Previously in NWC-
Reno arrives at Bambadale, pacing in front of it as he thinks. Finally convincing himself to go forward with the mission, he meets wit the mayor. By the end of the discussion, the mayor has agree to call the town together to discuss establishing trade routes with the capitol. Meanwhile, the girls are planning a girls' night. Luna needed convincing, feeling guilty that Reno would be left out, but she ultimately decides to go along with it...
As they finish planning, Reno returns, a smile on his face. Lyn looks over, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You'd better have good news, business buddy."
Reno grins smugly and crosses his arm. "As a matter of fact, I do! The mayor is calling the town together tomorrow afternoon for us to convince everyone."
CeCe nods her head, pumping her fists with enthusiasm. "Great! I knew you'd get farther than we could!"
Lyn shrugs her shoulders, acting nonchalantly. "It's not ideal, but like CeCe said; I suppose it's better than nothing." Lyn pulls out a small notebook and a pen, opening it to the first page and crossing something off. "The first step of many has been completed. I suppose now we'd better come up with a solid argument to convince the others."
Reno nods his head, becoming increasingly excited. "Just tell me what I have to do and I can do it!" He clenches his fists in anticipation, ready to get the plan underway.
Lyn shakes her head, sighing. "You will be doing nothing. We told you to leave the negotiations to us, didn't we?"
Reno's face drops slightly with disappointment, his shoulders sagging. "Huh, what do you mean? I thought that was only when we got to the capitol?"
CeCe walks over and gently places a hand on Reno's shoulder. "That is what we meant! But that was before we had to convince the entire village in less than 24 hours. Look, Reno, we know this means just as much to you as anyone else."
"Then why are you making me watch from the sidelines? I understand when it comes to the business portion, but I live here too, Y'know? Shouldn't my opinion matter?"
CeCe is unable to respond, looking at Lyn for an answer. Lyn shrugs her shoulders, entirely indifferent to Reno's feelings. CeCe sighs, turning back to Reno. "Look, Reno. We didn't mean you couldn't help at all. What we were trying to say is…" CeCe pauses, trying to find any hope of saving this interaction. She suddenly gets an idea, her eyes lighting up. She smiles brightly, letting go of Renos' shoulder and pumping her fist. "You're supposed to be our trump card!"
Reno's face raises slightly, the disappointment making way for the confusion. "And what does that mean exactly?"
CeCe nods her head, expecting this question. "Lyn and I will try to handle it ourselves, but if we can't then you'll come in and save us! Does that sound good?"
Reno sighs, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess it's better than being excluded entirely. I'll take it, I guess."
CeCe smiles brightly, satisfied with how the conversation turned out. "Great! I think we should call it a day for the discussion portion of things today. Let's start getting a packing list together! You'll need to pack for 2 weeks this time instead of just a couple of days. Don't worry about food, Lyn will handle that!"
Lyn quickly interjects, pushing her glasses up. "Before you think it's free, it's not. I will prepare what I think is necessary and you will pay your portion, do you understand? Oh, and since you're bringing three party members, you will be paying for 3/5 of everything."
Reno seethes at the thought, but he realizes he has no choice. "Why do I always get the short end of the stick? Always the one doing the fighting, getting excluded from all the important discussion, and now I'm basically funding this trip?! I'd better get the largest return from this too!"
Lyn shrugs her shoulders, turning around. "You'll get what you get. Investing is much like gambling; you can always come out with nothing." Lyn begins walking away, setting off to begin her preparations.
CeCe puts her hand on Reno's shoulder, giving him a thumbs up with the other. "But, just like gambling; You gotta' risk it all to win it all!" CeCe smiles and waves as she follows behind Lyn.
Reno watches as they leave. As soon as they're out of sight he quickly turns to Luna who looks away from him just as fast. "You could've backed me up at least a little!"
Luna pouts, avoiding eye contact. "I knew you could do it Reno!"
"Save it!" Reno quickly moves around her body, staring into her eyes. "If I'm paying for you to go on this trip then you're going to put in some damn work this time around!"
Luna groans, cringing. "That's no way to speak to the goddess who supplies your power!"
Reno stops, thinking. "You know what? You're right. I'm so sorry I spoke to you like that."
Luna nods her head, crossing her arms and smiling smugly. "That's right! I'm glad you finally understand!"
Reno puts a hand on Luna's head, ruffling her hair slightly. "I guess I'll stop helping you then!"
Luna's expression drops, her eyes widening. "You wouldn't!"
"I mean, if supplying me with power really takes up all of your energy then you must be so tired all the time! You poor, poor goddess! I'll gladly sacrifice my power if it means you actually lift a damn finger!" Reno's voice quickly goes from one of fake sympathy to one of exaggerated annoyance.
Luna stomps her foot and clenches her fists. "Just because I have a body doesn't mean I can do anything with it! I still don't have much power and every time I get more I use it to grant you a wish!"
"You're carrying your own stuff and that's final!"
"But, Reno! Two weeks of clothes and food is heavy for a girl of my size! Can't you at least carry the food for me?!"
"No!" Reno crosses his arms, standing up straight and turning away.
Luna sighs, calming down and looking up at Reno. She gently grips his pant leg which causes him to look down at her. She looks up at him with pleading eyes as she grips him. "Please, Reno… I need you." Luna speaks with a hushed voice, her eyes watering slightly.
Reno looks down at her, sighing. "Are you seriously about to cry over this?"
She wipes her eyes, covering her face in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, please allow me a moment to recollect myself."
Reno watches as the guilt builds inside of him until it finally spills over, swaying his decision. "Look, just don't cry, okay? I'll help carry your stuff. Just don't cry."
Luna smiles sweetly, nodding her head. "Thank you, Reno. I don't know what I'd do without you!" Having finally recomposed herself, she looks back up at Reno. "I suppose we should see what we have and make a list of what we need?"
Reno nods his head, smiling with excitement. "Yeah! Luckily the mayor gave me a lot of clothes. I'm glad he pretty much made me take them too, because I had no clue I'd need clothes for three people." Reno looks at Luna and Medusa, sighing as he realizes he'll be in charge of the well-being of two other people.
Luna hears his sigh and does her best to reassure him. "Worry not, Reno. Medusa is quite low maintenance. As long as the shirt she's wearing doesn't become ripped then we can simply wash them as we go. She doesn't necessarily need to wear clothing, but it does look adorable when she does."
"You're right. We could get away with only packing her a couple of shirts, but I'd prefer it if that was a last resort. Another thing I was thinking of was if she actually needs to eat food. She was in that basement for God knows how long. How did she get by without eating if she didn't need to? Does she just eat because likes the taste? Does she do it because she wants to be like everyone else?" As Reno is thinking, he puts his hand to his chin, rocking left and right slightly as he lists off questions. Without him knowing, Medusa had approached, looking at him. She begins copying his every movement while watching him, trying to be just like him.
"(I believe the only one she aspires to be would be her own father.)" Luna watches in silence, trying to hide her growing smile. "I believe that, due to her being made of plant material, she should suffice off of your magic. However, much like with the clothing situation, even if she doesn't need it, I'd feel guilty if we didn't share with her. I think it's just as you said, cutting her supplies is a last resort."
Reno nods his head in agreement. "Alright, then we agreed. We'll try to get supplies for all three of us. I'm sure the price for three isn't too much more than two. Besides, Medusa is capable of carrying her own stuff." Medusa waves her arms excitedly and cheers, feeding off of the excitement. With that, the three nod their heads in unison. "Let's get to it then!"
TO BE CONTINUED...