To almost no one's surprise, Makoto had been the first one to awake. With the exception of Londs that is. The boy was so anxious to confirm the rumors of Kalia's renewed exsistence that it was a wonder to all of them that he'd slept at all. He'd been up to the wee hours of the night getting ready for their departure. Now he, along with everyone else, was awaiting the last two members of their party: Shayla Shayla and Afura Mann the great priestesses of fire and wind respectively.
As per Runes' instructions, Londs had sent word to Mount Muldoon post haste via their fastest messanger service.
Of course, no sooner had word spread of their impending arrival, Fatora and Alliel had volunteered to tag along; pitifully transparent as always. Thankfully, they'd all been spared the misery of their company since they'd rescinded the offer. Seems even Shayla's allure wasn't enough for them to chance another encounter with Kalia.
Nanami had wanted to come too. But with Fujisawa (who typically looked out for Namami on these expeditions) and Miz away on their honeymoon, they just couldn't risk it. Their party had been limited to just Makoto, Londs, Shayla and Afura. In essence, a skeleton crew given they were a Demon God, teacher, and priestess short.
Oh yeah, and Ura.
Rune had done them the favor of loaning them her personal carrier craft. It wasn't as large as some of the others, but was unbelievably fast.
Makoto was busy making a last minute check of his supplies when he heard a knock at his door. It opened slightly and Nanami poked her head in. "I thought so." was all she said before coming in.
"Morning, Nanami."
His classmate pressed her back against it, feeling the soft click as it locked behind her. Then, looking him squarely in the eye said, "So. You're going."
"Well, yeah..." he replied with a nervous grin.
"Listen Makoto!"
Oh boy. Here we go.
"I'm listeneing."
"Sensei's not gonna be around this time. So you make sure to be careful." she said sternly, wagging her finger at him for effect.
Trying his best to keep a straight face, he held up his hands in a placating gesture. At times, he'd have sworn she was his sister rather than Jinnai's. "Okay, I promise."
Nanami wasn't finished. "Ura I want you to make sure that he does. And, If you see that demon witch, you make sure to scratch her eyes out! Okay, girl?" she asked the feline, who at present was curled on Makoto's bed.
"Ura no like Kalia!" she answered. Giggling, Nanami scooped her up and nuzzled her nose.
"Guess I know when I'm beat." Makoto said in mock surrender.
"Darn right." Nanami retorted, serious again. For about all of two seconds before she and Makoto broke down in laughter.
There was another knock at the door, this time it was Londs. He didn't bother to open it, he simply said: "They're here."
"Okay." Makoto replied.
After hearing him leave, Makoto sighed, "Well, wish us luck."
Nanami gave him a hug instead.
"Ready Ura?" he asked, outsretching his arms just she lept for him, body flatting as she wrapped around him. Makoto never grew tired of that. Then shouldering his bag, turned and left.
"Good luck." Nanami said quietly when he was gone.
___________________________________________________________________
Rune was there to greet them which was unusual since it was customary for them to greet the her in her chambers. But the essence of time superceded formality. "Welcome, Shayla Shayla and Afura Mann. It's good of you to come on short notice. I only wish it were under better circumstances."
Shayla and Afura bowed lightly before speaking. "Not at all. The preistesses of Mount Muldoon are forever in the service of the House of Roshtaria." Afura said.
"What she said." Shayla smirked.
If they hadn't been in public, in front of the Princess no less, Afura would've groaned. To say she was a priestess, she had the tact of a bullfrog. Rune seemed to pay it no mind, having grown accustomed to Shayla's straightforward behavior. She actually found it amusing.
"You do us a greet service indeed." said Londs.
Afura made a light nod in reply.
Makoto having finally arrived, smiled to each them. "I'm glad you came. It means alot."
Hearing him say that, though he hadn't meant it for just her, made Shayla blush. "Yeah... well... you know."
"So, shall we get going?" Afura asked now that they'd assembled.
"Yes. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can confirm the truth of these rumors." Londs replied adamantly.
"Right." Makoto agreed with a nod and stern expression.
"Okay. Let's get this show on the road then. I'm gonna barbeque the little bitch but good!" Shayla said hotly, adding flip off sign for good measure. This time, Afura did groan.
Will she ever learn the meaning of "tact"?
"Good luck to you then." they heard Rune say. "And may your journey be a safe and successful one."
It was time. Everyone boarded the craft as Londs tok the helm. Makoto looked over the side to see Nanami had come after all. She smiled faintly and nodded. Makoto returned it in kind. Once more into the breach he thought as the carrier lifted and took them once more into uncertainty.
(Posted Sat, 24 Feb 2007 10:57)
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