Enter the Forest

 Everyone had a memorable time at the beach. If there was any semblance of forgetting such an event, the scene of Ume walking through town naked should make for a helpful reminder. With everything stored at the Dojo, Rumin couldn't help but to notice the absence of Hiraku.

 "You'd think that he'd at least clean up the place or leave 'someone' in charge before stepping out. Just look at this place." She groaned while helping her sister restore order to the dojo. Thankfully it wasn't all too bad aside from the buildup of dust and unorganized areas.

 "No point in worrying about it. This isn't his place to begin with anyway." Gale responded with a shrug as she organizes the more heavier objects in the facility. "Judging by the look of things, it seems he's been away since the Tournament started. Either way, not leaving this place a mess."

 Rumin would nod, agreeing with her sister. "Yeah... Dad put a lot of effort in making this a home for us as well as a place for his students to safely practice. Which reminds me... His school doesn't seem to have any bad reputation to speak of."

 The question never really struck Gale until now, raising a brow before contemplating the thought. "Judging from what we've heard, people don't seem to be fond of Dad himself rather than what he teaches. Whatever happened before he met us must've been a pretty big deal."

 With all the cleaning taken care of, the two siblings took their conversation to the halls of the building. "No kid. Those monastery folk really had it out for him in the way they acted. Likely they used to be affiliated, but what happened changed all of that."

 "You got a point there." Once they got to the living room, Gale was first to plop into the couch while Rumin settles for a spare chair. "Whatever the case, are you looking forward to the camping trip?" She lounged in the couch, wriggling until her large body was comfortable.

 "It's the perfect sendoff to our week of events. I enjoyed the experience I've had with everyone during this period. Haven't seen you smile so genuinely like that in a long time." Rumin giggled in a teasing manner, getting comfortable herself by kicking up her feet on a footrest.

 Gale's expression turned soft, smiling a bit. "Well I have my dear sister to thank for that... You've always been outgoing and adventurous to the point it drives me on edge, hoping that you don't get into any trouble. I know that it's not my job anymore to protect you, but remember to not be afraid to lean on me when things get difficult to bear."

 Rumin could only nod, leaning back a bit. "I'll be sure to remember that. Us sisters do have to stick together. Just not enough to end up stuck like glue."

 They both shared a laugh until a student passed by, notifying them that there were people at the gate asking for them. There was a good idea as to who they were since there shouldn't be anyone else receiving any potential visitors. Both siblings got up and headed to the front gate, welcoming their familiar guests.

 "This place is noticeable, and yet pretty out of pocket to find. I guess it pays to be located out of public eyes." It was none other than Maya, looking around the area out of curiosity as she waited. Accompanying her was Ume, who took a good look at the dojo, marveling at it's design.

 They were both taken out of their trance when the gate opened, followed by Rumin rushing out to grab the two into a hug. "Glad you both finally made it! We're just doing a few chores before heading out for the trip. Feel free to relax while we finish sort things out."

 Gale could only look on with a light smile, waving to her friends. "Shouldn't take too long; so there should be enough time to relax. We plan to be out there and set up before sunset. Since you're both here, we can all enjoy some food together before we get on the go."

 Maya raised a brow as her tail wagged in excitement. "To think that you can cook as well. Your father was truly a multi-talented man. Though I have to admit that this place is pretty big for just three people to maintain by themselves."

 Ume agreed, finally worming her way out of what felt like a constrictor's grasp. "I'd very much appreciate that Gale. Thank you for having us." She bowed respectfully before stepping inside, signaling everyone else to follow suit.

 Everyone decided to gather at the dining table, which was decorated to serve multiple people, which was a bit odd for a place inhabited by three people. Maya took note of it, but Ume was the one to speak on the matter. "Pretty big setup for the three of you don't you think?"

 Gale was busy getting things ready in the kitchen, leaving Rumin to converse on their behalf. "Well Dad is a pretty big man. If you thought sis was massive, just wait until you see him. In truth, between him and Gale tend to eat a large portion of food, but who could blame them.

 They certainly got the bulk to fit the bill." She giggled nonchalantly and continued on with her spiel. "Remember when we talked about how much of a good man he is? Time to time a hungry student or individual would grace the dojo and be treated to a filling meal.

 He has no qualms with those that continue to ostracize us. Those that have met him know this firsthand. Even with possibly the entire Hemisphere against him, he still puts others before himself. There's a story he'd always tell us when were little:"

"There once was a man, shunned by the world.

His deeds were just and his heart was pure.

One day, his life took an unsuspecting turn.

A dragon, a goat, a snake and a bird.

They became the greatest of friends, for all to see,

But then it all fell apart when things turned sour.

The dragon wept; the snake began to roar.

The goat struck thunder and the bird began to soar.

Pillage and ruin spread across the land,

But the man knew that he had to make a stand.

For many days and many nights,

The man fought for his very life.

His body tattered and heart began to ache,

And yet his spirit was not willing to break.

Eventually, the man had finally reached victory,

But world was plagued with despair and misery.

What once were his enemies, were still his friends;

So in their stead, he took the blame.

The friends were met with riches and fame,

But the man was left with scars and no name.

Now he walks with all the shame,

For the price of sin had been repaid."

 The room was filled with an air of silence as both listeners tried to make sense of what they just heard. There had to be more to this tale but before they could ask, Gale had already entered the area, serving everyone their separate plates.

 "It isn't much, but I'm sure you'll still get your fill in. Least enough to curb until we get to our destination." What was served was nothing to gawk in awe at. A simple stuffed steamed bun with stir-fried vegetables. On a side-dish, there was a fruit medley dumpling accompanied by a cup of herbal tea.

 Just by smell alone, Maya could tell that this was going to be a good meal. Her tail couldn't stop wagging behind when being served and immediately chowed down on her food. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she bit into something too hot, resulting in the others to share an amused laugh at her expense.

 For what seemed to be an hour, they all chat amongst one another about their experiences up to this point and the anticipation for the tournament resuming tomorrow. Gale admitted that this was the most she's gone without training, which Rumin was gratefully relieved to have a break from exchanging blows on the daily.

 "I admit... You've really outdone yourself with this Gale. Guess that's the perks of not going out. Must've had a lot of free time on your hands to get this good at cooking."

 Gale could only shake her head. "Not as much as you'd think really... Most of my time were spent training; so you could imagine how much snacking has become more of a habit for someone constantly on the go. Whatever I know now came from Dad when we were little."

 Rumin nodded in agreement after finishing her tea. "Believe me, she's not kidding. It's why I step out of the house at least a few times a week to catch a break. Sometimes I come home to meet her passed out on the training grounds. Try carrying 'that' around every couple of days."

 Gale would pout, huffing to herself while Maya and Ume could only smile at the sibling dynamic being played out in front of them. After everything settled, Rumin went to clean up before they leave while Gale gathers their things for the trip.

 "So Maya? You looking forward to this last night out?"