...then that means...!"

Mitsuru pulled out an evoker and pointed it at her head while Naoto quickly reached for her glasses, Ann and Ryuji grabbing their masks.

"PERSONA!"

[Invitation to Freedom - Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth OST]

Ryuji shot first with his Persona, aiming it directly at the group of orks.

(Ryuji) "CAPTAIN KIDD!"

His person's arm cannon burst into a flame and disappeared as another explosion rung out and hit the fragment behind them, blowing up three orks.

The orks ignored their fallen kin and screamed, shooting wildly with their crude guns and the bullets not going anywhere even close to hitting them.

Mitsuru nimbly dodged an ork swinging its axe at her, slamming onto the concrete as her Persona froze the ork in place.

(Mitsuru) "Artemisia!"

Mitsuru's Persona froze another two approaching her, and shattered them into pieces.

(Ryuji) "COME ON YOU BIG SON OF A BITCH!"

Ryuji's grin grew as he slammed his mace into an Ork's head, but his smile turned into shock when his weapon broke.

The ork Ryuji hit laughed as it raised its arm.

(Ork) "BAHAHAHA!"

The Ork's arms slammed into Ryuji, sending him flying past the police tape which was at least 10 feet from the fight.

(Ann) "SKULL!"

Ann ducked as bullets whizzed over her head, using her whip and swinging it at the one that attacked Ryuji.

Once again, their melee attacks appeared to do nothing.

(Ork) "YA HIT LIKE WUN UV IM TAU BOYZ, HA!"

(Ann) "GO TO HELL! CARMEN!"

Ann's hands reached her mask and a swift pull summoned her Persona in front, and at a snap of her fingers, the ork was set ablaze screaming and flailing wildly.

Spinning around Ann set a squad of five on fire, a similar effect being achieved as their bodies turned to ash.

Three orks charged Naoto with their axes about to chop her head off.

A tarot card floated above her as he revolver aimed upwards.

(Naoto) "Sukuna Hikona!"

Her Persona appeared in front of the orks, confusing them.

(Ork) "Eh, wot iz 'dat? It's so tiny!"

Naoto's Persona swung rapidly at them, her sword arm finishing behind them.

The orks looked at themselves before looking back at Naoto.

(Ork 2) "DAT WAS NOTHING! YA KAN'T KRUMP AN ORK LIKE DAT!"

Naoto ignored them and ran past them to help out the others.

The three moved to pursue her, until one of their legs came off, then arms, then slowly their head.

(Ork) "...OH ZOG-"

Was the last words of the third ork as they slid into chunks, their corpses falling and their pieces mixed together.

The leader of the group watched in mild excitement and curiosity, never seeing this type of fighting before.

(Ork) "Im 'umiez are krumping our boyz pretty gud."

(Ork Leader) "Dat dey are, dat dey are..."

Mitsuru helped Ryuji up off the ground, her Persona shielding them.

(Mitsuru) "Are you alright?"

(Ryuji) "Hooooly shit, ugh think that guy broke one of my 'effin ribs!"

(Mitsuru) "So direct fighting is out of the question for us then. Can you still fight?"

Another group of three approached them as Ryuji took off his mask, more pissed off than ever.

Captain Kidd rammed straight into them, knocking them all into the ground, then shooting its cannon arm into the air and a bolt of lightning raining down and smiting them, their bodies falling limp.

(Ryuji) "That answer your question?"

Ryuji's face moved to smile but started coughing and falling on one knee.

(Ryuji) "HOHO-OH, THAT HURTS! J-JUST GO I...NEED A SEC!"

Captain Kidd moved to the defensive while the ork's guns started firing at him, the bullets being barely deflected.

Four more orks started to run towards Mitsuru, their guns aiming right at her.

Mitsuru's Persona created an icy floor beneath them, making them slip over and fall flat on their backs.

At a split second, spikes of ice shot up and tore them to pieces, Mitsuru quickly examining where the next threat was.

Ann and Naoto were engaged in close combat with two orks each, Ann's agility was the only thing keeping her from being cleaved in half by their frightening strength.

Carmen's flames were lighting them ablaze, but they were still somehow fighting.

Naoto's Persona created shields that deflected their attacks as she tried to figure out how to get out of the defensive.

Any longer meant that those axes were splitting her head in two.

Naoto raised her revolver and shot one of them in the eye, making them recoil and shove the other ork back by accident.

Quickly seizing the chance, her Persona moved for their hands, then decapitating them at the blink of an eye.

Ann's Persona kicked up the intensity of her fires, to the point where the concrete itself was set on fire, reducing them to literally nothing.

The Ork's leader turned to the last three next two him and they jumped down, eager to get in the fight.

That fight was short lived as those two orks were quickly frozen, then smashed to pieces by Captain Kidd.

(Ork Leader) "HAH, YA KAN FIGHT, I LIKE 'DAT 'UMIE!"

(Ann) "Which one of you is the commander or whatever?!"

(Ork) "I AM!"

(Ork Leader) "WOT?!"

Ann's Persona burned the Ork Leader to Ash, leaving the singular one alive.

The ork struggled to conceal a smile. Now HE would be the boss.

...Assuming he'd live from these humies who look ready to kill him anyway.

(Naoto) "Is that all of them?"

(Ryuji) "Y-Yeah, looks like it."

[Wicked Plan - Persona 5 OST]

The Ork jumped down laughing.

(Ork) "Not bad, not bad at all!"

(Naoto) "Now, you'll answer our questions! What are you?!"

(Ork) "Why do yer 'umiez always sound 'da zoggin' same? We'z orkz! 'Da greenest an' bestest!"

(Ann) "...Uh, what is he saying?"

(Ryuji) "'Eff if I know..."

(Naoto) "Now, where did you come from?! And is that the Crystal Tower?!"

(Ork) "Krystal Tower...? OH! 'Da giant shiny spiky place, yea we kame from 'der. Stupid name ya gave it, dough."

Naoto was taken aback by how casual it sounded. They had just killed 29 of their...friends? Why did it sound like it didn't care?

(Mitsuru) "They're from Fodlan...? We never encountered anything like these Orks during our time there."

(Ork) "Actually we kame from da boss's ship. It gets konfusing, furst 'der was da weirdboyz 'ploding, den dose weird gits wit' da 'xtra arms attack'n us, den-"

(Mitsuru) "GET TO THE POINT."

(Ork) "We smash da zog outta some lanky boyz an' we have im lead'n us ta bigga an' betta loot! but dey backstabbed us, when we were gonna backstab our boss!"

(Ryuji) "Alright asshole, take us to Fodlan then!"

(Ork) "Wit' pleasure! i've got a mind ta teach ‘da lanky boyz a lesson! ‘da name's Gravestompah!"

(Ann) "Just shut up and get us there!"

(Gravestompah) "Psh, yer 'umiez neva know how ta have fun..."

The four followed the Ork inside cautiously into the Crystal fragment, and as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

...

===

GROUP CHAT: Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, Sumire Yoshizawa

Futaba: HOLY CRAP GUYS PUT ON THE NEWS!!!

Makoto: A giant rock crashed onto the street?

Haru: My goodness, is everyone alright?

Futaba: Yeah yeah people are fine, but watch this footage I'm sending!

VIDEO.mp4

Yusuke: So our group was on the scene...

Sumire: Where in the world did they go?

===

(Morgana) "Hey, didn't that look like the Crystal tower?"

(Akira) "Yeah...No way that's just a coincidence."

===

You: I think that was the Crystal Tower. The one from...what was it called?

Yusuke: Zanado, the Red Canyon. I agree, it looks to be a part of the Crystal Tower.

Futaba: Ann, Ryuji, you guys alive?!

...

Makoto: No response.

Haru: Leader, what's our course of action?

You: We meet ASAP. Boss's cafe. I'll message the others to meet up as well.

Futaba: Loud and clear!

Yusuke: Understood.

Makoto: See you there.

Haru: Stay safe, everyone!

Sumire: Got it, Senpai!

===

Akira put away his phone and looked to Morgana.

(Morgana) "So how are we gonna get to Shibuya? We don't have a means of transportation."

Akira reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crest of House Isekai's logo.

(Akira) "Think I got an idea..."

[TO BE CONTINUED]