“Yeah I mean you attacked Xen first so like he had every right to hit you, he didn’t but he did warn you good.” Ibaraki was talking to Matsunari downing bottles as she laughed and looked at her.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHTTRDakkZ
“So like is Matsunari supposed to be like the sister name to Hiashitori oooor??”
“Huh? No no no, my father works at the spa. He’s often there making sure the place is clean, properly purified, and free of any exploits that any perverts could try and exploit.” Matsunari said as she took a sip looking at Ibaraki.
“Ooooh you’re Erick’s daughter? Interesting you’re named Matsunari, it really does make you seem like a sibling of Hiashi.” Rin said.
“At least your father keeps himself within the village parameters, I fight tooth and nail to keep Dallas IN the barrier at all times. Yet hic ahem! No matter how much I try he continues to just congregate with them, it’s not like I HATE those people it’s hic harder because they’re so violent and-” Jess’s head began throbbing as he sighed and groaned.
“We’re violent? That’s something coming from a defender, someone who’s been inside for all their life dares to judge-” Ara placed a hand on Rose’s shoulder, Rose quieted herself and began to nurse her drink trying not to act out of her character.
“Let’s not be confrontational today, we’re defenders and exiles tomorrow but for the time being we unite.” Ara says with a yawn.
“Now that’s something I’ll drink too.” Rin took another drink before she stood up and left.
“What is so fun about becoming intoxicated?” Rivkah asked, watching the antics on the sidelines with Utsukushi.
“I can’t explain it myself.” Utsukushi adds as she sips from her glass.
“So why are you still drinking??” Rivkah asks, puzzled.
“I’m trying to get drunk but for some odd reason it doesn’t affect me the same as everyone else.” Utsukushi shrugs as she sits and watches everyone.
“I Have A Good Idea Why…” Rivkah mumbled looking at Utsukushi and then looking away. Time continued to pass with the girls and soon Rin came in and clapped her hands.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM45yEYXIB
“Let’s go ladies, we’ve got a date with the spa. I had an appointment set today.” Walking to the table she brought out a bunch of robes and kimonos for the girls, she also placed down some bathing suits.
“Uhm. Rin possible bestie, I’m not tryna kill the vibe but I’m broke. Sooo-” Ibaraki pointed to the clothes.
“Oh no one will have to spend a cent, Tachibana paid for this already. Though I told him not to, I can’t just sit aside and not use what he’s once more gifted me.” Rin would stretch as she wrapped her kimono around her body, everyone else took turns heading to the back, dressing themselves and stepping out. All except for one.
“Rivkah.”
“May I help you?” Rivkah watched everyone but did not participate whatsoever.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32NZd4tplg
“I Hope You’re Not About To Request I Wear One Of Those Ri-”
“Young lady, I don't care how deep you make your voice, you requested to join us so you will participate properly.” She says and hands her a suit and a kimono.
“....Hmph.” Taking both Rivkah went to change, coming back out in a dress floating around surprised that it followed her movements so well.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx38nLZVdk
“This is quite nice, it follows me so fluently… Not as well as my old dress but it does its job.”
“Good. Now let’s go ladies, our escort should be arriving soon.” Rin said as she looked over at everyone and began to step outside.
“We get an esco-YOOO!!” Ibaraki shouted in excitement, outside there was a carriage and outside stood Hiashitori.
“Ms-... Ahem. Ms. Tachibana. I was told to escort you today… We didn’t plan for… you plus however many women.” Hiashitori told her.
“Well, considering who my husband is, you'll figure this out won’t you??” Hiashitori rolls his eyes and nods, the women stayed there for a few minutes before another carriage was pulled up. The defenders rode on horses and the ladies piled into their carriages. Ren stepped in alongside Utsukushi, Rose, Ara, and The Scientist. The other carriage held Ibaraki, Jess, Matsunari, and Rivkah who sat on top of it. Soon the ladies were off to the spring, the horses carrying their carriages up the hill towards the natural spring.
“Soooo. Imma go like full in on this okay?” Ibaraki broke the silence of the carriage.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sqRMsFPlN
“What’s the beef?”
“Excuse you?” Jess asked, looking at Ibaraki.
“No seriously like it’s just- like… It’s just dumb. We’re all fighting the same common enemy but now we’re fighting each other? Look I’m old time so throw a girl a bone here.” Ibaraki shrugs.
“Considering the way you and your friend act, you’re from better lands.” Jess says.
“Give or take I’ll say.” Ibaraki shrugs.
“Exiles are violent beasts of people. Unlike us Defenders who lived in villages and homes prior to The Revival. We’re just a group of people who were a part of villages, homes, cities, and walks of life before the Demons came and destroyed everything. Few of us have any special powers or mighty abilities that give us edges. Meanwhile The Exiles, led by Vergil Takai Chii, are people who came to reside here only after “The Revival” of the Demons. They’re monsters, they hold powers from Miasma and have done nothing but bring out fights and conflicts, clearly showing the savagery they inherit. They’ve taken much from us so we take ours in pounds.” Jess finishes as she looks at Ibaraki.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYF2ETQI0G
“Be weary of them, you don’t have to take my word. I’ve read enough paperwork on you and your friend, I doubt you’ll listen but watch out for that Sun boy you always hang around. Things can change from bad to worse with his kind fast.”
“Uh huh…” Once more silence overtook the carriage.57Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbUjw73lbS
