Act 1 - Presence of the Divine
"Hi~~! How are you two doing?"
Kurumi, or rather Lacama, rested herself comfortably on the bed as she sent her greetings to the two surprised people in the room. Karis made her way beside Ren as if to cover him from the divine entity before them.
"Oh? Is it just me or do I feel unwelcomed here?" Lacama remarked as she noticed that the two people before her seemed to be on guard against her.
"How do you expect us to react? You suddenly barged in here, possessed Kurumi's body, and assaulted me," Ren replied with an annoyed tone.
"What? It's just a greeting. Also, do you hate being kissed by this body? Poor girl," Lacama retorted nonchalantly.
"It's not that! You're not Kurumi! And who the hell does a greeting by kissing on the lips."
"I do."
For the first time ever, Ren felt stumped talking to somebody. He wracked his brains for a reply, but finally submitted as he felt it would be useless to discuss human common sense with someone that was technically not human. He took a deep breathe to calm himself down then grabbed a nearby chair and sat down.
"Is Kurumi fine?" Ren asked as he forced himself to speak in a calm tone.
"Ahh, don't worry about the girl, her mind is in slumber right now. Nice of you to worry about her," Lacama answered with a smile
"I see. Then? What do you want?"
"Could you drop the cold tone? What did I do to you anyway? Didn't this cutie here told you to be nicer to people?" Lacama said, turning her gaze over to Karis.
"How do you--"
"I'm a goddess, boy. Do I have to repeat myself? Now tell me. Why the hostility?"
"You expect me to give you a warm welcome, after possessing my wife's body, and let's not forget that bastard that tried to kill me, and did kill my wife with his puppet," Ren answered, still trying his best to maintain his composure.
"Seriously? You're mad at me for what Kidul did? Isn't that kind of immature? I had nothing to do with that."
"Point is, don't expect me to trust any of you so-called gods that easily when the first one that I met attempted to end my life."
"Ok, I guess that's understandable. So what can I do to gain your trust? Come on now I'll do anything," Lacama offered, lying on the bed as if inviting Ren to join her, however Ren didn't budge from his seat. He stared at Lacama with a cold expression despite her alluring gestures.
"Mmm, you're no fun," the goddess said, growing bored as Ren remained motionless.
Realizing that all of her efforts weren't going to yield any result, Lacama sat herself back up on the edge of the bed and made an exasperated sigh.
"I just wanted to meet you, that is all. And it so happens that my soul-link happened to be one of your wives," she said, finally answering Ren's question from earlier.
"Meet me?"
"Yes, you're quite a huge topic up there you know? A lot of my fellow gods were watching over-- well not quite, but more like observing you."
"That just makes me more suspicious of you," Ren replied, finally showing some life in his words.
"Oh don't be like that, just think of it like you're some big celebrity."
"Who said I wanted to be a celebrity? That's the exact opposite of what I want. Get the hell out of my life!" Ren shouted, turning his head above, presumably to send his message to those gods watching him. Lacama simply looked at him with an amused look on her face.
"Ah come on now, it's like one of the few forms of entertainment for us."
"Ok, small talks aside, what exactly is your purpose here?"
"Oh, nothing really, I'm here simply for the small talks, although if you want to know anything, I'll be happy to talk. I said earlier didn't I? I'll do anything to gain your trust," Lacama offered once again, extending her hand to Ren who seemed to have soften up a bit.
"Ok then, tell me, is there any way to return back to my original world," Ren asked immediately soon as he was presented the chance. The question surprised both girls, even having Karis turn her head towards Ren with a worried face.
"You already live a wonderful life here, yet you still yearn for your home?" Lacama asked.
"Oh don't worry, it's not for me. It's just that I might find more people that are summoned here from my world. Now that the demon invasion is long gone, there's no need for any more heroes to be summoned so I'll be the one to send those guys back home away from this dangerous world."
Karis' mind calmed down after hearing Ren's explanation. It seems her worries were quickly shot down.
"I see, how noble. But, what if those people you speak of don't want to go home?"
"Then I won't force them, though I still have to look out for them in case they try anything funny. I won't let those guys ruin my peaceful life here."
"Hehe, you're acting like a proper guardian of this world now," Karis teased after Ren's little declaration which made him blush a bit in embarrassment.
"A-Anyway. What's the answer?" Ren pressed Lacama before Karis could tease him any further.
"No can do boy. Well, to be exact I don't know any methods. Maybe the higher gods know but certainly not me. Have you tried asking your linked god?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"The god linked with your soul. Haven't you... oh right, you haven't met her yet. I guess that makes sense," Lacama recalled her memories of Ren's activities, and realized her mistake.
"Well it doesn't make sense to me."
"Figures. Geez, she won't even bother meeting once with her soul-link after a year. What's that girl doing?"
"Her? The god my soul is linked to is a woman?"
"Yep, not to mention, she's also kind of the reason why the gods are looking out for you?"
"Huh? Why?"
Before answering, Lacama made herself comfortable on the bed, resting her head on the pillow and turning her body sideways towards the two. She stretched her legs, taking over the entire length of the bed cushion.
"Boy, are you familiar of the nature of the heroes of this world?" she asked.
"Not exactly... I only know that we heroes were 'wished' from the pantheon, or something along those lines," Ren replied.
"Hmm, it's not too far off from the truth. Listen up boy, this will be a long explanation so I'm only saying this once," Lacama started, pointing her finger over to Ren while doing a twirling motion with it.
"Basically you heroes, when summoned here, are linked to us gods via your soul. That's why you beings from another world have unnatural powers when you get here, although some aren't as lucky as the others. Your powers, of course, will depend on the god that your soul is linked to. Say for example this girl right here..." the goddess brought her arms to herself as if presenting the body she was inhabiting.
"Do you recall what her ability was?" she asked.
"From what she told me, her blood can heal all wounds in an instant, her flesh can satisfy anyone's hunger, and her other body fluids act as a natural stamina battery. Also, with that, her body is innately immortal with her regenerative powers," Ren answered.
"Exactly, all of those mirror the nature of my title as the goddess of fertility. A source of everlasting needs of a mortal being."
"And what does this have to do with my linked god?"
"Hahh, you're smart but also quite stupid are you? I've already given all the hints. Think carefully. Who is your linked god?"
"I have no idea. My powers are all over the place. They have no behavior to them at all. At first I thought I was just a powerful mage, but then I started to depend on my own crafted weapons for combat, and now just recently, I just gained the ability to control time itself. Just what is the nature of my power?" Ren said, summarizing all of his past experiences that may provide clues on who might his soul be linked to.
Lacama listened with a smile on her face as Ren kept pondering on about who was his linked god. She let him use his brains for a few good moments until she finally decided to let out and just say it.
"Boy. The answer to your question is already there. It's not that your powers don't have any nature in of itself, but rather, your power's nature IS that it doesn't have one," Lacama remarked.
"What do you mean?"
"A power unbound by any other. The power to become anything. Boy, your link is none other than Lusha, the goddess of freedom."
________________________________________________________________________________________
Act 2 - Lusha, the Goddess of Freedom
"Goddess of Freedom?"
"Yep, Lusha's a free-spirited individual who cannot be shackled by anyone, not even the higher ups in the pantheon."
"And? Why is it so special that I am linked to her?"
"You don't get it do you? A god being linked to a mortal is, in some way, kind of a contract. And being in a contract means you're being bounded onto some sort of agreement. You see what I'm getting at here?"
Ren began gathering the pieces together in his head, analyzing the information given to him by Lacama to formulate a certain conclusion.
"So... being in a contract conflicts her nature?" he stated, seeking for confirmation.
"Exactly. Heroes had all come and go throughout the course of history of this world, however, there was no one until now that had managed to create a link with her. Which is why the people up there are quite intrigued that someone had done the impossible," Lacama replied.
"Goddess of freedom huh? That sounds just about right," Karis suddenly cut in, rejoining the conversation.
"Well boy? What do you say about calling her here? You might get more answers than if it were only me alone."
"Easier said than done. How can I even do that?"
"Heh, ever heard of a prayer, boy?"
"I was never the religious type back in my world, although yes I've heard of it."
"Then get to it. It's been a while since I've seen that gremlin in person as well. I'm kind of interested about her current status."
Lacama then sat up on the bed, preparing for the arrival of one of her fellow god. She watched patiently as Ren silently brought his hands together to start with his prayer.
"I guess it's like this... then..."
Ren closed his eyes and leaned his head forward, showing that his concentration was focused on the summoning prayer. However, before he could proceed any further, he suddenly raised his head back up again. He set his gaze towards the sitting goddess on the bed.
"Wait, how can I even talk to her. Isn't she going to possess me like you did?" he asked.
"Boy, use your head. As the goddess of freedom, will she really do something quite restricting?" Lacama sighed.
"Oh, good point."
As his worries were dismissed, Ren went back into his prayer session. He used his prior knowledge on how prayers worked and just kept on calling the name of the goddess in his mind with the goal of summoning her presence in the room.
Soon enough, a gust of wind began blowing from out of nowhere. The window curtains, bed mattress, and clothes of the people within the room were getting blown quite strongly. Karis used her hand to prevent her hair from flowing wildly from the strong breeze. Meanwhile, Lacama remained composed, silently waiting for Ren to finish his prayer.
Ren ignored the brewing storm within the room and simply continued with the ritual in his head. 'Goddess of Freedom, I call upon your presence,' he kept repeating in his mind. As he did so, the winds blowing about were getting stronger along with his concentration. He kept on concentrating until he could no longer hear anything anymore. Until finally...
"Oh? You finally called out to me. I was waiting since forever you know?"
Ren heard the voice of a rather young-sounding person in front of him. He opened his eyes to take a look at the source of the voice.
"My, it's been a while Lusha."
"Indeed, it's nice seeing you too Lacama."
What met Ren's eyes was a young girl floating in the air. She was hovering in front of him with her chests puffed out quite proudly and her hands on her hips. The girl was no bigger than a child, but apart from her size, everything about her just tells that she was definitely a member of the pantheon.
Lusha was covered with light clothing both above and below. On her torso was one long, white cloth covering her chest area, and a long purple scarf covering her neck, extending almost at her feet. Down below, she was wearing one extremely short, navy-blue shorts that almost looked like cut-off jeans with its thread hanging loosely at the end. Covering her head was a hood with no main piece of clothing attached to it. The blowing winds in the room took off the hood from the girl's head, revealing her long purple hair as it fluttered wildly with the breeze.
"A child?" Ren couldn't help but mutter his thoughts out.
"How rude! You're the child here youngster! Also, what took you so long to contact me!" the girl, Lusha shouted in response.
"Now, now, calm down. You've already met so what's the problem," Lacama said, easing up the atmosphere.
"Hmm... so this is your demon wife huh?"
Out of nowhere, Lusha suddenly appeared in front of Karis while she was sitting with her legs crossed, upside down, in the air. She inspected Karis' horns, touching them with her hands.
"Hey!" Ren called out.
"It's fine Ren, it doesn't really bother me," Karis replied to stop Ren from worrying.
"Hmm, hohh... mm? Woah!" Lusha gave out a variety of reactions as she continued to touch Karis' horns.
"Alright, I've seen enough, I'm satisfied," she said as she wildly flew around the room in a rather relaxed manner. She made a few rounds of flights before teleporting and settling within Ren's lap.
"Ahh, now this is comfortable. You're like a soft, fluffy toy," she remarked while nestling in his grasp.
"You see what I mean now?" Lacama said to Ren who was quite bewildered by Lusha's impulsive actions.
"Yeah, but isn't this too much?"
Lusha moved around while in Ren's lap, finding the perfect position to settle down. She moved her legs, and adjusted her body in different formations, before finally settling with leaning on the chair's armrests with her body perpendicular from Ren's position.
"Then? Why have you decided to call me now of all times?" she asked as she put her arms behind her head, lounging comfortably within Ren's lap.
"Boy here has some questions that you may be able to answer dear Lusha. You know I'm quite inactive with the mortal realm stuff so I can't say much," Lacama replied.
"Is that so? Then ask away."
"I wanted to know if it's possible for someone summoned in this world to return back to where they belong?" Ren asked after being presented with the opportunity.
"Hoh... Reverse Summon huh? Yep, it's doable," Lusha replied in a rather casual way as if it was common knowledge.
"See? Your question would've been answered long ago if you just went ahead and called for her."
"As if I knew that was possible in the first place. Anyway, how can I do it? What are the requirements?" Ren pressed Lusha for more information as he approached his face towards the goddess.
"Hey! You're ruining my seat!" she complained back as her position was getting more and more difficult to maintain.
"Reverse Summon is possible yeah, however you can't do it. None of us can. It only exists in theory but was never practiced," she added, answering the question.
"What do you mean?" Ren followed up. Karis, and Lacama listened intently as well as they were intrigued by the topic.
Lusha took one deep breath as she felt that she was about to give one long explanation to not miss out any details.
"A hero is able to exist in this world because of the link formed by a higher being that resides here, in other words, us. During the summoning ritual, the mages who brought you here can only maintain you for a few good minutes before you are sent back to your world, that's why a god's soul is linked with yours to tether you here."
Ren nodded as he listened on to Lusha's explanations. He recalled the summoning ritual back on his first day in this other world.
"By that logic, can you conclude what the method is to return to your world?" Lusha asked.
"The death of the god your soul is linked to. Is that right?" Ren said, taking a guess based on the clues given to him.
"Bingo, that's right!" the goddess cheered in joy, bringing out both of her thumbs as a sign of affirmation.
"How scary," Lacama remarked.
"Then, is the linked god to the heroes selected at random?" Karis suddenly asked.
"Random? Haha, no not at all. Don't overestimate yourselves, you're just mere mortals. True, a god's soul is bounded to yours as a form of contract, but it is up to us to select if we want to take it. If no god chose you, then the summoning ritual will fail completely, and the summoned person will just go back to his world and think of it all as a wild dream," Lusha answered.
"So, that means, you chose Ren to be your link?"
"That's right."
"But why?" Ren cut in as his interest was also piqued.
"Heh, I like you."
Ren was taken aback by Lusha's unexpected answer. He was expecting a somehow deep reasoning as to why he was chosen, but he got the simplest of answers instead.
Just then, Lusha suddenly changed her position again. In the blink of an eye, she transported herself on Ren's side. She then extended her hand as she reached out for his cheek on the opposite side, caressing it intimately while she got close to his ear.
"To be exact, I liked what you did back then. After my long years of being a goddess, none have taken my interest as much as you did. After all, you are the only hero in history that had completed the summoning ritual in his own terms," she whispered in a playful voice.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Act 3 - A Word of Caution
"Well? Satisfied with what you have learned?"
"Can't say I'm satisfied, but I guess I do have some better understanding now."
"I'm not saying that it's the only way, but that's the only known way for now, heck as I've said it's just on theory."
Ren stayed silent for a while, reorganizing his thoughts and all the added information given to him. Understanding everything related about the summoning rituals would be important down the road should Ren encounter any more heroes in the future.
"Wait!" he suddenly screamed, pulling his head back in the process.
"What is it? Don't raise your voice I'm right here," Lusha replied as she moved out of the way before Ren's head could bump hers.
"What would happen if a hero dies?"
"Well for you heroes, that would be quite unfortunate, but for us gods it's just another day. You mortals are not that powerful to affect us, boy," Lacama answered instead before Lusha could let out a word. However, the fertility goddess seemed to have a grim look on her face as she responded.
"However, if another god was involved, then some things may be different," she added.
"What if the body was immortal?" Ren asked again.
"This is about Kidul's puppet isn't it?"
Ren nodded silently to confirm Lacama's assumption.
"That Kidul, he broke the unspoken rules of meddling with the human realm. Heck, even I don't disobey those since it's more trouble than it's worth. He consumed the soul of the mortal meant to be his representative here, leaving her as an empty shell. He then planted a small fraction of his soul in her, which was barely enough to make her alive, and make her body immortal since it's a pure god soul," Lusha continued the conversation on her own with a serious tone.
"Through that body, he would consume the souls of other heroes and since their soul are linked with a god, even the deity's soul would be consumed as well. There were already two victims of this, the fire goddess, Hiagi, and the war god Areki--" Lacama said, then cut off as she took a deep breath first before continuing.
"--both of them were my younger siblings," Lacama finished with a deep tone.
Karis felt her heart sank as she empathized with Lacama's loss. After all, it was just yesterday that she lost her brother, the only remaining person in her family.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"It's okay. I'm over it."
"I didn't know such things were happening up there," Lusha said.
"Of course you wouldn't, you've been gone for almost a year now. It's quite boring up there without you, you know?" Lacama replied as she tried to bring back her light mood from earlier.
"Anyway, that reminds me. I guess I should tell you know while I'm here. Be careful of Kidul. He wasn't exactly happy that you took away his puppet. He might pull off some more intense methods now. Keep your eyes open when it's storming," she warned.
"Yeah, I don't like that Kidul guy either," Lusha added.
"If he's such a rule breaker, why don't you gods do something about it?" Ren asked with an annoyed look.
"Conflicts between gods are heavily discouraged. It's a long story but basically we're not allowed to meddle with each other, directly. If a god was to go rouge in this mortal realm, we have no choice but to let you guys deal with it," Lacama replied.
"Why?!"
"Because that's the best possible case. A conflict between gods would result in a bigger level of devastation than what a single rouge god can do."
"Tsk. At the end of the day, you're just shoving your problems onto us. What are you guys up there even meant for?"
"I'm sorry boy but that's all I can say about this," Lacama apologized as she bowed her head slightly.
Lusha could feel the tension in the air growing stronger so she quickly thought of a way to lighten up the mood.
"Aw come on now don't be like that. That's why you heroes exists, as our representatives. Remember, we can't interfere directly but that doesn't mean we cannot interfere entirely," Lusha said in a cheery voice as she started zooming in the air once again, flying rounds after rounds above Ren.
"So much for having a free life. I feel like I have no freedom here," Ren complained.
"Don't worry about it hero. You've experienced how amazing your powers can be. Just work on it and you'll be able to fight off whatever Kidul throws at you!" Lusha cheered up, approaching Ren from above.
"Besides, you got these cute wives of yours to help you out. They maybe not as powerful as you, but they're no pushovers. Isn't that right demon-wife-san?"
"I-I'll do my best to assist Ren!" Karis proudly declared.
"There you have it. So come on now, don't lose hope."
"I didn't say I was losing hope. I just feel irritated that everything's being thrown at me, and I just have no choice but to deal with it. Where's my freedom?" Ren replied as he rubbed his face with his palms.
"Ah ha...ha..." Lusha nervously chuckled.
"Oh well, I'm sure you wouldn't want your soul absorbed so you would help me right?" Ren asked the goddess who was sweating bullets as she hovered in front of him.
"O-of course! I'll do anything you ask. Yep, anything! No questions asked!"
"Hoh? Really? You would dare make such a statement, freedom god?" Lacama teased.
"When you put it that way, it seems like you're binding yourself in some kind of contract as well right?" she added.
"I'll make an exception for him. Umm... hmm, oh right! It's my choice to give him an exception. Right, right. If you look at it that way, I still have my freedom!" Lusha nervously answered as she desperately thought of excuses to deliver.
"Well boy? This is a once in a lifetime chance. What would you want our dear goddess of freedom do for you. She said she'll do anything," Lacama said to Ren with a suggestive wink. Lusha felt a chill ran down her spine as she realized the sudden predicament she put herself in.
"Hmm... I don't really have anything in mind currently. I just want to take it easy for a while. That battle with Kidul's puppet took so much out of me. Plus I still have a promise to fulfill, so I won't let myself get involved in anything too deep concerning you guys yet," Ren answered bluntly.
"I see... somehow this ticks me off," Lusha said, exchanging glances with Lacama.
"Is there really nothing you want me to do?" she asked again for confirmation.
"There really isn't... hmm. Alright, what about this? How about you serve as my overseeing eye in this world? If you saw anything that might be worth looking at, report it to me."
"Hahh, what a waste, boy. You could've used this chance to taste a goddess yet you let it go," Lacama remarked, making Lusha blush in embarrassment.
"Appreciate the offer, but I won't touch anyone that's not my wife," Ren replied, implying that he knew exactly what the two were thinking.
"Now you're really pissing me off. Oh well, your loss. You just want me to keep an eye right? That should be easy. Well then, see you whenever I can," Lusha said as she flew around the room and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
"There she goes. Guess it's time I should leave as well. I feel bad for the girl who owns this body," Lacama said as she stood up from the bed.
"I appreciate the time you spared to have a short talk with me."
"Well it's not like I was expecting any of this," Ren replied.
"May I drop by again sometime?"
"You would still do even if I say no, right?"
"Ha ha. You're no fun."
"Also, the next time you do plan to visit, how about not possessing Kurumi's body?"
"I'll try. And if I do, I'm expecting a night with you, and I won't be taking no for an answer."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Ren said as he stood up from his seat, preparing to send the goddess off.
"See you next time," Lacama said as she closed her eyes. A few moments later, Lacama's body began to lean forwards as if losing its strength. Ren caught her before she could fall to the floor. As he did, the body slowly opened its eyes as it tried to adjust itself to the light of the room.
"R-Ren? What's happening?" Kurumi asked as she woke up from her slumber.
"Well... it's a long story," Ren replied with a gentle smile to the confused girl.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Act End - Memories of the Past
Far above the skies of the Sahnpern deserts, there was a girl who soar freely with her body spread wide, and her scarf trailing right behind her. She wandered around aimlessly with no destination in mind, letting her whim decide where she would go. She soared quickly with a speed so great that any passing travelers from below would only see her trail, left behind by passing through the clouds above.
"Lusha, you there?" the girl heard a voice suddenly called out to her. A voice so familiar since she had only heard it a few moments ago.
"Oh, it's you Lacama. Have you returned?" Lusha replied telepathically to the goddess communicating with her.
"Yeah, just shortly after you left. What are you up to now?"
"Just flying around."
"I see. You're already doing what he asked of you?"
"Not really. Also it's not like I have to actively look for anything interesting. I just have to keep my eyes open."
As if on cue, Lusha let her gaze fall down on the ground below. What she saw was just a barren wasteland of sand, and some groups of Serpions wandering about. This part of the desert was barely filled with people anyways as it is one of the deep areas where such monsters lurk about.
"So? What was it like meeting your link for the first time?" Lacama asked unexpectedly.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Lusha asked back.
"Just tell me what was your impression of him. As for me I quite like him. He isn't exactly the heroic type, but he's not that bad either. He also looks quite dependable."
"Hehh... that's rare of you to take a liking on someone, let alone a mortal."
"Yeah, I don't know really, I just feel relax when I'm around him. It was the first time in a while that I've settled down like that."
"Good for you."
"Well? What about you? Aren't you going to answer my question?" Lacama pressed on.
"Do I really need to say more? I've made a link with him." Lusha answered in an unamused tone.
"Fair enough I guess. It's your first link ever since your ascension, at least have some life with your words."
"I'll keep my expectations low for now. Just because I've linked with him doesn't mean I've fully acknowledged him. It simply means he's the only one with the potential to get rid of my perpetual boredom."
"What exactly does the goddess of freedom demand to get rid of this so-called perpetual boredom?"
"I don't know. I would like to know myself."
"When was the last time you had fun?"
"..."
A moment of silence broke the conversation, as a fragment of memory flashed through Lusha's mind following Lacama's question. Lusha's face suddenly shifted into a melancholic one as if she remembered something that she didn't want to recall.
"When was the last time I had fun... I wonder as well..." she spoke softly but since she was communicating telepathically with her fellow goddess, she was heard quite clearly.
Meanwhile, back at Ren's room, he and Karis was currently explaining to Kurumi what happened while her body was possessed. Her face showed her confusion the entire time as the two were explaining.
"Wait...so gods like...those beings we prayed to back on our world?" Kurumi asked as she tried her best to make sense of everything that was told to her.
"Yeah, kinda like those but... different. Well let's put it this way, remember when those villagers kept calling you goddess of fertility back then? Well, turns out they weren't exactly far from the truth. You're connected to their goddess somehow, and yeah she used your body for a short while," Ren explained it in the best way he could.
"It was amazing. Ren's goddess was quite energetic too. She was fun to have around," Karis remarked.
"Well, I don't really know what to say but the ill feeling I was having earlier is gone now at least."
"Oh yeah, that's why you called me. So are you feeling fine now?"
"Yeah, good as new. It felt like I just woke up from a nice, long nap."
Even after being assured, Ren still came and checked for Kurumi's condition to confirm if she was really fine as she said. He placed his palm on her forehead to gauge her temperature, then checked her nape as well.
"Feels normal. Alright, I guess that's fine now," Ren said with a relieved face.
"Geez, I told you I'm alright now didn't I?" Kurumi pouted.
"Just making sure," Ren replied as he gently placed his hands on top of Kurumi's shoulders, gently grabbing them.
"You're such a worrywart," Kurumi cooed, grabbing the arm of her beloved.
Just then, Karis went and tackled Ren from behind, wrapping her arms around his stomach and gently pushing him towards Kurumi.
"My, you two are making me blush," Karis giggled as she peeked through from behind Ren.
"What'd you say Ren? Can we go a few rounds?"
"Fine, I have some free time. Let's try to finish before noon."
"You heard him. Let's 'try'."
The room was then filled with giggles and sweet noises as the three played around on top of the bed, wasting the time away with their usual activity.
"They seem to be having a lot of fun."
Lusha peeked at the happy family through a crystal ball hovering in front of her as she continued on flying high in the sky. She watched as the three began removing their threads and sticking their bodies together.
"You know you could've joined the fun if you stayed a bit longer," Lacama said as she noticed Lusha silently spectating the action with a rather indifferent expression.
"In fact, why didn't I stay instead, I could possess the girl while they're at it."
"Don't do it. Unless you want to be hated by him."
"Ehh, but I want to join in on the fun as well. But well, it's not worth him getting mad at me for it, I'll just take my chances in the future."
"Yeah."
Lacama was starting to get bothered by Lusha's lifeless responses. It had been going on like this for quite a while, and she couldn't help but feel like it was her fault that the mood had soured.
"Hey, are you still bothered about what I said?" Lacama asked, finally touching on the subject.
"..."
"Hey, speak to me."
"How far does your insensitivity go?"
"So it does bother you."
"Of course, after all, everytime I look at him, and the family that he has, I couldn't help but get reminded of..."
"It's okay, you don't have to speak his name. You don't have to hurt yourself any further."
Once again, the bitter memories came rushing back to Lusha's brain. Memories of the past that goes for as long as she could remember. A memory about a certain boy, and the life that he had lived through. A memory that remained stuck in Lusha's mind even after thousands of years had passed. A memory, that for the longest time, filled her heart with regret.
As the memories flooded in, she watched through her crystal ball the ecstatic look on the three's faces. She can't hear them from the ball, but she can clearly see how happy the three were as they embraced each other.
"Everytime I look at you, I can see their faces," Lusha muttered.
"I can see his smile."
"Yet your appearances are nowhere near each other."
"Why..."
Lusha closed her eyes as she tried her best to hold back the surging emotions from within her. Lacama stayed silent while Lusha was murmuring to herself. She felt guilty after all about her brazenness, and insensitivity that she decided not to speak any further in fear of making things worse.
"Why?"
"Why is it that--"
"You remind me of them."