Seafoam Sendoff
As the days began passing by in Rivule, the day of Seafoam Kingdom's even arrived. The morning was spent with the usual bustle during an important event as everyone got ready to head over to Seafoam Kingdom. This event was a good way to spend my last day in Rivule, to see everyone of Rivule one last time before setting off to Therris.
I stood out on the balcony, watching Tsuna's servants bustle about coming and leaving the palace grounds in carriages. Hearing footsteps behind me, I looked over my shoulder, noticing Tsuna approaching me.
"Darling..~ I know today is your last day here, and I know you're willing to spend it with us at the event. I want to give you something, well Rivule wanted me to give you this," Tsuna said, a soft smile curling on her lips as she met my gaze.
I watched as she took my hand, a faint blue glow shining around my hand. I noticed a Crest forming on my hand, The Crest of Waves. Looking at it, I couldn't help but to smile at the sight of the Crest. Tsuna held my hand tightly, placing it upon her cheek.
"It was nice having you with us, Ryoma..~ It was nice to see you again after five years as well. Just know even when you leave here after the event, I'll always be thinking about you..~" Tsuna said, her tone soft and affectionate.
"And I'll be thinking about you always as well, Tsuna..~ You'll always be my first love.." I said, my tone lowering to match hers.
Tsuna's heart fluttered at my words, her smile growing wider. She took a step closer, wrapping her arms around me for a tight and warm embrace. I held her as well, gently rubbing her hair and humming with contentment.
"I love you, Ryoma..~" Tsuna said softly, nuzzling my chest lightly.
I smiled at her heartfelt confession, holding her closer to me. "I love you too, Tsuna..~"
The two of us kept each other in each other's embrace for a moment longer before finally letting go of each other. We stood outside on the balcony, conversing with one another about our plans going forward. As we talked, I heard my C-Gadget beeping, taking it out of my pocket and noticing Lyna was calling.
Answering the call, the screen extended, showing Lyna's face on the translucent screen. "Hey, Lyn, what's up?"
"Hi, Lord Ryoma!~ I'm calling to tell you that I'll be joining you on your departure to Therris after the event. We would have to leave before the gates close and Queen Edea closes the gates around the Fourth Moon Rising since that's when her children go to sleep," Lyna said, walking with Sera around Rivule Square.
"Oh! Also you'll need a guide to navigate Ixia Forest because the Mythical Beast changes the layout of the forest to keep wandering men from finding Ixia Village which leads straight to the Kingdom of Therris!" Lyna added.
"A Mythical Beast with Forest Lordship like that? We're really ramping up in difficulty huh?" I said half jokingly, a soft chuckle escaping my lips.
Lyna giggled softly, nodding her head. "You're pretty lucky the Southern Queens like you. Queen Edea is pretty curious about you since the news of you saving Rivule was widespread. It's already trending in the papers, not to mention you already conquering three kingdoms."
"Lucky? Don't downplay my charms now," I chuckled, leaning against the rails of the balcony. "Anyways, is there anything else you need?"
"Other than wanting to chitchat for a moment? Not really, but I know we'll have at least four suns and seven moons to chitchat while we journey around Therris~" Lyna answered, humming happily.
"I'll let you go now, My Emperor..~ See you in Seafoam Kingdom~" Lyna said, her voice lowering to an attractive tone.
Tsuna rose an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "She's...really attracted to you."
"It's probably just either puppy love or a deep infatuation due to my past achievements. Either way I don't mind it," I said, glancing at Tsuna with a smirk.
"Yeah, of course you wouldn't mind it..~ You love it when women swoon over you..~" Tsuna teased, pressing her finger against my cheek with a soft giggle. "Now come inside, Prince Charming. We've got to get ready for the event."
"Alright, Alright," I said, laughing softly.
Tsuna and I went inside the palace so we could get ready to head to Seafoam Kingdom and so I could pack up my things for the long journey to Therris. After the two of us got ready, we left the palace to meet up with Mega so we could take his boat to the Seafoam Kingdom.
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The journey to Seafoam Kingdom was peaceful, the boat ride along the river streams to the kingdom was calm and relaxing. I leaned against the rails of the boat, looking out into the waters and noticed wild Normal and Rare Fish Beasts swimming alongside the boat.
"We shall be reaching the port of Seafoam Kingdom shortly, Lady Tsuna and Lord Ryoma! The tides here are calm and the beasts are tame! Smooth sailing ahead!" Mega called out, sailing the boat with a proud smile on his face.
Tsuna smiled at Mega's reminder, nodding her head. "Thank you for the heads up, Mega..~"
Saffron and Phoebe sat with Tsuna, enjoying the salty breeze and the calls of the beasts around us. They glanced over at me, who was recording data using my C-Gadget to show to my brother who's been wanting to see the sights of Uthea for a while.
Soon, we made it to Seafoam Kingdom, Mega docking his boat at the port and allowing us to get off the boat. As we exited the boat, we were met with the sights of Rene, Ravea, Sati, and Serine, all four of them greetings us.
"Everyone!~ I'm glad you all could make it in time!~" Rene said, her tone a mix of excitement and determination to make our stay as pleasurable as she could.
Tsuna smiled at Rene, walking toward her and pulling her into a sisterly embrace. "I'm glad we could make it as well..~ We've all been looking forward to this event."
Rene returned Tsuna's hug, smiling happily and humming with delight. She let go of Tsuna then looked at me, her smile warm and inviting. "Let's all head to the city. That's where the event is taking place."
We all began to follow Rene to Seafoam City, the entire city decorated with wave like streamers, pearls, and other jewels for the celebration. The music echoed around the entire city, the air filled with laughs and lively sounds of vendors wanting to attract people to their stalls and families enjoying themselves.
Peaceful beasts roamed around the city, adding more beauty to the kingdom Rene envisioned and wanted to rule. As I wandered around with Tsuna and Rene, I took in the sights and snapped pictures with the two of them to cherish various memories with them.
Taking a break, the three of us sat on a bench and watched everyone enjoy themselves. I looked over at Rene, noticing a bittersweet smile on her lips. She hadn't even touched her seasalt ice cream, the popsicle melting onto the ground.
"Rene..? What's wrong?" I asked, gently wrapping my arm around her.
Rene closed her eyes as she leaned into my embrace. "It's just...I hoped to spend more time with you after everything you've done for us. I know you have a long quest ahead of you, but it's just sad knowing you'll be leaving after the event..."
I listened to her words, a small smile curling on my lips. "It's not like once I leave here, I'll never return... I'll come back and visit any time you want when I'm back in Rivule. I know sooner or later, I'll have to backtrack now that I know of the many things I missed in previous Kingdoms like the Mythical Beasts in Arthirus and the Battle Maiden in Pyroc.."
"I know..." Rene said softly, her smile gradually growing. "Can you promise me something?"
"Anything," I replied, looking down at Rene.
Rene looked up at me, meeting my gaze. "I've always wanted a husband...so when you return to this kingdom, can you promise to give Seafoam Kingdom a king it truly deserves. I believe I'll be ready to marry by the time you return..~"
I nodded, accepting her request and promise. "Of course. I'll be happy to give you and your kingdom the chance to have a loving king to rule over them along side you.."
Rene smiled happily, now even more excited for the future. "Thank you, Ryoma..~"
Tsuna smiled at our interaction, happy to see Rene's beautiful and warm smile returning to her face. She turned to gaze upon the festival once again, her eyes slightly widening as I pulled her into my embrace as well. The three of us relaxed together on the bench we sat on for a moment longer, enjoying the peace.
After a while, Rene stood up and walked toward the grand podium, ready to give her speech to the citizens of Seafoam Kingdom. Everyone gathered around to listen to Rene's speech, the area growing quiet to give Rene their full respects and attention.
Rene took a deep breath then exhaled softly, clearing her mind. "Welcome everyone to the Seafoam Festival! Some of you might remember me as Princess Rene from the Kingdom of Rivule five years ago, but now...as I stand before you, I am now Queen Rene of Seafoam Kingdom, the original Kingdom once ruled by the now Goddess of Pure Waters, Tethys!"
The crowd cheered and applauded Rene, cheering and celebrating Rene's upbringing. Rene looked around, noticing how happy everyone was to see Rene evolve from a Princess to a Queen.
"To be ruling over the same Kingdom once belonging to a Goddess is a huge honor, and I give you my promise to make this kingdom not only rise again to its previous prosperity, but I promise to help this kingdom stand as equals with my sister's kingdom, The Kingdom of Rivule!" Rene continued, grabbing the Sapphire Trident and closed her eyes.
"With this Sacred Treasure, I shall honor the Goddess of Pure Waters and pray for her to bless Seafoam Kingdom as she's done with Rivule. Now I want to welcome everyone, to Seafoam Kingdom!" Rene finished, raising her trident in the air then the Sapphire Pearl within the trident shined brightly.
Everyone cheered and applauded Rene, the air filled with lively support for Rene and her rule over the Kingdom. Rene smiled warmly at her people, hearing them all chant her name. She looked over at me and Tsuna, noticing our approving smiles and nods.
As the festival continued, I looked at the time on my C-Gadget noticing it was time for me to head out. With a final glance at Seafoam Kingdom, I began to make my way toward the boat with Sera, Lyna, Tsuna, and Rene following behind. Mega hurried to the boat and boarded onto the boat with us, undocking the boat and sailing it back to Rivule.
"Thank you for coming out to the event, Ryoma. It meant a lot that you made the time to see me before your departure," Rene said, standing beside me and looking out into the horizon.
"I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world. My conquest isn't the only thing important to me and my conquest wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have the support from you all..." I smiled, glancing at Rene.
Rene glanced at me, returning my smile with a gentle smile of her own. "I wish you luck out there, Ryoma..~ You better not go out there losing to anyone~"
"Heh, you know I won't be losing to just any old person. If you didn't know, the only person who can defeat me, is me," I said, my usual confidence evident in my tone.
"You should trust him when he says that..~ I've never met anyone as prideful as him who can actually back it up," Tsuna laughed softly, leaning against the rails of the boat.
Rene giggled, nodding her head. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind then~ Looks like I have nothing to worry about then.."
The boat ride back to Rivule was peaceful, yet holding some weight of bittersweetness. Once we made it back, we got off the boat and I called Nebula to me, mounting her saddle and helping Lyna on behind me.
"Lyna, be sure to stay safe out there!" Sera said, smiling at her sister.
Lyna smiled back at Sera, happy to finally see the softer side of Sera instead of her usual monotonous, analytical demeanor. "You know I will! You stay safe as well! Hopefully, me, you, and Elisa can meet up once again together like we did in Pyroc! I'll see you soon, Sera!~"
Sera waved at Lyna, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah.."
I smiled at the two then looked at Lyna. "You ready?"
"Mhm!~ Let's go!" Lyna said excitedly, wrapping her arms around my waist and held onto me.
I nodded, looking at Tsuna and Rene one last time before urging Nebula forward. Tsuna and Rene waved toward me, expressing their goodbyes to me as they watched our retreating forms disappeared off into the distance. Despite the sadness gnawing at their hearts, they kept a bright smile on their face, knowing I would return in the future.
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The journey to Therris began smoothly, the river streams that ran at the sides of us gradually merging with the growing signs of nature around us. We began to enter the forest, lush greens surrounding us and creating a serene scene of the natural beauties of nature.
The smell of various fragrances of flowers hit our noses, enveloping us in a sense of calmness. Beautiful flowers began to bloom around us, but my Crest of Arcane shined on my hand, preventing me from being captivated by the serenity around us.
"These flowers...they have the ability to invoke euphoria?" I asked, looking around and noticed multiple ninja following us.
"Lord Ryoma! Ixia's Guardians, The Nature Ninjas!" Lyna called out, her eyes quickly searching around to track the ninjas.
I summoned Fiamma, the Crest of Blaze shining brightly on my hand. "Hmph! Looks like they wish to fight, but I guess I can understand the reasoning behind it. A man is traversing their lands."
"Wait you're gonna try to fight them?! It's a six on two!" Lyna exclaimed, whipping her head toward me.
I chuckled, readying my battle axe. "I like those odds~ In fact it's getting me all fired up!"
I jumped off Nebula's back, allowing Lyna to take control of Nebula then landed on the ground then twirled my battle axe, getting into my stance. I carefully watched as the Nature Ninjas swiftly maneuvered around me, using the forest to their advantage to further stealth themselves.
The first ninja propelled themselves toward me, slashing swiftly, but I blocked the slash then kicked her away. I evaded another slash from the second ninja, countering with a powerful slash but the ninja blocked it. They grunted at my overwhelming strength, groaning as I broke through her guard and knocked them away with my attack.
A figure watched within the forest, watching as I battled against all six ninja on my own. The figure giggled softly, warping the forest and altering my senses.
'What the..?' I thought, looking around and noticing I was in a different part of the forest. 'Ahh, I see now. The Mythical Beast warped the forest...this battle can get very tricky for me..'
A ninja appeared behind me, slashing down at me but my body turned into black clouds, allowing me to evade her attack then I reformed behind her. I slashed through her, a barrage of delayed fiery slashes striking her then knocking her away.
I ran forward, listening to the rustling around me and noticed the ninja following me swiftly, keeping up with my speed. I smirked at them, dodging each of their attacks with fluid movements. Each zipping slash and swift strike met the air as my reflexes were too quick for them to handle.
"Alright, you all want to play rough? Let's play rough!" I exclaimed, summoning the Leo Crystal, Solar Peridot and grabbing it. I let out a roar as I began to transform into my Zodiac Drive.
My fiery aura surged around my body, pushing the ninja away and my regel presence caused each of them to hesitate. I looked around and sensed a powerful presence around me, not knowing where the source came from.
Suddenly, I noticed two floral missles hiking toward me then evaded them swiftly, causing them to hit the ground and generate two massive explosions. I slid backwards, noticing a woman walking forward and studying her appearance.
The woman before me had a vibrant and dynamic appearance that blended elements of nature, technology, and animalistic traits. She had wild, spiky green hair with cat-like ears, giving off an energetic and feral vibe. Her expression was fierce and determined, which complements her overall dynamic aesthetic. She also had a long, leopard-patterned tail, emphasizing her connection to feline traits.
She was dressed in a mix of armor and a warrior's outfit, with a notable orange and gold color scheme. Her outfit includes a long coat with intricate gold patterns, armored gauntlets resembling feline claws, and a midriff-baring top, showcasing her as a powerful and agile fighter.
The woman was also equipped with a massive, ornate cannon equipped with a large bayonet knife, a weapon that had the same feel to Serine's. Her weapon had a blend of steampunk elements with gold and green detailing, incorporating nature motifs like flowers and vines, which entwined around the weapon.
"Well, well~ Isn't this purr-fect~ A man managed to slip through the entrances of the Kingdom~ You must've had help getting here, but now you'll be leaving here inside a casket~" The woman purred, resting her weapon against her shoulder.
I chuckled softly, crossing my arms as I stared at the woman. "Based off your intricate appearance and your War Aura, you're a Battle Maiden aren't you?"
"Nyaha!~ This man is very keen!~ You'll make for a purr-fect playtime!~ I am a Battle Maiden of War! I am the Super Mega Ultra Meowster of Nyan-Jutsu, Briar!" Briar meowed, getting into her stance with a prideful smile.
'Super Mega Ultra what..?' I thought, chuckling to myself with a bead of sweat rolling down my cheek.
"Who are you, Male Warrior?!" Briar asked, her energy through the roof.
I rubbed the back of my head then closed my eyes with a chuckle. "I am Emperor Ryoma, Reincarnation of Emperor Ascea also known as The Tyrant."
Briar squealed with excitement, her tail swishing from side to side quickly. "Nyaa!!~ I'm gonna be fighting THE Emperor Ryoma?! If I win, imagine all the catnip Mistress Edea will grant me!~"
'This chick is truly energetic. Something about her really intrigues me. Her power level is constantly rising and we haven't even begun battling. Since she is a Battle Maiden, she does possess the Strength Seal and the Crest of Strength, so that might be a factor,' I thought, rolling my shoulder.
"Alright! Emperor Ryoma! It's time for us to play and if you win, Battle Maiden Briar will lead you to the village!~ If I win, you die! Do you agree?" Briar asked, getting into her battle stance.
I smirked and closed my eyes, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. "I accept, Briar. Let's just hope you can keep up with me."
Briar smiled and her ears flicked. "I like your confidence!~ Now prepare yourself! It's time to play!"