The sun had just begun to rise above the hills of Florestica, yet the capitol was already abuzz with activity. News of the morning's expidition had spread like wildfire, which was no surprise given who they were after. Despite everyone's fears, there was an undeniable air of exictement. It'd been awhile since like something like this had come up.
However, Londs didn't share their sentiment. If were up to him, there'd be no Eyes or Demon Dolls. In fact, it was times like these that made him question the so-called "wisdom" of the ancients for having created such things. But it was also times like these he was greatful for Makoto and his friends.
Granted, the priestesses were strong and wise (well, the latter was true of two of them anyway), but it was often thanks to the talents of Makoto, Fujisawa and, on two occasions, Ifurita, that they averted disaster. Of course, Londs couldn't help thinking if they could only get rid of that obnoxious boy in charge of the Bugrom that all their problems would be solved since he was always at the root of them somehow. Especially since they had him to thank for waking Kalia in the first place.
To no one's surprise, Makoto had been the first to awake. Nanami had been sent to wake him, only to find he was up, dressed, and readying his equipment. Ura was curled on his bed next to his bag. The exotic feline was devoid of her usual smile, her expression plain. "Hi ya, girl!" Nanami chirpped, as she scooped her up, happily nuzzling her nose. This got a smile out of Ura as she returned the gesture.
"Nanami! Nanami! Meowr!"
Makoto finished just as the two were done, finding Nanami clad in a white long sleeved tank top and matching waist wrap, contrasted by a pair a dark spandex pants, cut just above the ankles. Makoto was dressed in similar attire, his consisting of a dull blue shirt and matching brown pantaloons. "Morning, Nanami." he said now that he was done.
"Hey, Makoto. I see you and Ura are ready." she replied.
"Yeah. I didn't get much sleep, so I figured I might as well get an early start." he explained, rubbing the back of his neck a bit.
"I thought so." she said with a sigh. "Anyway, I just came by to wish you luck and to remind you not to overdo it."
"Huh?"
"Sensei won't be around to bail ya out, this time, if something goes wrong. So no spacing out if another Ifurita shows up and no stupid stunts like the last time!" she answered sternly, wagging her finger for emphasis.
"Oh boy." Makoto groaned.
"Darn right. With Miz gone, poor Afura'll have to carry the load all by herself."
"Shayla'll be there to, ya know." Makoto reminded her.
"Oh please. About all she's good for is keeping Fatora occupied." Nanami said smoothly.
"I heard that." came a familiar voice. Nanami whirled, coming face-to-face with the shapely and suitably redhaired fire priestess. The tan skinned beauty stood with her arms folded beneath her proud bossom, clearly unamused by Nanami's not-so-clever remark. But Makoto was quick to intervene.
"Hey, Shayla. I'm glad you could make it."
Her ire forgotten, she smirked and replied, "Wouldn't miss it."
"Besides," she went on, her mood going dark, "this'll be my chance to settle the score with that little bitch. I'm gonna fry her but good!" she said hotly, adding a flip off sign. Then, directing her attention to Nanami again, "Anyway, some of us don't have the luxury of sittin' around on our butts."
"No, you just get knocked on yours." Nanami saucily replied.
"Say it again! I dare ya!"
"Glad to!"
The two stood only inches apart with minirature lightning bolts flashing between their respective glares until Afura stepped between them and gently shoved their faces apart. "Children, please. That's enough." she sighed. Satisfied, she addressed Makoto. "Greetings. I see you've prepared yourself."
"Hey, Afura." he returned warmly.
"We came as soon as we heard. So it's true then? She's really returned?" Afura asked him.
"Seems that way, but we won't know for sure til we see for ourselves."
"Indeed."
Behind her, Nanami and Shayla continued to cut their eyes at one another until they finally huffed and looked away from each other, arms folded. Afura ignored them, finding it hard to believe it was possible. As far as she knew, nothing could withstand one of Ifurita's attacks. If she hadn't been able to finish her, what chance did they have?
"What matters isn't whether she exists, what matters is that we deal her threat swiftly and decisively." they all heard Londs say. The guard captain's tone was firm and resolute.
"Hm." Makoto nodded in agreement, with stern expression. Nanami seconded the motion. "And Ura, if you see that 'lil Kalia witch, you make sure n' scratch her eyes out! Okay girl?" she grinned. "Ura no like Kalia." That earned her another nuzzle and a giggle from Nanami. "Atta girl!" Londs chuckled at the feline's chipper reply.
"So, Makoto. Are you prepared?" he asked the boy.
"Almost."
Then facing Ura, he spread his arms wide. "Ready Ura?" Recognizing the gesture and what it meant, she leapt toward him, her body going flat as she wrapped herself around him. The fit was snug, her body pliant yet, tough as steel.
"All set."
"Good. Then let us depart." said Londs. "The Princess has granted us the use of her personal glider. There's no faster transport in all El Hazard."
This was it. Everyone boarded the glider, Londs taking the helm. Makoto and the others were joined by a small company of guardsmen. Rune Venus and Dr. Schtalubaugh were among the party to see them off; wishing them well on their journey. Thankfully, at least for Shayla, the dirty duo was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, they'd stayed behind to avoid another run in with Kalia. As the craft lifted off the ground, Londs stared at some distant point on the horizon.
'Once more into the breach.' he thought as he fired the engines, hurtling them, once again, toward uncertainty.
See other episodes by NyteFlite
(Posted Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:28)
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