I sat in the ranch with Nebula and watched her jump hurdles on her own. I smiled then looked back down at my hand. "Arcane...If you can hear me, just know I'm glad you're back."
The Crest of Arcane shined on my hand then I chuckled softly and heard a screech. I looked back and heard Inoka groan.
"Can you stop pestering me, you flaming chicken? Every day it's the same thing with you. You're not taking a lava bath today! Today is my sister's birthday and I refuse to let you plan it after last time!" Inoka said, walking to the ranch. Phoenix hopped on her shoulder and screeched. "No no, that shit was not my fault- Hey Ryoma."
"Hey. What's going on? Why are you and your companion bickering?" I chuckled and looked at her.
"Just Phoenix wants to plan this huge birthday bash for my sister when she knows Claire has terrible anxiety when she's around overly large crowds. She barely does good at her own ceremonies." Inoka stood beside me and looked at me then back at Nebula. She looked at me again.
I smiled and noticed her keep looking at me. I sighed softly and closed my eyes. "Alright. I'll help you plan the party, little sister."
Inoka smiled and nodded then watched Nebula. "It's...strange now. You'll be my brother in law in three days and we would be family. We've never had a brother before. Dad always wanted a son, but he never got a son. Well not until my sister's last husband came along and ruined everything. The guy ruined the kingdom. Mom and dad died nearly after and we were never able to give them a proper funeral because Claire spent most of her time trying to right a lot of wrongs."
"I heard of the war that happened here a long time ago based on what I remember Azusa telling me. The Queens rebelled against the Kings for practically ruining the land because of their thirst for power. I'm glad it's all settled now..." I smiled.
"But.." Inoka said.
I smiled and looked at Inoka. "Because of my history and the Kings of Uthea...It will be come increasingly harder to complete my goal."
Inoka nodded and looked at Nebula, watching her run laps around the ranch. She looked at the sky and closed her eyes. She exhaled and opened her eyes once more. "The Northern Parts of Uthea are more hostile than our side. They kill almost any man who wishes to conquer especially the Queen who rules the Kingdom of Eternus. She is the strongest Queen and even has allied Kingdoms. Her kingdom is so strong you need the keys from the Kingdom of Malis, Glayze, and Illume."
"I see. Well good thing I'm strong as hell or else I would be in danger right?" I laughed softly.
Inoka smiled and rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Are we gonna just stand here chitchatting or are we going to actually plan this birthday party?"
"Yeah, let's get this party planned." I smiled and got off the fence.
Claire hummed a small tune as she walked down the halls, holding the tiny Pyroc in her arms. She smiled and stopped to look out the window. She smiled happily and looked around to see what she can do outside. She quickly walked off and bumped into me on accident then stumbled backwards.
"Whoa there, my love." I said, holding her and chuckling. "Slow down."
Claire looked up at me and smiled. "Sorry I didn't notice you there. What are those posters for? Are we going to do some experiments?"
"Not exactly. It's a secret so just run along." I said then kissed her.
She kissed back and pulled away then hurried off. "Okay. Love you!"
"I love you too." I chuckled and continued down the hall with Tsuhori following me, holding a box.
"Milord, this box is growing increasingly heavy.." Tsuhori whined and her ears folded back a bit.
"This is your fault for grabbing the largest box out the bunch. You should've thought about that before thinking you can one up me in strength." I laughed softly then stopped to look at Tsuhori.
"Menace. You laugh at my struggling..." Tsuhori whined.
"Alright. Alright. Let's switch. Hold these." I said then watched her put the box down and grab the posters out of my hand. I picked up the box and grunted lightly. "Ooo~ It is a bit heavy, but nothing too much."
Tsuhori smiled and her tail swayed then we walked to the small party room Inoka set up. "Maybe next time, I should just listen and get the small items."
I chuckled and kept walking down the halls.
Claire wandered around the garden and Pyroc let out a tiny roar. Claire looked at Pyroc and smiled. "You're right. Inoka and my beloved are working hard on something. Maybe it's a super cool technological project or maybe it's a time machine, but whatever it is, I can't wait to see it!"
Pyroc looked ahead and noticed Nebula wandering around the garden, sniffing the different lava flowers. She snorted and sneezed then Claire giggled.
"Neb Neb, what are you doing here?" Claire asked as she walked to Nebula.
Nebula looked at Claire then back at the flowers. She wandered off and Claire followed Nebula. Nebula wandered out of the garden and into the courtyard, looking around. Claire smiled as she watched and walked after Nebula.
"Alright so we almost got everything. We just need a little bit more and her birthday is set. Maybe like some drinks. She's a different breed when she's drunk and I like her drunk side." Inoka smiled.
"I'm a bit of a mixologist sometimes. I can make some lava drinks or something delicious, but quick question." I said.
"Mhm?" Inoka looked at me.
I inhaled and pointed at a poster of a woman practically naked. "Are you sure Claire would be fine with this specific poster? You know...like why this one poster?"
"Oh shit..!" Inoka quickly tore down the poster and burned it to ashes and the tiny Phoenix chirped in a laughing manner. "Shut up! I thought we got rid of all of those perverted bastard's posters! How did this one not get thrown away..?"
I crossed my arms and chuckled and closed my eyes. "I'll get the drinks underway."
"Y-Yeah okay." Inoka blushed and sighed.
Nebula neighed and watched the maids tend to the flowers. Claire watched as well and tilted her head, looking at Nebula as she was laser focused on the maid.
"Neb? Is everything okay?" Claire asked then looked at the maid.
The maid finished watering the lava flower with lava and looked at Claire then bowed and returned to her duties. Nebula walked to the flower and looked at it then sniffed it then her face went red and she gagged. She galloped off and Claire looked surprised and went over to sniff the flower.
"Eh? Smells fine to me." She said then hurried off behind Nebula.
The day went by normally and the evening finally settled in. Inoka and I got everything settled and I allowed the maids to relax while I made all the food and drinks for Claire's birthday. Inoka had blindfolded Claire and led Claire down the hall.
"Watch your step, sis." Inoka smiled.
"What is this game? I'm not too fond of this one." Claire smiled.
"I know, but just a bit further. We will be there soon." Inoka smiled.
Claire giggled and felt Inoka stop, so she stopped as well. Inoka opened the door to the party room then led Claire inside. She took the blindfolds off Claire then Claire opened her eyes.
"Happy birthday!" Me, Inoka, and Tsuhori said and smiled.
Claire's eyes widened and she covered her mouth and smiled. She looked at the table and the food, drinks, and presents. "You all didn't have to do this for me. I was completely fine with a happy birthday and that was it. You didn't have to throw a party for me."
"Come on sis. The last time you celebrated your birthday was two years ago and that party was a disaster." Inoka smiled. "I made sure to get help from other sources this time."
Phoenix rolled her eyes and chirped.
"No it was your fault, bird." Inoka rolled her eyes.
I chuckled and walked to Claire then led her over to the table and pulled her chair out. "Enjoy yourself my love. Today is your day.."
She sat down and smiled then I pushed her chair forward then kissed the side of her head. I made her plate of food and poured her a glass of my new mixture called Melon Fury. I brought it over to her and she smiled at it then sniffed and made a happy noise. The rest of us got our food and drinks then sat at the table, chatting.
After eating, Claire began to open presents and smiled. She got a new Crest Reader from me, new flaming shoes from Inoka and Tsuhori bought her a necklace with the Fire Symbol engraved in the gemstone. After she opened all of her presents, we began drinking for the next hour.
"I remember...the time...hic...That Inoka burned down the kitchen on her birthday..hehehe...She was so panicked that she ran to her room crying..hic." Claire giggled uncontrollably.
"C-Claire..! You promised you wouldn't talk about that..!" Inoka whined softly.
"I did..? Whoops..hehe.." Claire smiled and yawned. "Mmm..."
I looked at Claire and smiled then chuckled. "I think it's time to call it a night. She's not gonna make it."
Claire looked at me and smiled then held her hands out. "Take me to my room, my king."
I smiled and got up then walked to Claire and pulled her chair out then pulled her out of her seat. "I'll be back to help clean up."
"Okay." Inoka nodded.
I picked Claire up bridal style then walked off to her room. Claire held onto me and closed her eyes. "Did you have fun?"
"Mhm.." Claire said. "I'm sad that we had to end it early. I wanted to stay up all night."
I smiled and walked into her room then walked to her bed. I laid her down and tucked her in bed. I looked at her and she looked at me. I kissed her lips and she kissed back. We kissed for a few seconds then I broke the kiss. I stroked her hair and placed my forehead on hers.
"I love you.." Claire said and smiled.
"I love you too. Sleep well." I smiled back.
"I will." Claire said then closed her eyes and turned to her side.
I smiled then walked out of her room, closing the door. I walked back to the party room to help Inoka clean up and get everything packed up for the night.