"Um, well, to be honest.... That was my first as well. I don't have a lot of experience with, well, kisses. Or relationships at that. It always was nothing but pretending, but now.... it feels more real." He said, feeling a bit flustered. It was good to finally hear something about Rena's family. She hadn't talked abotu it in since, well, forever. He answered her own words with some family history of his own. He talked to her about his own family, a mother and a father, as well as a teenager sister. Even then, who he talked the most about was about his sister. They seemed to be in.... fairly abd terms. Noboyuki was strict, almost like a father, and as a teenager, his sister was obviously not always agreeing with him. He also talked about how they got into a lot of fights between each other, but also how they usually supported each other regardless of the situation they may be in. She was the thing closer to a best friend he had, it seemed.

Noboyuki also told her about his parents, fo course, saying that his father was fairly similar to him and that his mother was a smaller woman with a somewhat stern face and someone really serious, unlike his father, who is as sarcastic as Noboyuki himself. He talked about how they spent a lot of time in their respective offices working and how he ended up spending more time with his sister. They seemed to be knit pretty close to each other, the way Noboyuki talked, and it also seemed that he wasn't all too fond of his parents, again, by the way he talked about them.

Still, there was a little bit of the descriptions of Rena's family that seemed.... awfully familiar. Where had he heard about it before? Yes, he had seen it rather than heard it. A shallow beard, not white with years, but old..... Was it in one of the dreams? Nah, couldn't be. Couldn't be, could it? How did it went again? The Tyrant? He knew he should have wrote down everything as soon as he woke up, why didn't he do it in the end?! Dammit, it was a bit frustrating.

But his frustration went away once Rena lost to sleep and fell asleep in his lap. It was good that she wasn't really disgusted with the excuse of a kiss he gave her. He felt it was a good start. He took off his jacket and put it over her as a blanket. It was the best he could do. Now, he should also get some sleep.

---

Noboyuki always thought bad of politicians, but he thought that the worst kind of politician was the one that inherited power and was born with it. He most often than not pictured people like that fat and with the attitude of a total despot in all and every way. Then again, Rena seemed to be an exception of that. Even so, it was good to finally be back in town with Rena, they would finally be able to sleep in a decent and actual bed. Now, for starters, what should they do...? Noboyuki thought it would be a good idea to go stroll by the town, however, and rather suddenly, an stranger approached the duo.

Hooded and gasping for air, the stranger took off his hood before any questions could be made.



"Oh, excuse me. Are you... the group that is travelling to defeat the Demon Lord?" The boy asked. Yes, he was nothing but a boy. If Noboyuki guessed right, he was not older than 16 years old. He merely lifted an eyebrow at the sudden question. He may say something stupid as wanting to join them, so Noboyuki quickly moved to deny the fact that they were indeed that same group. However, the talkative boy in front of them did not allow for an answer coming from Noboyuki. "Because I can totally help you! You see, I have these odd powers that are extra effective on demons! An old man taught me how to use them and I wanted to join you guys when I had the first opportunity!"

He seemed a bit too eager, but he hadn't even stated his name. Claiming he was powerful and whatnot... Yeah, Noboyuki didn't trust that at all. It was a bit too anime esque for a boy like that to be some kind of 'chosen' one. Then again, he was completely unaware of the boy's position as the real hero that had been summoned to this world. He decided to just go with it for now. But there were some things that came first before that.

"Well, at the very least you could tell us your name, brat. It isn't exactly polite to just come out and start saying things like that without even saying your name, you know? I am Noboyuki." Noboyuki said, trying to keep his cool. He wasn't good with these kinds of people. Cheerful and bright.

"A-Ah, yes. My name is Isshiki Ryuma. I, uh, come from a little village in the borders of another big city. We have the custom of putting our given names after our surnames, so feel free to call me Ryuma." The boy with the blonde hair said, smiling from the bottom of his heart. Yeah, he was the kind of honest guy that was always straightforward. Noboyuki didn't really want to deal with him. But anyhow, wasn't his name too... Japanese-ish? Maybe there were people like that in here too, or maybe.... nah, it couldn't be. He was sure it couldn't be. Why would they summon two people into this world from his own? More importantly, why were they both Japanese? Nah, it was too much of a coincidence.

Rena mostly kept walking with Noboyuki, this happened a lot where random folks wanted to join them for whatever reason, glory, gold, or God there were plenty of motivations. They were back in more populated lands, made sense they would start encountering people like this. Of course they were never brought along especially since this time their hopeful recruit was only barely on the cusp of adulthood, honestly he could've been a liability rather then a truly helpful pair of extra hands. For the moment she allowed her lover to take care of the kid, thus she kept looking foward trying not to acknowledge him. Although that became harder as he kept trying, probably not even a little likely to give up.

He kept talking, Rena kept ignoring him, that is until the kid said his name. The surname came first, like Noboyuki's, Ryuma, that of course being this kid's name, claimed that he simply followed that tradition, problem was that was a tradition that didn't exist. Before Noboyuki, she had never ever encountered someone's last name first, it simply does not exist in her world. It even took her a while before she started calling her partner by his proper first name, just assuming that his last name was his first name. Looking back then, it was somewhat embarrassing. Still whatever was happening she had already made the connection, hopefully this was only a case of a overzealous youth attempting to emulate Noboyuki by making up a weird name.

Rena gently tapped on Noboyuki's back, "You should learn how to be more diplomatic, now I have a few questions, just give me a moment, okay?" Something was already odd about this kid, really despite just meeting him, he had already proven to be something else. Rena stopped, as so did Noboyuki, hopefully, then of course she faced Ryuma, "If you've been looking for us, then you know I am Rena Falkren. Its good that you've decided to seek us out, shows some spirt however... I'm wondering, what province do you hail from? If you're not from Eskar, then what kingdom?"

"H-Huh, oh, yes..." Oh... was Rena perhaps pulled in by the boy's aura or something? Was she somehow trying to protect the boy with her comment about him being diplomatic? Noboyuki was needlessly defensive when in front of this boy, and since it was also regarding Rena, well, Noboyuki was being a bit too defensive. He stopped at the same time Rena did, and turned back to look at the boy, but even so, he didn't move from his place. He may have taken the 'just give me a moment' part of what Rena said a bit too seriously too. He posed his sharp eyes over the boy. As a, by now, seasoned warrior, Noboyuki knew he himself had some amount of intimidation skills when facing against the unknown. He glared at the boy sharply and letting quite some killing intent sip out of his body.

And then, the boy Ryuma, answered with a sharp galre of his own, as well as letting some of his killing intent become known. Yeah, it was way bigger than Noboyuki's. With his two months of training and battling, he knew when he was overpowered, and he was HUGELY overpowered here, so much he even had to take a step back out of fear. Ryuma was about as intimidating to him as the God they encountered in the forest. He was certainly strong. The boy, hoping Rena didn't catch on on that and looking pretty nervous again, started fidgeting around. "Y-Yes, I hail from, um, whatsitsname...." He mumbled under his breath. "Ah yes, that place! N-Nijiara?" Noboyuki caught up on what he was trying to say almost immedietly, and knew why Rena was suspicious as well. That 'Nijiara' he was talking about sounded an awful lot as how Japan was named in Japanese, Nihon.

And since the boy seemed to know he had screwed up as well, he heaved a heavy sigh and, for the lack of a better word, facepalmed. "Ugh, fine! All right, fine! I've also been summoned here from another world! The same that old man came from!" Ryuma merely motioned with his head towards Noboyuki, who passed from scared to angry in an instant.

"What do you mean old man brat!" As said before, the boy didn't really strike up Noboyuki as someone he could get along with. "And why the hell are you here too! I should've been the only one summoned here! Do you know what's going on Rena?" Noboyuki lashed out, but as soon as he turned to Rena, he calmed down. "I'm... sorry. I just lost my cool there." Yeah, not the best side of him Rena could be seeing right now.

"Just let me in in your adventure! You won't be able to kill the Demon Lord without me! I am kinda, like, the tank and magician companion you get in an RPG, yeah? Just, c'mon! I'm gonna be extra useful! Besides, how can I get a lady like this alone with a creep like you?" The boy said, taking Rena's hand and kissing it. Yes, the worst kind of guy. Hardheaded, stupid and a flirt. Just precious.

Noboyuki quickly moved in and made Ryuma let go of Rena's hand. "No touching allowed please."

"You jelly boy?"

"I'm gonna cut you up, you little....!" He was about to take out his sword, but took a deep breath and calmed down. He should really let Rena handle it. He turned around and decided to wait just behind the two of them to finish up talking.

She was surrounded by children... and not just the literal one in front of her. The kid was arrogant, inappropriate, and just overall unpleasant, hell he even attempted to kiss her, granted it was only on the hand... Rena could easily reason why Noboyuki would lose his temper so quickly with Ryuma, she also had to consider their brand new relationship status right? Although that was still no reason for the hero to actually lash out at their rude guest, she'll have to deal with him later. Rena's temperament changed from the gentle expression of their initial encounter, to one of scorn, diplomacy was out of the picture at this point. Even if the boy was only slightly taller than her, Rena mustered her gravest stare, not even Noboyuki had seen it ever before, the kid may be able to intimidate, but she? She had a lifetime of authority to bear down with.

"You are stupidly bold, not even that, you are arrogant to such an extreme fault I am already unable to stand your presence. First, you lie about your own home, and that lie was unraveled in the manner of seconds. Second, you insult a dear companion of mine who as stayed loyal to me nearly to the extent of death on multiple occasions, he who has shown true proof of his strength and martial prowess, however you boast without the slightest scrap of real evidence thus far. Third, you dare to mock the idea of chivalry with your woefully horrid attempt at a kiss of my hand, its disgraceful beyond all measure of a knight's code of honor. And last, you make ALL of this seem as if it were a game, that in of itself insults me and every single citizen of my kingdom to the highest degree, this cause is for our future, the future of everyone. You already seem to have thrown that notion away, it is down right disgusting to call you a human being if you are unable to comprehend the serious nature that my home finds itself in."

The last word seethed from Rena, she didn't want to do that at first, but now... well now that changed, she meant everything she said, Ryuma had already shown himself to be someone she would be very much unwilling to even think about cooperating with. Now though, she wasn't done, no not yet. Rena turned around to face Noboyuki himself, he had made some mistakes as well.

"Then there's you... Noboyuki I expected more from you, much more, did you understand what I meant by 'to be more diplomatic?' The point was to handle this in a civilized manner without breaking out into petty bickering. You allowed this boy to provoke you into arguing with him, you should've shown restraint because you are more than strong enough to do so, I know that for a fact. There is also the subject of you pushing away his kiss, it was uncalled for you to do so, I am able to decline it myself... it shows that you care, and I can appreciate more than perhaps you really know, still it was not the right way to show that you care. You are strong, intelligent, and loyal, these are some of the many, many reasons why I fallen in love with you, so act as the better man in the future, you are very much able to do so."

Rena reached forward to pat Noboyuki on the back, she hoped that her eyes alone were able to convey that while he did annoy her, and disappoint her, that she still loved him no matter what. Rena stepped back to allow her reprimanding to sink in, this was the end of their fighting, no more. If either of them were to make another attempt at continuing, she made a mental note to strike down whichever one decided to do so... even Noboyuki, she did not have the patience for this.

The childish part of him that came out just now urged him to mock Ryuma after he was being told off by Rena, and that same childish part of him wanted to say something like 'I didnt do anything bad'. And luckily, his adult side of him was still there and echoing hard through his body. Yes, he wasn't so angry that he would just lash out like a little kid. He had been immature enough already as it was. "Yes... yes, I know that." Noboyuki shook his head, before breaking into a smile. "I will do my best from now on. Sorry, Rena." He simply said in response to Rena telling him off. Yes, it was necessary at times.

And even then, after being scolded by Rena, Ryuma didn't seem to show any signs of changing. He merely smirked. "Haha! You say that now, but once you see me in action, you'll be BEGGING to have me in your team! Don't ever understimate me, princess!" He said, still sounding quite cheery despite everything, before he became serious again and looked at Noboyuki first, then at Rena. "And what's this? I didn't know you guys were lovebirds. Saying that so openly with each other.... Ain't you embarrassed or something? There are countless other places to be whispering sweet nothings to each other." He smiled yet again, though this one was a mocking smile.

Yes, Noboyuki had to be the better man, more diplomatic in Rena's words. But how could he be more diplomatic right now? Handling this situation with care.... He took Rena's hand and squeezed it a bit, being careful not to hurt her, and then turned his eyes to the boy with blonde hair. Their eyes met, and if it would've been possible, sparks would've come out only because of that. In a way, they were both total opposites to each other. Noboyuki knew that, Ryuma probably didn't. Like that, he decided that the best way to be diplomatic here was to smile at him, even if it was a clearly forced smile, and gulp down every curse words he wanted to spout out at the guy in front of him.

"What? you got something to say? Go ahead and say it. Perhaps, you will finally piss me off and we can get on with my crushing of you in front of the princess. You'll lose her respect and love and she'll decide to take me instead of you. We both win. You won't die in upcoming battles and I get to do what I came to do here. What do you think? It's a good deal, right? Your life in exchange of an adventure that just wasn't meant for you." Even while he says so and his words seem to cut deeper than blades as he speaks, he still seems.... worried perhaps? Not something Noboyuki would catch on anytime soon, of course, as his anger just grew by the minute while speaking to the arrogant piece of a brat known as Ryuma.

He squeezed Rena's hand even tighter. "Just what I-!" He was about to accept the challenge, but he was reminded of what Rena said. Be more diplomatic. Yeah, the best act of diplomacy he could do was leave everything to Rena. He loosened his grip on Rena's hand after taking a deep breath and calming himself down. He just turned to Rena, seeking for an answer from the girl. "What do you think, Rena? Should we humor him anymore?"

Rena after all that Ryuma said, still did nothing but stood there. Her expression hadn't changed as she listen very carefully to each word the boy had to say. Noboyuki was clearly struggling not to lash out once again, at least someone listened to her, but this arrogant youth before her did not get the message, yet she did nothing not yet. Really she was thinking, deep and hard, absorbing every last bit of malice pouring forth from Ryuma, use it as fuel, fuel to strike him down with absolute fury. Least that was the plan. When Noboyuki let go of her hand, Rena had enough... it wasn't going to be pretty.

In a few long strides she was right there in the boy's face, even though they had the slight height difference, their eyes still met on the same plane. Then she smiled, it was not a happy one, no it was a fake, insidious grin that was only just hiding her true intent. One that Ryuma wouldn't be able to miss. "And don't you underestimate me, 'hero,' do you really think you are untouchable? Bravado is nothing but a ploy to hide your fear, how pathetic you could really be. Is making enemies of other humans truly for the best? I have heard of your world, oh I have, yes indeed. I know how your society works, and let me confirm here, that here everything is much, much different. I'm going to say that you are human enough to need sleep, food, water, hmm? Do you believe that you could remain awake for every waking hour of the day, looking out for the next murderer who has your head marked for death? Oh but why would anyone be trying to kill you? I hear you asking? Ah good question, very good question. That is because no one takes kindly to filth like yourself, oh yes, this would not be before long in your mission to make as many enemies as possible, for you think that fighting with every single person you meet is somehow a sane idea."

Rena started to speak in a lower tone, but was grinning even more. "Do you what to know, what happens when you're left alive? Torture, then death following, maybe, soon after. Maybe you'll be flayed, with a heated serrated knife your flesh would be pealed off, and oh of course you'll still be very well awake, also believe you would not be allowed to lose consciousness, after all it is only rude to 'fall' asleep. THEN, you shall be gutted, your entrails flopping freely from your abdomen, but relax in knowing that there would be extra care in ensuring you wouldn't bleed out, no you should be left alive after all, I think you'd agree. After that you'll be hoisted high up in a iron cage, off of a keep's tower, left to dangle for weeks, least until you finally pass away. High above the earth below, hmm maybe a crow would pay you a visit, I hear they absolutely love intestines."

She suddenly pulled the boy down by the hair, she leaned forward towards his ear, and whispered so loudly and harshly Noboyuki was still able to hear. "I will tell you again, don't you fucking underestimate me, you filthy maggot. Are you so stupid, and goddamn blind to not treat others with common sense, do you just downright have shit for brains? I dare you to provoke me just one more time, one more single time and you will wish for death, that is not a if, that is a damned 'when.' "

Rena pushed the boy away, she was still smiling, inside she was filled to the brim with fury. One more arrogant comment from this boy would be enough, just enough.

Noboyuki could feel Rena's anger all the way to where he was, and couldn't help but gulp at the thought of it. He was happy he decided to change into passive mode when he did, otherwise all of that anger would have poured all over him too. But indeed, Rena was something else once she got mad.... Noboyuki made a mental note to himself never to get her mad enough that she'd say things like that to him. Definitely a scary politician, but there's always the possibility that people without that kind of spite in a world like in what she lived could survive. It was a possibility that scared him a bit, and made him worry about her.

Ryuma, on the other hand, was feeling.... yes, the correct term for it would be fear. Even the boy had to fulp audibly at the mere thought of it as he heard Rena's words. He had considered the possibility of dead, and that didn't scare him. What scared him was Rena. She was being so direct and somewhat terrifying, not to say anything about the fact that she was smiling all the while as she talked to him. He thought it best to retreat for now. He wouldn't be able to take anything out of the stubborn pair. Both of them were stubborn it seemed. 'Like a match made in heaven.' He thought.

"Fine, fine. I'm outta here. I don't want to keep on hearing you both rant of WHY I am not a hero. Just remember. A hero saves everyone, even those who do not wish to be saved." He said, arrogant as always. He turned around and lazily waved at the pair. "See ya later. You can count on that at the very least." The blonde boy disappeared between the masses and was soon invisible to the two.

With his departure, Noboyuki let out a relieved sigh. It was about time. It was about damn time. Noboyuki felt a burden go away from his shoulders. He turned to Rena, unsure of how to approach her right now. Well, he'd better just play it off right now and make it as if nothing had ever happened. "Man, that was some rude kid. Maybe even if he did have magic, it just didn't seem the kind of guy that could call himself a hero... Not that I am one to talk of course." There was still some little chance that Rena felt... troubled of what she had just said to the boy, even if it was necessary. Noboyuki, smiling, though still worried, grabbed her hand. "Why don't we continue walking through the city? It should help us get our mind away from that boy."

He left, that little pain was terrified and Rena knew that, behind all that bravado Ryuma was the pathetic idiot she knew he was. Before he left Rena continued shouting obscenities his way, it was insurance... just making sure he wouldn't return, that's what she told herself. Even though his presence was no longer there, the anger boiling within Rena was still boiling over, the kid did not necessarily insult her, nothing was thrown directly at herself he dishonored Noboyuki, she wasn't able to stand for that anymore. For a few minutes there was nothing happening, although Rena was visibly shaking, the self-control that once directed her wrath had ran out, at that point she was unable to control herself. Good news she didn't act on any impulse, after all Ryuma was the main subject of her anger, with him gone there was nothing really to lash out at.

When Noboyuki dared to hold her hand... well Rena was about ready to verbally assault the hero, at least that was the case before she recognized him. She was no longer smiling, but actually enraged, her features easily shown as such, in one word she was very pissed. While she didn't pull away from Noboyuki, she didn't exactly embrace him. More or less she only allowed the man to hold her hand, that was about it. She was breathing deeply, relaxation techniques to help her come down after that emotional high. Noboyuki was saying something, however Rena didn't heed the words, they just stood there for a while longer, her partner still faithfully holding hands.

A good fifteen minutes after Ryuma's departure, Rena finally calmed down significantly, her expression now neutral. She was anything but happy, not that she truly cared about the boy's well being, which was zero, she still of course did not find the experience to be all that pleasent. Noboyuki was still waiting on her, he couldn't be left standing there for any longer. "So... guess I was pretty scary there... huh? All I can say is he deserved everything there... but I still didn't like it. Not at all." Rena tried to smile, "There went diplomacy, kind of hypocritical is it not? Suppose there are times to lose it like that..."