Seed Of Speed

Horsin lead them over to the giant hermit crab, giving an affectionate pat on the leg as they passed. There was a gap between the crab and shell which he directed them inside. Diego was not sure what he had been expecting, but he realized that he was in for a surprise as he passed through an azure membrane.

::Impressive, a Void Conch Crab. No wonder the beastmen have been able to survive so long despite losing the power of the world tree. It's rather young, judging by the size of its inner world, but that is about the size of a city in your old world::

"Damn..." Diego breathed as he looked around.

He was standing on a white sand beach under a pale-yellow sun. The sky was a crystal dome that shimmered with a rainbow of colors, confirming that this an artificial plane. The waters were the same yellow color as that in the outer world, so it was likely just as acidic.

Along the beach were structures made from coral and sand. A few beastmen could be seen walking around while more could be seen swimming, but he got the distinct impression that there were many times that number under the water. Horsin led them along the beach to one of the strange buildings as he also waved a few people over.

"Celita! It's been ages!" a frog-man called out from inside the coral hut.

There was a large fire burning inside that lit up the room with an orange glow, revealing the man. Diego always had trouble judging the age of a beastman, but there was no question in his mind that the individual was aged.

His head and body were far more frog than human to the point that it was only his posture that gave away he was a beastman and not a giant frog. His skin was rough and weathered, hanging limply from his bones. Despite not even moving to get up and greet them, his eyes carried a tiredness of someone who had seen all the winters that he ever would.

"Boshin? You're still alive?" Celita asked as she entered the hut.

"Cursing me to death, are you?��� he laughed.

"Never, you stinkin' brat!"

Celita gave the frog-man a big hug while Diego and Horsin remained outside. Diego watched the exchange with a light smile on his face before he glanced around the quickly forming crowd of fish, frog, and snake men and women. Most stayed in the water on the edge of the beach, but some of the more adventurous approached with curious expressions on their face as they looked him over as well.

"My brothers and sisters, Celita has returned from the Human World just as she promised! For the next two days, I call for a Grand Celebration so that we may welcome our guests and say goodbye to those we are parting with!" Horsin called out with a booming voice. "Some of you know Celita, but this beside me is Diego, a warrior and ally from the human world who will help escort those who wish to move."

The people gave a cheer and several approached with smiles. Many introduced themselves to Diego while those that didn't headed underwater to relay Horsin's words. Celita rejoined them shortly, supporting the frog-man with an arm.

"Diego, this is Boshin, a brat I found over three hundred years ago, his time, running from FIame Saber Demon. Boshin, this is the current brat I'm torturing," Celita introduced.

"A lovely introduction," Diego said sarcastically. "Pleasure to meet you, Boshin," he said with a slight bow.

"What pretty manners," the frog-man laughed. "It's good to see that Celita has someone who can keep up with her again."

"I do my best," Diego replied with a light smile.

"I expect some of your best wines for this occasion," Celita teased the lobster.

"Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy some of your world's specialties for a change," Horsin replied with a chuckle.

"When have I ever let you down?" she asked with a wave of her hand, causing dozens of barrels to appear on the ground around her.

"Nox, Pedino, Tollo, break open some of those barrels and add them to the festivities! Store the rest in one of the dry storage huts," Horsin ordered.

Three muscular frog-men picked up two barrels each and walked off, down the beach. With the crowd starting to disperse, Diego glanced around before splitting into six with his [Speed Clone] and grabbing some of the barrels to follow after the others.

"You don't have to work, my men can handle it," Horsin said.

"Yeah, but being idle doesn't really sit well with me," Diego replied.

"He isn't lying. I've been watching him for over six months, and he hardly sleeps, let alone, stand around. Just let him work," Celita said.

Whether it was truly night or just a creation of the Void Conch Crab's domain, a large table made of coral had been arranged on the edge of the water by the time the 'sun' had set. Every bit available space had a platter of food, pitcher of fiery wine, or spare cups and plates. There was no way for everyone to sit at the table, so instead it was arranged for a buffet with people taking food and drink nearly as fast as it could be refilled.

Diego was surprised by the sheer amount of beastmen, numbering at nearly a thousand. There was also a spirit of unity, despite the different races, as they all thought of each other as family. The whole evening was filled with a mixture of warmth and sadness, knowing that the large group would be split in half and possibly never seeing the others again.

"Remember me Though I have to say goodbye Remember me Don't let it make you cry For even if I'm far away I hold you in my heart I sing a secret song to you Each night we are apart Remember me Though I have to travel far Remember me Each time you hear a sad guitar Know that I'm with you The only way that I can be Until you're in my arms again Remember me…

"Que nuestra canción No deje de latir Solo con tu amor yo Puedo existir (Recuérdame) Que nuestra canción No deje de latir Solo con tu amor yo Puedo existir Recuérdame Si en tu mente vivo estoy Recuérdame Mis sueños yo te doy Te llevo en mi corazón Y te acompañaré Unidos en nuestra canción Contigo ahí estaré Recuérdame Si sola crees estar Recuérdame Y mi cantar te irá a abrazar Aun en la distancia Nunca vayas a olvidar Que yo contigo siempre voyyyyyyy... Recuérdame…

"If you close your eyes and let the music play Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away If you close your eyes and let the music play Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away If you close your eyes and let the music play Keep our love alive, I'll never fade away Remember me For I will soon be gone Remember me And let the love we have live on And know that I'm with you the only way that I can be So, until you're in my arms again Remember me…

"Que nuestra canción No deje de latir Solo con tu amor yo Puedo existir (Remember me) Que nuestra canción No deje de latir Solo con tu amor yo Puedo existir (Remember me)…"

Although it was missing the charm Natalia Lafourcade brought to her part, Diego sang "Remember Me (Dúo)" from the movie Coco which had been his sister's favorite in his former life. He was not consciously using his bardic power, but the nature of the song resonated with the hearts of those who heard it. No one danced, or even made a sound, as nearly a thousand beastmen sat and stood around listening to Diego sing, slightly swaying with the rhythm. The memory of the night would forever be etched into their hearts with a hint of sadness, but with more than enough familial love to ensure it would be a happy memory.