CHAPTER 150 – BEACH PARTY!
HIRAYA MISTELTEIN
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Yggdra beach, anticipation hummed in the salty breeze. The Daybreaker Squad, now christened the Council of the Five Lords, were due to arrive. Three days of eager anticipation finally culminated in the sight of my beloved Windwalker airship gracefully docking in the harbor. Each member of our eclectic group gathered, their presence a testament to our bond.
Kate, usually adorned with cascading crimson locks, surprised us all by shearing her hair short, a bold transformation that hinted at newfound confidence. Her attire, a simple summer shirt and black shorts, belied her inner strength.
Lysander, the epitome of ruggedness, sported black and blue flamed shorts that hugged his scarred, muscular frame. His appearance never failed to elicit a flutter in my stomach.
Mariko, radiant in an orange one-piece, exuded an air of effortless grace, her demeanor as vibrant as the hues adorning her swimsuit.
Gaeun, ever the enigma, shyly donned a full diving suit, a shield against the sea's embrace. Meanwhile, Earvin, her devoted companion, mirrored her attire, his vampiric nature necessitating protection from the sun's relentless gaze.
Charlotte's pristine yellow summer dress swayed gently in the breeze, a beacon of sunshine amidst the gathering dusk. Beside her, Darlix, adorned in blue shorts and scuba diving gear, appeared ready for adventure beneath the waves.
Johnny's attire, a riot of floral patterns adorning his summer shirt and boxer shorts, mirrored his vibrant personality. Meike, in contrast, opted for simplicity, her tank top and jean shorts a nod to practicality amidst the revelry.
As the scent of sizzling barbecue filled the air, mingling with the tang of the sea, we gathered around the crackling flames, eager to indulge in a feast of seafood, meat, and vegetables. Libations flowed freely, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Now, as the host of this joyous occasion, it fell upon me to address my dear companions. With a gentle tip of my glass, I sought to capture the attention of the assembled group, ready to kick off the festivities with heartfelt words of camaraderie and gratitude.
With a subtle clearing of my throat, I captured their attention, offering a smile that radiated warmth and sincerity. "I realize that amidst our efforts to mend the world post-Purge of Humanity, we've neglected proper celebration. We've been immersed in mourning, in rebuilding. But today, as we witness the world's slow healing, it's a reminder that amidst our roles as leaders, as saviors, we are foremost friends. Our bond transcends titles. Let's revel in that camaraderie. Long live us all!" I lifted my glass, the effervescence of our chosen drink dancing in the air.
"Long live us all!" echoed through the gathering, a chorus of unity and triumph.
As the festivities unfolded, Mariko and I took charge of the grill, ensuring each morsel was cooked to perfection, a labor of love for our companions. Johnny and Darlix, with their expertise in bartending and engineering, crafted cocktails that elicited cheers and laughter, blending flavors with skill and finesse.
Yet, amid the revelry, a concern tugged at my thoughts. Lysander's frequent trips to and from the grill hinted at a hearty appetite, but his prolonged absence raised alarm. Turning to Johnny for reassurance, I inquired about our absent friend.
"Hey, Johnny. Seen Lysander around?" I ventured.
"He's taking care of business, nature's call, you know," Johnny replied, gesturing towards the rocky outcrop along the beach. "A bit too much indulgence, I reckon."
Concern etched Mariko's features as she voiced her worry. "Is he alright? Shouldn't someone check on him?"
"Nah, just a routine for him," Johnny and I chimed in unison, sharing a knowing glance that dissolved into laughter. In that moment, we understood Lysander's quirks on a level only true companions could grasp.
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While the others embraced the call of the ocean, I observed their varied interactions with the sea. Charlotte contentedly sat at the water's edge, allowing the waves to caress her feet, while Gaeun frolicked in the shallows, her laughter a melody against the backdrop of lapping waves. Meike and Earvin, already submerged in the deeper waters, navigated the azure expanse with practiced ease.
"I'm diving in," Johnny announced, abandoning the beverage box with a grin. "Darlix, you're in charge."
"Not so fast! I didn't sign up for bartending duty," Darlix protested, trailing after Johnny with mock indignation.
"We're closing shop," Mariko declared, closing the grill with a satisfied clatter. "Time to join the fun."
"Alright then," I agreed, anticipation coursing through me as I followed the group towards the inviting embrace of the ocean.
As we immersed ourselves in the crystalline waters, the world faded into a tranquil oasis, our laughter mingling with the rhythmic pulse of the waves. With each stroke and dive, we reveled in the freedom of this secluded haven, a private sanctuary amidst the vast expanse of sea and sand.
Soon, Lysander bounded towards us, his fluid movements a testament to his aquatic prowess. With effortless grace, he executed a series of mesmerizing maneuvers, defying gravity as he danced upon the water's surface before settling into a serene meditation.
"Teach us your ways, oh buoyant garbage!" Charlotte called out, her jest punctuated by a playful splash.
“Fuck off, Charlotte.” Lysander whispered under his breath.
"It's a form of buoyancy magic," Earvin observed, his analytical gaze tracing the intricate flow of mana around Lysander. "He's channeling mana on his relaxed buttocks to maintain his position."
"An Erudite-level feat of concentration," Johnny marveled, a hint of admiration coloring his tone. "Even I'm impressed."
Amidst the joyous commotion, Kate remained aloof, her mood seemingly soured as she retreated to the shoreline, absorbed in the creation of intricate sandcastles, her thoughts a mystery to us all.
"Um, what's wrong with Kate?" Gaeun asked, her voice tinged with concern.
As Gaeun voiced her concern, Mariko's forced smile revealed the truth about Kate's absence from the festivities. "She's dealing with her period," Mariko explained delicately, her attempt at levity overshadowed by the frustration etched on Kate's face. "She's understandably frustrated, unable to join the fun without staining the water red."
"Wait, didn't Lysander poop in the water?" Charlotte asked, her tone filled with mock horror.
"Rude!" Lysander roared, glaring at her. "I did my business on the sand and buried it like a good kitten! Fuck off, Charlotte!" In his anger, Lysander lost focus on his flotation spell, causing him to sink beneath the water's surface.
"Ahahaha…" I laughed awkwardly, trying to diffuse the tension. Then I glanced at Mariko. "I know how to cheer her up."
"How?" Mariko asked, curiosity piqued.
Attempting to lighten the mood, I seized upon an idea. With determination, I dove into the depths, scouring the ocean floor until my fingers brushed against a familiar shape—a six-inch rock, reminiscent of a certain male appendage.
Returning to shore with my precious find, I approached Kate with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Kate, I've got something for you," I announced, concealing the rock behind my back.
Kate's grumpy demeanor softened slightly as she eyed me warily. "What is it, Hiraya?" she asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.
With a flourish, I presented the rock, its shape unmistakable. "Ta-da! Your ideal shape and size," I teased, unable to contain my laughter. "Complete with ballsacks!"
Kate's reaction was immediate, a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Oh, stop it, Hiraya," she chided, her laughter mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves. "You know I'm a lesbian."
Undeterred, I continued with my jest, offering a suggestion that elicited a snort of laughter from Kate. "Keep it," I urged, still grinning. "Just in case you ever decide to change your sex. Consider it a model for future reference."
With laughter echoing around us, the tension of the moment dissipated, replaced by the easy camaraderie that bound us together as friends.
Kate's smile faltered as she shifted to a more serious demeanor, a hint of urgency in her voice. "Actually, there's something we almost forgot to mention amidst all the excitement of this party," she admitted, her expression solemn. "I just remembered it, thankfully."
Curiosity piqued, I leaned in, eager to hear what she had to say. "What is it, Kate?" I asked, my head tilting inquisitively.
With a sigh, Kate delivered the news. "The Empire of Humans is set to inaugurate their next Emperor," she revealed, her words laden with significance.
The implications of her statement sank in, sparking a flurry of thoughts. "That's certainly noteworthy," I remarked, contemplating the significance of this development. "With Alterra's royalty lacking heirs, it's crucial for humanity to have a leader of their own. Any idea who it might be?"
Kate shook her head, her uncertainty mirroring my own. "No one knows yet," she admitted, a note of apprehension in her voice.
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see," I concluded, offering a reassuring smile. Despite the uncertainty ahead, there was a sense of quiet resolve among us, ready to face whatever the future held.