Garn really didn't know how or why he got dragged into this little adventure with a Poseidon ruler he barely knew, but that was that. Waldron had insisted that he needed a vacation and despite the Yu Hasho's protest, even he knew that was true.

He hadn't been feeling like himself as of late. There were blatant dark spots in his normally stellar memory and that unnerved him even more. At least while he would be away from society for the most part, no one would suspect that he knew very little of who he really was.

Dressed in robes of grey, the Celestial leaned heavily upon the railing of the ship and gazed blankly down at the calm sapphire sea. Calm. It was something he was certain he would never get used to. Perhaps in the past there were calm days, but he didn't remember any. Chaos dictated his life, even in an era of peace.

Dark eyes thought it caught a glimpse of a giant fish, but other than that, the sea seemed as blank and tumultuous as his mind. He didn't like it. He didn't like it at all.

He remained there, watching the sea all morning until the navy men of Poseidon Empires called him over for nourishment. Garn went without a word and took a seat upon the table within one of the cabins. The food was far from luxurious, but that second day, he ate without complaint. This earned him long stares as the previous day he had exploded about the lack of good food and had to be physically held back from the kitchen on board (the men had been warned about the Celestial's destructive cuisines).

But what was even more odd was that the Celestial was actually paying attention to his equally silent royal companion, Selena...something. Garn couldn't remember and he would never ask. That wasn't why he was suddenly staring at her, though. The reason he stared was because she looked so normal next to him and he couldn't really understand why someone like her would look so...human and plain. He could understand a Rlugia looking normal...but an Aquanaut? And why was she so quiet? She didn't even say a word to him after their initial greeting. Was she afraid of him? Garn felt an intense urge to ask and decided since it was vacation for him, he might as well.

"So...Selena...why are you always so quiet? I understand your nation has been rather neutral, but I don't really care much for a silent companion. I believe we are going to have to get used to each other sooner or later." Yes, Garn knew that the two would be dropped off soon on unknown lands to find people and he hardly thought that was a vacation, but it was better than the quasi-calm in the homefront. Even if it felt a bit degrading to do it himself.

(I think I've spelled my made up words wrong, but not willing to look it up. xD I've also included a rough sketch of Selena's face. Proportions are off but eh, a general idea.)

Enuzu had remained in her own room for the majority of the trip so far, pacing from one end to another. It was dull and boring, but she had nothing else to do. Vimosu had not allowed her to take any documents or books, only materials that might be used to take notes about their destination. She was not close to anyone on the ship, Unsu and the rest of them had to stay back at the palace. With the ruler gone, everything was left to the council, which honestly made her feel a bit disappointed. When she had first started out, she knew nothing about running a country, and was quite proud when she was finally able to do so...

The servants she was close to were not aboard the ship either. Even her own personal crew for her ship and airship was not with them. This trip was supposedly going to take quite some time, and just thinking about it made her feel incredibly lonely. It kind of surprised her, she thought she could handle solitude very well, but that was probably because someone she felt comfortable with was normally within reach.

Enuzu didn't want anyone to notice her boredom or personal feelings though, so she tried her best to keep a straight face when walking outside. At times she may even try to have a nice small conversation with the navy men, since they were her people. But there was the Celestial ruler whom she could not manage to say a word to. Enuzu doesn't know much of dark-haired man beyond what Vimosu had told her. He had kept reassuring her things would be fine and that they might even be fun, but didn't felt so sure about it. If it was Vimosu, she would trust him with her life and normally listens to his advice, but did she really need a vacation?

In her opinion, no, but he wouldn't let the subject drop. The man even manage to steal her uniform so she would dress in a more casual Aquanician clothes, currently consisting of a plain, gray, knee-length sleeveless shirt and a pair of teal pants. This was the closest Vimosu could get her to wearing a dress, though did manage to fiddle with her luggage before they left... In any case, other than her name and position was clearly imprinted on her right arm in Aquanician that few would be able to understand anyway, she really wore nothing that revealed her status.

Oh well, there was no point to dwell on it now. From what she was told, this really didn't have anything to do with politics or anything of that sort. It was to be free from work so why not an Aquanaut companion instead? The trip might be less awkward that way, though, she had to admit, it was almost amusing watching the Celestial become angry at the crew over the food. It made the day more interesting even it was just by a bit, but from what she was told, she was quite happy he never made it to the kitchen. It just became more awkward the next day though.

Then something happened that caught her quite off guard, even though she should have expected it to happen at some point. The Celestial spoke to her, and was a bit blunt about it, but that was not really the surprising part. What surprised her the most was that he used her middle name, and though he also didn't include her title, she didn't really mind that. Her name was not hard to say as some other Aquanaut names were, but perhaps some just feel more comfortable with "Selena."

She decided to not question it, especially since she had a bit of trouble formulating a response to his question.

"I... Well... There isn't really much to say," she said, trying to remain calm and look at him as one should when talking to someone. Though, even that was a bit hard to do, and... How was she supposed to address him? Maybe she'll just wave her arm or something when she wanted his attention. But if it was this hard now, she really didn't want to think about how it be once they are off the ship without the crew.

Uninteresting response...but did Garn really expect an interesting one out of the quiet aquanaut? Her response merely made him even more uncomfortable than before. Damn, there had to be a way to make this boring trip more interesting.

Dark eyes remained steady on her as he wondered what to say next. He was not a joker and most certainly out of practice with charm. Garn suddenly felt very old despite his youthful exterior. He looked away to drain his cup of water and set it down quietly before looking back up at his fellow inmate.

"Mm...be it as it may, my dear Aquanaut, I am quite certain trekking unknown lands with a companion still requires language to be exchanged. In any case, Enuzu Selena, address me as Garn or just Zheng, whatever catches your tongue's fancy. We are on vacation and I could care less about formalities. Formal titles make me feel my age." Garn made a face at his own reminder of his age.

"Anyway, what did that insane Vimosu fellow do to make you take such a trip with a former dark lord? Seems he is a tad too trusting of my restraint." These words came easier and were accompanied by a mischievous smirk. He was always most comfortable trying to scare others, it seemed.

Enuzu nearly fell out of her seat at his response. Can he... read minds? Or did her words and face give everything away? Either way, she felt tenser now.

"Very well then, that is good to know," she said once she overcame her shock. "I guess I'll... call you Garn then." Just addressing someone by just their last name alone felt so rude for her.

"He didn't really do anything, but he gets very persistent when he wants something to happen," Enuzu explain, with a fond expression on her face considering Vimosu looked so happy and energetic when he was trying to convince her. It was as if he was talking about a festival instead of something like this.

"In any case, I trust him with my life... And even if things go wrong, I'm sure he knows what to do." She had faith in Vimosu, since he was not only her teacher but also the person who took care of her. Also, he claim to know a very powerful man in the Holylands that could handle Garn, though she has never met the fellow. It was funny though, apparently, he has visited the palace a few times, even the servants backed him up on it... Was it a bad sign she didn't know anything about this visitor?

"What about yourself? Why go on a trip to the unexplored continent?"

The confident smirk faded at her question. Garn really didn't want to expose weakness, but was there a way? Clearly someone had informed this girl of the situation before, right? Probably that Vimosu fellow. If so...

"Err...well...I needed a...vacation! Yes...that's...all..." It was unusual for the former dark lord to look away and lie so horridly, but for once in his life, he knew he could not use violence to scare away someone. Especially with the threat of the chains looming over his head. Firore Waldron had specifically instructed him to be friendly to his fellow ruler. Damn the man.

Avoiding any further attempts at conversation, Garn took a swing of his drink as he composed himself, restoring color to his cheeks that was previously lost. Slamming the goblet back onto the table, the Celestial restored his confident smirk and folded his arms over his chest.

"Unexplored territory is nothing to me, though. Been there, done that, ya know? I think I was also chosen to be your escort for that reason. Gotta have a seasoned explorer with a delicate damsel like you, right?" Ah yes, there was the condescension. Beautiful. And the Aquanaut would never realize just how long it had been since Garn Zheng had set foot on unexplored territory. Let alone his fear of certain...terrain.

((OOC: Because I'm in doubt, they are eating, yes? ^^' ))

How odd, Enuzu thought. Why did he seem so... So bothered by her question? Oh well, maybe she should take it as a good sign that a man like him can behave like that. It made him a little less frightening and a bit more intriguing. Enuzu was not one to pry though.

"Is that so?" She replied, pausing for a few minutes before quietly adding, "I was told the sam-"

She almost jumped when Garn slammed the goblet down, looking at him with a surprised expression on her face. Seeing that he seemed to have gone back to what she assumed was his normal self, she went back to finishing her meal.

After the Celestial finished what he had to say, she had to admit, she agreed with him. Although she didn't like putting herself in the "delicate damsel" category, she definitely agreed that out of top 10,000 people best sorted for the task given to them, she was probably lucky if she was in the top 100,000.

"I guess you are right, I sometimes don't really realize how much experience you must have considering your appearance." It was actually hard for her to believe how old he really was, and she really doesn't believe the fact as really hit her in the head just yet. Even Aquanauts age, though slowly, and she was fortunate enough to inherit the ability considering her mixed blood.

Their conversation ended on a dull note with the two of them escaping to opposite sides of the ship. Garn took to scanning the front of the ship, eyes shaded so he could peer into the distance of a disturbingly still sapphire sea. He frowned at the sight, seeing only the very beginnings of what looked like land masses after so many hours. He'd much rather teleport, but that was unlikely seeing as he had no clue where they were going exactly. Waldron had made sure such information never reached him. Only the captain knew on this ship and he wasn't authorized to visit the man.

Not that he really paid attention to authority. However, there was a rather strange barrier stopping him and he knew just from touching it that it would probably break the ship if he attempted to destroy it. Besides, it was only stopping him and that Selena girl.

But that was unfortunate and he couldn't stand it. Vacation or not, he had to know things. Garn hated being out of the know and he almost feared it more than his lapses in memory. At least he knew what was going on with his spotty memory, but with this? Not knowing where the hell they were going? Their true mission? Firore Waldron's motive? What was happening with the broken silence from the Holy Lands? All of it was driving him up the wall.

And it showed from the wrinkles that formed between his brows and the way he clenched and unclenched his fists as he stalked about what had become his side of the ship.

That was until it was nightfall. By then, he'd demanded to dine alone and promptly fell asleep right after.

The next day, he was informed that they would land as soon as he finished his shower and that Garn found it hard to even swallow a sip of juice. So soon? But he didn't have enough time to agitate himself! And what was--

And then he recalled who he was and just how old he was. That certainly calmed him down by the time the two dismounted and Garn was handed a messenger bag as luggage. By then, he was calm and he was scanning the beach most casually as the ship departed from the shores.

Everything looked alright, so perhaps finally they could have some talk before moving on. Garn thought it a good idea anyway.

Turning away from the view, the Celestial looked down at his charge, with a hand on his hip. For attire today, he wore blue trousers and a sleeveless white shirt, making him look strangely out of place with his sun-starved skin. Not that he cared, really. He knew no matter what happened he would look essentially the same. There was nothing out there that could even have a chance to defeat the great Garn Tasn Zheng. Not even nature.

"So what is our mission, anyway? I saw the captain give you a missive before the ship left."

Enuzu was so happy when she was by herself again. Honestly, people don't take vacations with strangers...!

Well fine, they do, but they also at least have someone they know usually. She never thought she miss all the commotion Pierre and Jon would cause as well as many of Pierre idiot skits.

Much like before, she spent her time pacing about, just wishing to reach their destination as soon as possible so she would have something to do! Enuzu did try to see the captain, but for some reason she just couldn't. This was something she was not used to, and had to stop herself from doing anything foolish while investigating the matter. Back in her palace, all rooms were open to her, except for the bottom floor... But no one has access to that. Well, she believed no one did.

The Aquanaut glanced at each crew member that passed by her after that, but they all looked normal. She even saw them getting to the captain just fine. In the end, Enuzu decided that there must be a good reason for this, and whatever it is, she will question Vimosu later.

She pretty much avoided Garn the entire time, especially after she noticed he wasn't in the best of moods for... Well, probably anything as far as she knew. It was such a relief, when she learned they wouldn't be eating together that night. But it was an incredibly dull evening, when she spent out on the deck to enjoy the night air. It was quite cool and refreshing, and she didn't run into the Celestial at all. Perhaps he was already sleeping, but it was difficult for her to sleep. Enuzu felt like she wasted so much time already.

When morning came, she had managed to slowly forced herself to get up. However, when she was told they would soon be landing, Enuzu was ready to jump for joy. Finally, they were there! Oh.... But that means it would just be the two of them for the rest of this trip. Could she handle that?

As she was walking off the ship, wearing a long, white sleeveless top and flimsy, white cropped pants. Honestly, if she was daring enough, she might have worn less because she could do so much better with the cold than the heat. Enuzu was quite glad her hair was already short. Anyways, she was handed her luggage (also in a messenger bag), and the captain called her over to the side.

"Hwi Myhu Vimosu told us he suspects a Aquanaut diplomat may be here. He didn't mention any name, but he said it was before your reign, my lady." The Captain informed her. "He wants you to find him and help him. Apparently he has been missing for a long time and all clues lead to here."

"A diplomat?" Enuzu repeated, perplexed by the news but tried her hardest to keep a calm but focused expression. "Well, then, I- I mean, we will do our best."

The captain nodded his head, and prepared to set sail again.

She then walked over to the Celestial, though she did had to stop briefly to stare at his attire. If she wasn't seeing it for herself, she could have never pictured it if someone else were to describe it with perfect detail. It was... Interesting.

"Ah, well, apparently an Aquanaut diplomat somehow got lost here..." She answered, with a bit of uncertainty in her tone. "I don't know the details, it was during the time of Poseidon Empire's last Imperial Lord. In any case, we should find him if we can."

Garn frowned at her response. Unknown diplomat that had been missing for some time? What were the chances that this aquanaut was still alive?! The Celestial sighed in irritation and turned away, tugging the silver string from his earring. There was no telltale crack as he was already in his normal form as he quickly smoothed his hair back from his face, tying it into a long ponytail.

"Well then, I suppose your people would not send you off on a wild chase, would they?" He dropped his hands just as his celestial features receded for more elfin ones. He needed the hearing.

"Now...let's go. I take it we will have to navigate somehow through that strange forest ahead." He didn't look back once. Not even when he drew out a long knife from his bag and started trekking off toward the forest. He figured Selena would follow without problems. After all, no danger around yet, right?

“Correct.”

Enuzu agreed with him, but only because she was told Vimosu was the one who asked this of them. She could definitely see the council sending her on a wild goose chase if they could. Although, they were the type to believe that if a person was most likely dead, then he was dead. That was it. Vimosu on the other hand would reveal his theories if he was at least seventy-five percent sure. If he was ninety percent sure, then he would give more details.

Of course, there was always the chance the captain could have lied... But this expedition was Vimosu's idea or at least he agreed to it. Therefore, she shouldn't really question it.

When Garn said they should get going, Enuzu took the time to fully exam their current surrounds. The beach they landed on was pretty straight forward, and not much special about it. It seemed like a nice place to relax. The forest on the other hand was actually kind of eerie. However, better a forest than a desert, they just have to be careful. Plus, did have the former dar- Eh?

Enuzu realized he was already moving ahead so she quickly follow suit, hoping she was ready to expect anything. This was the very reason she carried her... Come to think of it, where was her spear? She forgot her it, didn’t she? What's wrong with her today, she wondered. The Aquanaut wasn’t all that good at using anything other than rods and spear type of weapons. But Enuzu wasn’t going to let it get to her; she still had her magic for one thing. Her magic was actually better than her physical combat skills. She could also probably find a decent stick.

He slashed a path easily with one swipe of his knife and a bit of magic and then there was little use for the knife. So he put it away again once he stopped in the middle of the path. Perhaps he stopped a bit too abruptly because he felt his charge lightly bump into him.

In normal circumstances, Garn would turn around immediately and catch her by her arms in a warning fashion, but he didn't this time. No, he knew she was no trouble at all and hell...someone would have his head if he touched a single hair of this Aquanaut half breed.

But that didn't stop him from glancing over his shoulder.

"Best not have your head in the clouds, darling. We don't even know where the hell we--excuse me." He'd thrown himself on Selena the next moment, causing them both to crash down onto the loamy soil as arrows whizzed overhead. Garn frowned as he rolled off his charge without an apology.

Instead, he murmured a spelled barrier which quickly blocked the remaining arrows from hitting them. Sitting up, the Celestial took the chance to peer into the growth where the arrows had come from (they'd stopped momentarily). However, he could see nothing.

"Huh...so there is civilization yet unconquered--" He ducked at the sound of darts. They flew harmlessly into the barrier and Garn cast another spell, this time, creating a force field around him and Selena. It wouldn't last long, but it would be enough for him to stand and cast the next one.

Leaping to his feet, the Celestial drew out a bag of white powder. Taking a pinch, he threw it in the air. While the powder suspended, he murmured yet another incantation and made a sweeping motion with his arm. The powder instantly multiplied and flew toward the area where the arrows came from. Turning, he did the same for the other four sides of the forest just as his protection spells dissolved.

The effect was instantaneous as Garn put the powder away calmly. The forest was suddenly filled with sounds of falling creatures and several fell from trees nearby, crumpling on the ground. Wiping his hands on his pants, the Celestial turned to his charge and offered her a hand up.

"Sleeping powder, if you are wondering. Now...shall we continue or do you want to retreat and plan?"

She was a bit embarrassed when she bumped into Garn because it revealed she wasn't paying much attention to what was in front of her. The thick plant life surrounding them caused her to divide her attention, almost like a child walking into new and mysterious place.

Though she felt a bit insulted when he said, "darling," she felt she should apologize for her behavior when all of a sudden he just fell on her. Enuzu was shocked at first, and her face clearly showed it, until she took note of the arrows passing over them. It actually calmed her down; people don't normally throw themselves onto her. Though, she has had people shield her before, which now that she thought more about it, was quite sad.

In the past, her country expects their ruler to be a brave and a powerful warrior as both the first Imperial Lord and Lady were. Now look at her, just sitting there as her Celestial companion took care of things. Enuzu felt a bit ashamed. She should really work on her reflexes. Perhaps, instead of worrying about the awkwardness between them, she should use this learning experience.

With that decided she slowly got up and patted the dust off her body, making sure not to get in Garn’s way. The thuds and crashes surprised her though, until Garn explained he was using sleeping powder. The substance seemed quite powerful, and Enuzu felt a bit more at ease.

“We should probably continue.”

They were outnumbered by who knows how many, but then again, Garn could probably handle it. Still, who knows, these people may not be cruel and just scared. They didn’t know much about this place anyway, the natives would have that advantage.

[OOC: TIME SKIP]

"...I am NOT going through that muck!"

It had been two days since they started their expedition and now Garn and Selena were at the outskirts of a swamp. The Celestial was eyeing it with malice as he moved away from it, putting the sleeve of his blue robe to his nose. True, robes weren't ideal for an adventure, but he was getting tan and he couldn't have that!

However, despite his protests, the former dark lord knew better than to think there was another path. He had managed to find traces of Aquanaut somehow when they finally exited the forest and this was their next obstacle.

Yet, he still would whine and pretend that it wasn't the only way out of the forest for it had been two days where he had to live alone with this woman without the comforts of a palace he'd grown used to after so many years.

Perhaps it was a bad idea to have let the man alone with another ruler in the wilderness after all, seeing as the Celestial was slowly backing away from the black gunk that made the swamp floor.

((OOC: Sorry this took so long. Dx))

Enuzu didn't know how to process the words she was hearing. She couldn't honestly believe the Celestial didn't expect something like this to obstruct their path and had prepared himself for it. Her own clothes were of nothing special so as long as they don't reek of a vile stench, she was fine going through anything. Well, assuming there was no leeches in the swamp or some other slimy creature, yuck!

Still, like a good portion of her observations of Garn, his reaction amused her. Perhaps she should have expected this of him; he certainly looked like the type that would fuss over it considering what happened on the ship.

In any case, one way or another, Enuzu was going to force him to walk through this wetland. The Aquanaut ruler didn't like the idea of turning back and going around, assuming that was even an option. It would be a waste of time and energy, and it's not like she is enjoying all this time outside either. This was honestly the first time she has ever been on a trip like this, and she was starting to miss her own bed and Pierre's cooking. Maybe when she returns she'll spend her time in the kitchen.

"Well, in that case, I'll just go first."

Enuzu carefully lower her left foot into the shallow pool of muddy water and then her right, careful not to slip in.

((OOC: I figure something should happen here... But I'm not sure what... So my post ends here. xD Unless you have a suggestion.))

Garn watched in horror as she stepped into the muck. Why would she do that without thinking? What kind of lady did that? More importantly, why was she going before him?! His manhood was being tested!

Frowning, he followed, grimacing at the squelching sounds he heard when he placed his boot in. Ugh, there better not be quicksand nearby! Muttering darkly to himself, he grabbed the other by the arm and slowly waded to the other side.

By they time they reached the otherside, muck was mysteriously in his hair and on his shoulders. Wiping his brow, he smeared some more muck on his face. He was quite the sight.

"...so, do you want to set camp or continue?" he asked nonchalantly, oblivious of the mess he'd made of himself.

(OOC: How deep is this swamp? Was Selena supposed to get muddier too?

Swamps stick right? Though we didn't mention it before xDD If you want I can edit this~)

Enuzu was glad to see Garn was following her and actually smiled even though she also noticed Garn did not like it at all. For most of it, she kept her focus on what she might be stepping on. Her arms were kept close to herself unless she was trying to regain her balance. She really was worried about slipping at any moment since it wasn't like she enjoyed this either.

When she reached the other side, she turned around and nearly fell back in from surprise. How in Zelpha did Garn get so much mud on him? Did she do the same to herself? Enuzu looked at herself, and only saw the lower portion of her body a mess. She was wearing white clothes as well, as her clothes were mostly white, so every stain would be hard to miss except for her back... But no, she couldn't see anything on her backside either that shouldn't logically be there! Perhaps this, the whole thing or at least the swamp part, was a hallucination?

No... The awful stench of it was very real, though maybe she was smelling herself or the swamp. But there was differently a dirty Celestial before her, and not the suggestive kind.

"I... I think we should find a river first... Or a lake... With soap..." she answered, staring at him in disbelief.

She also wanted to get herself cleaned up so a river would really be helpful right now.

River? Garn looked down at himself and started. When did all this get onto him? Sure he stumbled and slipped here and there...but... Ugh! Thankfully there was also muck over most of his face or else his charge would've seen the rosy blush decorating his cheeks. Feigning cool, he nodded and headed quickly away from the swamp toward where he thought he heard running water.

It never occurred to him once that a simple cleaning charm would've done the job.

When he did find a river, he eyed it suspiciously. It was clear crisp...he didn't like it. Could it be a trap? How many things ever turned out the way he wanted?

"You think the water is safe?" he asked, eyes never leaving the tempting, sparkling surface of the gently flowing water. How could a river like this exist so close to that death trap of a swamp? The world didn't make sense...or at least the unexplored continent didn't make sense.

Enuzu was confused by how calm the Celestial was… She decided it was probably due to his upbringing or perhaps she has the wrong idea of him. They had just met so how would she know how Garn would react? In any case, so far, the journey was going rather smoothly since there first steps into the forest. Other than the swamp, it wasn’t so bad. It was actually very strange to not have stepped in her office these past few days.

She was following Garn as she was thinking about how were things back in Poseidon Empires, wondering if it was better without her.

Enuzu was staring at the river Garn found while still deep in thought, not actually registering they’ve reach their destination. She didn’t even hear Garn’s question.

When she finally noticed the clarity of the water, she found it breathtaking. If all the waters in the world were like this, she would probably faint from the beauty of it. Enuzu couldn’t help but want to take a swim in it, and she didn’t even think about the oddity of it. Any logic or common sense did not seem to interfere with her desire to run the water through her hands. Thus, she slowly reached out with her right hand…

(OOC: No ideas of where to go from here ^^; )

Garn didn't even notice that she was reaching out to touch the water until the surface of the water broke from her fingertips. He looked alarmed as there was a sudden rumbling while the water swirled and lapped at their clothing.

The Celestial didn't think twice. He grabbed her Aquanaut away from the river as a creature made of pure liquid rose from the rushing waters. He sighed in disappointment when the giant water snake hissed at them, drenching them with large droplets of water. He knew there was a catch...

"This is quite annoying, but at least we know civilisation is near...I mean, that clearly was conjured as some feeble trap." He didn't even acknowledge the scary monster with a glance as he slicked his long hair back. He could feel the muck slipping from his dark tresses. Really, if one thought about it, the threatening hisses of the water creature was very much like a public shower.

"Oh! I beg your pardon..." Garn let go of her when he realised he was till holding onto her arm. The creature was no threat whatsoever. It'd just be like some makeshift amusement ride if the thing came crashing at them.

Yet, by the third hiss, the Celestial was getting annoyed. As much as he enjoyed the creature's efforts to drown them with clear water, he didn't care for the hissing too much. He liked his baths and showers to be quite silent, after all.

Sighing once more in annoyance, the former dark lord flew up and sliced the creature in half with a quick wind spell. That was enough for it to fall and crash back into the river, causing quite the wave.

By the time Garn had landed, his charge looked like she'd just surfaced from the sea.

"Now...bath and then we go find civilisation?" He didn't wait for an answer as he stripped off his damp outer robe.

Enuzu was more surprised about being grabbed than the water monster before them. Aquanauts valued their personal space*, and the higher your rank, the more you were given. It was only in emergencies that she was ever pulled or picked up, and her entire rule so far has been very peaceful. She didn’t do anything though other than let Garn pull her along as she adjusted to their current situation.

The creature didn’t frighten her much. She was actually a bit amazed since it was made entirely out of water. Well, the fact that it was just water also made her feel at ease. She should be ashamed if she was afraid of water. Any Aquanaut, pure or not, should be, even if it was in the form of a snake.

“Yeah…” She agreed, hoping this was the worst the natives could do. This was actually something she could handle herself, but the thought didn’t occur to her. Probably it was due to the water being sprayed at them, which was kind of helpful though she personally didn’t enjoy the feeling of it A bath would be much better. Or maybe it was because her arm was still held by Garn, and-wait, huh?

Enuzu looked at where the Celestial was grabbing and was not sure if she say something or just wait. But Garn soon took notice on his own.

“It’s fine,” she replied calmly, though she was mentally feeling a bit awkward.

In any case, she was glad Garn took care of the beast, though she had to brace herself the following impact. She didn’t do a very good job of, almost getting knocked off her feet. That would’ve been an embarrassing sight, or at least it would be in her eyes. Water should be her specialty! Speaking of embarrassing sights, what did Garn say?

“Wha-Wait! Let me move over there…”

Enuzu turned her back to him and started to move a few feet away. Then she stood there and tried to decide if she was just going to go in as is or remove her shirt and bottoms. Of course, she would still have her undergarments on, but she found the thought of it too embarrassing that she rather just stay as she is. She didn’t have as much muck as Garn did anyway, and that wave earlier helped out or at least she thought so.