Trouble for Tetsuya? His Vanquishers Meet

A week had passed since that fateful meeting occurred. The devastation caused by their clash was notable and would likely take decades to heal properly. As for the two combatants, they were ordered to rest up, both having sustained injuries over the course of that heated contest. Regardless, Nukumori's time was nothing short of incredible, due in large part to the natural durability of her element. However, even she admitted to being bone tired, possessing fatigue that was made all the worse by her mother's sudden exit. This passed with significant rest though, with the young woman having slept for 36 hrs straight at one point. Nuku claimed that those 36 hrs were perhaps the best sleep she had in a while, even though she was in the company of a flirt.

Nevertheless, their efforts to make their way back were hampered by Tetsuya. Having received the worst of the exchange, he was rather limited for a while, eventually confined to the bed for a day or so on the orders of Nuku's acquaintance. Regardless, he recovered as well, taking his fair share of medical advice from the stern yet caring woman. Nukumori waved as they finally set off for Dawn Horizon, thanking the woman for all of her efforts in healing them. She recalled some of the conversations that she and the Bishō had while they were both waiting around to get back on their feet. Yes, she still used that term among others, though it was more for light-hearted teasing as opposed to the vicious bite of earlier days.

"So, give me a preview of what I'm walking into. Is there posturing and does she expect people to prostrate themselves? If so, she's in for a rude awakening," Nukumori noted as the village faded behind them, open space and the distant forest-line their only physical accompaniment. Indeed, the restfulness of the area was proving to be a mild irritant to the somewhat trigger happy Mizuki. She was used to the joys of bloodshed and hard fought chaos. The idea of hanging out with people and chatting once again struck the wrong cord with her. What was she doing? "Experimenting," Nuku reminded herself as they continued walking. Indeed this was just a test run to see if this place was worth her time. Other than the dragon, she didn't expect to find anything of particular interest. Maybe a few wannabes, some try-hards, but no one of particular note. The only person that she suspected to pose a challenge was the dragon. Indeed, the idea of a clash between the both of them while going at full tilt sounded incredible. However, she would stay her hand for the time being. "No need to look like the power-hungry maniac you are," Nuku scolded herself, while glancing at the pretty boy.

"So have you surrounded yourself with pretty women and handsome men in your guild?" she asked, a tease that had turned into a bit of a running gag between the two. Given his penchant for attracting the attention of various females across the various countries, she suspected to meet more than a few that turned out to be quite nice eye candy. She just prayed they weren't hopeless in a battle. Otherwise this will have been a waste. She shrugged, her emerald gaze straying to the path ahead.