A place of legend! This is Arcadia…

Tobias had just asked quite a peculiar question in regards to the bathhouse. He had wanted to know if it was coed. This had called upon an unusual perverseness in the old man. To which, Kira had pointed out. Nostradamus had given a long silence before answering him. "The baths are indeed mixed." Nostradamus had blushed quite a bit himself having to refrain from acting out of character. He too was a man that fantasized much like any other pervert. Fortunately for Nostradamus, he has much  self control when it comes to it.

Van would then ask where the bathhouse was to which Nir did not approve of his tone. "Ho ho ho. It is quite alright. He's very straight forward in the things he wants. Come with me and I'll bring you." Nostradamus would then take the rest of the group to their respective changing rooms, where they'd meet in the middle to enter the bathhouse. The Prophet would no longer be with them at this point.

The bathhouse was quite large. You could easily fit 50 people comfortably. It was very steamy inside. The architecture was remarkable. Alongside the walls, were bamboo and bushes. The smooth stones on the ground didn't feel like rocks at all. The bath held four main sections. Two equally small sections were off too the side. It had a slightly higher elevation than the main bath level and was meant more so for those who would want to bath amongst themselves. The section at the highest elevation had a good size. Of course the largest area of the bath was the main level. it had included each of the other three sections within it.

Benkei was scolded by van for wanting to spar but was shut down "dam okay okay " then van had asked for the bathhouse but old man Tobias had asked if the baths were coed to which Benkei noticed the awkwardness about it "does it really matter if it is?". As the group followed the master Nostradamus they finally arrived at a huge bathhouse that could hold a huge amount of people. Benkei would run inside excited to finally bathe and rip his tater shirt off that was damaged "Finally! I can cleanse the soul ,body and mind !!!!!!behold !".

The group had finally been brought to the bathhouse, which was pleasing to the eye. It was very spacious, and carried an appealing aesthetic. Fortunately for the group, it wasn’t busy either, leaving them with the freedom to use any of the four sections. Kira was the first to comment on the bathhouse, stepping forward with a sparkle in her eyes. ”THIS. IS. AMAZING!” She said. ”Yes, this is truly the spectacle Master Nostradamus.” Tobias said.

As they were taking in the bathhouse, Benkei wasted no time in removing his tattered clothes, revealing his naked frame. ”Benkei! Kira and Stella are right here!” Nir yelled out. Stella giggled, blushing. ”I’m gonna go and get undressed.” Van said, walking away from the others and heading to his changing room. The others had followed him shortly after, leaving Benkei alone for the moment; That was until Kane had come running in….

”You thought you’d outdo me Benkei!?!?” Kane yelled out, running towards the monk in the full nude! ”Yaaaaaahooooo!!!!” Kane yelled again, jumping over Benkei and diving into the water. He emerged shortly after, stroking his hair back as he laughed. ”This feels great!!!”

Benkei stood there in the nude posing with such a Victor but he had forgotten about the girls "ahhh ....I um " he would cover himself up embarrassed until Kane had stripped his clothes off and jumped into the water behind him " Kane this battle you will not win!!! For I am the lord of the seas !!!!! ". Benkei would do a back flip Into the water but sadly miss and land on his head almost drowning "save me someone !!!!!!"

”Gahahahaha!!!! Save yourself you idiot!” Kane yelled out, laughing as he watched Benkei slowly sink into the water. The two were already beginning to enjoy their time in one of the larger baths below the two smaller ones. It didn’t take long for Van to come out of the changing room. He casually walked up to one of the smaller, secluded baths up above. The young man was in the nude, with his small towel hanging over his shoulder; and much surprising to the others, he was still wearing his eyepatch. ”You don’t want to join the guys and splash around?” Kuro asked, who was mounted on his other shoulder. ”Absolutely not…” Van said, entering the smaller bath, and placing the towel over his head.


Tobias was right behind, also deciding to join the young assassin in the smaller, and much more quiet bath. ”Van my boy, I hope you don’t mind me joining you.” The older man said, receiving no answer from Van, who simply sat there in silence. Stella and Kira exited the changing room after Tobias. The two were in their towels. ”Oh dear, I’m quite nervous…” Stella said, blushing a deep red. ”I know it could feel weird, especially with that pervert Kane in here!” Kira said, shifting her eyes at Kane. The two continued to walk past the bath Kane and Benkei were in. ”Let’s go to one of the bath that’s not being used!” Kira said, pulling Stella by her hand. ”Yes, that sounds good!” They walked up the steps, passing by the bath Van and Tobias were in. Tobias waved, giving the two a smile as they approached their bath. ”Alright Stella, give me a second.” Kira said, turning in the general direction of the men. ”Everyone turn away!!!!! We’re getting in!!!!” Kira yelled out.

Tobias blushed, quickly turning his head away. ”Y-Yes!!! Of course!!!” He said, closing his eyes. Van remained still, his face covered by the towel. As for Kane, he slowly turned around, placing his hand over his eyes. The two young women removed their towels during that interval, stepping into the water so that their chests were submerged. Only their shoulders up were visible. ”Okay! We’re in!! Thank you boys!” Kira said, snickering. ”Thank you Kira!” Stella said, appreciating Kira’s efforts to make her feel comfortable. ”I wonder where Nir is…”

Moments after the Galatian group had entered the bathhouse, the Ovale group had just entered. "Those guys are causing such a ruckus." Shinji would say walking out of the changing room with Biggs right behind. "It is their first time here so it's only natural." Remi with Anna would pull up at the same as the boys and overheard them talking. "You're one to talk. I still remember when you first got here." "Sh- shut up!" Shinji had a slightly embarrassed face on. "You were just like a big kid with a new toy" Biggs and Anna would laugh at Shinji causing him to get even more flustered.

Both of Shinji and Biggs had their towels wrapped around their waist being sure to cover up properly. Remi and Anna would also cover up properly. They would each respectively head to separate locations of the bath. Remi and Anna had saw Stella and Kira, making their way over. "Do you mind we join you?" Remi would ask. Shinji and Biggs had entered the larger with Benkei and Kane. "Hope you guys have been enjoying the bath so far. It's very revitalizing."

Benkei had been drowning with no one caring about his well being . Just then he would stand up and glare at him "really no one going to try and save me ......your right here !" . Van had entered but chose to seclude himself which Benkei expected but then the girls and tobias had enter causing benkei to cover his eyes in respect for the girls but become flustered "ahh I forgot this was a mixed house ! " He sank himself in the water and use his other hand to cover kane's eyes "I'm watching you old man!!!" . The ovale group had entered with shinji complaining about the ruckus "shinji......" He would lower his hands finally just to look at him almost like he was sizing him up "I see you have that good all boyish charm about you still intact.....so how is Virgil....."

Stella and Kira watched Remi and Anna approach the bath. The two of them wore bright smiles, hoping to start fresh with the Ovale group. ”We don’t mind at all!” Stella said, with a bright smile. Kira also smiled, placing her hands behind her head. ”The more the merrier!” She said. Tobias looked over, pleased to see that the young girl was so open. After the past events, especially between the two groups, he didn’t know how she’d interact with them. But everything seemed to be going smooth. ”Ah, things are going well.” Tobias said, turning back to the larger bath below. ”Perhaps I should keep my eye on that Benkei…” Tobias said. Kuro snickered, ”Yeah, if anyone’s going to cause trouble again, it’d be Benkei alright…”


Below, Kane had swatted Benkei’s hand away. ”Was hoping you’d drown you bastard…” He mumbled to himself, looking to Biggs and Shinji, who joined the two. ”It sure is! Especially when you’ve got some lovely ladies in here with you! I mean, I know this bath is full of men, but just above….” Kane sank into the water, only showing his eyes. He slowly turned looking up to the small bath full of the young women, and Anna. Kane quickly turned back to Shinji and Biggs, rising slightly from the water again. ”You guys have got a beauty rolling with you. But that’s not who I’m interested in….” Kane closed his eyes before lunging towards Biggs and grabbing a hold of him. ”YOU’VE GOT TO TELL ME ABOUT MIRANDA! Is she single!? What kind of men is she into!? Hm!? HMMM!?!?” It wad obvious that Kane was truly a perverted man, but he did have his sights on Miranda.

The girls seemed o be getting along just fine. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the boys. Benkei's tone did not sit well with Shinji. The blond warrior was tensing up ready to strike at Shinji. It wasn't until Biggs placed his had on his shoulder, calming him down. "Well for bow he's just resting. That's what he needs most and when he's finally awake, he'll join us all." Kane had emerged ever so slightly after feasting his eyes on the girls once more. He had made a comment which caught Shinji's attention. It was about Miranda. "WATCH IT OLD MAN!!" Shinji had said angrily. He was moving closer to press Kane but was put in a full nelson hold by Biggs. "C- calm down Shinji!" Biggs would struggle to hold him back due to the resistance. The reason he had felt so strongly is because to him much like the others, Miranda was like a mother to them and he has a very protective nature.

As shinji group approach he scoffed a little bit was happy about the news about Virgil recovery as he rested "well that's good ...I'm glad he is alive and well " benkei had sank into the bath and watched as Kane pestered shinji and Biggs about Miranda "that's enough old man! That woman could kill you probably a hundred times over with not a sweat broken so ease up ". Benkei sighed and wondering about something"hey shinji ......that guard back their from the entrance .....how strong is he ,his misra output feels insane almost like the demon inside Virgil was.....I one point I couldn't tell the difference ".

Tobias leaned over, peering down into the bath the men were in. ”Please, calm yourselves!” He turned back around, closing his eyes and resting his hands atop his stomach. ”They are being too loud…Hmph!” Kuro chuckled, ”What a bunch of bafoons!” The creature grinned, slowly seeping into the small shadow Van casted in the bathhouse.

Unlike the men, the young women were more civil, truly enjoying the tranquility offered in the bathhouse. Stella had sighed in relief, rubbing her neck. ”This feels so good. Forgive me if I disgust you, but I don’t remember the last time I bathed like this.” Kira smiled, ”With everything we’ve been through the past few days, we deserve this.” Kira said. She turned to face Remi, ”You guys are so lucky! To have a place like this available to you; I’m so jealous!” Kira continued.

Down below, the commotion had come to a pause, with Biggs holding Shinji back. Kane had laughed, splashing water at Shinji. ”I’m just kidding around with ya! Haha! Yeeesh!” The young man then smirked, pointing at Benkei. ”You know, he calls me an old man too! So in a way, you two knuckleheads are alike! Haha!” Kane erupted into a laughter again, stopping once he heard Benkei’s question. As he waited for an answer from either Biggs or Shinji, Nir had came walking in from the changing room. ”Hey guys! Sorry I’m so late!”

Remi and the others were completely unbothered by the boys. They had tended to their own matters. Remi would chuckle at Stella. "I'm sure you know but traveling with a bunch of boys, smells and the like don't even matter. We're used to getting a little dirty, right?" She would then look to little Anna with a bright smile. "Right!" Anna had given a smile right back. Kira had taken every bit of this bath. Not being used to travel, it was only natural to want to soak it all up. Kira would continue on to say how lucky they were to have this bath house at their disposal. "Actually, it's more so that we were lucky enough that Master Nos had found us when he did. If not for his generosity, we wouldn't be here at all. This was but another praising moment for The Prophet. To reiterate, Nostradamus is not just someone who had saved the Ovale group. He is more than that. Much more.

The little quarrel between the men down below had settled quickly. Kane had gone along with saying he was only joking around. It would seem more like he was trying to lighten the mood a bit. Shinji still had a bit of animosity towards the Galatian group. Luckily, Biggs was around to keep his hot-headed friend restrained. Grumpy, Shinji had finally calmed down. "I am nothing like him!" Shinji would shout. Taking into account of their personalities and how quick they are to temper, Benkei and Shinji are quite indeed alike. Biggs had chuckled after noticing. "What are you laughing for??" Biggs had retreated to a defensive stance with his his hands up. Benkei had tried to ask about Domon. "Uhh Benkei, you should know that Mr. Domon isn't just some guard. He's actually-" Before Biggs could continue any more, Nir had finally arrived.

With Nir's presence, the air had shifted. Things were much lighter now that the Galatian Sword has arrived. Biggs would be the first in greeting Nir, waving his arm high. "Hey you made it!" Shinji had looked over as well.

As benkei asked his question and waited for answers , the men would compare shini to himself "WE ARE NOTHING ALIKE I AM A MAN OF TRANQUILITY AND BALANCE!!!!. Benkei would grit his teeth as being compare to a brat like shinji was worse than anything he could imagine. Benkei would peek up a bit as he was about to get his from bigss when nir had finally arrive "he is actually what Biggs ! Tell me !!!!!.....oh hey my dear friend nir ...how are you feeling?". Benkei would calm down a bit, as nir arrived it was as if his presence was a breath of fresh air to the group.

Stella smiled, ”Well, it’s been a while since I’ve lived a life like that….” Her smile slowly faded as she remembered her youthful days with Nir and Persephone. How they were just ordinary children. It was a much more peaceful time, where Stella had much more freedom. ”When you’re an advisor to The Oracle, you don’t really leave much, and when you do, you’re being escorted and watched over.” She looked down to Nir, letting out a sigh. ”Which is why I’m so thankful to be on this mission….” Kira looked to Stella before turning back to Remi. ”Hey Remi! If you don’t mind me asking, how did this old m—I mean, Master Nostradamus, help you guys?” Kira was curious in Remi’s statement. So it was natural for her to ask about it.

Down below, in the mens’ bath, Kane had laughed, pointing to Benkei as he gave an outburst. ”Look! Look! Right there! That’s how you two are the same! You’re both hot-heads! Hahaha!!” Kane erupted into a laughter, falling back into the water and rising up in time to hear Biggs. Benkei’s answer was going to be answered, but it was cut-off when Nir arrived. ”So he’s not a guard. Chances are, with the information he had on us, he’s of a much higher rank…” Kane thought to himself, looking up at Nir. The Galatian Sword smiled, removing his towel and stepping into the water. ”Yes, I just needed time to myself, I’m doing okay now.” Nir said with a smile. However, those who were experienced enough in seeing through facades, wouldn’t fail to notice that it was a smile masking sadness. For Nir, being here was truly a blessing, but he could not help but think about how The Oracle was still out there, and how they were yet so far from reaching her. There was a sense of guilt. While she was out there in danger, he found himself in a bathhouse being treated. It didn’t sit right with Nir.

The girls had seemed to get into a more engaging conversation. The topic was now about how Nostradamus help helped them. She wanted to know what made Nostradamas so special to them. "Truthfully, that's a long story to tell..." Remi's smile had faded slowly as she started to remember the past. "We're all that's left of our village. Master Nos gave a place to stay and the ability to protect ourselves and each other. There are others here we've learned from like Miss Miranda. They've given us a home to come back to. That's something we will be grateful for for the rest of our lives." Gradually as she spoke, her head rose up and her smile came back. The second chance of life is one they will value always.

Benkei gritted his teeth as Kane still compared him to shinji but even Kane was interested in the guard who's very power school benkei to his core "....he really is another monster in itself". Benkei would turn to nir as he entered the bath but his facade of being all put together was not holding up well. He would move more towards nir "you heart ways heavy on you dear comrade.....as does mine.....I bet your thinking while we bathe and relax our lady oracle is suffering and helpless and in pain". Benkei put his hand on his shoulder "I do not Wana be here either but we have no plan and I do not Wana go in half cocked if that makes sense ".

Both Kira and Stella turned their attention to Remi. They could see the emotion coming from Remi as she spoke vaguely about their past. But it was enough to make speculation. Stella smiled, ”What matters is that you have all remained so close to each other. You look out for one-another, like a small family….” Stella said. Kira nodded, ”Yup! And Anna’s the little sister! Right Anna?” Kira said, swimming up to Anna and pouring the water over her head. ”…You have all endured so much together…” Stella continued, watching Kira bathe Anna.

Below, Kane was stroking the hair on his chin, flicking the water from his fingers afterwards. ”Yeah, I’m sure he’s a monster! A monster that’s out to get you Benkei! Haha!” Kane laughed, but stopped once Benkei brought up Nir’s feelings. It was like Benkei could see right through Nir. The young man didn’t say anything back. Instead, he sat there with his head lowered, deep in thought. Some of Benkei’s words were indeed true, and he did register what the monk said, but he couldn’t find it in himself speak. ”Benkei’s right! We’re going to plan our course of action! I’m sure Master Nostradamus will be able to help as well!”

Stella and Kira had listened to Remi intently. They got to understand a little more about this Ovale group. The Hand of the Oracle would infer that the 5 were like a family. Kira had then mentioned Anna being the little sister of the group. Anna would smile, blushing even. Remi looked to the little girl, proud of her. Stella would then continue on with stating how the Ovale group had endured so much together. "Times like these don't come around as often anymore... We've set out on a journey for our late village. It may not be the most noble of missions but we want to exact justice in our own way." Remi seemd to tense up a little more. Her tone was much more serious. This was something that had loomed over them for a very long time.

"I do feel for you. We know what it's like to lose someone close to you. Fortunately, we met up and now even Master Nos will lend a hand." Biggs had tried to reassure now that Persephone will be found soon enough. "If I remember right, after we rest up, Master Nos wants us to gather in the conference room tomorrow morning. He'll give us all the details for what he wants us to do as well as any information about the Oracle."

Benkei sympathized with nir more than he realized and Kane could even see that. They both reassured him that with a full proof plan they could do something good and save the Oracle. Benkei had tried to lighten the mood with some small banter "so Biggs you uh pack quite a punch back there " he would grab his shoulder and crack it "but you were holding back some I could tell". Benkei would chuckle and look to shinji giving him a teasing face "is Biggs is this strong then you are less to worry about heheheh".

Kira continued to bathe Anna, her fingers stroking through the young girl’s hair. ”Wow Anna! You have such nice hair!” She said, leaning over Anna’s side and giving her a smile. ”Would you like me to braid it after our bath?” She asked the younger girl, attempting to get her to open up a little more. While Kira did that, Stella turned to Remi, curious to know of their mission. She already knew that it involved The Oracle in some manner. ”Remi, your mission. I know that it involves The Oracle. I know that we each have our own goals, but if we can work together, perhaps we can achieve them quickly….” She said, looking down for a brief moment before turning back to Remi. ”You see, The Oracle is a dear friend of ours…” Stella said, peering over to Nir. ”I’m sure we can get her to help you all.”

Nir smiled. Although they had lost time, the support was still there. ”Thank you Biggs! You’re absolutely right. We have one of The Six Seers aiding us now. With him, I’m sure we can accomplish anything!” He said. ”Just you wait Persephone, we’ll save you!” Nir thought to himself before Benkei added some banter. ”Oh maaaan. Here we go agaaaain.” Kane said, in preperation for Shinji’s retaliation against Benkei’s comment.

"Oh no, no, no... I'm not much of a fighter at all. Benkei, you are extremely strong. Even in the condition you were in, it's hard to believe you could punch so hard let alone move." Biggs had felt flattered and a bit flustered with the little praise Benkei gave him. Benkei would make a sly comment directed towards Shinji. The latter would not show too much of his annoyed side. He would simply smirk and turn his head away.

As the water ran down Anna's head down her face, her hair would seemingly grow in length. It would be displaced straight over her forehead, covering her eyes. Kira couldn't help herself. The little girl had felt the warmth of Kira's friendly gesture. She'd continue to look over to Remi for confirmation on how she should act accordingly. Remi would simply give the little girl a smile. This was the go ahead to be free to interact with Kira. "Ummm, I haven't gotten a braid before..." She would say with such a soft and quiet voice. The two would veer off in their own conversation where as with Remi and Stella, they'd have one of their own. Stella would begin to talk about the Ovale group's mission. Naturally, since their missions would intersect one another, it would make sense for the two groups to work together. "It would make the most sense for us to work together. At least... mmmm well... If we can find the Oracle together, then that would be great. Our mission however won't stop there." Remi would stare out into space for a moment.

Benkei looked at Biggs as he had taken benkei compliment to heart "well for someone that is not much for a fighter you sure don't hold back ". Benkei would look at shinji as he seemed to ignore benkei as a whole "DON'T IGNORE ME ACKNOWLEDGE MY STRENGTH!" . Benkei gritted his teeth but Biggs had complimented his power as whole "ehhh yes thanks I didn't think I had it in my either .....to be honest once I interacted with Virgil in that state it was like......I wasn't in the driver seat of my own body and when I felt in control again I fell all this power I never thought I had.....i have dealt with this my whole life....not knowing who I am or where I came from of even why I had this enormous strength". Benkei threw his whole life out in the open for all to listen.

With Remi’s approval, the younger girl did in fact open up to Kira. She had voiced that she had never gotten a braid. ”You’ll look so cute in it! I’ll give you a nice braid when we get out of the bath.” Kira said, continuing to stroke through Anna’s hair. ”It’d be pretty hard to do it in here.” While the two continued to enjoy their time in the bathhouse, Stella conversed with Remi. The young woman nodded, moving in slightly, but giving Remi her space. ”We will find her, Remi. You see, I have the upmost faith that we’ll save her….” She said. As much as she was inclined to ask about their mission, in all its entirety, Stella knew it wasn’t her business to know. But the unknown was troubling. What else would they need after finding The Oracle?

Down below, the men continued to speak amongst themselves without tension and static. Benkei had complimented Biggs, and vice versa. It was truly a calm moment, excluding Benkei’s brief outburst at Shinji. Kane had leaned back, with his arms spread along the border of the bath. Nir was also leaning against the wall, but washing his hair. They both listened to Benkei as he spoke about feeling something different about himself, and not knowing of the origin of all this power. Kane smirked, ”You must not be human Benkei! Hahaha!” Kane said, laughing out loudly. ”No need for that Kane…This seems to be something that has been troubling Benkei most of his life.” Nir said, looking to Benkei. ”I don’t know how it feels, but what I can say is that you’re blessed with this Benkei. Use that power that you have for good. It doesn’t matter why you have it, or where it comes from, what matters is what you do with it…” He said, washing his hair back and standing. ”I think I’m ready to step out.” Kane, after listening to Nir’s words, smiled, closing his eyes and pondering to himself. ”This guy…” After opening, he also stood. ”Yeeeeah, I think I’m done too. I’m ready to eat some food!!”

At this point in time, the two groups had seemed to get along well. Biggs had agreed with the others, suggesting it was time to get out the bath. "Oooo you guys are gonna be in for a real treat. Arcadia has some of the best foods from all over the world. We even have cuisines from Galatia as well!" Biggs had been extremely excited for the Galatian group to try out the foods here. Biggs being a chief and somehwat of a food connesuier himself couldn't help but get excited whenever it involves food. Shinji hadn't said a word but would be the first to leave the bath. Before he did, he'd notice Van resting his eyes on the young bounty hunter before making his exit.

Anna had seemed very excited while interacting with Kira. "I- I'll look pretty?" The little girl truly never had many opportunties to do much with dressing up let alone her hair. This was something she would ponder on. What would she look like? Would she like it? Would others like it? Would she look like a full woman? All these things roamed in her head causing her to overload, making her cheeks red hot. The little smile she had on her face would never be forgotten, is what Remi was thinking as she watched her. With Stella's words of encouragment, Remi felt even more at peace. "Looks like the boys are getting ready to leave. We should go and get dressed for dinner."

Benkei nod and thank nir for being there for him and trying to understand his feelings "thank you my dear friend....idk where I would be without you". He smiled and than heard Kane refer to him as non-human "what was that you think I'm a creature!" He would make monster faces at Kane and Biggs as they all joke but we're ready to actually leave and eat "what gourmet dishes does this land offer ! I must know !" Benkei would stand up naked and pose epicly declaring his stomach must taste all that arcadia has to offer but not knowing his family jewels were being exposed and to the ladies from above " off we go!!!!!" He ran out the room like a child excited .