Vulcan sighed, leaning against Bard's car, slowly growing impatient as he wished for everyone to hurry up. The surroundings were gradually becoming the center of attention. Vulcan thought to himself about the recent events. With the arrival of the Forbidden, he knew it was more than necessary for him to grow stronger, yet the path to that strength remained hazy. His sword while reliable, he it felt was limited in the challenges that lay ahead.
"Hah, how much I wished I had an Ornament right now..." Vulcan sighed, the recent encounters with the Forbidden had left him aware of the need for additional power.
"Hmm, Vulcan?" A familiar voice called out to him, drawing Vulcan's attention.
"You're having your deep episode as well, huh?" Simon grinned, noticing Vulcan's contemplative mood.
"Oh, Simon. Yeah, I guess you could say it's something like that," Vulcan replied as he scratched the back of his head
"Anyway, what are you doing here, and where are Eve and Eliza?" Simon asked.
"They're having some sisterly talk; looks like we're both alone. Bard and Mary aren't with you either?" Vulcan noticed.
"Oh, right. Bard and Mary are talking with each other as well. I thought I shouldn't be too nosey, so I went on ahead," Simon said.
Vulcan grinned, "Guess everyone's pairing up for heart-to-heart talks. I just hope they hurry before this place becomes way too crowded. In the meantime, want to share your 'deep episode' or just enjoy some silence?" He glanced around as more people slowly gathered.
"Now that you mention it, Vulcan, It wasn't my intention to ditch everyone, but Bard and Mary took off, and I just instinctively followed them. I hope you guys understand I didn't purposely leave you to fight on your own," Simon explained.
"No worries, Simon. We all did what we could in the heat of the moment. Eve probably would've suggested the same thing. Besides, it looks like we made it out okay," Vulcan said.
"Oh, and I have a Forbidden inside me," Simon nonchalantly said.
Vulcan's eyes widened in surprise as Simon, the clatter of Vulcan's sword hitting the ground. "Wait, hold up. You've got a Forbidden inside you? Like the Forbidden we just fought back then?"
"Yeah, but don't worry, he seems good. Blood helped us in defeating Lust. Surprisingly, even Sidgroth of The Victorious Ten allowed me to leave without much trouble," Simon explained, a confident grin on his face.
"So, you're saying this Forbidden inside you is good? That Forbidden helped you defeat Lust, and even one of The Victorious Ten let you go? That's... unexpected, to say the least." Vulcan picked up his sword.
Simon chuckled, "Yeah, it was unexpected for me too. He calls himself Forbidden Blood, seems to have his own agenda, but for now, it aligns with ours. I guess you could say I have my own personal Forbidden bodyguard."
"Alright, I gotta admit, that's pretty cool." Vulcan couldn't help but break into a grin.
"By the way, they're taking a while; let's go pick them up. They should be nearby anyway," Simon said, twirling the car keys around his finger.
"Huh, you had the keys? Anyway, right, let's go grab them so we can leave already," Vulcan said.
"Hey, Vulcan, now that I think about it. Where exactly is the car you and the others were driving?" Simon asked.
Vulcan pointed toward the fiery wreckage of the once vibrant red car, now reduced to scrap metal on the parking lot.
"Ah, I see, let's get going then..."
Vulcan and Simon entered the car, Simon drove around the town, his eyes looking at the surroundings to spot Bard, Mary, Eve, and Eliza. Luckily for them it didn't take long as they quickly found them.
Once everyone was gathered, Eliza explained the situation and asked them if they could come along. Bard, with a thoughtful expression, absorbed the information, however without a second thought; he nodded in agreement. Extending a welcoming gesture to all, he knew there was power in numbers.
"Thank you, Bard. We promise we'll be on our best behavior!" Eliza expressed her thanks to Bard with a warm smile.
"Haha, don't worry about that. It's the least we can do after you guys helped us with Metod back then." Bard chuckled warmly.
"You didn't ask us if it's okay..." Mary whispered.
"I'm fine with them coming, that's two to one, princess." Simon said with a smug grin.
"Quite cramped in here, isn't it..?" A light blush on Eve's cheeks as she sat on Eliza's lap.
"It's perfectly fine with me," Eliza said with a warm smile, her tail gently patting Eve's head.
"Ahem! I want to confirm, is the next town Silene Tomentosa?" Eve asked.
"Yes, that's correct," Bard confirmed, "Unfortunately, we cannot make any stops for supplies due to the recent events. However, we should be safe to take a short break over there."
"That'd be nice; all of my things were destroyed in the car," Vulcan sighed.
"I have to ask though, how do all of you intend to become stronger? We don't know for certain if any more Forbidden will attack, and remaining stagnant won't do you any good," Bard asked.
Eliza sighed, her gaze fixed on outside the car window. "T-that's something we'll need to plan out how to become stronger, we can't exactly stop either. If you have any creative solutions, I'm listening." Her tail gently swinging side to side.
"I'm afraid I don't have any solutions . However, if any ideas come to mind, I'll let you know," Bard said with a gentle smile playing.
"I see; well, thank you, Bard," Eliza smiled back.
"By the way, how long until we get to Silene Tomentosa?" Vulcan asked as he leaned back.
"We should be reaching Silene Tomentosa by tomorrow morning," Simon replied, "Once we arrive, we can take a breather and plan our next moves more thoroughly."
"Wake me up when we get there..."
Back at Calla Lily, The White Crusader spoke with Sidgroth thoroughly and strategically planning their next course of action, knowing the Forbidden will have more allies. The experience from the void war serving them well.
"By the way, White Crusader, didn't you say you were after Mary Wildflower?" Sidgroth asked.
"Mary Wildflower is currently an afterthought; my primary concern is the Forbidden. There are undoubtedly more of them out there," The White Crusader said.
"I see. Well, don't you think we should call the others? They could be of significant help, you know," Sidgroth suggested.
"Hmph, the beast is currently in Magnolia, the servant reduced to a mere shell of his former self, and the witch's whereabouts remain unknown. Perhaps, if the other five were still with us, then maybe. If those three truly care, they will reveal themselves in due time," The White Crusader remarked.
"It's a shame that The White Trial have aged so much; their help would have been very much appreciated ," Sidgroth sighed.
"The White Trial, chosen ones of The True One, Miracle, Order, and Ulú, should have sacrificed themselves long ago once their usefulness has worn out," The White Crusader said coldly.
"Hey, that's dark even for you. Besides, I think they earned their rest," Sidgroth leaned on his warhammer.
"More importantly, I must ask: What are you going to do now?" The White Crusader asked.
"I'm going to make sure things calm down here in Calla Lily; this is where I'm living, after all. I can't just leave this place in chaos," Sidgroth replied.
"I see. Though I would have preferred for us to form an alliance again, I respect your decision to stay and protect Calla Lily." The White Crusader replied with a nod.
"We still are; we're both a part of the Victorious Ten, remember—? Ow! Haha!" Sidgroth put a hand on The White Crusader's shoulder but forgot about the spikes on his armor; pricking his hand.
"Indeed, we are forever bound by our history and purpose." The White Crusader said.
As The White Crusader prepared to leave and continue to Legis, Sidgroth had one last question for him.
"White Crusader, did you also receive a message from her?" Sidgroth asked.
"Hmph, you also received a message from that rabbit? It seems even after all this time, that rabbit knows to not meddle in things beyond her understanding," The White Crusader remarked.
"Hey now, I know she isn't exactly like her father. But you should still show at least a little respect; Rintaro was a part of the Victorious Ten," Sidgroth sighed.
"She'll never compare to Rintaro; his lineage is already tainted because of her," The White Crusader declared.
"White Crusader, I swear, sometimes you're just..." Sidgroth shook his head, "Anyway, it looks like she's going to get involved whether we like it or not."
"As long as she doesn't get in my way, her involvement matters little to me," The White Crusader said.
"I see. Well, I believe that's all. You should get going, White Crusader."
"Indeed, time is of the essence. Farewell, Sidgroth, until our paths cross again," The White Crusader nodded, then turned to depart.
"Now, Maxwell, Gladiolus! Our mission is to make sure that anyone in need receives our assistance!" Sidgroth shouted with determination.
"And what about the creature behind the disappearances?" Maxwell asked.
"The creature behind the disappearances is our next challenge. Currently, our task at hand takes top priority. Come, Maxwell, let's not waste any more time." Sidgroth motioned for Maxwell to follow as he began to walk forward.
"Yes, Master Sidgroth!"