Chapter 397: Catching Up, Part 1

"Damn... you're crazy, you know that?" Juggernaut was tapping her palm against her head as if she was trying to smack it back into place. She must have been feeling dizzy and getting real sick of the tilted view she had of the world thanks to her problematic neck.

"Me? I was born with a fundamental pillar affiliation. What about you? You're not exactly normal yourself! If you were fighting against Mako, the other fundamental champion, you would have actually probably won. His magic isn't really 'magic' per se and just summons physical objects that can't even hit you. Rather, I'm not sure you'd lose to many people in Sheryashka at all. Other than Hans' Ifrit, you might even just be immortal down here... So I guess I should ask again if you're sure about joining the sect? I mean I'm pretty sure I know the answer, and this isn't the kind of person I take you for, but it's only right I really make it clear what you're missing out on by staying here. You'll become an overlord of the domain you know? Right now there are too many other independent forces who would prevent such a thing but Yulo, Hans, and part of the C.O will all be leaving Sheryashka uncontested in due time. Forget Xasca, you could be the ruler of literally everything. I have no intention of giving up control of the sect so you won't realistically ever be in charge of it, if that's what you're gunning for, and only staying here in Sheryashka will net you power. Not to say you can't form your own group within the sect and lead that but leadership positions won't exactly be easy to come by and they won't afford you as much power as you could have if you stayed here. Again, understand that I want you to come along but im just being honest."

"Pft, you make it sound like you don't. I appreciate the thought but my mind is set and I want to be a cultivator more than I want to be a leader of any kind or some of poster child for the fellahin. I don't make for a good leader really anyway and would much rather somebody else shoulder that burden. Back when I was responsible for fellahin paperwork the workflow throughout the entire clan almost came to a standstill and it was disastrous. I had to be replaced in every and any logistic-type duty I was given and I have zero intention of ever learning how to actually do that kind of stuff. Rather, if anything, I'm surprised you're that kind of person. I should be asking if you're sure about all this because the workload on your plate is going to be sizeable, no?" A mean riposte from Juggernaut left Ares scratching his head with a wry smile.

"No no, I'm very much like you in that regard. I fully plan on hiring enough people to do that stuff on my behalf, dumping it all on them, and running off to go adventure. Of course there are some duties I can't run away from but I'll tackle those when they arise instead of throwing it all at my good buddy Ruddy. I'm already on the look out for things that could benefit the sect and who better to bring back rare treasures than the strongest person in the sect anyway? I do more for the sect outside it than I do just sitting there and using what little brain power I have to sign things off endlessly. In that sense, I won't be making the same mistake as Yulo... Although I am lucky to be able to carry the sect around with me otherwise this would all be a pipe dream. Anyway, not to cut the party short, but I think we're done here for now? Unless there's anything else you want to discuss that is. Otherwise I've got a letter to read!"

"That letter... Who's it from anyway? If I'm being nosy you can just ignore me."

"Family, basically. Should be a couple different people chiming in and making their voices heard. Haven't seen them all in a while so it's good to be in contact with them again."

"... I see." Juggernaut didn't appear to have any particular feelings towards the mater but it seemed like she was a bit quieter than usual after what Ares had just said but he didn't really understand why any of it was problematic... Although if the whole name thing from earlier was complicated then maybe it was family issues... Ares wasn't going to pry! It wasn't any of his business to go digging around for that kind of personal information, especially not if the other person didn't want to talk about it. "Well, guess I'll be on my way then. I'll head back to the base with Arla and drag that sorry lot along with us." Sandy was referring to the scavengers although, again, these people did not need to be 'dragged' anywhere. They were probably infinitely close to seeing who could race to the base the quickest to avoid Ares' ire. Juggernaut still didn't seem to be quite back to normal but she'd likely be ok again by the time they next met and Ares would refrain from mentioning family in any way because it was clearly a topic best avoided in her presence.

"Ciao for now, Sandy. See you around!" Sandy's mood seemed to improve somewhat after hearing her new name so she gave a slightly more spirited wave before leaving with Arla in tow, who also gave a quick wave, leaving Ares and Aejaz to head back over to the caravan... The citizens who were marveling at Ares before weren't entirely sure how to interact with him now but really the person who had it the worst was Aejaz. The two flirting hussies from before were back at it again and this time with renewed vigour! If Ares was his brother then it was a two for one package and they could get into the family of a lifetime if they were successful! Also Aejaz had to be at least somewhat capable himself too right? That was the logic they were operating under and, while they may have been correct, Aejaz seriously wanted nothing to do with them! He had his two partners and that was more than enough for him! He hadn't planned on more than one and only tolerated it because of the circumstances, there would be no new additions to his love life and of that he was certain! Actually, Ares had suggested Aejaz check in with Yulo just in case but his cowardly brother refused because, at the time, Allie was shooting him a glare in the back of the head from around the corner. She was peeping at him with narrow eyes until he denied being interested before going back to her alchemy. Aejaz really wasn't interested in expanding his relationships any further, though, so even though he was specifically curious about getting his future prophesised he opted not to go... None of that mattered here, though, because he was trapped in the same damn carriage as before with the exact same floozies! Other people had scarpered from the carriage in fear of Ares, although they were replaced by intrigued mortals who thought he was cool and pestered him for an autograph, but these two damn women refused to budge from their seats come what may. Aejaz respected the dedication but not the cause!

As for Ares, he was basically the carriage driver's best friend now because he was the one being called upon to squash any scorpions that came by. He was also asked to cook some if he didn't mind, as well as the whole autograph stuff that was going on, so his once-peaceful ride was now rather busy. He didn't care too much, though, because this was really just going to be a one time thing. From now on he would absolutely be Voidwalking to the Riddlemyd now that he knew the route like the back of his hand. He could still clear out monsters along the path for anyone leaving after him but sitting in a carriage like this was pretty boring honestly. Knowing he could have been there already was eating away at him because he wanted to get out of the carriage and dip but he felt like he had an obligation to see this journey through and keep everyone protected. Abandoning them, especially while this close to the end, was a pretty scummy thing to do. Although Aejaz would no doubt stay here anyway but Ares was fine with waiting while handing out some scorpion meat to the entire caravan. Plus it wasn't all bad, he'd met Arla and Sandy so that was a net positive no matter how he looked at it!

Ares did request a small break from his non-stop conversing with everyone though to finally go about reading the letter properly! He'd only glanced over minor details and had yet to read it all from start to finish without skipping a beat. Now was as good a time as any as Aejaz was trying to steal away Ares' conversation partners to get away from his own. Well they were more like stalkers than than anything but Aejaz was just happy to speak to someone else other than the two women for once! Ares opened the letter and read it aloud in his head and was able to even imagine the voices of the people who were writing at any given point. It was an incredibly long letter but Ares wasn't complaining!

Hello husband! (We would have put your name here but Bellona was insistent on getting payback for you not doing the same.) (Ps, Bellona didn't want me writing her section for her because she didn't trust me to do it properly so she'll also be penning down some thoughts. She doesn't want me to see them but I'm going to look anyway...)

Ares could imagine the two of them bickering about that last statement for an entire day straight but Enyo likely won in the end and got to see everything otherwise she would have retracted her plans from the letter and given up... Not that giving up was something she knew how to do, however, so Bellona was pretty screwed in that regard. Stay strong, Blo Blo!

First and foremost, because I know you worry, we're all fine and nothing of note has happened to us. Yes we've gotten into fights but nothing that Bellona and I couldn't handle. Anyway, now that that's over and done with, we miss you too. I don't know if Bellona will be too embarrassed or not to write as such when her turn comes but she's probably missing you more than I am!.. She keeps calling me annoying but I know she loves me too. Such a silly little sister, I'll be sure to discipline her properly.

And Enyo was already getting horny. It only took a paragraph but she was clearly feeling a certain kind of way about Bellona's resistance. Rather than it being a turn off she seemed to be enjoying the chase so good for her. That aside, it was nice knowing Bellona pined for him as he did for her because she could be reluctant to say such things. Ares could imagine her flushed face when he returned and demanded a hug and a kiss as she struggled to be honest with her feelings. She'd do it eventually, she'd powered through worse embarrassment before, but it was cute every time!

I'm getting distracted... I came up with an order for everything I wanted to say so I'll get to the lewd stuff later... Even if I'm in the mood to talk about it now... Damn, Bellona ran away. I think she could tell I was going to try and grope her again. She's gotten particularly good at detecting my mood and running away from me but don't worry! I've gotten good at locking her in the room with barriers! Anyway, I digress. I'll start from the beginning with the journey to the Grecian lands.

Bellona, Appa, Trixie, Allie, and I all hitched a ride on some horse drawn carriages. One wasn't enough so we hired two only to find out the carriage owners were bandits. Naturally they were dealt with and, though I'd usually be insistent on jailing them... As much as it pains me to say it... I took a leaf out of your book and killed them. Their attitude bothered me and we were already quite far out from Red Sun. Selfishly dragging everyone back, and making them put up with the creeps until we returned, didn't feel right. Plus, when they initially attacked us, they kept harping on about our rings and how you were a bad husband for not protecting us or being there for us and that angered me for many reasons... I guess I was in a bad mood after you left, and I'm not exactly proud of what I did, but I don't think I regret it either. They weren't good people, hardly any different from that Isasz young master back at the restaurant we visited together, so killing them didn't make me feel any kind of way in the moment. It almost felt natural, like I should have been doing this sort of thing form the start.

Maybe you're a bad influence or maybe I'm just becoming a different person in some capacity... I don't know but I don't mind it because everyone was ok with the decision, and even encouraged it, so maybe I was the one overthinking things. Maybe it was because they were perverts they bothered me so much or maybe I'm just sick and tired of doing things the 'right' way when others clearly aren't making any effort to. Regardless, I definitely understand your view point on these things a lot clearer than I did back when we first met. Do I agree with you one hundred percent? No, and I've said this before but I probably never will, but I understand your thought process at least. They were just so weak and pathetic that killing them felt insignificant. It wasn't about right or wrong, they were just an eyesore in every conceivable way... On the bright side to this run-in, though, they did have some stolen goods that made us all a bit richer and so we were all able to go shopping freely when we actually arrived at the Grecian lands. We appropriated the carriages and it took us about a week of nonstop travel but it was a pleasant enough ride with decent weather. As we got closer to the Grecian lands Bellona and I were recognised a fair bit so trouble didn't really come our way anymore... At least until we got to the gates of the capital.

At first I didn't understand why we were being ambushed but I later realised the situation in the Grecian lands currently was quite complex. They were holding a trial for a dangerous criminal and were hoping I could lend my lie detector to the proceedings after I arrived. The ambushers didn't want me anywhere near a podium as the lie detector interrogation was going to ruin all their plans. Obviously they were no match for us and they were all arrested promptly afterwards. The trial is upcoming, as they had to delay it temporarily after the ambushers were caught because it changed the situation considerably, so I don't know the specifics, but apparently they were plotting something massive. I don't know if it has anything to do with this 'Torchbearer' you mentioned in your letter but I'm sure I'll find out in due time and I'll let you know when I do.

For the most part, the duration of our stay here has been grand. We were showered with gifts in praise of the Legions on day one... It felt a bit wrong taking everything, as Bellona and I have mixed feelings about the Legion currently and aren't exactly the exemplars of justice they were convinced we were, but denying their enthusiasm and reciprocity for the Legion's favour was hard. Bellona took the lead there, I'll admit, and swiped up everything before I could even think of rejecting it all with an excuse. I can't tell if she's better or worse at that sort of stuff than I am but she definitely got the job done either way.

Our rooms are all luxurious as can be and we were gifted some very fine clothing specially tailored in the region for their specific culture... It's rather sensual so I look forward to showing you it in great detail!... Ah, Bellona came back and told me I was drooling... Speaking of, Bellona also looks very good in the clothing but she hasn't let me see it again since last time because I got a little frisky. Prude. Trixie seems to love her clothes, she's always liked such outfits anyway, and Allie... Didn't really care much for it, actually. She likes more frilly clothing, I guess, so she went out and bought some new dresses with the money Aejaz left her. She also picked up alchemy ingredients that were only harvestable locally and has been having a blast, sometimes literally, with her cauldron. She might have enjoyed this trip the most of all us, actually, but she does kind of wish Aejaz would write her a letter. She says 'hi' but also wants you to tell Aejaz to grab a pen already! Trixie is just happy to know he's ok, and seems to be fine with letting him be independent for long stretches, but it's obvious she wants to see him again at some point too.

Bellona has been rather girly, actually, and spent a lot of time on this trip in the baths. It's unlike her but she was getting her nails done and relaxing in the spa here and there too. I mean, she can be lazy, of course, so that part of it all isn't surprising, but all the manicures and pedicures are a new side of her. I think she wants to get used to it so she can show off in front of you with her smooth skin and pretty nails but don't tell her I said that. I'm burying this in a wall of text so she can't see it otherwise she'll relentlessly deny it until the the end of days during her own segment. She's even been getting makeup lessons from the the high class hetaira wandering about the palace. I think she actively avoided discussions about night time activities though... Although one of the courtesans told me she mumbled something about wanting to figure it out herself. Very adorable behaviour coming out of the tomboy as of late! It's made it hard to resist pouncing on her... Not that I haven't tried... And not that I won't...

Anyway, last but not least, me. (I would tell you about Appa but our precious daughter has just been happily following everyone around and making us smile no matter who it ran around with). You know me. You know what I've been up to without having to even tell you, surely. I've been hunting criminals of course! But not without reason, necessarily. Sure it's a hobby of mine, and one I feel passionate about, but I've been thinking about Red Sun. We're going to need a police force or something equivalent. We have guards in place already but after swapping mayor there's been a bit of awkwardness in assigning posts and rooting out the problematic guards who are prone to bribes. When I return I;m going to direct my efforts towards getting the Red Sun guards in shape and this is something I've already discussed with Hans before we left. I'm going to be the de facto chief of 'police'. I might not always be at their beck and call to make decisions but any decisions they can't make will fall to me as well as the general methods they'll resort to and their operating procedures. I'll be training them to be strong enough to deal with criminals of any kind, how to spot corruption within the ranks, and just generally make sure they're the best they can be to keep the city safe. So I'm getting practice in now. The Grecians have a group called the Scythian archers and I asked if I could temporarily be placed in charge of them for the rest of my stay. I was welcomed warmly and with great enthusiasm so all is well and I've managed to successfully contribute to a safer Grecian land. Not to brag, although I undeniably am somewhat, but the crime rate has fallen drastically as I've been good at spotting incidents before they happen. I owe that to you and my familiarity with your devious ways. If I can spot you trying to do something naughty then what chance do amateurs have?

So yes, our stay here has been as wonderful as we hoped and everyone is doing fantastic and relaxing to their heart's content... But we still want to go home. It's strange to think about how much more attached to the sect I've gotten now that there's a real reason to care about it. But I do think about having all the family around, gathering around a big table to eat your home cooked food... It really makes me homesick but thankfully rubbing the ring helps keep those feelings at bay somewhat. It's warm and reminds me that you'll be back soon enough so I can see that dumb smile of yours again... I'll try not to waste too much time being sentimental otherwise I could write a lot more on that topic so I'll move on.

Massai is back? I remember him... What a weird run in. I won't ask for the specifics of what's been going on with you, the monk, and tthe eagle but I wish you all the best of luck fumbling around each other because you all sound quite stupid to the rest of us... I kid. But on that note, stop being so self-degrading. you always call yourself an idiot or a moron but Bellona and I don't always like hearing it. We know you're not and you know you're not so, at least with us... Tone down the rhetoric please? You can keep up the act in front of everyone else but we know you better. At least in these letters between us you don't have to pretend, you know that. Also, while I'm telling you off, don't think we didn't see that massive explosion! You can't hear it right now but I am sighing very loudly! I am not looking forward to having one more explosion up your sleeve that I have to keep an eye out for... Especially not one as big as that... I won't even ask where you pulled that thing out of but keep it tucked away for the sake of public decency damn it!... Oh who am I kidding? You've probably already cast it again, haven't you? Silly bandit... Whatever, just stay safe at least. We also care about you just as much as you do about us... Although you're way more accident prone than we are so keep that in mind while you explore the Riddlemyd.

Moving on again, yes, we would like some of your food actually! If you could send us some, we'll take anything, then we'd be more than happy! It's not that the food here isn't good, it's great, really, it's jsut not made by you and we all miss it. The more food the merrier... What next... Oh, right, yes, Allie and Trixie are getting along. Quite well actually as it seems like Allie has finally come to terms with everything and fully accepted it. She's been ok with her for a while now but they actively go outside with each other and have long chats compared to before so I'm sure Aejaz will be glad to see improvements there. Also, it's good to hear he's... Still stealing, I guess... I'll never understand his compulsion but at least it helps with his cultivation...

Hm, what else...

Presents! Yes, presents! Presents are great and Blo Blo and I are looking forward to them! Bellona especially because she's really wondering what you've gotten her. I'm curious too, actually, because I know you can be thoughtful. Also, don't fret too much about not getting anything unique for me, I know you would have tried your best. Plus I really am happy with the kind of stuff you probably picked out anyway. We actually bought some presents for you too and I'm thinking you can guess what kind of presents I bought!... Although I think I might enjoy it more... I believe Bellona wants hints as to what her presents are about but I'll leave it to her to ask in her segment. While I'm doing a quickfire round of miscellaneous topics I'll also throw in Appa's message to you here because it's short, sweet, and simple. 'I love you dad! I'm having fun, and eating lots of Snappas, hehe, but I can't wait to see you again soon!' End quote. I asked if Appa wanted to write a letter of its own but it said this was enough to get its feelings across and now I can't help but wonder if I've been too long winded or its just different when Appa does it... Such a wonderful daughter we have. Also a hard worker as it has indeed been cultivating diligently. I may or may not have caved and given it Snappas as treats when it did good... Sorry! But Appa is simply too cute and soft to say no to... Also, on the topic of cute, Bellona is very excited to meet this Nibbler you mentioned and I'm a little interested too. If he shows up back at the sect we will give him pets and treats until you return.

Last three points then I'll let Bellona take the wheel. Regarding Pagoda Ares, sorry but I have no clue how you could contact him. The best bet you have is to try and think of anything you might share in common that isn't restricted to the pagoda. My first and, admittedly only, thought on the matter was maybe some kind of interaction through the void. You know more about that place than I do but I trust you'll figure something out. If it really is true, that your clone has potentially met some other wives, then I really do encourage you to get those memories asap as I'm dying to know what kind of people they are! Chop chop mutt! Get to it and make contact! Also, while we're on the topic, have you found any more women in Xasca? Poor wording, perhaps, but you get the point. If you're ever unsure about how to proceed with someone who interests you just send them back to me and I'll give 'em a once over! No but, seriously, don't worry too much about the prophecy. If you start concerning yourself over whether or not the person before you is one of the prophesised few you may end up unintentionally changing things in a way that can't be undone. Don't have any regrets because I know you won't let them go. I'll say it again, when all else fails, and you don;t know what to do, just send them to me and I'll figure it out. There's a reason you put me in charge of the harem when you're not around and it's not simply because I'm a suitable 'replacement' but because there are some things I can see and do that you cannot in this regard. I have my own thoughts about the harem, and there is something I've been considering, but we can talk about that later. I would like to run it by Yulo again, actually, and see what he says about things on a broader scale... Now I'm probably just making you confused. I'll keep it simple, don't worry about any of this but also don't forget it! Send. Them. To. Me.

Second to last point, the Goddess. She actually has shown up again albeit very briefly. It seems she struggles to get a word in but can just about barely manage it once every now and then. She congratulated me for doing what she could not and going all the way with a man, mentioned that I looked happier now and that she was jealous, and asked if she could sift through my memories to get second hand experience of what she was missing out on. I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it but figured it should be ok with you because it's basically me asking anyway. I said yes and she's been gone since, presumably rewatching the events between us unfold like some bad romance film... Well at least the erotic scenes ought be decent enough for her to get a kick out of... But there was nothing from her regarding anything complicated. It was just to say hello again and remind me of her existence. Her voice was faint, though, so I'm guessing you're right in that she will only show up rarely before I apotheosise. Ought to see more of her from then on but there'll be a dry spell from now until then I reckon.

Last point, on the subject of 'dry spells' Bellona's a tough nut to crack! I've been hammering away at her resistances for quite some time now, and I'm definitely getting there, but it will still take a while yet. It's been a while since I got my hands on some nice flesh to play with and Bellona's right there damnit! I'll get her good one way or another, and she's not leaving the Grecian lands a fair maiden, so I'll have to report back on my progress later. She's becoming more receptive to my advances, even if somewhat begrudgingly, so you don't have to be worried about her. At this point I think she's just dragging out the inevitable and we both know it. I've taken her lips a few times already and I don't plan on stopping there next time because my tongue is itching for action. I can understand her hesitancy regarding this change in our relationship but she's got nobody to blame for this but herself! She wanted you and this is part of the package but she seems to understand that well enough now so lewd is on the horizon!

Before this letter becomes R18 I'll leave things at that and start wrapping up my segment. Bellona seems eager to talk to you, even if only like this, so I'll say a few last things and get out of her way... Though I might try creeping up behind her and making out with her neck. She's a bit weak there and moans escape unintentionally if you get the right spot!... She's glaring at me now for writing that... Anyway, it's been great to talk to you again. We both love you dearly and want nothing more than to reunite so try not to take too much of a detour? I know you probably will, you get roped into things all the time, but keep your lonely wives in mind! If you leave me with no other choice, I will bully Blo Blo instead! By the time you come back she might be head over heels for me instead of you! I kid, of course, I can never take your place in her heart because it's too deeply entrenched at this point. I know this because the same is true of me.

Stay safe, husband.

- Enyo.