Chapter 146 – Phoenix Fight

"Ahhh... fresh, ash smelling air. It's so good to be finally able to out of these masks... you don't have to keep following us around even to this, Geld?"

"Heh, Ikarus does have a point. You've been following us around like a lost dog for a week now... that wasn't meant to be an offensive"

"No worries Queen Petra! I am part wolf after all, I take it as a compliment!"

Like a bad smell lingering around, the Adventurers guild representative Geld has been following us quite often this passing week and is even wagging that tail of his right now. Still not sure what to make of this demon servant but at least he allows us to ignore those pointless fights against the golems. We still have to handle the wraiths but they are child's play if you know any magic after all.

Any other updates... oh, family went back to the cave because dragons always struggle living around humans and the gasmasks are no longer needed as the dust is finally at safe levels to breathe in. That actually leads nicely onto where we're going.

As for what we're actually doing right now, we're just about to arrive at a meeting place outside in the snow where us figureheads of the settlement are. It's nothing speculator, basically just being a picnic area with a few tables and benches, but it is nice to finally be outside breathing normally once again. Even if the cold isn't appealing for pretty much everyone here.

We must be the last arriving since Zeki, Ariza, Penelope, Marcus, Garry, Jaxon, Geld and Aesa are already here. Pretty much everyone who normally doesn't come out is wearing big, fluffy winter coats only really excluding Aesa who is in that pink dress of hers again. She's been wanting to spend more time in human form recently so who am I to say no?

Anyways, we take a seat sweeping off some of the snow on the bench beforehand while Jaxon can't help but speak first. He looks pretty uncomfortable right now.

"I know it's a little abrupt but why am I here queens? This seems like I'm out of place"

(Ikarus) "Because, it'll be good for you Jaxon to get outside for a while. You rarely come outside even before the ice age we're surviving through"

(Garry) "The lass has a point boy; the air down there can't be doing you or any of the miners any favours. There's only so much filtration systems can do if you're spending every second breathing polluted air"

(Jaxon) "Disagree, the air is much more suitable when slightly smoky but no point in arguing over it. Doesn't help with the cold as well"

Don't normally see Jaxon complain this much but I guess he is like a hermit when it comes to being underground, can kinda see why people don't want to be outside with the cold as well so I'll just let him get on with it.

Trying to do something nice for a change, I get up off the table, get a metal pot out of storage and precede to light a controlled fire on the table. Everyone around here seems to appreciate the gesture even if the main reason I'm doing it is because of thirst.

"Give me a second and I'll heat something up to drink as well... you all wanna know something funny? I'm not even sure the main point we're all even out here. What was the reason again Marcus?"

"Well... I'm not too sure as well. Other than celebrating the fact the air is finally safe and the cold is very slowly heating up, there wasn't anything to really discuss. Things have been going as smoothly as possible, even the crops we were worried about have started to bloom"

"There's got to be something we need to worry about, right? There's always a problem to solve around here"

(Marcus) "But there really isn't anything we need to worry about Ikarus, settling down and making do is the only real plan we can realistically achieve till everything subsides. The only thing that could be an issue is if another invasion happens but with the endless winter, it would be suicidal to stage a war"

Marcus is right though; wars famously turn to shit especially in the winter so attacking through a literal ice age would be idiocy. Then again, the last attack felt idiotic so not sure there.

"Let me get this straight then, there was no need for this weekly meeting? What a freaking waste of time it was inviting you all out then!"

By this point, I'm serving people the brewed tea I made and my annoyance seems to get few chuckles out of everyone, except Zeki but he's still grumpy at having jugs. Should've brought our maid Eve along to do this but eh, I'm not that snobby to serve people drinks.

"Heh, this is a good thing Ikarus, you're looking for problems that aren't there"

Maybe Petra's right but not having problems around here just feels weird, I guess I could just be me being bored from doing nothing but humping every day. Nah, boredom is a terrible choice of word for something I love so much, it's just I need a little more variety to stimulate my brain rather than the kinkiness that we get up to all the time. It's only getting worse the longer this ice age lasts.

"Hehe, and I'm apparently the stupid one around here! Look at Petra's lover making us all get cold for nothing!"

(Garry) "You are still the stupid one Penelope; the two lasses could lose their heads and still be more intelligent than you"

(Jaxon) Didn't you ask some of the miners for a pet rock once Penelope?

(Marcus) "A pet rock? Oh right, I heard about that, everyone was thinking you were being serious"

(Geld) "It still shocks me how you're able to control an entire guild at times"

(Aesa) "Aesa agrees with everyone else, target -Penelope- has same intelligence level as a pet rock"

(Zeki) "Good one fake orangey, although I think the rock might be slightly smarter"

(Ariza) "You don't have to join in as well Zeki, everyone's already being mean enough to Miss Penelope already"

"Ariza's right! Why are you lot all so mean to me!?"

(Petra) "Heh, you don't help yourself Penelope"

Can't help but chuckle alongside Petra, bullying Miss gender bender has become a thing everyone can get on board with now. We didn't even start it or encourage it but some of the things she comes out with just baffles everyone at times. The pet rock incident was supposed to be a prank she planned except she ended up walking it more than once, at least that's what I heard.

Ignoring Penelope's pouting while sipping the tea, I continue guiding the meeting despite this now being pointless. Might as well end it if this is the case.

"Then... I guess we say screw it, any official meeting is over then. Ariza and Zeki, you fancy hanging out with me and Petra for a bit? We're staying outside though"

"Hmph"

"Oh, and Aesa of course. Don't you be looking pissed at me just because you now know how to use that face of yours!"

I've now got fake Ikarus pouting as well, I didn't forget her since I assumed she'd be alongside anyways. Where else would my robotic wife be other than my side?

"Erm... ah, fuck it. The cow's not here to torment me right now so why the hell not?"

"I guess I can leave the hospital for a little bit, the students seem capable enough"

Good, we can hang out with the OG phoenix gang for a little while, it's been too long since we've done this. Even if I'm not sure what we're even going to do yet...

__________

"Is there any reason for this orangey or are we just going to wander like idiots in the cold?"

"Uh huh, I'm not really sure as well"

Walking through the snowy filled settlement like the usual, I'm trying to think of something fun we can do together but nothing has come to mind just yet. Oh, we did have to shoo Geld off a little by sending him on a 'quest' to help out the other council members. Really couldn't come up with any other excuse really, feel a little bad but we're not adopting a demon worshipping puppy. He does seem like that from the brief interactions we've had.

"Considering the dryad is away with her sister not currently groping you every second of the day, I thought us fou-, five could so something like the old times, even though I'm not sure what though. Being stuck in that hospital all the time can't be good for your sanity as well Ariza"

(Ariza) "I guess it's good for som-..."

"Hang on orangey, you don't even know what we're going to do!? If it was that important, you could've just waited till the snow melts since we're all going to go to the dwarven kingdom together. This just feels like you're trying to parent us or something"

Oh, forget to mention that. Both Zeki and Ariza wanted to come along when we finally decide to confront Jarl Denver about everything that has gone on. Not sure why but whatever gets them doing something different for a change, they must get a little bored with their routines. It's the same exact thing with me and Petra but we both don't have any hobbies though... except you know what...

Zeki saying something about the parent thing has irritated me a little so I'm just going to toy with him then.

"Unironically... you two are kinda like our kids. Ariza's the older being all grown up and ready to do what she wants even having a job. And for you Zeki, me and Petra have to make sure you don't get gobbled up by an immortal dryad. It's like we're a married couple and you're going through puberty dating someone much older than you"

"Heh, we still haven't discussed the wedding thing properly Ikarus"

"Oh yeah, it seems a little irresponsible to have something like a winter wedding in an actual ice age though"

There's no need to rush it, both me and Petra understand this completely. We've got until the end of time to do such a thing, obviously if we don't get defeated by Gods or demons first.

Something we said seems to have shocked Ariza but Zeki is his usual grumpy self.

"I so freaking hate you at times oran-... hang on, what the fuck!?! When did you two decide on that!?"

"It took you long enough to realize what Petra just said Zeki, they just announced they're getting married!?!"

Wait, why is this a shock... oh, that's pretty dumb...

"Erm... I've just realized we forget to tell others about this Petra"

"Heh, guess we did Ikarus. It was on the same day as the earthquake after all"

"That was like three weeks ago! Are you two dense or something!?"

"Uh huh, Zeki's right here. How could you forget to tell us?"

We've basically been engaged for three weeks at this point and both of us have neglected to actually tell anyone else!? Okay, I can see why those two are shocked now.

"Heh, it wasn't really the time to bring it up. Things have been hectic so it seemed a little selfish to inform everyone. You know what the people are like, they'll want a big royal wedding probably"

Oh crap, how the fuck did I not realize that!? We can't be telling anyone else about this, it's bad enough I'm probably going to have to wear a dress but having the entire settlement there to celebrate it? Nah, this bird ain't ready to be married! I mean, I am but let's delay this as long as possible...

"Uh huh Petra... I call dibs on being bridesmaid and helping with everything though"

"Why would you even need to call dibs on that brother!? In what world would I want to help out with anything? The only role I have to annoyingly do is have a serious chat with orangey about never hurting sis and threatening her about it"

Heh, it's cute that Zeki thinks he needs to have that brother to future husband talk that used to happen with marriages. It's also pretty adorable that he thinks he can threaten me as well, I should probably say something but Petra's having none of it.

"Heh, you really think any threat would work against Ikarus, Zeki? Hate to break it to you, but she's more powerful than me now"

"Bullshit! I could kick orangey ass and you know it! She's already stolen you away from us so I'm not having that she is somehow more powerful than you!"

He actually looks pissed right now hearing that. Do I really need to say anything? There's no point in bragging or anything like that, I know I'm now stronger than Zeki. What's the point in bragging about strength anyways?

"Heh, you really don't want to go there Zeki. You'll regret it"

"Petra's right Zeki, even I don't think it would be fair if you fought against Ikarus now. You do rely on fire way too much after all"

Even Ariza's taking my side, you don't want to go down this road kid...

"Now you as well brother!? Fuck this, we're fighting right now orangey!"

"*Sighhh*... at least that settles what we can do today..."

__________

Finding an open area far enough from any trees or buildings, me and Zeki are currently staring each other down in the snowy landscape while both being ready and willing to die to prove a point.

Ariza does look a little concerned but she doesn't like fighting after all, she's good to have around if something goes wrong though. Petra, she's just grinning like a madwoman and Aesa is just standing there without a care in the world. I'm a little annoyed that I have to do this but if beating up Zeki pleases her, then screw it. I guess I can enjoy giving the kid a little taste of his own medicine, maybe inflict a groin kick or two... that's pointless! It'll massively lose efficiency with Zeki like this.

"You better not underestimate me orangey; it will hurt if you do!"

"Yeah yeah kid, I'm letting you have first hit though. Let's see what you can do"

"Don't start crying when it hurts orangey!"

Zeki precedes to kick off our battle by aiming his hand towards me firing flame... is he stupid?

"Are you seriously using flames against me kid?"

"Haha, I'm not that stupid orangey... watch this!"

Figuring it out pretty quickly, the kid decides to use his incoming flame as sort of a smoke screen rushing towards me blade in hand. It's honestly pretty impressive the blood mad Zeki can use his brain but it won't make any difference.

What Zeki wields is a pure black sword, maybe made from obsidian? Anyways, should probably avoid this attack instead of admiring the short sword since it is coming straight for my face.

"You're actually slower than I realized kid. You just said to try, right?"

"Shut it orangey!"

I'm not trying to piss him off but being serious though, that attack was just as slow as everything else. Zeki always seemed like a complete beast when witnessing him fight and now, it's almost as if he's like a tutorial NPC. Hopefully, he can speed it up a little more.

Once again, Zeki tried to repeat his attack getting a tad quicker but no much for me just stepping to the side of him missing my face by a foot or two. This repeats a few more times before his anger starts to explode...

"What the actual fuck is this!? Is orangey on drugs or something? How the fuck did you get this quick!?"

I'm literally doing nothing other than blocking or avoiding his attacks, I don't think I'm moving that quickly though. I did say he can land the first hit but this feels like I'm just bullying him now.

"Heh, did already warn you Zeki, been training Ikarus for long enough now. Do you want to give up before she grows tired of you?"

"Uh huh Zeki, this isn't even a fight"

"Not yet... I'm going to land at least one scratch on her!"

Trying to psych himself up, Zeki aggressively charges at me switching up his approach trying to stab me... and I just step aside from the charge again. At least this time around he anticipated it...

Trying to be sly, Zeki tries to slash my back just after the failed attack and I'd be impressed with him, if I hadn't easily blocked it with both two weapons clattering the attack away. Even though he still is holding his blade, this is starting to get pathetic...

This fight being like this, it can't all be result of training and improving my level, right? It's almost as if after defeating that demon lord, everything seems slow. Like, all fights seem more and more disappointing.

[<Is Ikarus purposely forgetting that stats are higher than target -Kellearzar- now? Aesa is unsure whether to use the term 'God' yet but this must be close>]

'I guess you've got a point... but a God though? I can't be that powerful, right?'

[<Ikarus did want to be a swords master after all, now goal has finally been achieved>]

'I think you're just going overboard Aesa'

It's pretty mad how I'm able to just casually talk with Aesa like this while Zeki's trying his hardest to swipe again. This is pitiful at this point so I'm going to retract my previous statements of getting a hit first. This isn't entertainment.

"You mind if I go on the attack now kid? I'm getting a little bored"

"Nah, fuck this! I ain't about to get my ass kicked by orangey so it's my fucking loss"

"Seriously kid!? You're not going to try calling it a draw or something like that?"

Zeki being reserved in defeat!? He's still unable to contain his anger but to think he actually knows when to call it quits? I actually wanted to fight him then but he's already lowered his sword by now.

"Orangey, I may be nasty at times but I ain't stupid. I've fought with sis more than enough to know when I'm screwed. Getting embarrassed like a weakling isn't my style so I'm quitting this pointless battle. If we ever fight for real, this won't happen but still... fucking orangey man..."

It almost makes me want to attack him now knowing his opinion on the whole thing, I'm so powerful that even Mr obnoxious doesn't want to spar. I'm not getting arrogant since melee combat continues to end in losses against Petra but still. Actually being overpowered something like this is really a strange feeling, I'm not sure if I need to brag, laugh manically or even just shrug it off.

"So... if you don't want to spar then, what now?"

"Honestly orangey, I'm done. The cold is pissing me off and all I want to do is sleep wi-, fuck! She's not even home right now! I'm going back to my room; brother will spar with ya if you want"

"I'm not fighting Ikarus Zeki! Why even say that?"

"Whatever brother, we can always play a board game or something instead..."

Like the strange sibling duo those two are, both of them leave us three without even saying goodbye, Zeki's not even listening to her which says it all really.

I guess Ariza is the only person who's fully capable of actually calming Zeki down after all, they really are close I guess. I could see it coming across as a little weird to others but eh, we've all got weird relationships and this settlement is based on weirdness. Who wants to be normal anyways?

As I go to join the other two remaining, I'm greeted by a blushing Petra, probably admiring my speed, maybe? This can only mean one thing in the entire world and I'm not about to miss this opportunity especially after a 'fight'. I'm always the one getting attacked after all...

Managing to get her before she gets me, I manage to initiate the kiss first this time around even getting both my hands on her cheeks. I'd like to say it takes her back a little but if I were a second later, she would've done the same exact thing to me. Smooching is always something brilliant but I'm a little disappointed. I think her unexpected kisses that come from nowhere have spoiled me a little...

"B-Brilliant like always"

"Heh, you even stutter when you start it"

"O-Of course, you l-love it though... Anyways, it's just down to my gorgeous fiancé and robotic wife, you two have any ideas or hobbies we can do?"

Should probably focus more on doing something the three of us can do, Aesa is wanting to be human today after all.

"Erm... I'm not too sure as well Ikarus. You any ideas Aesa?"

"Aesa has a couple ideas, but Ikarus must promise not to judge"

Aesa's face is red, I'm not sure if it's her blushing or coldness but it's definitely weird seeing her like that. Maybe she's just trying to mimic me, I don't know. Probably that, she can't even feel the cold in the first place.

"I won't judge, let's go do something then..."

Let's do what Aesa wants, I wonder how this'll go...