Dice Our Shenanigans

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Anger flared. His eyes sharpened as hints of yellowish veins in his indigo blues at the mentioned possibility. Oh how he wanted to growl ‘Let them try.’ Moss has a point. Isa would be defenseless as an octopus. Plus he didn’t know if Moss’ realm has a ‘surface’. What if it only has water? What then? Just because he could shoot out ink, doesn’t mean that he could escape easily.

Isa isn’t an idiot to believe that he is invincible; however he isn’t so helpless. There has to be a way . . .

“. . . Must I find an advantage to come with ya?” The redhead started, tilting his head down to veil his ever changing colored eyes. “I will, ya know? I’m not afraid to maul someone who hates ya because I’m not afraid to be violent. Are ya. . . . Am I that much of a weakness to ya?”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Moss placed his hands on his shoulders. "You are not a weakness to me in a bad way, you are a weakness to me in a good way." he looked into his eyes levelly. He leaned back, sighing again, looking at Isa's tilted head and the shadow over his eyes, and reached out to cup his cheek in a tenderness one could describe as an anxiousness to not make him sad. Then his eyes suddenly perked up. "Depth strider! The materia, Depth strider, it'll let you breathe and talk normally under water. If we get that, and you learn how to swim . . . then, can you do that first before coming with me?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Isa flinched at his honesty. He’s still a weakness to Moss. A burden. It hurt to hear, his heart ached at the notion; at this truth of it all because he understood. Moss is the same to him—-but no, he’s more of his strength than a weakness. Yet . . . he couldn’t help but admit that Moss still had a point.

His shoulders slumped as his yellowing eyes looked away from Moss’ stare. Saddened. The redhead automatically leaned his hot cheek into Moss’ hand, sweetly nuzzling it as if to comfort Moss’ anxiety as he sighed out heavily. Only to flinch again when the merman exclaimed. Causing Isa to blink owlishly as he listened to Moss’ words. Then he smiled brightly, nodding his head enthusiastically.

”Yes! I can do that first! Me go wit u, heart!” He cheered in Atlantean at the end.

Next thing the couple knew, a rushing pair of footsteps past their door. Followed closely by another pair. The couple can hear people yelling orders and such as their yells echoed in the hallways and rooms.

”There they are! Get ‘em!” yelled Christine, sounding serious for once. The door slammed open, Oak panted heavily as to check if there’s any disturbances before sighing in relief. “Oh good, they didn’t go in here—- the sirens are here! They are running around like chickens with their heads cut off!” Then he ran outside, slamming the door behind him.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

"Weakness in a good way! A good way!" Moss cupped his cheek with both hands now. "If you weren't then that'd mean I didn't love you." he combed his hair.

Then after Isa agreed to the Depth Strider and learning how to swim plan, Moss smiled in relief, gazing at Isa's smile. "Alright, alright, though let's practice in Cascatta and not in tsunami waters ---"

Moss suddeny jumped as Oak barged in. Okami barked.

When he left, Moss immediately clasped Isa's hands. "I'm going to help them. Please stay here, Isa."

* * * *​

A few minutes later after Moss stopped a random demon hunter and basically commanded them to guard Isa's door. . .

Moss had lost sight of the sirens. Panting, he crouched, eyes darting around quickly for any marks on the ground. He felt dread in his stomach and glanced back to the direction of Isa's room, and then bolted back.

His hands glowed white as he reached into his spell component pouch and crushed a scale in his hand. 'Isa, we lost them, I'm coming back.' said Moss' voice in his head. ' You don't hear anything strange around your area, do you?'


Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Isa let Moss tilt his head up and gazed at him; his yellowing eyes searched for the lie before he sighed in quiet relief. Closing his own eyes as he leaned into the merman’s hands.

After Oak left and Moss grabbing his hand, Isa squeezed them tightly. “May Loki watch over ya, Love.” Then he let’s Moss go, watching run out of the bedroom. The door behind his love shut on it’s own.

———

While cuddling with Okami by the fireplace, Isa blinked owlishly. Alarmed, he payed attention to the door. Trying hear if anything is coming or going—-

It’s quiet.

The redhead went to the door and opened it to see the sect member still standing there. However he is tense and had his weapon out. That’s when Isa’s heard it. Faint and rushed footsteps. He closed the door. “I think they are close by. The guy ya sent is in battle mode. Want me teleport to ya? Tell me where ya are.”


Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Okami growled at the door and stood, hackles raised, in his full polarbear dog height over Isa.

'I'm close to the hallway with the statue of that demon hunter wielding two blades!' rushed Moss' voice.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

He knows where Moss is, it wasn’t far. Isa held onto Okami as flames burned them away.

Appearing in front of Moss as his beau ran towards him. Just as Isa reached to touch his arm, the three of them appeared in front of the medical ward, just in time to see the sect member get sliced down by one of the sirens. Blood splatting the walls and ceiling. Indigo flames licked their clothing, hair, and fur, drastically changing the hue of the hallway. The redhead stood behind Moss’ stance and underneath Okami’s chin, glaring at the intruders. The sirens seemed to move slow as they took in the sight of the couple in flames.

They can hear Christine’s voice echoing and a more heavier set of footsteps running closing towards them.

“Ah! That’s Isa’s flames- !”

Spoiler: Battle

Moss can roll combat first!

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

"Isa!" Moss stretched out his hand and in a whirl of blue flames, the moment Moss glimpsed the battle before him, he rushed out through the fiery haze, hands glowing white, spear sheathed in a white cackling aura, and whirled his spear. "Don't touch Isa's friends!"

Spoiler: Battle

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 19 | Spell Power: 17 |Manna: 5/7
Condition:​

Armor: Leonid Armor (damaged)
+3 Toughness | Light
Attachment I: Blue-teal Ring
Attachment II:

Main Hand: Spartan Lance
"Cleave". Once per turn, you can make an area attack with -2 to hit, to damage a number of foes = Combat Skill that are clustered around you.

Cleave
Once per turn, you can make an area attack with -2 to hit, to damage a number of foes = Combat Skill that are clustered around you

Spell Booming Blade
Upon successfully hitting 1 target with a melee attack, the target becomes sheathed in booming energy until your next turn. If that target willingly moves before then, it is electrocuted and takes 1 damage.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Both of the sirens hissed in pain as Moss’ lance cut his shoulder, mimicking what one of them had done to the downed sect member. Their own blood splattered the walls as they fell backwards. The couple can hear a female’s heels clacking closer and closer until Christine stood next to Moss, with her frying pan out and ready. She smiled impishly.

Poppy huffed and gasped after finally catching up to Christine’s fast pace. Putting his hands on his knees as he stood beside Isa and Okami.

” A-are you okay?” He gasped out to the downed member before taking out a piece of coffee-tinted paper between his fingers. There were red markings all over it in an unknown language. He muttered under his breathe, ready to attack-! He’ll make way to the injured sect member to pass him to Isa.

Spoiler: Sect’s stats

Christine : 2/2HP
Toughness: 18
Combat +5 : Pan fighting

Poppy : 2/2HP
Toughness: 14
Combat +2 : Talismans

Spoiler: Battle stats

Siren 1: 2\3HP
Toughness: 14
*Charm +3- Siren’s song.
His songs can trance any living being, doing his bidding.

Siren 2: 3\3HP
Toughness: 14
*Charm +3 - Siren’s song.
His songs can trance any living being, doing his bidding.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Moss blinked at the frying pan. Talismans made sense, raven staffs made sense. But frying pan?

He quickly sidestepped a blow, then with spear still sheathed white, he jabbed in quick succession, his spear looking like a blur of many blades. Moss knew that the next stab would be lethal, he could spare them, with a bash from the blunt side of his spear. But memories of Isa in that cave, and that terrible fright of seeing him dead in the water hardened his heart. These sirens could be the next Manuel. And he will never let that happen.

With a cold anger that steeled his eyes, Moss impaled the first siren, lifting him up and charged the second, pinning them both to the wall.

Crack!

His spear was splintering, as he silently stared at them with a gaze that could pierce flesh, until the light in their eyes vanished.

Spoiler: Battle

Health: Fresh | Toughness: 19 | Spell Power: 17 |Manna: 4/7
Condition:​

Armor: Leonid Armor (damaged)
+3 Toughness | Light
Attachment I: Blue-teal Ring
Attachment II:

Main Hand: Spartan Lance
"Cleave". Once per turn, you can make an area attack with -2 to hit, to damage a number of foes = Combat Skill that are clustered around you.

Cleave
Once per turn, you can make an area attack with -2 to hit, to damage a number of foes = Combat Skill that are clustered around you

Spell Booming Blade
Upon successfully hitting 1 target with a melee attack, the target becomes sheathed in booming energy until your next turn. If that target willingly moves before then, it is electrocuted and takes 1 damage.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

It was silent on the sect members’ part as they watched in disturbed awe of how fluid Moss was in his deadly attacks. Isa knew of what he is capable off, yet he hasn’t seen it much now that he thought about it. Just the few times when needed and even then, he’d usually keep their enemies alive after fights. This time, however, it was different and Isa finally saw what Moss can actually do when he wanted blood.

He felt horrible for this and yet it’s true: Isa is feeling a bit hot under his collar for Moss being serious mode. Heart speeding up.

The merman can hear a single pair of bare footsteps coming closer to him and felt a pair of familiar arms wrapping around his waist. Autumn red hair strands coming into his view as he felt a hot and reddened cheek nuzzling his neck. He must be on his toes to reach his head like this. Isa lightly gestured with a pull to have Moss follow him away from the pinned bodies. “Come on, Moss.” Isa muttered in his ears, sounding tired yet concerned for his beau.

More members of the sect came. Some helping on getting the bodies down while others cleaned the spot after they held a passing away ceremony. It was short, yet meaningful. “A life is a life, after all.” Is what Oak whispered, lighting up an incense stick to cleanse the space, and wanting to ease the sirens’ passing. The hallways smelled like pine and sandalwood for a good three days.

Isa had rubbed Moss’ back and arms in hopes he’d relax before they ate and cuddled. He offered to cook together and feed Okami before they played with him in the ward if that helps.

———

Meanwhile, Isa somewhat recovered, being able to go around as long he stayed warm outside. He went to the now filling up marketplace, hoping to find the two items he’ll need for his trip to Atlantis. Determined to go with his fiancé.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Moss' tense muscles relaxed. The spear's splintered half drooped as he let go, and all he gave was a grunt as he let himself be pulled away by Isa. He was quiet on their walk back to their room, but when he turned to look at him inside, the steel in his teal eyes were gone, replaced by a sigh of relief.

"You're safe now, Isa."

He reassured him that he was fine, but let Isa rub his back and arms, and was surprised to find his thoughts lulling back to his normal chill self. As though Isa brought him back down from a high shelf overlooking flames to an ocean that was cool. He sighed once more on the bed, then flipped on his back and sat up, hugging Isa tightly for a long time, as though he was afraid of losing him. "Yes, let's cook and play with Okami." he nodded.

And that night, as they got ready for bed, Moss started to talk about what he did. He didn't feel regret for killing, just relieved, just like how he felt when Theosebia was gone. He didn't look guilty at all, and looked at Isa like he was worth killing enemies for.

* * * *​

A few days passed. Moss went to Melgar and requested the execution of the last siren. He knew he was breaking his promise to fiend, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to have him come back after Isa or him once he finds out Moss killed his friends.

Now, Moss was with Isa looking for Depth Strider materia. He needed a replacement for his spear too and repair his armor that he neglected. The seriousness had gone from his demeanor, and he was once more his usual self. He was also looking forward to finally cooking for Isa's family this time, and kept an eye out for any vendor selling baby octopi.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Still worried, Isa nodded, squeezing Moss in their tight hug.

As they settled in their bed for the night, the redhead listened to his fiancé. His flushed cheeks turned red before he wiggled up to kiss him. “Same.” He replied and they both know it’s true. After all, Isa had killed others for Moss’ sake.

———-

Melgar accepted his request and by the evening, a murder of crows has flown off after a loud thud of an axe hitting flesh and wood. The Sect of Loki held another ceremony to give peace to the spirit. Isa wasn’t there for the ceremony and the sect didn’t blame him; he was the victim and understood that he had boundaries. He stayed in the ward with Moss until he felt better to move back in their caravan.

As Isa walked besides Moss, he peeked at him. Wanting to make sure that he was okay before he focused in his search. As much as he secretly likes Moss being overprotective of him, he’s still worried of his stress levels. The man went through a lot these past few days and not that many people can handle it. So the redhead kept a close eye on him in case he became . . . Steely-eyed.

Since the sirens are gone, the sailors could finally fish their earnings and the vendors enthusiastically boasted over the fishes. Including having an abundance of baby octopus. “Have any idea of what sort of spear ya like to have? Ohh! A frying pan spear?” Isa thought out loud, smiling at the idea of Moss swinging an elongated frying pan.

——-

That night, Isa helped Moss carry all of the baby octopus in the kitchen and started cooking together. The mess hall had sect members filling in, all of them chatting about random things as they were excited about their meal. A meal prepared by Moss and Isa . . . How strange yet sweet scene they were seeing. Their little one being comfortable around another’s presence and even flirting with him- what a joyous scene to beheld for the ones who haven’t seen Isa in a long time. Father Ryn sat by the middle of the room, talking with the same elderly gnome named Turtledove.

“You are so cute~” Christine teased with Oak nodding, his hands cupping his cheeks as they leaned on the window that‘s connected to the kitchen and mess hall. They were observing (messing with the couple) Moss’ cooking, not realizing what certain ingredients were for.

“Do you always kiss each other after or before cooking?”

”Oh look! They are leaning on each other~”

”How cuuuute-!”

”Scram!” Isa threatened them with a spatula. Scramed, they did, laughing. The redhead huffed, pouting. “I’ll get my revenge.” He muttered.


Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" The cookout"​

Moss was his usual chatty self with the vendors, haggling for the best price, smelling, and handpicking the freshest ingredients with Okami behind him and Isa, who sported baskets on the side of his merman saddle full of food.

"A frying pan spear?" he chortled, placing some picatrix ash and clover oil on a merchant's scale in front of a trader for a bunch of green onions and spices. "Christine may be deadly at it, but the best I could do with that is probably use it as a boat paddle. Or set it on fire and serve my foes on a platter as I defeat them." he laughed.

* * * *​

Later that night, the couple got the baby octopus and batter for the takoyaki, fish soup, and other pre-cooking show things ready before Moss went up the table in the center of the mess hall to cook up a show Cascatta merfolk style~

When Christine asked if they kissed before or after cooking, Moss grinned at her and smooched Isa. "Both!"

He laughed when they scrammed. "Your ferociousness precedes you Isa~" he bumped his waist. "I entirely forgot to prepare a prank for them. Ah, well~ Perhaps when we next visit." he opened up a boiling pot of baby octopi. "Here's the last batch that we need to chop up, then we're ready for the cooking show!"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Isa pondered for a moment, imagining Moss frying their enemies as food before sticking his tongue out. “I don’t think they’ll taste good, love.” He teased. “I rather ya eat me- meals.“ He sucked in his lips, holding back his comment, and hoping Moss didn’t hear that last part. He turned around, his cheeks turning red as his hair.

He helped packed the food for their dinner. While searching for other ingredients, Isa spotted the depth strider materia and immediately bought it. He can go with Moss now! He thought excitedly as he stared at the deep ocean blue materia with a smile.

———-

Isa blinked owlishly as his cheeks turned red again, caught off guard from Moss’ sudden confidence to kiss him in front of others. Then he glared at Christine and Oak, watching them run away to be safe from the spatula of doom. The redhead huffed at the comment before bumping his hip back; it gently touched his hip.

”I swear they aren’t affected by my anger anymore. It’s like they are immune to it.” He chuckled at Moss’ comment. “Yes~ next time, love.” Isa brandished his knife, ready to cut the little octopus into pieces.

“Ready whenever ya are~” Isa purred.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" The cookout"​

Moss stopped laughing abruptly. When Isa looked back, Moss had stopped walking and was staring at him. He quickly closed the gap between them and held his hand. His ears were steaming. "Isa, do you want to go somewhere where we can't be overheard for . . . for maybe ten minutes or . . . half an hour?"

* * * *​

After they chopped the little octopus, Moss transformed into his merman form and took Isa aside. "Isa, can I ask for a favor? Will you use your illusions to help me with the show like that time we melded our illusions to create an ocean depth southern lights?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

His entire face turned red when he heard the question, then he looked around before staring at Moss bashfully. “ . . .” How he wanted to say that the food might get colder or Okami might get hungry or that someone might overhear them . . . And yet-

“I thought ya would never ask-“ His voice squeaked at the end, picking up what Moss was asking for. He let Moss sweep him off his feet to go to a secluded direction.

———

Isa blinked owlishly, his hands instantly reached out to rub his side fins as he listened to Moss’ words. Then he smiled widely, excited. “Of course~”

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" The cookout"​

A good hour later, Moss was nuzzling Isa, as they walked hand in hand, continuing their shopping. "Thank you for the meal~Can I have some more tonight?"

* * * *​

"Thank you." Moss' side fins curled around Isa's hands, as Moss hugged him tight with arms and tail. He hoped he can convey to Isa's family how much he wants to be a part of them and take care of them with his cooking. He didn't know how that worked, but he was going to give his heart into these takoyaki, his heart which was beating fast just thinking of the crowd waiting outside.

* * * *

Spoiler: Musica

Now floating in the center of the mess hall in front of a large fish, hot metal sheets, and rows of seasoned rice nigiri and maki, Moss had his smiling shop keeper face on, but he wasn't talking or greeting the crowd. He just looked straight at Isa, and his shoulders relaxed. He took a deep breath.

Suddenly his hands lit up in white, as glowing teal Atlantean runes swirled up his arms. Pillars of water shot up into a swirling arc above him, edged with slow moving ice, but rushing with water within.

Shing --- Moss drew out a fan of ocean set knives and with great strength tossed the giant fish into the air. The water wheel caught it in its turbulence, he floated upwards, and slashed in a dance of blades. The shing, beat of wooden handles, and grate of blade against ice became a rhythm of wildfire, and Isa saw his shopkeeper smile slowly turn into one of enjoyment, as with more confidence, more ingredients were shot up by hot soup and batter.

The hall was filled with the sound of sizzling, as with every slash the liquids moved with him; batter slow-motion rained on the hot takoyaki pans, hot soup jumped from bowl to bowl like fishes catching Moss' thrown spices, as the large floating water wheel absorbed more pink red slices, dark seasoned octopi, herbs of many kinds, becoming more colorful, until everyone was looking at a pair of giant water color koi fishes swimming in the air, surrounding Moss' blade dance.

He was mesmerizing.

His wildfire rhythm reached a crescendo. The giant fish was nothing but bones now, and with a final shing, the water color koi fishes exploded into waves of slow falling rain. And in a burst of speed Isa's only seen in battle, Moss gracefully caught all the ingredients in a whirl of knives, as each nigiri and maki on the table were crowned with fresh cold fish, toppings, and octopi went into every takoyaki.

And with a splash, the rest of the water fell into the boiling soup pots, filling the hall with a delicious steam. When the haze cleared, Moss stood there knives out, breathing heavily like he'd run a mile and grinning like he knew exactly just how much he had nailed it. "Dinner, is served~"

He bowed.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

“I thought ya would never ask~” Isa purred, kissing him on his irresistible lips once more.

———-

Isa let’s go of Moss’ fins to hug him tight, cooing comforting words. He felt Moss’ racing heartbeat. “Ya got this, Love. Just look at me at the start and remember that you’re not alone.” He muttered, not letting go until Moss felt confident the enough to go and face his family.

————

As Moss settled himself in the middle of the mess hall, the crowd started to whisper quietly as they watched him get ready. Curious as to what Moss will do. Father Ryn and Aunty Turtledove had front row seats. Excitement filled the room. The redhead went to the entrance, breathing deep before he got a perfect idea to highlight Moss and his cooking. He looked up and saw that Moss stared at him, so he smiled warmly and silently cheered by pumping his fists up in the air. Then with a long release of air from his mouth, he sweep his arms out as clouds formed from the ground. Plumes of bright teals and saturated creams surrounded the floors before the whole room transformed.

The walls hazed out as soft waves washed above them, he made the lights look like they were light from the sun. Peeking through the ocean’s deep veils, he made sure the light only stood over Moss’ form. Next thing Isa knew, he saw a glimmer of light bouncing off Moss’ knives and he was caught into the merman’s dance. He couldn’t take his eyes away as a waft of fish and spices filled the room. He can hear the crowd quietening down to smell the herbs. He caught himself in time at Moss’ crescendo, just as the crowd heard the shing, Isa made a loud wave crash into the desk’s sides, dramatically emphasizing his skills with subtle waves following his movements. At the end, just as the haze cleared, the redhead pulled in the illusion as well, making the pattern swirl like whirlpools until the room was back to normal.

Isa’s heart is racing-! Moss is incredible !

The entire Sect was quiet. Astounded. Father Ryn stood up from his seat and clapped, grinning and proud. “Well done.” That’s when the entire room cheered, roaring their excitement of Moss’ dinner and show. “Let’s eat!” The elder invited everyone and just as quickly, people surrounded the dinner. Giving thanks to Moss and telling him how cool he was while dancing— Some of them even tried to copy his moves, though not as graceful.

Isa easily flowed through the crowd to reach to Moss and held his hand. Smiling happily after kissing him. “That was magical~” He exclaimed, his eyes revealed how proud he is of Moss. Seeing him in his element, in his dream. It is joyous and something he wanted to celebrate about.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -
" The cookout "​

"You're welcome." Moss smiled humbly at Isa's family and bowing. Glowing teal Atlantean runes continued to glow, as each takoyaki he served popped out silly faces when poked or eaten, sometimes silently screaming, Nyoooo, or having their souls come out as cross-eyed takoyaki ghosts.

Moss immediately floated to Isa when he spotted him coming his way and hugged him. Moss just collapsed in his arms and let out a sigh. "I know, I was so nervous." he said breathlessly, snuggling into his neck. His heartbeat slowed. "They looked like they had fun." He looked around at Christine, Poppy, Oak, and even Andrew whose takoyaki all seemed to be deadpanning at him or scowling . . . almost . . . almost copying his expression actually, and Father Ryn. He smiled warmly, chest puffing up with pride seeing their faces. They liked his food. They really liked his food. And Moss became serene, just content to be able to make Isa's family happy.

"Here, Isa, would you like some?" he swept over the tables, picking out specific plates and takoyaki. "I got extra chili sauce and some pepper if you want your food spicier~"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Everyone found the takoyaki adorable, even Andrew muttered how oddly similar their expressions were to his own. Giving a rare and beautiful smile before eating one. Christine, Poppy, and Oak gawked. Moss managed to get a smile out of him when they couldn’t for the longest time- they need to ask the merman on how to be cool while cooking. Father Ryn we’re silently enjoying his own, finding peace like an aged old owl as his little chicks were flittering around in their excitement and wonder.

Isa carried Moss as they hugged, squeezing him in comfort and happiness as one of his arms reached up to twirl a strand of his hair. Listening to his beau’s tired words then chuckled. “But ya did so good, babe~”

He hummed, smiling gleefully. “Of course they did. Ya looked like ya were having fun too.” The redhead kissed Moss’ temple before nuzzling his cheek on his head, breathing out deep. As Moss swam over to the table, mentioning food, he perked up when Moss offered him some takoyaki. Brightening at the mention of spicy spices. “I would love some~” He purred, reaching out to grab his plate from the merman, and stared at the food. He gulped down the drool, grabbing a fork to stab a takoyaki as he watched it silently scream. Then he ate it.

Followed by a satisfied groan. His cheeks plumped and filled with food. “Shhhoooo guuuud~” He practically inhaled everything in his dish before asking for seconds, thirds, and fourths for good measure.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Moss gawked as well. He'd been hoping to annoy Andrew, who'd have thought that'd make him give a rare and beautiful smile?

Now in Isa's arms, he curled his tail around him and sagged like a pillow, content to be carried around. "Babe?" he looked at him amused, quirking an eyebrow. "You've never called me babe before."

He slacked contentedly once more when Isa kissed his head. When they started to eat, Moss gladly gave Isa and all his family all the food they wanted, and he was satisfied at the end of it all to see no left overs.

Moss' tail was sweeping lazily now as he chilled with Isa in the mess hall after people started heading to bed late that night. He had invited Christine, Poppy, Oak, and Melgar to sit with them and talk. Moss regaled them with tales of their adventures, asking for more stories of Isa, and then eventually talking about going to Atlantis next.

"The sirens appearing with a heart crystal had got me wondering about what's going on in my home. Because nobody should be able to go through the pillars of hercules in times of war. Unless war has ended. Even then, criminals would never be allowed into Leor . . . Have you guys heard any goings on about the merefolk in the area?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi -​

Isa smiled, happily carrying Moss even when he decided sat down next to Christine, keeping him on his lap and having his tail curled around his thin waist. His cheeks turned pink as he looked away. The little sprout on his head bounced happily as it bashfully curled it’s leaves. “I have a long list of loving nicknames for ya, Moss. Don’t be surprised if I started calling ya meh fishy sugarbuns.” He replied then kissed his pale cheek.

As the mess hall became scarce with people, Isa stayed silent as he listened to everyone’s voices. Snuggling his face into Moss’ neck as everyone chatted. Christine mentioned the funny and cute moments Isa has done as a child while Poppy talked about how Isa has a soft side for animals.

”One time, Isa found this injured flaming bird. Even when it was injured, it would burn anyone near it, but Isa would be stubborn and tried to heal the poor animal. He would come back with ashy hair and peck marks on his face.” Poppy smiled timidly. “After that, the bird and Isa would play together and cause havoc in the sect. Heheh.”

Then the topic of the merfolk popped up. The redhead peeked out from Moss’ neck as Melgar sighed heavily. A large gloved hand rubbed his tired face. “Actually, we’re figuring that out as well. For the past few weeks, we had reports from our scouts of disappearing merfolk and how they are being . . . Replaced with a siren, if that makes any sense.”

“Even the cursed and vulnerable are being taken. Ancient Loki had given Father Ryn visions of a ruins in the ocean and it’s closer to the neighboring town, Montagna al Tramonto. He showed the cause of it too, of an angry woman turned monster and her control over the goliaths and portals. They tried it on the ruin and it seems like they left the portal open for whomever to crossover. Some of our men and women went underwater along with a few brave merfolk to check the place out, but they were taken too. The lord of Montagna had the villagers take the merfolk in for their safety while we try to stop the odd take over. Luckily, we know they are looking for something in the ruins. Something about a gift and needing the key to open that vault.”

Melgar looked at Moss, a dreadful frown etched his face. “When you mentioned about a gift given to you, I wondered if this is related to it. Especially when those three sirens were looking for Isa . . . and calling him a key . . .”

”Moss. Isa. I don‘t know if Ancient Loki had brought you two in on purpose or this is sheer coincidence, but given the circumstances, it might be best if your visit is cut short.”

”What?!” Christine piped up, slamming her hands down. “We haven’t seen Isa for such a long time and now, you wanna send him away?!”

”It’s for his safety!” Melgar retorted. Poppy groaned and hid his face in his own hands as he listen to them argue.

“He’s a member of the sect too! He can fight-“

”They caught him once!”

”During a storm!”

”A storm caused by manna. Someone caused it.”

”But they couldn’t have known-“

”Enough, guys.” Oak chirped quietly, despite his calm demeanor, his tone held a finality in their fighting. The two arguing members stopped their bickering; Christine huffed and plopped back down on her chair heavily, crossing her arms with a glare. The elven member stared at the couple with a neutral frown; something that Moss hasn’t seen before. A glare, yes, a smile, yes, but this is the face of an old member who holds high power within the sect.

“Moss. Isa. This is a tough call, but it’s up to you both if you want to join in this predicament. We won’t hold you accountable if you don’t want to, however you have to let us know should you want to join or not.” Oak told them; Isa sat up straight when the elf talked to the couple. The redhead looked at Moss, wondering if he wants to stay longer and help. This. . . This is bigger than they thought.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Moss Adamaris -​

Moss laughed. "Alright, minamini." His tail swished and kissed his cheek too.

As Moss listened to Poppy and Christine, casually rubbing Isa's back where the two couldn't see, he perked up at the mention of the bird. "He told me about that! Though not the havoc part." He chuckled.

He became serious and worried as Melgar talked about the merefolk. "That sounds like my sister lost the war. . ." He looked out anxiously to the direction of the ocean. "Darn it, even until now Theosebia has something to do with things . . ." Moss looked at Isa, as he thought on whether to join or not. "I need to go to my friends first and get them through the portal. We could check it out along the way. So . . . " and he looked at Isa for permission. "I guess we are joining? But my friends come first, and I'm getting Isa out of the ocean as soon as possible next before anything else. If that's alright with you, Isa?"

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Isa Bianchi - ​

Oak pinched his lips. Sympathy shown in his silver eyes as he started to twiddle his fingers in a circular motion. “Unfortunately, we can’t confirm if your sister did win or lose. The gates were still closed the last time we checked.” He replied before listening to Moss’ words.

“We’re joining.” Isa confirmed, determined. Wasn’t Moss’ friends living at Montagna? They have to check on them first before diving in the ocean. “I have depth strider now, so I can come with ya underwater.”

“But Isa . . . Your fear?” Christine piped up, worried. The redhead shook his head. “I need to get over it already . . . I want to. I’m not leaving Moss alone.”

Zer0