Leaning back, hands behind head, feet crossed, Imuru admittedly felt a strange rush of confidence in his body, as he peered out through the window.
"It all finally came to an end…" Imuru thought. "Should be smooth sailing from here on out… In the meantime I could focus on better understanding Perivállon," He paused momentarily.
"Of course, I have that to look out for," Imuru murmured sarcastically, remembering he still had the big issue of Celestial Lake to look after. "Eh… I could just ignore it… Uh-huh, I could. Without consciousness, it wouldn't cause any trouble would it?"
Imuru cocked his head, his gaze unfocused. "Then again do I want to take that chance… I better just get the transportation platforms built, so I can visit it there every now and then."
"Proud of yourself?" Collon said, dragging Imuru from his thoughts. "There's nothing wrong if you are."
"U~Uh…" Imuru noticed the impish smile on Collon's face, so he paused to ensure he replied properly. "Proud?... Just happy Ori and Slite had a home to return to."
"I'm glad they came around to see who you truly are," Collon said, pleased. "Overall, this is an excellent start to great development for the Sacred Forest, there's really a bright future ahead of us. In fact, I'll put in a word to the others for you."
"The others?..." Imuru repeated slowly, almost putting out his true feelings on display. "The previous members of Sacred Forest Council I presume?"
"Yes. That is correct," Collon confirmed. "The other four rule a certain territory in the forest. The Kitsune Highest, the Necromancer King, the Lizard King and The Cat Daughter."
"But I don't wanna deal with anyone," Imuru said internally, though of course he had other things to say outwardly. "I'm not certain what I'll be able to achieve with them… If we can talk I wouldn't mind."
"Good to hear." Collon gently scratched his chin, musing. "I still have a decent relationship with the Lizard King and the Cat Daughter." He looked to his sister beside him. "The Kitsune… Yoshi should probably speak to her. The Necromancer on the other hand… Might be an issue, he's not an easy person to approach."
"Well isn't that too bad," Imuru thought promptly, with a tad bit of dark sarcasm. One less person to deal with from the Sacred Forest was a happy day for Imuru, so he didn't pity Collon in the slightest.
Yosho patted her index finger lightly on her lips. "Oh, Dear… I haven't spoken to her in quite some time."
Collon smiled, leaning back. "Worried? Come on, you two are great friends, besides she's not hostile."
"Hmm." Yosho opened her eyes, glancing sideways, his little comment, making it clear he really doesn't know the Kitsune as he thinks he does.
The stagecoach rumbled along the dusty forest track, and Imuru leaned against the sun-warmed wood of the window frame, his heart beating a steady rhythm of anticipation, pondering if he should return quietly, to avoid any form of unnecessary celebration.
In the dining hall of the 7th Demon King, the only sounds were that of the silverware against brightly coloured plates and the slow, weary chewing of its ruler, who picked at his meal with profound disinterest as his two secretaries stood at his shoulders. This tomb-like silence was shattered when the double door flew open, revealing a certain blonde fairy, her form buzzing with that chaotic energy known of her kind, who zipped into the room like a manic firefly, bearing news.
"Forgive me, Lord Ukuter," The fairy swiftly said wearyly." But I have news that will certainly please you my Lord."
"Please enlighten me," Ukuter said, resting his silverware, his attention focused solely on her.
"This Great Demon Lord you were so interested in, sir, has attained authority over the Celestial Lake, My Lord," The fairy said frankly.
This stunned Ukuter leaving him wide-eyed.
Yun was hit by the news even harder, left flabbergasted, staring at this fairy in disbelief. There was no reason to believe such news like this… In fact he had every right not to, the last time he saw this 'Great Demon Lord' he was nothing of note, so to him, this was pure nonsense
Sphe on the other didn't even budge in her posture, her reaction, per usually nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders.
"Authority?" Ukuter narrowed his eyes, requiring more information.
"Yes my Lord. You wished for me to keep a close eye on him, did you not my Lord? I've sticked close to him ever since, observing his every move—"
Ukuter cleared his throat, interrupting the fairy. "Please get on to it," He said, halting the obvious upcoming ramble.
"Forgive me Lord Ukuter," The fairy bowed. "The lake's consciousness took control of the body of Fernum's greatest warrior, using his body it planned to bring chaos to the world. Thankfully, Imuru showed up to confront it, even initially defeating it in combat. The battle de-escalated to a talk… In the end it gave up its own life willingly, handing over the rule to Imuru."
"Seriously?" Ukuter thought he couldn't believe this fairy's words so easily, it just seemed so improbable for someone like Imuru to handle a situation like that. His gaze became unfocused, falling deep into thought, gently scratching his chin. "So I was right about him?... Willing to give up its life?" He grinned, something finally filling that boredom and emptiness he felt.
"Great Demon Lord," Ukuter said aloud, leaning back, his hands together—fingers intertwined. "He came out of nowhere, having something that ancient willing had over such an important role to him?"
"Lord Ukuter if I may," Yun said, requesting to speak, it being granted with a simple nod. "I do not wish to discredit your 'scout' being that I was not present for the situation, but due to that fact I must. The Celestial Lake is a very valuable source, I simply cannot see a possible reason why it would willingly allow someone to take its life, worse yet hand over such a source."
"Blah blah blah…" Sphe mocked. "Here we go, mister knows it all is back at it again."
"Excuse me? What gives someone such as yourself the right to critique me?" Yun inquired, glaring at Sphe from the corner of his eyes. "You lack even basic knowledge of this topic."
"Uh~... Nah, I'm pretty sure you got just as much information as I did," Sphe remarked. "She was there, personally appointed by Ukuter to watch Imuru…" She crossed her arms across her chest. "If that is what she saw, then that is what she saw, and that's final."
"Hmph!" Yun shifted his eyes forward, holding his head and chest high, deciding to not continue this conversation.
"Then…" Ukuter stood from his chair. "Let's put an end to this…"
The two secretaries batted their eyes curiously, pondering what he meant. Ukuter turned his head around to them both. "We'll be paying our Demon Lord a little visit."
Hours of travel later for Imuru's, the sun bled its gold into a twilight purple, and with it, the miles unspooled beneath the stagecoach's wheels. The group did as they did before setting up for the night ahead.
As everyone went to sleep, Imuru hung out with Forest, leaning back against him, his eyes riveted on the starry night sky. Forcents spirit flame, burned smoothly, with grace, illuminating the pair, and washing them with warmth.
With his legs stretched out and arms behind him, he closed his eyes, a simple smile on his face. He wasn't given the chance to drift off to sleep so quickly, with him opening his left eye a little hearing the sound of someone approaching.
Taking in who it was Imuru sighed, but sat up straight, for his interaction with Collon.
"Please forgive me," Collon apologized, knowing Imuru must be exhausted. "I just couldn't wait…"
"Now…" Collon's eyes dropped to the ground briefly, clearing his throat. "This may sound stupid, but… A-Are you a descendant of the Guardian?"
"...."
"...."
"...."
Imuru blinked, eyes wide open. Just what exactly was he supposed to say, this was not something he'd expect Collon would ask… Yet again a sign he should from now on expect the unexpected.
Collon didn't let this question simmer, noting the awkward silence in the atmosphere already. "I-I… It's just a dumb question. Thought I might ask… It's just…" He glanced sideways, avoiding eye contact for a moment. "You're just… Strange. In a very good way. Kind, selfless… I just had to question your nature."
"You know you don't just see people like you at all… Just pop up randomly. Gain the trust of Dark Deviders, this gorgeous Ennom, me, my sister… The Council. Imuru you're truly someone special."
Oh, highly particular of Imuru, he just stared, his eyes that of genuine worry… Sweating more than he did with T1, which was something.
"I'm sorry, this is just too much," Collon said, shaking his head. He got up, bowing earnestly to Imuru. "Good night, Imuru."
Still frozen, Imuru deflated silently. He wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling cold suddenly. He leaned back, not quite sure how he'll now sleep.
Forcent opened his eyes briefly observing Imuru's state. Gently, he curved in just a bit closer, to rest his head on Imuru's lap. Imuru smiled, reaching and petting Forcent for the first time, relaxing his nerves.
When the star rose, spreading its warmth onto the land, Imuru woke up first to the first rise of the sun. The start of the new day, and his journey home close.
An hour later everyone was up and about preparing to finish off their journey. Collon already planned to separate from Imuru at a certain point.
So stepping into the stagecoach together for one last time for this journey, they set off again.
"Say Imuru, What will you be doing once you return home?" Collon inquired. "I suppose you have quite a lot to fill your people on?"
Imuru smirked internally. "Obviously, I'm filling no one in of an—"
"He has no such need to worry," Yosho spoke, shattering Imuru's worldview. He'd almost certainly forgotten Yosho's significant presence—Unlike Forcent she'll speak. "I am Great Imuru's secretary, so unless ordered otherwise I will be informing our people of his greatness," Yosho proudly proclaimed, a bright smile and hand on her chest.
"Yosho," Imuru thought, mouth agape.
"Gee." Collon leaned in on his head onto his folded fist. "Who made you climb up the ranks?"
"Excuse me?" Yosho said, gazing at Collon with piercing eyes.
Collon raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, now, I'm just saying. That's not fear now. Someone else deserves a chance to prove themselves. Don't you think Imuru?"
"Y~Yes… Sure," Imuru said, his mind somewhere else entirely.
"Great Imuru…" Yosho murmured disheartened. "Please! Give me a chance. Just one!"
"I don't want to deal with this. She appointed herself secretary, she secretary," Imuru thought. To put the situation to rest, Imuru fanned off her worry. "Na-Na~... It's fine. Yosho is the secretary."
Yosho's eyes glimmered, the moment she heard his final words. "Yes," She said underneath her breath, her fist up in cheers. Looking at her brother she stuck out her tongue at him.
"Wooo~... I pray you keep your job," Collon remarked, leaning back, crossing his arms across his chest.