Forest

"Your remaining guest, sir." The host seated Yukino, who was wearing...

Holy crap.

Satoshi couldn't remember the last time the Chosen Sword had actually worn such revealing clothing, but it really showed off her figure. It was kind of hard not to notice how her skin shone in the light, and how smooth it seemed as well...

He had to squeeze Mizumi's hand, sitting right next to him, to remind himself what he was here for. "Good to see you, snow flower. You look great. Hope the trip wasn't interrupted by reapers." He winked. "Then again, your dad's kind of like that from time to time, isn't he?"

A bad joke, yes, but a joke that played to their past encounters rather well, as it turned out, because if it wasn't for Hana, both Haruka and him should've been dead. Straight up, irreversibly dead.

Both of their jaws dropped. Mizumi was downright furious this was the scandal Haruka had ended up with after all. Haruka however...

Started drooling just a little. Maybe he's the real scoundrel of the two. He immediately shook it off and helped seat her. Though he was... Immediately at a loss for words. Because she looked amazing? Yes. But also.... They hadn't said a word to each other since the last time the Reapers attacked. Normally they'd have this talk a bit more privately but...

"Its good to see you, Yukino." Haruka gave the best smile he could manage.

Mizumi squeezed back, somewhat unaware at what Satoshi was staring at.

"A-Are you okay there?" she whispered, somewhat trying to regain his attention.

Approaching the table, the queen smiled like she would in her arrogant days when the boys reacted so... positively to her appearance. A hand on her hip, the slender queen gifted them both with warm gazes, then a softer expression for Haruka. It had felt like an eternity since she got to see him or even speak to him, seeing him now... seeing him now made her feel like she was finally rewarded for her struggle against Link Joker. That little bit of drool was definitely a prize in itself. The queen was hot, and her boyfriend agreed.

"I'm happy to see you, Haruka... You too, Satoshi." Her majesty spoke gently as she took her seat by Haruka, hearing her friend's joke. It wasn't very funny, comparing her family to those alien menaces, but the ride here was definitely a nightmare of its own. "Haha, I'm just glad he only caught me after I was dressed."

"I can't imagine him actually dressing you. He'd probably wrap you in a straightjacket if he had to send you out to hang out with us." Another sly prod. This one was probably a bit better; the last one was definitely in bad taste and Satoshi had felt remorse for it as soon as he said it.

He turned after delaying his response to the squeeze to look at Mizumi. A blush covered his face. Sure, Yukino was hot, but right now...his affection for this younger girl made her all the more beautiful. "I'm fine now," he said with a half-smile, keeping a hold on her hand.

Right. Food. Satoshi ordered one of everything. The waiter looked at him like he was joking, and asked again just to be sure. Nope. He was serious. One of absolutely everything. Why?

"Special occasion. And I'm starving and love this place's food."

Haruka stretched out, taking in the value of Satoshi's jokes. Definitely a good start to the evening. Haruka was shocked himself however to hear--

"O-One of everything?"

He scratched his head. Mizumi even raised an eyebrow. They shrugged a bit at each other. She nodded at his decision.

He's fine now... I sure hope he wasn't into this chick too. She's really not worth the trouble, if you ask me. How did Haruka end up with her anyways...

Thick veins of envy and jealousy flooded in. She simply rolled her eyes lightly, slinking up to Satoshi.

Haruka turned back to his dearest and... still didn't know what to say. For once he was actually prepared for this, confidence skyrocketing after his recovery and feeling like a million bucks, but when the moment to make a declaration of love and preparedness and everything... He falls short. His mouth opens but only air (and drool) comes out.

"So... how's it been?" Haruka asked to the general vicinity, but more or less towards Yukino. Start off nice and easy.

Satoshi's following jeer toward her parent was much less infuriating, as it didn't touch the sensitivity known as the queen's mad will to brutally murder every last reaper in existence. Putting this bloodlust aside, she did begin to notice Satoshi's expressions toward... oh. That girl from the house who wouldn't let her see Haruka... Her highness decided to be civil, lowering her disdain. She has Haruka right next to her now, so less reason to chew Mizumi out... for now. While Satoshi's outrageous order surprised Haruka and got a reaction out of Mizumi, the queen didn't have much issue with it.

Mind you, it's because despite her royal status, she eats like an angry beast.

Yukino turned toward Haruka, simply staring at him for a few moments in silence, getting lost in his presence. Just like the good ol' days, only that just reminded her of how much a love crazed animal she became. Better control urges in public, but don't peel eyes off of him. She noticed he was at a loss for words, and she only responded with a quiet giggle and an inviting, seducing smirk. The boy finally spoke up to the group, getting some conversation going.

Hikari would've opened her mouth if it wasn't for the fact that the only thing she had to talk about was killing reapers and war efforts. This evening was supposed to get away from all of that. Her majesty closed her mouth and cast a shy gaze down to the table. Her life was hectic and full of work, that was going to bore and annoy them. That was the last thing she wanted to do, so she didn't say anything, hoping Satoshi and Mizumi would just talk instead.

The loving couple was silent tonight, just looking into each other's eyes. Awkward, but reminiscent of other dinners Satoshi had attended with them. Fair enough, he'd try to make some conversation.

He wrapped his fingers around Mizumi's hand. "Tell us about you, hon. All of us know a bit about each other, but not much about you."

Mizumi's
switch
flipped.
Sort of.

She went from somewhat disgusted with the woman in front of her to downright jealous. Luckily, Satoshi was there to bring her back down to Earth and keep her cool. She nodded at the proposition. She did have to choose some words carefully.

"I work in medicine. I specialize in a few unorthodox procedures. Its how I got Haruka up and running. Isn't that right, Haruka?"

Haruka's eyes, if only for a solemn instant, glazed over a full 100% as he monotonously responded with "Yes ma'am."

Mizumi grinned, feeling a small sign of victory. Haruka immediately returned to consciousness, still staring at Yukino. What was he supposed to do, how?

He tapped his hand against the table as slight silence ensued again. Mizumi kept going, filling an alibi for herself.

"I've been Haruka's caretaker since. He's told me lots about... Both of you."

Haruka's eyes shot down, feeling a bit defeated by that comment in a few ways. Nobody likes being the "taken care of" party. He shook his head, sort of pleading in a way she would stop talking for a moment.

A weird feeling entered Satoshi's stomach. Partially due to hunger, sure, but in regards to both statements. He had shifted his eyes to Haruka for just a second to catch that instant, and he noticed the almost robotic response. Something wasn't right, but he'd ignore it for now and ask about that later. As well as what Haruka told her about them, though he was pretty sure Yukino would prod about that.

"She's capable of doing things to help others most doctors wouldn't think possible. It's almost like magic, but just downright medical." Almost as if Mizumi was an Angel Feather sent to Earth, right? That simple moment of noticing Haruka was starting to throw him off a bit, so he slipped his thumb between his hand and hers and stroked her soft palm to calm himself.

Yukino couldn't really notice Haruka's response to Mizumi as she was feeling a bit down and jealous. The queen was a warrior - a soldier molded to destroy anything that threatened her loved ones. But she wasn't capable of anything that involved actually... taking care of people medically. She barely knew basic first aid as it was. Even worse, it was more the Angel Feathers and heal triggers of Paladins ensuring everyone was healthy and recovering back on Cray. And considering how many times she's fainted due to her facial scar ripping open...

Maybe it was better she didn't intrude when Mizumi didn't let her in that house.

"That's a very good talent to have in this dark age", Hikari spoke up, trying to hide the despondent feeling in her tone.

"Why, thank you, hmm, Yukino was it? What about you? Anything worth mentioning? I hear you're a commander or something like that."

She smirked.

Mizumi was kicking Yukino while she was down. The more she could show her achievements over this otherwise awkward excuse for a queen, the easier it would be to------

Haruka shot a rather (absurdly) sharp glare at Mizumi. Near daggers right into her soul. If you wanted to call it a family issue, you could, but this took even Mizumi by surprise. She actually physically scooted her seat back a little. It was as if Sera's Reverse ego had kicked into Haruka.

"Yeah, I told her about how wonderful it is to be living with you. Can't be upset about having a wonderful person like you in my life. I also mentioned how great it is to have Satoshi and people like him looking out for me. It's a rare occurrence."

Haruka was speaking to Yukino, but still glaring at Mizumi. There was a clear disconnect in this conversation. It was... tense. Mizumi could read the air like a book and it was a two-front battle. She breathed in, glancing over to Satoshi for some sort of answer.

Now the problem is, who does Satoshi side with? His new love interest, or the Triad?

Haruka placed his hand on Yukino's, attempting to brighten her spirits. Better the night not go to waste before its already started. He tried his best to be good for the group, despite the gnawing in his head.

Okay. Something was definitely up. The energy had turned from pleasant to bitter in just moments. And out of all the people to charge it in such a way...Haruka? Sure, he would much prefer to be with Yukino, but wasn't this actually better for him? It's not like he couldn't get his love to visit.

Satoshi stared out the window briefly. Why was it that these three supposed friends always had this kind of thing happen? Four definitely was a crowd from the looks of it. Even then...

"Yeah, a lot of what's happened has fallen under what people might call 'unique.'" He looked to Yukino to answer Mizumi. "Not that I can speak for her, but Miss Espoir's quite the arm and a talented leader. Very few people are like that. I definitely wouldn't be able to do what she's done, in body and mind." The Chosen Sword looked like she needed cheering up, and while he likely wasn't going to make leaps and bounds happen, it was important to remind her what she was good at and what she had accomplished.

Food arrived, and while he had ordered one of everything, his appetite was slowly starting to fade. But, knowing who was present...that wasn't going to be a problem.

Yukino's social awkwardness never ceased to fail her in situations like these. While being the brave commanding soldier that would be the sword humanity wields to cleave evil in two, there was a bit of difference in actually speaking of that proudly as a job in a friendly and relaxing environment. Yet again, real "humanity" escaped from her, and she found herself relying on Haruka and Satoshi to save her from Mizumi's words and attitude. Had this been an actual, violent battle, things would've been different. But... the queen still smiled at their words and her beloved taking her hand. ... This joyful expressed turned into one of coming counterattack.

Ah yes, she opened her mouth to do exactly what she didn't want to do.

"I... am a soldier. A commander of the resistance fighting against the alien menace that assaults us", she kept going, now running her mouth as if she was the arrogant mirror of years past. "I'm the sword that'll ensure you can still come out to dinner like this, and making sure these two are safe."

A quiet thank you to the triad, squeezing Haruka's hand and glancing happily over at Satoshi.

That was almost too easy to get her in higher spirits. But Satoshi's mentioning of her being a talented leader caused her to talk about life as a giant slayer. She would like to not think about how one of her shortcomings still resulted in her boyfriend getting injured, but she would only respond with the desire for vengeance. Yes... no good at fixing any damage after it's happened, the least she can do is tear apart the one who caused it.

Even better, the food showed up so she could drown herself in her monster appetite instead of listening to Mizumi's words grate at her ears.

Mizumi puffed a cheek out, already feeling a stain of defeat. While this battle could go on for hours, especially if her two amigos here weren't gonna put up a barrier for her. She simply shrugged, giving a strikingly powerful squeeze to Satoshi's hand. Despite the physical assault, she wasn't nearly as mad as she could be. Her pout was in fact mixed with a small smile.

Maybe that argument went in a good direction?

Regardless, Haruka had a mental celebration as he heard about Yukino and her natural leadership talents, as she is a defender of Earth. To people outside of the clique, it was pretty strange hearing to a degree, but those who were familiar with the Resistance would be giving morale like crazy.

Haruka was radiating, and even more so when the food showed up. He gave Satoshi a wink in response to his decision. He was glad that his words of praise earlier were not misplaced. Even Mizumi, while she seemed a bit less victorious, was actually already enjoying the food as it came down, giggling and enjoying the company of.

Well.

People.

With the limited knowledge of her at their disposal, Haruka knows she leaves the house very occasionally for entertainment, often for groceries, and then stays inside her room the rest of the time if she isn't cooking for the two weirdos.

"So, let me ask something then." She had to pause to stop laughing a little. The entire room that was once nose-diving, felt as if it was a reaching a desirable attitude.

"What makes you guys want to stay by Haruka's side?"

Not sure if that was an appropriate question or not, but she sipped water and chewed on a chicken leg as she awaited an answer from at least one of the Triad members. Haruka was already wearing a blush on his face, requesting that Mizumi cut it out and they forget she even asked the question.

Bullet dodged. Jeez, it could've been so much worse. Still, Satoshi ate a bit less than expected, his mood slightly dimmed from what it could be despite the revitalization of the room's energy. He kept a hand in Mizumi's as he picked away. Yukino likely would pick up the slack. Besides...even though he was still a member of the Triad, he wanted her to know he cared about her perhaps aside from these friends.

Her question wasn't as difficult as she was likely expecting, either. "Well, you know the whole story of us getting together after regionals. It's just been the fact that for the couple years that we've known each other now, things stuck together well, and there's no real reason for us to be apart otherwise." A slight blush of embarrassment crossed his face as he realized what he had just said. "Among some that could come up, anyway..."

Satoshi looked down at his plate now. Why did he feel super guilty all of a sudden?...

Hikari felt refreshed after speaking about her career path with pride instead of trying to keep it shut up for the evening. This invigorated her to dive into the feast with gusto and... tear apart most of the meat she got her hands on. Still, a lady had some manners to uphold, such as chewing as quietly as possible while keeping her mouth closed, even if it was stuffed beyond grace. As any queen would, nabs of the napkin came to remove any and all leftover sauce that stained her perfect skin. Though, she went back to being the silent one in terms of words, still not being all too great with conversation, and not wanting to start anything further with Mizumi so the boys wouldn't chew them both out later.

She just got Haruka back, last thing she wants is Haruka mad at her.

As her majesty reached for what was a plate of Chaliapin Steak, she listened to the hussy- Mizumi ask why the triad wanted to stick with Haruka. With food on the mind, she almost said because he's tasty.

"Because Haruka is a gentle soul", the queen began. "Kind and determined - two traits I fell in love with. The first encounter of my heart skipping a beat when he happened to get too close to me at the manor... nearly resulted in his heart stopping thanks to my father. The care he expressed for the arrogant tool I used to be touched me, and a year after that, even though some... nasty things happened with my emotional state, I saw eyes willing to follow me into Hell. Eyes that would yearn, even in a bottomless sea of despair.

I'm attracted to those who don't know when to quit."

Trying to avoid the mess of the time where the heroes had been locked away by Schwarzschild Dragon - the first of Link Joker's invasion, Yukino gave a "short" answer to Mizumi. While she could have gone on for answers, two of the more important traits were discussed that made the warrior want to protect and stand with the boy. A loving caress to her heart - kindness she felt she would always need when she no longer had the power to stand, even when she was an emotional trainwreck. Then, a mention of the War of Liberation tournament long ago when they fought in the early rounds. She'll never forget his desire to not give in, even when the odds were already stacked against him. To a stubborn commander, someone equally as stubborn was considered perfect.

That steak is also gone.

Yukino was starting to wonder in the back of her mind if Satoshi had actually planned for Mizumi to "invade" the triad. While the queen didn't like the idea or the girl for that matter, his feelings were getting clearer and clearer in her eyes. If she had some social prowess, she'd help push them together. Her best friend had been through as much as they had, so this was something he deserved, regardless of how she felt.

It would be a lie to say that Mizumi wasn't actually impressed with the answers she had received from both of them. After thoroughly studying Haruka through... invasive means, she learned more than enough so most of this was backwash she had inferred before. Although it came with more vigor and emotion from the two mouths themselves, so she accepted it without another thought.

Haruka was embarrassed and was already pouting. Not that he didn't like the kind words, in fact it was just the opposite. He was so happy about how his friends felt about him that he didn't want to stay any longer because he might not be able to handle anymore praise. He only accepts praise on his craft; his coffee.

Which he was having a cup of right now. A rather large cup. More like a tankard and then some.

"Thank you..." He awkwardly muttered to Satoshi and Yukino. He sipped his coffee trying to wear off the tense nature he had become accustomed to.

The evening progressed with a lot of eating. Just. Scarfing of food down throats. Haruka was almost rapidfire in eating any and all veggies. Contrary to popular opinion, he does consume other contents besides ice cream and coffee. He got a text from Sera.

"Hows the date yo? 'o w o'"

He used emojis. Haruka thought it was admittedly adorable his little counterpart was still so full of youth and things like that. He shot something quickly back.

"Its going good, thanks for asking. enjoy the dinner Mizumi left for you in the fridge. (>^-^)> nite Sera -haru"

Weirdos.

"So, Satoshi, before I forget to ask. How uh, did you and Mizumi even meetup? I was a bit surprised to hear her tell me you carried me home from the aquarium. I was... a bit more surprised to hear I actually went to the aquarium, if I'm being honest."

His memory was fading again, just a bit.

Satoshi kept staring at his plate. "We met at the beach, I thought she was kind of interesting...we shared a dance, and then next thing I know, we've swapped numbers and I found out you guys were cousins." Half-smile. "Kind of weird, really, I figured you would've mentioned a cousin like this. Especially given what happened to you a long time ago to make you end up on your own."

What was this feeling?...

"You were just out and about for some reason, couldn't explain why. So I just kinda took you back. You said you didn't really want to see anyone just yet, but since then, you seemed a lot better, so that's why..." He gestured with his fork at the whole table. "S'why I arranged this. Figured it would be better to have us all here, even if things've been rough recently. Gotta cherish the moments you're not flinging yourself into danger, y'know?"

He resumed eating, trying to float that feeling of his to the back of his mind.

Hikari remained quiet, eating her food, but also staring at Haruka. Her face read a million things, all starting with "Don't you dare go out when you're still injured and not one hundred percent", along with "How could you not want to see me?!" However, what took precedent was worry and concern, including the same possessiveness she always had. Now that her boys were back at her side, keeping them there was her priority. Haruka is okay now... Mizumi took care of him when the queen failed to protect him. Now, this time, she'll do Mizumi a favor and not let her have to tend to anything else. The knight served to safeguard her most cherished and take back what the Reapers had stolen.

Those eyes of hers were clingy.

Haruka blinked, listening to the words Satoshi said but really was trying to read the air around him. It wasn't particularly pleasant. He sipped out of his tankard, nodding at him. He felt honestly really bad about how it all ended up. That he was once again under the care of people instead of defending them himself like he had promised he would. Haruka's resolve became that of steel in his dream. The admiral Maelstrom was willing to put faith into Haruka, to push Lambros and Thavas past their limits. He was expected to do the same.

He nodded to Satoshi, with a confident grin. Whether this was intentional or not, Haruka really doesn't know. He feels ready to take on the world. Well, maybe a little less than the world since he's still not at 100% yet, but he's almost there.

"As long as you take good care of her, I'm sure she'll take care of you too. Probably."

Mizumi gave him the death stare.

"S-Something like that... yeah, I guess."

Haruka simply laughed a little in response, leaning on Yukino for a moment. He felt a bit tired all of a sudden. Not sleepy or exhausted tired. Cozy tired. The kind you get when you're sitting in place too long and just ate a lot of food.

Food coma.

"Don't worry about me anymore. I'll be fine."

That was for a multitude of people, but it was also for his comrades on the sea. Mizumi was pretty vacant about it, but she didn't respond. She simply kept on chewing on celery sticks to cool off her mouth after wings. Too spicy today, it seems.

"Anyways, sorry for so many questions. It's been tough getting back into the swing of things I guess."

Haruka scratched his chin as a waitress came back and filled the whole tankard with coffee again. Lord almighty, have mercy on his heart.

Satoshi stood up. "I'm...going to get some air, actually."

The restaurant had a porch overlooking the lake, and occasionally, people would go outside to eat. This weather, on the other hand, kept the tables inside, so if anything, people tended to smoke on that porch. Luckily for his lungs, no one was that night.

He needed to clear his head. What was biting away at it was definitely this sense of not being sure what he was doing. He liked Mizumi, he wanted to know her...but why did it feel like he couldn't know her? Why didn't he know what to ask? What in the hell was he going to do?

Yukino gave a little content sigh, happy to be with her lover in a relaxing environment again. Haruka was on her shoulder, and she tipped her head, leaning on his gently. Haruka said don't worry, but her job was to worry about him. A waitress returned to fill his entire tankard with caffeine and the smell almost killed her. Thankfully, the scent of more food she was bringing for the queen kept her alive. Before she could enjoy her next course, her cell phone buzzed violently. It was a setting for pressing alerts that demanded her attention as opposed to regular vibrates.

The text message explained the next Reaper assault had begun.

There was two of them.

"I need to go", the commander assumed her soldier's persona, gently lifting Haruka off of her shoulder, and rushing out of her seat. "The Reapers are striking at the mall. It's an unexpected situation with a new threat level, so I need to be there. My apologies for leaving early."

While she had true regret over not being able to allow this to last, the problem of double Deletors was far too pressing for the general to not participate so everyone wouldn't get killed. The girl kissed Haruka on the cheek quickly and left some money on the table to help Satoshi pay for his trouble, opening her phone, and walking out of the restaurant.

Sera sent a text nearly immediately. Due to his crow's nest on top of the banking building in southern Kizoku, he had knowledge of Deletor attacks around the time they began, and this time was no exception. Haruka got the text as his girlfriend was already out the door.

"Mega mall, asap. -Sera."

His texts got really serious when the situation was serious. But thanks for the notice anyways.

Haruka nodded to Mizumi and dashed out to the balcony, where Satoshi was. He must have been thinking really hard if he was just... relaxing out here. Not coming back inside to share the company was strange. Haruka dashed up to him tapping him on the soldier, Mizumi aiding to Satoshi's side and immediately taking his hand.

"We've got Reapers incoming at the mall. I understand if you don't want to be apart of this... you don't seem to be doing very well, but--"

"We need your help, Satoshi. It's now or never."

Haruka held out his hand, normally for a shake. This time it was for assistance. For aid from one of his closest allies and friends since the beginning of the life he decided to take on years ago.

"What do you say?"

Haruka knew Satoshi wasn't really feeling well. In fact, it was almost written on his face as clear as day, considering he had to make an exit for it. But despite the turmoil, Haruka requested his assistance once more. Not as a crutch, but as an ally. Not a shield, but another sword.

"I'm---"

"Hey. You with the spiky hair. Vanguard. We had a breakthrough."

Angelica's voice rang through his head. "If you shoot yourself...you might be surprised. Instead of a bullet, something else'll happen. Try it next chance you get."

Satoshi closed his eyes, then a look of determination went over his face as he opened them again.

"Let's do this."

Fuki, Koga, Solis, Kachidoki, and Gastor had all retreated from the battlefield, having obviously lost when dawn arrived. Chris had left to "help a friend", which they assumed was the imprisoned Sophie. Not only that, but Karin left early for some asinine reason again. Their moods weren't exactly great either, but only Gastor was the one loudly grumbling and growling in irritation. That, and Koga constantly scowling and going "Tch... damn brats" every couple of minutes.

"What's our plan of action now?" Kachidoki inquired as they all stopped. They all seemed to take quick notice of the fact that they weren't heading in the direction of Shop Handsome, which was a bit confusing. So the samurai assumed there was already a new scheme afoot.

"Change of how we do things. Harbinger has vanished with Chronojet Dragon. However, she has relayed orders to me through Imaginary Plane." Fuki responded, turning to her team.

"What orders?!" Gastor shouted excitedly while still angry, hands in his pocket and teeth clenched in fury.

"I will be given a new deck soon..." Fuki began. "Karin Ouriel is to be relinquished of Sharyu, Solis. You lost your bet, but you shall be promoted to power anyway. There's another idea in store for that girl... Koga, you may be in line for a new deck as well, but you've been ordered to go set up the new hideout. Shop Handsome is no longer necessary, as the Resistance knows of it. In addition to this, Chrisaline is to be... given Shiki's Seed."

New hideout? Chris gets a promotion? Fuki's changing decks? While the drones were surprised, Solis was more surprised by the notion that his ally in Overlord was to be stripped of her deck!

"Hold on, why am I still getting my end of the bet? Why am I taking Overlord from Karin?!"

"You are more useful if closer to your God of the Sun status. That girl is not useful to us as it stands due to her defiance and lack of dedicated action. That will be changed with an Overseer." Fuki responded to the bothered Solis calmly. Solis gave a nervous sweat and a concerned gaze, not wanting to annoy his superior with any sort of defiance, yet... It all felt so soon to be ripping away his ally's soul. This plan was to involve the sun warrior wielding the power of twin Overlords, becoming immensely powerful as others who played Overlord with Crossrides were.

"I'm not interested in a deck change, sis." Koga waved her hand about. "I'll head over to the cave and fix the place up. You guys should find Lua, then one of you kids needs to drag the comatose Shiki over too. Looks like Chris gets to play devil in the coming days."

The drones proceeded to disperse.

Solis remained.

"We need to talk, where are you?" was texted to Karin.