The Achievement Junkie

"I appreciate the hearty meal, but I should get going."

"You don't want dessert?" Lunara asked. "I'd offer it now but we had to remake the cakes after Lina overcooked the first batch."

Moranti put his hands up with a smile. "No thanks, I've got one last thing to do before I hit the hay. And thanks for the chat, Sterfen."

"Anytime."

Sterfen, Lunara, and Lina walked Moranti to the courtyard door. They waved goodnight before Lunara closed the door and dragged her very willing husband to their bedroom, casting silence before even locking the door. Lina cleaned up after the meal, finishing the few remains and making sure to not burn the cakes her mother helped her bake.

While they were making themselves busy, Moranti strolled through the night. He took his time enjoying the sight of the moon standing within the clear night sky. Moranti finally let out a sigh and placed his hand over his shoulder.

Even after hiding it under his cloak, Moranti couldn't ignore his injuries forever. How he envied Halmut and the Sun Dragons, at the very least for their natural regenerative abilities.

After taking a moment to ponder and think, Moranti changed his course and gave in. The God of Space then teleported away, not wanting anyone to see where he was headed next.

In a blink of spatial energy, Moranti reappeared within a secluded courtyard. It was exactly like his own or Sterfen's but with different decorations. Plantlife was everywhere. Different shades of green, yellow, red, and every color of the rainbow could be found in that single space. But Moranti didn't find who he was looking for. At least not yet.

As Moranti explored and examined the many types of fauna and flora about the courtyard, it took only a few minutes for the master of the house to appear with a towel over her head.

"Moranti?"

"Dragas… Sorry to catch you at a bad time…" Moranti chuckled, turning away slightly from the bare beauty.

"Oh? Don't tell me you've never seen anything like this before?" Dragas joked, fixing the towel on her head while stepping further into the courtyard.

Still chuckling, Moranti glanced back at Dragas with a smile. "Just trying to consider your feelings. Since you don't mind, I'll get to the point."

Moranti reached for his outer robe and stored it away. Then, he took a moment to untie the sash between his shirt and pants that worked as a belt.

"Just because I'm not hiding anything doesn't mean I'm that easy…" Dragas eyed the God of Space, trying to figure out what was going on. But her tone changed as Moranti's shirt was removed, leaving his pants on. "That… Is that from Halmut?"

"Yeah… I'd rather not worry anyone. Sorry for teleporting in uninvited."

"Lay down…" Dragas pointed to her usual lounging area, letting Moranti make himself comfortable. "This will stay between us, but you'll owe me."

"Thanks! I'm in your care." Smiling softly, Moranti laid across the strange plant turned recliner. Oddly enough, it truly felt like sitting on a soft, warm cloud.

Dragas retrieved a bathrobe and covered herself before standing over her surprise guest. Her eyes were in shock at the unique burns and scars across Moranti's shoulders. "What kind of attacks were you two using to cause this?"

"Halmut would be in even worse shape if he wasn't a Sun Dragon. It's so unfair when I deal more damage but he just heals himself after every attack," complained Moranti, showing some of his more childish side instead of mimicking Dragas's serious tone.

"Well, I need to know if you want me to heal it properly…"

"It's a combo of Halmut's five elements. He'll mix them into his breath attack and his weapon."

"Five elements in one… That's crazy!" Dragas shouted, casting silence.

"What's that for?" Moranti asked.

Dragas showed an awkward smile. "So no one else will hear your screams…"

Her hand reached down to feel the strange charr that existed along the edge of each cut. Even the tiniest of scratches were covered in that pained scar tissue.

"I'm not-- Aaaah…"

Dragas shook her head. "There's no need to act tough right now. Your wounds are the worst I've ever seen and can't be healed easily. Something like this will take time and daily treatment, even for me."

"Then… Does that mean I'm welcome back tomorrow?"

"Yeah, of course."

His smile returned as Moranti asked, "And do you always bathe at this time of night?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just trying to figure out the best time to arrive. That way my body can get healed along with my heart."

Dragas burst into laughter. "Sounds to me like you just want to see me naked."

"Would you believe me if I said otherwise?"

"No, I wouldn't. Then, I'll expect you at the same time every night. And don't miss a day or your body will regret it," Dragas answered.

"If it's like this every night, then so will my heart-- AAAAaahhh…"

"Shhh… I need to massage holy and nature deep into your wounds. No need to talk."

"Still, You're quite-- AAAAAAAHHH!"

"Shhh…" Dragas smiled, enjoying herself and the company of her now-frequent guest.

*****

"Come in," Vixus stated, glancing up from paperwork to see a few figures enter the room. "Oh! Forgive me, I didn't know it was--"

"No need for that, Vixus. We need to discuss the upcoming conference with Churstin," Choron stated.

"Yes, let's. I assume you've got a date prepared now?"

"In four days The king of Churstin will meet us at the border outside of Churstin Canyon. They're already building us a makeshift meeting hall, one open to the sky and public seats," stated Choron.

"So they want to keep things public at all costs? This would keep us from taking advantage of them should we want to protect our public image," Eedaj deduced. "Also, it means they don't mind our conference to be a spectacle. Do you know why that is?"

"I'm unsure but I have a lead that shared a theory. They may have contacted someone from Federal City to invite the other gods."

"Then they don't mind looking into other options… This will be much more difficult than…" Vixus sighed.

"Halmut will come, but Rikko help too!"

Eedaj chuckled, "Rikko, you're not one for public speaking, so I'm not sure how you'll--"

"Rikko ready to act and steal. If Rikko get something good, Rikko trade back to keep Halmut away," stated the Goblin God, sure of himself. "Rikko lv. 92 now, so Rikko faster."

"Just don't do anything without our okay first. Promise me that, Rikko."

Looking to Eedaj, Rikko replied with a frown, "Fiiine… Rikko promise."