Chapter 4 - Navigating new land, navigating conflict
Chapter 5 - Forgiveness, for us both
Chapter 6 - Parting drift of bullets, parting gift
Chapter 7 - Follow his pace, know his place
Chapter 8 - Goodbyes to them, good day to you
Pairing: Hyoga x Kohaku
Genre: romance, adventure, action
Tags: enemies to friends to lovers, both Kohaku and Hyoga's POVS, new perspectives to canon, plot-driven, clashing ideals, stone wars arc, new america arc, illustrated fic
Genre: romance, adventure, new perspectives to canon
Tags: enemies to friends to lovers, both Kohaku and Hyoga are the MCs, friends arc, conflict, reaching new America, hunting duo
Prologue - Chapter index - AO3 link
Chapter 4 - Navigating new land, navigating conflicts
Current arc: New America
Daytime, in an unknown North American river
“My eyes never betray me,” Kohaku says as she quickly grabs small yellow pieces in the river, holding onto Hyoga’s hair for balance. “Is this… corn?”
“...”
“Hum, it is indeed corn, yes,” Tsukasa replies.
“...”
– What happened earlier.
3 days ago, daytime, Perseus.
“Go on with your life. I'm sure a new adventure awaits you with Senku and the others.”
Kohaku wakes up from a dream: it was her sister’s words. Feeling troubled, she heads towards the main deck to get some fresh air.
It is currently dawn, the sun is about to rise. Magnificent orange hues are painting the horizon, reflecting their warmth onto the waves. If one were to only look at them, they could think they had reached a golden sea.
Although she is used to the daybreak, seeing it always makes her feel better. A good way to start the day, per se.
Yet, here she is, thinking.
While she has undeniably stepped into this new adventure, Ruri would not be happy to know about her sister’s sacrifice.
‘Am I doing something wrong?’ After making the promise to live for herself, Kohaku doubts she has been doing the right thing. Saving Ginro, rescuing Suika, … She has abandoned many of her fights for someone else.
‘But, I’m not sure it is such a big issue, is it? Protecting others is such a big part of me… My protective instincts always get the better of me in a dire situation.’
The compassionate warrior observes the constellations fading into the horizon as the day’s first lights are breaking through the sky.
‘I could ask for some advice from someone on the Battle Team. Yeah, I could always learn a thing or two from someone who’s more goal-oriented. Goal-oriented, huh? That would be someone who sticks to a plan at all times. Someone who goes straight into action, with high discipline. …Oh.’
“Hyoga-sama.”
“Hm?”
“It seems Kohaku has been eyeing you all training,” Homura says as she hands him a glass of water.
“...I noticed. Thank you for the water, Homura-kun.”
The former stares at him, drinking, for a few seconds before talking again.
“You know, it seems you’ve changed, Hyoga-sama,” his right-hand woman tells him before leaving him be, “You’re not the same as when I first met you.”
Hyoga is now wearing an uncertain expression. ‘Not the same as when I first met you?’ Her words make him feel uneasy. What could she possibly mean by that?
“Break time is over!” Kohaku says with enthusiasm as she throws a training spear at Hyoga. “Wanna par with me?”
“Sure”, he replies as he catches it perfectly and stands up to face her. “Best of three wins?”
“Nah, let’s make it different this time.”
“How so?”
“Hmm. Let’s set up a combat situation. Pretend you are on a mission, and I’m your enemy. Let’s say Homura, who’s watching us over there, is a teammate who is badly injured. Your objective was to make me surrender, but how would you react now?” she asks as she sets herself in position
Hyoga sends a quick glance at Homura, who, despite her usual dainty demeanor, subtly raises an eyebrow at him. She seems to be looking forward to seeing how he will react, especially after the quick exchange they just had.
“I win if I touch her. You win if you disarm me. Ready?”
Hyoga sets himself in position.
Our heroine is ready to dodge and deflect. Will her speed allow her to both parry and launch an attack without getting hit? Should she take advantage of her speed and attempt running through his personal weapon range, or should she wait for an opening? Who will make the first move? It's only a matter of seconds before they both find out.
Kohaku carries out the first action and immediately dashes towards Homura, spear pointed at her. Hyoga runs to her side and deflects her momentum. In a heartbeat, he hardens the grip on his weapon and launches a batch of blows.
Having gained speed and agility over the last weeks, Kohaku meticulously dodges attack after attack. An impressive series of mutual parrying and counter-attack follows. However, it won’t last indefinitely. In this situation, winning the duel in itself is secondary for her; going for the injured is the objective. With this in mind, Kohaku takes a few steps back before dashing in his direction. Hyoga quickly places himself in front of Homura. Although their size difference is not trivial, Kohaku goes for it and shoves Hyoga away, pushing him. Even if it is just for half a second, she manages to knock him off-balance. An opening was created. Now taking advantage of her speed, the lionness rapidly sprints and passes Hyoga. Nothing–or rather no one–is in her way now. She can just run up to her. If this were a real situation, Homura would be gone. Or so she thought.
“Ha, almost too easy,” Kohaku says as she slows down not to hurt Homura with her spear head, “you should have tried harde–”
As she is about to touch Homura’s shoulder, Kohaku notices a shadow on top of them: Hyoga is right behind her.
In a flash, Hyoga uses all of his strength on this one blow aiming for her weapon. The force of the impact destroys her training spear.
Crash
Within a few seconds of victory, Hyoga retrieves his fighting stance at rest and points his spear towards the sky, indicating the fight is over.
“What were you about to say, Kohaku-kun?”
“I…”
Defeated, and still caught off guard, Kohaku reflects on what just happened. Hyoga shouldn’t have been this close to them. That is, unless he took advantage of her thinking she already won: he planned to get her dangerously close to Homura.
“You know that if this were a real situation, I would have hit her, right?”
“And I would still have disarmed you.”
“...”
“She’s quite proper, she can handle her own defense even when injured. As a fighter, I only need to focus on the offensive.”
Hyoga looks at Homura. She gives him a nod of approval.
“But!” Kohaku retorts, unnerved, “what if Homura, or any comrade at all, was REALLY critically injured and couldn’t move at all? Would you still use them as bait to guarantee crushing the enemy?”
“...”
Hyoga doesn’t immediately reply, evaluating the scenario.
“Ha! I guess that is how it is then, guess you haven’t changed at all!” Kohaku shouts, leaving the scene.
That is not the answer she wanted to hear.
But he had not given her his response.
“...” The warrior looks at the blonde fighter leaving, before making a few determined steps in her direction.
“Leave her be,” a voice stops him, “she’s not worth the hassle, she wouldn’t understand us, Hyoga-sama.”
Although Homura may be right, was Hyoga truly thinking the same as the gymnast?
“May we talk a bit in your quarters, Hyoga-sama?”
—
The light is dim. Neither Matsukaze nor Moz is here at this time. It’s only the two of them, just like it once was during their usual strategy meetings, back in the Tsukasa empire.
“I don’t want to sound like my opinion should dictate any of your moves, but,” she starts off with her habitual soft voice, “we aren’t like them. Although we may have become their ‘allies’, I feel you forgot an important detail, with all due respect.”
“...What would that be?”
“That we killed people, Hyoga-sama.”
“...”
“...”
The air feels heavy.
“...I’m surprised you think I needed a reminder for this. I haven’t forgotten that ‘detail’, Homura-kun. This is also the reason why we were locked away for so long, in the first place.”
“Yes. I apologize if I sounded disdainful. However, it may seem different from your perspective. You may think that Tsukasa was forgiven for his murders, but the truth is, the statues he broke were salvaged by Yuzuriha: we are the only murderers here.”
“!”
To her words, Hyoga suddenly realizes the implications this statement holds. There is an insurmountable gap that separates him from everyone else aboard. However, calling it a ‘realization’ may be a lie. Deep down, he always knew his actions were unforgivable for the Kingdom of Science. While Tsukasa may have almost killed tens of people, it was for his greater, ‘innocent,’ ideal of protecting the young. However, it isn’t even relevant anymore; he has not committed the ultimate sin. But they have. The silver warrior and his right hand did take human lives in the name of their beliefs: a natural selection within this stone world. The sole reason he and Homura were freed from their cell lies in the group of heroes wanting to make progress faster, not to mention the obvious: Tukasa being here. If both conditions were not met, they wouldn’t be there. Simple as it is.
“So,” Homura continues, “don’t let them change your ways. We are different from them, after all.”
“...”
“I got to go, groundwatch duty. Good afternoon to you, Hyoga-sama.”
As the gymnast leaves the room, an unfamiliar ache leaves Hyoga’s chest. The sensation is unpleasant, confusing, and cold. What sort of emotion could that be? He wonders.
– The next day, during training
Kohaku dashes in her opponent’s direction, ignoring her own defense. Extremely focused, she jumps in the air, her weapon in hand. She aligns the head of her training spear with her rival’s handle. The force of the impact makes him drop his equipment. Now at her feet, the huntress picks it up before showing a satisfied, yet cold, grin on her face.
“That’s what I thought.”
“Looks like you won this time,” Hyoga replies, “you really have been making some good progress recently. Keep up the good work.”
The two were training together. Again, yes, but it seems different this time. Their exchanges feel off.
“Thanks,” she replies in an almost neutral way.
“...Are you still upset about yesterday?”
“It’s just that I thought… Never mind.”
“Wait, I-”
“It’s fine. You can have your own opinion. I’m taking my break,” she says as she leaves.
In search of her flask, Kohaku passes by Senku.
“Now, what could have possibly happened between you two?” Senku asks her.
“Oh,” she replies, surprised by the question, “you saw us train? ...Well, I would say we had a difference in principle yesterday, I guess.”
“I mean, it was to be expected, we’re talking about Hyoga after all,” he replies in his usual uninterested tone, all the while testing some new scientific creation.
“Hm…”
“But you shouldn’t worry too much about it, I feel like he’s changing, maybe slowly, but he is.”
“Ha! What do you, Mr. rational, even know about this kind of stuff?”
“Right, I don’t know much. But either way– Tsukasa is gonna enforce him helping the Science Kingdom. It’s a win-win situation in all scenarios,” Senku replies with the same frightening tone he adopts when he and Gen are up to something bad.
“Are you trying to change the subject? And don’t say that like you’re the one who can stop him. Need I remind you of what happened on that one day? Back when I found you lying on the ground along with Tsu-”
“Okay, okay, you can stop there,” he interrupts her, “I’m just saying; he might have a change of heart, just like Tsukasa and the others did. Who knows.”
But what if the gears of change were already falling into place?
“... Hm, he’d better hurry up, then,” she whispers.
“Come again?”
“L-LAND. I SEE LAND,” Homura shouts from the fighting top, cutting short their conversation.
“Whaaat?!” Kohaku retorts, running along Perseus’s platform to catch sight of the New North America.
“Haha! Really? We arrived faster than expected,” captain Ryusui says to his scientific colleague.
“I told you this was the right choice,” Senku replies while picking his ear.
“We have already arrived?” Kirisame enthusiastically asks as she looks at the ocean.
“SEEMS LIKE IT!!!” Taiju shouts. “I CAN SEE A LITTLE BIT OF LAND!”
“Suika is so excited!”
“So am I!” Kohaku replies
Everyone assembles at the front part of the ship, excited to finally reach the American lands.
Reaching North America: GET!
—
“Ha! So we’ve finally reached America! I always wondered what it looked like and hum, well… It kinda looks the same, doesn’t it?”
“Well, all popular American monuments indeed disappeared, hehe,” Yuzuriha replies.
“I wonder why they all made a big fuss about it,” Magma replies.
“U-uu!” Suika agrees before staring at something on the ground. “Wait! That pine cone, it’s so HUUUGEE!”
“That’s crazy!” Chrome replies.
“Ha, not that impressive either,” the huntress says.
“Not that impressive, you say?” Senku asks. “Kyahaha, turn around. Look at this tree I’m stepping on. It’s called a sequoia tree.”
“Sequoia tr– AHHH!” Ginro shouts as he observes the sight.
“Those trees can grow up to 80 meters. This sure is something, isn’t it?”
“Oh, wow, I’ve never seen such a big tree before,” Kohaku replies as if this what just a mild surprise.
“Hmmm…” Senku says, thinking of something. “Why don't you join me up there and climb up to the top? Then tell me what you see.”
Kohaku obliges, curious.
‘It’d better be worth it,’ she thinks. ‘Though, even if I climb half the way there, I can always act as a pathfinder– Wow.’
Before her, a beautiful sight reveals itself to her. Greens, browns, grays, all sorts of colors fuse together to offer a powerful blending of vibrant hues. But that is not it, the flora is not the only huge thing, the mapping is as well. The blues are what stand out the most.
While Japan is an archipelago known to be surrounded by a whole lot of water, its definition – archipelago – implies that it mostly knows the sea. Seeing rivers as big as Sacramento’s is a shocking sight.
Astonished, Kohaku cannot stop staring into this celestial expanse. Its immenseness is almost hypnotizing. It makes one remember how truly grand, almost infinite, our world is.
Her vision suddenly turns blurry.
‘Wh- Why am I…?’
Her world was depleting. But it is now expanding like it never did before.
“Kohaku! So, what do you see?” Senku shouts while wearing a grin that only Kohaku could spot from this far.
She isn’t alone anymore. This big world awaits her.
“I see an immense river!!!!” she shouts back.
Many people are awaiting her. Childhood friends, new friends, and rivals alike.
Here we go, America.
—
The Science Kingdom is separated into two groups. One will supply and refuel the main boat, while the other will go find the valued corn. Said corn being extremely important for the mission of mass-producing Revival Fluid, both the scientific and warrior teams are joining hands to carry it out.
Currently on the West Coast, the diverse group is aiming for what used to be California. Now sailing up the San Francisco Bay, their goal is to reach corn fields that should be somewhere in the area. Since Earth’s topography has changed over the past millennia, pinpointing the area with accuracy is a hassle.
“I’m surprised even Senku himself isn’t ‘10 billion percent’ sure there’s gonna be corn in the region,” Kohaku says on the warrior boat.
“Well,” the former replies, having heard that from the scientific boat, “it sure would be great if an American geography expert would join us down the line, wouldn’t it?”
“And how do you expect to find one, Senku-chan??” Gen replies. “Don’t rely on your luck, we all know how bad it is.”
“I don’t know. We could ask Minami, she might remember someone from California.”
“Haha! True!” Ryusui replies. “She did find ME after all, and many of us, actually. She’s an excellent reporter.”
“Yea,” Ukyo joins in, “she found more than half of us, heck, she even found Hyoga. Though, I’m not sure if it’s a feat.”
“I heard that, Ukyo-kun.”
“Oh, my bad.”
There is no way the sonar man and his fine hearing accidentally said that out loud; it was definitely on purpose. The relationship between the two is still tense.
“You’re letting that slide, Hyoga?” Moz asks him.
“...”
“Wait, everyone!” Kohaku conveniently interrupts them. “Those shadows in the water, they couldn’t be …”
“Hm?” Senku lets out before inspecting them.
“Those are CROCODILES!” Ukyo shouts.
“Talk about bad luck-!!” Gen adds.
“Bad luck? Ha! I couldn’t disagree more, right, Tsukasa?”
“Hm. I believe the warrior team is in great need of animal proteins. We need additional nutrients for all of our workload. I apologize in advance, yes. But it is the cycle of nature after all.”
“Well, then, we know what to do,” Kohaku adds.
“Meat time!!!!” Ginro yells.
“Let’s see if you’re still good, Moz-kun,” the warrior challenges him.
“You bet I am!”
The two men are the first to jump into the water.
– Dinner time
“Sometimes I forget you actually do train,” Kohaku tells Ginro as she eats her crocodile hamburger.
Their discussion somehow draws the attention of the other warriors.
“Yes,” Tsukasa joins in, “from the last time I saw you truly fight, I can tell you improved, Ginro.”
“Well yes! I used to be a village guard! I’m an alpha male, probablynotthestrongestaroundbutstill-! My potential is exponentially growing day by day, only the sky is the limit! Right, Matsukaze?” he asks.
Matsukaze nodes.
“I’m probably the youngest around here, but look at me going well beyond your expectations!” Ginro boasts as he stands up, trying to make himself look dominant.
Homura laughs, catching Kohaku’s attention.
The two female warriors accidentally make eye contact. It is quite awkward.
“Sheesh, you really like going around tooting your own horn, huh?” Kohaku jokes after breaking eye contact with Homura.
“Heeey Matsukaze~ Why don’t you tell us about my former exploits,” the young village guard continues, “y’know, about how I used to be so great as your master~?”
“Except you aren’t him, Ginro,” Kinro replies, exasperated.
Kohaku cannot help but send another quick glance towards Homura, who is peacefully eating her own burger.
Both warriors are lost in thought, but for different reasons.
After the crocodile fight that just happened, Kohaku was reminded of how impressive Homura’s skills are. Beautiful, even. She cannot help but reminisce about the first time she saw her in full action.
‘It’s just like during the war against Tsukasa: extraordinary aerial figures and extreme agility. I’ve been admirative of her skills for a while, really. My determination hasn’t changed; I still want to learn about it someday. But I’m not sure I want to ask Homura for a favor. Especially with what she witnessed the other day.
Hm? What is she looking at?’
Kohaku noticed the pink gymnast is smiling at something – or rather someone.
Hyoga.
‘It’s not every day I see Homura smile like this, why would she—’
Hyoga is currently trembling from pleasure after tasting François’s meal.
The sight instantly entices the heroine.
‘Hyoga? Trembling like this over a burger? … I really didn’t expect that at all. …Looks like he, too, has weak spots.’
Kohaku looks at him with a different gaze. He doesn’t seem all that invincible and devoid of any vulnerability like he usually does. He now looks more… human in her eyes. Strong, yes, but also complex and delicate. Was that also how Hyoga felt when she opened up to him?
Her ocean eyes find themselves staring at that newfound sweet sight.
‘If only he saw the world the way I do. I really cannot stand how he’d just sacrifice the weaker if necessary. If he still thinks like that…Does that mean he thought of me as a fool for my sacrifice for Ginro? But he did look genuine when he told me I made the right choice.’
“Aah!” The huntress lets out, frustrated.
‘Hyoga, you really are an enigma. If only I knew what you really think! I think I’m even more mad.’
“Senku,” Tsukasa disrupts her thoughts, “I found corn in this crocodile’s gut. It looks like they’ve been feasting on entire ears of corn.”
“Heh. This means that we’re 10 billion percent in the right place! It’s only a matter of time before we find the corn fields now. Get excited!”
— The next morning: present time, Sacramento River
“My eyes never betray me,” Kohaku says as she quickly grabs small yellow pieces in the river, holding onto Hyoga’s hair for balance. “Is this… corn?”
“...”
All eyes are on them.
“Hum, it is indeed corn, yes,” Tsukasa replies awkwardly.
“...”
“Hey! Let go of Hyoga-sama!” Homura charges in.
“I’m speechless,” Moz says.
“Ha! This must mean that the corn fields are right ahead, am I right?”
“Yes, 10 billion points for you, Kohaku!” Senku shouts back.
“I’ll finally get to try corn whiskey!” Yo adds quietly.
“I think you mean ours, Ryusui-chan. Riously-se, do I need to remind you all why we want to get it in the first place?” Gen sighs.
“The real Coke recipe uses corn syrup as one of its main ingredients, by the way,” Senku replies.
“Eh? Reall–”
“Hey.”
Everyone suddenly turns quiet at his word.
“What was that for, Kohaku-kun…?” Hyoga asks.
“Hmph! I spotted corn and you just so happened to be the closest support.”
“... I see,” Hyoga replies as he regains his composure and gets back in position, as if nothing happened.
‘HE’S LETTING THIS SLIDE?!’ everyone thinks at the same time, their mouths wide open.
–
Speeding down the river, the boat splashes water sideways.
The sound of the motor vibrating has been echoing in everyone’s ears for hours. The sun is shining over the heroes, though its light is slightly fainter than it was earlier.
“Okay, everyone, let’s stop the search here for today,” Ryusui announces, “that way, our hunters still have time to find food.”
The two boats are now anchored near a part of the seemingly never-ending forest.
The Power team is gathered around the campfire, assigning tasks.
“Hm,” Tsukasa starts off, “since we still have some crocodile meat left from yesterday, everyone’s participation isn’t required. Hyoga, Kohaku, Moz, and Homura, you’re in charge of the hunting. Ginro, Kinro, Kirisame, and Magma, you stay here with me, on guard duty. The others, you’re in charge of the gathering,” he turns himself towards this group. “Since most of you are modern humans, you might have an easier time finding edible American plants and fruits. Make sure to ask François for some advice regarding native species.”
Meanwhile, tension is in the air in the Hunting team. Standing next to each other, a certain animosity emanates from them. Homura and Moz look into each other’s eyes. They know where the tense atmosphere is coming from.
“Say, Tsukasa,” Moz says, “why aren’t you coming with us? Thought you were the strongest around. If you accompany us, getting meat would only take a few minutes,” he exaggerates in an over-the-top tone, wanting someone to supervise them.
“Hm, I believe you four are way more than enough for that. You’re all skilled warriors. Additionally, the girls’ heightened perception skills will certainly help, yes.”
“Valid points,” Hyoga replies. “Let’s go,” he says as he naturally takes the lead, heading towards the forest, his black cloak blowing in the wind.
There was no need for Tsukasa to explicitly state that Hyoga is now the one in control. It is a given with his strength. Moz and the two sharp-eyed team members follow him into the forest.
“The truth is,” Tsukasa whispers to himself, “I have a bad feeling about this situation. It’s all going too well. I shall stay here, just in case.”
“As a reminder from yesterday, there are a few deer, rabbits, and marsupials living in Sacramento. These herbivores are easy to hunt,” Hyoga briefs the team in a serious tone. “Let’s stick to those species only. ...As for the predators, there are chances we might encounter coyotes, mountain lions, and black bears. Always be on the lookout.”
“Lions, bears?” Moz catches himself deep in thought before suddenly turning to Kohaku’s direction.
First confused, his smirk makes her realize what this is about.
“Ha! Looks like the first of the 100 Tales will finally come in handy,” Kohaku tells Moz.
“Right. Let’s see if Momotaro and the Savage Beasts’ teachings are still up-to-date.”
“Momotaro, you said…? Interesting,” Hyoga replies before getting back to the subject. “For this task, Homura-kun and Moz-kun will be teaming up. Kohaku-kun, you’re with me.”
Moz and Homura exchange an anxious eye contact. Will they be alright?
“Why did you pick me as a teammate?” she asks as the two walk, deep into the forest.
“...Well, both you and Homura-kun have great vision; it’s more efficient if we do it that way.”
“That doesn’t answer my question, but okay.”
He could say it is because he has never seen Homura and Kohaku train together. He could also say that it is because it might be off for her to fight together with the distraction–Moz–that led to Ginro getting stabbed. He could even say “for a change of pace” since he’s always fought with Homura. But he didn’t. His real motives remain unknown to her.
“Anyways, let’s get this out of the way so we get more free time tonight,” Kohaku says as she climbs up a tree to analyze their surroundings.
On top of the branches, she spots various prey with her sharp eyes. She quickly climbs back down to share her findings.
“There’s a herd of deer heading North, I’d say they are at least 20.”
“Great, let’s go together, then.”
The prey are now about 20 meters away from them. The two are currently hiding behind trees, their weapons in hand. Kohaku looks at Hyoga, waiting for him to give her the signal.
After a few seconds, the hunter looks back into her eyes and makes a quick nod. That was the signal. Both of them rapidly get into position and sprint towards the herd.
—
“There should be a rabbit nest right about–there!” Kohaku says after spotting it back. “I wonder if this will be as easy as for the deer.”
“Probably,” Hyoga replies, carrying most of the hunting spoils on his back. “Can you handle the rabbits alone? I’ll be crafting a way for us to carry all this more easily in the meantime.”
“Oh? Sure. I can do that,” she obliges as she ties her hair back up after messing up her ponytail while catching the deer.
In between twilight and dusk, the last rays of the golden hour shine upon her golden hair.
“I’ll be back then. Though you can see me from here.”
“Right.”
The huntress leaves to follow the rabbits.
Left to hunt alone, she catches herself recollecting old memories of back at the village. She was also part of the hunters back then, though she was mostly fending for herself on her way to get Ruri hot water. Climbing up the trees, sleeping with one eye open, you name it; she knew all of that too well. Yet, this cold, indescribable feeling of vulnerability when hunting, she could never get used to it.
As a few minutes went by, Hyoga checks on Kohaku’s progress, only for his eyes to get drawn to something else.
The hunter is hunted.
A group of black bears is approaching Kohaku, unbeknownst to her.
Without a second thought, Hyoga dashes towards her, his spear in hand.
He steps behind her protectively, placing himself back to back with her.
Her back feels warm.
“...What’s the situation?” Kohaku calmly asks, made aware that there is a serious threat.
“Three adult black bears are currently targeting us.”
“Ha! Very well,” she replies. “If it’s black, fight back. That’s what the 1st tale taught us.”
“I see you are quite the fine huntress,” Hyoga says before they both sprint simultaneously towards the bears, fighting side by side.
— Around dusk
“You guys are finally back?” Moz teases them. “What took you so long– woah!”
The pair is currently walking back to the camp, bringing back a mountain of food along with them. Deer meat, rabbit meat, without forgetting the most spectacular: black bear meat.
“Damn, you guys are menaces,” Moz congratulates them, quickly joined by Tsukasa and François.
“I thought black bears were solitary by nature,” Kohaku says.
“You’re right, Kohaku-kun,” Hyoga replies. “They generally explore their habitats alone, except when gathering at places with plentiful food, such as this forest.”
Kohaku listens attentively, unknowingly looking deeply into his eyes.
“Usually, their diet consists of berries, fruits, sedges, and fish. They thrive when there are abundant acorns or… corn in farm fields…!”
“10 billion points for you, Hyoga. Seems like we’re getting closer and closer to our goal,” Senku says as he leaves to craft something.
“...” Tsukasa seems distraught.
“In the meantime, I’ll be cooking what our esteemed hunters got for us,” François says. “Please, go rest for now.”
“Until later, then, Kohaku-kun.”
“Hm, later, Hyoga.”
All fighters know a warrior's most vulnerable area is their back. Having an ally fighting with them back to back is the greatest support, turning an adverse situation into an advantageous one.
Although she feels this grudge regarding their last argument, Kohaku knows she cannot doubt that warmth. It was real. And it may not be the only thing that was real.
‘Maybe, just maybe…’ She thinks.
With Hyoga, who didn’t hesitate to step in when she was in a critical situation, her doubt turns into trust. Could she finally allow Hyoga to tell her his answer regarding how he would protect the weak? Kohaku reminisces about everything up until now. She feels she owes him an apology. But more than anything, she needs to know his answer.
Will the two be able to overcome this last obstacle that lies between them? Their beautiful complicity longs to blossom even further.
– Around nighttime
Kohaku comes up to him after dinner.
“Hey, evening, Hyoga. Do you have a minute?”
Author notes: Holy shit I hate uni, took my time away from this fic T-T #finalsarefinallyover #freeoursouls
Currently in the Friends arc (for now :D), I really wanted to explore that one hair grabbing scene betweenthe two. Now, we have unofficial context for it! (I did say I would be MILKING every single scene they share, didn't I haha)
I never use color, but I bought a set of water color pencils a few months ago and used them for something silly.
My fave rare pair from Dr stone. I did this during class haha, I have to improve my technic specially not in class. BTW I used a reference from an artist
