Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"So, you really don't know where you're from? It's strange how another one lost their memory." Staring vacantly, that's really the first thing that worms into Rusé's head. It feels odd, being talked down to by what appears to be a child; or at least somebody with the same appearance of one. She has long yellow hair that fades to greenish at the tips, tied into two wild braided pigtails. But despite how childish her hair may be, she stares at Rusé with an expression of tired wisdom. The little girl's stiff amber gaze appears to be oddly calculating; it's bizarrely aloof. By now, the strange purple wolf man, and the others had shuffled off out of the room, leaving the young man alone with the well-dressed child as she silently scrutinizes him. Or perhaps, she's judging him? Rusé can't tell. "So, you're claiming it's amnesia?" She says after clearing her throat to catch Rusé's drifting attention, crossing her pencil-like arms.

He doesn't remember much. Rusé woke up in the thick of an unfamiliar forest wearing nothing but his skivvies with two chipped swords clutched in a white-knuckled grip. He remembers hearing the scream of a child as a monster approached her in her lonesome in the neck of the forest, and he acted on his unconscious instinct to defend her. It was the first thought to cross him, even as his head screamed in agony and his bones ached to his core, as if his legs acted on their own accord. He remembers running through the dense foliage, his bare feet stinging under the rugged forest floor as his legs tore through ivies and grasses to intercept the creature's warpath towards the quivering little beast-girl.

He probably didn't do a very good job at it, seeing as the creature managed to cleave into his side with an ugly blade before Rusé could deal the finishing blow to it, causing him to pass out and wake up in a haze here. Even though his memories are fuzzy from the moment, the memory of the searing agony that erupted through him when the rusted weapon slipped through his skin like a knife to butter is as clear as day. Rusé can't help but wince and shudder as he recalls it, grabbing at the quilts and covers that generously cover his waifish form.  

No longer in that awful forest, Rusé appears to be inside of a considerably large building of sorts, constructed lovingly out of warm-coloured wood with large windows to welcome in the morning light. It seems to be the top floor, and the dust bunnies that drift across the beams of light that creep through the open windows probably suggest that this room hasn't been used for some time. It doesn't take a genius not to notice the fuzzy grey carpets of dust that decorate the windowsills. When he woke up, he was surrounded by four strangers including the little girl he rescued, but all of that in his brain fog is nothing more than a nagging headache. His mind is practically oatmeal at the moment.

"I really don't remember anything, ma'am. Except for my name. Honest." Rusé stammers, pulling the downy covers around him closer to his bare chest. As an additional kicker to his amnesia, Rusé hardly even recognizes himself-- being a petite young man with ghost-pale skin and a wild mop of golden bed head as hair. Glancing at a nearby mirror stuck to a weathered dresser, he can see just how boyish his face is, with eyes like the summer sea and lashes like gilded curtains. From his observation, it's obvious that he's an adult, but he can't quite tell his exact age from how nubile he looks. It's a nauseating feeling; staring back at yourself like the reflection staring back is a stranger. "I just woke up… A-and I saw that little girl being attacked by a monster." He swallows, his side still aches where the wily creature cleaved its sword into him, now bandaged up generously and treated with an itchy medicine of sorts. The monster was an ugly thing, shorter than the little beast-girl he saved, but strong and wily. It had a face like that of a man and a crunched boar of sorts, and covered head to toe in greasy reddish bristles. Rusé didn't like how its eyes were dull and black, like that of a shark. He doesn't even recall the existence of creatures like that at the moment either. And yet, when he clutched onto his swords to defend the quivering child, he found that wielding his blades felt as natural as breathing; that digging them into the throat of the nasty creature felt as right as rain.

The little girl hums, narrowing her eyes as she begins to tap her foot in thought, the sound of a metallic click that echoes through the nearly empty space, inevitably drawing Rusé's attention to it (and ultimately, to her.)

"You don't sound like you're lying, Rusé. But it's not every day you hear of a half-naked stranger appearing out of thin air in the woods at the opportune time to rescue a lost little girl. So, you don't remember anything and yet you fought off the orc like it was nothing?" She smiles, or perhaps it's more of a smirk? Either way, the expression shows off her fangs, which suggests that the little girl is anything but human. She rests her bony hip against the headboard of the cot, pausing to adjust the burgundy hat on top of her child-like head. It's oddly reminiscent of a captain's hat, basically screaming authority.

Rusé nods quickly, sucking in his lips. It probably sounds like a bogus story, and he wouldn't blame her if she found him suspicious. The girl with the white hair from earlier surely did, whatever her name is. He was too dazed when he saw her to really commit it to memory, but he remembers the suspicious look in her eyes as clear as day. "I-I suppose I'm just as confused as you are." He admits, Rusé's soft tone sounding a little raw. He sheepishly clutches at his sweaty, aching forehead as he grimaces at his own bandaged abdomen. "Where am I? Miss…?"

"Please call me Livia. You're in the sleepy town of Rigbarth. It's a quiet little country outpost, but an important one nonetheless. We here at SEED take pride in all of our outposts, no matter how small. I just happen to be the captain of this one, with Simone being the mayor." She says, resting a hand by her chest. Rusé squints at her, obviously drawing a blank from her description. The corner of Livia's lip twitches from his lukewarm reaction.

"... Is any of that ringing a bell for you, Rusé?" Livia says with a sigh.

"Uh. No. Simone?" He asks in a pained stammer, his fingers quickly disappearing underneath the covers to fidget, his nails silently finding his sore quicks. Livia sighs harder, her expression growing more agitated as she starts to pace back and forth, the incessant tippy-taps of her little shoes causing Rusé to snap out of his fuzzy daze once more. He sits up straighter, his tired ocean eyes still dilated as he blinks and squints at her.

"Simone, the woman with an eyepatch who saved your life. The doctor? Are you still having memory problems? Hello?" Livia asks, her little footsteps creaking against the floorboards as she rushes back over to Rusé to wave her hands in front of his face, snapping her fingers loudly. Rusé lays back down with a groan as he avoids her hand motions, his face scrunching up in discomfort. It's all so hazy. Nothing makes sense, especially none of this.

"I remember now." He lies, just wanting to move the subject forward. "I'm sorry, I'm just really tired. Um, I did thank her, right?" Rusé asks tiredly, his eyes shifting over back to the captain, who's pouting at him with a puffed out cheek.

"You did." Livia says, finally stopping as she turns to him, hands on her hips. "Look, Rusé. I'm going to let you rest for a while longer. Maybe after some sleep you'll have your thoughts and much more importantly, your memories collected. Does that sound alright? I'm a busy woman, and I can't exactly spend all day babysitting someone." She explains, patience gone. Rusé frowns, tucking himself deeper into bed with a creak of the cot as he curls his knees closer to his chest.

"Yes, um. I understand." He responds quietly, his eyes drifting away, instead focusing out of the window away from the little girl's stern gaze. He can see blossoms, that means it's Spring, right? Little pinkish puffballs delicately bobbing in the breeze. Some of the branches are so close to the windows and walls of the room that they ever so slightly brush and bump against the glass in the wind. It really must be the countryside, though. For some reason, to Rusé, that feels alien. Beyond the blossoms, he sees a few homes and buildings here and there, and then it's just verdant mountains as far as his eyes can see. At least, that's just the view from one window. There's so many of them, they basically blot out the entire horizon from his view, seeming to be untouched and uncarved by roads and beaten paths.

It's kind of a melancholy feeling for Rusé to be honest. But at the same time, it's strangely cathartic to see stretches of land and blue sky in front of him. To watch specks of the peaceful villagers scoot about on their errands and agendas. It leaves a sleepy smile on the man's face, one that Livia takes quick notice of.

"Alright. I'll check up on you in the evening." Livia decides, poking Rusé in the shoulder before walking over towards the stairwell downstairs. But just before she goes down the first step, Livia stops and turns back around to face him. "If you get up before then, please put some clothes on. If you weren't such a mess, I'd scold yourself for frolicking in the woods in your underwear. I left a uniform for you on the table." She huffs, pointing to a neatly folded heap of piled clothes. "They're probably a little too large for you, but until we can get you something better… Make do." She orders, continuing her descent with creaky steps that grow quieter as she disappears from view.

"Yes, ma'am." Rusé mutters after she's already gone from view and earshot, still staring outside. There's a pregnant pause before he exhales sharply, deflating back under the covers of his bed. Alone, Rusé continues to massage at his aching temples with a pained grimace. He really can't remember anything except for his name, but some feelings kind of resonate with him. For some reason, it feels good to be here; why on earth that is, he doesn't have the foggiest clue. Why should he be happy that he's bedridden in a strange podunk town?! And yet, despite the aches and pains, Rusé can't help but find himself smiling.

Ah, so this is what freedom tastes like.

Chapter Text

"Pull your hand back, hurry!" Livia shouts as a scorching light pours from the rune sphere, flooding her entire office. The magickal neon teal ball quivers and shakes, almost squeaking as tiny hair-line fractures spread over its glowing surface. It hums like a fridge, or perhaps like a bomb just seconds from going off, and even in his haze of amnesia, Rusé knows better than to let a powerful magical artifact get blown to smithereens. Rusé pulls back his outstretched hand like a child reeling back touching a hot stove, stumbling off of the platform where the orb is mounted, floating in a protective niche. He waves his arms to try and catch his balance, but ultimately falls hard onto his ass with a grunt as the wind is kicked out of him. The moment that Rusé's fingers are pulled away from the sphere, the twitching device stops squealing and the light dies down, revealing both Livia's and Rusé's equally shocked expressions.  

Is it… supposed to react so violently?! Apparently, after slogging out of bed and changing into a loose spare SEED uniform (minus the hat), Livia ushered him downstairs and into her office. Apparently, she had a magical device called a rune sphere or whatever that could read his soul and determine whether or not he's a good person. But now, here he is, with an aching side and behind, dressed in a uniform for someone more than two sizes larger than himself and sprawled across the hardwood floor of Livia's office like a cracked egg.  

The uniform itself isn't anything to scoff at (besides the fit), being meticulously made, if not a little over designed with all of the belts to hold the many leather bags and satchels that adorn the utility belt. Not only that, it's fitted with cream-coloured holsters that snugly fit his pathetically tattered and dull blades-- the same ones he woke up with. It's made up of a white and grey shirt of sorts with sky-blue cuffs. Around the popped collar, Rusé awkwardly tied the emblem tie around his neck as it sticks out crooked and lopsided between the suspenders that fit across his chest like a cross. Attached to the suspenders themselves, sturdy leather shoulder pads droop over his petite shoulders, much too large for someone of his lithe stature. His trousers are blue, rolled up at the knees so he doesn't end up tripping over them as his oversized socks are held up by jury-rigged garters. He didn't even attempt putting the boots on, they practically felt like canoes on his feet.

But of course to Livia's request, as he's oblivious to his past, Rusé had no choice but to comply, leading to this current debacle. It's not like any of the strangers here would stand up for him, especially when he's just as much of an outsider to him as they are to Rusé.

"Did I do something wrong?" The blonde asks, looking towards the little girl with worried eyes, clambering back to his wobbly feet. What does this mean? Did the sphere determine he's untrustworthy? Is he actually some kind of horrible monster? Some sort of-

"No, you're fine." Livia says, snapping Rusé out of his spiralling thoughts. She takes a short breath to compose herself, gazing off towards the cracked rune sphere as it twitches slowly back into place. The poor sphere flickers like a broken bulb about to pop. "But I can't say the same for the sphere. A shame, SEED isn't going to be pleased to learn it was damaged; even less happy when I tell them I'm not paying for a replacement." She comments in a deadpan. Rusé winces at this determination, looking guilty. But in response, Livia only smiles. "Don't worry, you did nothing wrong," she reassures, "anyways, I didn't invite you in here to just get your reading." She says, sitting up straighter with a sigh. She holds out her hand, gesturing to a sofa at the heart of her office. It looks well-loved, certainly older than Rusé himself as the lopsided brown leather cushions tilt inwards. "Please, Rusé. Have a seat." With a nod, Rusé awkwardly walks over towards the couch and seats himself down, looking anxiously up at the little girl with his big blue eyes. She quickly clears her throat, her smile finally matching her eyes. "I would like you to stay here in Rigbarth, I feel like you'd be rather useful."

"You're not kicking me out?" Rusé asks with a stammer, his eyes widening as he too, sits up straighter. This pulls a chuckle out of Livia. Rusé was convinced after the Rune Sphere did its whole song and dance, he'd be put on a spit and roasted! Or at least, kicked out or arrested.

"No, no. Like I said, I think you'd be a great addition to this sleepy town. Besides, it's been years since we've seen any kind of new faces. It'd stir things up a bit." She comments with a yawn, drumming her pointy green nails onto her mahogany desk. "And you've proven yourself to be quite a talented fighter… despite the injury you've sustained. A young man, crippled by amnesia still has the heroics and courage to take down an orc to protect a stranger. That's exactly what I'm looking for in a ranger." She hums, her smile lingering as her tone turns brighter.

Rusé knits up his brow, giving the captain a wary look.

"I'm not sure I follow. A ranger?" He asks.

"Yes, a ranger for SEED. A protector of Rigbarth, a soldier for the people. Your job will be to carry out tasks to help defend this town against monsters and to be my… little soldier." She cackles softly. Rusé quirks a brow. Little? That's precious coming from a squirt like herself. "My current ranger Scarlett has been away for quite some time at a station in the capital, and Rigbarth is so small that Warden Gideon hasn't sent me any spares. So that's where you come in, Rusé. There isn't such a thing as free lunch, so working for me will surely earn your keep as well as the approval from the citizens here, no matter how welcoming they already are." She grins toothily. "Nyeheh, I think you'll do great. Tend the fields, run my errands, arrest the ruffians… you'll be the local hero!" She cackles, throwing her arms out as she moves to slam her palms onto the desk, causing the papers stacks on top to jump a little.

Rusé shifts uncomfortably, his unease palpable. A hero? More like her personal militia, but does he even have a choice? It's either this or wandering about aimlessly in a world he knows nothing about. Not to mention he'd be alone. For some reason, that thought alone leaves a cold pit in his stomach, causing him to swallow dryly and fidget his fingers together.

"Yes. I can do that. I-I want to stay here too," Rusé narrows his eyes, tilting his head, "but what do you mean about the fields?" He asks. "I know I need to work, and I recognize my prowess in fighting, at least I think I do. So I think it's a good start." He says in a strained voice. Livia only smiles at his oh-so-eager response.

"Did you not look out the rear window? You'll be tending to the fields there. After all, farming will let the town have fresh food and put some muscle on that adorably petite body of yours, shrimpy! Nyeheh!" She laughs, the noise practically erupting out of her before her expression fades back to being rather stern. Livia coughs softly into her fist. "There's a box upstairs with all of the tools you need. Handbooks written by rangers before you, all the goods. From here on out, as my ranger, the upstairs of the Silo will be your home. Do what you please with it, but for the sake of the gods, leave your belongings upstairs and in the fields. The rangers that come and go leave enough garbage around." She says, waving Rusé off dismissively. "Just because the Rigbarth Outpost is small, doesn't mean it's a dump." She adds in distaste.

"Ma'am, I don't have much to um, I really only had my blades and my…" Rusé holds his head in his hands, embarrassed by the reality of his situation. Why was he dressed so sparingly?! Was he mugged or something before he lost his memory? Why rob him of his clothes before stealing his weapons?!

"Yes, but I'm sure with the generosity of Rigbarth's lovely citizens you'll end up getting yourself quite the collection soon. Not to mention all of the dungeons, caverns, and the vast Phoros Woodlands. There's a lot to collect, and being an outpost, that means a lot to sell." Livia says with a yawn, resting a squishy cheek in one of her palms. "By the way, I recommend you introduce yourself to everyone. We don't want the word through the grapevine being that you're suspicious. We already have Lucy vouching for that." Livia says, lidding her tired eyes.

"Lucy?" Rusé questions, his memory still a bit of a blur since he woke up. Livia sighs once more, resting her head on the desk. Is he truly this air-headed?

"The girl with the freckles and white hair. The one who thought you were suspicious? Ringing any bells?" Livia groans. Rusé just blinks and makes a face. He kind of remembers, but nods anyway. She waves him out with a lazy flick of her wrist. "Go now. It's late and an injured man like yourself needs to rest. You have a big day tomorrow, after all."

Rusé nods, still seeming a little hesitant still, but still gets up. He gives his captain a quick bow before he excuses himself out of the room, shutting the door behind him with a dull click. However, even after the man leaves and heads up the stairs with creaking footsteps, Livia's gaze follows him before her eyes narrow into a slitted glare. She clicks her tongue, standing up and pushing in her chair as she walks back over towards the cracked rune sphere nestled in its wooden niche, taking off her hat. She can't believe it, that in all of the luck in the world she ended up finding someone like him. She's either extremely lucky or incredibly unfortunate. Livia scowls as she leans in to take a closer look at the fractures left by the sheer amount of runes that the sphere reacted to within that wayward amnesiac.

"Damn it." She breathes out, turning around to head back to her desk.

She prays at the very least, his memories never return.

Chapter Text

“It’s only been a week, and you’ve certainly done a lot so far, hmm?” Livia gives Rusé a half smile as she files away a thick stack of stamped papers, practically cramming them inside of her desk. However, her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes and her petite shoulders are tense.. Rusé nods, now wearing a freshly tailored SEED uniform that fits his petite frame, a brilliant blue in colour with tan and khaki accents to decorate it, still deciding that he'd prefer not to wear the hat with it. Since he’s arrived in Rigbarth, the young man has certainly kept himself busy, whether it be scouting the vast Phoros Woodlands, helping the locals, or simply tending to the sprawling fields behind the Silo; the base of operations for the little SEED base: one that he’s quickly come to call his home. No longer are Rusé’s big blue eyes foggy and tired, they’re wide, alert and bright-- much like the young man who owns them. Despite some initial hesitation, the young amnesiac has melded well with Rigbarth, his cheery and helpful nature lending a hand in that, leading him to be mostly well-liked by all. And additionally, his most recent feat only adds to it.

    “Misasagi has recovered quickly, too. However, I’m a little worried about the circumstances that have led to her um, monstrous form.” Rusé mutters, playing with a stray lock of golden hair as his gaze goes wayward. Soon after he arrived, it was revealed to him that the little girl he rescued, Hina, ended up alone in the woods that morning because she was looking for her mother for quite some time. Without any active SEED rangers on duty before Rusé's arrival, nobody was up to the task of looking for her, even the two volunteers who decided to take up the mundane scouting jobs in Scarlett's absence. But these two woman, Lucy and Priscilla were untrained in combat, not wanting to brave the monster-dense Whispering Woods. “Nobody seems to know what happened to her, but at least she’s fine. It seems she doesn’t quite remember what happened, either.” He explains as he sits back, practically being swallowed by the plush cushions of his captain’s sofa.

What Rusé ended up finding within the depths of the woods was a massive monster bearing the appearance of a majestic nine-tailed fox, adorned with braided ribbons and bells as it writhed in pain, screaming out mostly nonsense, but also crying for a daughter lost. Despite the anomaly of the scenario, Rusé was quick to put two and two together, deciding to calm the monster's frenzy by taking it head-first with his flimsy blades in hand. And much to his own surprise, after some night's rest and plenty of rice in his belly, subduing the monster was a breeze. But after knocking out the monster, the beast began to twitch and amalgamate, being consumed by a black haze before transmogrifying into the form of a weary beast-woman, bearing a striking appearance to little Hina. But what happened next, was somehow even more confusing to the ranger.

 All Livia responds with is a hum as she gets out of her chair, casually strolling over towards her office window to gaze outside. She looks up with a knowing smile, over at the hulking dragon overhead, tethered by a wimpy little rope to the ground. Does Rusé honestly think such a beast can be kept in reigns with a piece of twine? She can’t help but giggle at the thought.  

    “It seems like you’ve brought a friend with you, too.” She muses, glancing back to the sheepish young man as he just smiles nervously in response. “It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a Farm Dragon. Especially one that responds to an individual’s calls and whims.” She mutters, her tired eyes soaking in the majesty of the beast as it floats like a mighty green blimp just above the reach of the fluffy clouds. It’s absolutely huge and gnarled like an ancient tree-- with dusty green scales like the soil itself and huge dull eyes that stare vacantly into bluish yonder. It looks neither intelligent, nor dumb. It simply just is, just like the might of nature that birthed it. “I think it’s been centuries since I’ve even seen one of these behemoths stir.” She sighs, leaning away from the window as she simply strolls back over towards Rusé. “And yet, here one is. In our backyard, barely casting a shadow onto Rigbarth. How curious.” She muses, sitting back down with a knowing grin.

    “Ma’am, I simply spoke to it and the dragon listened. Deep down inside of me, I just knew I could do it.” Rusé says, standing up quickly to defend himself. Livia just laughs, shaking her head.

    “It’s fine, Rusé. It just answers a lot of questions for me. I know now exactly why the Rune Sphere reacted in the way that it did.” She hums, resting her cheek in her palm. Rusé knits up his brow and stares at her, confused.

    “W-what do you mean?” He asks hesitantly. She knew something and she didn’t tell him? Irritation sits in his throat like hot bile, but he purses his lips and stays quiet. This past week, he’s tried his damndest to recall who or what he was, but it’s all drawn blanks; an aching and confusing fog inside of his head. With all confidence, Rusé has truly begun to believe that his past is buried, deep under the layers of silence of amnesia. Like white, fluffy snow.

“You’re an Earthmate. A human chosen by the dragons of this earth and the mighty call of mother nature and her many children. It’s why farmwork comes so simply to you; why you’re drawn to dragons.” Livia says, looking at her nails as she feigns disinterest. Ruse blinks; he has no idea what Earthmates are. Hell, even in the week mingling with the people of Rigbarth, he hasn’t heard the term come up even once. He opens his mouth to speak, but Livia just raises a finger to shut him up. “It’s a good thing, before you question. From my knowledge, there hasn’t been an Earthmate anywhere near here since… well, centuries.” She says with a wise nod. Even the great Earthmate of Selphia has disappeared into obscurity over the decades. Her expression grows distant as she stares off out towards the window once more, her mouth in a small frown. How strange, that the little girl speaks of hundreds of years ago like a distant memory. Rusé is tempted to comment about it, but the look in her eye persuades him not to. Instead, the young man just clears his throat.

    “Why didn’t you tell me? Does it identify what… or who I may be?” He asks, narrowing his gaze a little. Livia just laughs softly, snapping her attention back to her ranger.

    “It was an assumption, so I’d look foolish if I said something before I knew it was absolutely true! And no, but I wouldn’t worry about the person you once were, Rusé.” She smiles. “I think people here like the Rusé they know. You have a home here in Rigbarth now, not to mention a damn good job.” Livia comments. He can’t help but frown at that statement. Is this truly his home now? He has to admit, after a week here, he definitely does feel like he belongs. How odd, is that a normal sentiment? "But heed my word, Rusé. It would be wise if you didn't tell anyone else of your identity as an Earthmate. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misconception about your kind and I wouldn't want anyone to jump to conclusions or have any misplaced ill-content towards you." She narrows her eyes, balling her hands into fists like the mere idea of it agitates her. "Do you understand?"

Rusé makes a face, pausing before sighing from clenched teeth. He nods quickly, deciding that there's no point in asking about something that won't be answered directly. Honestly, the way the captain is being so cryptic is leaving him on pins and needles.

    “... Alright. But that’s my report, captain.” He adds briskly, taking a polite bow. “I’ll take my leave. Please call me if you have any more requests.” He says, giving his captain one more hard look before he leaves the office in a few long strides, shutting the door quietly behind him.

    So he's an Earthmate, huh? Some kind of chosen one by gods and dragons or… whatever. That seems a little too grandiose for his tastes, especially since he’s happily settled into a farming town to the coast of nowhere. Rusé sighs, making a beeline out of the front door to the Silo, being welcomed by a chilly spring breeze and green rolling pastures. The air smells of light blossoms and saltier notes from the coast that hugs Rigbarth. Rusé shudders from the brisk air and adjusts his collar, stepping past the fence and back onto the beaten road leading away from the Silo.  

Lunch sounds good, and after his last shipment of turnips, maybe he can order something fancier than just onigiri. Day after day of eating nothing but rice balls is a little draining, so as Rusé walks, he counts change, careful not to drop any of his precious coins. But in the corner of his eye, he can’t help but notice little Hina toddling down the road to her mother, smiling ear to ear as she jumps into her mother's loving outstretched arms. Ah, so Misasagi is feeling better then, that’s good. He can hardly imagine how traumatic it was for Hina to lose her mother; and for Misaragi too-- being turned into a monster and being without her family. He can’t help but smile as he crosses the bridge towards the main street, offering the mother and daughter a wave they don't even notice before he heads towards the restaurant just past the bakery. For whatever reason, the restaurant Lackadaisy is built into the hull of a broken-down ship of sorts. There's even an anchor, larger than Rusé himself is tall, half-buried in the grass and overgrown with weeds and sprinklings of the browning once-pink petals shed by all of the cherry trees decorating Rigbarth's main street.

However, as he approaches the entrance of the ship, he can’t help but notice the blacksmith’s apprentice and Palmo’s own apprentice bickering by the door, jabbing fingers in one another’s direction. He didn’t really get to meet either of them besides passing glances and introductions, especially since Rusé has been so busy running all of Livia’s errands. It’s not easy single handedly running a field.

    “If it weren’t for me, the door would be in splinters and then I would have to be the one to fix it!” Ryker says, his usually tired gaze sharpened into a surprisingly alert point as he pushes his cloud-white hair out of his face, probably so he can glare at Martin even harder. Rusé hardly even had an introduction with Ryker, with the man running past him laughing to himself about something. He's hardly taller than Rusé himself, with an almost ethereal faerie-like glow to him. He has sharp silver eyes, long wavy white hair, lightly tanned skin, and a build almost as willowy as Rusé's own. The thing that definitely sticks out the most about the man though, is the oversized cloak and hood he wears, decorated with shimmering blue morpho brooches that match the bluish and grey fabric quite nicely. From Rusé's brief observations, he's figured out that the guy has a reputation as a little unreliable, and that he's the adopted son and apprentice of the flamboyant and eccentric carpenter Palmo, who apparently comes from a royal family or… something. Rusé doesn't really care about pedigrees and what not.

“I already have enough on my plate, you know. You should be thanking me for getting it done.” Ryker scoffs, his voice low as he gestures towards the hammer clutched in Martin’s hand. What on earth are these two going on about? Quietly, Rusé steps over the beaten wooden fence, skulking over towards the two men with silent steps. It doesn’t even seem like they notice Rusé, which only causes the considerably shorter man to puff out a cheek in a pout. Is he invisible or something?

Martin in comparison to Ryker is a workaholic. He's definitely more familiar with the blacksmith's apprentice, seeing as the smithy itself is just a few steps away from the Silo, making them neighbors. Martin towers over both Ryker and Rusé, with fair skin and short pale green hair. His eyes are a honey colour, often stern and rather aloof to match his rather blunt and brusque personality. Often, Rusé greets him and his younger brother Cecil as they head off to their respective jobs, with the latter being a wannabe detective or something (it's hard to tell if Cecil is in his own head or actually trying to be legit.) Martin is often dressed in his smithing gear, with a metal visor rested at his brow, which he slides down over his eyes to protect them from the heat when he's working. And boy, does this man work. While Rusé wakes up earlier than anyone to tend to his crops, he watches Martin slog off to work. And he also watches Martin drag himself back home, long after nightfall every single day.

No wonder Cecil worries so much about him.

    “Sorry for not knowing you’re skilled in the art of being shady. Should you be proud of being able to pick locks? Besides, if I broke the door it’d give you an excuse to get off your ass and actually work hard for once.” Martin huffs, crossing his arms. It seems the two men have history with one another, probably from their natures being night and day, oil and water. Still standing near the two, Rusé clears his throat loudly, raising his chin in irritation. From the noise, Ryker practically leaps like a startled cat while Martin whips around to face the ranger. Rusé can’t help but turn a little red as he’s put on the spot, nervously wringing his hands together as his shy gaze goes wayward.

“Uh, is there a problem with the door…?” Rusé asks, pointing towards the door to Lackadaisy-- the one that the two men are blocking off. Ryker opens his mouth to say something but clears his throat instead. Well, this is awkward; Rusé can practically feel his heart sink to his stomach as his gaze falls away from the two men. He probably shouldn't have stepped in between them, especially when he's practically a stranger.

    “It’s… stupid anyways.” Martin grumbles as he gives Ryker one more bitter look before his expression softens towards Rusé. “Sorry about that. …Good job for helping out Misasagi. Hina is really happy.” He says before he slides his hammer in a loop of his tool belt and goes off on his way, his metal boots clanking against the flagstone. Oh! He really wasn't expecting that. Standing up straighter, Rusé waves Martin off with a nervous smile.

    “You’re welcome! Thank-you!” Rusé shouts after him, getting an awkward wave from Martin as he walks away. He doesn’t even bother to turn and face him, in fact he walks a little faster, as if he’s just trying to abscond from the situation. So much for fitting in, huh? Rusé can’t help but grimace until he feels a tap on the shoulder. He turns around to see Ryker sliding his hands into his pockets as he shifts his weight to his left side, smiling.

    “Thanks for getting him off my ass. Idiot was about to smash the door since Elsje accidentally locked it. I think she left to grab something.” He casually explains, leaning up against the wall. “Dunno why he didn’t think to you know-- call one of the people who put the locks together to fix it.” He yawns, scratching casually at his cheek. "It's sooort of my job. Palmo's too, but he's too busy for little things like this, being the man in charge."

“Really? Smash it down?” Rusé asks, glancing towards the restaurant, giving it a quick look over. “Why didn’t he just,” he points to the opened window, just off of the stairs. “Think to climb inside that way and open it from the inside? Smashing the entire door down seems like a waste.” Rusé chuckles, reaching over to turn the knob. Ryker blinks, raising his eyebrows. He was so quick to find a solution, that he didn’t think of the one right in front of him. “So you picked the lock open? I mean, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I’m sorry.” Rusé admits, gently peeking inside to see that Elsje is nowhere to be found and with that, his smile fades. Seems like lunch will have to wait, it's not like the lazy chef ever meanders to her job on time anyways. “But that’s pretty impressive. I’m sure that’s a useful skill to have! There's always treasure chests in the Woodlands that are too stubborn for me to kick open.” He comments, shutting the door as he descends down the short flight of stairs.

    “I-I guess.” Ryker says, his voice staying a little small. “And it’s fine. We were being loud, so. Yeah. I mean, the whole street probably heard us. Heh.” He shrugs, glancing to the side awkwardly before turning his attention back to Rusé. What a strange guy. He wasn’t around to see it, but apparently he appeared seemingly out of thin air, just in time to save Hina from an orc. Since then, Livia has taken a bizarre liking to him, and he’s mostly just floated around here and there. Has he made any friends? It doesn’t really seem like he talks to many people unless they need him for something. How strange, that sounds quite familiar. “I’m guessing you don’t have a kitchen for yourself yet, the upper floor to the Silo before you came just housed dust.” He mutters. “You can pick one up from the studio if you can uh, afford it.” 

    Rusé chuckles sadly, carding his fingers through his golden hair.

“I don’t have much at all. After all, I rely on the harvests for my finances and crops take time to grow.” He says softly. Not only that, but after not touching the field for so long, the soil is practically sand-- he spent an entire day hunting for dried grasses to mill into the soil to breathe some more life into it. “I really do appreciate the offer though, Ryker. … O-oh! Maybe if I get lucky, I can sell some monster goods! I’ve gotten pretty good at um, getting my way through the woods.” He chirps, putting his hands together.

    “Isn’t that dangerous…?” Ryker asks, frowning a little. But he can’t exactly say no to that beaming face so he just sighs. “I mean, you can. Look-- you came into Rigbarth with nothing, I’m sure I can bug Palmo enough to spare you at least a discount. I can hardly imagine the hell you’ve been through under Livia’s boot.” Ryker says with his brow knit. However, at this offer Rusé looks at him like he said something absurd.

    “Ah, that would be helpful, but I’d feel more comfortable paying for it myself.” He admits with a small smile. “I appreciate the offer, though!” Rusé smiles as he offers Ryker a polite bow before hurrying off, his face a little red. Ryker just awkwardly watches Rusé barely jump the fence, his boot getting caught for a second before he pries it loose with a curse under his breath, and then hurrying off in the direction of the Phoros Woodlands.  

Huh, what a weird guy. Ryker shrugs as he turns around before giving the running blonde one final stare before wandering off back in the direction of the studio, his eyes on the ground. Did he scare the guy off? Probably. He’ll make it up to him next time. Amnesia sounds like it sucks, he can't imagine what he'd do if he didn't have his own past to ground him. What on earth kind of person would he be then? …Would he be anyone?

Rusé doesn’t look back as he runs down the flagstone path towards the woods, he must be running fast since some of the villagers stop to watch him rush by. Eventually, the clop of his soles against stone turns to crunching as the path turns to gravel as the town grows smaller behind him. Why does Rusé feel so odd? Livia has done him all sorts of favors but he mostly sees them as exchanges for his own hard work and service. He doubts she'd lift a finger for him if he didn't build blisters over her demands. After all, what did she say? There's no such thing as free lunch.  

But a favor for free? From someone who's practically a stranger? A friendly stranger? Rusé scoffs as he yanks his trusty blades from their holsters charging through the rusted iron gates signaling the end of Rigbarth, fallen leaves and twigs crunching underneath his boots. The woods are as vast as always, with thick-trunked trees brimming with emerald foliage as they reach aimlessly towards the skies. Monsters crawl about in the verdant underbrush and the percussive rumble of the many rivers and streams cutting through the woods mix in with the rustling and leaves and wind like an orchestra. Eventually Rusé stops running, his exhaustion catching up to him, gasping as he goes to sit down by a half-rotted log close to where the river starts. He squints out at the pinpricks of sun sifted through the dense canopy overhead and sighs. The woods don't even smell the same as Rigbarth, baring earthy notes instead of the familiar seakissed ones.

    He doesn’t want to owe anything to anyone-- especially to someone who offers him kindness like that. Rusé sucks in a breath and narrows his eyes. No, he wants to make sure that he’s the one offering something next time.  

Don't be useless. That thought sits inside of the back of Rusé's mind like a parasite. Like a stain of whatever's left of his memories beckoning him like an illness.

Chapter Text

It's sundown by the time Rusé slogs back into Rigbarth, barely looking reminiscent of how he looked just hours ago. Rusé drags himself past the gate back into Rigbarth, his pants and boots caked in mud and his whole body shivering to such an extent it looks like he's having tremors, his teeth chattering together. The rain hasn't let up yet, cascading down in frigid sheets as it turns the gravel roads into boggy trenches and the once brilliant green pastures into sad, brownish deluges. It is spring after all, should he be really surprised? Isn't the Spring known for showers and flowers and however the rhyme goes? However, despite how his shirt and uniform clings to his cold skin, and how his arms and sleeves are tattered and littered in cuts and lesions, Rusé seems unfazed for the most part as he stomps his way uphill towards Palmo's studio. He's barely conscious, but despite his aches and pains, he grits his teeth between chatters and bares a smile. His entire body is too cold to even be sore.

Those damned mushroom monsters were no match for him, even with chipped and dull blades! He swore he took out dozens of them as they poured out in droves from the portal bearing claws eager to sink into his skin. They're ugly things, wider than Rusé is tall with horrifically asymmetrical faces, looking like melted wax as fleshy tongues dangle from their unsettling stretched smiles that carve across their entire bodies. There was no feeling in their beady button-like black eyes, even as he gouged out their rubbery insides, causing their doughy bodies to seize up and expel nasty spores, possibly as their swan song.  

Surely, he breathed in more of these spores than what's probably healthy, and his eyes feel like they're getting pushed out of his skull, but he got what he needed; a bushel of brilliant monarch mushrooms practically begging to be sold. In the midst of his aches and hunger, Rusé was almost tempted to sink his teeth into one of the sweet-smelling golden mushrooms, but no. These are his dinner tickets, and proof that he doesn't need handouts. He can stand tall on his own! He doesn't have to be anyone's burden.

Finally, as the young man approaches the door, he weakly pounds his fist on the soggy door, trying to peek through the window. The studio itself is quite large, which isn't a surprise since the man who built it probably wanted to show off a little. It's surrounded by logs and a chopping block, with what appears to be a heap of half-chopped blocks piled besides it. Did someone forget to put them away? Or did they just not want to bother? A shame, too; Rusé doubts they're any good anymore being choked out by all of the rain, being better off composted than put into furniture or infrastructure. But as Rusé gets into his toes to get a better look inside through the sheer curtains, he grunts in disbelief. Wait a second, is Ryker sleeping?! Rusé squints as he gets further onto his wobbly toes, pressing his face against the glass like a child at an aquarium, spotting the man face-down on the desk inside with his fluffy hair cast wildly around and his hood bunched up around his forehead, acting as the world's shittiest makeshift pillow.

"By dragons…" Rusé groans as he gropes at his aching forehead. He's heard rumours that the man is a chronic slacker, but this is just the frosting on the cake. Immediately, his exhaustion flares into irritation and then quickly into anger as he starts violently rattling the doorknob, only to find that the door is unlocked in the first place. "Oh!" Rusé gasps as his force rewards him with stumbling inside of the establishment and falling wrist-first into a soggy heap, letting the storm inside. With the creak, crash, and the pounding of the rain, Ryker lets out an unceremonious grunt as he staggers awake, a trail of drool strung from the desk to his chin. It doesn't take much for his drowsy expression to sharpen as he rushes over towards Rusé, fixing his cloak as he goes.

"What the hell?!" He exclaims, seeing the young man's sorry state. He doesn't even remember it starting to rain, how long was he passed out? But he wastes no time questioning that, and instead helps Rusé up to his feet, shoving him into the wooden bench besides the entrance as he wrestles with the door to shut it closed. "Rusé, what the fuck happened?" He asks, hurrying back to his side. The petite man is soaked head to toe, his white shirt transparent and glued to his alabaster skin, he's shivering and his teeth are chattering, but he's still forcing a smile. His usually pristine uniform shirt stained brown from mud, and red from the blood that seems to be seeping from some nasty-looking lesions on his arms. His usually fluffy, wild hair is flattened to his head and his typically sunny blue eyes are as dull as market fish on ice.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." Rusé croaks out, forcing a smile. "Just give me a moment. Um. Yeah." He mouths, practically gasping for breath. This sudden realization from Rusé causes his smile to falter as he grasps at his chest, gasping for air as sweat beads up onto his pale brow. Why is it so hard to breathe?! Ryker gawks at him in horror for a moment before running out of the foyer of the studio and up the stairs. But he stops at the first level, looking down at Rusé with a worried glare.

"Look, you can't bullshit me. Cut the crap and give me a moment!" He shouts over to Rusé, only earning a sheepish chuckle in response, still trying to steady his wheezing. Immediately, Ryker rushes into his room, digging through his wardrobe to pull out whatever towels and rags he can find, shoving the cloth under his arm as he leaps back out, sliding down the railing before throwing them at Rusé's deflated form. The latter hardly even moves, even after a few pounds of towels slam into him.

"Ow." Rusé grumbles, pausing to take them off of his face to start drying off his hair with shaky hands. He glances up at Ryker, giving the halfling a grimace. "I got what I needed, though. I wasn't expecting the storm." He mutters as he wipes down his clammy arms, sucking in a wince through clenched teeth as he traces over his wounds. "..." He glances back up, meeting Ryker's gaze. The man is just standing there tense, his hands on his hips as he glares down at Rusé, causing him to shrink. But instead of avoiding the confrontation, in his exhaustion, the Earth Mate's gaze just trails down. "... Are you even wearing anything under your cloak? I can see your entire stomach. Aren't you col-"

"No, we are not- don't even start." Ryker groans, snatching one of the many towels piling on top of Rusé to start quickly wiping up the water all over the floor. If Palmo sees Rusé like this, he's going to have a heart attack. "Why are you even here?" He hisses. Rusé's pained gaze widens a little as he takes in a little breath.  

For some reason, that comment hurt more than all of the poisonous spores he spent hours inhaling. Why is he here? Should he be here? Why is he anywhere? Rusé freezes up as the towel slips out of his limp fingers and into his soggy lap.

"You should've gone to the doctor's! You're in awful shape, what the hell were you doing out the…re…" Ryker slows his words when he notices Rusé's smile just vanished. Did he say something wrong? Because the only thing he earns is silence from Rusé as the usually mirthful amnesiac's expression just grows bitter.  

It looks wrong on him. To see all of the light on Rusé's face robbed from him. The smaller man just quietly continues to dry himself off, avoiding eye contact.

"I'll leave. I'm sorry to make the studio all wet." Rusé says, standing up on wobbly legs. He almost falls, so he has to grip at the arm of the bench to even stand up. "You're right. I shouldn't have come. I only made more work for you." He says quickly, eyeing the puddle underneath him. However, much to Rusé's surprise, he's pushed back into the bench with a firm hand. He's so dizzy he hardly even feels him fall back onto it.

"That's not what I meant, I meant you're in awful shape and should've gotten some help first. Professional help. But now that you're here, you're not going to move an inch until the storm is over." Ryker says with a sigh, sitting down besides Rusé like a sack of potatoes, draping his arms over the headboard of the bench. What's up with Rusé anyways? He ran off earlier only to come back beaten to hell and back. But there's no use wondering about it. "What were you doing out there? The last time I saw you it was barely even noon and you were booking it to the Woodlands." He asks, trying to maintain eye contact with Rusé, who's still staring at his scratched up hands, shivering as sweat rolls down his face.

"I wanted to hunt for materials to sell and trade." He says weakly, finally looking up. "So I could purchase what I needed from here. … I didn't want to burden you by letting you give it to me for free." Rusé mutters, weaving his fingers together. "I may have overdone it, though." He stammers, peeking upwards again. Ryker pauses, taking in the rangers words before sighing. He leans back, bumping his head up against the wall with a dramatic roll of his eyes.

"You dumbass. I was offering to do it 'cuz I was trying to help you out. I wasn't expecting anything in return." He groans, pinching at the space between his silver eyes. He gives Rusé a hard look, noticing how the man's turning bright red. Is he not used to getting favors or something? Why is such a concept so alien to him?

A part of him wonders if it goes beyond just his amnesia. For someone who runs around all day doing errands for people out of the goodness of his heart, why couldn't he understand why someone would want to do the same for him? He sighs from his nose and sits back up. "What did you get, anyways?" Deciding it'd be best not to continue putting the heat on someone who's already hurting. "It better be good. You look like you're about to pass out."

"Some monarch mushrooms. And I um, feel like I'm about to pass out." He croaks, shouldering off his backpack to rummage through it to show off one of the golden fungi. Ryker's eyes widen as he reaches over to take it, holding it up to the light with a low hum.

"This is definitely a treasure. But-- hold on! You fought those mushrooms? Those things are really deep in the woods! They're no slouches ei- oh shit! Crap, no wonder you're so pale!" He says, getting back up to his feet. He shoves the mushroom back into Rusé's hands, running off again. Rusé looks up, his tired and aching eyes trailing Ryker as he rushes up the stairs once more. "You're obviously poisoned! I have something for that, hold on!" He calls back as he disappears into his room once more.

Poisoned? Oh, that would make sense. Rusé feels at his forehead, noticing how it feels like fire compared to his damp and chilly hands. Well, no wonder he feels like garbage.  

"I've never been poisoned before. Um, or if I did I don't remember." He groans, looking at his shaking hands. Are they shaking? Or is the world just shaking? Rusé can't tell; he doesn't know, but the next thing he knows he feels something cold against his face, and then there are two pairs of worried eyes on him.

"Oh my goodness gracious! You're finally awake! Oh heavens, I really thought that we lost you!" A loud voice exclaims. Rusé comes to, noticing that he no longer feels the frigid cling of his clothes on his body, only a soft, dry airy robe and fluffy blankets. Rusé tries to sit up but winces, plopping back down onto a soft surface.

Oh, he's in bed. A hospital bed. He rubs his sticky eyes with his wrists and opens them to see the carpentry master Palmo and the mayor glaring down with one narrowed eye. When did this happen? Rusé groans as he gazes around the room, the bright white infirmary walls glaring back at him as well as the acrid stench of medicines and herbs. Ah, this must be the hospital. He seldom stops by the clinic, especially since the medicines offered are well out of his price range, but occasionally he sells bushels of herbs to Simone. The clinic is run by the mayor and assisted by her two children, Lucy and Julian. It's a tidy little place, welcoming enough for a clinic he supposes, but it's definitely not somewhere he wanted to end up at. Rusé lets out a little cough, looking back to Simone with a tired smile.

"Good afternoon, doctor." Rusé croaks, only receiving a roll of her eye in response.

"Rusé, how are you feeling?" She asks.

"Yes! Are you feeling better?! Do you need more antidotes? Oh, Ryker! Ryker, Rusé is better!" Palmo calls out. Palmo is dressed as boisterously as usual, his clothing so bright that it kind of hurts the ranger's aching eyes. He's a large jolly man with a large mouth and long curly purple and blue hair, dyed in a brilliant ombre. His suit is split coloured half and half, blue and bright orange, matching his large hat with a dove brooch pinned to the side of it. Rusé perks up a little, trying to sit up even if his lungs and stomach don't enjoy the strain. On his other side, sitting on another hospital bed is a very wet, and very tired looking Ryker. Rusé can't tell if he looks more relieved or exhausted, but Rusé is at least happy to see him. Ryker gives him a tired, unsmiling wave.

"Oh… Um. I don't know. I think I'm okay." Rusé stammers, pivoting back to Simone.

"I'm glad. You were severely poisoned by the big mucks you so foolishly decided to fight without proper preparation. Thankfully, your external wounds were light, but your organs were on the verge of failing entirely. Rusé, you could've died." She says sternly. "If Ryker hadn't dragged you here through the storm, I'm afraid that would've actually happened. I understand you're a ranger of SEED, but you also just woke up a week ago. You're very new to… everything."

Rusé pales, sinking back down in his bed. If guilt could be described in a single expression, Rusé would be the poster child of it. He grimaces and stares at the ceiling, wishing he could just disappear.

"I didn't want to be any trouble to anyone." He croaks out. "I'm sorry. Ryker. Simone. Palmo." He peeps, pulling the flimsy hospital cot covers over his mouth. He doesn't even want to look at Ryker right now. But he can't avoid it as he hears his footsteps creak across the floor as Ryker sits down at the foot of his bed.  

"I know. Don't worry about it." He says plainly, turning towards Simone. "Hey, are you going to charge Rusé? Because he doesn't have any money." He says, pointing to Rusé who makes a face like he's about to say something, but Ryker gives him a knowing nod to stay quiet. "The reason why he went out and risked his hide is because he wanted to get money to buy some supplies from us."

But doesn't Ryker know about the mushrooms? Rusé stays quiet, only looking over towards Simone. It's sort of embarrassing to be paraded around as being flat broke too (even if it's true.)

"Oh! If you need supplies we'd be happy to give them to you! After all, you saved little Hina and Misasagi!" Palmo cuts in, running over to take one of Rusé's hands, earning a grunt of surprise from the ranger.

"Is this true?" Simone asks, frowning at the three of them, ultimately pinning her one-eyed gaze onto Rusé. Simone, being the mayor, always has an air of authority to her. However, Rusé has trouble taking her seriously when she basically runs around in a red bikini with a doctor's coat over it, with her extremely obvious thong straps peeking past her hips above her tiny skirt. Maybe the mayor can just wear what she wants? After all, it's not like anyone can complain about her fashion sense to her face. She has long dark purple hair worn in a ponytail, and an elaborate black and gold eye patch over her right eye.  

"Y-yeah. I didn't want them to… Um. I didn't want to be an inconvenience. And I still have to wait for my h-harvest, so it'd be a while. And it's expensive to eat at Lackadaisy every day, so I wanted to start cooking for myself and-" 

"Enough. I understand." Simone says. "... Palmo is right. You've done this town a great service, and it'd be unfair as mayor of Rigbarth not to recognize that. I can cover your medical expenses this time." She pauses, glancing up at Palmo and Ryker for a moment with a smile. "...But could I have a moment with Rusé alone?" She asks. Palmo lets go of Rusé's hand, leaving the young man staring at his fingers in confusion before he looks up at Ryker and Palmo. He opens and closes his hand before resting it under the covers, acting like he's never had his hand held before.

"Yeah. Not a problem." Ryker says, glancing back over towards Rusé. "We should actually get going now. It's late. Get better soon, okay?" He says, giving Rusé a two-finger salute. Awkwardly, Rusé salutes back.

"I'll send you some supplies as a get well soon gift! Toodeloo!" Palmo says, waving wildly as he too rushes out behind Ryker as they exit the hospital and back outside. At least it looks like the storm's stopped, but it's late now, with the stars peeking through the parted clouds and inky sky.  

It's a lot more awkward without them. Rusé grabs at his sheets into balls as he glances nervously back up at Simone.  

"Rusé. We're lucky magic is as potent as it is right now, especially with medicine. However, as I was checking your vitals… I found a few anomalies. You're an amnesiac, correct?" She asks, looking stern as she walks over to sit down in the chair Palmo was in previously. She crosses her legs and rests her chin in her palm.

"I really don't remember anything, ma'am. I've told Livia this up and down too. A-anomaly? Is it serious?" He asks her, his tone small and anxious. Simone hums in response, her lips pursing.

"It's nothing bad. It's just… you seem to be quite prone to magic. As in, your affinities react rather strangely to it. Even a simple healing potion seemed to work more effectively in your body, which is a similar reaction to when I've treated mages." She explains, her tone solemn. "However, even with the many mages I have treated during my career as a doctor, I've never met someone who reacted as potently as you, Rusé. And I've treated archmages who've come through here from SEED." She explains, frowning.

Rusé tilts his head a little. Is she trying to say that he's actually a magnificent magician or something? He hasn't actually tried to cast a spell yet to be honest. He hasn't learned any-- or well, if he had he's forgotten all of them. He looks down and stares at his fingers, which are now covered in bandages from where the mushroom monsters clawed at him.  

"Do you think this has to do with the person I used to be?" Rusé asks quietly to her.

"I'm not sure, Rusé. If you truly are a powerful mage to even dwarf the top mages of SEED, I'm sure that I would've heard about you, unless you're from somewhere pretty far. It's just speculation, but if your body hadn't reacted to the magic like it did, I'm certain you would've been in much worse shape than you are now. You're probably good enough to go after a few more hours of rest. It's honestly miraculous." She sighs. "I wish I could see exactly why you are the way you are under my scalpel, but I won't experiment on you. Not while you're still alive, that is!" She jokes. "But for now, keep that in the back of your mind and rest." 

"I-I see." Rusé says softly, finally putting his hands back underneath the covers. "I don't know if I want to know who I used to be, though." He quietly admits, his forehead creasing.

"Oh?" Simone sits up straighter as she listens. Rusé gulps, wetting his lips.

"Captain Livia told me that I shouldn't look into it, that I should just focus on who I am now. I have a feeling that she probably has an inkling of who I was, but I'm honestly afraid to find out. I have a bad feeling that it's not something that I want to know. I-I just don't know what to do." Rusé admits, his face crumpling up in distress. "I don't remember anything, but I know that I don't want to be a disappointment. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be hated." He says, his voice breaking.

"... Oh, Rusé. Those are normal things, aren't they? Nobody wants to be hated, and you're doing fine. It's probably scary losing all of your memories, but everybody here wants to support you. Even Ryker, as lazy as he is, carried you all the way over here." She chuckles. "I just think Livia doesn't want you to stress over it, and to just focus on living in the now. I don't know what happened. But whatever happened, happened. Memories or no, I appreciate the Rusé that we have now. And if your memories come back, I'm sure we'll appreciate that Rusé, too." She says with a smile. "Nobody here hates you, and you don't need to be perfect. Just be yourself! And you don't need to run yourself dry trying to please everyone, too. Even with one eye, I can see how hard you're working." Simone walks over and ruffles up Rusé's golden hair, now back to its normal fluffy volume. "Live how you want to live."

Rusé doesn't know when he started tearing up, but he notices when hot tears start rolling down his cheeks. He sniffs loudly and nods, covering his mouth with his bedsheets.  

"O-okay. I will." He whimpers between short sobs. "Thanks, Simone. Thank-you." 

"It's nothing, I'll leave you to rest." She says, walking back over towards her lab table across the clinic. "You're free to stay as long as you need to stay. There's food for you on the side table as well-- Ryker mentioned that you didn't get any lunch." She says. Rusé turns towards the table to see some cut apples and a bowl of milk porridge. Ah, this definitely beats rice balls for the seventh day in a row. He nervously nods and glances back over towards her.

"Thank-you." He says again, reaching over for his plate.

It seems that he ended up owing Ryker even more than he meant to. But for some reason, that thought makes Rusé smile.

Chapter Text

His feet still ache from the day before, and spending an entire afternoon endlessly hacking apart wood for Palmo's newest burst of inspiration isn't doing Ryker any favors. Not to mention he's being fueled by a measly three hours of sleep, Ryker is amazed he hasn't pooped out earlier. Tucked under the shade of his favorite abandoned house, he's accompanied by the sound of rolling waves of the Ripple Beach and the lone crabapple tree rustling in the breeze. Here, the grasses are soft and it's far from prying eyes and sharp-tongued judgment. It's comfortable and peaceful; which is something that he doesn't get much of for living in such a small town.

Ryker sighs as he splays out onto the fluffy grass, gently lidding his eyes as he stares upwards at the puffy clouds, ones that were bitter grey storm clouds just a few days ago. The sea breeze is calming and the smell is familiar, and the sun feels warm on his cheeks. Since that awful storm, everything has seemingly gone back to normal. Rusé is back on his feet, doing whatever rangers do, Palmo is scribbling away at his extravagant blueprints and Ryker... Well, he's doing what needs to be done. Eventually. For now, it's time for a much deserved rest, after all the night is eventually going to call, as are his duties.  

Those will always take priority, no matter what. Especially since the timer is always counting down. He takes what naps he can get, after all Palmo has all of the patience in the world. Wood can wait. The moon does not.  

But just as Ryker closes his eyes, letting his lashes touch his cheeks, he feels a firm poke to his side. Ticklish, he flinches uncomfortably.  

"Wha--" He grunts, opening his eyes to see Julian and Hina smiling off in the distance, with Julian wielding a particularly large stick. He laughs tiredly. "Oh, that's a big stick you got there." He sighs. Julian is the sister to the irritating Lucy, barely eight years old or something. He's short, energetic and honestly easier to get along with than most of the adults in this podunk town. He has a wild head of grey hair and deep red eyes.  

"Off napping again?" Julian asks in a loud whisper, the little boy's grin as wide as little Hina's. "You found a rea-lly good spot this time! We couldn't find you for a long time!" He says, walking over to Ryker who's slowly sitting up. Hina nods along with Julian. Hina is adored by everyone here, including Ryker. She's tiny, sweet, and hardworking like her mother Misasagi and her uncle Murakumo. She has long pink hair, fluffy beast ears, tiny horns, and little black wings. She's also always glued to Julian at the hip, or maybe it's the other way around? In a way, Ryker is a bit jealous of how close the two kids are. He's never had a childhood friend like that.

Or anyone, for that matter. Well, besides Palmo.

"Well, no. I was going to nap." Ryker says with a yawn, scratching at the back of his neck. "And I still plan on napping, too…" giving the two kids a lazy smile.

"Aww! But we found this really old box by the beach! And the lock is all stuck, and we wanted to have you open it!" Julian huffs.

"You can open anything." Hina says, pumping her little fists close to her chest. Ryker purses his lips rubbing at his eye.

"Didn't I teach you two how to pick locks just a few days ago? Do you need another lesson?"

"No! This one is super stuck!" Julian complains. "Come on! Please?" 

"Quiet down, if you're loud then--" Ryker starts, but shuts his mouth when Lucy comes into view, her arms crossed. Immediately, Ryker's expression somehow grows even more tired. Great, now he's going to have to find a new sleeping spot, now that this loud mouth has spotted him. Worse-- she's the mayor's daughter (well, to be fair Julian is the mayor's son, but that's different.)

"Aha!" She says, causing Julian to jump and turn around. "This is where you are! And you too, being as lazy as always!" Lucy accuses, pointing a finger at Ryker who just rolls his eyes. Ryker usually tries to stay out of Lucy's hair. She's loud and far too energetic for her own good. She has shorter white hair in a short bun, freckles, and sea green eyes.

Just what he needs, another lecture. He furrows his brow and stands up, brushing off his pants.  

"Don't you have a store to watch over?" He grumbles. "Julian here was just hanging out. Why do you always have to be on his ass?"

"Yeah!" Julian huffs, running behind Ryker as Hina toddles over to join her friend's side.

"Oh, I'd like to say the same thing! Don't you have work to do as Palmo's number one? Isn't that what you call yourself?" She harrumphs, trying to walk behind Ryker to grab her brother, but Julian slips right out of her grasp. Ryker crosses his arms, tensing his shoulders. "And I'm here because mom needs help making lunch! Come on, you little creature!" 

"Aw, come on!" He whines, wriggling once Lucy snags his wrist.

"Bye-bye Julian!" Hina giggles, watching as Lucy starts dragging Julian off, his reluctant legs pulling up grass as he practically tears the turf in his defiance. But Lucy shoots Ryker another hard look, which is returned with one of apathy.

"I don't know how you can sleep so easily and often knowing that you burden Palmo so much. Hasn't he done enough for you?" She huffs. This pulls a grimace out of Ryker as he just turns around and storms off, not wanting to deal with the audacity of this woman. "Yeah, just run away!" She shouts. He ignores her, his sandals quiet on the loamy grasses.

He really doesn't need to hear it. He knows it's a pain in the ass for Palmo, but he has his priorities. He gets his work done! Just not as prompt as, say, Martin. But then again, that freak of nature doesn't even sleep. Ryker stomps off towards the beach, too annoyed to be tired as he plops down in the warm sand to just glare at the rolling waves, the tides barely stretching far enough to tickle at his toes with cold licks. One day, he'll be able to do what he wants. Which is to become Palmo's equal and his dream, of course. It doesn't matter what the people here think, to hell with them. He can be as lazy as can be in their eyes, but he will be the one laughing all the way to glory! …. After he finally gets his nap, that is. The beach isn't too bad for that, at least all the nice fine sand is warm and comfortable.

Chapter Text

"Oh, quit nagging me! I'll get it done!" Ryker says, raising his voice a little as Simone lectures him again. Thanks to Julian shouting to the world where he was earlier and Lucy coming and intruding, of course she snitched to the mayor of his truancy. So here he is, standing by the bridge with Simone blocking his way with her arms crossed.

"And when will you get it done? Every second you spend goofing off, Palmo has to make up for it." She says, her tone disapproving. "I know Palmo has a big heart and all of the patience in the world, but have some courtesy." That causes Ryker to scowl as he clutches at the clasp of his cloak, looking away.  

"I'm not goofing off." He grumbles, blowing his cloudy bangs away from his eyes.

"So you're working hard dozing off?" Simone says, leaning in a little. "I let you into Rigbarth despite your circumstances, Ryker." She says, lowering her voice. This causes him to ball his hands into fists.

As if he had a choice! But as he opens his mouth to argue back, he looks up, noticing Rusé walking up the hill leading down to a fishing spot near the underside of the bridge, carrying some sort of humongous bright pink fish, flopping about in his arms. He perks up when he notices the conflict, pausing to somehow shove the creature into his little bag before hurrying over.  

Ryker doesn't even have time to question how such a feat is possible (or ethical) before Rusé walks over to his side.

"Is there some kind of trouble?" He asks. To be honest, Ryker hasn't seen much of the guy since he almost died a few days ago. But he has popped in a few times to show off some snacks he made with his new kitchen sets, dropping off plates of baked onigiri for both Palmo and himself. To be honest, even if their interactions have been brief, it's always nice to have a snack (and reassurance that Rusé isn't off getting himself killed.)

Simone sighs, resting her hand on her forehead as she side-eyes the petite ranger.

"Ryker, why can't you be more like Rusé?" She demeans, giving him a glare. This causes Rusé to glance between the both of them and Ryker to suck in his lips. Right, Rusé had absolutely nothing and since then, has gone gung-ho to do everything he can for Rigbarth, and not in the same annoyingly serious way that Martin does.  

The comparison still annoys him, though.

"Simone, um. I think Ryker is doing fine." Rusé butts in, giving the woman a nervous smile. "I can tell he's doing his best in his own way. Besides, you shouldn't um, compare people to one another." Rusé says quickly. Ryker opens his mouth to say something, but just ends up making a sound.

Simone chuckles and shakes her head, her hand still holding her forehead as if she's fighting off a headache.

"You're too nice for your own good. Whatever." She sighs, not wanting to argue as she turns around and starts walking off, her heels clicking against the bridge. Rusé wipes his hands off on his pants before smiling over at Ryker. It looks like he's been fishing for a while, since his sleeves are soaked and rolled up to his elbows and his trousers are the same way, rolled to his bony knees.

"Did you get caught napping or something?" Rusé asks, his tone surprisingly playful. Ryker blushes in embarrassment and looks away.

"I guess." He mutters, not wanting to deal with being ridiculed again, but Rusé just chuckles.

"You better be more careful next time. You know, the day of the storm, you were fast asleep on the desk! I felt kind of bad waking you up." He comments, sliding his hands into his pockets. "You're up really late every day, too. I am, too." He comments. Rusé sees Ryker zoom around the Great Tree Plaza every night, shouting something about the moon calling him. It always puts a smile on his face.

"I, oh. Yeah, I'm more active during the night." Ryker says, clearing his throat. He's not used to someone not nagging him about his much-needed sleep. Especially someone as hardworking as Rusé. "It's my hour, the moon calls to me. I am her faithful servant after all!" Ryker announces, striking a pose with his hand over his face, grinning. Usually when he does this, people just roll their eyes, but Rusé practically beams.

"Ah, do you just have more energy at night? Sometimes I feel the same way, too. Like the moonlight powers me up or… something!" He chirps. Ryker smiles back.

"Yeah, absolutely! But if you're up after the curtain of darkness, how do you have so much energy during the day? What do you do to keep yourself energized?" He asks, tilting his head. Rusé just smirks.

"Well, I sleep like a corpse for one. Maybe I just sleep twice as hard." He jokes. "But I take naps, too. So I think it's kind of hypocritical that people complain that you sleep, when I do the same. Hell, Murokuma is hardly ever in the inn, much less running it when I want to take a bath." Rusé points out.  

Ryker looks at Rusé in surprise, rubbing at his chin. He has a hard time imagining Rusé just dozing off. This all feels oddly reassuring. But he snaps out of his daze when Rusé bops him on the shoulder. "Hey, I didn't really get to thank you for saving me that one time. I'm sorry for putting you through that." Rusé says, bowing his head politely.

"Whoa, it's fine. I mean, not really. But as long as you're alright and not filling your lungs up with poison…" Ryker pauses. Rusé seems different somehow, maybe more confident and open? Maybe it had something to do with what Simone wanted to talk to him about. "Say, um. How did you fit that big fish into your bag?" Ryker asks, pointing to it. Rusé grins and gives the rucksack an affectionate pat.

"All SEED issued bags are magical! They can cram a lot inside of them and mitigate the weight, too! I can fit hundreds of things inside!" He laughs proudly. Ryker scoffs softly, smirking. Damn it, he could really use something like that. It'd really help out his work a lot. "In fact, I probably have about a dozen fish stuffed inside of here right now."

"Gross!" Ryker laughs.

"They're still alive, too." Rusé says with a waggle of his eyebrows, pulling another laugh out of Ryker. "How, I don't know. But believe me, it comes in handy. The things don't touch either, so I don't have to worry about raw fish touching my bag lunches." Rusé says, moving over to lean up against the shallow brick railing of the bridge, leading Ryker over to join him.  

"SEED sure sounds… interesting. How is it, being a ranger?" Ryker asks. Right, Rusé is a ranger. He hopes that doesn't cause any issues for him in the future. That thought causes him to shift awkwardly. He's not used to getting along with SEED, nor does he plan on doing so, either. But Rusé is different, right?

"It was tough at first, but a lot of it comes naturally. Especially dealing with monsters. I don't know why, but--" Rusé says, pulling out his two blades. Ryker leans in to get a better look at them, gently taking them from the other man's small hands. "I'm really good at dealing with monsters. When I grip my weapons, I just feel right at home. Oh, magic too! Heinz taught me a few spells and it's like breathing!" He says excitedly.

But Ryker is staring at the blades, his expression scrunching up a little. These two sad, ruined blades are more chipped than his first woodcutting axe. He's no blacksmith, but he can see where the metal has been eaten away by something harsh-- like a powerful spell. Also holding them gives him an odd sense of deja-vu. While the blades themselves are in tatters, the hilts are gorgeous, and he knows exactly what they're made out of.

"Hey, Rusé. You woke up with these swords, right? I use dual blades too." Ryker comments. Rusé lights up.

"Yes! With my underwear!" He comments, earning a suspicious glance from Ryker. Did this man really just rescue a little girl half-naked? No wonder Lucy was going around telling everyone he was suspicious.

"These are made from some valuable dragon's scales. The hilts are, you might um." Ryker makes a face. "Want to uh, ask the smithy. But I've seen scales like these before. I like scales a lot, but I think these are actually grimoire scales. I read about them in a book." He says, handing the blades back to Rusé. "Apparently, the dragons they come from are so rare and powerful, the scales have only been harvested in the dozens. They're kind of iridescent green, white and blue like that." He says. Rusé just hums, looking lost in thought.  

"Dragon's scales, huh. Are there dragons in the Phoros Woodland?" He asks, holding the blades up to the light. Ryker shakes his head.

"The worst you're going to find are some giant monster cluckadoodles, heh. You wouldn't want to mess with those." He says. Rusé nods.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. But that's interesting. Maybe I can get Martin to help me fix these!" He chirps, his sunny excitement returning. "I actually helped him go out and find some ore the other day!" 

Something about that makes Ryker kind of cringe.  

"I didn't know you and Martin were… close." He says awkwardly. "I'm glad you're making friends." Ryker says, his sentiments not matching his expression as he glances off in the direction of the smithy. It's hard to miss, being higher on the hill.  

"Well, the smithy is so close. And I always have extra iron and scrap, which they're always happy to have in excess. Cecil also comes and walks by and chats with me in the mornings. They're practically my neighbors!" Rusé explains. Ryker forces a smile, making a mental note to maybe come over to the opposite side of Rigbarth more often. He doesn't really have much of a reason to cross the bridge except to head towards the festival grounds, it's a long walk from the studio, but he definitely has a new reason now.  

"Yeah, it must be nice having neighbors to chat to, eh?" He says offhandedly. Rusé's smile fades a little.

"I'm actually surprised. It doesn't seem like you're close to many people here, even though you've lived here a while." Rusé says, lifting himself up onto the railing with a grunt, swinging his legs. Ryker looks up at Rusé and shrugs.

"You heard Simone. I'm just a slacker, so why would they want to see me as an equal? I've always been a bit of an outsider." He says, gazing off down the river. It's as clear as it always is, with the silhouettes of the fish swimming against the current. Rusé tilts his head.

An outsider, huh?

"You shouldn't put yourself down." Rusé mumbles, frowning. "And… I don't think you're a slacker, when I see you work, you're always giving your all. I actually think you're really cool." He says turning to Ryker. There's no smile, just solemn sincerity, and for some reason that just hits Ryker so much harder. He stammers, clearing his throat as he looks away.

"Well, I mean! I am cool! So of course you think that way!" He counters, crossing his arms as he walks a few steps away, hiding his face; hiding his dumb smile. "I mean I am the epitome of cool, I am the chosen one!" He babbles, pacing awkwardly back and forth.  

"Is that why you don't wear anything under your cloak?" Rusé jokes, grinning mischievously. Ryker turns around, red in the face still.

"I'm going to push you off that railing. It's-- it's cool! It's stylish! I like my outfit!" Ryker huffs, storming back over to Rusé, who's grinning toothily.

"Oh, I agree. And come on. Push me." Rusé says, his eyes widening, as does his grin as he dares Ryker. "I bet you can't." He hums confidently. Something about that causes Ryker to hesitate, his eyes widening.

He always thought of Rusé as shy and polite. But this isn't anything like that at all, huh? Maybe there's a lot more to Rusé than he thought. Ryker gulps, almost shrinking a little under Rusé's utmost smug confidence before he sucks in a breath, grinning back.  

"Oh, you're on!" He laughs, running over to Rusé as he gives the smaller man a firm shove in the chest, causing him to yelp in surprise, falling backwards. Oh shit, there's a river below full of freezing cold water!

Maybe he should've thought this through-- well, both of them should've. But with a grunt, Rusé clings to the railing for dear life with his legs, laughing awkwardly.

"Hah! I um, knew you couldn't. But, could you help me up, though?" Rusé asks, seemingly unable to clamber back up as he dangles upside down. He shoots Ryker a much more nervous smile. Ryker scoffs out a laugh as he reaches over to help pull Rusé back up by the leg, causing the ranger to topple over onto the bridge, laughing as he gasps for breath.  

"I don't think anyone won there." Ryker laughs, sitting down to join Rusé. When was the last time he's done this with somebody else? Just hanging out? Enjoying their company? But suddenly Rusé's mirth fades as he quickly gets up, standing straight. "Huh, what's up?" Ryker asks, turning around to see what the problem is. A part of him is more agitated that the moment had to end like that, he was having fun.

There, a woman stands wearing a green SEED uniform similar to Rusé's own. She's a half-elf of sorts with an expression of disgust on her face. She seems a bit familiar, but Ryker can't really remember her name. Her eyes are bright red and her hair is pale blue.

"I see you're going about your duties as well as I thought you would, ranger." She says, her tone sharp. Rusé clears his throat, but doesn't look away.

"Off duty, ma'am. Livia told me you'd be arriving today, Scarlett. Just… later." He says quickly with a bow of his head. He gives her a hard look, and Ryker isn't used to seeing Rusé so on edge.

"A SEED ranger is never off duty, Rusé. If I can even call you a ranger." She scoffs, raising her chin. "After all, you never went through your tests to even certify as one." Scarlett clicks her tongue. "Livia thinks she holds power over those higher than her who make the rules, but until a warden grants you approval, in my eyes you're nothing but an amnesiac freeloader."

Rusé keeps his mouth shut, but it's obvious that her words stung. He lowers his head, gritting his teeth, taking a moment to think before looking back over towards her.

"I suppose we can figure that out at the meeting later. Until then, enjoy your return to Rigbarth, ma'am." Rusé says as palatably as he can. Scarlett just scoffs and continues walking towards the Silo, her posture as straight as a marching soldier's.

"Bitch." Ryker says under his breath, causing the woman's knife-like ears to prick up. She stops in her tracks and looks over her shoulder, glaring at the both of them.

"Excuse me?" She asks in ire. Ryker just smiles dangerously, standing up as well.

"You heard me. Keep walking. Don't you have work to do, ranger? After all, you don't have any moments off duty, do you?" He says, resting his hands on his hips as his expression matches his smug tone.

"Ryker…" Rusé says softly, turning to the man in worry. He appreciates him standing up for him, but she's a ranger! And a higher ranking one at that, he doesn't want him to get in trouble! Scarlett just sighs and turns around, continuing her pace off of the bridge and towards the Silo. When she's gone, Rusé just sighs, carding a hand through his fluffy golden hair.

"Livia isn't like that towards you, is she?" Ryker asks once the half-elf is out of earshot, noticing the stress leave Rusé's frame. Rusé shakes his head, still frowning.

"N-no. Thank goodness. Um. But I should get going." He says, pointing a thumb in the direction of the Silo. Rusé's cheeks dust pink as sheepishly he looks down before meeting eyes shyly with Ryker. "Thanks for standing up for me, though. Believe me, I wanted to say the same thing."

"R-right? Um, okay. See you. Maybe we can… Hang out sometime again? I mean, I don't really need ore, but I can show you some tricks with the blades." Ryker says quickly. Why does his face feel so hot? Why did he bring that up? Rusé chuckles.

"Yeah, I'd like that a lot." He says, turning around to head off back towards the Silo. "... Don't let the others get you down, okay? If you ever need to complain, I can listen. T-that's what friends are for, right?" Rusé says, glancing quickly over his shoulder.

Ryker sucks in a breath, his mouth suddenly feeling dry. If he stays here a moment longer, he's going to lose his cool..!

"Yeah! Okay! Bye!" Ryker says, louder than he means to before he finds himself running off before he can even finish what he was doing, his heart practically beating out of his chest. What the hell was that? What is he even doing? Rusé chuckles softly as he watches him scramble down the gravel road. He's pretty fast on his feet, isn't he? He sighs to himself, digging his nails lightly into his palms to steel himself for what's to come.

Hopefully he doesn't end up losing his job over Ryker's comment… but a part of him doesn't mind if he does, either. After all, he wouldn't trade that moment for anything else in the world.

What a bizarre feeling inside of his stomach.

Chapter Text

It's always hot inside of the smithy, with the harsh clangs of hammer against steel filling the air, sending sparks and embers sailing across the room. Rusé squints as the heat from the forge causes the air in the smithy to ripple as he peeks around, finding the space behind the merchandise counter empty, leaving Martin alone besides his weathered anvil. His nose curls too, it reeks of steel, chemicals and ozone in here.

"Good morning, Martin!" Rusé calls over the banging of the man's hammer, causing the taller man to set down his tool for a moment and pull up his protective visor. "Hard at work like always, it seems?" Rusé chuckles, walking over to a safe distance, not wanting to be struck by a stray ember. The blacksmith's apprentice nods quietly, picking up his molten work in progress with some pincers before dipping it in a vat of cold water, causing steam to erupt from it with a shrill hiss.

"I can't miss a moment of training. What brings you here today, Rusé?" He asks, pulling the piece of steel from the bubbling brew before setting it down in the heat once more to soften up again. "Do you need something?" He asks, looking him up and down. Rusé is dressed in the same uniform he always is, his gloves and boots sodden with mud, and his trousers are dirtiest by the knees. He lets out a hum, it seems he's not the only one hard at work early in the morning. Rusé smiles, leaning up against the metal counter.

"Actually, yes. Someone brought up the fact that my blades may actually be worth more than I thought." He says pulling the beaten weapons from their sheaths at his hip and setting them down onto the table. "And I was wondering if you could take a look at them, maybe it'll tell me more about myself. More than that though, I'd love to get them repaired." Rusé says, picking up one of them to seamlessly twirl in his fingers. Marten gives Rusé a wary look, and Rusé stops his party tricks, smiling sheepishly.  

"Interesting. Well, Darroch is out right now to collect some ore. So my apologies if my expertise isn't up to par to identify them." He comments, patting the soot off of his gloves before walking over towards the little ranger. Compared to Rusé who hardly stands at five feet four inches, Martin practically towers over him. "I never actually saw your weapons up close, you woke up with them, right?" He asks, reaching out to take the one already in Rusé's fingers. He happily hands it over to Martin with a nod, glancing up for a moment with pursed lips before making eye contact once more, scooting up to sit onto the counter instead.

"Yeah. I was told that the hilts are adorned with dragon scales. Really rare ones, too. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about, so I felt it'd be important to identify them." Rusé explains. Martin hums, squinting at the weapons, brushing his pale green hair behind his ears.

"These blades are in terrible shape. What did you even do to them for them to end up like this? ... You need to take better care of your weapons." Martin scolds, bringing them over to his anvil. And yet, despite the sorry states of the dual blades, he can't help but notice just how unique they are.  

"Hey, I don't remember! They were like this when I lost my memory!" Rusé complains, swinging his legs in irritation. "So, are they dragon scales?" 

Martin hums, picking one up and holding it to the light. How strange, not a single grain of iron or steel was used in the making of these. The way that the blades catch the light of the forge makes them shimmer like prisms, and the chips don't look natural, either. Like some sort of magic carved into them; some sort of unbelievably powerful magic.

"Yeah. I've never seen dragon scales like these before. Darroch rarely gets scales in from commissioners, they're not a cheap material to work with. But I've seen all kinds of colours from red to green. Never in this hue." He mutters. "The blade, while rather…" Martin traces the thumb of his thick glove over the blade, "it's dull, it's sturdier than any kind of metal I've worked with. It's honestly fascinating." He mutters, furrowing his brow. "I haven't ever seen anything like it." He says, glancing back to Rusé. The ranger looks to be deep in thought, his swinging legs stilled as the corners of his mouth dip into a thoughtful frown.  

"So, are you able to repair them? I mean, is there any possibility to do so?" 

"Frankly, I'm amazed you were able to take down monsters with weapons so dull." Martin says, grabbing a shiny hammer off of the rack, raising it. Rusé leaps off the counter, rushing over.

"Hold on, don't smash them! What're you doin-"

CLANG.

With a mighty swing, Martin slams down the hammer with all of his might onto the shimmering blade of the sword, causing his hammer to chip and crack. Where the impact was, Rusé's weapon remains untarnished. Martin scowls, hanging the ruined hammer back up.

"Damn it. I have no idea what these are made out of. I'm sorry Rusé, but I can't help you." He sighs, picking the rangers blades up and handing them back to him. "But I recommend you ask master Darroch when he gets back. Maybe you can buy one of our other sets of blades in the meantime. Ones you can at least cut bread with." He deadpans. Rusé takes back his blades with a pout, quietly double checking that Martin didn't somehow ruin them any more. To his surprise though, they seem untouched. If a hammer strike like that didn't damage them, how on earth did they end up in this sorry state?

"Oh, um. It's okay. Yeah, I probably should get new blades, huh? I'm kind of attached to these ones, though. You can't even sharpen them?" Rusé asks, tilting his head. Martin scowls.

"...No. I have no idea what to do with craftsmanship like that." He grumbles, turning away. "It's above my current skill level." Martin comments. Rusé deflates, frowning at his beloved weapons.  

"I-I see. Thanks for trying, though. I've gotten better at making my own weapons, too. But they just don't feel the same, even if they're sharper." He laments, sheathing his blades as he sulks back to the door. "Good luck today, Martin. And thanks again for showing me how to work a forge, too." He says, offering the blacksmith-to-be a tired wave.

"Yeah. Good luck." Martin mutters, looking rather bitter as he pulls his project out of the heat, using his free hand to slide his visor back over his eyes. However, just as Rusé moves to open the door to leave, the huge slab of wood suddenly flings open at great force, barely missing Rusé by a hair.

"Oh, dragons!" He cries out, scrambling back to see the huge silhouette of Master Darroch standing at the door, both of his arms carrying heaping cloth bundles of something. The massive man lets out a grunt of surprise, raising a tawny eyebrow at the little ranger.

"No dragons here, son. You look like you saw one, though!" He laughs softly, moving over to the counter with a grunt as he drops the heavy-looking sacks beside it with a grunt. Out from the seams of one of the sacks, sparkling ore tumbles out onto the floor with a clatter. Darroch is a huge mountain of a man, with scarred up dark skin and wild red hair. He has a huge mustache and a beard and his hair is tied up into braids. A loose bandana is tied around his head, black and white.

"Welcome back, Master." Martin says, putting his hammer down for a moment to walk over and help Darroch put away the ore. "This is a lot of silver." He comments, picking up the hunk that tumbled out with the smallest hint of a smile on his stony face. Darroch grins toothily, wiping sweat from his brow as he lifts one of the sacks back up.

"Heinz got me a steal! Said a certain hard-working ranger has been selling it in bulk!" He laughs, glancing at Rusé, who's still catching his breath from the shock of almost being run over. Martin hums, glancing over to him.

"You can just sell it to us directly if that's the case. You'll have to show me where you found it next time." He comments, dumping the silver into a barrel besides the other containers of ore. Rusé laughs nervously.

"Sure, but I still need to make a profit. It's not cheap buying enough seeds for the acres of fields I have to sow…" Rusé says, watching quietly as the two blacksmiths work quickly to put the ore away. "Oh, actually! Master Darroch, if you have a moment! I really want to ask about my blades!" He says, scrambling to pull them out again. Darroch huffs loudly when he sees them, stomping over to pluck them out of Rusé's hands. Darroch's are so gnarled they look like the trunks of trees, compared to Rusé's tiny pixie-like grabbers.  

"Well I'll be damned! Where the heck did you find these?" Darroch asks, rushing the blades over to the workbench. They look like cutlery compared to him.

"He said he woke up with them. I… couldn't identify them, Master." Martin says, clicking his tongue in disappointment.

"That's fine, you're still learning! But by the great light goddess…! These are made from materials I haven't worked with in ages! Just the blades are made from orichalcum and dragon's stone!" He marvels, his eyes practically twinkling as he grins toothily. "And the hilt, embedded with grimoire scales! And are these the blessed white stones? My boy! This is probably a legendary artifact! It's embedded with something else, too. But how did such an amazing weapon end up like this?" He wonders out loud, frowning. "A piece like this should be bonafide and indestructible! And yet it looks like it was chewed up and spat out by something!" He laughs.

Rusé gulps. Well, something had to blast all of his clothes off. Did whatever knocked the memory out of him leave his swords like this? If that's the case, how the hell is he still in one piece?!  

"I had no idea that my dull dual blades were so uh, valuable. But are you able to repair them?" Rusé asks nervously, earning a sigh from the blacksmith.

"I can, not right now, though. But what I can do is I can break these magnificently dull blades off of their pretty hilts and leave them with Martin to study."

"I-it would be my honor!" Martin says with a stammer. "And when I can, I'll repair them to the best of my ability!" He exclaims. Darroch chuckles.

"Aye, but we'll need the materials to make them just as snazzy as they were. In the meantime, I can keep the hilts and fashion new blades for them for now. Got any good stuff that you'd like to be used in them?" Darroch asks, taking his own hammer from his tool belt, snapping each prismatic blade from the hilts in a single precise strike, aiming for some of the flimsier parts of the weathered metal. Rusé watches in awe and nods.

Darroch isn't called a master blacksmith for nothing, that's for sure.

"Y-yes sir! I have some interesting materials, actually. Some especially sharp-looking ones." He comments, digging through his bag, only to pull out a comically large claw from it.

"How did that fit…?" Martin asks, staring at the strange claw in confusion.

"It's a special bag-- and I got this from Murakumo! He said it'll bring me good luck, but I think it'd give me more luck protecting me as a weapon." Rusé snickers, handing the cherry-red claw to Darroch who just stares at it. He's not going to question where the innkeeper ended up with an immortal dragon's claw.

"Yeah, this will do. Since you provided the silver for us anyways, I'll use that too. Come by in the evening, it'll be done. The payment will just be the invaluable training your blades will provide both Martin and I!" He laughs, handing Martin the massive claw, who practically stumbles under its weight, not prepared for it seeing how easily Rusé and Darroch carried it about.

Wait, Rusé could carry it that easily? He stares in disbelief at the ranger's slender arms. No way, that's impossible, right?

"O-okay! Thanks so much! Thank-you, Darroch! Thanks Martin!" Rusé says cheerfully, giving them both a salute before bowing at the two of them by the door, hurrying off with a grin on his face.

"How can a bag be magical…?" Martin croaks, staring at his befuddled reflection in the claw's crimson sheen.

"Eh, SEED has always had some weird knick knacks. But it's time to get to work!" Darroch says, walking off to find the tools to grind the claw up into dust. Martin snaps to attention, rushing to grab some of the silver from the barrel.

"Yes, sir!"

Chapter Text

Livia stares at Rusé with pursed lips, her boots kicked up onto her polished mahogany desk as her eyes trail over to the man in ropes besides him. She raises a finger, tiredly pointing to the fat-lipped stranger. He reeks of magic and ill-intent, dressed in gaudy reds and golds with a huge box almost as large as he is strapped to his back with rugged ropes and chains.

"Who is this?" She asks, glaring at the exhausted Ranger. Rusé isn't looking too great himself, with his clothes stained black with soot, and sweat sparkling on his brow. He unbuttoned his top down do his chest in an attempt to cool down, but even now that he's out of the volcanic dungeon, he still feels like he's baking. Rusé gives the huge man a side-eye before letting out a soft groan of discomfort.

"The culprit, ma'am. Scarlett and I found him in the dungeon you sent us too in the Volcanic Region. He was conducting a spell of sorts. I think Scarlett mentioned he was trying to drain the runes from the area." He grumbles, holding up the rope in his hand that's attached to the culprit. "He's caused all of us a lot of trouble. Scarlett herself is in the hospital at the moment because of him, which is why she isn't here to join us in this… meeting." Rusé grumbles, handing off the rope to Livia. She gives the bandit an odd look before sighing and sitting up straighter, taking a second to fix her hair.

"You have caused me a lot of trouble. Poaching runes is a grave crime, and harming my rangers is one even graver." She says tiredly. "State your name." She says firmly to the man. The man, despite being bruised and beaten up with swollen purple cheeks and a nasty-looking black eye just smiles, showing off a grin of white teeth.

"I don't got any business with you SEED folks, do your worst." He laughs, his large belly shaking with his bellowing.  

"Wrong answer. You either tell me, or you can say it to the warden's torturers when he drags you back to the capital." Livia says, her lips curling up into a sneer as she stands up, shoving in her chair with a loud clatter. "So tell me again, state your name." She repeats in ire. Rusé tiredly turns to the bandit, he's never heard Livia raise her voice like that before.  

But despite her threats, the bandit doesn't even flinch. He just smirks and chuckles, tilting his head.

"I guess in that case, you'll find out one way or another. Folks call me Oswald. And what's this about the warden? I'm flattered, are you really sending the big wigs here to round me up? Ha." He glances back to Rusé, frowning. "Last time I heard rumours through the vine, Rigbarth only had one ranger. Looks like my intelligence failed there." He mutters, scowling. Rusé narrows his eyes; maybe being a new recruit is a benefit for once. "If this one weren't here, it'd be an in and out job. Hah! Whatever." He looks up confidently, staring Livia in the eyes. "Let the warden come. It'll be interesting to actually talk to Gideon one on one."

"Bastard." Livia scoffs, yanking her chair back out and sitting back down. "Rusé, do you have anything else to report?" She asks, pulling out a thick stack of papers from her filing cabinet as she quickly leafs through them.

"Uh, Oswald was with a dragon. A big one with dark scarlet scales, it came from bones, actually. Like he was resurrecting it." Rusé says nervously, shifting uncomfortably under the larger man's stare. Livia's lips part in a silent gasp, her hands stilling suddenly as her eyes immediately lock with Rusé's, her amber eyes slitting dangerously like a cat's.

"A scarlet dragon…" She mutters to herself, setting the papers down. "Thank you, Rusé. You've done a lot. I'll get the story from Scarlett when she comes to. Thank-you again for your hard work today, and for apprehending this criminal." Livia says sternly. "You're excused."

Rusé nods, giving her a quick bow before walking out of the room, giving the ostentatiously dressed man a final look before leaving his Captain's office, heading out of the Silo and back outside. It's nearing the evening now, with streaks of orange decorating the cloudy sky as chilly breezes cut through the trees. Most of the blossoms on them have been shed by now, cast all over the fields and paths, browning and reeking of Earth after being trampled by the soles of shoes and the constant spring rain that come and go.  

It's been a long day, Rusé had to get up at the crack of dawn to attend to Livia's task; a competition between himself and Scarlett to see who could reach the heart of the dungeon first. Ever since the meeting from the day before, Scarlett insisted that Rusé would revoke his SEED badge, seeing as he was never officially approved to be a ranger in the first place. Livia waved off the half-elf's distraught, voicing her confidence in Rusé to his delight, saying that they could settle and prove Rusé's competency once and for all with a little battle of skills between the two rangers.  

Unfortunately, that task took place first thing in the morning even before Rusé could shovel breakfast into his mouth or water his rapidly growing cucumbers. He has to brave the unsavory heat and barrel into the bowels of the volcano, with his new blades in hand. Finally, being blessed with sharp weapons, rendering monsters into cubes is so much easier. Despite the blistering heat and pillars of rippling flame ejected from the volcanic vents just about everywhere, cutting his way through the dungeon was a breeze. None of the plants or the slimes even had a chance, and none were spared any mercy as he ripped them asunder with flighty laughter in his breath to collect their insides to sell. The rubies pulled from the cadavers of the crimson slimes still sit heavy in his pocket, practically waiting to be minted into cold hard cash.

But as he neared the bottom of the dungeon, it was so hot Rusé could hardly breathe, with pools of smoldering lava surrounding the craters of jet-black stone. The air was so dense with heat it was practically palpable, rippling through the air like the ocean's waves. And not to Rusé's surprise, Scarlett was nowhere to be found, filling his heart with triumph. However, Rusé wasn't alone. In the heart of the dungeon's climax, that's where he found Oswald, with a stave clutched in his hands, he was just finishing up drawing a massive runic circle, carving it into the stone itself. And at the heart of the circle, that's where he saw the bones.

The skeleton at the heart of the circle was unmistakably that of a massive dragon, and something about the mere sight of the skeleton caused Rusé's heart to race and goosebumps to prickle the peach fuzz on his sweaty arms. But despite his initial shock and the bizarre sensation of excitement boiling in his gut, Rusé wasn't about to allow a suspicious man complete a ritual, and bolted into the scene.

What happened next happened fast. The circle was activated, reviving the dragon as it soared away. Scarlett returned and backed up Rusé in fighting the bandit as he summoned a huge snake monster. Apparently, the runic circle damaged her memory in the process, leaving Rusé alone to fight the snake while she did her best to seal Oswald in place before Rusé could rush over and properly tie him up.

Rusé runs a hand over his face, sighing as he pulls his watering can from the toolbox that rests beside the backside of the Silo. If it weren't for the Farm Dragon that had awakened by the squabbling, he doubted he could've carried Oswald as well as Scarlett back to Rigbarth. Thank goodness that luck happened to be on his side. Rusé sighs through his nose as he wobbles over through the divots between the raised mulch of his field, careful not to trip over the unruly cucumber crops. He spread manure yesterday, so it's definitely not smelling too fresh, but it's certainly done wonders to let the plants flourish, unfortunately giving Rusé a hard time staggering across. Finally, he reaches his well as he collapses beside it, his fingertips feeling numb from exhaustion as his face buzzes. He drops his empty watering can unceremoniously as he slides down against the cool and stony surface of the well, eventually ending up on his side in the grass.

The sweat caked to his clothes only makes the chilly air even colder, but it's not quite brisk enough to stop the man's eyelids from growing heavy, closing as he's pulled into slumber by exhaustion.

Hey, thanks for reading the chapter!  I actually have a little pixel art I did of Rusé.  He's... Essentially Ares without his hat and his big moe eyes; he looks older than him.  I'd say that Rusé by appearances alone looks to be in his early twenties!

I genuinely appreciate your continued support, I can't believe that this fan fiction is almost at 20,000 words!  Again, if you have any comments or feedback, I'd love to hear them.  I want to improve as a writer too, as well as gobble up whatever you have to say about this little story!

Chapter Text

The knowledge of Scarlett being sent to the hospital didn't take long to spread like wildfire through the sleepy town of Rigbarth, especially since there isn't usually too much drama to speak of. In fact, there isn't much to talk about at all besides the happenings of the residents or perhaps an annual festival that creeps around the corner every now and then. It's a country town where everyone knows the names and characters of everyone else, and that makes it a perfect place to be when one needs to lay low. Ryker finds himself leaning against the merchant's table of his master's studio, staring off into space with his lips parted at the orangey clouds overhead, peeking through the windows. Normally, his eyes would be glued onto the clock to wait for closing hours, but today it's especially slow, he doesn't even feel the urge to hound the door to lock it up like he normally does.  

"Goodness it's slow today!" Palmo calls from deeper within the studio as if he's reading Ryker's mind, passionately sanding away the legs of a chair that he's working on; presumably to replace one that Murakumo inevitably destroyed by bumping into it or… something. Ryker has no idea how the Blue Moon gets business like it does, especially since it practically needs repairs by the week by how the wolf-man is practically a living wrecking ball. Ryker glances over to Palmo and gives him a tired nod, standing up straighter.  

"I heard it has to do with bandits or… something. I don't know, that's what Heinz said when he came by earlier." He says drowsily, glancing back towards the ticking grandfather clock that sits to his right besides the stairwell up to their rooms, it's nearing evening. "Say, Palmo. Do you mind if I dip a little earlier? There isn't even any lumber for me to cut right now, and there's some stuff I want to get done." He deadpans. Ryker fidgets with a lock of snowy hair, frowning. Despite Scarlett's known condition, he knows that she wasn't the only one in possible jeopardy. The reason why she ended up in the state she's in anyways is because she and Rusé ended up in a pickle at the heart of a dungeon or something. Some bet or… something. It was the talk of the town for a hot minute, but moved on as things usually do.

Hopefully, Rusé is doing alright, too. Probably; he hasn't heard of him being injured. In fact, Heinz had mentioned he saw Rusé dragging in a large man in ropes all the way over to the Silo, all by himself. Ryker sucks in his lips, glancing back over towards Palmo who sets down his sander.

"You usually don't even ask for permission." Palmo chuckles, strolling over to Ryker with a wide smile on his face. "Of course you may! After all, if you get your naptime in now, you can work harder later!" He laughs, patting the halfling on the back with an open palm, causing Ryker to lurch forward and roll his eyes. When did he ever say anything about napping?!

"I'm not going to-- ugh okay, thanks. See you later, good luck with the chair." Ryker hums, pulling his hood over his head as he walks over towards the door, stretching his back as he does so. He gives Palmo a final wave before heading out into the town.

... It's about a thirty minute walk from the studio all the way to the Silo. Despite all the spoken commotion about the injured ranger, things still seem to be rather normal. Hina and Julian are still playing in the Great Tree Plaza, with the latter happily getting attacked by her. It looks like an especially brutal beating, with the little beast-girl sitting on the little boy's back, bonking his head repeatedly with her tiny fists. This pulls a scoff of amusement out of Ryker as he walks on by, through a flurry of browning petals shed by the cherry trees in the wind. It's nearing summer, and the balmy weather is a constant reminder of that-- even the cicadas are starting to sing as they crawl from their burrows beneath the Earth to nest up in the trees. But eventually, Ryker makes it to the bridge, and he makes his way over towards the Silo.  

As he pries the door open to peek inside, it's oddly quiet without Lucy and Priscilla scribbling away at their desks. Even stranger, is how Livia's office door is wide open. Usually, it's shut tight, allowing the weird little girl to mind her own business. Ryker can count the amount of times he's seen her outside on her fingers, does she just ask Rusé to deliver her food or something? Does she even eat? Ryker tiptoes past her office to peek inside, his curiosity begging to be sated, but what he sees instead leaves a rock in his throat.

What is Oswald doing here? Ryker immediately stands straight and rushes out of view, plastering himself flat, back against the wall. Out of all the times to see the man, it has to be now, what awful luck!  

"Do you need something, Ryker?" A tired voice calls from inside of the room as Livia slowly gets up from her chair, the feet of it squeaking against the wooden floor. "You'd better not move a muscle, Oswald. Gideon is coming soon."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it." The bandit chuckles, his own eyes glancing over towards where the young man once stood. Poor Ryker looked as if he saw a ghost-- is that any way to treat an old family friend? Livia groans as she walks over towards the door, reaching for the knob before narrowing her eyes at Ryker, who's still bristling like a spooked feline.

"Do you need something? I'm dealing with something serious right now." She grumbles, narrowing her amber eyes at the carpenter as he smiles nervously. "... I don't see you around here too often." She mutters.

"Oh. Sorry. Have you seen a Rusé at all?" Ryker asks, glancing towards Oswald once more as he just turns to Ryker with a smirk. Ryker immediately looks away, pursing his lips as he pivots his full attention to Livia.

He can't let the people here know that he knows this guy, especially since it seems like he's being arrested, too. But really, Ryker can hardly believe it; this is the person who sent Scarlett to the hospital? He scoffs under his breath.

"He should be in the fields. …Shouldn't you be at work?" Livia asks, quirking a brow as she looks him up and down, obviously suspicious. Ryker sighs.

"Palmo gave me permission. … Look, I heard what happened to Scarlett, so I wanted to check up on him. Is that a crime or something?" He grumbles, crossing his arms. This earns a small giggle from Livia as she slowly shuts the door, only pausing to stare at Ryker through the crack for a moment before closing it tight. Ryker can hear her lock it too, as the knob jiggles with a loud metallic click. "Ugh." He breathes out, carding a hand through his hair as he curls up his nose in agitation. Great, so Oswald is being arrested? He really hopes that he isn't brought up when the warden comes to pick him up.

That'd really put a thorn in his side, especially now since he's actually starting to enjoy this place. Dragging his feet at first, Ryker storms back outside of the Silo, moving around its grassy perimeter to peek at the fields, stopping in his tracks when he notices Rusé crumpled up by the well. Fearing the worst, Ryker doesn't waste a second to bound through the fields, worry carved into his face as he approaches the ranger. He had better not come back like the last time! Panic clutches his heart as he stumbles over crops and cucumber vines, finally reaching his friend's side. Ryker immediately reaches out to Rusé, gently grabbing at his unconscious side.

"Rusé, are y-" His words catch in his throat as he pulls his hands back from the smaller man, noticing his gentle breaths and peaceful expression as he's curled up onto his side with his hands tucked in close to his chest. He definitely looks worse for wear, with soot covering his sleeves and the hems of his pants a little singed. He didn't have any knowledge of where he was all day, but this more or less fills in that knowledge to Ryker.

Rusé is fast asleep, peacefully too. Did he just conk out? Ryker steps back, noticing the half-filled watering pail just out of reach from him. Ryker grimaces as his cheeks flush with embarrassment; what did he get himself so worked up over? A nap? "I'm so fucking stupid." He mutters under his breath, plopping down to sit beside Rusé. Did he really manage to catch and fight Oswald? Ryker laughs under his breath, shaking his head.

"No wonder you're so beat." He whispers, slowly standing back up. In a way, it's reassuring to see that Rusé wasn't lying earlier-- that he too takes breaks during the day. But the air today is brisk, and if he naps out during the length of sunset, that sounds awfully cold. Dryly, Ryker swallows, staring at the way Rusé is nestled up comfortably in the damp grass, his knees gently leaned up against the craggy side of the well with his head comfortably curled inward. The man's eyelashes are so long, they practically tickle his cheeks. As he breathes soundly, his little puffs of air move his golden bangs-- and Ryker rips his eyes away, noticing that he's staring. Why should he care that it's cold out, anyways? If the guy can brave a goddamned volcano, a little evening chill should be nothing in comparison!  

Ryker makes a double take towards the Silo and back to Rusé's sleeping form. A part of him is a little irritated that Rusé gets to sleep so soundly without everyone getting on his hide about slacking, even if Ryker knows that Rusé is doing anything but. If he had pulled this off, Simone would probably be giving him an earful right about now! The halfling curls up his nose and annoyance and starts tiptoeing over the unruly patches of cucumbers to get back to the Silo. If Livia is too busy dealing with Oswald, she probably wouldn't bat an eye if a blanket or two went missing.

But as Ryker pushes through the door quietly, much to his surprise, the door to Livia's office is wide open and the captain herself is sitting down on the couch, helping herself to a cup of tea. It's strange seeing someone who looks like a child elegantly sipping from a fine porcelain cup, pinky up as she balances it above a delicately painted white saucer. Ryker gulps internally, does this mean that in the short period of him checking on the ranger, Gideon already came to pick Oswald up? It seems like the warden works fast, not to Ryker's own surprise. The man's a nail in his side, and the faster he is out of Rigbarth, the happier he is. Thankfully, it seems like the field captain is too pooped out from dealing with whatever Oswald dragged her through, so on quiet toes, Ryker skulks across the room towards a blanket that's resting on Priscilla's chair. She won't miss it, right? She's too busy spacing out!  

"What're you doing, sneaking around?" Livia asks without even looking up, just as Ryker plucked the blanket from the chair. He looks up, eyes wide. No way, she heard that? Livia peeks over her shoulder, smirking at the blanket thief as she takes a long, high-pitched sip from her little cup. "You're awfully quiet. No wonder you're always sneaking out of the studio. But… why're you stealing my blanket? First Priscilla and now you? That's supposed to belong to the couch, you know." She says with a yawn. Ryker opens his mouth and then closes it, his mouth scrunched up in embarrassment.  

"I uh, need it for something." He admits sheepishly, bundling the chunky mass of yarn underneath one of his arms. "It'll come back to you, though. It's just for a moment." He says, heading back out towards the door. He pauses just as his fingers touch the doorknob. Great, now that he's caught red-handed by SEED he'd better fess up a little. "It's um, if Rusé asks who g-gave it to him, just say you don't know. Do me a favor, alright?" He peeps, his cheeks reddening. Livia's smirk grows wider as she quirks one of her eyebrows.

"Oh?" She says, setting down her cup and saucer with a dainty little tap. "For Rusé? What, did he pass out or something out there? For shame, the man really doesn't know how to take breaks." She hums, still grinning at Ryker. Aw, is the lone wolf making friends? She can't help but giggle to herself, making Ryker go a shade redder as he reaches to clutch at the clasp of his cloak, glaring at the field captain.  

"Please don't tell him. I'll die of embarrassment." He croaks. Damn it, he should've just kept his mouth shut! Livia laughs, patting her knee lightly before her expression grows tired, as if even such a small motion wore her out.  

"If I don't tell him, how about you do me a favor in exchange? Tell Elsje to make me her special pumpkin flan, and then put it on your tab." She muses softly, earning a groan of exasperation from Ryker. At least he knows how she manages to stay fed in here! She clicks his tongue in irritation.

"Fine! I'll get you your-- whatever you want to eat! Just keep those lips zipped, alright?" He harrumphs, opening the door to storm a few steps outside. "I promise! So keep your side of it!"

"If I don't see that flan within the next few days…" Livia hums.

"You'll have it by tonight!" He yells, closing the door and running off towards the backside of the Silo, hearing Livia's soft laughter fade into the distance. He bounds once more, over the fields and back to the slumbering Ranger. Even all of that time, it doesn't even look like Rusé has even budged. Ryker sighs, carding his fingers through his hair. Damn, that was a lot of trouble to just get a blanket for this guy, but even so, he doesn't regret it. Gently, Ryker lays the blanket onto the man's body, only earning a soft hum and a smile from Rusé as he hardly stirs, his lips twitching into a giggle before falling content once more.

Ryker swallows, was that supposed to be cute? Is he normal for thinking that? Dry-mouthed, Ryker awkwardly shuffles away from the fields, leaving Rusé to rest.

Chapter Text

Rusé awakes with a groan, his eyes glued shut from sticky exhaustion and his nose a little stuffy from the bitter air of the Spring night. At first, he's a little taken aback, waking up on damp dewy grass instead of his snuggly bed, finding himself gazing up at a brilliant tapestry of twinkling stars mottling the night sky instead of an off-white ceiling. But what's more puzzling is that there's a heavy woven blanket snugly tucked around him, pushed in underneath him as well to keep the heat in. The ranger grunts, slowly sitting up as he rubs the mucus from his eyes, observing the earth-coloured blanket on top of him. He doesn't remember falling asleep with a blanket, didn't he just topple over in the middle of watering the fields?

Rusé squints through the darkness, relieved that the dampness in the air did most of the watering for him. The fields can wait until tomorrow anyways, he's had a long enough day. Getting up with a grunt, Rusé bundles the scratchy wool blanket underneath his arm as he carefully makes his way back towards the Silo, being greeted with the lights leaking through the windows and Livia's silhouette sitting inside of her office. Rusé quietly shoulders open the door, peeking inside. Scarlett still isn't back, she's probably going to end up being out for a few days, huh?

"Captain?" Rusé calls out, opening the door to Livia's office. The sleepy little girl turns to him with a smile, seated by the coffee table at the heart of her office, comfortably lounging on her beloved sofa. There's a massive half-eaten bright orange mountain of flan in front of her, with a spoon sticking out from its jiggly top. Livia grins and sits up, pivoting her entire body to face Rusé as he keeps walking inside, presenting the blanket over to her with a smile.

"Looks like you're finally awake." She chuckles, taking another spoonful of her dessert with a wide smile. "Welcome back to the land of living, Rusé. Sleep well?" She asks, waving around her spoon before impaling her flan again. As Rusé approaches, the overwhelming scent of cinnamon and pumpkin becomes more noticeable.  

"Yeah. Someone put a blanket on me. It's yours, right? Thanks Livia." He says with a smile, tossing the rolled up heap of yarn beside her. "What're you eating?"

"Pumpkin flan. And it wasn't me." She says, giving Rusé a knowing smile as she leans back in her seat, narrowing her eyes at the ranger who just tilts his head quizzically. "Actually it was from…" She giggles, leaning in. "A secret admirer."

Rusé scoffs out a nervous laugh, his cheeks turning pink. No way.

"Don't tease me, Livia. You don't need to--"

"Oh, no. I'm very serious. But it's also very secret too." She hums, taking another big bite of her snack, filling both of her cheeks up. She takes a moment to chew and swallow, leaving Rusé looking even more confused as he glances around the room like a lost puppy. "So no matter how much you ask me who it is, my silence has been bought. With a delicious dessert." 

"What? Really? An admirer??" Rusé asks, still sounding aghast as he leans his hands up against the table, his eyes wide and bright. "Me?? Someone admires me?"

"Now, don't let it get to your head…" Livia sighs, wiping her mouth off with a napkin. "Just appreciate the favor and move on." She grumbles.

"No, I want to know now! Who is it?" He asks leaning in, only to get poked in the nose by Livia and pushed back, the latter scowling.

"I said no. Now let me eat my winnings in peace." She huffs, giving Rusé a tired look, one that immediately dampens the young man's smile. He chuckles sheepishly and nods.

"I uh, understood. Good night, captain." He says, taking a short bow to her before turning around to head out of her office. But before he can reach for the doorknob, Livia speaks up.

"One thing, Rusé. You did great today. Gideon already came by to pick up Oswald, but he may still be lingering around. …If you're lucky, maybe you can meet the Warden." She says, her expression blank. "I don't personally get along with him very well at all, but he's a man of great knowledge, power and influence. Maybe he has answers for some of your questions." She says, turning to face him.

Rusé opens his mouth and then closes it quickly, giving Livia a curt nod.

"Understood."

As Rusé is leaving the Silo and crossing the bridge over towards the main street, he's almost tempted to walk into Lackadaisy and try to squeeze the information out of Elsje, who he assumes made Livia's dessert in the first place. Knowing that the captain seldom leaves her resting place, she probably got whoever the 'admirer' is to grab it for her too. Rusé sighs through his nose, glancing over towards the Great Tree Plaza with a frown.

No, if they didn't want it to be known, he really shouldn't badger anyone for the information. He can still hardly believe it though, sure he's definitely friendly with the denizens of Rigbarth, but he can't imagine any of them seeing Rusé as more than a friend. There's really no use worrying about it, for all Rusé knows it's just an elaborate prank or something. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, Rusé's leisurely pace slows to a halt when he notices a carriage nearby the gate towards the Phoros Woodlands. It's rather elaborate, with the mechanical coach painted a cobalt blue with white and gold detailing, pulled by two medium-sized green dragons. Rusé squints, putting a hand over his brow to shield his eyes from the pale moonlight to get a better look from the distance, spotting a tall, well-dressed man with golden hair and sapphire blue eyes. He's dressed to the nines with a pressed and elaborately decorated royal blue suit, fitted with gold baubles and medals of honor.

For some reason, looking at his man makes a knot form in Rusé's stomach, but he's compelled to step forward, his shoes quiet on the flagstone until it turns to crunchy gravel. When the warden pauses to look up, his eyes widen as if he's seen a ghost?

"Ares-- no." He says, his throat visibly tightening. Instinctually, the stately man's hand goes to the sword holster at his hip but he pauses, his gloves hand trembling. "No, you're… you're Rusé, are you?" He asks, his deep voice wavering. Rusé stops a few meters away from the man, staring at him before snapping to a salute.

Who is Ares?

"Rusé, at your service, sir. Um, I'm the new SEED ranger hired by Field Captain Livia." He introduces nervously, his gaze flicking to how Gideon slowly relaxes, the color returning to his face. The man clears his throat into his glove, sighing loudly.

"My apologies. You just reminded me of… Oh, it doesn't matter. There's no need for such rigid formality, ranger. Relax."

"Sir--"

"That's an order." Gideon says, holding out his hand. "I am Gideon of SEED. I am the Warden of the organization. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Gideon says, his deep voice sounding a touch pained as his eyes seem to avoid making eye contact. Getting a closer look at the Warden, it's strange; as if Rusé is looking into a mirror, seeing himself, but a decade or two older.  

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Sir Gideon." Rusé says awkwardly, shifting. The Warden sighs, glancing around for a moment before finally locking eyes with Rusé.  

"You've done a lot of good for Rigbarth and for SEED. Thank-you for capturing Oswald." Gideon says stiffly.

"Sir. It means a lot to get earnest praise from you, sir." Rusé stammers, but the excitement of his tone doesn't reach his face. He's never had a reaction like this before with anyone. It's as if every nerve in his body is screaming at Rusé, telling him that he knows Gideon. And yet, the only thing he's pulling from his brain are blanks; casting into an open sea with a line without bait. "I don't mean to hold you up. It's rather late." Rusé says quickly, shuffling to start moving away. But Gideon doesn't budge an inch.

"You lost your memory, correct?" Gideon asks Rusé, causing the ranger to freeze. Anxiously, he nods. Gideon's stuff expression lightens up, almost as it's washed with relief as a small sigh leaves his parted lips. "I see. Well, I wish you the best with your new life, ranger." He says, finally moving back towards his coach, muttering something to the driver before the door swings open for him.

"Sir! Gideon, sir. Do you happen to know anything about," Rusé starts, but the warden doesn't answer, only responding by stepping into the coach and shutting the door with a metallic clack. The reigns around the muzzles of the dragons get pulled and the beasts grunt, starting their trek to pull the heavy carriage behind them as the monsters and the warden's vehicle disappear into view, being swallowed by the dark of the shade cast by the Photos Woodlands, and the curtain of night around everything.

Hey everyone!  Unrelated to this current chapter but here's some pixel art of the boy™

Chapter Text

Ares. That name continues to spring about Rusé's head like a ping-pong ball, leading nothing but further confusion and headache as the warden gently massages at his temples, wandering back homebound towards the Silo. By now, there's barely any semblance of light around in the night besides the stars and moon that hang brightly overhead, casting the entire sleepy town of Rigbarth in deep shadow; Rusé can hardly even see a few meters in front of him besides brighter splashes of colour, so he's careful to stay on the pathways and not accidentally trip over the grass. By now, surely everyone has already gone to sleep, even the cricket song is dying down, leaving Rigbarth quietly alone with the rolling sea and breeze through the trees and mountains to fill in the general ambience. 

But as Rusé moves around the Silo towards its back door to access the stairs up to his room, he pauses when he hears footsteps crunching down the mountain. Turning his head around, he makes out the contrast of white hair and shiny blue brooches with a squint as he gazes off into the darkness. Ryker is practically glowing under the moonlight, still wearing the same robe that he always does, looking livelier than he does during the daytime.  

"Isn't it a little late?" Rusé calls out, cupping his hands around his mouth to project his voice, startling the halfling as he springs around to face the ranger. "I mean, it's definitely late for me!" Rusé chuckles, heading over towards the man as he stumbles blindly through the dark. Ryker does a double take, looking as if he's debating just hightailing it, but hesitantly runs down the rest of the hill to meet Rusé in the middle.

"I mean, that's why I'm headed back now." He says, pushing some of his cloudy hair out of his face. Rusé can swear that his face is a little red, but that's probably from climbing the mountain. Besides, what on earth was he up there doing? The monsters up there are definitely not slouches. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" Ryker asks him, sliding his hands into his pockets. Rusé laughs sheepishly, shaking his head.

"Oh, uh. No. I took a nap, so I'm not really all that tired. But what were you doing up in the mountains? Somethi-"

"It's a secret." Ryker says with a knowing smile. "My secret. Let's leave it at that." He hums, earning a pout of disappointment from Rusé.

"...Really? Well, alright." He huffs. Great, everyone is keeping secrets from him today! The ranger practically deflates, crossing his arms with a frown as he squares his shoulders uncomfortably. From Livia to Warden Gideon, and now Ryker, too? What, does he not deserve anybody's trust? "Well, in that case I'll just leave you to it. Goodnight, Ryker." Rusé says with an unenthusiastic wave as he starts trekking down the hill once again.

"W-wait, hold on! You don't have to go!" Ryker calls out, causing Rusé to turn around confused. Ryker swallows. "I mean, I can't tell you what I was doing up there or uh, but we can still chat, can't we?" He says, forcing an embarrassed smile. He shouldn't feel guilty about this, it's not like Rusé needs to know. In fact, Rusé is probably the worst person who should know! Next to maybe Scarlett and Livia, of course. "After all, we didn't get to talk all day. I heard about what happened to the other ranger. It's good to see you're in better shape, at least." Ryker says, resting his own hands onto his hips as he smiles. Rusé stares at Ryker for a moment before smiling back.

"Oh, yeah. I've been really busy all day besides uh, the whole passing out thing. I've never been up to the Volcanic Region though. It's pretty miserable up there, I basically ruined my uniform too from all the fire, so I'll have to ask Yuri to make me a new one until SEED can process a replacement." Rusé complains, showing his singed and sooty sleeves to Ryker with a frown. "It looks like I'll be stuck with normal wear for a bit, not that I mind but when Scarlett is up and running again, she's probably going to nag me for being out of uniform." He grumbles, tugging at the hem of his shirt which is full of holes carved by what seems to be some sort of monster's claws and burnt around the seams. Ryker makes a face.

"I've never really had much of a reason to go through the dungeons. They're kind of a pain in the ass." He admits, glancing back up towards the mountain range. "I don't think any person has any real reason to be that close to literal magma, right?"

"Yeah, I'm amazed I didn't just burn to a crisp, or my eyes didn't boil out of their sockets!" Rusé laughs, earning a grimace from Ryker who visualized the unpleasant imagery.  

"Uh. Yeah, me too."

"Oh, also! Look!" Rusé says excitedly, pulling out his blades from their leather sheaths to show off to Ryker, beaming. The blades are a little scuffed from having to wail on the basilisk that Oswald summoned, but besides needing polish, they're definitely new compared to the swiss cheese that he brandished before. Ryker lets out a low whistle in recognition, gingerly taking them out of Rusé's hands to observe them quietly. "You were right about the scales, by the way. I took them to the smithy yesterday and got them patched up with some new blades! Martin was stumped about what they were made of, you should've seen his face!" Rusé giggles. This pulls a second-long grimace from Ryker who lets out a small sigh.  

"I mean, I knew I was right." Ryker says offhandedly as Rusé continues.

"So Darroch agreed to take my old blades so I could keep the hilts while he and Martin figure out how to repair the old ones. I got fitted with new blades in the meantime, though!" He chirps excitedly, only to notice Ryker kind of staring off into nothing as he stares at the weapons. Rusé and Martin are pretty close, aren't they? Well, they are neighbors, why should he be surprised? Is he jealous or something? "Ryker, are you alright?"

This pops Ryker right out of the trance, eyes wide.

"Oh, yeah. I'm good. Sorry, they just look like uh, good blades I guess. I have to admit, they're better than my own. See?" Ryker hands Rusé's weapons back to pull out his own blades, which also look like they could use a cleaning. In fact, they look like they were just used, with dirt and monster blood sticking to their steely surfaces like purplish ooze. Rusé hums, observing them for a second. Aren't these the same kind they just sell at the smithy?

"Huh, yeah." Rusé says, biting his tongue lightly. Why did this exchange get so awkward?  

"W-why don't we-- how about tomorrow, we can go and fight some monsters up in the Phoros Woodlands tomorrow? If you're up for it. I mean, you're a ranger and we use the same weapons, and we mentioned it before and I think it'd be kind of fun." Ryker says, spinning his knives around before slipping them back into their sheaths. "I know where to find those giant cluckadoodles. They're pretty tough, so maybe together we can take one down. Or a few." Ryker says.  

Rusé blinks at the sudden proposition. He's never had anyone except Martin offer to go anywhere with him, but that's mostly to wander off to some neck of the middle of nowhere to collect heavy bundles of ore. He'd hardly consider something like that to be an adventure and more of a chore.  

"Yeah, that sounds like fun! But won't Palmo-"

"Oh, hah. It won't be a big deal at all, I doubt Palmo will mind. I'll meet you tomorrow at ten. How about at the Great Tree Plaza? Ryker asks. Rusé tilts his head a little.  

Oh, is this because Martin and Ryker don't get along? Is this some kind of contest for him? No, it's probably not something as petty as that, he doesn't really have the right to assume that either. Rusé smiles. If anything, he's happy with something leisurely to take his mind off of everything that's been going on right now.  

"Sure, that sounds like a plan to me. I won't forget, so make sure you wake up on time, okay?" Rusé chirps, reaching out to flick Ryker on the shoulder with a grin.

"Hey, you're staying up just as late as I am, don't give me that." Ryker scoffs with a wave of his hand. "See ya." The halfling says, reaching over to flick Rusé back with a smile, his silvery eyes narrowed playfully. "See you tomorrow, don't forget." He says again before readjusting his decorated cloak to start heading off back to the studio.  

"That's what I sa- oh, whatever. Haha, goodnight, Ryker!" Rusé says with a wave of his own before hurrying back to the Silo, only pausing to watch Ryker disappear into the distance, the shiny blue hues of the butterfly brooches decorating his cloak twinkling under the pale moonlight.  

Chapter Text

Anxiously, Ryker kneads his sweaty fingers together, the pressure in his head feeling like it's going to pop his eyes out at any second. He has no reason to be nervous, right? After all, he's right at the Great Tree Plaza, half an hour before the meeting time with everything about him double checked, in fact he took so much time in his room getting ready that Palmo knocked on his room, worried that something had happened.

"Ryker, is everything okay? Oh, right! You're off on that little date of yours, aren't you! Oh, I could yodel out my joy for you RIGHT NOW if it wasn't so early! My little bird is growing up so fast!" Palmo had sung, only to proceed to burst into joyful tears and hurry down the stairs, leaving Ryker to embarrassedly protest that it was anything but.

"Damn it, Palmo!" Ryker hisses through gritted teeth, balling his balmy hands into fists as he sighs sharply through his teeth. As if staring in the mirror and giving himself speech therapy wasn't embarrassing enough! That, or how his hair decided to defy gravity no matter how hard he tried to brush it down. At the very least, he gets to cover it up with his hood. Nobody is going to notice, right?  

"Whoa! Ryker, you're up so early!" A familiar voice laughs as two sets of feet pitter patter across the paved flagstone over to his side. "Why's your face so red?" 

Ryker looks up from his hands wide-eyed to see Julian grinning ear to ear and little Hina tilting her head at him like a curious pup. Immediately, the halfling sits up, only noticing now just how goddamned tense he was as he practically launches himself off of the bench to stand.

"I'm not! Ugh! I'm not red! And it's not that early!" He counters, pointing an agitated finger in the direction of the little boy's wide smirk. "I have some very important business. Secret business." He huffs, sticking his chin into the air as he rests his hands onto his hips. Julian makes a face and Hina pokes out her tongue.

"Liar. You only do your secret stuff at night." Julian grumbles, resting his hands behind his head. "And usually at this hour you drag your feet around and mutter to yourself, or you're passed out somewhere until Palmo drags you back." He pouts, puffing out a cheek. Ryker gnashes his teeth and groans loudly. It's not that bad, is it? Man, that's pretty uncool. Ryker sighs.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Maybe I just slept better or something. But I'm not telling you! You two kids go off and play, I can show you some cool stuff later!"

"Boo!" Hina huffs, tugging Julian's sleeve. "Let's go. Ryker is being boring." She complains.

"Yeah, you're boring Ryker! Boring!" Julian says, making a face at Ryker before the two children run off towards the bakery, hardly holding their giggles in. Ryker groans, practically collapsing back onto the bench with a scowl as he reaches towards his bangs to ruffle them up in irritation. So much for all the time he spent brushing them earlier.  

At the very least, it's a nice day without a cloud in the sky. Ever since the sprinklings of last afternoon, any dots or specks of gray above have been ousted, leaving a beautiful sea of azure overhead. A gentle breeze whisks through the trees, kissing Ryker's cheek with much needed solace through the nearing summer heat. He leans back, lidding his eyes. If he wasn't going ou- having an adventure with Rusé, he'd probably be napping out behind the abandoned house by the coastline. Actually, that sounds sort of nice; maybe Rusé would want to nap with him there sometime…

What an odd thought! Ryker pinches his wrist with a tight-lipped frown as his cheeks dust with colour. It's been all sorts of intrusive thoughts about that bubbly ranger lately, what a pain! But he's peeled right out of his own head when he feels a tap to his shoulder from behind, being met with wide sapphire eyes.

"Wow, you're usually really alert. Must be pretty early, huh?" A familiar ranger says, cheeky grin and all. "You know, it's not even ten, right? You could've gotten some more sleep in, I wouldn't have minded." Rusé laughs, hopping over the bench to slide in right next to him, sitting with his hands politely in his lap. Today, Rusé is wearing something different. It's strange seeing the petite man wearing something other than his admittedly beaten up SEED uniform, instead dressed in a surprisingly well-fitted red suit of sorts. It's not formal enough to seem stuffy per say, but it's such a far cry from his soil-clod farming getup that it's giving Ryker whiplash. It's complete with a deep red (almost burgundy) suit with tails, silver details and golden buttons. His pants are distractingly tight, matching the same colour scheme as his top.

Distractingly tight because they seem hard to move in, of course. That's what Ryker's telling himself at least. It's complete with a brown vest underneath and a blue tie that matches Rusé's eyes, with his crests and badges pinned at his collar to at the very least, signify his position as a Ranger.

"Y-yeah. I guess I was so afraid I'd oversleep that I got here early. You look… different." Ryker says, awkwardly trying to maintain eye contact and not have his gaze wander downwards. Rusé laughs, adjusting his white collar sheepishly.

"Well, you saw how charred my uniform is, and this is really the only good clothes I have besides that. I saw Yuri selling 'em, so I grabbed it as an impulse buy a week or two ago. Since I'm supposed to stay in uniform basically all the time, I never had an opportunity to try them out except for when I was at home." Rusé explains. "I probably look kind of silly, huh?" He says, his gaze averting as his expression grows a little shy. Ryker quickly shakes his head and stands up.

"No, I think it's cool! The red uh, looks good on you. Contrasts the other colours. Um, anyways. We should get going, since the early cluckadoodle catches the worm and all that." He says quickly, almost embarrassedly as he tousles his fluffy white hair in his fingers. "I like it." He says, even more awkwardly. "Your! Oh, nevermind. You get what I mean? God I'm so-- ugh." He scoffs to himself, turning around. Rusé stares at Ryker before breaking into a giggle, hopping up onto his feet to join him. It makes the ranger feel a little giddy to be complimented, even if he kind of feels the second hand embarrassment from it, too. He leans in towards the halfling teasingly, narrowing his eyes.

"I wonder if I can get away with wearing it more, then. Especially if you like it so much." He jokes, scooting towards the flustered man before poking him in the bare side causing Ryker to flinch; his hands are cold! "Your cloak is still as dandy as ever. And for once, it's actually a little weather appropriate." Rusé laughs, snickering as he hops away from Ryker's attempt to jab him back, his face as red as can be.

"That's not-- ugh! Stop teasing me!" He laughs, still grinning nonetheless. "It's too early for this, my brain isn't awake yet, and the big ball of light in the sky is sapping away my energy! Gimme a break!" Ryker shouts after Rusé who's already walking away with a grin down the path towards the Phoros Woodlands. "What issue do you have with my cloak anyways? You always bring it up. What, are you always thinking about it or something? Are you jealous?" He asks, rushing over to join Rusé's side and match his pace.

"Yeah. Well, not the jealous part." Rusé muses, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk.  

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ryker asks, brow knitting up a little. Rusé just lets out a knowing hum in response, ripping a leaf off of the iron wrought gate to the Woodland as he walks through it, letting it slip through his delicate fingers.  

"I'll let you use your imagination for that one." Rusé comments, turning around and grinning, walking backwards over the forest path like it's been choreographed hundreds of times over; as if Rusé knows the forest like the back of his hand. With summer nearing, the trees are even more verdant than they usually are, thick with bright leaves of all different shades of brilliant emerald. "I'm allowed some secrets too, aren't I?" He laughs, his feet crunching over the fallen leaves and twigs that speckle the pathway. In reality, he's always been curious about the cloak, with the brilliant butterfly brooches, the extraneous belts and chains, but more so what's underneath it. Every day, Rusé learns more about himself, and he's eager to find out more, too. Everything is a key in finding out who he is now, and perhaps who he was before.  

"Are you just saying that because of what happened last night? Because… maybe I'll tell you. One day. Just maybe." Ryker grumbles as he tails behind Rusé. He doesn't often head off in this way, and the Woodlands always look a lot different now than they do during the early spring. "But I think one secret is a little more secret than your opinion of my damn cloak." He mutters, pulling his daggers out when he hears something rustle in a nearby fern.

"Maybe I'll tell you too then, one day." Rusé jokes, pulling out his own blades, his eyes immediately honing in towards an orc revealing itself from the brush, readying its makeshift bow in their direction. But it seems the monster's just too slow, barely having the time to react as Rusé leaps from his spot in an eruption of dust and leaves, as straight and true as the arrow would've flown that remains shakily notched on the beast's weapon.  

"Holy-" Ryker says, watching as the Ranger grins, using the momentum to his advantage as he kicks down onto the earth to rotate his body, cleanly carving the hungry edges of his weapons clean through the unknowing monster's flesh, hacking off the monster's arm and head in a clean blow, barely even drawing any blood. The poor orc doesn't even have time to let out a wail as its lifeless head falls onto the ground with a damp and heavy thud, quickly turning to dust as its soul is returned to the Forest of Beginnings of which it came. Rusé stands over the disappearing heap of ash, grinning at Ryker as he practically bounds back over to him. The halfling just stands dumbfounded and wide-eyed. "I-I, well. You definitely killed it." He says awkwardly, equal parts impressed and afraid of the unassuming man's deadly prowess.

"How's that? From a fellow master of dual-wielding, are you impressed?" Rusé asks, flipping one of his gleaming blades in the air, catching it cleanly with every toss. Ryker clears his throat, glancing down to where the orc once was to the beaming ranger, obviously hungry for praise. There's no way he could've learned all of that in less than a month, he moves with more finesse than Ryker himself, and he's been gripping his daggers all of his life, being taught by the best. And yet, this amnesiac carved apart the monster with more grace than a trained assassin, and more enthusiasm than a predator.

It kind of shoots shivers down his spine. He can't tell if he's afraid or excited. Just who the hell was Rusé before his memories were pried out of him? Probably some badass, honestly.

"Amazing, honestly. And here I was planning on teaching you my moves. Sheesh, I guess we're gonna go the other way around, huh?" Ryker says, scratching at his cheek as Rusé sucks in his lips in a goofy smile, blushing. "With moves like that, I doubt we're going to have trouble with those huge cluckadoodles. Especially after I reveal my special powers!" 

"Oh, I'm not sure about that. I haven't been able to take one of those out by myself yet. Besides, their nest is located a ways away. It's going to be a hike." Rusé comments, sliding away his blades into their resting places. "Besides, before we head there, shouldn't we stop to have breakfast? I didn't have time to eat since I had to tackle my fields first." He admits, smiling sheepishly as the pair leave the mouth of the woods and into open plains. It's a large open rolling field with an ages-old path beaten down the neck of it. Large holstein-spotted buffamoo peacefully graze on the long grasses as they go about on their days.  

"Wow, you did your work already? Heh, yeah. I guess we should probably take a break then, especially if the main event is gonna come. I had a small breakfast, just some onigiri Palmo made a few days ago in the fridge." Ryker says, walking over towards the grass to plop down into it. To nobody's surprise, the warm, pillowy grass is comfortable and inviting for a nap, but Ryker isn't about to just pass out on Rusé. He pats the space beside him with a smile. "Take all the time you need to eat. You packed lunch, right?" He asks, rolling over onto his side to face Rusé. The ranger nods and plops down beside him with a little grunt as he hits the ground. He smiles.

"If you're still hungry, I made something for you, too. I can't promise it's all that good, though." He says, sitting up to shrug off his rucksack. It took more than a few tries to get it right, but thankfully, Reinhard is always eager to gobble up his horrible failures. Amazingly, just a few days ago Rusé watched in relative amusement as the knight gobbled up a plate of charcoal, speaking his compliments to the 'sophisticated dish'. "I kind of assumed you'd slog your way to the plaza, but you're actually more awake than I've ever seen you in the morning today." He chuckles, earning an eye-roll from Ryker.

"Have some faith in me, sheesh." The man scoffs, but seems interested in lunch. Rusé often drops by when he's in the area to offer some basic snacks when Palmo and him are at the studio, but he kind of just assumed he did that for everyone. Not that he ever turned his nose up at baked onigiri, but actually hearing that the ranger made time to try and make him something just for him leaves him feeling a bit warm and fuzzy. His eyes are locked onto the ranger's hands as he pulls out two boxes neatly wrapped with red tartan cloth, handing Ryker's to him with a smile. The metal container is still a bit warm as Rusé wordlessly starts unwrapping his own.  

"You uh, didn't have to make me anything." He says awkwardly as he follows in suit, putting the cloth to the side after hesitantly opening it like a birthday gift. He eyes Rusé's lunch first, finding that he just made himself an elaborate-looking fruit sando with strawberries, apples, grapes and orange slices. He wouldn't mind a fruit sando himself, but it's definitely not on the top of his list of favorite snacks.  

"I wanted to, though." Rusé says softly, glancing nervously over towards Ryker. "If you um, don't want it I can just eat it for you." He says softly, giving the halfling the slightest ghost of a frown.  

"I'm just not used to anyone cooking for me besides Palmo, that's all." He adds quickly, popping the lid open to curiously peer inside. Ryker's eyes light up, did he mention to Rusé sometime how he felt about croquettes?! Inside are four carefully shaped crispy-looking potato and vegetable croquettes separated by leaves of lettuce to keep them crisp as they sit on a bed of chopped cabbage. Ripe sweet-looking tomatoes are sliced up on the side, carefully stacked to save room. There's even a ramekin of tonkatsu sauce on the side, too. Ryker gives Rusé a nervous grin, picking up one of the crispy discs. "... You know, I'm not going to share this even if you ask me to, right?" He jokes, taking a bite of the croquette, only to be delighted by the soft and fluffy inside. It's wonderfully flavoured and seasoned, with sweet corn, fluffy potato, sweet yellow onions, chives, and ground meat. It's crispy enough to give an audible crunch as he digs in too, earning a small hum of satisfaction from Ryker.

Rusé is practically scrutinizing the halfling as he eats, waiting on bated breath for an opinion.

"P-Palmo mentioned once that you like croquettes. I asked him uh, what you like to eat." Rusé says nervously, forcing a red-faced frown. Ryker pauses. Rusé asked Palmo something like that?? He chews and swallows, watching Rusé poke his fingers together.

"You're a really good cook. And yeah, I like croquettes a lot. My family used to make them for me on special occasions, so… and I gotta say, you probably make them even better than them." He says with a smile, reaching for his second one. Rusé's eyes widen, erasing his frown immediately.

"O-oh! That's great to hear. And your family? I don't think I've ever heard you talk about them before." He says, finally biting into his sandwich with a smile. Ryker nods.

"Yeah, before Palmo took me in I came from a pretty big family. Mom, dad, lots of siblings. But we all got separated one way or another, and I ended up alone." Ryker says, nibbling thoughtfully. "It's okay, though. I'll see them all again one day." He mutters, lidding his eyes. Even if it's the last thing he does, he'll make that happen. Rusé nods slowly, looking just as pensive.

"I hope you can, Ryker. If you need help looking, I can try to help, too. As a ranger, I--"

"Oh, nah. It's fine, and it's something I need to do on my own. I appreciate the offer, though." Ryker says, turning back to the ranger. Honestly, it's best if Rusé keeps his nose out of that, he doesn't want Rusé to dig up any of his past anyways. "Besides, I have a long way to go, anyways."

He wants to be able to keep hanging out with him like this after all. Actually, the realization that this will all have to end one day makes his heart clench. But he doesn't want to think about that, after all if he pursues his dream, everything will have to be left behind. Ryker looks at his last croquette and frowns.

He's never been close to someone else like this; someone who isn't family. Before, it seemed so trivial to just abandon everything for something so important, so why is he questioning everything now? Just because of Rusé? Why is he even spending time with a SEED ranger, anyways? That goes against his family's entire creed!

"Oh, alright." Rusé says with a smile. "But watching you enjoy your meal so much… Hehe. I'll have to make you more sometime soon." He says, narrowing his eyes as he closes up his own lunchbox, shoving it back into his bag.  

"O-oh. Yeah." Ryker says, snapping out of his daze as he jams the last treat into his mouth. "If that gives you an excuse to come and visit, come right over. I-I mean, uh--" Ryker coughs into his hand. "I mean, if you're just gonna hand it out for free, why not?" He says brusquely, glancing away. Rusé giggles, flopping back over as he gazes comfortably up at Ryker.  

"I mean, I'd be more than happy to come, food or no~." Rusé lulls. "But you should come and visit too. I know you live far away, but you know I'd drop everything just to hang out with you. Livia and SEED can wait, I already do enough for them anyways." He points out, resting his cheek in a palm.  

Ryker swallows, pulling the neck of his cloak up to hide his giddy smile, face red and heart racing.

Maybe he can skirt the Basara creed a little, huh? He swallows dryly. He almost spouts out that he swung by yesterday, but remembers what exactly he did during that visit.

"Mhm." He chokes out, still hiding his face which rouses a giggle from Rusé. The ranger slowly sits up, climbing back up to his feet.

"I'll look forward to it, then. To you." Rusé hums, resting his hands on his hips. Ryker swallows again, quickly staggering to stand as well. "We should get going, if we waste any more time we'll end up napping." He jokes.  

To him, huh? By dragons, this is a slippery slope.

"Yeah, let's uh, get a move on." Ryker says, readjusting his cloak before leaving to follow the ranger like a puppy.

Chapter Text

After the short rest in the plains, the rest of the hike definitely wasn't as pleasant, especially since the majority of it is uphill.  The Phoros Woodlands are vast, and the further up the northeast trek, the more unforgiving the terrain becomes.  Gently rolling plains get carved into rocky crags and then to deep mountainous canyons, and beyond that, there's badlands and an especially dusty desert.  For the first time today, Rusé scorns the blue sky that welcomes the two of them overhead, and the sun that beats hot onto his golden hair, cheeks and nose.  For once as a ranger, Rusé really regrets leaving his hat on his hanger at home.

"We're getting pretty close, I think.  The nest should be up the top of this cliff side." Ryker pants, raising a tired hand to gesture up a narrow and winding rocky path that hugs the stony face of the eastern mountains.  Poor Ryker is practically caked in sweat, Rusé is pretty sure he mentioned once or twice that he's not too privy to the heat, and it shows from the way that his fluffy bangs stick to his forehead and the way he's actually bothered enough to shrug off his hood to get some air.  It seems in desperate times, even the fashion-sensitive Ryker is willing to shed some layers.  Rusé glances at Ryker and nods, his own sleeves already unbuttoned and rolled up as far as they can go, along with his pants which are scrunched up above his bony knees.  "I usually never have much of a reason to go this far, damn it.  Why couldn't we pick a monster that's… closer?" He groans, pausing to undo some of the belts on his chest to pry open his cloak a little more.  "Summer's too close." He complains, glancing over at Rusé who's keeping his gaze close to the window of skin revealed.

"Huh?  Oh, yeah.  I think I'm going to grow some pink melons once the calendar shifts, thanks for reminding me.  Hey, if you're dying from the heat, I can stuff your cloak into my bag." Rusé offers, raising an eyebrow as he watches Ryker struggle with the belts and chains attached to his elaborate get up.  "Why do you have so many belts, anyways?"

"Because-- because they're cool!" Ryker says embarrassedly, shooting Rusé a glance of exasperation.  "And I'm fine, besides we'll need the extra layers when dealing with those big cluckadoodles, they have pretty nasty claws." He huffs, hurrying up the rocky pathway before stopping to shake some gravel out of his open toed flip-flop boots.  Rusé sighs with a fond smile, watching Ryker hop around on one foot as he struggles to balance with his questionable fashion sense.  Rusé shrugs and follows close behind him.

"Alright, Ryker." He says offhandedly as Rusé continues his hike up the narrow pathway, the gravel crunching underneath his own rugged boots.  It's definitely treacherous, one tumble off of the cliff side is certain death, but the ranger is unfazed as he gazes down the split valley of sheer and jagged rocks and stone.  "The view from here is pretty amazing, look!" He says with a smile, pointing off in the distance to the speck that's Rigbarth by the vast coastline over the horizon.  "And it's barely even the afternoon, too.  I think we've made some good time." He chirps as he finally crosses onto even footing, gazing off towards a grove of sun-browned trees and a patch of brittle grasses.  Dense brambles cover the floor at the little glade like a carpet, climbing both up and down the cliff sides like a natural protective fence.  He can see something massive shifting within the little pocket of baked greenery, the heaping silhouette barely a blur in the distance.  "And I think I see our target, too." Rusé mutters.

It seems that the massive mamadoodle is even bigger up close.  Rusé has only seen pictures and heeded warnings from Scarlett and Livia that they're not foes to be easily trifled with, even for a ranger like himself.  Rusé gently elbows Ryker in the side with a toothy smile, nodding his head over in the direction of the hulking bird's nest.  Ryker visibly gulps, obviously not as enthusiastic as the ranger as the pair approaches, his hands going to pull his blood-stained weapons from their sticky sheaths.  The two have been fighting off monsters ever since they headed off from their picnic, but those were all small fry compared to what's waiting for them.  But there's no way that he's afraid!  After all, he's been training for situations like this, and there's no way that this big cluckadoodle is any more threatening than the Kaiser Bear that lurks the hallways of his training grounds.  In a single motion, Ryker pulls his hood back onto his head, the elaborate morpho brooch pinned to its side clicking against the bronze pins fastened to the heavy cloth.  

"I see her, too.  Are you ready?  Not getting cold feet, are you?" Ryker teases, glancing at Rusé who's already holding his blades up with a white-knuckled grip.  There's a quiet fire inside of the ranger's gaze as the man's entire stance tenses and primes itself like a jaguar preparing to pounce.  

"Absolutely not.  I'm excited to see your special powers in action, Ryker.  After all, I have a few of my own." He chuckles, grinning toothily with pride in his tone.

"It may still be the day, but on a clear afternoon like this, the moon can still grant me her powers, it's right overhead us now, in all of her pale majesty." He hums, smiling back.  Special powers, huh?  Rusé is full of surprises, isn't he?  "And with that meal earlier, my holy pathos is restored.  Taking down one of these bastards will be a walk in the park!"

Rusé smiles, not having a clue what Ryker's saying, but there's no reason to really question it.  What matters is that he's having fun, and that both of them are ready to tackle this challenge head on!  Rusé bolts, blades drawn as he rushes into the monster's nest, swiftly avoiding the twisting brambles that litter the floor like a wicked bed of thorns.  Now under the shadowy canopy of the withered trees, the beast is in sight; a towering white chicken larger than a dragon with a jagged yellow beak, wild and untamed pearly feathers and a rugged crimson waddle covered in holes and scars.  It stares at the ranger and the halfling with steely golden eyes as it cracks open its beak to let out a mighty roar , resembling the cry of something more prehistoric than the smaller more cuddly cluckadoodles that peck around Rusé's barn.  

The horrible roar causes Rusé to wince, but his momentum isn't broken as he ducks to the side, avoiding a swipe from hooked talons as large as he is tall, carving into the sun-baked earth below as easily as a hot knife through butter.  

"This thing is a little bigger than I had imagined!" Rusé cries out to Ryker who's trying to get behind the oversized monster chicken to attempt to flank it, Rusé's shocked expression glued to the carvings on the ground left by a single swipe from the beast.  His heart is pounding in his ears as the reality hits him like a sack of bricks, that getting hit even one from those horrible talons would send him straight to the Forest of Beginnings.  He'd probably end up bisected, which is definitely not on his list of plans as he bounds out of the way from a horrible peck that gouges a hole into one of the petrified tree trunks adjacent to him.  

"What, you've never seen a mamadoodle before?" Ryker laughs, obviously on his toes as well as he too, has never actually fought one of these monstrosities before.  "It's a shame monsters turn to ash, because imagine the size of a pie we could've made if it didn't!" He muses, thrusting his knives into the feathery side of the bird, realizing he struck only a thick patch of feathers as he's slapped out of the way with the beast's huge tail of feathers.  He lets out a grunt as he's swatted into a patch of brambles, struggling to untangle himself from the thorns as he watches in worry as Rusé continues to avoid blow after blow from the mamadoodle.  

"Ryker!" Rusé calls out, watching him as Ryker finally tears himself from the thorns, not having time to mourn over nicks and holes in his cloak as he hurries back up to his feet, watching as Rusé continues his fancy footwork around the frenzied chicken as he tries to close in for a proper strike.  But the hen is too fast and too persistent, forcing Rusé to stay on the defensive.  "Ryker, are you okay?" He shouts, dodging another cleave from the mamadoodle that nearly slices a tree in half, causing the pine to collapse onto its own weight, cracking and groaning as it snaps in half, cascading down the cliff side with a crash.  Ryker winces from the noise, but gives Rusé a quick nod.

"I'm fine, hold on, here!  I'll distract it so you can get a hit in, aim for the head, the feathers are too thick unless you get too close for comfort!" Ryker yells, tugging his wrapped sleeves down to thrust his open palm outwards.  It's been a while since he's practiced his magic, but here goes!  Suddenly, the light appears to warp around his palm as an inky ball of darkness forms at its center, shuddering and groaning as it ripples the air and the light around it, twisting and expanding into a dark and eerie point.  It lets out a high pitched squeal as the shadowy darkness stretches out into a jagged spear, shivering as it crystallizes into a wicked weapon, launching forward with a magical whine, sailing as clean and true as an arrow.  The nightmarish skewer pierces into the leg of the mamadoodle, causing the beast to stumble and let out a scream of pain, even as the weapon dissipates into sooty smoke.  With it gone, the wound left is an ugly hole carved clean through the bird's white tendon, now exposed and raw for the world to see

With the beast keeled over, Rusé sucks in a breath and dashes forward, pointing both of his glinting blades like the fangs of a snake as he leaps and drives them into the wounded mamadoodle's eyes.  He twists the blades, sinking them deep into the monster's glossy globes as they sputter hot jelly and blood down the feathery creature's face.  The massive chicken screams out in agony as it thrashes to knock Rusé off, bucking wildly side to side as it stumbles and staggers on its maimed limb over brambles and fallen branches. Rusé, who's clinging on for dear life, repeatedly begins to yank the weapons from their gooey sleeves and impaling again and again into the cocktail of viscera pulsating from the monster's wounds as its wail grows louder and more desperate.  Blood and corneal jelly fall thickly into pools onto the wooded ground in sticky heaps and puddles with wet plops.

A little taken aback by Rusé's viciousness, Ryker yanks out his weapons once again and lets out a nervous chuckle as he hurries over to the mamadoodle while it's still distracted by the ranger's violent assault, slashing his blades to cut at the tendons of the monster's other leg, drawing purplish blood from it.  The mamadoodle squawks and staggers backwards, leading Ryker to dive out of the way of its dizzy footwork as finally, it flings Rusé off of its disfigured head, the ranger's grip too slippery to hold on as the man's blades remain shoved deep within the creature's eye sockets.  The ranger crashes backwards with a gasp, hitting his back against the hard floor as the wind is knocked right out of him.  He's a sight to behold for sure, smothered in purplish carnage with his pale skin splattered and specked in blood, his suit disheveled and scuffed.  Ryker hurries over to the Ranger's side, with the intent to help him up, but lets out a cry of horror as the monster opens its foaming beak and hammers its head down.

When the mamadoodle bites Rusé's arm, it makes an ugly crack , like his shoulder was yanked right out of the socket.  Rusé cries out in agony, his legs tensing and writhing as he pants for breath, but even through his evident pain, his eyes are still sharp as he turns to Ryker with a grimace.  

"Finish it off!" He shouts, gritting his teeth and desperately reaching for one of the weapons lodged into the monster's skull to pull out with a cry.  Ryker sucks in a breath, his pulse loud in his ears, diving for both Rusé and the mamadoodle as he drives his daggers past the beast's thick scruff of feathers and into the leathery hide of its neck.

"Die already!" Ryker shouts with a flash of fury.  Of course injuries were to be expected when fighting a monster as mighty as this one, but for some reason, seeing Rusé left prone, sweating and squirming in agony with the monster's vice grip around his arm leaves him absolutely irate.

How fucking dare it .

Ryker yells loud enough to feel his throat going raw as he carves his daggers across the dying animal's throat, pulling in two different directions like a horrible pair of shears as he splits open the mamadoodle's jugular.  With a gurgle from the beast and warmth flooding over his arms and sleeves, Ryker lets go and stumbles backwards, overwhelmed by the acrid smell of iron, sweat and fear.  The beak around Rusé's arm loosens, causing the ranger to fall back like a sack of potatoes, watching in exasperation and exhaustion as the monster's form begins to crumble.  Its feathers get whisked away like dust in the wind as its heavier body parts collapse like sand onto the earth below, leaving Ryker alone with Rusé next to the mound of ash and blood.

Neither of them say anything as they catch their breaths for a moment, both of them are soaked in blood and sweat, their mouths gaped like fish as Ryker collapses bonelessly besides Rusé who's still gritting his teeth in quiet agony, eventually reaching for his shoulder.  The relative silence is broken with the ranger's groan of pain as he clamps his eyes shut.

"Fuck, Rusé.  Oh, gods.  Your arm." Ryker pants, slowly staggering onto his feet which feel like they're full of sand through the adrenaline leaving him.  

"I've had worse.  Like when that thing lit me on fire." Rusé laughs weakly, tears pricking at the corners of his pretty blue eyes.  He too slowly sits up, shivering from the shock and hurt of having his arm wrenched out of its socket.  "I don't think I remember getting my arm dislocated, though." He breathes.  He flinches when Ryker reaches over to touch it, causing the halfling's eyes to flash with worry.  He can tell that Rusé is bleeding too, the cloth of his top is carved up from the beak of that monster and an ugly wound glistens with blood underneath; a blemish to his porcelain skin.  "We could've had it worse.  I'd say this is a win." Rusé groans, forcing a brief smile to Ryker before hissing a breath through his teeth as he tries to move again.  "Ah!"

"Idiot, don't move." Ryker says, reaching for his bag to get some gauze and medical supplies.  He always carries a fair amount on his person, especially since he never knows when they'll be useful.  "I-I never actually fought a mamadoodle before, and if I knew they were like that I wouldn't have recommended it." He says weakly, ripping a bigger hole in Rusé's sleeve to get a better look at the damage dealt.  Thankfully, the cuts don't seem to be that deep, but his surprisingly muscular arm is already bruising due to the trauma.  He gently blots at it with a cotton rag, grimacing whenever Rusé whimpers or winces from the sting.

"It's fine, don't beat yourself up over it.  We beat it.  It probably left something for us too if we dig through that nasty pile of ash." Rusé mumbles, glancing over towards Ryker, who's laser-focused on treating him.  Ryker doesn't look to be in the best shape either, his cloak is torn up from the thorns and brambles and his hands are covered in scrapes, as well as blood from the throat of the mamadoodle.  "...  I was probably too reckless." Rusé croaks softly, deflating a little.  "I ran in there before we even hatched up a plan.  I just… Haha." Rusé looks away nervously, sucking in his lips.

Honestly, he just wanted to impress Ryker, as dumb as that sounds.  

"I guess I'm a pretty terrible ranger." He mutters, before making a face as Ryker starts wrapping his arm with gauze.

"No, you were really cool." Ryker says softly, fastening the hold of the bandage with some metal clasps.  "I didn't say anything either.  So it's on both of us.  But the way you held your own against the mamadoodle?  I mean, it was basically only targeting you, like it knew you were the bigger threat." He chuckles, earning a small laugh from Rusé as well.  

"Oh, please.  You delivered the finishing blow.  Practically lopped the ugly thing's head off." Rusé hums, tiredly leaning against Ryker, his forehead on his chest.  "And did that spell, too.  So you control the darkness, huh?  I guess all the bragging you've done has held up."

Ryker opens his mouth to say something, sitting up straighter as Rusé practically collapses against him.  He's warm , and despite being just as sweaty as he is, Ryker doesn't find himself minding one bit.  He awkwardly swallows, sitting stiffly as he's not quite sure of what to do.  

"What, did you think I was lying ?  The moon granted me my wish, and as a loyal servant to the unending darkness…" He rambles, pausing as he realizes his voice cracked.  Rusé giggles weakly, the vibration of it against Ryker's skin which makes his face somehow heat up even more.  He swallows again and clears his throat.  "I need to put your joint back in place.  It's gonna hurt like hell." He stammers nervously.  Rusé drowsily looks up, peeking through his lashes as he nods quietly.  Ryker sighs , popping his wrists and knuckles as he gets a firm grip onto Rusé's arm, causing another grumble of discomfort to rumble out of Rusé's lips.

"I can deal with pain.  Just get it over with." He whispers with a glare.  Ryker lets out a small laugh, forcefully shoving the man's arm back into the joint with a gristly pop.  Rusé lets out a holler as he grips Ryker's side hard enough to bruise as his toes curl inside of his boots as he pants through clenched teeth.  "Okay!  Okay, mercy!  That really fucking hurt!" He cries out, letting go of Ryker and stumbling backwards, moving his twitching and wounded arm with a grimace, his face red and his brows furrowed together.  "But it's a lot better now.  Dragons, Ryker.  I thought when that bird bit me, my arm would be a goner.  I'd have to get some kind of cool metal arm as a replacement.  Become the half-cyborg ranger.  The full metal--"

"Nobody is losing a limb today." Ryker laughs out, standing back up as he looks at his tattered cloak in disapproval.  "Yuri is going to kill us." He grumbles, showing off the tail of his cloak to Rusé, which is full of holes large enough to stick fists through.  "I might have to," he grimaces, "not wear my cloak for a few days." He jokes, earning a smirk from the exhausted ranger.  

"Oh no, I get to see Ryker in business casual attire.  How tragic, that someone as powerful and special as the servant of shadows has to get on the level of plebeians like me…" Rusé teases, cradling his wounded arm in his good one as he grins cheekily at Ryker.  With a huff, Ryker just flicks his friend in the chest.

"Shush.  And it seems like you're going to be naked because now both of your outfits are ruined." He points out, smirking.  Rusé raises his eyebrows, thinking about that for a second.

"If that's what the servant of shadows wants." He jokes, grinning devilishly.  Ryker turns a bright shade of red and starts bolting a few leaps away, tugging his hood up to hide his face.

"N-no!  Just-- shut up!" Ryker yells, earning a bubbly laugh from Rusé who just strolls over to the heap of ashes, using his good hand to dig through it.  Rusé spends about a minute sifting through the mamadoodle's ashen remains before letting out a grunt of surprise.

"Hey, get back here.  There's something big, something that needs someone with two good arms to pick up." Rusé says, beckoning Ryker back over with a waggle of his finger.  Ryker, his heart still in his throat and his face a shade of scarlet, stalks back over with a pout, leaning over with his hands on his knees to look at the damage.

"Yeah, what is it?" He sighs, watching as Rusé brushes the ash away to reveal something round, white, and bigger than his head.  

"Oh, just the biggest egg in the world." Rusé says casually.  "Looks like we can at least get back to Rigbarth without being empty-handed." He chirps, giving Ryker a tired smile.  Ryker lets out a low whistle and crouches down, lifting the heavy egg with a grunt.

"Gods, this thing is heavy." He comments, making a face at it before looking over to Rusé.

"Yeah, looks like it.  But it won't weigh anything in my backpack, so feel free to shove it inside." Rusé says plainly, turning around to point his backpack towards Ryker, who just rolls his eyes and shoves it inside, watching as the magical contraption just swallows it whole.  Even now, Ryker doesn't have a clue how it works.  But with that done, Rusé starts staggering back down the cliff side pathway before stopping and looking over his shoulder.  "Hey, we should probably visit the Blue Moon before we head back on our ways.  The magic water sounds really nice, and not being caked in sweat and blood sounds even better." Rusé admits weakly, glancing down for a second before meeting Ryker's gaze once more.  "I also… think I need some help.  I still feel like I'm running on fumes." Rusé admits shyly.

Ryker blinks and nods.  Wait, is Rusé asking to take a bath with him?   That's pretty normal, isn't it?  Ryker has probably ended up in the baths with the other guys hundreds of times before.  It's normal, so why is he feeling so giddy about it?  Why is he being so goddamn weird?!  

"Yeah.  We can do that.  Besides, if I go back to the studio covered in blood, Palmo is probably going to faint." Ryker says awkwardly, his mind still lingering of the thought of sitting besides Rusé at the bathhouse.  That's sort of intimate, but how's it any more intimate than with anyone else?  He gulps, his mouth suddenly feeling dry as his pulse stomps around in his chest.

"We deserve a good rest after that." Rusé agrees, glancing at Ryker for a second before smiling.  "I've never taken a bath with you either.  I'm kind of looking forward to it." He chuckles, scratching at his cheek.  Like always, Rusé is as straightforward as can be. Ryker lets out a sheepish laugh, not even knowing how to respond to that, letting Rusé shift his weight against him as the two start heading down the cliff. 

"I um.  Yeah.  I guess so." Ryker mutters under his breath, walking slowly so that Rusé doesn't trip over his own feet.  "Am I uh, moving too fast?" He asks, meeting the blonde's gaze for a second.  Rusé shakes his head.

"Nah.  This is fine, and when I'm feeling better I can walk on my own.  Thanks for putting up with it." Rusé comments, glancing back to where the monster chicken was, smiling.  "Together, we took it down huh?  Wow, we're pretty amazing." He points out.  Ryker nods, it's certainly proof that he's getting stronger; proof that he's getting closer and closer to his own dream.

"You're not any trouble." Ryker says softly, seeming a little disappointed that Rusé is so eager to step away.  Rusé picks up on that and grins, narrowing his eyes.  

"In that case, I could use a little more help ." He offers his hand cheekily to Ryker, who just stares at his empty and blood-stained hand.  Up close, Ryker can actually see how calloused it is, as well as the hair-thin scars that are mottled across his delicate palm.  "I feel like I could fall over any second." He says more quietly this time, his cheeks dusting pink.  His words are hardly a whisper.

Maybe this is being too forward.

Ryker stares at the hand for a second before sucking in a breath and looking away, reaching over and taking it.  Rusé's hand feels so small against his own.  It's small and soft despite the callouses; delicate and precious .  Ryker doesn't say a word as he's too embarrassed to show his face as he increases his pace a bit, practically tugging Rusé along.  Thrilled and just as embarrassed, Rusé giggles and takes what he can get as their hearts hammer inside of themselves in unison.

Thanks again for reading!  Here is an illustration of Ryker I did!

Chapter Text

Somehow, the walk back to Rigbarth felt like no time at all compared to the trek up the mountainside, even with the sun higher in the sky than it was before.  Just as Rusé staggered down the mountain, hand in Ryker's, by the time they reach the shady woods, he's still doing the same.  During the entire slog back, the two hardly even exchanged a word, staying in awkward silence and only sharing a few nervous glances between one another.  It's as if neither of them know what exactly to say, or how to break the pregnant silence.

Rusé definitely doesn't need any help walking any more, but for some reason, the thought of letting go of Ryker's sweaty hand gives him a sinking fear that he'll never have the chance to hold it ever again, leading to the ranger holding it in an anxious vice-grip.  Ryker seems to notice this, mostly because his fingers are starting to grow numb; Rusé, as proven many times before, is much stronger than he looks to be.  Ryker clears his throat, gently tugging at his hand.

"Hey, you're squeezing a little tight.  Are you alright?" He asks, causing Rusé to snap to attention, freeing Ryker from his grip.  He nods quickly, swallowing briskly.

"Yeah-- I'm fine.  I guess I got distracted.  Sorry about that." Rusé flashes Ryker a nervous smile before glancing down at his hand, sweaty and caked in dried blood both from himself and from the mamadoodle slain.  He clenches his hand into a loose fist and tucks it away into a pocket, frowning.  "I think I'm just a little on edge after the fight.  On needles, you know?" He adds quickly, glancing towards the iron gate in the distance, welcoming the two back to town.  Ryker sighs softly, glancing at Rusé with the corner of his eye.

"I guess that's normal.  I don't mind, though.  I just don't want you to snap my hand off.  Or uh, give people the wrong idea." He adds with a grumble.  Rusé parts his lips to say something but remains quiet, his brow twitching into a knot before he just solemnly nods.

The wrong idea, huh?  He gently bites at the inside of his lip, an uncomfortable gnawing in his chest causing his sternum to ache.  

"I didn't think I was hurting you.  I'll be more careful." Rusé comments, not wanting to dwell on Ryker's other comment.  It causes some kind of dread to bubble up inside of him, some sort of visceral discomfort that he's never felt before.  And yet, it's so familiar , like it should be a constant.  

"You're a lot stronger than you probably think, Rusé." Ryker says offhandedly, too busy hurrying over towards the gate to notice Rusé slow down, the ranger's expression twisting into a grimace.  

"I think I know exactly how strong I am." Rusé mutters underneath his breath as he increases his pace to match with Ryker's as the two finally leave the Phoros Woodlands, being greeted by a gravel path that fades into stone.  They get some funny looks from the passersby, which surprises neither of them since they look like they just rolled out of the wood chipper.  "Palmo isn't going to be upset you were gone so long, yeah?" Rusé asks as he heads over towards the entrance of the Blue Moon, holding the inn's heavy wooden door for his friend.  Ryker shrugs.

"He can deal with it." Ryker comments, glancing at Rusé to see all of the light snuffed from his usually bright eyes.  He must be pretty exhausted, after all, he took the brunt of the monster's damage.  But an inkling of intuition eggs on the thought that it's probably something else.  Even after Rusé was practically mauled, he managed to stay mostly positive, so what gives?  Is his energy finally tanking?  But Ryker doesn't even have time to ask, as Murakumo springs from his desk in a monstrous bout of strength, landing a few paces away from the two of them with a crash as his landing causes the hardwood underneath his feet to crack.  The carpenter's apprentice can't help but make a face at that-- especially since he knows he's going to be the one who's going to have to fix it later.

"What on Earth happened to you two?" The large purple were-man exclaims, staring at Rusé and Ryker's beaten and bloodied forms.  Ryker raises a finger and sighs.

"We just got caught up with a monster." Rusé says plainly, offering the innkeeper a tired smile.  "If you wouldn't mind, could I pay for two baths as well as a set of spare clothing for us?" The ranger requests, fishing out his coin purse.  "It really did a number on us.  We'll be out of your hair soon, I don't want to scare away any patrons." Rusé says, counting out a few thousand coins and dropping them into Murakumo's outstretched palms.  The metal disks click heavily in the man's hands as he quickly counts them, the worried look in his eyes refusing to fade.

"Shouldn't you two go to the hospital?  This is too much, I can't possibly take this much payment--"

"Murakumo, it's fine.  I just really need a bath." Rusé says, giving the much larger man a stiff smile.

"Seriously, dude.  It's okay." Ryker says, waving off Murakumo's worry as he spots the man's bushy tail tuck sadly between his legs.  

"Well, if you guys say so.  I'll bring over the spare clothes in the changing room.  Take all the time you need to relax.  But seriously, if a soak doesn't make you feel better, the infirmary is really close." Murakumo sighs, scratching the back of his head with a frown.  Rusé nods and then bows his head politely before walking up the stairs behind the innkeeper's counter, gripping onto the railing for dear life as he does so.  Ryker hurries behind him.

"Hey, stairs are a little much, aren't they?  I can help-"

"I'm alright." Rusé responds quickly, pursing his lips.  "Trust me, it's nothing I haven't handled on my own before." He reassures as he walks over towards the men's changing room, his filthy boots leaving prints behind on the glossy wooden floors.  Even in the changing room, pushing aside the paper panel door to step inside is night and day compared to the atmosphere of the inn itself.  The air is hot and fragrant with mugwort, and the subtle sound of trickling water from the baths can be heard through the thin walls.  Rusé wastes no time to sit down, grimacing at his shoes as he tugs them off, setting them aside as he yanks off his filthy socks.

"Rusé, are you okay?" Ryker asks, sitting adjacent to the ranger on the other side of the room, awkwardly pulling off his holey cloak and folding it up.  Rusé nods quietly, taking time to undo his tie and shrug off his torn up top.  The white button-up he's wearing underneath is soaked with sweat and blood, torn up around the sleeve where the monster had bit him.  When he takes that off, Ryker can't help but gawk in shock.

Rusé is covered in scars and wounds.  Both old and new, mottling his pale skin.  Everything from claw marks to burns that speckle his skin to the fresh wound left by the mamadoodle's beak.  His petite frame is muscular, but somehow looking fragile at the same time.  It's obvious that Rusé doesn't tend to the damage he receives properly, and it's evident that he takes a beating often, too.

The sight alone makes Ryker's heart sink.  Does Rusé just not care about his own condition?

But the ranger is apathetic about his display, shucking off the rest of his clothes with a grimace, all the way down to his underwear before he stops and gives Ryker a look .

"Aren't you going to change, too?" He asks, almost bitterly like he's been aware that Ryker's been staring the whole time.

"You're-- really beaten up." Ryker stammers, his mouth feeling dry.  Rusé shrugs.

"It's part of the job.  Like I said, I've dealt with worse.  And I heal up after a week or so; even my scars vanish.  You should've seen me after I dealt with the Belpha Ruins." He laughs softly, the sound not matching his  eyes or his grim expression.  "Healing magic seals up the wounds, and I can make it to the next day." He says plainly, giving Ryker a stern look.  "I don't think this body-- I don't even think I'm human." He grumbles under his breath.

Right, because he's not.  Hardly human, at least.  He's an Earthmate, whatever that means.  Ryker lets out a sharp exhale and just crosses his arms, looking away with a frown.  He doesn't know what he should make of that, but then again, Rusé doesn't even know who he is, what he is, or where he's even come from.

The sight of Rusé carving up the mamadoodle like a wild animal from earlier flashes in the halfling's mind like a grim reminder.

"I don't care, I mean it doesn't matter to me what you are, Rusé.  I mean I'm not human, either." Ryker says awkwardly, sucking in his lips as he politely glances away as Rusé changes into his bathing towel.  "I just don't… ugh, damn it, Rusé!  I just don't want to see you hurt like you are, now." He admits, looking downwards in embarrassment.  

"Nobody's really batted an eye until now." Rusé says offhandedly, narrowing his eyes at Ryker.  The halfling scoffs and stands up in a huff.

"That's because I didn't know!  You don't; I mean, you didn't tell me that you're hurting!  You can't just pretend that you're not!" He says, obviously worried.  

"And what would it have changed-- if you had or hadn't known?" Rusé says, gritting his teeth. Anger doesn't fit the ranger, at least not the ranger that Ryker is familiar with.  It's a quiet storm, one that barely shows up on the surface, but roars within.  He can tell that something has always been eating up Rusé from within.  Some kind of unending darkness.  Something unfathomable and frightening, probably to Rusé too.  But unlike when Martin gets mad at him, Ryker can't find himself getting angry back.

It just kind of hurts him, to know that Rusé has been suffering in silence, putting up with his duties and putting on a smile for everyone as he just bears everything on his own shoulders.  Rusé doesn't know how to share his burdens.  He doesn't know how to open up, or really how to do much at all.  He's the same man that almost died at his doorstep over a month ago.  Ryker frowns, glancing away.

"Well, now I'm worried for one." Ryker says under his breath, glancing up at Rusé who's holding his ground, wearing nothing but a towel.  He's petite; definitely small for someone who's been rescuing people and fending off horrors and monsters in dungeons and crypts all season.  "Because I care about you." He adds, sucking in a breath, reaching over and snatching Rusé's hand before he can pull away.

"What, like how you care about your job ?  The one you nap through?" Rusé bites back, visible tears pricking at his eyes.  Ryker makes a face, but he's smart enough to know that Rusé is just backing away like a frightened animal, baring teeth.  That doesn't mean that his words don't sting though.

He's heard from enough people that he doesn't care about anything, he doesn't want to hear it from Rusé, too.  

"I care about you more than that.  And I do care about my job a lot, too.  I owe Palmo a lot, you know." Ryker mumbles, letting out a small sigh from his nose.  The corner of Rusé's lips twitches, his eyes turning to Ryker's hand on his own.  He feels like such a child , practically throwing a tantrum over something he can't control.  He's such a baby, feeling bitter over some feelings he barely understands being unreciprocated .  It's unfair to Ryker.  It's unfair to himself, too.  Rusé grits his teeth before opening his mouth and just taking a deep sigh, biting at his tongue.

"I… Don't know what's gotten into me." Rusé admits with a defeated breath.  He hangs his head, frowning.  There's no real reason to fight it, after all, it's just the reality he has to deal with.  Unfortunately, it's just a big pill to swallow.

"It's been a long day.  I mean, you dislocated your arm.  I don't blame you for being short with me." Ryker admits, letting Rusé go as he heads over towards the baths, cracking open the door to peek in.  "Oh, it's empty.  We have it all to ourselves." He says, turning to Rusé who still looks rather emotionally deflated.  Ryker purses his lips.

"I usually bathe alone." Rusé admits, grabbing a wooden bucket as he steps past Ryker to stick his feet into the hot water.  It's a little too hot initially, but he knows he'll get used to it.  "I don't really feel comfortable doing it with other people." He admits, slowly wading down to his calves, leaning up against the stones that jut out of the basin so he doesn't slip.  Ryker stays by the door.

"If you want, I can wait until you're done, I guess." Ryker comments, earning a funny look from Rusé.

"I'm fine with just you.  Just nobody else." Rusé says, slowly sitting down in the hot water with his back up against the warm stone.  "I wasn't lying about what I said earlier.  I don't have it in me to lie to you." Rusé grumbles, pulling his legs to his chest, hiding his face in them.  Ryker nods, blushing a little as he tiptoes inside, joining Rusé in the bath.  The water is as nice as it always is, especially for his sore muscles and tense shoulders.  

"Just me, huh?" Ryker asks, dunking his head in the water with a grunt, carding his bangs out of his face with a squint.  Rusé seems to be looking anywhere besides him, just gazing off into the distance of the mural painted onto the tile wall, his eyes peeking up past his knees.  "Well, why's that?" Ryker asks.  Rusé doesn't give Ryker a response, only quickly starts to scrub the blood off of his face and neck.  His hair looks a lot different when its wet, still as gold as it always is, but plastered to his head instead of being fluffy and spiky.  After an awkward silence of the two men cleaning themselves, Rusé speaks up, his voice barely a peep over the trickling water from the golden gargoyle's spout.

"Because I like being close to you." Rusé mutters, peeking over at Ryker.  But as soon as their eyes meet, the ranger's gaze falls, his expression glum besides his face practically glowing with embarrassment.  "And I want to be close to you.  I like you a lot.  More than anyone else." He admits, his voice tiny and weak.  "And I guess I wouldn't mind if people knew that, either.  I'm just happy when I'm around you.  A-actually happy, I mean.  Like I can be myself.  Anything I want to be." Rusé mutters, his expression crumpling as tears poke at his eyes.  He suddenly takes a sharp breath, not noticing how Ryker is just staring at the ranger in shock.

"Huh?" Ryker asks, staring like Rusé had just confessed he was secretly a dragon.  The concept that someone actually feels that way about him is incredibly alien.  Rusé sucks in a breath again, trembling to stay composed.  Rusé shouldn't joke about something like that!  Even he knows better than to take teasing that far-- but he knows deep in his gut that Rusé is being dead serious, cutting up his raw heart to Ryker and serving it to him beating on a platter.

"I feel really stupid." Rusé chokes out.  "Especially since you-- haha.  Ugh." He grips at his golden bangs, gritting his teeth in pain.  "I'm so fucking stupid." He mutters, pulling gently at his hair in distress.  "You don't want that, do you?  You said so, earlier." Rusé stammers, turning to Ryker in exasperation, his watery blue eyes wide.  He's never felt this way about anyone.  He doesn't think his mind, even with his memories stripped, has ever felt this way to another person.  Damn, it's painful, isn't it?  It's almost as if the concept of falling for someone is agonizing on its own to Rusé, like it's against the epitome of his very self, or to whoever he used to be.

Ryker just stares at Rusé like a deer in the headlights.  He didn't have time to rehearse any of this!  What does he mean that he doesn't want that?  He totally wants that!  It's just absolutely blindsided him since he's never spent more time than passing thoughts and maybe passing daydreams to even contemplate it!  

Is he really that airheaded?!

"What?  No- no, no!" Ryker stammers, reaching out and taking both of Rusé's small, shaking hands.  Did he say something like that?  Ryker gasps and shakes his head.  "Oh, hell no!  I meant that I didn't want people to think that you're-- gods damn it!" He laments, taking one of his hands to bury his face in a palm.  "Look, you're a hard worker, okay?  With a good reputation and I didn't want people to think you were slacking off or something under my influence.  They already blame the kids for that and fuck, I'm not calling you a kid!" He rambles, desperate to patch up this stupid misunderstanding.  

"What?" Rusé says, finally looking up properly at Ryker.  

"I-I mean, I never really got to think about this!  But wow, haha.  Um.  Gods, I just-- Gah!" Ryker says, his pulse roaring in his ears.

"Ryker, slow down." Rusé advises, sitting up straight.  Ryker gulps and wets his lips.

"I mean," he takes a deep breath, slowly letting it out through his nose.  "I think I'm going to die of a heart attack.  I need time to actually properly think this through.  But I'm not saying that I don't, okay?  That I don't feel the same way?" He groans into his hands, blushing to his ears.  Rusé tilts his head, his eyes widening.

"No, I mean, I'm confused." Rusé stammers.  "I mean, can't you just say it now?  We're already in the bath together." He points out, chuckling nervously.  There's so much emotional whiplash, and Rusé can't help but feel exhausted from it.  Ryker groans into his hands again, hiding his blushing face as his muscles tense up.  Now that Rusé is looking at him, he's surprisingly muscular, but that isn't too surprising, given his job and his interesting hobby of running around during the dark of night.  

"I'm supposed to be cool and mysterious but I always feel like such a dork around you." He admits, muttering into his palms.  "I should've had time to rehearse and say something cool and mysterious…. Smooth and charming…" he babbles.  This finally rouses a smile out of Rusé who bubbles into a giggle, sighing as he leans back, finally relaxing into the hot water.

"But I think that's cute." Rusé admits, smirking up at the blushing halfling.  "In fact, I think everything about you is endearing.  I still think you're cool and mysterious too, though.  So don't worry about that." Rusé hums.  "But you do keep an awful lot of secrets.  I'm eager to slowly pry them out of you and learn everything about you, too." 

"Sheesh, alright." Ryker sighs, sinking down into the water as well, glancing back at Rusé's cheeky grin.  It's as adorable as it always is, and he can at least confront and admit he feels that way about it, now.  He cards his fingers through his wet hair and gives the ranger a half-smile.

Truly, he's digging his own grave doing this.

"...  I'm happy." Ryker says, hiding his goofy smile in a hand.  "I-I… I think you're um.  Really cute." He stammers embarrassedly, practically jumping when Rusé suddenly leans up against his shoulder, grinning ear to ear.  He's a little too warm to the touch and it shoots a shiver right up the halfling's spine to tingle in the base of his neck hotly.  "But I still think we should have a proper conversation about this later." He adds, fidgeting as Rusé leans in, raising his eyebrows.  "After I get uh, when we're you know--"

"Dressed?  Not exhausted?" Rusé says simply, taking one of Ryker's arms and slinging it over his shoulder with a smirk.  "Rehearsed and ready?" He asks, pulling closer.  Ryker swallows loudly, if he wasn't flustered before, he definitely is now.  

"Some- something like that." He gulps.  How the hell does Rusé do this so easily?!  Well, it's not like he has any baggage, at least none that he knows of.  "Dragons, and I thought I was confident ." He hisses under his breath.

"You're so shy, for someone who's willing to ramble about shadow powers to strangers." Rusé says under his own breath, glancing away with a smirk.  Ryker uses the arm held hostage by Rusé to pinch his bare shoulder, the one that isn't purple and bruised up.  

"And you're always teasing me." He huffs, scrunching up his face in a scowl.  Rusé bubbles over in laughter, realizing that now Ryker is grabbing onto his arm, refusing to let go even as the ranger playfully tries to squirm away.  "We're in this together now, damn it!  You're the one who--"

Suddenly, the sound of shuffling in the changing room alerts the two men as they freeze up like criminals caught in the act.  Footsteps creak across the floorboards from afar as they can hear the sliding door shut with a sharp wooden tap against the paneled walls.  

Rusé lets go of Ryker, causing the man to topple over into the hot water with a gasp and a splash.

"Shit, do you think it's just Murakumo?" Rusé asks in a hush as Ryker emerges from the water, sneezing and coughing.  Ryker puts a thumb onto one of his nostrils as he blows the bathwater out of his nose with a frown, red-faced.  The ranger hurriedly fixes his towel as he stands up hesitantly, narrowing his eyes at the door while Ryker silently shuffles behind the cover of the rock, peeking out nervously.

"The footsteps were too quiet.  It's probably Cecil." Ryker whispers back, "Murakumo stomps around wherever he goes, creating more work for me whenever he stumbles." The halfling grumbles as he narrows his silvery eyes at Rusé who tilts his head.  Ryker can identify someone by just the sound of their footsteps?  That's an odd skill for a carpenter, but then again, the guy can conjure shadows into weapons, so maybe it's not too far-fetched of a skill.  

"I really don't want that wannabe-- I mean, uh, detective in training to see my condition." Rusé admits with a croak.  That's the real reason he never bathes with other people around, word spreads fast and he doesn't want to be the center of worry and attention.  

"Wannabe, pfft.  That's pretty cold.  W-wait do you think he'd be able to deduce why we're here, what we're doing?" Ryker stammers with a break in his voice, gripping onto the stone as if it's his only lifeline.  Rusé shoots Ryker a glare.

"Are you still all worked up over that?  Is it really that embarrassing to you?  We weren't even doing anything! " Rusé hisses through his teeth, earning a groan of annoyance from Ryker.

"No!  It's just, damn it!  Okay, it's just I'm not used to any of this and it's…!  Look, Rusé.  It's not you, it's me, I just don't want to be," Ryker whispers loudly back, his eyes darting back and forth from the door to the pouting ranger.  If that wasn't anything, then what is?!  Rusé assumes it's probably about his self image, or maybe he's just really that sheepish .

Whatever, Rusé isn't going to argue about it.  Instead, he wades out of the water, holding his soaked towel around himself as he gives Ryker a sigh and a smile.  

"I'll play along; it can be our secret, then.  But not forever , alright?" Rusé chuckles.  "I'm not exactly a very good liar, after all." He comments, heading towards the door with his towel clinging to his form like cling wrap.

Ryker frowns, looking a tad guilty.

"Tomorrow, at midnight.  I'll uh, be at Ripple Beach if you want to talk about it more." He adds, still hiding behind his rock.  Rusé hums in acknowledgement before shooting him a warm look.

"I'll be waiting with bated breath, then.  You'd better rehearse like you promised.  I'm expecting the best." Rusé teases, opening the door and stepping back into the changing room, giving Cecil a tired wave before gathering up the change of clothes left for him by Murakumo.

Ryker still clings to the rock, still red in the face and a little disheveled, his eyes wide and glued to the closed door.  Eventually, it cracks open and Cecil pokes his head in, giving the seemingly frozen Ryker a funny look.

"Why are you clinging to the rock…?"

Chapter Text

The day drags on like molasses for Rusé, without much to do besides mull over his thoughts and anticipation for the coming night.  Even as a ranger, work is relatively light, with Livia being busy with her usual sleepy paperwork and Scarlett finally hobbling back to the Silo, at least with a better attitude.  It appears that she's gracious for Rusé saving her hide, which has at least earned some respect for him with her sky-high standards.  Personally, Rusé believes he deserves a little more than just kudos , but he's not going to turn his nose up at her no longer treating him like an inconvenience, and more so like an equal.  It's odd though, looking the half-elf in the eye and not receiving a scowl; it feels a little alien having Scarlett treating him like a comrade just after a day's difference.  It feels a little… artificial.   It doesn't sit well with the Ranger, but he smiles and takes the brunt of it like he normally does.

That's all he is to most people in Rigbarth.  He's useful .  He's a skilled ranger and a reliable hand.  Rusé doesn't mind being useful, he would rather people smile at him than to gaze at him in disdain.  He would consider himself friends with a good number of the citizens, even if he tiptoes around the other ones.  Perhaps that's why he's always been drawn to Ryker, because he always saw him as a person rather than a favor waiting to happen.

"Well, it's been about a month here in Rigbarth, Rusé.  Summer starts tomorrow, and just looking out the window I can tell you're already ready for it.  That's a lot of melons!" Livia says, giving Rusé a smile who's standing beside her desk, resting his elbows onto its polished countertop.  The captain chuckles, absentmindedly twirling one of her lime-green pigtails around a tiny index finger.  "And just in a month, you really went all the way from zero to hero.  Honestly, I don't know what I would've done without you!" She says, causing Rusé to snap out of his daze of staring at his reflection on her desk.  His sapphire eyes widen as he nods quickly in response.

"T-time sure has flown." He stammers, standing up with his shoulders back.  With both of his outfits in tatters, he's left wearing the simple clothes that Murakumo left for him the day before.  They're a little big for him, but comfortable enough-- being a simple white button-up and some tight black trousers that he's crammed the extra fabric of his top into.  He's already gone through the loops of filling the paperwork out to get a new uniform, as well as embarrassedly giving his red suit to Yuri for her to patch up.  While he was at her bakery, he also bought a few more articles of clothing so a scenario like this doesn't repeat itself.  "I don't know if I'd really call myself a hero though, ma'am.  I'm just doing my job as your ranger." He comments, giving the little girl a sheepish smile.

Livia sighs through her nose and rolls her eyes.

"Give yourself more credit, everyone here is head over heels for you!  Besides, you're definitely a hero in Hina and Misasagi's eyes.  Not to mention Scarlett now, too." Livia scoffs.  "But in terms of your report, it's as good as it can be.  I don't think a single ranger has gotten as much done as you have in this short window of time.  Honestly, if we weren't so understaffed here at the outpost, I'd say you're well deserving of a break." She comments, before meeting Rusé's eyes, her expression hardening a little.

"Oh, I mean… thank-you." Rusé says, his cheeks going pink at the praise.  "I'm honestly just happy that the town has been as accepting as it has been to someone who was a stranger like myself." He admits, carding his fingers through his golden hair as he smiles goofily.

"Yes.  It seems you've even made some friends." She hums, her brow knitting up a little in thought.  Rusé swallows.  He's definitely made friends for sure, there isn't a passing day where he doesn't drop by the blacksmith's to chat with Martin and Darroch, not to mention how he runs amok with Julian and Hina whenever the two rascals drop by.  And then there's Ryker…

Rusé chuckles nervously, looking away as he hides his face in a hand, his smile hidden away from his superior's distant gaze.  There isn't a passing moment when that dork isn't on his mind.

"Yeah.  P-people here are nice." Rusé stammers, swallowing awkwardly.

"I'm glad.  But Rusé, I have something important to ask you.  It's about your memories." Livia says, setting down the thin stack of papers in her hands with a soft tap.  This gets Rusé out of his wandering thoughts as he turns to her with a small hum of confusion.

"My… oh.  Uh, nothing has really changed.  I've taken your advice and Miss Simone's, too.  I'm trying to just focus on the future now." Rusé says with a smile.  Livia's gaze falls a bit and she nods, her nails gently curling into the wood.

"I see.  I'm glad." Livia says, as if she's not satisfied with that answer.  "I really recommend that if the warden comes back again, you try to stay out of his hair." She warns softly, her eyes narrowing into a tense glare.  "For your own good.  I've known Gideon for a long time, Rusé.  And I fear if he finds out that you're an Earthmate, he may take some rather unpleasant measures." She says, her nose curling up a bit in distress.  Seeing the usually placated Livia's firm and bitter reaction definitely blindsides Rusé as he stares at her in confusion before nodding nervously.

"I-I see.  Is the Warden not fond of… Earthmates?" Rusé asks in worry.  Speaking of, when he did approach Gideon, he looked at Rusé like he saw a ghost; or something worse .  Like just the sight of Rusé alone triggered some visceral horror within the heart of the Warden; a man who Rusé has heard the tales of his utmost stoicism.  

"I wouldn't say he is.  I haven't told you this because I didn't want to make you afraid since… things were a bit volatile when you first arrived.  But Earthmates aren't exactly well-liked by people, especially those affected by a recent calamity." Livia says, gulping.  "You see, many decades ago there was a very powerful empire that ruled over the majority of this continent.  It was a tyranny of sorts, and many small villages had to kowtow to it in order to survive.  The Sechs Empire." Livia explains, weaving her fingers together, resting the bridge of her lips against them as she stares at Rusé solemnly.

Rusé purses his lips.  Why would there be a sex empire-- okay, he's just not going to question it.  The ranger shakes his head, drawing a sigh out of Livia before she continues.  Truly, this man is lost in the loop.

"The Sechs Empire, while it was ruled by a powerful and horrifyingly evil man, was still an empire.  Most of the people within it had no hand in its politics or warfare.  However, a princess of the far kingdom of Selphia decided to wage war against this empire.  That woman is an Earthmate much like yourself, and a being of untold power." Livia scoffs, shaking her head in distaste.  "She alone, with the god of wind Ventuswill, toppled the entire empire within a few days.  While stopping Ethelberd's maniacal plot and saving the world, it destroyed the Empire.  Millions of people were displaced, and chaos and crime broke out in the streets.  The entire country minus Selphia snug in its victory lap was in absolute disarray." Livia explains, narrowing her eyes as Rusé listens quietly.  "While the princess did the world a great service, many were unaware of Ethelberd's crimes and intentions.  So in the aftermath, many people grew to blame the princess of Selphia, and thus, the stigma against Earthmates began to grow."

Rusé looks down nervously, tensing up his jaw.  The princess was as strong as the dragon god?!  Just what exactly are Earthmates?

"I had no idea." Rusé croaks, his hand going to grip gently at the collar of his shirt.

"Since then, SEED was formed to patch things up, round up all the criminals and bring order to the land.  But as knowledge got twisted through word of mouth and misconceptions, Earthmates became demonized, especially by the hands of SEED.  I know the truth of the matter, so I don't see you in a darker light, Rusé.  But know that there's a reason that you're the only Earthmate alive I have heard of since the princess." Livia says darkly, frowning.  "Please keep your identity a secret.  I doubt the people of Rigbarth would wish harm upon you, especially knowing the kind of person that you are, but I don't trust the Warden to do the same." She balls her hand into a fist and lightly pounds it onto the surface of her desk, causing the papers and pens on top of it to jump with a clatter.  "I do hope you understand the importance of staying here in Rigbarth under my care.  I didn't force you to become a Ranger just for extra hands, Rusé.  I pray for your safety." She says softly, her gaze falling.  "Please understand." 

"I-I do.  Thank-you, Livia for telling me." Rusé says, staggering back and sitting in the seat behind him, sinking into the leather.  "Livia, what exactly are Earthmates?" He asks, almost as if he's afraid to hear the answer.  Livia sighs.

"My answer from earlier wasn't duplicitous.  You are one blessed by the Earth.  Earthmates can weave runes as easily as they can breathe, they are also… often drawn to dragons and the gods themselves.  But you are also still human , too." She explains, pursing her lips.  It does make sense that Rusé ended up in her neck of the woods.  Did Ventuswill feel the same when Frey fell into her lap, too?  "Being an Earthmate is a blessing, do not forget that.  But there are many out there who are blinded by the lies of the tragedy of Sechs, and will see you as a monster." 

"But Livia, if that's true, how am I alive today?  How did nobody know of my existence?" Rusé speaks up.  "I-I did speak to the Warden a little, and he called me something weird." He stammers.  Livia freezes, her gaze snapping over to the ranger.

"I don't know the answer to that.  But you spoke to Gideon…?" She sighs, holding her forehead in her hand, grimacing.  "I didn't know of any Earthmates alive besides the princess." She mutters under her breath.  Rusé makes a face.  She's still alive?  Just how old is the princess?!  Is he going to live forever, too?

"He called me… Ares.  And looked as if he was frightened." Rusé says softly.  Livia's lip twitches, revealing her sharp fangs as for a second, upon just hearing what Rusé said.  It triggered something in her as her lips curl back like a snarling dog and her pupils slit like that of a reptile's.  She takes a breath, starting to gasp as she grips at her chest, seemingly trying to get herself to calm down as she stumbles out of her chair, leaning up against the wall behind her.

"Ares…" She gasps, her teeth gnashing so hard Rusé can hear them groan .  He watches in horror as his captain slows down her breathing, resting her head against the wall with a soft thump, beads of sweat forming across her face and forehead.  "Haha.  No, you are not Ares.  The Warden must be sorely mistaken." She says, her tone low and grim as the little girl staggers back to her chair, collapsing bonelessly into it as she looks up at Rusé through her golden bangs, her eyes still dangerous and dragon-like.  "I guess I can see… a little bit of a resemblance." She mutters to herself like her own words are venom.

But that's not possible.  Ares is dead .

"Livia…?" Rusé asks, frozen in terror as he watches his captain let out a deep breath and close her eyes.  He can feel a cold sweat needling his entire body as his spine is wracked with shivers.  Who even is Livia?  What is going on??

"Rusé, don't worry about it.  You are not Ares." She declares, but she doesn't sound too confident as she forces a weak smile to the terrified ranger.  "Ares is… a name that's better off forgetting.  If I were you, I'd avoid ever bringing that name up ever again." She says, her shaking hands resting on her desk.  "You… you're free to go.  Good work, ranger.  Enjoy Beach Day tomorrow." She says, resting her face in her hands.  "Please leave me.  I need to rest." She mutters into her palms.  Rusé staggers up to his feet, giving his distressed captain an anxious nod before hurrying to the door on quiet feet, as if making noise would cause her to snap once more.  Just as he shuts the door, he slumps and slides down against it, gasping for breath as if he spent the entire time inside of her office holding his breath.  He gasps, clutching at his chest as tears prick at his eyes and his gasps grow more haggard.

Just what the fuck is he?!

Rusé wobbles over towards the couch in the foyer, falling backwards into it, having the urge to blink back tears he hadn't even known even formed.  

"Rusé, are you okay?! " A familiar effeminate voice across the room chimes as he looks up, his eyes damp.  Eliza, right.  She's always here and he can only hear her.  She's an enchanted box of sorts, dressed dapperly in a red feathered hat and suit.  Rusé chokes out a sob and nods, reaching for a nearby pillow to dab at his eyes.

"I'm fine, I'm fine.  I mean, I'm not , but I'll be fine." He chokes out, hugging the pillow close to his chest.  "I'll be fine." He whispers out, more as reassurance to himself than to anyone else. 

" If you say so… If you need anyone to talk to, I'm here!!" Eliza calls out in her familiarly cheery voice, drawing a nervous smile out of Rusé, despite the dread inside of him.

"Thank-you." He sniffles, wiping his eyes again as he staggers back up to his feet.  Rusé doesn't know who he is, or at least who he used to be .  But like Livia said, he's not this Ares person.  Even if he was, he isn't anymore.  Those memories are gone, and the only person he knows how to be is himself; Rusé.

Ryker did say he doesn't care what he is.  Or who he is, too.  That thought pulls a small smile out of the ranger as he wipes his eyes and straightens his shoulders.  There's little use beating himself up over something he doesn't even understand, besides, if others can believe in him, he can for sure believe in himself.  That's what he tells himself, at least .  After all, he has a very interesting conversation waiting for him at midnight, so the best he can do is rest and prepare for whatever's awaiting him then.

Chapter Text

It's so dark that even Ryker is having trouble seeing, with the midnight hanging over him like a void.  But that's how he likes it, having no company besides the darkness, the moon, and the stars that dance across the reflection of the shore, rippling lazily to and fro as the gentle breeze and tide drags it along.  It smells of seawater, and the chilly air beats against his bare cheeks and neck.  Of course, Ryker doesn't have his cloak to keep him company, but he can do a few days without it, especially since he's still trying to scrub the stubborn red stains out of the soft blue material.  Instead, he's dressed in the garments left by Murakumo, which are depressingly drab, just being a white button-up top and black trousers.

He shifts uncomfortably, seated in the dry sand as he absentmindedly draws circles in it with his fingertips.  To be honest, the day was a nightmare.  He's been so absentminded all day, he almost hacked his fingers off with the saw as he was leveling out planks for one of Palmo's projects.  Worried for his well-being, Palmo excused Ryker to his own devices after that, which led the halfling back to his room to glower back at his reflection in the mirror.  No amount of rehearsals or preparation could've ever prepared him for something like this.  Ryker sighs, resting his warm cheeks in his palms as he slowly lays back, not minding how he's getting hand in his hair as he just squints up at the stars twinkling overhead.  

He doesn't think he's ever really opened up to anyone before, except maybe Palmo.  He never really felt comfortable enough to do so, especially since he's always been an outsider.  This isn't his home.  These aren't his people.  He never even wanted to be here in the first place, but here he is.  Every day since the day he was dropped off here kicking and screaming, he's dreamt of leaving.  He's dreamed of chasing the future waiting for him outside of Rigbarth; to become the man that could make his father and family proud.  But at the same time, there's Palmo.  And now there's Rusé.

Rusé isn't family, nor is he Palmo.  But he's brighter than anything he's ever seen before.  Brighter than even the moon and the stars.  He may not have been dragged to Rigbarth against his will, but he's trapped here all the same.  He too, is an outsider; somebody with nothing .  Maybe that's why Ryker was drawn to him from the start, but he also knows it's not that deep.  

God damn it, he just really likes the guy.  His smile, the way he isn't afraid to express his opinions or say what he wants.  Everything about Rusé is a breath of fresh air; everything that he's wanted that he's just never been able to get in Rigbarth.  He's just a boundless ball of bright, golden energy.  Like the sun.

Ryker chuckles at that thought, a smile drawing onto his lips.  If Rusé is the sun , wouldn't that make him the moon?  What a funny thought.  Ryker never imagined himself falling for anyone, especially when he's been so dead set on carving his path out of Rigbarth, but now he's fallen for the worst person he could've.  He doesn't feel guilty about it at all, though; in fact, he can hardly erase the stupid grin off of his face.

After all, he's a thief.  And thieves can take whatever they want, right?  He'll figure it out, one way or another.  He wants to pursue his dream.  He wants to help Palmo.  He wants Rusé.  That thought alone pulls a giddy chuckle out of him as he can feel his pulse flutter.

Speaking of, where is Rusé?  Ryker sits up and brushes the sand off of himself as he squints out into the darkness.  He can see through it better than a normal human can, but even so, it's pretty rough to stumble around despite everything; he can hardly see a few yards in front of him.  Suddenly his gut clenches; did Rusé forget?  Is he not coming?  Is he having second thoughts?   Panic settles in for a second as Ryker staggers to his feet, looking around for any sign of the ranger, only being greeted back with the inky majesty of his beloved darkness.

He's not here.  He's sure it's getting close to the hour they agreed to meet, and Rusé is usually one to show up early rather than late.  Ryker swallows dryly and deflates , curling his hands into loose fists.  He knows their parting yesterday was awkward, but surely , he didn't discourage Rusé enough to just call it off entirely?  He can feel his palms grow sweaty as anxiety settles in, but his dread is snipped short with a familiar voice in the distance.  Ryker nearly gets whiplash by how fast he turns around.

"Why on Earth do you want to meet up this late?" Rusé says, staggering over the grassy dunes, his palm outstretched with a small ember of light twinkling in his palm to light his way.  It illuminates him wonderfully, flickering like starlight as it dances across his golden hair and alabaster skin, his blue eyes bright enough to cut the dark.  Ryker lets out a sigh of relief, his tension leaving him like water as he hurries over, stumbling in the loose sand under his sandals.  "Ryker, I can hardly see anything besides your white hair and shirt." He grumbles, squinting to try and get a better look at the man as he awkwardly fumbles across the uneven footing to join Rusé's side.  As Ryker approaches, he can tell Rusé is exhausted , probably just as tired as he is; maybe more.  His big eyes look a little red and puffy, and his shirt is wrinkled probably from a day's worth of hard work.

"I was starting to worry you forgot about me." Ryker says in relief, smiling at the squinting man as he reaches over and touches him on the shoulder.

"No.  I wouldn't do that.  But seriously, I can hardly see you." Rusé sighs, glancing sheepishly down to the hand on his shoulder.

"That's why I chose this hour.  So you wouldn't be able to see me, and I won't be able to see you." He chuckles, but it seems his words only pull a frown from Rusé as he steps back, shoulders rigid.

"You know, if you really don't want to see me that much, why drag me--" 

"No, no!  Ugh, damn it!" Ryker groans as he runs back over to Rusé, blushing to his ears.  So much for rehearsing that line.  "It's because it's… I look really stupid.  And I haven't been able to stop smiling, and it's really embarrassing!" Ryker says, hiding his expression despite Rusé not even being able to see it.  Rusé stares at the halfling's fuzzy form and holds up his palm, causing the embers of light in his palm to flicker and glow, illuminating the area around them. The ranger tilts his head as he observes Ryker, hiding his face.

"...  You're so cute." Rusé says with a sigh, hanging his head with a smile.  "I didn't even know it was possible for someone to even blush that hard." He comments, glancing to the magic flickering in his hand and letting it float up beside them, brightening and dimming like a failing bulb.  "I'd make it brighter, but I didn't think you'd want a spotlight on us.  Especially since you're so hellbent on keeping this rendezvous a secret." Rusé says, lidding his eyes.  "I wish I could get a better look at you." He sighs, his expression growing into a smirk as Ryker continues to desperately hide his grin, wishing that he had his hood right now to help with it.

"If you keep on teasing me, I'm not going to be able to actually talk." He squeaks, peeking at Rusé from behind his fingers.  "A-and as much as I want that, too, yes, let's keep the lights down."

"I thought you didn't want to see me." Rusé hums, sitting down in the dry grass, looking up at Ryker as he watches the halfling join him.  Ryker just rolls his eyes.

"I guess my rehearsal didn't come out as smoothly as I thought it would." He mutters, peeking over at Rusé's illuminated face.  The ranger smirks.  

"It was a good try in retrospect.  But let's talk.  Now that I'm not freaking out, I feel like I can communicate a bit better too." Especially now that Rusé isn't distracted by only the towels between them, too.  A shame he was so stressed out yesterday, he didn't even think to savor the moment.  He sighs, pursing his lips in disappointment.  "Should I go first?" Rusé asks.

"Uh, actually.  Let me." Ryker says, clearing his throat into his fist.  He swallows and takes a breath.  He supposes it's his turn to lay his guts on the table, too.  "I really like you, Rusé." He stammers, peeking up at the ranger shyly.  Rusé blushes but doesn't back down, instead leaning in towards the challenge like he always does.

"What do you like about me?" He whispers, causing Ryker to sputter.  He always has to turn the heat up on him, doesn't he?!  Ryker clears his throat, deciding it'd be best if he didn't back down.  The last time he didn't back down, he almost knocked Rusé in the river, didn't he?  He's got this.

"W-well, you're really cute.  And you're bright and cheerful.  Also you're always helping people out even if it kind of sucks…" Ryker starts, watching as Rusé listens intently.  "And you're really cool when you're fighting.  Like, when you didn't even back down after the mamadoodle got you, that was kind of… hot." He chokes out.  Rusé's smile grows more amused, his eyes lighting up.  "You're honest, too.  Just being around you is fun."

"What's cute about me?" Rusé questions, grinning as he scoots in closer, tempting Ryker to lean back, but he doesn't comply.  Rusé's face is only a few inches away from Ryker's now, and this close, Ryker never noticed how there are flecks of gold in Rusé's eyes, too.  Damn, his eyelashes are long… Ryker swallows, grinning giddily.  Normally he'd be awkwardly ducking away, but something about this is exciting.   Rusé hasn't ever been this close to Ryker either, and he can see the bronze in the man's silvery eyes, and just how soft his hair looks.  His face is so damned pretty.  Rusé can't help but grin as his pulse sounds in his ears.

"Your smile." Ryker answers, pulling a hum of amusement from Rusé.  "You're such a tease, too." He says, softer as his hand leaves his lap to hesitantly reach over towards Rusé's cheek.  He barely brushes his fingers against the man's soft, warm cheek before Rusé affectionately nuzzles closer, reaching for Ryker's hand to hold it endearingly against his face, blushing.  

"I-I thought you didn't like it when I teased you." Rusé whispers, his breath hitching a little as he looks at the halfling through his lashes.  Ryker's hand feels like fire against his face and he's so giddy he feels like he's about to pop.  How odd, that just a little touch and affection can teeter his composure over the edge.  Ryker laughs breathily, his eyes widening a little at Rusé's obvious hunger for touch, egging him on for more.  But he sucks in a breath and grounds himself.

"If I hated it, I think I would've asked you to stop." Ryker says, gently moving his fingers to card through Rusé's fluffy golden hair.  This pulls a happy hum out of the ranger as he closes his eyes.

"No, no.  That's true.  I've heard how short you are with Martin.  I think it's kind of funny how much you hate one another." Rusé giggles, opening his eyes again as he watches Ryker carefully, soaking in every one of the man's movements like it's gospel.

"He's a bitch." Ryker laughs softly, gently tracing his fingers over the shell of Rusé's ear.  The smaller man shudders, letting out a sharp breath from the sudden shiver that shoots up his spine from the touch.

"That's not very nice." He responds breathily, laughing through his nose.  "He's my friend, you know.  I care about him."

"As much as me?" Ryker asks, his smile fading a little.  Rusé smirks at the obvious jealousy and leans in, a hum on his soft lips as they barely ghost Ryker's cheek.  The halfling can feel goosebumps prickle his shoulders and neck as he lets out a gasp.  

"Hmm.  Well, I don't think so." Rusé says, resting a hand onto Ryker's chest, his fingers pressing up against the cool metal buttons.  Rusé clicks his tongue and pauses, as if he's contemplating his words.  "You see, Ryker.  I don't love Martin." Rusé adds softly, blushing as he gently and sheepishly bites at his lip.  Ryker shudders and stares at Rusé as his chest clenches up with excitement.  Hearing that is probably the best thing Ryker has ever heard-- or even maybe the best thing he's ever experienced.  He doesn't even know how to respond to it, at least verbally.  Instead, he just gently pulls Rusé in, brushing his lips against Rusé's.

Ryker's never kissed anyone before, but Rusé's lips are like warm velvet, and that alone is enough to entice him.  Rusé lets out a tiny whine as Ryker gently leans in to kiss him, his nerves singing as his body begs for more.  It's perfectly chaste, but with both of them sharing no more experience than the other (or at least to Rusé's current memory), it's a little clumsy.  No words need to be exchanged as body language speaks loud enough, as the two of them feed into the kiss before Rusé breaks from it, gasping like he's emerged for air.  His eyes are fuzzy and his face is red, but he can't help but laugh between his soft gasps.  

"Damn it, Ryker.  I thought we were just going to talk ." He laughs, grinning as he gently leans his head up against the man's shoulder.  Ryker laughs too, but seems more disappointed that it ended.

"We can do more than just talk-- I just, y-you love me?" Ryker stammers, grinning like a kid as Rusé just rolls his eyes, looking embarrassed.

"I can repeat myself if it makes you happy, but I'm pretty sure I didn't stutter." Rusé sighs.  "But don't expect an amnesiac to know exactly the depth of what it means, either.  I'm just… going with what my gut and my heart says.  It's easier that way, I don't want to overthink it." He mutters, his smile returning when the halfling pulls him into a hug.

"No, that makes me really happy.  Like, too happy." Ryker swallows, watching as Rusé just relaxes and puts his weight against his chest, burying his face into his shirt.  "So, are we going out now?  Can we?" Ryker asks, beaming down at Rusé who just lets out a hum.

"Are we going to have to keep it a secret?  Since if you're going to make me meet up with you at this hour every day, making me stumble through the dark--" Rusé grumbles, drawing a nervous chuckle from Ryker.

"N-no.  I mean, maybe just for a bit while I get used to everything.  I just don't want to be under scrutiny, you know.  Moreso, I don't want people to start judging you the same way they do to me."

"Are you sure you're just not embarrassed to be around me?" Rusé says, peeking up with a pout. "I doubt anyone would care, and even if they did, I certainly wouldn't." 

"No, I'm not.  Ugh, look.  Can we just lay low for a bit while I get used to things?" Ryker sighs, gently resting his hands onto Rusé's back, feeling the man practically arc himself against his touch.  "I've never… felt like this towards anyone before.  Much less became involved with anyone before."

"I mean, I'm in the same boat, I think.  To my recent, and only memory." Rusé huffs, practically climbing Ryker to nestle up flush against him.  "But I don't mind laying low temporarily, just so long as I can see you." The ranger sighs, frowning.  "We'll figure things out as they come, I guess." Rusé sucks in a small breath and ponders for a moment before speaking up.  "Hey, Ryker.  Actually there's something I should probably tell you."

"Oh?" He asks, watching as Rusé rolls off of him to sit beside him instead, drawing the orb of light back closer to his outstretched palms.  

"There's of course, a lot about this world I still don't understand.  Including my own identity and why I lost my memories.  But one thing is for sure, and that is what I am.  It wouldn't be fair to leave you out of the loop, and I think it's important for us to be honest with one another." Rusé explains, adding more light to the flickering sphere of golden embers in his hand as the little ball of magic shimmers and shivers.  

Ryker frowns a little at that comment, knowing that some things he wouldn't be able to tell Rusé.  He wonders what would happen if he did, but thinking about it just forms a pit of dread in his stomach.  He'd rather just keep those worried buried for now, he can't bear to face the reality that this probably won't last forever.  He knows it's selfish to enable this, but at the same time, he wouldn't have it any other way.

How childish.

"Y-yeah." Ryker says with a frown.  "I still have my secrets, though." Rusé hums in response to that with a frown.

"I'm sure you have your reasons.  I'll respect them, but just know that I don't particularly care what baggage you hold.  I'll be there for you through whatever it is." Rusé reassures.  Ryker nods hesitantly, not finding he can take the ranger's words directly to heart.

He can't bear the thought of Rusé looking upon him in scorn.  The thought of losing him is unbearable.  Rusé clears his throat and frowns.  "I am an Earthmate.  That's what Livia told me, and I have to believe her." Rusé says softly, looking at his delicate hands, cradling the light between them.  "It's come to my attention that what I am is not looked upon favorably by most, but I trust you can… accept me for what I am, as well as keep it a secret." Ryker's eyes widen.  An Earthmate?  He's pretty sure those haven't been heard of since the princess of Selphia God knows how long ago, but it's never really affected him too much.  He's heard stories of the Earthmates riding the dragon gods themselves and changing history, so it's a little baffling that there's one right in front of him.  But it's odd to him that an Earthmate would become aligned with an organization like SEED.  Just what is Livia doing?

"I uh, wow.  That's pretty cool." He says, giving the ranger a nervous smile.  No wonder combat is like breathing to him.  But even so…

"C-cool?" Rusé exclaims, sounding surprised as he knits his brow together.  That wasn't the answer he was expecting.

"Yeah, I mean you're like the chosen one or something." Ryker chuckles, rousing a smirk from the ranger.

"Well then.  I guess I am.  Does it match up to your moonlit majesty though, o' great lord of darkness?" The ranger teases, causing Ryker to scoff.

"No way.  But uh, actually there's something else I want to bring up.  It's about this." Ryker comments, casually reaching up and pulling Rusé's shirt up, yanking it out from being tucked into his trousers.  The ranger squeaks in surprise, his face going a shade darker as his bright blue eyes widen.

"H-hey!  Warn me before you do that!" He whines in embarrassment, earning a small laugh of amusement from Ryker.  Isn't Rusé always pulling stuff like this on him?  So he can dish it out , but he can't take it.

"Whatever.  Anyways, as I saw yesterday you're covered in scars." Ryker says, tracing a finger over what appears to be left from a claw that goes straight across Rusé's abdomen.  He's strong for sure, but built much softer than Ryker himself, less lithe and elegant.  The carpenter is tempted to indulge a little, but he's trying to make a point right now.  Rusé shivers. "I need you to take better care of yourself."

Rusé gently puts his hands onto Ryker's and pouts.

"If it'll make you happ-"

"No, I need you to care more about yourself, Rusé.  I know it's not easy.  But please, I can't have you doing what you do with so little regard for yourself.  It-- it just makes me really sad." Ryker admits, looking Rusé in the eye.  "If I have to, I'll sneak out and help you on your missions.  I don't want you to get hurt like you did yesterday.  Not if I can help it.  I don't want you to be in danger like that." Ryker says softly.

"...  Palmo is going to be pissed." Rusé jokes, lowering his gaze with a frown.  "I'll try, though.  Especially if it means I get to drag you around more often.  I think that alone makes it worth it; it gives me an excuse to see you." Rusé purrs, taking Ryker's hand and trailing it up his abdomen with a smirk.  

"H-hey, no he's not.  He'll understand, he's on my side." Ryker peeps.  As tantalizing as Rusé's soft, warm and inviting skin is, he pulls away.  Rusé chuckles, standing up as he brushes the sand off of his pants.

"That's good to hear.  So much for keeping us a secret though, how're you going to explain to him?" Rusé asks, resting his hands onto his hips as he watches Ryker get up.

"I-I'll figure it out.  And he won't tell anyone if he does know.  I hope." He says awkwardly.  "Well, it's really late now, you're probably needing to head back.  Honestly, I should too." Ryker admits.  Rusé nods with a small sigh.

"Tomorrow is beach day, so I want to be there for it.  Everyone is going to be swimming, I think.  Sounds like fun.  Besides, it'll be an excuse not to do any work at all." He points out, reaching out to gently run his fingers through Ryker's white hair.  "...  Good night.  Thanks for dealing with me, too.  And know that Livia and Scarlett sleep early like old women," Rusé smirks, "the back door to the Silo is always open if you wanna give me a little company.  I wouldn't mind you moonlighting as a visitor.  In fact, I invite it." The ranger practically purrs as he reaches for Ryker's hand, gingerly holding it up to his lips as he gently gives his knuckles a kiss.  Ryker stammers, staring at Rusé as he swallows dryly.

"I-I uh, good night." He manages to choke out in response, his nerves buzzing as Rusé gives him a wave and walks off back into the direction of the Silo, leaving Ryker standing as stiff as a scarecrow with a dumb smile on his face.

He's definitely dug his own grave for this, but he doesn't mind one bit.

Unrelated, but here's a sticker design I made for Ryker.

Chapter Text

Just as Summer comes, it's almost as if the season decided to hit the sleepy town of Rigbarth like a train, with azure skies, speckled white clouds, and a heaping of hot sunlight.  Rusé can't tell if it's just the placebo of ripping his calendar open to the next month, but no matter how much of the atmosphere is just in his head, the ranger can't help but buzz with excitement for the warmth to come.  Admittedly, Rusé doesn't enjoy the cold too much, so he's practically sitting at the edge of his seat, eager to bound towards the sandy beaches to bake with the other denizens of the SEED outpost.  Beach Day; something about the name of the holiday brings a sunny smile to his face, despite the fact that there's really nothing new happening besides Simone giving the okay that it's allowed to swim in the salty rides.  But like many others, Rusé is practically skipping barefoot across the toasty paths, grinning ear to ear like a child.

He doesn't mind his scars out in the open, deciding that after Cecil caught him neglect red-handed, what is there to hide?  If people wanted to comment about them, he can just be upfront about it; it's not a mystery that his job as a ranger is tough, and that he's a little hasty.  Sure, it's embarrassing, but it's nothing he can't handle; he jumped that hurdle last night.  The first person he runs into is unsurprisingly Martin, as the two head out in the same direction to head to Ripple Beach.  Cecil is right there behind him, who seems to be as cheery as always.

"Good morning, Rusé!  You're celebrating Beach Day, too?" The detective trainee chirps, running over to join the ranger's side.  He's in a swimsuit too, a russet-coloured one, more red than the loose knee-length trunks that Martin is wearing.  Rusé is wearing a shorter length pair of aqua blue trunks he picked up from Yuri, he finds the shade matches his eyes perfectly and even picks up a little bit of pearlescent iridescence from the sun.  Rusé gives the shorter man a nod, resting his hands onto his hips.

"Yeah, the weather sure is nice for it, too." Rusé comments, smiling towards the apprentice blacksmith who seems to be caught in a thought as he looks Rusé over.  Cecil hums, crossing his skinny arms, puffing out a cheek in wonder.

"Really?  It feels just like it was yesterday.  Oh, maybe it's just the excitement of summer getting to you!" Cecil laughs, beaming as he taps his head.  "That's what my detective's intuition says, anyways!" He announced, beaming.  This earns a roll of the eyes from Rusé.

"Don't ruin it for me." The ranger says in a deadpan, drawing out a nervous chuckle from Cecil as he turns to his much taller older brother.  

"C'mon Martin, I'm right, aren't I?" Cecil asks, grinning toothily.  This pulls Martin out of his trance as he turns to Cecil with a grunt.

"Huh?  Oh, probably.  … Hey Rusé, are you alright?" Martin asks, furrowing his brow up as he stares at the especially ugly scar on Rusé's shoulder.  Rusé turns to it and chokes out a laugh.  Great, the elephant in the room has been mentioned.

"Oh, I'm fine!  It's just, you know… bein' a ranger and all… Heheh, I really ought to be less reckless.  I got scolded pretty badly about it recently, so I'm going to try and do better." Rusé admits, red in the cheeks as he subconsciously crosses his arms over his bare chest.  Martin raises an eyebrow and nods.

"Just be careful.  You know, if your armor and weapons aren't… up to par with what you're fighting, you can always stop by the forge." He says plainly.  

"Yeah!  Martin is always talkin' about how happy he is when you come in!  You're his favorite cus-" Cecil says before his brother subtly bonks him on the head.  "H-hey!  Ow!" Cecil laughs, watching as Martin mutters something under his breath, red in the face as he starts crossing the bridge to the main street.  "Don't just walk away!  Wait up!" Cecil says, waving to Rusé as he hurries after his brother.  Rusé awkwardly raises his hand to wave back.

Cecil didn't even give him time to reply .  So he cups his hands around his mouth and shouts in response.

"Yeah!  I'll bring some good materials, too!" Rusé calls in a laugh, hopping back over to follow the two men enroute to the beach.  It isn't too long before Rusé trudges all the way over towards the rolling hills of scraggly grasses overlooking the sandy shores to the welcoming beach side.  The sun is so bright, that even the mottled patches of shade granted by the foliage and trees here and there feel like night and day in terms of temperature.  But Rusé loves the feeling of the sunshine beating down onto his hair, cheeks and freckled shoulders as he can't help but laugh as he runs across the soft sand, clumsily stumbling over the uneven ground as he runs towards the shore.  By this hour, mostly everyone else has huddled over by Ripple Beach, with most of the women taking shelter under a pergola.  Before taking a dive to the shore, he gives them a wave, freezing in place when Scarlett gets up from her bench with a sigh and storms over to him.

Rusé has never seen Scarlett out of uniform, especially in something so far from it.  Never did he imagine the half-elf was even capable of wearing a swimsuit, especially something as revealing as a bikini.  

"I thought it was odd that you never took any time with me at the hospital after we dealt with that bandit." She says, glaring down at Rusé and all of his scars.  "You look terrible ." She points out sternly.  Rusé narrows his eyes, shrinking meekly as he crosses his arms over his chest.

"You know, that's not a very nice thing to say in my grand swimsuit debut. " Rusé huffs, pursing his lips at the woman as she glares her ruby red eyes into his sapphire.  "You're gonna make me all self conscious and put a shirt on.  You'd do that to me?  On beach day?" He accuses, mostly jokingly, but it's obvious that this woman doesn't have a single funny bone in her body as she just squares her shoulders.

"That's not what I'm talking about.  I mean your injuries, ranger." She admits, her sharp gaze softening.  Rusé swears that his strict superior almost looks worried.   "Rusé, you saved my life earlier.  Without you, I would surely be dead at the hands of the basilisk.  If not that , then definitely from the heat and lava alone.  You are a very talented and dedicated ranger, but it's irresponsible to continue to fight if you must rest.  Tasks can wait, but your life cannot." Her gaze lowers.  "Does Livia know about your condition?  These scars don't look all that recent, I've been injured too, I know they're accumulative.  When I was younger, I was eager to rush into things, too.  To try and impress my father." Scarlett says, lowering her voice.

"No, I haven't told Livia." Rusé says softly, looking guilty.  He wasn't expecting this sort of talk with Scarlett at all, he was just expecting to be scolded.  Scarlett sighs and puts a firm hand onto Rusé's uninjured shoulder.  

"I will not report it to her, then.  But please try and get some rest.  You've been holding the mantle of SEED alone here for a while.  Let me carry some of the burden." She smiles, her pointed ears pricking up as she stands back up straight.  "I can take care of the fields and your chores.  But not forever, understood?" Scarlett says, resting her hand onto her slender hip.  Rusé looks at her wide-eyed before smiling sheepishly, blushing.

"Ah.  Yeah, that sounds good.  Understood, and thank-you, Scarlett." He chuckles.  "I feel like everyone is scolding me lately.  Is it a new trend?" He jokes, shoving his hands into his pockets as he grins.  Scarlett lets out one low chuckle, turning to Rusé with the corner of her eye.

"Don't make me change my mind."

"I'm joking, I'm joking!" Rusé laughs, watching as Scarlett hurries back towards the rest of the girls, who wonder what she was up to.  Rusé lets out a sigh, strolling back out to the water as he tries to see what everyone else is doing.  Reinhard like usual, is besides the princess's side (Rusé can't help but gulp dry-throated when he sees just how shredded he is, but shoves that thought deep into a corner of his mind), while Beatrice is as cheerful as she usually is, chattering away with Lucy and Priscilla.  As Rusé steps into the cool, salty drink he can't help but grin as he watches the waves splash over his toes and calves.  He turns back to the beach, spotting Murakumo on the sand with Julian and Hina, building sand castles.  It appears that Hina and Julian are trying to one-up one another, with heaps of sand towering even taller than Murakumo himself, who seems satisfied building something smaller and more practical.

But where's Ryker?  Surely, he's not asleep.  At least he hopefully isn't.  Rusé sighs under his breath, wading out from the ride as he cranes his neck out, trying to catch an eyeful of fluffy white hair on the beach.  Rusé even gets onto his toes, squinting through the sun until he finally spots Ryker and lets out a groan of dismay.  Dumbass is alone in the shade, away from the beach and huddled underneath a tree.  It seems the man at least dressed (or undressed?) for the occasion, wearing a pair of morpho-blue knee-length trunks.  Rusé sighs under his breath as he trudges across the beach over towards him, failing to sneak to his side as the ever-alert Ryker slowly sits up, turning to Rusé with a frown.

"Why the long face?" He asks Rusé who just pouts as he slowly sits down besides the halfling, giving him the side-eye.

"Good morning to you, too.  But are you seriously going to hide under a tree the entire Beach Day?" Rusé asks, reaching over to firmly poke at Ryker's muscular abdomen with a frown.  

"The sun doesn't like me.  I'll burn to a crisp." He counters, rolling his eyes as he lays back down with a crunch of the grass beneath him.  

"You're even dressed for the occasion.  You've done this much, aren't you gonna see it through?" Rusé complains, leaning over Ryker with a glare, only to have the man below him gently push his face away with a roll of his silvery eyes.

"I mean, it's kind of a requirement.  Simone would probably force me to drink something weird if I didn't." He comments.

"That's not true!  Come on!" Rusé whines, gently tugging at a lock of the man's white hair as he strains against his stubborn hand.  

"W-well, I'll still burn!" Ryker huffs, pulling his head away as Rusé continues to attempt to prod and tug at his partner.  Rusé sighs and pulls back, giving Ryker a firm look before holding his hands out and wiggling his fingers, his flat expression twisting into a wicked grin.

"I can put sunblock on you.  It'll only take a second, and then you won't have any excuse not to enjoy the day like the rest of us, moon-boy." Rusé cackles, narrowing his bright blue eyes into dangerous slits.  "And I'll make sure not to miss any spots , how about that?" He teases.  But Ryker, while obviously embarrassed by Rusé's choice of words, turns his head the other way, causing Rusé to freeze.  Really?!  No reaction??

"I already put some on." He mutters.  Rusé harrumphs and stands up, grabbing Ryker by the arm and forcing him up, despite the latter trying to squirm out of his grip.  "Hey!  Hey, let me go!  What the hell are you doing, man??"

"You're not going to burn, asshole!  You big baby, you're already lathered up-- you're coming to the water with me!" Rusé laughs, dragging Ryker along before the halfling admits defeat, stumbling to his feet, letting Rusé pull him along triumphantly.  "Besides, what's your beef with coming along anyways?" Rusé asks, glancing over his shoulder to see Ryker blushing, looking down with his lips sucked in.  The man gulps and sighs from his nose.  

"It's gonna be hard to keep us a secret if I'm gonna be staring at you in a swimsuit the whole time." He mutters under his breath.  He peeks upwards at Rusé through his messy white bangs.  He is really cute like this, practically sparkling underneath the sun.  Maybe the day isn't as miserable as he always thought it was, it practically makes the ranger glow .  Ryker sighs, defeatedly.  "Look, it's not my fault you have a cute ass. " He grumbles under his breath, looking to Rusé in utter defeat who only grins, his brows raised in amusement.

"I suppose that's a good enough reason.  But don't let my butt stop you from enjoying Beach Day, alright?" He responds in a whisper, giving Ryker's arm a firm grip before he lets go.  "You look great in a swimsuit, too.  But chin up, if you want to perform this charade, you'd better be up for it.  Because it is your fault if you stare." Rusé reminds Ryker as he darts over towards the water, eager to kick at the ride as he does so.  Ryker sighs deeply as his shoulders slouch, following Rusé closely behind, but stopping when he hears a familiar childish barking pass him by.

"Rrrr gao gao rawr gao!" Fuuka yaps as she charges towards the shore, her tail wagging up a storm.  Admittedly, Ryker still has trouble understanding what the fuck she's even saying.  The other girls follow behind her, with Lucy holding a ball in her arms, holding it eagerly above her head.  

"Wow Rusé, did you really manage to drag Ryker out of a nap?" Lucy laughs, elbowing Rusé in the side who smirks in response.

"It's one of the skills I learned as a SEED ranger." He jokes, pointing to the ball gripped in her hands.  "You guys gonna play a game?"

"Yup!" She declares, tossing it up and down as she holds her chin up high.  "In fact, I think everyone should play!  I bet if we split into teams, I'll finally be able to beat you!" Lucy laughs, narrowing her eyes at Rusé who just chuckles in response, glancing around him.  Oh, so they're going to play a game?

"B-but Lucy, we don't have a net." Priscilla points out, peeking over her.  By now, all of the ruckus has attracted most of the other beachgoers as well, including Hina and Julian whose sand castles seem to be about even-- or were even, if they hadn't collapsed onto themselves due to being hilariously unstructually sound.  The disaster seems to have smashed Murakumo's sandcastle, as the two inevitably toppled on top of it.

"I- Um, why don't we use some of the fishing net?  By the shade-thing?" Lucy suggests, pointing towards the stacked barrels and netting resting beside the pergola.  "Hey Ryker, you're Palmo's apprentice!  I'm sure you can put together a net with that!" She says, grinning at Ryker who just curls up his nose and crosses his arms.

"What?! Are you kidding me…" Ryker scoffs in dismay.  Did he really get dragged out here to do manual labor?  "Damn it, can I just go back to sleep…?" He grumbles under his breath, earning a snort of laughter from Rusé.  

"I doubt he'd be able to do it anyways." Martin deadpans, walking over towards the others with Cecil right behind him, his hands full of shells and his big eyes glittering with excitement.  "After all, all he does is sleep." Martin points out, giving Ryker a glare who returns the gesture.

"It's not that I CAN'T do it, I don't want to spend my day off putting together a stupid net…!" He scoffs, pushing his hair over his ear as he scowls at the taller man.  Martin just shakes his head in disapproval, glancing over towards Rusé.

"... I can help you put it together if you want.  After all, everyone else looks like they want to play ball." Martin says towards the ranger who perks up in surprise.  He peers around awkwardly, noticing everyone crowding around, trying to see what all of the commotion is about.

"Please?  It'll be so much fun!" Julian says, grinning.  "I can help too!"

"Me too!" Hina says, waving her hand in the air to get Rusé's attention.  Rusé chuckles and sighs, turning to Ryker with a shrug.

"Damn it!  Okay, okay.  Fine, I'll put the net together.  Geez, you guys…" Ryker mutters as he trudges out of the water, grumbling.  "You guys can come and help if you want." He huffs, glancing over his shoulder as Hina and Julian cheer, following the halfling close behind.  

"Are you gonna help?" Rusé asks Martin who just shrugs.

"I mostly spoke up so the idiot would budge.  But yeah, I guess I should." He comments, following the ranger out of the water, joined Lucy and Priscilla as well.

"I wanted to do the game in the first place, if I didn't help, I'd look like a real jerk." She points out, smiling nervously at Rusé as she runs on by.  Putting the net together wasn't too hard, especially since most of it included tying the ends of the nets together to make a bigger net.  Some of the nets are so old, they practically disintegrate under Rusé's fingers, and some are so caked in seaweed and algae, the fibers simply refuse to bend.  But Ryker doesn't seem to have any trouble, his fingers easily taming the unruly strands, braiding them together without a hitch.  Rusé watches in fascination as the man quietly works, focused to pinpoint accuracy as he goes from one loop to the next in quick succession.  

"You're much better than me at this." Rusé comments softly, only drawing a grunt of acknowledgement out of Ryker as he glances up briefly.  "You're good with your hands, huh?" He teases with a giggle under his breath.  Ryker lets out a soft choking noise, his face turning bright red as he fumbles his next tie, giving the ranger a look of exasperation.

"Not now." He says through clenched teeth, now too flustered to continue his streak.  Rusé just bubbles over laughing, earning some funny looks from the other helpers.  Before long, the netting is finished and tied up between two large posts stabbed deep into the sand with the help of Murakumo.  It doesn't take long before the two teams are split up, with a few of the people content with spectating on the side.

"I'm surprised you're not sitting this out." Rusé comments to Ryker by his side who just rolls his eyes.

"While Martin is playing?  Yeah, no.  I wanna kick his fucking ass." Ryker says through gritted teeth.  On the other side is Hina, Lucy, Martin, Murakumo and Priscilla.  Standing on Rusé's side, he has Ryker, Beatrice, Reinhard and Julian.  

"My lady, are you sure you want to do this?" Reinhard fusses over the princess who just smiles innocently at her knight.

"Of course!  It looks to be a lot of fun!  And I've never done anything like this before!" She says, only earning a nervous look from Rusé.  He has a bad feeling this friendly match of ball is going to get really competitive really fast.  He anxiously turns to the grinning giant purple wolf man-- the same one who can stomp holes clean through hardwood by accident .

If the mamadoodle didn't kill him, he knows what can .  

"Alright, you'd better get ready to lose!" Lucy laughs, tossing the ball high up into the air before serving it, leaping into the air and striking it with the blade of her hand, causing the ball to let out a sharp and hollow noise as it barrels towards the ranger.  Rusé readies his stance.

"A-am I supposed to hit it back??" He asks, only for the ball to be smacked back over the net by Ryker who steps in front of the crouching blonde.

"Yup, that's the point of the game!  If you hit the ball and it hits the ground on their side, that's our point!" He explains.  Rusé nods quickly, watching as Murakumo steps out of the way of the ball so Hina cat bat at it.

"Mmph!" She grunts as she smacks the ball, causing it to bump off of her hands and bounce off of the net.  

"That's our point too if something like that happens." Ryker chuckles, but Julian shouts in disapproval.

"T-that didn't count!  Let her try again!" He calls out, pulling some sighs from the players in the match.  Murakumo leans down and hands the ball back to Hina, who smiles at her uncle.  After sucking in a deep breath, the little girl smacks it again, this time causing the ball to go over the net, only for Beatrice to excitedly bump it back over.

"Oh, I hit it!" She chirps excitedly as the ball moves over to Priscilla who squeaks in alarm as the ball sails over to her.  The pinkette shies out of the way of it, causing the ball to land harmlessly in the sand.

"That's one point to team Rusé!" Cecil shouts from the crowd, grinning.  

"Huh?  When did I get to be the team captain?" Rusé laughs in response, shaking a fist at Cecil.  "I don't even know how to play!" 

"Deal with it!" Cecil chuckles back, leaning back against the tree he was resting against as he and Fuuka fawn over the pieces of sea glass and shells that they had gathered from earlier.

"Gao gao… (sparkly…)" She babbles, holding a pretty green piece up in the air as her fluffy ears twitch.  

The game rages on a while longer, with both teams picking up points.  Thankfully, Murakumo has mostly handed the ball over to Hina every time to let his niece score.  However, when the points are neck in neck, Cecil leaps to his feet once more, cupping his hands around his mouth.

"Match point!" He calls out, grinning.  They've been playing for so long that sweat beads up onto Rusé's skin and the sun is high up in the sky by now-- maybe he should've taken a leaf from Scarlett's book and sat on the sidelines too, especially since they're both recovering.  "One more point and my brother's team wins!"

"Damn it, Rusé we can't lose!" Ryker says to Rusé, who seems just as exhausted as he is.  Ryker has definitely busted his ass to keep up, it almost seems like he's aiming his spikes at Martin with the blacksmith's apprentice doing the same to him.  Rusé just chuckles nervously, glancing over towards Murakumo with a gulp.

"M-maybe it'll be good if we just accept the loss and move on." Rusé stammers.

"Hina, uncle's gonna score now and win us the game!" Murakumo says, grinning towards the glittery-eyed little beast girl as she nods excitedly before sticking her tongue out at Julian.

"Hey, no fair!  That's not fair!" Julian protests, and Rusé has to agree, fighting the urge to just duck out before disaster happens by the hands of a big purple man.

"You hear that, I'm going to beat you, Rusé!  And you'll never be able to live down this challenge!" Lucy boasts, getting ready to serve the ball as she tosses it gloatingly between her hands.

"Eat shit, Ryker." Martin deadpans with a smirk.  Ryker balls his hands into fists and seethes .  

"Y-yeah?  Yeah right!  Come on, Rusé, let's kick their asses!  I'll channel my special powers… um, albeit weakened by the evil star beating down on me…" Ryker mutters as Rusé stares at him tiredly.  "Or… uh, not." He gulps, following Rusé's gaze to Murakumo cracking his knuckles.  Oh.   Rusé nods knowingly before tightening his stance to get ready for the hell to come.  

"Let's just avoid Murakumo and maybe we'll have a chance.  If you hit it hard towards Priscilla, she'll just let us have the point." Rusé whispers.

"Dude, you're kind of evil." Ryker laughs, rolling his shoulders out before getting his hands ready.  Enthusiastically, Lucy leaps on the sand to serve the ball, sending it flying to Julian who manages to knock it into the air with a yelp of surprise.

"Hey!" Julian yells at his sister as Rusé dives behind Julian to save the ball, knocking it towards Reinhard.  Effortlessly, the powerful knight slams the ball towards Martin who spikes it towards Ryker.  

"Aim for someone else!" Ryker yells, smacking it back towards Priscilla, who shrinks out of the way meekly to Lucy who manages to save it by stepping in front of her best friend.  The woman smirks as she bumps it over towards Murakumo, and the second that happens, mostly everyone on Rusé's team knows what's going to happen as they dive out of the way as the powerful beastman spikes the ball so hard it practically screams.  The strike from Murakumo's fist alone hitting the ball is so loud it almost sounds metallic.

" Get down, my lady!" Reinhard shouts as he notices Beatrice cluelessly standing there, wondering why Julian, Rusé and Ryker are hightailing it.  The ball sails over to him at breakneck speed, with Reinhard stepping in the way of the missile as he blocks with his arms, letting out a cry as the projectile explodes into pieces of rubber, cloth, and sand as it collides with the stoic knight.  He's knocked back a few paces, his feet drawing lines in the sand as he's dragged backwards from the force alone, staggering to his knees as he looks at the red mark left from the impact.

"Whoa." Rusé mutters, peeking out from behind Ryker who looks just as frazzled as the ranger.

"Geez…" Julian exclaims, looking to Reinhard in a mixture of respect and fear.  There's an awkward pregnant silence until Lucy exclaims.

"M-my ball!  You're not supposed to destroy it, Murakumo!  Aw, man!" She huffs, crossing her arms at the beastman who just shrinks in embarrassment.  

"I guess nobody wins." Cecil says in disappointment as he walks over to where the ball lays in pieces, picking up a shred of it.  "Oh well!  Maybe next time, I mean we have all season, don't we?" He chirps.

"Yeah, maybe next time you can play, too!" Beatrice says, holding her hands together politely.  Cecil widens his eyes and glances nervously to Reinhard and then to Murakumo.

"M-maybe uh, one day." He says awkwardly, shuffling back to his place underneath the tree with Fuuka.

By the time the game has settled down and everyone has managed to find and throw away all of the pieces of Lucy's poor ball, the sun shines scarlet overhead.  Time sure flies when you're having fun, that's what Rusé thinks at least.  With many of the beachgoers retiring for the evening, exhausted from the heated game, Ryker and Rusé find themselves back under the shade of the tree that the ranger met up with his partner in the morning.

"Are you tired?" Rusé asks Ryker who's practically collapsed, gazing up at Rusé.  The man shrugs, patting the space next to him.

"I mean, aren't you?  We worked so hard for that win and yet, it still slipped between our fingers.  Damn it, I really wanted to rub it in Martin's face." He huffs, watching as Rusé flops down besides him, scooting close enough for their knees to touch.  

"You two get along so well.  You're always thinking about him, I'm kind of jealous." Rusé jokes, glancing over towards the beach, seeing that only Hina and Julian remain.  They're starting over their sand castles in the far distance.  He doubts they could see him, especially under the cover of the trees and brush.  Ryker grumbles in response, scooting even closer so that their hips are flush against one another.

"That's not true-- we're like oil and water.  He just pisses me off." Ryker grumbles, scowling at nothing in particular.  Rusé chuckles, lidding his eyes.

"See?  You're thinking about him right now ." Rusé points out gently.  He rolls onto his side with a peaceful grin, reaching over to twirl a lock of Ryker's long, pretty hair around a fingertip.  "It's like he lives in your head, rent free."

"That's not true.  In fact, I'm only thinking about you right now." Ryker comments, his cheeks reddening as he smiles at Rusé.  "I couldn't stop thinking about how cute you are.  I probably gave us away today, damn it." He breathes out, reaching over to rest his palm onto the dip of Rusé's soft waist.  Despite the ranger being riddled in scars and obvious muscle definition, he's still so soft .  And warm, too.  "It's hard having to pretend to not look at you when I spend the whole day looking at you." He complains softly, tracing his curious hand up the bumps of the man's side, feeling out his ribs.  Rusé shivers, watching Ryker through his long golden lashes.

"I'm not sure that's how that works.  You can't not do something while you're doing it." He points out, laughing through his nose as he scoots even closer.  "But I get what you're saying."

"You do?" Ryker asks, stopping his palms at Rusé's chest, his eyes widening.  

"No, not really.  But I understand the intent, at least." Rusé admits, his own face heating up from the attention.  "Actions speak louder than words after all." He hums, his own fingertips finding the small of his boyfriend's back.  "You're being awfully bold."

"I'm always bold." Ryker huffs, feeling out Rusé's stomach.  The juxtaposition between his rough and tough scars to silken alabaster skin is fascinating .  The halfling swallows as he just feeds his need and curiosity more, leaning in to gently kiss at the pulse of Rusé's neck, pulling out a small hum of surprise.  

"Bolder than usual, then." Rusé breathes out, grinning fuzzily down at Ryker as the halfling nibbles at his sensitive skin.

Rusé has decided he's very appreciative for Beach Day, thanking Livia for this much-needed day off.

Chapter Text

It's a strange sight for Rusé, like looking into a mirror when Lucas wandered into town.  Tall and dressed as elegantly as a prince, with long dark grey hair and eyes as golden as the ranger's hair; those very eyes all too familiarly vacant and confused.  Despite his age seeming to be about a decade older than Rusé himself, the tall man appeared in town gazing about in wonder like a child left alone in a toy store, wandering off to the Great Tree Plaza and staring off at the mighty tree as if he's gazing upon a heavenly beacon.  Rusé can't help but find himself staring at the eccentric and clueless stranger, only to be pulled back to reality when a little hand pokes the small of his back.

"O-oh!" Rusé gasps, turning around to see horns, ears, and light pink hair.  Hina smiles up at the ranger, putting her little hands together in excitement.

"Are you here to see Lucas' magic tricks, too?" She asks excitedly, her fluffy tail wagging as she points towards the supposed Lucas.  "He just appeared yesterday and did all sorts of cool stuff!" She chirps.  "It's so cool!" She beams.  Rusé smiles down at the little girl, adjusting his sky blue cap.  It's been a few days since the coming of summer and the eventful Beach Day, and thankfully, the ranger finds himself in new yet familiar threads.  His new seed uniform is just the same as the last one, but it's nice not wearing something that's more stains and mud than fabric.  With the heat too, Rusé also decided to finally pull his hat off of his hook, finding it to be a little too small for his head.

"Magic tricks?  Huh.  I'd better ask about them!" Rusé chirps.  "Are you playing with Julian today?" He asks, watching Hina's smile fade into a pout as she grips and pulls down the hem of her skirt.

"...  No, he has a lotta chores." She huffs, earning a small chuckle from Rusé.  "Lucy really yelled at him yesterday!" She exclaims.

"Well, when he's done with those, I'm sure you guys can have fun together.  Don't go running off to the woods though, alright?" Rusé says, giving the little girl a wave before he starts walking over towards Lucas, who's idly scratching at the stubble around his chin.  Rusé clears his throat as he approaches the gentleman, who lets out a small hum of surprise, turning towards the ranger with a pleasant smile.

"Oh, good morning to you.  It's a lovely day, isn't it?" He says, his voice pleasant and mature enough.  "I was just fascinated by this huge tree here.  I can't say I've ever seen a tree this large." He mutters to himself.

"R-right.  You're Lucas, right?  I'm Rusé, a SEED ranger stationed here.  I hear that you've been performing tricks for the children?" He asks, glancing at Hina who's already toddling away in the direction of the river.  Lucas hums, raising an eyebrow in thought as he stares at the diminutive man dressed in uniform.

"Yes, that is indeed me.  I can't say I know what a SEED ranger is, and I've been performing my miracles.  Would you like to see?" He asks, crouching down to pick up a pebble no bigger than a walnut.  Rusé flattens his lips in concern.  Is this guy a foreigner?  So far, the only person he's met who didn't know what SEED was himself.  Because of literal amnesia .

"I um-- in a moment, sir.  Are you from around here?  I don't believe I've ever seen you pass through Rigbarth.  The kids don't seem to recognize you at a-"

"Ah!  Rigbarth!  So that is the name of this quaint little town." He says with a smile.  "And no, I'm not from around here, I'm afraid.  In fact, I don't know where I'm from at all!" Lucas laughs easily, as if the information he just dropped isn't upsetting in the slightest.  Rusé's throat suddenly feeds dry, giving him the urge to clear it.  Did this man somehow lose his memories as well?  Is this somehow connected to Oswald?  He recalls Scarlett getting some brain fog when she got affected by the bandit's spell, so for a while, Rusé couldn't help but wonder if a spell similar to that was the reason he lost his own memories, but his issue isn't brain fog.

"Sir, I mean.  Um.  Lucas.  Did you happen to lose your memories?" Rusé stammers, practically watching the gears go off in the man's head as he eventually just lets out a hum.

"Yes.  That seems to be the case.  I just happened to end up in this lovely town, only remembering my name and some of the miracles that I can perform.  Like this!" He says, obviously unbaffled by this realization as he simply shows the pebble to Rusé with a smile, snapping his fingers.  Rusé is too busy staring at Lucas nonplussed to realize that with the sharp sound, the pebble resting in his hand has vanished.  "Like so!  It is now snugly fit inside of your pocket." Lucas says, unaware to the Ranger's bewilderment.

"Lucas, you have amnesia?  Hold on, how are you not bothered by this?" He stammers, holding his hands out in exasperation.

"Please check your pocket, my pebble has miraculously teleported inside of it." Lucas says, pointing to Rusé's hip.  Rusé lets out a little scoff, shoving his hand into his pocket to find the little stone.  Sure it's amazing and all, but…!  In a way, Rusé is jealous.  He went through so many stages of panic, grief, and miserable self reflection over his lost identity and this weirdo in a purple tailcoat is just happy to be here!  Ignorance sure is bliss, isn't it?!  Rusé sighs, staring at the warm rock in his hand as he reluctantly shows it off to Lucas who just chuckles.

"Yeah.  That's cool and all.  But I'm going to have to take you into the Silo and ask you some questions.  I lost my memories a season ago, and a fellow ranger has risked losing her own, too.  It's for your own good, Lucas." Rusé sighs, looking at the smooth little pebble one more time before slipping it back into his pocket.  

"Oh, you've lost your memories too?" Lucas says, simply following Rusé as the man starts heading away from the plaza in direction of the Silo.

…

Rusé eventually finds himself inside of Livia's office, slumped in one of her chairs like the wind has been socked out of him.  Livia looks almost just as tired, her plump child-like cheek squished in one of her palms as she leans against it, staring at Lucas who sits upright in his chair with a smile.  

"So, you remember waking up in a frozen cave?" She asks, her tone somewhere between a groan and a yawn as she uses her free hand to fiddle with one of her pigtails.  "And that's all you remember.  Sounds to me that something happened to you inside of the Crystal Caverns.  Dunno what, or why you're somewhere like that, but if it's worth a shot to take you back there and jog your memories, I'd say it's a shot worth taking." She sighs, her tired gaze drifting over back towards Rusé who snaps back to attention, sitting up.  "I know you're supposed to be on a break, but since you also lost your memories, I feel like you should be the one to escort this gentleman." She says, finally sitting up as she rolls her shoulders back like an old woman, grunting as the joints pop.  Rusé sighs .  

A lead is a lead, that's true.  And if it means helping out someone who has to suffer through the same fate as himself, he can't really say no.

"I feel the same way, captain.  Are you fine with this, Lucas?  You're okay with staying here too while we figure things out, yeah?" Rusé asks, looking over to the man who just seems excited and curious about what's to come.  

"Yes!  That sounds intriguing.  While it may not seem obvious, I am plagued with worries, too.  I wish to uncover my memories.  But know in the meantime, I'm overjoyed by Rigbarth's hospitality as well.  I'll do my best to help in whatever way I must." He says with a wise nod.

"Right.  Well, you two figure out when you're going.  It's cold over there, so make sure you dress up." Livia says, scooting her chair back with a squeak as she slides out of it.  "I'm going to have my lunch soon, so let me know how it goes when it's done." She comments.

Rusé gives Livia a funny look before nodding.  Strange, is something on the captain's mind?  She's usually much more involved than this.  The look on her amber gaze seems a little distant too as she shuffles away over towards the foyer of the Silo on silent feet.

"Yes, ma'am.  Lucas, would you like to go tomorrow morning?  We can meet here around ten." Rusé asks, glancing over to the magician who just gives him a nod in response.

"A lovely idea.  I'm excited to see what comes tomorrow!  For now, I'll book a room at the lovely inn owned by that beastman." Lucas says, standing up.  He takes special care to smooth out the wrinkles of his suit and his pants.  Rusé sighs , realizing that Murakumo is once again going above and beyond for strangers; probably by offering this man free lodging.  Well, if Rusé may be honest, he prefers that over having to pay out of pocket himself.  The ranger nods, getting up before giving Livia one final look before he leaves as well.

"I'd better get ready, then.  Make sure you sleep well, take care, Lucas." Rusé says softly, trudging over towards the door as Lucas gets up to leave.  It sounds like it's going to be an eventful day tomorrow, much to Rusé's own dismay.  He was happy to be on vacation, damn it!  But alas, good things don't seem to last as he trudges his way up the stairs to his own attic lodging.  Since he's moved upstairs to the Silo, what the space makes up for in lack of privacy it makes up in space.  The attic is absolutely massive , which both gives Rusé plenty of space to leave furniture haphazardly placed around like an animal, as well as making dusting and mopping a nightmare.  

Rusé's attic is not neat by any means, with his bed unkempt as a sea of blankets and pillows (he eventually stole Livia's blanket which the captain left around downstairs since he grew a liking to it after the mysterious somebody burritoed him inside of it.)  There are mismatched and discarded clothes on the ground, and stacks of monster bits and materials heaped in barrels and crates.  Even his storage box can't even close it's so jammed-packed with random shit , which is a feat to behold seeing as the apparatus is magical much like his rucksack, and yet still can't manage to fit the dozens of rolls of crusty chipsqueek hide just jammed inside of it.  At the very least, his kitchen is kept as clean as a whistle even if the appliances and tables aren't even lined up correctly.

Rusé lets out a tired groan, taking off his hat as he frisbees it to the dining table.  He doesn't have any clothes fit for the task set for tomorrow.  Maybe he can make do with a fire spell?  Well, that could work, if he weren't so flammable.  After Rusé tosses his shoes to the wall with a thump, he starts pacing back and forth with a frown, lips in his hand as he figures out how on Earth tomorrow is even going to work.  Maybe he can just layer up his clothes?  Surely, his uniform can fit a few more shirts underneath it.  

However, Rusé's thoughts are interrupted by a tapping at his window, practically causing him to jump, awkwardly stumbling over his discarded pyjamas on the floor before falling face-first into his bed.  Rusé grunts, looking up with a glare to see a familiar face through the sheer windows, giving the ranger a well-knowing grin.  

"Ryker!" Rusé huffs, scooting over towards his window with a pout as he wrenches it open.  "There's a door , you know!  Did you-- you climbed the side of the Silo." He mutters under his breath, craning his head out of the window to see the carpenter hanging onto the wooden paneling for dear life, knees shaking a little.

"And here I am, sneaking in through your window.  I thought it would be fun." He sighs, awkwardly reaching over to grip onto the sides of the window as he just flings himself into Rusé's room with a thud, landing surprisingly gracefully if his cloak didn't tangle up around his legs.  Rusé sighs, giving Ryker a tired smile as he sits down.

"It's broad daylight, I think climbing the side of the building is anything but stealthy." He mutters as he just pulls in his legs to sit cross legged.  "Also, it's nice to see you.  I don't think you've ever seen my humble abode .  My secret lair. " Rusé jokes.  Ryker lets out a small laugh from his nose.

"You said you lived in an attic, and well, yeah.  It's definitely an attic.  You live like this?" Ryker asks, picking up a sock from the ground and tossing it into Rusé's lap.  The ranger rolls his eyes.

"Funny, you act like I have time to clean.  Every patrol I go on, I get more shit .  I don't even have anywhere to put most of it, but I've found that all of it is useful one way or another." Rusé says with a shrug.  "They're my treasures." He hums.  Ryker walks over to Rusé's kitchen setup and frowns.

"You're doing this to the tables I've worked so hard on too?  Why aren't they… Why are they so crooked?!" He laughs, pointing at Rusé's awful arrangement.  The ranger blushes and tosses his sock back at Ryker with a huff.

"Well, I'm sorry I'm not an architect!" 

"You don't need to be an architect to push some tables together!" Ryker comments as he starts sliding some of the tables together.  There's a pause as Rusé quietly watches his partner shove his appliances into order, slowly just flopping over onto his side like a tube of jello.  He's exhausted.  

"Did you just wanna see me?  I thought we only met after hours." Rusé asks, cracking open one eye to watch the man work.  "You're awfully lively.  Since the sun is still up and all that."

"Is that a crime?  Besides, we don't have any rules written in stone.  Who's gonna suspect anything?  Friends hang out." Ryker says, walking back over to sit on the edge of Rusé's bed beside him.  "I've been working hard lately, so Palmo is giving me a break.  We just finished up a huge order, so it's a sweet release finally being done with that hell." He sighs, carding his fingers through his snowy hair.  "But what about you?  You're acting more like me.  What, am I rubbing off that much?" He jokes.  Rusé grunts and rolls onto his back.

"I had to deal with somebody and now my vacation is over.  I gotta drag a wandering amnesiac to a frozen cave tomorrow morning." Rusé mutters under his breath, covering his face with his hands.  "That Lucas guy, I don't know if you've met him, but apparently he showed up a day or two ago.  I went and questioned him since it's always a red flag when strangers show up and try to play with the children." He grumbles.  Ryker lets out an incredulous giggle, pulling his hood down to get a better look at Rusé.

"So another amnesiac?  There's been two of those lately, and I think that's two more than I've ever met.  And besides, you shouldn't rag on the guy too much when you literally appeared by running over to a little girl in your underwear ." Ryker teases.  Rusé groans louder , his ears turning pink in embarrassment as he reaches over to give Ryker's arm a firm pinch.

"Don't do me like that.  It's not like I wanted to be half naked." He whines, finally looking over to peek up at the smirking halfling.  "And we're nothing alike.  The guy seems practically unbothered by the fact he's lost his memories and it's pissing me off.  Why can't I be that…. Unbothered?" He moans, throwing his head back in irritation.  "And now I have to go up to the winter wonderland and freeze my toes off.  It's supposed to be summer, damn it." 

"I don't think I've ever heard you complain this much." Ryker says, looking over to Rusé in concern.  He lays back too with a grunt and a flop, looking over to the ranger with a half-smile.  "Well, lucky for you…. I have the day off so I'll just tag along, then.  I'll even attempt to sleep early, just for you."

"Oh, wow.  What a sacrifice." Rusé grumbles under his breath, a sarcastic bite to his tone.  He can understand why Ryker wants to stick around, they haven't seen each other much since Beach Day, but even so.  "It's official SEED business and potentially confidential, since we're dealing with something delicate, you know.  A guy's lost memories." Ruse explains, looking up when he hears his bed creak as Ryker gets up on his knees.

"No, I'm coming.  I don't want you to get hurt or freeze to death or something.  The last time you went out on official business, you got rotisseried , don't forget it.  Damn it, Rusé.  What's gonna happen this time, you're gonna turn into ice cream??" 

"What?  So you can eat me?  That's a joke, um.  Come on.  Have some faith in me, please.  Look, I'm just tired .  There's a lot going on in my mind and if I find out something in that frozen cave that'll stir the pot, I don't want you to be there if my mood gets sour.  Also with the confidentiality stuff too.  That's important." Rusé breathes out, looking up at Ryker as he just crosses his arms, scowling down at him.  Rusé lets out a long sigh from his nose.  "But I have a feeling you'd tail me even if I kept insisting you don't come."

"And you wouldn't even know I'd be there." Ryker coos, leaning in to rest his forehead up against Rusé's, earning a tired laugh from the ranger as his fingers find the man's long fluffy white hair, idly tangling within it.  

"I never thought you'd be so clingy." Rusé says, closing his eyes and smiling.  

"I'm not clingy." Ryker huffs, giving his boyfriend a kiss on the forehead.  "I just don't want you to freeze to death."

"Are you sure it's not an excuse to see me?  Because I wouldn't mind that." Rusé hums, cracking an eye open to glance at the open stairway that leads down to the hub of the Silo.  "Also, I don't have a door.  If there's anyone downstairs, they can probably hear everything louder than a whisper." Rusé chuckles, watching as Ryker immediately sits up, looking behind himself like a spooked cat.  

"Oh, geez.  You really weren't lying about privacy, huh?" He stammers, moving to sit next to Rusé instead, red in the face.  Rusé laughs, reaching over to grab at his hand.

"Were you too busy stressing over the furniture to notice the open stairway?" He snickers, narrowing his eyes.  "It's fine, though.  We've done worse.  …On a more serious note, though, I think I need to shut my eyes for a bit." Rusé says with a wide-mouthed yawn.  He clicks his tongue and smiles.  "You can join me for the nap if you're feeling bold enough.  Nobody really walks up here." He whispers.  "I'd like it.  If you did that." He mutters, gauging Ryker's reaction as the halfling fidgets with the woolen edge of Rusé's stolen blanket.  

"For some reason, it's a lot more daunting to take a nap in your bed with you.  Rather than uh, finding a nice place outside." Ryker gulps, peeking over at Rusé who's smirking impishly.  

"Ah, right.  Sleeping five feet apart." He laughs softly.  "Like two respectable gentlemen with no feelings towards one another.  Mhm." Rusé lids his eyes, peeking through long gilded lashes.  "I was hoping we could cuddle a little.  I haven't been able to see you in like, four days." Rusé sighs, dramatically rolling to face the other way.  "I kind of assumed today would be the fifth.  The last thing I was expecting was having you trying to break in like a thief." He giggles, closing his sapphire eyes.  "You're a pleasant surprise."

Ryker lets out a sheepish chuckle, laying back down to pull Rusé's back to his chest, cradling his head in his neck with a smile.  Rusé, even in his uniform full of hard leather edges and buckles, still manages to be so soft and warm.  Rusé hums happily, tilting his head back to snuggle up against Ryker's chin, his golden hair soft to the touch.  "Yeah.  Like that.  Your chains are kind of hard, though." Rusé jokes.  "What, are you so happy to get the cloak fixed that you don't want to take it off?"

"I'll take it off if you take off those pauldrons." Ryker retorts with a chuckle.  "Why do you even need to protect your shoulders?"

"It's the dress code, love.  And you have a deal." Rusé hums, sitting back up briefly to unbuckle the belts fastening the leather armour to his slender frame, dropping it to the hardwood floor to join the rest of his clothes.  Ryker shrugs off his cloak in the same way, only to pull Rusé back into the hug as he flops back over.  The couple is quiet for a bit, just happy to bask in one another's company before Ryker speaks up.

"A thief, huh?" He asks softly, barely a whisper against Rusé's ear.  "If I were a thief, would you arrest me?" He asks, almost hesitantly even if he phrases it like a flirtatious joke.  Rusé hums.

"Nah.  I'm not that serious about my job, Scarlett more than makes up for me in enthusiasm.  You could probably get away with a lot more than petty thievery.  I'd still adore you all the same." Rusé chuckles.  "But if you were a thief, I have to say… you did a dandy job at taking my heart." He hums.  Something about the soft way that Rusé phrased sends a shiver up the halfling's spine, causing him to bubble out in a stilted chuckle.  

"It's… Definitely the most precious thing I'd ever dream to steal." Ryker admits shyly, relief rushing through him.  "It's probably the greatest treasure in the world." He comments.  His father would be jealous , probably.  Maybe.  Hopefully .  

"Well, aren't you suave.  Keep it safe, okay?" Rusé giggles, looking up to gently kiss Ryker on the side of his jaw before relaxing once more.  "...  Because I'm happy where I am.  I don't want to leave." He peeps, wrapping his hands around Ryker's arms holding him in an embrace.  

Ryker glances down at Rusé.

"I won't." He says softly.  He wishes with all of his heart that it could be true.  But could it?  When the shadow of the monolithic legacy of Basara hangs over his head heavier than the moon.  Even with that, Ryker doesn't want to let Rusé go, SEED ranger or not.  It's a pipedream, but even so, he wants to cling to it with every fibre of his being.  Ryker holds Rusé a little tighter.  "...I won't." He says again, softer this time.

Sorry for the long time it took to update!  Life happened.  Here's a Lucas sticker I designed!

Chapter Text

The wintry hills stretch as far as the naked eye can see, glimmering and almost too bright underneath the chilly sun that blazes overhead.  Yumina Lake, even with the summer, is as cold as it always is, tucked so high up in the mountains and protected by a mighty rainshadow.  It's a chore to traverse as well, with any remnants of paths buried by feet of beaten-down snow, and swarming with monsters eager for a bite of flesh in the scarcity of the cold.  

"Ah, what a beautiful sight.  The way that the ice and snow twinkles beneath the sunlight…" Lucas fawns, scratching at his chin with gloved hands as a scowling Rusé leads the way, Ryker tailing close behind.  "Wonderful!" The man laughs, watching as Rusé slows to a stop, turning around with a frown and chattering teeth.  Despite just wearing his usual tailcoat, Lucas seems to be completely unbothered by the bitter cold, leaving Rusé practically shaking in his snow boots and layered jackets.  

"Yeah, it's really pretty…!" Rusé hisses through clenched teeth, rubbing his mittened hands together bitterly.  "Would you mind walking a little faster?" He orders snappily.  Ryker catches up to Rusé, dressed just a little heavier than he normally does, actually bothering to cover up his toes for once and close his cloak.  He gives the ranger a funny look and rests his hand onto his shoulder.  

"Oh, but it's still so early!  And there's a lot to see.  Why not appreciate the sights, Rusé?" Lucas asks, crossing his arms with a smile.  "Look at the way that the crystalline ice structures sparkle!  Why, I wonder how they were formed?  Runic magic, perhaps?"

"Look, I don't really care." Rusé says before being interrupted his own thunderous sneeze, sniffling irritably as he wipes at his nose.  "You can look all you want later, but do me a favor and hurry it up before I freeze solid." Rusé says, wrapping his arms around his chest.  Ryker raises a pale eyebrow.

"Is the cold really bothering you so much?  Damn, you're really a summer child, aren't you?  This isn't too bad; it beats cooking." The halfling chuckles, earning a pointed glare from the ranger.  Whose side is he on?!

"I don't think it's that bad, either.  In fact, the cold is rather refreshing!" Lucas hums, but gives Rusé a polite nod.  "If you're cold though, we can hurry.  You're already doing me a favor here." The man chuckles, the snow crunching underneath his dress shoes as he meets up with the pair.  "Ryker, yes?  Are you a SEED ranger, too?" He asks.  Ryker's eyes widen as he makes a face of disgust.

"What?!  Fuck no!" He scoffs, only lowering his voice when Rusé gives him a nasty glare.  "I mean, uh.  No.  I'm not a ranger.  I work under Palmo, he runs the studio in Rigbarth.  Big guy?  Dresses brightly?" 

"I can't say I know who that is.  I see.  Interesting." Lucas says to himself.  "Are you here to see the Crystal Caverns, too?"

"Not really?" Ryker says, putting his hands awkwardly behind his head.

"He's just tagging along." Rusé grumbles under his breath.  "C'mon, we need to get back before sundown, or else I'm really going to freeze." Rusé grumbles, turning around as he continues his warpath across the slippery ice and snow to the gaping mouth of the cave just over the vast frozen horizon.  Ryker glances back to Rusé and then to Lucas, sighing as he just scratches his head.

"He's usually a lot more chipper than this.  I think the cold is just pissing him off." Ryker whispers to Lucas as he follows beside him behind Rusé as he guides the way.  "I don't think he's smiled at all today.  Usually he's so… bright.  Cheerful, you know?" Ryker explains, glancing over to Rusé.  The petite man's shoulders and back is rigid as the ice around him, squared and tense, like he's just moments away from popping a gasket.

"I see.  I'll make it up to him after all of this." Lucas says softly in response, his smile fading a bit.  "It makes me feel guilty that I'm the source of his distraught, I hope he can forgive me." He says, sighing under his breath.  He glances back to Ryker who has his eyes glued on Rusé; eyes practically oozing with worry.  "You seem close." He comments.  Ryker clears his throat nervously and forces a straight face.

"Y-yeah?  Yeah, we are." Ryker mutters vaguely as he starts walking faster, catching up to Rusé who suddenly stops again.  "Something wrong?"

"Just some more monsters.  This place is crawling with vermin ." Rusé grunts, raising his palm up towards a pack of snarling silver wolves that start stalking out of the snowy brush.  Their luscious coats stand up like razor sharp spikes as they bare teeth; lips curled back to reveal ugly maws glistening with yellowish drool.  They look practically starved, even with their long fur, their figures are gaunt with their ribs visible through their skin.  Immediately with the wolves coming out of the woodwork, Ryker reaches for his blades, turning to signal Lucas to stand back, but he's distracted by a sudden fluctuation in temperature.  

"Rusé?" Ryker asks in worry, turning back towards the ranger as he notices the man's palm emitting an orangey light, as well as enough heat to warp the air around them and turn the snow into slush.  "Whoa, what're you--" Before Ryker can even finish his question, Rusé flicks his wrist, his expression grim, as cold as the hoarfrost clinging to the trees around them.  Fiery embers are reflected in his sapphire eyes as he tosses a concentrated orb of shuddering heat into the air, twitching like a volatile concoction as it collapses onto itself like a dying sun.  The red flickers to orange, yellow, and then white, suddenly darkening into black as it suddenly explodes in an ear splitting roar.  Ryker staggers backwards, both in awe and horror as hellfire practically rains down from Rusé's spell as cracking comets of sunfire split from the eruption, crashing down onto the pack of wolves.  

The animals hardly have time to scream as the hungry flames practically eat them alive, igniting their fur and searing away flesh and muscle faster than a pack of hungry piranhas.  Even their bones are rendered into ash as suddenly, the flames dissipate into clouds of smoke, leaving smoldering heaps of ash and flesh on soggy beds of where there used to be snow.  Ryker makes a face and covers his mouth and nose with his hand, gagging softly over the visceral smell of cooked carnivore meat wafts through the area as his eyes start to water from the smoke.  "Holy shit." He breathes out, not knowing if it's even safe to move.

He's been awestruck by Rusé's abilities before, but this display of raw power and cruelty leaves him paralyzed.  He's only snapped out of his daze by the sound of Lucas clapping, the dull sound on gloved hands barely louder than the ringing in Ryker's ears due to the explosion.

"Bravo!  That was a fantastic spell, Rusé!" He exclaims, walking over to Rusé's side, noticing the ranger seems a little distraught, with sweat on his forehead and a dark expression on his face.  "I believe that spell is regarded as a Gatling Comet!  It's an extremely advanced technique.  I am grateful to witness one casted at such a level of expertise!" He comments.  Rusé lets out a small chuckle and looks up, meeting the amnesiac's gaze.

"For someone who's lost his memories, you sure know a lot.  I guess.  Thanks." He sighs, standing up straight again as he stretches his neck, rolling his shoulders in relief.

"I suppose you're right!  Very interesting, I'll keep note of that, good ranger." Lucas chuckles, walking over to the corpses of the monsters, kneeling down.  "Although… I have to say a technique like that is a bit overkill , wouldn't you think?"

"Probably." Rusé says distantly, almost apathetically before glancing over to Ryker who's staring at him like a deer in the headlights.  "What?  Oh, I guess you haven't seen me use any magic yet.  Heh, sorry." Rusé says, suddenly sounding nervous.  "Too much?" He asks, walking over to Ryker.  Surely, the fearless servant of the night or moon or whatever isn't afraid of him over a cantrip like that?  Ryker gulps, doing a double take as he gives Rusé a small smile, nodding.

"A-A little, yeah.  By Dragons, Rusé." He says softly, turning to the piles of what used to be wolves with a grimace.  "Shit." He breathes out, obviously shell shocked.  "Remind me not to piss you off." He chuckles, turning to Rusé who just pouts.  

"You're acting like I'd ever raise a hand against you." Rusé huffs, raising his chin up before he lets out a sigh of his own.  "At least that warmed me up some.  Ah!  Does that mean you're admitting my powers are greater than yours?!" Rusé laughs, suddenly beaming at Ryker who just chuckles nervously.  He swallows .

"Uh.  Maybe." He says, leaning away from Rusé as the ranger teasingly leans in, grinning toothily.  

"I see that as a win!  Alright, we should get going, though.  Keep your eyes and ears out for monsters, both of you.  I hear they can be nasty around these parts." He hums, glancing at Lucas who's casually picking up a rather long stick.  "What's what for?"

"Oh!  I feel as if I should have something to defend myself, too.  Something like this seems to fit me nicely." The man says, holding his stick up like a mighty spear.  Ryker rolls his eyes.  What's a stick going to do against rabid monsters?!

. . .

Before long, the trio make their way into the wide corridors of the massive cavern.  While it's brilliant, with a multicoloured prism of colours at every glance through the natural pillars and crystalline formations carved into the cave, it's just as cold if not colder.  

"I think this is what Heinz has wet dreams about." Ryker grumbles in distaste as he taps a huge rainbow crystal jutting out of the cavern floor.  Rusé lightly elbows Ryker for that comment as he guides the way across the slippery frozen floor, smooth enough to cast their reflections like a mighty mirror.

"It's truly a brilliant display of crystals, but I don't believe many of these would have too many uses.  They don't seem too structurally sound." Lucas comments, seeming to have to problem at all gliding across the icy floors.  Rusé gives the man a funny look.

"Again, you seem to be knowledgeable for someone who's an amnesiac.  Damn it." Rusé says through gritted teeth as he slowly scoots along, having to bend his knees so he doesn't slip and fall flat onto his face.  "When I first woke up, I barely knew anything." He grumbles under his breath.

"You were really stubborn too.  You still kind of are." Ryker says, walking over to Rusé with a grin.  Without any warning, he simply picks up the ranger who squawks in defiance, turning a shade of red in his face.

"Hey!  No!  What're you doing?!  Damn it, if you fall, I'm gonna fall that much further now !" He complains, squirming a little before giving up since it's significantly more warm and comfortable in the carpenter's arms.  

"Sounds like a short person problem to me." Ryker comments, smirking.  "Besides, you looked like you were going to break your nose at any second-- I'm doing you a favor." Ryker coos, earning a scowl from the ranger, who eventually just gives up and goes as limp as a doll in his arms.

"It's not my fault I'm short.  Shorter than a halfling , gods damn it." Rusé says in a sigh as he lets Ryker easily ferry him across the slippery ice.  Lucas lets out a chuckle.

"You two are very close.  It's very sweet." Lucas hums.  Ryker scoffs and Rusé bubbles over in laughter.

"Aww, you think so?  We could be so much closer right now, too.  If Ryker just took the stick out of his-"

"S-shut up!  I'm gonna drop you." He huffs, holding onto Rusé tighter as he just cackles .  

. . .

The party continues like this as they slowly traverse deeper into the caverns, occasionally taking a moment to fend off some waifish monsters.  It's not a monumental feat for Rusé, but after hours on his feet, it's starting to become obvious that he's becoming winded.  His usually precise and deadly movements have grown sluggish and the grip onto his daggers has become a bit loose.  With a haggard breath, Rusé glances at Ryker as the man skewers a giant flying fish, kicking its limp and floppy form back into the frigid water from which it came.  

"Damn it these things just keep coming!" Ryker huffs, flicking the purplish blood off of his blade as he wipes some specks of it off of his cheek.  

"You're telling me." Rusé groans as he staggers back up to his feet, his hands shaking.  "How much deeper do we have to go, Lucas?" He asks, turning to the man who somehow seems to be managing perfectly fine with his stick.  

"It isn't that far.  Just a little deeper." Lucas says, turning to Rusé with a frown.  "Would you like to rest?  I think all of these monsters have worn all of us down." He comments, strolling over to the panting man's side.  Rusé makes a face.  There's no way he's gonna be the one to slow people down!   Rusé shakes his head and stands back up.

"If it's just a little deeper, let's make the home stretch and then we can rest." The ranger grunts, letting Ryker help him up.  "Ah, I didn't pack a meal.  That's probably what's slowing me down."

"Hey, there's no shame in getting tired.  I'm pretty exhausted too, honestly." Ryker admits, licking his thumb so he can rub a smear of blood away from Rusé's face, only to get a look of embarrassment in response.  "Let's find a place to sit down for a bit, alright?  Remember?  Don't push yourself." He says firmly.

"Ugh, fine." Rusé grumbles, puffing out his cheeks.  What is he, a little kid ?  Since he feels kind of like he's being treated like one.  Rusé staggers over towards the wall and sits down onto the hard floor with a gasp.  "Ah, hell.  What were you even doing in a place like this, Lucas?  Is any of this jarring your memories?" He asks, turning to the man as he just looks deep in thought for a moment.

"No.  Not yet." He admits, frowning.  "I was hoping I'd get something out of this, but I'm afraid I haven't recalled anything.  My apologies." He says, hanging his noble head a little.  Rusé deflates, pursing his lips as he throws his head back gently against the frozen wall behind him.

"Don't fret.  I know from experience that memories don't come back too easily." He breathes out, watching as Ryker quietly sidles in next to him.  Rusé closes his eyes.  Has he even remembered anything?  Anything at all?  It's been a while since he lost everything , and the only thing he's learned is that he probably shouldn't remember.  The image of Livia's rage flashes through his head and he shudders.  Whoever Ares was, he was probably some sort of freak .

"Have you remembered anything?" Ryker asks Rusé, who just shakes his head.

"No.  Just feelings.  But nothing concrete, sometimes I think it's better if I don't remember.  I think… Livia and Gideon knew something.  But they don't want to talk about it."

"Livia?" Lucas asks, glancing to Rusé.

"Oh, um.  The little girl from earlier.  The captain." Rusé sighs, leaning his head onto Ryker's shoulder.  "She's not a little girl.  I think she's secretly an old fart, she drinks tea with her pinky out and everything." He groans, earning a snort of laughter from Ryker.  Lucas just looks deep in thought.

"Oh, my apologies.  For some reason I thought you were talking about something else." He chuckles, watching Rusé practically doze off against Ryker.  "I believe it's a good idea to rest, but this probably isn't the prime spot for a nap." He points out.  Rusé cracks open his eyes and glares at him.

"This is the first time someone's nagged me over trying to sleep.  I know your pain now, Ryker." He breathes out.  Ryker just rolls his eyes and rests his own head against Rusé's.

"Whatever happened to it being cold?" The halfling asks.

"I got my workout in, so now I'm gross and sweaty.  Just give me a moment guys, sorry.  I won't pass o-"

"Ah!" Lucas suddenly shouts, his eyes wide as he watches overhead as the ceiling shudders from a tremor overhead, causing a few of the huge crystalline stalagmites to break free, falling like deadly rainbow spears.  Rusé barely has time to look up, only to hear a panicked snap from Luca's fingers as the huge chunk of crystal shatters into a million pieces just feet away from him.  In a shock, Rusé leaps to his feet, eyes wide at the small crater left in the ice along with the thousands of tiny sparkling daggers scattered across the surface of the splintered floor.  Rusé lets out a shriek, stumbling back.  

"Oh, gods.  You weren't kidding about the crystals not being sturdy.  Uh, thanks.  That almost hit us!" Rusé stammers, his heart beating in his chest like a hummingbird.  He's definitely not tired anymore.  Lucas stares at his hands, wide-eyed.

"I-it seems as if my miracles work with objects bigger than pebbles.  Fascinating." He mumbles, seeming mostly unfazed as Ryker and Rusé practically clutch at their chests just happy to not be smashed like a pair of sleepy eggs.  "Ah, I think I'm remembering something!  Hm?  Hmm?"

"O-oh, you do?!  Wait, you teleported the crystal away?  You saved us!  Thank god for you!" Rusé laughs, obviously still running on nerves as he breathes into his palms.  "Let's um.  Let's get going!  We're heading down, right?" He says, tugging at one of Ryker's chains as the halfling just looks frozen in place.  

"R-right.  Yeah.  Uh, thanks Lucas.  Holy shit." He mumbles, giving the man a nervous smile.  "I could've dodged that." He breathes out.  "Totally." He says to himself.  He could have not dodged that, in fact.  It must've been a miracle for Lucas to notice something like that.  They could've died.  They would've died if it weren't for Lucas.  Rusé lets out another squawk of surprise as another spear of crystal comes crashing down behind him.

"Let's go!  We're getting outta here!  I hate this place!" He shouts as he starts running downwards towards the heart of the cavern.

Thanks for reading like always!  Here's a sticker design I did for Ares/Rusé :)

Chapter Text

Rusé's shriek splits through the air the second the little ranger is ripped off of his feet, his ankle claimed by a slimy tentacle somehow even colder than the frigid cavern that surrounds him. He squeals in shock and horror, his voice going a few octaves higher than he thought was humanly possible as he's flung into the air with about as much grace as a ragdoll.

"Dragons! Dragons, I'm going to die!" Ruse wails, his limbs flailing as his vision spins as he spots Ryker staring bug-eyed at him and Lucas somehow fending some tentacles off with that random branch he picked up earlier. Rusé should've seen this coming, that at the heart of this awful cave there's a god-damned kraken, and that Lucas just had to saunter on over to it!

"Lucas! Lucas, why on earth do you think this oversized squid is connected to your fucking memories??" Ryker shouts, sliding under a wall of icy bubbles sprayed in his direction as his feet desperately cling for friction that isn't there, gliding all the way over to catch Rusé as he plummets, only to knock both of them off of the frozen platform and into the drink. It's so cold that somehow, the water feels hot. Ryker feels like the cold water is stripping off his very skin, and he does his best to scramble back to shore, only to be swatted like a hockey puck over to Lucas, knocking the well-dressed man over. Somehow, Lucas manages to catch his footing, having the time to adjust his collar before turning to Rusé and Ryker crumpled on the ground.

"Why, it was an epiphany, of course! I could feel it in my bones…" he says simply, swatting another angry tentacle out of his way. Rusé gasps for air, shivering as he staggers to his feet, his blue eyes wide. Ryker can't tell if he's more cold or furious.  

"I-I--!" The ranger can't even form words as he yanks his blades from their sheaths, frozen to the leather as he hacks away at a tentacle swinging in his direction as it falls flailing across the ice. "I hope you get your memories back! I hope you get them back, and I hope they're disappointing!" Rusé shouts, sliding across the ice to leap at the head of the kraken like a wildcat.

"Well, that's not kind." Lucas hums, his tone disappointed as he attempts to block another strike, only for his branch to be snapped in two. "Oh dear." He breathes out, only before another tentacle yanks him clear into the air. Ryker gasps as he can't place his attention between Rusé's rampage and Lucas laughing nervously as he's flung across the cavern into the icy water. He can't help but wince when he hears the splash.  

Does… is this the sort of thing Rusé deals with every day?!

He hurries back to Rusé, now that the kraken is trying to peel the angry man off of its face, gurgling and foaming as Rusé digs his blades across its head, stabbing in and out of its body like a wild animal.

"Lucas! Lucas, because of you, I'm never going to enjoy squid again!" Rusé screams, not even knowing that Lucas is still awkwardly doggy-paddling back to shore. "I'm going to cry when the squid catch rolls around!" He yells, hilt deep in the squid's eye as he's only warmed by the creature's purple blood. "And it's going to be…. Your fault!" He shouts, using his other sword to roughly pry the colourful eye out of the kraken, plopping into the pool around it with a gory splash. The kraken flails about randomly, powerful orangey tentacles causing fractures in the ice as Rusé continues to stab the monster deeper inside of its eyesocket. Ryker can't do much while the monster is in its death throws, only awkwardly conjuring shadowy spines as he attempts to hit the moving targets. But it doesn't take long until Rusé is elbow-deep in the kraken, and with a few final twitches, the beast goes limp with a crash and a splash, knocking Rusé back onto the ice. He's soaked to the bone in ice water, purple blood and black ink, hardly even managing to be recognizable in the slime.  

Ryker hurries to Rusé's side, noticing that his teeth are chattering and he's panting through his teeth.

"Are-- are you alright?" He asks nervously, only being replied to with a wheezy, 'no.'

"My, my! Well, I'll say! That was an impressive feat." Lucas says, dripping wet as he wrings out his hair like the sub zero temperature is nothing more than a mild inconvenience. Ryker knits up his brow at Lucas.

"Huh? You kidding me?" Ryker breathes out. With the sound of crackling, he turns his head in the direction of the massive squid, being reduced into ashes that turn the bloodstained water more greyish. "Seriously? Look at Rusé. You're not…"

"Why would I be worried? He could kill a beast like that with his two hands! He can survive a little cold." Lucas says with a knowing smile. Ryker's smile twitches. He's either an asshole, or he's well-meaning and painfully clueless. Rusé doesn't even respond, simply shivering and glaring over at Lucas.  

"Damn, Lucas. What the hell." Ryker sighs, picking up his slimy partner and holding him close to keep him warmer. "Let's just get out of here." He mutters under his breath, his irritation matching his voice.

"You don't want to observe the beauty of this cavern more…?"

"I think we've seen enough." Ryker says under his breath, glancing to Lucas. The man stares at his wet gloves, seeming to be lost in thought. "What? Finally having a guilty conscious?" Ryker snips, cradling Rusé closer.

"I think… I may remember who I am." Lucas says, smiling a little. Ryker rolls his eyes, already making a beeline towards the mouth of the arena, back into the icy reaches of the cavern.

"Yeah, and who's that?" Rusé asks, craning a glare over towards Lucas as he confidently follows behind them.

"I'm… God." Lucas says with a chuckle. Ryker stops and Rusé stares at him.

There's a pregnant pause, the only sound between them being their tired breathing.

"Ryker?" Rusé says, turning to him, stone faced.

"I hear you. Lucas, we're headed back." He sighs.

"Really? That's all you have to say?" Lucas hums, sounding a touch disappointed. But he's not met with a response, as Ryker continues to power walk his way out of this situation.