Tidal Florette - A Painted Soul I

Kaiya - 31

The only thing that could ruin Kaiya's excitement over reaching their destination, is Inei's excitement souring her relief. Regardless, she feels eager to step off of the ship onto dry land. At the very least it would be land, looking at the small, stony island cove ahead the waterfalls waft a salty mist through the air.

All of the moonlit herd are swimming through a river between the rocks into the mouth of a cavern the gargantuan ship cannot reach. A ghastly moan from the skeletal whales resounds from the darkness.

"At last. I will be going ahead now. You may rest here on the ship." Inei says while motioning to Michi to prepare a row boat. She complies while recruiting Thyra's assistance.

Kaiya feels the heat of frustration on her face. "You cannot be serious. You expect me to just stay here?"

"I see no reason for you to join us."

"If this is the destination of my 'honeymoon', then I have no intention of sitting on the ship staring at it." Kaiya's fists tighten, but she keeps herself from losing her temper. This is the last chance to get the sword from him... "Aren't you excited to show off the purpose of this journey?"

Inei impatiently grumbles, but dismissively agrees before snarling at Thyra. "Leave enough space for my wife, you brainless brute."

Thyra ignores the comment, silently motioning for the others to get into the boat as she holds the rope ready to lower them to the water. As Michi and Inei step inside, Kaiya glances over to Hiyoko to give a reassuring nod before following.

As Thyra and Michi row, navigating through the stony river toward the cavern, Kaiya tries to make conversation with Inei in hopes he may reveal the purpose of their destination. "Do you know how long it may take to reach the mainland once your business is finished here?"

"Not very long, I would think."

You think? Was no one navigating this entire time? "It's gotten fairly warm and humid. Did we end up in the southern regions of the sea?"

Inei seems irritated. "The god of light's realm is diverse in many climates."

He couldn't possibly have come all this way without any plan to return... Does he honestly not know where we are right now?

"There is no need for pleasantries. Be grateful you were welcomed to witness this moment and remain silent."

Kaiya carefully looks back at the other two. Although they show little signs of reacting, there's the smallest sign of rage on Thyra's face. And a much clearer sign of pain in Michi's eyes, but she shakes her head slowly as if she could read Kaiya's mind. Her intention to grab the priest by his gaudy robe and hold his face in the water must be poorly timed. That is when Kaiya catches Inei's hand resting on the hilt of the sword, seemingly casual as though unintentional; but the fingers grip the handle enough to give away his awareness. Clever enough to know that speaking to me that way was a risk...

There hasn't been any situations in Kaiya's memory where she's needed to utilize the subtlety of stealth. Sneaking out to be with Yumi at night was far too easy in a mansion where another pair of eyes might as well be a mile away. Yumi herself always believed in facing everything head on. Always giving a foe the chance to stand down. Of course, when every foe has no intention of walking away; virtues like that probably just kept her conscience clear...

This thought shudders through her as it reminds her of those last moments with Yumi. When she had to run her through the back instead of facing her with the honor she was taught to practice. I was too afraid to wait for you to face me... You would have killed me... I had to do something... I could never... I...