(Amanda POV)
The sun's rays sparkled across the landscape, creating an almost magical, serene atmosphere. Everything seemed to fall into place, and my heart raced excitedly. With the breathtaking view of the mountain behind us and a spread of delectable treats before us, this was the perfect setting for our... date? Well, if I could dare call it that.
The picnic basket was filled with various delicacies, from sandwiches to pastries. While I had hoped to cook something special, time wasn't on my side. Nevertheless, the gourmet food I'd gathered was mouthwatering and would surely impress.
Ryujin-sama sat opposite me, eyes scanning the landscape, seemingly lost in thought. There was an air of authority about him, a quiet strength that drew the eye to his presence and commanded respect, making him even more irresistible. This was my golden opportunity. I had to make the most of it.
With a deep breath, I picked up a juicy red apple, its sheen reflecting the sun's brilliance.
Extending my hand toward him, I said in soft voice, "Here, Ryujin-sama, eat this apple..."
He raised an eyebrow, an amused look playing on his face. "Amanda, I'm not a child anymore."
I chuckled, pressing the apple closer to his lips.
"Just humor me this once."
With a playful roll of his eyes, he took a bite. His approval was evident from the satisfied hum that escaped his lips. Victory!
Looking out over the horizon, I grinned, turning to Ryujin. "Isn't the day just perfect, Ryujin-sama?"
"Indeed, it is. A great day for... training."
"Seriously, Ryujin-sama? With this beautiful sky above us, that's your first thought?"
"Well, when you've trained as long as I have, it's hard to think of much else. But for you, today, I'll try."
"Thank you! Just one day without the 'T' word. Can we manage that?"
"I promise, no more training talks today. So, guide the conversation. What's on your mind?" Ryujin's smile grew wider, his playful side shining through.
His eyes reflected the sun as he genuinely looked curious about my thoughts. My heart fluttered in my chest.
"How about our favorite desserts?"
"Ah! Now that's a topic I can get behind." His face brightened instantly.
Watching him warm up to the idea, I felt a mix of amusement and affection. I might always tease him about his training obsession, but truth be told, his dedication was one of the things I admire most about him. Today, however, I was determined to discover more of the Ryujin outside the training ground.
"So, Amanda, what topic would you want to dive into?"
"Why not discuss what fascinates you beyond Tim and your incessant training?"
"Well, if I say combat, that's just training in another guise. So… chocolate cake?"
"Ryujin-sama? Chocolate cake?"
"Alright, I'll admit, I haven't given it much thought. Why don't you lead? Share something about yourself, and maybe that'll give me a hint."
My heart raced. It was my turn, but I couldn't express my feelings. Taking a moment, I came up with.
"I often find myself lost in thoughts about life... pondering about the... um... my future."
"Oh? And what might that future look like to you?"
I mentally kicked myself. I hadn't thought this far ahead! Before I could stammer out a reply, an uneasy wind blew, hinting at the change that was about to engulf our surroundings.
A stifling heaviness blanketed the surroundings, making every breath feel like a weighty task. Even the mountain, which had witnessed Ryujin's might earlier, seemed to tense up in anticipation. Still standing defiantly, trees began swaying wildly despite the absence of wind, their leaves rustling as if whispering urgent secrets. And then, an eerie buzzing – soft at first but steadily growing more insistent – enveloped us. It was as if the earth and air were trying to warn us, heralding something unknown and undeniably powerful.
"I hadn't anticipated such immense devastation." A voice echoed.
Turning, my gaze landed on a peculiar sight. Standing there was a boy, or what looked like a boy. However, his physique was a blend of human and something grotesque. His skin was ashen, marred with dark veins that seemed to pulse. Irregular protrusions, reminiscent of jagged stones, jutted out from his limbs, giving him an uneven, menacing silhouette. His eyes were sunken, casting shadows that made them seem bottomless.
"Who might you be?"
Ryujin-sama stepped forward, shielding me.
I watched him, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. A soft chuckle escaped me, my heart warming to his genuine need to protect me.
"Names are inconsequential, little Wan. You seem far from your nest. Missed your bedtime, perhaps?"
"And you seem lost; the circus tent is two towns over."
A hint of amusement flickered in Ryujin-sama's eyes, the corners of his mouth tilting upwards ever so slightly.
The creature's eyes darkened.
"Clever quip, but you'll rue those words."
Suddenly, the creature lunged, his feet launching with surprising power. Ryujin-sama, however, moved with a dancer's grace, his form a blur, effortlessly sidestepping the creature's airborne assault.
"You seem devoid of mana, Wan. Yet, I sense it within you. Why not wield it?" the creature taunted.
"I don't need it to handle the likes of you." Ryujin-sama smirked.
Without further ado, Ryujin-sama mirrored the creature's earlier move, leaping into the air. But, in contrast, his leg extended in a flawless arc, connecting his foot with the creature's torso. The impact was tremendous, resonating with the sound of thunder, sending the beast crashing into the debris of the once-mighty mountain.
"Amanda, take cover. I've got this."
"I'm not going anywhere."
I can't just leave. He needed me. The creature's scream, a bone-chilling cry, echoed sharply, sending shivers up and down my spine.
"You'll regret that!"
In an unexpected blitz, he surged forward, snatching up Ryujin-sama, and vanished into the distance.
"RYUJIN-SAMA!" My heart raced.
Just as I braced myself to chase them, a figure emerged. A woman, reminiscent of a Succubus, stood tall. Her emerald eyes, sharp as knives, glinted with mischief. Raven-black hair cascaded down her back, contrasting with her crimson, form-fitting attire that accentuated her dangerous curves.
"And where might you be headed?"