Journey To The Capital!

So the sun was just barely breaking over the horizon as Hikari finally woke. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up, the smell of food was definitely making her stomach rumble hungrily. She'd skipped a meal and that was just never good. She pulled the plate into her lap and quickly devoured it. It didn't take her long to get clean, brush her hair and ready for the day before she ventured out. She knew that Megumi had morning prayers and as a chosen, she should likely do that too. But she wasn't that kind of chosen, or priestess. She was just...well...different. Neither Palkia or Dialga expected such things of her and she was glad of it. She burst into the house and dropped water on all the sleeping men. Except Yuui. "WAKE UP IT IS TIME TO PACK OUR SHIT AND GET GONE."

Kuro sat up then, looking much wet. So much wet. "Your sister is the devil incarnate." He grumbled to Drake and thwacked him with the hilt of his sword. Because he couldn't hit a girl. That was very wrong.

"Aww, but you guys are so much prettier wet." Drake said then to just be that way. He meant Jihae too. "You had better get your ass to the tent and get Snake wet as well. Don't be leaving anyone out, sister dear."

"Oh right!" Hikari said and turned around quickly. She ran over to where Snake had set up the tent, stuck her head inside and dropped water on him too. Careful to not get Miyuki. "WAKEY WAKEY FRIEND."

"Unicorns and pop tarts!" Snake said then and sat up quickly like he was surprised. He didn't know where he was for a whole second there. Clearly. Pop tarts did not belong in this time.

"Pop tarts?" Hikari asked then.

Snake shrugged, "I heard they're delicious. In my dreams."

Jihae woke with a start. He was seriously confused. He'd never been woken with water like that. But everyone else was wet except for Yuui. Figures.

Yuui woke up as the others did. He was laughing quietly. "Good morning!" he exclaimed cheerfully. He was so happy that Hikari favored him.

Miyuki was shocked. Seriously so. "I don't understand anything you say," he said. She looked so amused.

Mireya missed all of that as she was out in the valley doing her prayers. She knelt on the now fertile soil with her hands clasped together, her head bent down in prayer.

She prayed for so many things. One of them was her express gratitude to the Chosen for being able to save this little town and its people. Among a great many other things.

As she prayed, Dialga blessed her with a vision and knowledge of their next trial. But another blessed her as well. When she opened her eyes, all around her, flowers suddenly exploded out of the ground and completely covered the valley and all the land that belonged to Floaroma.

Drake laughed, because he could tell Yuui liked being favoured. He just could. "Well at least we don't need to get washed as we basically had a shower this morning." He said, which was so lazy. But really. They likely didn't have proper baths here.

Kuro looked at Jihae. "Poor little prince," he said and handed him a rag to dry his face on. Which you know, was about as kind as the giant man got to anyone except Yuui.

"I don't either," Snake admitted, which probably didn't inspire confidence in many. But suddenly his tent smelled a lot like flowers and grass. "Hmmm? Maybe there is a unicorn?"

Hikari looked down at her knees, she hadn't gone into his tent properly. That seemed rude. Suddenly her legs were surrounded by grass and flowers. Beautiful, beautiful flowers. "This is the Floaroma that I remember!" She squealed then, because she realised. They had done this. Well, maybe there was another reason. But it couldn't have happened if not for them slaying the fiends and Megumi purifying the water and her making the land ready for planting.

"I like squealy princesses." Snake said then, as he pulled his clothes on and stood from his bed properly. He put a hand out to help Miyuki. "Well, not as much as you. But this one is kind of cute. I can't deny that."

Yuui really did enjoy being favored. He was epic pleased as he got up and stretched. "Oh, I smell flowers," he said with a smile. That was much more pleasant than the stench that had greeted them when they'd first arrived.

Jihae caught the rag with a thanks for Kuro and dried his face. He sat up and wrung the water out of his long hair. There wasn't much to be done for his clothing though. He could change or just let it dry in the heat from the sun.

Jiro was not pleased with being splashed and he was out there door before any of the guys could properly get up.

"I can't disagree," Miyuki decided as she woke up properly, glad not to have been splashed. She looked at the suddenly green landscape visible outside of the tent. "Well that's an improvement." Much better. For sure.

"I also smell flowers." Kuro said then, it was a rather overwhelming smell. "I think I prefer how it smelled yesterday," he joked. Just to be that way. He couldn't help himself.

Drake laughed, but he got up and chased his kitty. "She'll dry you off! She is sorry, I don't think she meant to get you." He said then, because he didn't want Hikari to be in trouble.

And Hikari noticed as soon as Jiro came out and she looked like she felt guilty. She immediately pulled all the water she'd splashed on him off of his body and put it on some of the flowers. "I am sorry, Jiro. It was an accident."

"Yes, I like it." Snake said to Miyuki and hugged her as he helped her out, his hand having been there ready for her since the previous post. "But they're still not as beautiful as you."

"Oh you surly thing," Yuui said. "It smells amazing. Just admit it." He grabbed up his things and went out of the house into the now fresh air. "Oh look how lovely it is now! The ladies here will be so pleased, I think." And so would the Chosen. This was a very obvious and positive change. That would be good for the spirits.

Jihae was only a little slower to get up, pack up the things, and also leave the home. He looked around with interest. But of course he was pleased. This was his land. These were his people. Their lives would be so much easier now and that made him happy.

Jiro began to furiously clean his fur. "It's okay," he muttered as he nipped and licked at the white fur. He was not for sudden baths. He really wasn't. But he wasn't angry with Hikari either.

"Awww, you are so full of it," Miyuki said. She wasn't going to go for his cute words all the time. But she looked around and then looked for her sister.

Megumi was returning then as her prayers were over. In her hands she held a tiny shaymin. She looked exceptionally pleased.

Kuro stretched as he came out, his pack on his back and he was ready to leave already. "You can't make me admit anything." He said then to Yuui. Just to be that way.

Drake fussed Jiro. "He's not mad at you, you're okay. He's just violently against water, unless he's fishing. Or there are fish involved." He shrugged, cats were weird like that.

Hikari giggled, but produced a fish and held it out to Jiro. "Does this make up for it?" She asked sweetly.

"What an adorable little rat." Snake said then as he went over to Megumi. He didn't know what it was, so you know. He went with rat.

"That's a shaymin and likely something to do with all the gorgeous flowers. If it's showed itself to Megumi, then that's her new fiend." Drake explained, because he knew all the things. ALL of them.

"Oh maybe," Yuui said. Perhaps he could but he didn't fight for it.

"It's not a rat," Megumi protested and went over to Kurogane to show him the little creature that had blessed the land. "I found her in the flowers," she said, holding it up to him.

"Oh a little God of gratitude. How cute is she?" Yuui said as he looked at the cute little thing. "Drake is quite right with the name. Aren't you clever?" He said approvingly to Drake.

Jiro sniffed the fish. And then he bit it and ran off with it. He purred his approval of the little fish. He wasn't mad at Hikari at all now.

"He's very cute, my priestess." Kurogane said with a smile and rubbed the tiny things belly. "It doesn't surprise me that it appeared for you."

"I am just really good with fiends." Drake said with a shrug, he knew the majority of them. He remembered things really well. Secretly a genius.

Hikari laughed at Jiro, he was so very adorable. She was glad that Jiro was definitely not mad at her. She didn't need that.

Megumi smiled at Kurogane. She was pleased that he approved that she'd gotten the little thing to like her. She pet its soft fur, careful of the flowers on its back. "I know where we are to go next," she said.

"Hmm...I think you're being overly modest," Yuui said to Drake. He was oh so amused. But then he turned his attention to Megumi.

"The second trial is in Sinnoh. An evil force works to capture the Lake Guardians. The Chosen are to prevent that," Megumi said.

Jihae looked thoughtful. "It will take some time to get to Sinnoh," he said. Journeying to different kingdoms was not going to be easy. "Perhaps updating their equipment would be best before continuing," he said and looked at Kuro. They'd agreed the Chosen needed some training in the weapons that were used of this time. Their own were too...loud.

"I agree, priestess. We do need to better equip them. Their weapons are so loud." Kuro said, he was not a fan of that. Being a ninja himself, he was much for the quiet stealth.

"I agree with the large ninja, we can't stealth with those." Snake said then with a smile. "They require many weapons that don't go bang."

"I like my bangs," Hikari said then with a small pout, but... well they had a point. "I also like bow and arrows though so there is that." She said then with a shrug.

"We have to protect the lake guardians from some evil force? Sounds...descriptive." Drake said then like it was going to be an easy thing. Yeah right.

Megumi looked apologetic. "I may receive more details later but for now that is all that I have been given." At least they knew where to go. Though fast travel was going to be an issue.

"The closest place to get properly good weapons would be the capital but..." Jihae looked hesitant. "If time I wasn't so pressing I would suggest elsewhere."

Miyuki bristled just a little at the mention of the capital. She had no intention of going there again. None. She had no desire to to even chance seeing her father.

"Eh, it'll work out." Drake said, he wasn't all that bothered. He could do his own research and lines of questioning to figure out what the evil force was. "Is that where your dad is?"

"What's wrong miyuki?" Hikari said then and went over to her. She knew they weren't really close yet, but she still wanted to try.

"She has Daddy issues." Snake said, in a very soft way, though the sentence itself could have been harsh, his tone was the exact opposite.

"Someone should fill in the chosen." kuro said then, but it wasn't his place to do so.

Miyuki's lips thinned but she couldn't say the words. She didn't want to say them. She didn't want to tell. Thankfully her siblings were actually the talkative sort but even Megumi and Jihae hesitated.

"Our father is gone a bit mad," Megumi said quietly.

"More than a bit," Jihae scoffed.

"He found out that she in love with a young woman of the court and..." But Megumi struggled there.

So it was Jihae that finished telling them of what had happened to her. How his sister's love had been burned alive, twisted into a ghost fiend that was then made to torture his sister until she too would have passed away if not for the necklace she wore that anchored her to life.

For once, Yuui did not speak. He didn't even really smile. But who knew what he was thinking other than feeling sorry for the young princess.

"Wow, I mean...I thought our dad was pretty crazy, but this is a whole new level of fucked up. I'm going." Drake said, because he wanted to give this guy a piece of his mind.

"I'm so sorry, Miyuki." Hikari said then, because she could only imagine how much that hurt. She also wanted to say something, but her brother would do it better.

Kuro was silent too. Not even Snake had a thing to say. No funny quips, or jokes to lighten the mood. He just couldn't do it.

"Drake..." Megumi said, frowning for the very first time since she'd met them. "Our father is not someone we want hindering your trials." She wanted to say more but wasn't so sure what to say.

"If we're lucky, we won't run into our father, or draw his attention before we are able to purchase your new weapons and depart for Sinnoh," Jihae said. "But should we be unable to avoid him, I would advise caution." He looked at Miyuki. "I will avenge my sister and dethrone my father but for now ensuring your safety is more important. But do not worry. As soon as you and your sister have completed your trials, my father will not be in a position to hurt anyone any longer."

"You're confused." Drake said then, his eyes narrowing and going slightly darker as he looked at them. "I am someone your father doesn't want hindering his life and if he tries to fuck with me, I will stay here until Jihae kills him, making his life a living fucking hell until that day."

Hikari looked innocent then, she knew her brother had a dark side. She'd seen it often. "That may have been a little too dark for this crowd, brother." She said then and nudged him.

Drake smiled sweetly, "or you know...I just won't tell you I fucked with him." he said and picked up his stuff, "come on Jiro, had best get you a drink and some fish before we leave." He said cheerfully as he walked towards the lake.

"I mean, I totally get why the absol is into him now..." Snake said as he watched Drake go. "But, I like him. I think you guys will enjoy him on your quest." He said, but they would be parting ways somewhat soon, "I will also not be joining you in the capital. Perhaps Miyuki and I will camp somewhere close or go around. Maybe meet you in Sinnoh. Maybe not. I don't know, the future is unclear."

Jiro was happy to follow after Drake. Water and fish sounded nice. He didn't make any comments about what he'd seen, if anything, when it came to the future in the capital.

Megumi watched the two of them leave and bit her lip softly. She was worried. But Jihae and Kuro were right. Hikari and Drake needed new weapons and the closest place to get good ones was the capital. She sighed softly but then looked at Miyuki.

Jihae was doing the same. "I don't like the idea of you being alone with Snake. I would prefer you stay by my side," he said. "But...I can't ask you to go where father is either..."

"I won't go to the capital," Miyuki said with a shake of her head. "I have no intention of ever seeing him again." She looked at Snake. She didn't know where he would take her but she'd prefer anywhere but the capital.

"Hungry again, huh?" Drake chuckled, because Jiro ate a lot. But he was a growing boy so he wasn't surprised. "You may have to catch the fish, I am not that cool.

Hikari sort of felt awkward because you know, reason. Like her brother had exploded a little bit, or at least showed a side of him that people may not have been ready for. She hugged on Yuui's arm and sort of stuck herself there.

"You don't have too. You're a grown ass woman and you can make your own choices in life," Snake said, but then he turned to Jihae and looked him straight in the eye. "As much as you're uncomfortable with it, you've allowed her to sleep in my tent for two nights now. She can tell you I have been a perfect gentleman both times. There's a reason you allowed it, trust that reason and know I will keep her safe. I mean, can I really fuck her up any more than you and her dad did?"

"I can do that," Jiro said. That really wasn't an issue. And yes, he was pretty much hungry all the time. Even though he'd just dried off from Hikari accidentally splashing him, he dove into the water of the lake to catch fish, which he promptly ate before drinking the water and cleaning off his fur.

Yuui looked down at Hikari and put his arm around her. "It's okay," he said quietly. "Your brother may be a little darker than he advertised originally but he still has a good heart and his darkness comes from a good place."

Jihae frowned ever so slightly. "Is this what you want?" he asked his sister rather than say anything to Snake. He didn't much like the guy but he was being good about that so far.

"It is," Miyuki said.

"Then do as you wish and we'll meet with you later," Jihae said. "You know how to reach me." Then he left the little group and went to retrieve the horses so that they could depart.

Megumi felt incredibly uncomfortable. "He's not that bad," she said quietly to Snake. "He just wanted to save her as he wasn't there when Father went mad."

Drake just sat down and watched Jiro. "I don't kill him, do I?" He asked then, because he knew that Jiro knew what was coming in the capital. He could see himself killing someone like that, but that didn't make it right and it didn't sit well with him.

"It is, he is just protective. Because of how our life has been, you know?" Hikari said, she didn't even want to discuss the situations they'd found poor children in when their parents had been affected by things Supernatural.

"Oh I know," Snake said, but he'd just said it how it was. "Perhaps though, he should have asked before forcing such a thing on her. That's all I was saying. I honestly can't do worse to her than already has been done. Fact."

Jiro thought on that. "You do...but not with the hands that you possess now," he said. Which was sufficently vague that it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense to Drake until he found out the full truth.

"I know," Yuui said. "You are a Hunter. Even in these times, we know how their lives are. It changes people. Don't be concerned. As long as there is good in your heart, all will be well."

Megumi bit her lip again. Jihae couldn't have asked. She was too far gone. He had to make the choice in the moment to let her go or save her. And he'd chosen to save her. Perhaps it had been wrong but his heart had been in the right place.

"Um." Drake said then and looked at his hands. He wondered all kinds of bad things. "Jiro, am I going to lose my hands and get robot ones? Am I going to be like...Darth Vader but better?"

"There is much good in our hearts!" Hikari said then, because it was true. Really, they were just good people trying to do good things. But they saw too much, knew too much and it changed how they saw the world.

"The priestess is feeling uncomfortable for the situation is complicated and I am not sure there was a right way, or a wrong way to get out of it. Jihae has good intentions, a good heart. He will be a fine emperor." Kuro said then and tucked Megumi and the little shaymin against his side protectively.

"Yes, but at what cost?" Snake said then, because Jihae was very kingdom involved and that was perfect for an emperor. But not for a friend, a brother, a husband.

"What?" Jiro asked. He did not understand that reference. "You will not use your hands. I meant the hands you had before you were born." Which didn't really clear it up.

Yuui gave Hikaru a squish. "You know, sometimes duty outweighs personal desires," he said to Snake. "Besides, every wish has a price."

Megumi leaned into Kuro, grateful that he was standing up for her brother. Jihae could be difficult but he did mean the best and he cared about her and her twin quite a lot.

'It's all right," Miyuki said to Snake. "My brother only ever does what he thinks is right. But even great kings make mistakes."

"Riiight." Drake said, a little disappointed that he didn't get to have robot hands. "I forgot, but you will learn. Eventually. And then you'll laugh with me, right?"

"It does and that doesn't really help, does it?" Hikari said then, because you know... it didn't help that wishes came with a great cost. It didn't help that duty came first. "But I will tell you, from the history books...Jihae makes a very, very amazing king. You have no idea."

"We're all human, but there is only so much of that we can sacrifice for duty before we're not human any more." Snake said, because that's how he felt. "I am not hating on him. I am just not one to mince my words."