Zack was getting dressed with the others behind him, and it was two hours till dusk so they rushed to get ready. When they were dressed they went out towards the main pavilion where everyone was starting to gather for dinner.
Mero worked hard with Shiro's group to bring in a large haul. They saw how hungry the new kids were, and wanted to ensure a good feast. Lydia was already sitting at her table near the lake wielding eight blades swiftly preparing the catch. Everyone was mesmerized by her technique and proficiency at doing so.
Yu went to go watch Lydia work with the other kids, and Zack went to sit in the water next to Mero. The second Zack sat down Mero clung tightly to him.
"You haven't spent time with me lately," Mero said while nibbling on his neck.
"E-easy there are kids nearby, and that stings," Zack stated while the wound healed on his neck.
Mero was looking at him with the same predator instincts in her eyes she had when they first met, but she knew the rules about the kids so restrained herself. Mero still couldn't stop her nibbling, and occasionally nudging Zack with her head.
"When my powers fully return I'll renovate town better, and you can move around easier," Zack replied while wrapping his arm around her.
While they were talking Shiro came up with her friend. It was the nereid with short rosy hair who attempted to suck Zack in the bath previously. Her name is Fuuka, and she has been trying to lure Zack over since that night.
"Even if you make changes it's not enough. You need to sleep at my place for one night at least." Mero declared while grabbing his hand.
"He still needs to visit us first. We've been here longer you know. Plus you could always walk over to visit instead of making him work harder. You just want him escorting you around the town." Fuuka scolded while swimming between his legs.
"Eavesdropping is bad, and don't forget the rules," Shiro warned coming up behind her.
"I feel weird being too far from the water, and doing it makes my skin itchy," Mero complained while fidgeting at the thought.
"What do you mean?" Zack asked while moving Fuuka's hand off his thigh.
"Most of the mermaid species can travel upon the land. They split their tails to form legs, and they can even live on land so long as they soak in seawater weekly. Not many do this anymore, but if they do it's temporary. The sea is our true home after all." Shiro replied while pulling Fuuka away.
"Do you wanna see my legs? I'll need new clothes though." Mero asked while leaning in close.
" It would be nice for you to join us more often, and I'm definitely curious, but not if it's uncomfortable to you. Once this stuff is handled I'll find a day for us to do what you want." Zack declared while grabbing Mero's hand in the water.
"We can go hunting?!" Mero asked while squeezing his hand excitedly.
"If that's what you wanna do we can. Now easy with the claws." Zack replied while squeezing her hip.
"Can I speak with you for a moment?" Naomi asked as she approached from behind.
"I'll go search for some good spots." Mero kissed Zack before diving into the water.
"How are you feeling?" Zack asked.
"I'm doing okay. Do you have a plan for dealing with so many vampires in your condition?" Naomi questioned as they walked away from the pavilion.
"I've recovered enough grace to at least smite a few people so I'll be fine," Zack replied.
"For an angel to recover like that it would usually take a decade for your results. You may be special, but you still lack the experience in using your abilities." Naomi stated as she found an open spot.
The two continued to talk about angelic powers, and Naomi even demonstrated some while waiting. People from the pavilion could see a bright light flashing at a distance, and Yu went to check it out.
Before Yu could discover the reason for it Zack was walking back. Yu no longer cared about the light and clung to her mate as they walked back towards the group. Zack saw princess Emilia sitting with the children from Stormhaven, and walked over to join them.
"How's everyone feeling?" Zack asked.
"They are relieved to be somewhere safe, but with their fear fading, they have started asking for their parents," Emilia replied while comforting a nearby child.
Zack got up moving to the center of the new kids. Then he motioned Ashleigh, and Tanya over towards them. Yuki saw the kids gathering around him wandering over to see why.
"After we eat can you two show them the bath and the playground near the forest?" Zack asked with a smile.
"Yeah, we can. Are we training tonight?" Ashleigh asked.
"I have a job tonight, but practice with the others still okay?" Zack replied while patting her head.
"I still have some candy from our last trip. Is it okay for them to have some?" Tanya asked looking at Emilia.
"Of course they can," Emilia said with a smile.
"Be safe tonight," Tanya said while giving him a long hug.
"I will I promise. Nothing can keep me from getting back to my family." Zack reassured the kids while grabbing Yuki's hand.
Yuki was moved by Zack's words clinging tightly to his arm. Seeing this Yu came running over to claim his free arm. Tanya couldn't keep herself from smiling as she looked up at them. That was the first time Zack called them a family and hearing it filled them with joy. It was a large unconventional family, but they were happy together.
The tables were filled with residents as the food was passed around. The Stormhaven kids seemed cautious of all the new species nearby, but Tanya reassured them with a warm smile revealing her tails. Knowing the sweet girl who kept checking on them so politely wasn't human put them at ease.
Emilia smiled when she saw all the people relying on Zack, and how close he was with his people. Observing the beautiful woman clinging to Zack made her a little bitter. Zack visited their kingdom often, and she would frequently see him in the court to receive payment. At the time she thought he was a simple mercenary, but when Zack helped heal her father's illness with no strings attached things changed.
Over time when Zack visited they would talk, and she began seeing him as an older brother. Seeing other girls so close to him made their relationship seem insignificant in comparison. Zack could sense something was off as he returned to his seat. After the two discussed their older encounters Emilia felt reassured about their relationship. As dinner was wrapping up Zack addressed the crowd.
"I wanna formally welcome all of our new residents. This place is now your home, and feel free to suggest any alterations with this in mind. In the next few days, I would like each faction to appoint a representative. Once you have one send them to notify this woman. Her name is Dyna and she helps me handle the city affairs. Tonight we will be embarking on something risky, buts it necessary to preserve peace. The barrier will be fully activated when we leave for extra safety." Zack announced while gesturing towards Dyna at his table.
When the feast was over everyone went into action. The barrier was promptly set up, and the guards were switching shifts. All the soldiers participating tonight began gathering their gear and making final preparations. Zack was heading to the forge with Haruna, Vicente, and Kintaro.
"The food here really is great," Kintaro stated while walking along.
"Have you tried the booze yet, or is that against your ninja vibe?" Vicente said with a smirk.
"We can eat, and drink what we please. I choose to stay sober during a mission. You know like a professional." Kintaro replied as they entered the forge.