"So I guess we're going to the hot springs first then?"
"It's best to get ourselves nice and refreshed before starting the rest of the itinerary. Have you ever been to one? Just wondered is all."
"Not really... Rumin spends more time outside of the dojo more than me. Most of the time I'm either inside or training on the grounds. Closest experience I guess is the bath at home. Probably the inspiration Dad got when he was making it. If you ask me, I'd say that it was to fit his size, with enough room to move around without bumping into anyone is actually pretty convenient. A cramped tub would just be awful."
"Hehe... I guess he really thought things through with the intention of having a family of his own. Though, I wouldn't blame him." The two sisters looked at each other with a questionable look on their face before shifting their attention back to Maya.
"Not exactly. I don't think he ever had it in mind. Truth be told, we were nothing but newborn infants when he found us. Most would walk past us, not wanting to take on that responsibility. He was the only one that paid us any mind. It was him that gave us a chance at life."
"Yeah... We practically grew up with him since then. Took great care of us and made sure we were healthy and well. There was a time he told us that we would have to go to an orphanage, but he saw just how attached we were to him and made us his daughters."
Everyone found themselves intrigued; yet sympathetic towards the duo. The thought of one man making the difference between life and death was concerning, but touching on an emotional level. Their Father is truly a good person.
"Guess we all have something in common after all. Though, maybe we can discuss matters 'after' we've already settled in at our destination. There'll be plenty time to talk among ourselves when we're more relaxed."
The group agreed on the sentiment, now making their way to the springs. Thankfully, they all knew the mountain trail well enough to arrive in a timely manner. It wasn't the most publicly used hot spring throughout the village, but occasionally you'll run into a guest or two.
As they got closer, the building became more visible to see. It was a well-maintained wooden structure specialized for withstanding the colder climate. Once in view, they were greeted by one of the maintenance staff, who welcomed them in by opening the sliding door. Before stepping any further, everyone took off their shoes and placed them in the designated shelving units to the left of them.
"Welcome to the Roaring Mountain Springs. I hope that all can enjoy your stay. Seems we have some new faces among the familiar ones. Is it their first time?" She spoke indirectly to Ume, who was a regular visitor. She also recognized Rumin but it wasn't as prominent at the time.
"That would be correct. Least far as I know. You may have seen one or two of them before at some point. Though I guess it is the first time you've seen me with company."
The two shared a brief giggle before the receptionist pulled out a book.
"I take it that you'll be having the usual?"
"Yes... Well we'll probably be spending at least a day here. I'd like to have the full package if it's still available. If not, then I can settle for whatever's being offered."
"Not a problem. Just make sure you get to each appointment in a timely manner to ensure the most optimal experience. You're free to take your leisure, but do remember the purpose of your stay."
The two bowed to one another before Ume went on ahead, urging the rest of the group to follow through. Just for a moment, the Receptionist stopped the others as she had something to say to them in particular.
"I hope you all don't mind, but this is the first in a long time that I've seen her in a good mood. Keep up whatever it is you're doing because it's been rare for her to bring company along. I'm not supposed to say this, but ever since that incident with her Mother, she hasn't been quite the same. So I hope you all can be good friends with her. Please enjoy your stay~."
There was more detail behind the statement, but they had to hurry along before Ume gets impatient. What the receptionist said still left room in their minds to ponder over, but for now they just needed to focus on enjoying their time here. Once everyone got together, they all got changed into their respective robes and exited to the halls, making way for the Onsen out back.
"I hope everyone managed to get an outfit that fits them. We'll be starting things off with a dip in the water. Though, I should mention that we can't wear clothes inside it. Don't have to worry about privacy due to how remote the locale is. Not sure why it didn't my mind at first, but maybe I just assumed everyone is comfortable in their own skin."
The group all took a minute to process the statement, but all nodded in agreement. Rumin was all too familiar with the customs, whilst Maya was understanding of the reasoning behind it. Gale was the only hesitant one, but agreed out of reluctance since she was among friends.
A brief moment was spent with everyone looking at each other. Maya stood out the most with scars across her body. It was noticeable, but they chose to ignore it for the time being. Gale was the biggest out of the group, but her body was more well-toned rather than having a considerate amount of fat to its build. What surprised the others was Rumin, who was the bustiest among the group.
"Well I can see that everyone has been taking care of themselves rather well. It's no surprise that if it ever comes down to it, you guys can easily find a mate." Everyone shared a laugh except for Gale, who found the remark confusing.
"Come on. You can't honestly believe that's true. I'm not really fit for anyone since I'm not as girly as you three. Besides, it doesn't seem like there are that many guys in town to begin with."
"Not that I agree with your statement, but you should have some confidence in yourself. You're obviously attractive in your own right. Though I can admit on the fact that there's been a lack of men over the course of the years. Like it's been forever since we've seen a young boy and most of the men around are either low in number or really old."
Everyone took this moment to sink themselves into the spring as they continue to discuss on the topic further. An immediate warmth enveloped their bodies as they almost nearly forgot what they were talking about. Thankfully, it was Rumin who didn't get all too swept away in the moment to continue the conversation.
"Come to think of it, you do have a point there. I tend to go out more than sis, but I never really paid much attention to it. Something did seem to be going on before Dad left. Maybe that has something to do with it."
"It's been going on for quite some time, trust me. The Outskirts are just the same more or less. I admit that it's something out of the ordinary, but maybe there's a meaning behind it. Sooner or later, they may just become extinct altogether."
"Sigh~. Perhaps you're on to something there. Strange as it may sound, it doesn't seem to be bothering the public all that much. It should be a matter of concern, but maybe it's best we don't clutter our minds soo much. Let's just enjoy our time here now."
They all nodded in agreement, sinking themselves into the water until only their heads were poking above. It was about time they start relaxing anyway. A few incidents took place in the form of shenanigans where the more devious members of the group got into a little mischief with the other girls.
Many gropes, fondles, dunks and laughs later, they all exited the water to continue on with the rest of their relief experience. Of course, it wasn't going to be a complete experience without Rumin and Maya forcing Gale and Ume to chase them through the halls completely naked.
All the staff on board can only let out a small laugh to themselves, admiring the display of youth presented to them as a reminder of how they used to be, growing up alongside their friends. It was a heartwarming sight to behold, even if it was at the expense of a little chaos.
Once the troublemakers were caught, the whole group were finally all dressed and ready to engage in the next segment of their relaxation period.