บท 86: Riverwalk Rage
[Date: 1/18 - Saturday]
[Time: 11:30 AM]
[Location: Home - Destiny Central]
It was finally the weekend and the house was relatively calm with everyone taking today to either rest or hang out with one another. I sat in my room, packing my bags as tomorrow I was planning to head back to Sanctuary City after my week break from the Gang War. I let out a solemn sigh and looked around the room.
"I'm really gonna miss this room after today," Lustie said, hovering beside me and looked around with a somber smile. "It was nice seeing everyone again though, seeing their smiles on their faces.."
"Yeah, I agree.." I said softly, leaning against my desk and crossed my arms. "However, the people in Sanctuary City need me. After Axel's threat...there's no way we can just sit by and let him do anything."
"Yeah, I suppose. It sucks that we can't just go up there and just blow up Sanctuary Central with him in it.." Lustie sighed, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand.
Passion chuckled softly at Lustie's comment. "Blowing up an entire city is pretty crazy taken there are too many innocents residing in the city. However I do agree with your sentiment. I do wish to just blow him into pieces if we could.."
"Realistically speaking, who's gonna stop us?" Sensitia asked, filing her nails. "It's eight otherworldly beings against some dumb Earthlings who can use Alchemy."
I gave an expression of agreement, but shook my head and looked at Sensitia. "True, but I would rather focus on defeating The Syndicates with the least amount of casualties possible. It makes our lives easier. Truly.."
"I guess. The mass destruction option is still on the table though," Sensitia said, setting down her nail filer and heard Ambitia giggle. She looked at Ambitia who was laying on my bed, scrolling on her phone. "And what's so funny?"
"The fact you all are even considering mass genocide. It's honestly funny to listen to. Aunt Ardor specifically told me she also wants to avoid mass genocide if possible. If we just blow up an entire city, we're objectively doing more damage than good," Ambitia said, being the voice of reason.
"I agree with Ambrosia," Charismari nodded, silently listening to the conversation. "We should never result to immediate genocide no matter how bad the battle and war get. We want to save Destiny Islands, not commit war crimes."
Talenta nodded in agreement. "Although I used to work for the opposite side, it's important to note that I've never supported the eradication of cities even when most in The Syndicates would consider the possibility. Plus it would give Karma a bad name in the long run."
I listened to each input and noticed the sisters were split down the middle. On one side, they supported the possibility of needing mass genocide to end the reign of The Syndicates but the other side didn't want that as it would cause too much trouble for not only me but everyone else.
"What do you think, babe?" Lustie asked, turning her gaze to me.
I closed my eyes and gave it a bit of thought. I began to think about both arguments and their moral stand points.
{Choose the Path of Peace.}
[Choose the Path of War.]
"I don't know yet. It's a hard one to choose. I suppose I'll have my definitive answer should the situation arises. But for now, I'm neutral on the situation, but I still would rather not have too many casualties or any at all for that matter if possible," I said, my tone honest and firm.
My Love Demons seemed to respect my answer and each of them gave me a smile for my honesty. After the conversation, each one began to engage in their own activities and I made my way out of my room to find something to do for the day.
I made my way down the stairs and walked into the kitchen, noticing Akira sitting at the table alone, working on something on her laptop and sipping her coffee.
"Good morning, Miss Okabe~" I greeted, making myself a cup of coffee as well.
Akira glanced at me and her lips curled into a soft smile. "Good morning, Mr. Moji..~ Fancy seeing you in the house and not running around."
I chuckled at her tease and rolled my eyes, then joined her at the table. "Can't a Casanova like me take a break from running around? A man like me also needs his rest."
Akira rolled her eyes and chuckled softly, leaning back in her seat. "Well, I'm glad you're here to offer a nice distraction from my work. My sister should be here in an hour for our usual hangout at Majesty Riverwalk, if you would like to join us."
"The place infested by the birds? Count me out," I said jokingly, taking a sip of my coffee.
"You and bullying the birds," Akira laughed, playfully hitting my shoulder.
"What can I say? We have a long-term rivalry," I chuckled, my tone a mixture of playfulness and jest.
Akira rolled her eyes playfully, her gaze returning to her laptop screen. She let out a soft sigh and leaned against the table, resting her cheek against the palm of her hand. "I wish my students could grade their own assignments sometimes. Being a professor is hard work, you know."
I leaned back in my seat and smiled at her usual complaints about being a professor. "I know, you've been saying that for the last two semesters I've known you."
Akira laughed softly, turning her gaze to me. "I've been complaining about it that much? Lies.."
"Your first words to the class were, 'I really don't want to be here grading papers and assignments all day, so all tests and quizzes are open notes unless the material is stupid easy,'" I recalled.
Akira broke into laughter and shook her head. "Give me a break, Shiro..~ I have like 100 students in total; grading everything takes a toll on you after a while.."
I chuckled softly and looked at her laptop, a few memories of being in her class playing in my head. "I do miss being in your class at times. Ui's class is nice, truly, but her class is definitely meant for Joy as she is my Sanctuary City counterpart. You have a little charm that I miss."
Akira's eyes met mine, her smile softening at my words. "Trust me, I miss having you in my class. The day always seemed to go by so smoothly with you there…"
"Maybe when I finish up with this Gang War, I can transfer back to Matsugaya and take your class five times in a row," I said, chuckling softly.
Akira giggled softly, leaning toward me and kissing my lips gently. "I'd love that…but I don't think Vega would like it if you took my class consecutively..~"
I chuckled and returned her kiss before sitting back in my seat. "I suppose..~ But it's worth a shot.."
As the hour passed, Akira and I sat at the table indulging in small talk, the conversation providing her with a much-needed distraction from her work. Our conversations flowed smoothly, and we shared laughs with one another.
Soon, the time arrived for Ui to arrive at the share house so she and Akira could hang out together. As we waited, the doorbell finally rang, signaling Ui's arrival.
As the doorbell rang, I stood up from the table, giving Akira a playful wink. "Sounds like your sister's here. I'll get the door."
Making my way to the front door, I opened it to find Ui standing there, her signature smile lighting up her face. She was holding a small bag, probably filled with goodies for their hangout.
"Hey, Shiro!" Ui greeted enthusiastically, stepping inside and giving me a quick hug. "Long time no see!"
"Hey, Ui. It's good to see you," I replied warmly, returning the hug. "Akira's in the kitchen, drowning in coffee and paperwork."
Ui laughed softly, shaking her head. "That sounds about right. Thanks for letting me in."
I followed Ui back to the kitchen, where Akira looked up from her laptop and grinned at the sight of her sister. "Finally, someone to save me from this endless grading."
Ui set her bag on the table and gave Akira a hug. "You know I always come to the rescue. What are you working on this time?"
"More papers and assignments, as usual," Akira sighed. "But with Shiro here, I've had a nice distraction."
Ui glanced at me and smiled. "Well, it's good to see you're taking a break too, Shiro. You've been working non-stop with everything going on in Sanctuary City."
I nodded, leaning against the counter. "Yeah, it's been hectic. But it's nice to have moments like these, just relaxing and catching up."
Akira closed her laptop, finally giving in to the break she deserved. "So, what did you bring, Ui?"
Ui opened her bag, revealing a variety of snacks and drinks. "Just some treats for us to enjoy while we hang out. I figured we could use a little indulgence."
As Ui began setting out the snacks, Akira's eyes lit up. "You always know exactly what we need. This looks perfect."
I watched the sisters interact, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment. Moments like these were a reminder of why I fought so hard to protect the people I cared about. Their smiles and laughter made all the challenges worth it.
"Do you mind if I join you two for a bit?" I asked, already knowing their answer.
"Of course not," Ui replied with a grin. "The more, the merrier!"
We gathered around the table, chatting and enjoying the snacks. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with jokes, stories, and genuine moments of connection. For a while, the weight of the responsibilities and dangers waiting in Sanctuary City felt distant.
As the afternoon wore on, Akira leaned back in her chair, a contented smile on her face. "You know, days like this remind me of why we keep pushing forward. It's all about the little moments, the connections we make."
I nodded in agreement, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Exactly. These moments give us the strength to face whatever comes our way."
Ui raised her glass in a toast. "To friendship, family, and the strength to keep fighting."
We all clinked our glasses together, a silent promise to continue protecting each other and cherishing the moments of peace we could find.
Akira checked the time on her laptop. "Oh, we should probably get going to the Riverwalk. Majesty is supposed to be there and I'm not gonna miss her. She's rarely outside of her casino."
Ui nodded, getting up from her seat. "Are you joining us in the car, Shiro?"
"You two and go on ahead. I have to get ready then I'll join you there," I said, watching the two stand up.
"Mmkay, don't be late~ We might get on the boat without you~" Akira teased, giving me a playful wink.
I chuckled softly, crossing my arms. "Don't worry, you know I'm always on time..~"
The two women waved at me before leaving the house. I stood up and made my way upstairs and into my room where I was bombarded at once.
"Babe! Come here!" Lustie exclaimed, pulling me inside my room and closing the door.
I noticed everyone gathered around my laptop and walked toward my desk, leaning down and placing my hand atop my desk. I looked at the laptop and noticed Lust-E had surveillance around Destiny Central.
"What's going on?" I asked, my eyes glued to the screen of my laptop.
"Kismet and Amor have been spotted in Destiny Central. And you know that means two things. Victoria is in grasp. I mean Flirtoria. And two, they will be searching around for you. This is our chance to clean up and kill them off," Lust-E said, hovering beside me.
"I dunno who these guys are, but E told me they are bad news like Yoshido are!" Suru added, hovering on the other side of me.
"I told you to not call me E.." Lust-E grunted, glancing at Suru.
"Sorry!" Suru giggled, rubbing the back of her head.
"What's the plan?" Talenta asked, looking at me.
I stood up straight and crossed my arms. "It might be risky, but I want to lure them to my location. I'm going out with Akira and Ui to Majesty Riverwalk—"
"Count me in!" Luckie said immediately, getting fired up. "You don't even have to say another word to me about that!"
I chuckled softly and looked at my other Love Demons. "Well? Who's gonna me the second?"
"Me," Ambitia said, glancing at me. "I was tasked with ensuring you obtain the remaining Love Demons by Ardor. Since Flirtoria is on the field, it's my responsibility to convert her to your side... though I don't think it would be that hard."
I nodded my head and looked at the others. "The rest of you, I want you all to lure Kismet and Amor to Majesty Riverwalk once I give the signal. From there, allow me, Ambitia, and Goldie to handle it from there."
My Love Demons nodded and prepared to head out. I walked to my wardrobe and picked out clothes to wear for the day then walked to my bathroom to get ready.
As I got ready, my mind began to think about only obtaining Flirtoria and completing my Crest of Love. Not only would I have all Three Mojisolan Forms, but I would also have all Nine Love Crests and their powers. Once I return to Sanctuary City, I would be perfectly set for the final bouts against The Syndicates.
[Date: 1/18 - Saturday]
[Time: 1:30 PM]
[Location: Destiny Central - Majesty Riverwalk]
Majesty Riverwalk, a picturesque marvel of urban design, was a serene oasis nestled within the bustling heart of the city. This enchanting thoroughfare winded its way gracefully along the banks of a majestic river, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor.
The riverwalk's meandering pathways were adorned with vibrant floral displays, lush foliage, and elegantly designed golden bridges that arched gracefully over the tranquil waters. Sunlight danced upon the surface of the river, casting a mesmerizing reflection of the surrounding cityscape and infusing the atmosphere with a sense of tranquility.
Lined with charming cafes, boutique shops, and al fresco dining establishments, Majesty Riverwalk exuded an atmosphere of refined leisure and cosmopolitan charm. Visitors are greeted by the tantalizing aromas of freshly brewed coffee, delectable pastries, and gourmet cuisine, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge in culinary delights while savoring the scenic views.
The riverwalk serves as a vibrant hub for cultural experiences, with open-air art installations, live performances, and seasonal events that infuse the area with creativity and vibrancy. Local artists showcase their talents, adding a touch of artistic flair to the already picturesque surroundings. The air is alive with the melodies of street musicians and the laughter of passersby, creating an ambiance of conviviality and community.
I sat at a table with Akira, Ui, and Majesty, watching the sights and engaging in fun conversations with the three. I could truly see the bond each of them shared with one another. "Wait, so you also own this entire Riverwalk?"
"Mhm~ It isn't called the Majesty Riverwalk for no reason. Besides my Casino sits right next to the Riverwalk so it's perfect that I also own this location," Majesty answered, sipping her wine.
"And best of all, we get special discounts~ It's a perfect place to be after losing all your damn money at the casino," Akira laughed softly, taking a sip of her drink as well.
I chuckled at her joke then noticed an interface appear to the side of me, Lustie appearing on the digital screen. I glanced at it and noticed her and Sensitia battling it out to see who was going to tell me the news first.
Romancia separated the two and looked at the screen. "Master, we've successfully—"
Lustie pounced on Romancia and pushed her down, out of the frame. "We've lured Kismet and Amor to the Riverwalk! They should be wandering around now!"
"Ugh! You clingy demon! I did all the work, I should be the one to tell him!" Sensitia fussed.
"Like Hell you did! I'm the one who—"
I closed the interface and sighed softly, shaking my head. 'At least the first part of that plan is done..'
Akira chuckled softly at my reaction, noticing how I just hung up on Lustie. "What's going on Shiro?"
I glanced at Akira, giving her a smile. "Nothing really, just my Love Demons being clingy as always.."
Majesty chuckled softly, looking down at Luckie, who rested peacefully in her lap. "I can relate as this one seems to love me a lot..~ By the way, who's the newest addition to your collection?"
Ambitia noticed that Majesty could see her despite her presence being concealed. "You can see me? But you aren't even marked by Shiro.."
"Neither am I, but I can see all of you just fine," Ui said, leaning back into her seat.
"You're different. You work with magic and all that mumbojumbo. Majesty on the other hand doesn't. But...I guess it would make sense that she can due to her having a close bond with Luckie. Very well, my name is Ambrosia Beifir aka Ambitia. I am the Love Demon of Ambition," Ambitia introduced, her tone tinged with proudness and a sense of elegance.
"It's nice to meet you, Ambrosia. My name is Majesty Aurous," Majesty said, her lips curling into a soft smile.
As we continued our conversation, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Despite the light-hearted banter, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Ambitia's gaze occasionally flickered to the crowd, her senses on high alert.
Majesty leaned back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scanned the surroundings. "So, Shiro, what's the plan once these Syndicate members show up?"
I glanced at Ambitia, then back at Majesty. "We'll try to deal with them quietly. Ambitia and Goldie will support me, but I might need your help to keep the civilians safe."
Majesty nodded, her demeanor shifting from playful to serious. "Understood. I'll ensure no one gets caught in the crossfire."
Akira and Ui exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.
"We're here to help too, Shiro," Akira said, her voice firm. "Just tell us what you need."
I appreciated their willingness to assist but knew the risks. "If things get too dangerous, I need you both to stay back. This fight is going to be intense."
Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the entrance of the Riverwalk. A ripple of unease spread through the crowd as people began to whisper and point.
"They're here." Lust-E said, hovering beside me.
I stood up, signaling to Ambitia and Luckie. "Time to move."
The three of us made our way through the crowd, our eyes searching for Kismet and Amor. The tension was palpable, and every step felt like a countdown to an inevitable clash.
As we neared the source of the disturbance, I saw them. Kismet and Amor stood amidst the crowd, their eyes scanning the area with cold precision. They hadn't spotted us yet, but it was only a matter of time.
Ambitia placed a hand on my shoulder, her expression steely. "Let's draw them away from the civilians."
I nodded, my mind racing with potential strategies. "Agreed. Majesty, can you create a diversion?"
Majesty smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Consider it done."
She stepped forward, raising her hands theatrically. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please! A special performance is about to begin!"
The crowd's attention shifted to her, and I used the opportunity to signal Ambitia and Luckie. We moved swiftly, circling around to flank Kismet and Amor.
As Majesty's distraction took hold, Kismet's eyes flickered towards us. "There you are," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
"Amor, take care of the distractions," Kismet ordered, his gaze locked on me. "I'll handle the Moji."
Ambitia and Luckie stepped forward, their energies flaring in readiness. "You're not getting to him that easily," Ambitia declared, her voice resolute.
A tense silence settled over the Riverwalk as we prepared to engage. The fight was about to begin, and the stakes had never been higher.
~{To Be Continued}~
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