Previously in NWC-
Reno and Luna decide on his wish. Luna grants Reno the ability of 'Accelerated Growth'. Luna teaches Reno about channeling mana into others, showing him the source of his powerful attack he was able to use against the shade. Reno begins practicing using Ventus, quickly getting the hang of it thanks to Accelerated Growth. After Reno's worn himself out, CeCe shows up, suddenly asking if he's free next week...
Reno gives CeCe a look of understanding. He already knows what she is going to ask without being told. "Yes, we will go with you to the Capitol." After making this statement, Reno freezes. He holds up a finger to indicate that he needs a moment and he turns to Luna. "Luna?"
Luna nods her head, seemingly pleased that he is consulting her first. CeCe covers her mouth to hide her giggle. "Getting permission from your goddess? You're a quick learner, I'll give you that!"
Luna tilts her head left and right as she thinks to herself. "Hmm… while it would be a good opportunity for us to go, what are we to do with Medusa?" Luna glances over to Medusa who was slowly swinging from one tree to another. "We can't just leave her here for that long. I don't even think she'll truly understand how long we'll be gone."
Reno sighs with disappointment, his shoulder sagging. "Yeah you're right." He turns to CeCe and speaks, his voice riddled with disappointment. "I don't think I can go, Luna said we can't leave Medusa."
CeCe nods her head in understanding. "Well obviously she would go with us! She wouldn't be the weirdest thing I've seen in town."
"Seriously?!" Reno's voice is loud as he becomes excited. He turns to Luna, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Luna, CeCe says we can bring Medusa and it won't be a problem!"
Luna is hesitant, shying away slightly. "I don't know, Reno. She's never been around more than 3 people before. We don't know how she'll behave in such a large crowd. Besides, even if she does behave, what if she gets hurt? Or worse! What if she gets kidnapped?!" Luna shutters as she ponders the idea of something happening to Medusa.
"Luna, seriously? Do you seriously think that anyone who tried to kidnap Medusa wouldn't end up as red mist when she squeezes them?" Reno's eyes narrow as he speaks with a matter-of-fact voice.
Seeing the logic behind that, Luna nods her head. "Okay, I guess you have a point there. But that doesn't change the fact that she hasn't been around anyone but the three of us!"
Reno groans like a child who's trying to convince a parent as he speaks to this woman half his height. "Yeah, and if we never give her the opportunity to go out in public then she never will! Luna, it's okay, she's a good girl and you know that!" Reno crosses his arms as a show that he's unwilling to surrender on this topic.
Luna studies Reno's face, his expression making it clear that he's not giving up. She sighs, shaking her head and holding her hands up. "Fine, you're right. But if anything happens, whether it be TO her or BY her, you'll be held responsible! Do you understand?" Luna puffs her cheeks and puts her fists on her waist.
Reno nods his head furiously. "Deal!" He suddenly turns to the area where Medusa is playing and shouts. "Medusa, come here please!"
Medusa lets go of the trees and lands, holding her arms in the air. "Reno!" She slides over to him, waving her arms in excitement.
Reno picks up Medusa, holding her in front of him. "Medusa, listen to me. We're going to go on another trip, okay?" Reno, who was expecting Medusa to respond with excitement, is shocked when her smile fades slightly. "Eh? What's wrong, Medusa? I thought you'd be excited?" Sensing something was wrong, he pulls her towards his body, cradling her like a baby. "Are you afraid you'll get hurt again?" Medusa hesitantly nods her head, wrapping her arms around his body. "It's okay, Medusa! I promise, I won't let anything happen to you. You stay with me the whole time, okay?" Medusa is conflicted. On one hand, she's excited for the idea of spending more time with what she perceives to be her family, but on the other hand, she is terrified she'll be separated and have to fight again. Reno can almost feel the nervousness from her as he hugs her tightly. "You poor girl, did you get hurt in the ruins?"
"Muh!" Medusa rubs her head against Reno's and lets out a scared whimper.
"Were you scared and hurt?"
"Muh, muh!" She nods her head, clinging tighter and tighter.
Meanwhile, CeCe and Luna slowly glance at each other, their eyes narrowed with second hand embarrassment. They didn't say a word, but they both had the exact same thought. "(He is totally her dad.)"
"Can you do me a favor, Medusa?"
Medusa finally separates her head from his chest and looks up at him. "Muh?"
Reno smiles and gently pets her head, treating her flower with gentle love and care. "Can you be a big strong girl for me? You can be afraid, but can you trust me?"
Medusa is silent for a moment, looking down at his body. Finally, she nods her head, smiling again. "Muh!"
Reno smiles, ruffling her hair. "That's my Medusa!" Medusa slowly lets go of Reno and hops out of his arms, smiling once more. Reno watches as she begins happily running around the grounds. "Well, with that out of the way." He turns back to CeCe, his face contorting with confusion as he sees the look he's being given. "What?"
CeCe clears her throat, trying not to laugh. "Nothing! It seems you're all on board with a trip!"
"Yep! Luna is okay with it and Medusa is willing to go. I'd say we're all on board!"
CeCe nods her head approvingly. "Awesome! Want to discuss it now, or would you prefer another time? I'm free all week!"
Reno shuffles over to the usual sitting log and plops himself down. Patting the log, he responds. "I would love to discuss it now! There's absolutely nothing else I would rather do!" He speaks with forced enthusiasm, smiling brightly.
Luna walks over and sits next to him, crossing her arms. "He simply wishes to get out of further training."
Reno's mouth drops with disbelief. "Way to throw me under the bus, Luna!"
"Oh hush! You were NOT fooling anyone with that pathetic display. You really should cease your attempts to lie, Reno. You're not very good at it." Luna smiles smugly and looks away from him.
"Damn you! I should've left you as a ball of light. You had way less sass when you were!"
Luna places a hand on her chest with exaggeration. "And miss out on such a beautiful sight as me?!" Luna closes her eyes, slowly opening one as she peaks over at Reno, gauging his reaction.
"Get real." Reno looks at her with annoyance, his face narrowing. "Not only do I have to deal with the attitude, but now I have to deal with you being able to hit me!" CeCe sighs, covering her face with her hand. She slowly walks over and sits next to Luna, gently placing her hand on Luna's shoulder. "I'm happy that you're getting your powers back, but I feel like it's going to be a bit more difficult now that you have a real body."
Luna stares at him with a deathly glare, her eyes staring holes through him. "Uh huh, is that so?" Her voice is deadpan and she's clearly getting angrier with every word he speaks. She clenches her fists as she desperately holds back her anger.
CeCe breaks out in a nervous sweat, firmly squeezing Luna's shoulder in an attempt to distract her. "Loon, be rational."
Reno continues on, not taking note of Luna's growing anger. "And what's with the 'beautiful sight' thing? What are you even referring to?"
Luna finally snaps. She lunges at him, tackling him to the ground. "You ungrateful brat!"
"Ahh!" Reno yells as he's assaulted by Luna. Luna assaults him with a fury of blows. Her fists repeatedly bang on his chest in anger. Luckily for Reno, she's unable to cause any real pain as a result of her small stature. "Luna! What the hell's gotten into you?! CeCe, help me out here!" Reno looks over at CeCe to find her looking down at him with a look of disappointment. "Wha?"
CeCe sighs, shrugging her shoulders as she shakes her head. "That was dumb, even for you, Reno."
"What the hell do you mean 'even for me'?!"
Luna continues angrily punching him, taking out her frustration. "She means you're an idiot! A moronic BOY who has no idea how lucky he is to even be allowed in my presence!"
Reno allows her to vent her irritation. Finally, after an entire minute of dishing out attacks, she gets tired. She sits back on the log, crossing her arms and huffing. Reno slowly stands up, keeping an eye on her. "Are you good now?" He waits for a response but it never comes. Luna tightens her arms around her own body, turning away from him and pouting, her long blue hair covering her face. He sighs, sitting back down. The party sits in silence for what feels like an eternity until Reno speaks again. "So, about going to the capitol. We're definitely in. When are you leaving?"
CeCe clears her throat; glad the awkward silence was finally over. "One week from now. I feel that should give us more than enough time to plan for the two-week trip. We can restock when we get there, so don't worry about packing for the time we'll spend there."
"Cool! How long will we be there?"
CeCe shakes her head. "That really depends. It could be a couple of days to a couple of weeks. It all depends on how long it takes to accomplish our goals."
"Right, then I guess I should ask what the goals are?"
CeCe proudly points her index finger at Reno. "We're going to kickstart the development of Bambadale. This is something I've wanted to do for a while now, so you'd better be ready to give it your all!"
Reno grins, nodding his head. "That sounds like something I can easily go 110% for!" Pleased with his answer, CeCe holds her hand out. Reno claps her hand and they both clench their fists in excitement. "This is going to be awesome! Right, Luna?" Reno looks over to see Luna still sulking. "Oh, right." His excitement dies down as he begins to feel more and more concerned for Luna.
CeCe sees the spark of what appears to be worry in Reno's eyes. "(I should give them some space so Reno can unscrew himself.) CeCe pushes herself off the log and begins walking away. "Great! I'll see you guys tomorrow so we can discuss the plan in more detail!" CeCe waves goodbye, leaving them in silence.
Reno awkwardly stares at Luna's back, frozen. "(Well… this is awkward.)"
TO BE CONTINUED...