Intermission Week: Part 3

  With all that commotion out of the way, everyone made their way to the massage parlor. It was surprising that everything was already set up for them. Four staff members approached the group and bowed, introducing themselves as the massage therapists for the evening. They gave a brief explanation about how the procedure works since there were new faces among the party.

  The explanation in itself was simple, but it was still enough to keep Gale on edge, embarrassed by the prospect. It took a little convincing on everyone's behalf to get her to finally concede. Things would've went a little chaotic for everyone present if they weren't able to calm the situation.

  "Last thing we need is putting ourselves in a predicament before things could go way out of proportions."

  The room seemed to agree with Ume's statement as everyone laid down on their respective beds and allowed the staff to get to work. All was going smoothly despite a few incidents, each with their own level of concern. The weirdest event came from Rumin, who nearly kicked her therapist multiple time out of instinctual habit alone. Maya enjoyed the treatment a little too much for anyone's comfort. If not for her constantly wagging tail getting in the way, there was going to be an alarming conversation taking place.

  Aside from those two, the others faired off very well despite the countless sounds of bones being alleviated. A successful treatment for all those involved, thanking the staff for their work and take the moment to admire the results.

  "Wow~... I didn't think that having a massage would be this beneficial. There's just so much more movement available to me and not a single sign of pain. I was a little worried with all those cracking sounds, but I think this is something worth doing regularly."

  "Told you it wasn't going to be all that bad Gale. Our bodies deserve to be treated in fairness for all the rigorous training we put them through. It pays off much better when you learn to balance hard work and proper relief."

  Maya stretched herself for a moment, as Rumin was doing the same. "One thing's for certain. This is the first in a long time that I've felt this good. It's been years~. She definitely enjoyed every bit of the procedure, still having a blush apparent on her face that caused the group to burst into a brief laugh.

  When everyone had settled, they decided to spend some time wandering the facility to see what else it had to offer. Rumin tagged along with Maya while Gale went for a walk with Ume to chat for a little bit.

  "I really do appreciate all that you're doing for us. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever went outside and did anything that isn't related to my training or making sure that me and my sister are taken care of." She shifted her head upwards, trying not to look directly at Ume as she talks.

  "It's just all so different and not something I can just brush over you know. You may not  understand it now but, it's just weird and all." Her face slumped slightly with lowered eyes.

  "You two really have been inseparable for a long time hasn't it? I can see this in the way you both interact together. Could imagine how it must be, being all cooped up with no other friend aside from the one you practically grew up with." She seemed to understand the sentiment, if only a little. However, her gaze shifted upwards with a smile written on her face.

  "I should be thanking all of you for agreeing to tag along. Normally, I would come here by myself, but it does seem that having company makes things a lot more lively. You've all been a great help and I wish that we can continue being friends..." Tears started to swell in her eyes, almost to the point of running down before she recomposed herself.

  "Don't sweat it. I was practically the one who instigated approaching you in the first place. You looked like you needed some cheering up and who can do it better than my energetic sister?" She lets off a nervous laugh, trying not to make a big deal of the situation. However, she stopped when abruptly hugged.

  "It really means a lot to me... So much time has passed and I finally feel like how I used to be again. Maybe I'm just being selfish but... I'm just glad to have friends in you guys." She held onto her tightly for what seemed like forever, but finally lets go, receiving a pat on her head.

  "I should be the one thanking you. You've opened up a fair portion of the world to me thus far and made me realize some of the faults I had with it or myself. So in a way, I guess we both had each other fooled for the better."

  They both shared an awkward laugh as Ume spoke with a little more relief in her heart.  "There's so much that I'd like to discuss with you. Your Father... What was his name?"

  When Gale answered, it left a look of shock on Ume's face. She couldn't believe that they went this long without ever knowing the man's name. It just goes to show how close the familial bond was between those three. Truly a family that'd make most jealous.

  Moreover, her assumptions were proven when she got a description of the man. He was the Champion of the very first Tournament but received a lot of backlash of the general public resenting the fact that he had won. It brought more questions that couldn't be answered anytime soon, but it was enough to satiate curiosity for the time being.

  They talked for what seemed hours until Maya and Rumin surprised them with a playful hug out of nowhere. Nobody flinched or freaked out because it was already obvious who the culprits could've been.

  "So this is where you two have been. We wondered what was taking so long, but I suppose it does make sense with the view out here. Didn't take you for a sightseer sis." Rumin focused her attention outside, looking at the full moon shining over the area with flower petals dancing in the air as everyone gazed from over the railing.

  "I can agree with that at least. Scenery never seemed to be your forte, but you sure shined through on this one. Say... I think we should head on down to the beach in the morning. It's a little out of the way, but I'm sure we can get our fill before it starts getting busy." Everyone seemed to like Maya's idea, but Rumin had something to add to the plan.

  "Afterwards, we can do a little camping for the night. None of us should be afraid of being out in the wilderness for a day. Though we should get some supplies after our trip at the beach. I wouldn't want to be the one having to do everything from the environment; that's for sure."

  Gale laughed at her sister's remark.  "Yeah; I second that. We should stock on supplies, even if it's just for the day."

  They all smiled to the sky in unison, marking a day worth remembering. After some time has passed, everyone decided to spend the night bonding as they got to know more about each other. Ultimately, they all went to sleep, excited for the upcoming days.

  By the time morning had arrived, they all thanked the staff for the stay and departed to start the next segment of their three day resting period at the beach.

  Meanwhile, Hiraku was on his toes like a threatened animal as he traversed the streets of the Maw. An atmosphere of unease and dread leaked throughout the area. Row after row of dilapidated buildings that haven't been maintained for who knows how long. The assortment of odors made it disorienting at first if you weren't already accustomed to it.

  Truly this place lives up to it's reputation as the Land of Exile. What once were denizens of the village have been reduced to depraved versions of their former selves. Beggars, Thieves, Prostitutes and the like roamed about as if it's no big deal. As if they relish in the prospect of being free to be themselves without consequence.

  This wasn't why he was here however. It wasn't until a pleasant; yet ominous scent hit his nostrils, leading him to the one place he was seeking out for. The fluorescent lights flickering on the outside didn't leave much to impression, but stepping inside hit him with one of the strongest scents he ever smelt.

  The receptionist was first to acknowledge the cloaked figure and called him up to the front desk. She was a leopard with wrinkles and bags under her eyes, being desperately treated with makeup in efforts to hide them. She took a puff of a long, thin cigar and blew smoke into Hiraku's face, causing him to cough a little before she spoke.

  "So what will it be hun?"