Shangri La Pt. 1

43: Retaining

"Huh? Who're these two runts? Get 'em boys, I got my eyes on something more valuable this time." the man leading the group instructed, while approaching Shinso and Izumi.

"Runts? Heh– Well that's not nice to say, is it, Uma?" 

"Indeed, as this will be quite easy for us, Ray." both Ray and Uma spoke as they cracked their knuckles and were ready to take action. 

But as much as the two gentlemen were ready to answer to this kind of fight, the mercenaries began laughing their heads off as they thought both Uma and Ray didn't appear as 'tough' to them. 

"Hahaha~ Take a look at 'em, boss, these puny guys wanna pick a fight with–" 

Before one of the mercenaries could even finish their sentence, they were kicked directly square in the jaw and sent flying a few feet. Everyone–besides Uma and Ayame–went speechless by the endeavor as Ray adjusted himself and dusted off his clothes after landing such a powerful kick. 

"Wh–What did you just–" 

"Geez, I don't usually like being the one to start a fight–since I'm a gentleman and all–but being called 'puny' can push my buttons a bit." Ray stated as he glared at the mercenaries. And though this seemed to have made a statement to the mercenaries, some were still not convinced to not mess with these two men.

"Arg– Hey! What makes you think you can just do that to someone who never even tried to attack you?!?!? You're just trying to pick a fight with us, ain't yah!?! Then go ahead and try all you want, we ain't gonna fall just from one little–" 

The second mercenary like the first mercenary met the same fate but this time was punched directly in the stomach and sent flying off into a wall. The second the mercenary landed onto the ground and fell face first did everyone look back to see who was responsible, as it turned out to be Uma this time as he was massaging his wrist after throwing such a punch. 

"Hm– It seems I've lost a bit of strength, he would've gone flying if I had all my strength." Uma muttered, only making all the mercenaries' eyebrows raise in disbelief by what he meant.

"Woah– Nice one, Uma, but you were right when you said that wasn't your strongest." Ray teased. 

"Yes, which means I should get back to my usual training routine for how much muscle I've lost." 

'Wha– What did I just see?!?! I knew the Great Pisces said they were friends of hers, and that they're members of the White Lotus, but I never thought they could actually use such strength!' Izumi thought as she was in such awe that she didn't know what to do at this point. 

"Damn you– Now yer messin' with the wrong guys! Get 'em boys!!!" 

"Oh good, I was hoping for a fight and not just a simple pummel." Ray laughed as he and Uma got into position to fight the large group of mercenaries.

'W-What– What should I do?' 

"Izumi." 

"Huh?" 

As much as she actually did want to watch the outcome of this fight, the disguised greenette turned back to see Ayame right behind her. 

"Ah– Ayame–" 

"I think it would be best if the two of us get back to the palace, we wouldn't want to be involved in any trouble if this escalates any worse than it already is." Ayame suggested. 

"Ah– Wait– Just leave? We can't just leave Ray and Uma behind like this. A-And what about my friend Shinso, I can't just leave him behind and–" 

"It seems you didn't notice, but earlier when Ray took action, your friend took the chance to escape before anyone noticed him." Ayame interrupted, making Izumi freeze up by those words.