Woes and Temptations

After a grueling journey through the treacherous Payon Forest, our heroes of White Trinity came face-to-face with the Battle Vixens for a third time. However, the arrival of the Holy Saviors, seemingly led by the dark Priestess Tsubaki, have emerged as a new threat as they began their quest to acquire the Emerald Emperium.

With expertly-crafted strategies and some luck, White Trinity had managed to seize victory for a third time in the Emperium Jungle as the other guilds retreated in a shocking defeat. This inevitably gave the White Trinity guild incredible amounts of fame and adoration – so much that those who supported the Battle Vixens would begin to lose faith in their abilities – much to the chagrin of a certain scarlet-haired knight.

It has now been a month since the battle for the Emperium Jungle, and White Trinity's leader, Ray Kaza, along with his Monk friend Lee, had arrived at the southern entrance of Prontera with Raien and Thiji close behind. The excessive downtime has put a little bit of rust in their fighting skills, and the Gun-Knight thought it would be a good idea to get some training in prior to the next installation's emergence…

"I still remember when we showed off our Sacred Fire Blitz, Lee! That was something else!" Ray spoke. "I wish they recorded that or something!"

"No kidding! I thought we were in trouble when Lupi set you on fire," replied Lee. "It's like those ladies hit harder and harder each time we fight them."

"They're just mad that we've kicked their butts for the third time in a row now!" Raien interjected. "I wouldn't blame 'em. I'd get pissed too if I lost that much."

Thiji, however, remained silent, lost in his own little world as always. They would approach the Prontera Square minutes later, where the scattered citizens would soon converge into large crowds, making maneuvering difficult.

Lee: Whoa… you see anyone, Ray?

Ray: How can you see anything in this city?! There is always so much going on in this part of town.

Raien: I blame the Merchants.

Ray: At any rate, there's no sign of the Vixens or the Saviors. Let's keep going.

After they made their way through the crowd, they spotted a woman in a purple kimono heading towards the direction of the Prontera Sanctuary. Without hesitation, they rushed over and confronted the figure, assuming that it was whomever they thought it would be.

"Stop, you!" yelled Ray from afar. The figure stopped and turned her body, revealing herself to be none other than Tsubaki.

"What do those ingrates want with me now?" she thought to herself.

"And what are you doing in Prontera?!" interrogated the Gun-Knight. "Up to something funny, I bet!"

"For your information I study here. Surely you of all people would know that," Tsubaki defended, gesturing to Lee. "Is there anything wrong with a Priestess trying to keep close to the Allfather?

"I… guess not…" Lee answered with a shrug. Tsubaki then chuckled.

"You boys are so predictable," she subtly taunted. "Save your energy for the Frontier – that is where you'll need it most. I, however, have many things to do, and little time to do them. Be safe, boys…"

Tsubaki gave them a bow and proceeded into the Sanctuary before the doors closed behind her.

"Looks like everyone's just taking a break right now…" Lee thought aloud.

"Indeed," spoke the Gun-Knight. "At least until the next installation shows itself."

"What do you want to do about this R&R, Thiji?" asked the Ninja. There was no response. "Thiji?"

They turned around and saw the Wizard had vanished from the group. They turned back around and saw the Sanctuary… "Think he went in there?"

"He had to," Ray replied. "But we can't worry about it now; we really should be training – the Battle Vixens are definitely doing so."

"You're right, Ray. Let's head somewhere suitable for some practice; Thiji should be able to find us," Lee said, following Ray out of the city.

Meanwhile, Thiji was indeed inside the hallowed halls of the monastery. He had entered the chapel area and sat down on one of the pews as he relaxed, listening to the organ player at the far end of the room. Botan & Momiji were studying somewhere else within the Sanctuary, and greeted Tsubaki with a bow as she entered…

Momiji: Lady Tsubaki? I think I saw someone coming in the Sanctuary not a moment ago.

Tsubaki: Oh? Who was it?

Botan: I think it was that Wizard clad in blue robes.

Tsubaki: Thiji…? I wonder what he is doing here. You two, continue with your studies. I will take care of it.

Botan & Momiji: Yes, Lady Tsubaki!

Exiting the study hall, the Priestess would slowly make her way down the aisle and come to Thiji resting peacefully by himself, the music seemingly lulling the Wizard to sleep…

Tsubaki: (chuckle) Good morning, sir. I did not think you'd be sleeping here of all places, and without a book in your face.

Thiji: What…?

The Wizard opens his eyes as Tsubaki took a seat next to him.

Thiji: Oh… good morning, I suppose.

Tsubaki: I have seen you and your… disposition. Have you ever considered becoming a Priest? You fit the criteria for one; a shame you chose another path.

Thiji: I chose what I chose as it better suited me and the element I so expertly wield.

Tsubaki: How true you are.

Thiji: Which reminds me, should you not be studying as most Priests do?

Thiji would feel the tension slowly rising, and would attempt to leave the chapel before it grew any higher, but a snicker from the Priestess in ebon robes would halt him, curiosity making him still.

Tsubaki: I only wanted to engage in conversation with you… especially regarding that Heal-Do child.

Thiji, turning around to face Tsubaki: What of her?

Tsubaki: Oh-ho… so you do give a care about her?

Thiji: Hardly… though I would like to know why you even brought her up in the first place.

Tsubaki: Is it not obvious, little Wizard? During our little squabble in the Emperium Jungle, I couldn't help but notice her morale would dwindle whenever she came face-to-face with you. I would say that the girl is very unwilling to do you harm. Surely she must care.

Thiji: Sorry to disappoint you, but that is old news; Heal-Do has been like that ever since this whole conflict began. Of course, you would have no idea about this since we did not run into your ilk until later on. Which raises a further question, why do you care about her anyways?

Tsubaki: You blow love's temptation away like a heap of dry leaves in the wind. For if you did love her, something unfortunate may have befallen her – and ultimately you – in the long run. Warnings aside, you are perfect for Priesthood.

Thiji: Be that as it may, I simply do not love her. Try as she will, it will have no effect on me.

Tsubaki, thinking: Like a man on a mission, this boy… very impressive. Which reminds me... I wonder where she has gone to. Probably off cleaning herself at her favorite spot again… hmph.

The Wizard would leave her without another word and exit the Sanctuary altogether, heading down the streets of Prontera City. As he did, he would run into a familiar face in an even more familiar outfit. One of the first Kafra that he and Raien met since coming to Rune-Midgarts – Kafra Pavianne.

"Good morning to you, Sir Thiji! The Kafra Corporation is always here for your adventuring needs!" she greeted in the usual Kafra way. "How can I help you today?"

"Hello again, Pavianne," the Wizard greeted back. "I need someplace to relax and think. Do you have any ideas?"

The purple-haired woman pondered for a moment before a light bulb appeared by her head.

"I know of an island off the coast of Izlude where a lot of couples like to go!" she explained. "It is a tropical paradise/honeymoon/vacation spot that was opened by King Tristan Gaebolg III after realizing the amount of capital it could gain and add to the Kingdom's Treasury!"

"My, how shrewd…" commented Thiji. "But otherwise generous. Thank you, Kafra Pavianne. Give Miss Nora my regards."

He gave a bow and flashed a ticket to Pavianne for a free ride to Izlude, where he would take a ship to the fabled honeymoon island. Without wasting any time, he was already on board the next ride there, and the weather seemed fair and promising enough for a peaceful sailing. These precious moments of peace gave the Wizard time to contemplate on all that has transpired since the Emperium Frontier's inception: the ever-vengeful wrath of the Battle Vixens; the arrival of a third entity that is the Holy Saviors; the many close calls that they have had battling both forces on several fronts; and the true mystery behind the Emperium Stones. All of this and more the Wizard pondered, and all that he could surmise was that the fighting can only get more difficult as the conflict continues, with new and strange monstrosities to conquer; wondrous and dangerous dungeons to explore, and definitely more obstacles to overcome.

And Heal-Do… the Water Elf who seemingly covets him deeply. Thiji was never someone to deviate from his mission objective, but he would always attract the feelings of another without even deliberately trying. Regardless of what and how she felt, he shook it from his head and set his eyes on the horizon – the honeymoon island was in view – Jawaii.

The locale was amazing, just as Kafra Pavianne described. The people were friendly and cheerful, and there was parties and dancing all around the housing area. The beach was sparse save for a few Normans scattered here and there. Thiji knew that this was an excellent place to relax, and so he decided to make his way to the coast, where he'd find a special island in the shape of a heart.

"Has to be where they take photos…" he thought aloud. After a few minutes of basking in the ocean breeze, a hand would reach out to him grasping a drink – what seemed like a pineapple daiquiri. When he would turn his head, however, he would get – in his case – an unwelcome sight…

Thiji: What in -? Heal-Do?!

Heal-Do: Hello, my lord…

The Assassin blushed heavily, but attempted to hide it.

Thiji: How strange that in Jawaii, of all places, I would find you here.

Heal-Do: You think you're the only one that needed some time alone? To relax and think? I had honestly no idea you'd choose here.

Thiji: It is still morning time. There aren't many people around the beach while it is still cool. Plus the place is very lovely, I've noticed…

Heal-Do: You are absolutely right about that…

The Wizard and the Assassin watched the sun rise for several moments. Being on the other side of Rune-Midgarts, they were several hours behind from the mainland – therefore, the sun had only begun its ascent into the heavens. Heal-Do would then turn to Thiji…

Heal-Do: I have been wondering for some time now, Thiji… is there a reason why you do not show any affection for me?

The Wizard did not respond.

Heal-Do: All this time, I had thought long and hard about this matter, and I wanted to know. There is no one around to hear this, so please tell me… why?

Thiji: Simple: I do not have time to be fraternizing with the enemy.

Heal-Do: What? Fraternize?

Thiji: "To associate or form a relationship with someone –"

Heal-Do: I know what it means! But… why fraternize? I could honestly care less about what my other sisters think… It's my choice; they cannot hate me for it.

Thiji: Boldly stated, my dear… however, I simply do not have the time for such relationships. Also, the rest of White Trinity is training for the next big battle, and I prefer to rest before actually joining them.

Heal-Do: So… you don't…?

Thiji: I am afraid I do not.

Heal-Do: Not even a small amount, my lord…?

Thiji: No.

The Assassin then moved in front of him so that their eyes would meet, Heal-Do being the only thing he could see.

Heal-Do: But there must be something… deep down inside you, there must be something… anything… I just know it.

Thiji, thinking: I give her credit – she's persistent… (Aloud) I will listen as much as you want, Heal-Do, but it will not avail you. This Emperium Frontier is becoming more and more dangerous, and I cannot have my mind distracted by this. This will only slow me down… You'll understand – hmm?

Heal-Do took his hands into hers and stared deep into his eyes.

Heal-Do: Lord Thiji… sometimes love might save you from even the gravest of situations. I have come to realize that now. Someday, if we ever reach that far, one of us will be in dire need of help… and only the other will be the one to save them. Perhaps, it may be – dare I say – destiny.

The Wizard slowly took his arms away from the Assassin and turned his body, his back facing Heal-Do…

Thiji: I do not know much of destiny, but I am highly certain that two highly-skilled fighters such as ourselves would fall prey to such a quandary where one of us will end up having to save the other… not that I do not believe you, but… it sounds like nonsense.

Heal-Do: Is it? Is it, Thiji? Is it truly nonsense? It could happen.

Thiji: Well, we will most definitely find out for ourselves, won't we?

The Wizard would then take out a Butterfly Wing from his pouch.

Thiji: I sincerely apologize to end this little… rigmarole early, but I just remembered to reunite with the rest of White Trinity.

As he would begin to wave the Butterfly Wing in his hand, Heal-Do rushed over and embraced the Wizard. Though it was ephemeral, she felt the slightest bit of happiness before being pushed away by Thiji, and vanishing into thin air. After he had disappeared completely, Heal-Do placed her hands to her heart and gazed out into the ocean. Tears would begin falling from her cheeks…

Moments later, another Elf arrived in Jawaii atop her pet bird, Mukuhawk. It was none other than Elua, the second youngest of the Battle Vixens, coming to check up on her baby sister.

Elua: Hey, Heal-Do!

She noticed her weeping and ran to her side.

Elua: Whoa! Are you okay? What's wrong?

Heal-Do, sniffling: N-Nothing… it's nothing…

Elua: Oh, no, there's something definitely wrong here.

Heal-Do: You would not like it if I told you...

Elua: Nothing in this world will make me forget that you are my sister. Come on, Heal-Do… talk to me.

Heal-Do: Fine, but… Lupi and Aege, they can't learn of this. At least not yet.

Elua: I swear to keep this secret.

The Wind Elf leaned over and moved her green locks aside so that her ear would be close to Heal-Do's lips so that she would be able to whisper whatever it was that had Heal-Do so upset to her…

Elua: (Gasp) No… way! Is this for real?!

Heal-Do: I'm afraid that it is…

Elua: Well, I can't tell you who you can and can't love, Baby Sister, but… what about Lupi? Who knows what she'd do if she catches wind of this!

Heal-Do: I can deal with Lupi. My main concern is knowing whether or not he truly loves me.

Elua: Well, sis, I can only tell you this: it is only at our moment of direst need that one's true feelings become known. And I know for a fact that he may one day confess!

Heal-Do: Funny… I said that to him just a few moments ago.

Elua: Wait, here?! Just now?!

Heal-Do: Mm-hmm… and yet, I care for him more and more as time passes by… if I don't control this, I might explode right in front of him.

Elua: That really is very deep of you… but we really have to keep this on the hush-hush in the meantime. I don't want Lupi going off again.

Heal-Do: I'm so glad that you came, Elua. Thank you…

Elua: No problem. Let's go back home. We may be able to make it back to Amatsu in time for lunch!

The two Elven sisters began to leave the honeymoon island for their trek back home.