Paragon

Hisui Incursion [20]

PARAGON

Hisui Incursion Arc [20]

Chapter 72 : Pearly Gates

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Hisui Region - Diamond Settlement

After they explained everything to Adaman, he invited Riley and Rei to a bathhouse to clean up. Though he seemed casual enough, not wanting to offend him, they took him up on the offer and were provided with a change of clothes: the navy blue furs of the Diamond Clan.

Riley inhaled and exhaled slowly as he lounged in one of the many warmed pools within the bathhouse. The pools were made of cypress wood and though steam wafted throughout the room, the bathhouse was actually open to the outside. Thin cypress pillars between the pools held the roof aloft, but there were few walls to shield them from the cool wind that blew in from outside. It seemed the Mirelands were humid enough that even with this much ventilation, the bathhouse retained its steam.

Unlike him, Rei had cleaned himself quickly and left without enjoying the bathhouse's waters at all. Riley had spent enough time around him at this point to know he couldn't relax with Akari, the Professor, and his Growlithe missing in action. Though he could be reckless, Riley was fairly confident he wouldn't do anything foolish like venturing back out into the Mirelands by himself.

Riley sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes. Water dripped from his hair into the still waters around him. This is quite the trial for the Origin Child...

He spent a little longer in the bathhouse before drying off and heading back to their lodgings that the Diamond Clan had given them. Unlike Kamado's violent welcome from when they'd first arrived at the Sanctuary, the Diamond Clan had provided an entire house for their use while they stayed here.

Luckily, as he brushed inside, he saw Rei laying on his head, his brows furrowed. Sneasel snoozed on the ground at the foot of his bed though she opened an eye as Riley entered. The Guardian quickly dressed and sat down on his own bed, facing Rei. The younger boy glanced over.

"How are you holding up?" Riley asked. He wasn't that greatest with kids, he believed, though this at least sounded right.

Rei shrugged.

Okay...now what?

"I know it's our fault for coming along," Rei said, saving Riley. "I know that." He clenched his fist. "But because of Volo..." His frown wrinkled into a glare. "Because of Volo!"

"We told Adaman about him," Riley said. "I'm sure he's already sent messengers off to the Sanctuary and Pearl Settlement both to inform them of his true nature."

"Did he even believe us?" Rei said, his voice hollow.

"He's...an interesting man, but I do believe he took our warning seriously."

After they'd told him, Adaman actually stopped smirking and his tone was serious as he asked several follow up questions. Ash's injuries and a brief demonstration of Aura to prove Riley's identity as a Guardian seemed to be enough to convince him that they were telling the truth. But Adaman's eyes were hawkish, even behind his smirking facade, and Riley was sure he was judging their characters for himself.

"So. When are we heading back out to look for them?"

Riley was thankful for that question since it meant he didn't have to worry about Rei running off by himself. "As soon as we can. I plan to speak with Arezu after I give Ash another bath of Aura. Perhaps her men have found something. And if not, I'd like to move out as soon as we can."