Welcome to Ambrosia!

[Kuzuru]

Time to wake up Renji

Kuzuru’s wicked voice echoed in his ear and he stirred to consciousness. His body felt like stone and a dull pain seeped into every fiber of his being. That damned green-skinned fiend had done a number on him. But the pain, the feeling of standing on the precipice of defeat, it made him feel alive. Every cut, every wound was proof that he was no longer an infallible swordsman and that thought filled him with joy. Finally warriors worth fighting, after an eternity of waiting Renji would finally be able to feel the challenge of true battle once again.

He kept his eyes shut and listened to the sounds of the medical tent. Several aids moved around tending to the wounded and injured, nothing much beyond a few scrapes and bruises. They spoke of the swordsman only in hushed voices, they did not know his intent nor how he came to be injured so. Talk of orc attacks and bandits piqued Renji’s interest, perhaps more battles awaited him on the horizon. Deciding to finally make his consciousness known Renji stirred and sat up in his cot. His body was sore and pained, but he was still able to move.

The rat-like nurse jumped at his sudden movement. She gently pressed against Renji and compelled him to lay back down.

“Oh dear, now don’t strain yourself you’ll rip the stitches. Lay down and rest now.”

“Where am I?” Renji asked weakly.

“Ambrosia, but that doesn’t matter now. Just rest and we’ll talk when you’re not on death’s door.”

Renji closed his eyes and scowled, for now he would heed her advice and rest. He thought back to his battle with Retane. Every flash of blood and steel was burned into his memory and he fixated onto every misstep and overreach. This line of thinking entertained him for a length of time. He would improve and his next battle with Retane would not be so close. His battle fantasies had kept him occupied long enough for wind of his arrival to reach the leader of Ambrosia. The small girl stepped into the tent and took note of the new arrival.

Ahh, only a mere child. But her eyes belie her innocence. Kill her Renji, I’m sure he blood will taste sweet.

The swordsman found himself instinctively clutching his sword. Renji frowned and released his grip on the demon sword and subsequently severed his link to Kuzuru. He leaned up, once again putting strain on his stitches and wounds. His red eyes took note of the princess and there was a moment of silence between the two. Renji couldn’t get a read on this strange girl. She looked human, for the most part, but it was that blank expression that he couldn’t get past. Renji furrowed his brows slightly and spoke “uhm... Hello. I’m Renji Kiyomasa”

The small princess spoke with a monotonous tone and blank stare “I am Princess Guu, welcome to Ambrosia.”

Renji furrowed his brow and tried his best to stifle a chuckle “you’re a princess?”

“Indeed”

The swordsman couldn’t tell if she was lying to him, but considering the other strange denizens of Ambrosia he figured she probably was telling the truth. The princess was a wall, Renji couldn’t read her intentions. Matilda, the rat nurse however seemed nervous and wary of the newcomer. He couldn’t blame her, after all he wasn’t the nicest person alive. Guu stared at Renji’s wounds and asked him in her signature monotone.

“What happened?”

A wicked smirk slipped across his face as he remembered his battle with Retane. Instinctively he gripped his sword and the demon inside was oddly quiet. With an almost sadistic tone he told Guu of his encounter with Retane. He recounted the battle in vivid detail, telling them every step and strike of the encounter. When all was said and done he grinned and said aloud.

“Truly a great duel, I can hardly remember the last time someone posed an actual challenge. I think I’ll enjoy my stay here in the Omniverse.”

“I see” the princess began to speak, but Renji cut her off.

“I heard you guys are having a bit of an orc problem, as a show of thanks for patching me up, I’ll take care of them for you.”

Matilda scolded Renji “now you are in no shape to go around picking more fights, you’ll stay in bed until you’re fixed up.”

This struck a nerve with the swordsman. He shot a sharp glare at the nurse, his red eyes flashed with aggression. She seemed slightly startled by his sudden switch in disposition, the princess however kept her blank expression. Every word was punctuated with sharp venom.

“I appreciate your hospitality, but who gives a shit about a couple of cuts? I don’t. I’ll go and fight if I want, because I don’t break.”

It was strange, Renji felt much more aggressive since his battle with Retane. Still he brushed it off as some sort of residual bloodlust from being under Kuzuru’s control for so long. The nurse went to speak, but was interrupted by the leader of Ambrosia. She seemed relieved at Renji’s “offer” but her tone of voice did not fluctuate from the simple monotone.

“Thank you Renji, I appreciate your offer. You might consider resting until they attack, I’ll brief you on the situation later.”

She turned to leave the tent, but stopped short of the exit.

“Oh... Is there anything you wish to eat? I’ll have someone bring you food.”

Renji’s stomach growled in response. The swordsman hasn’t eaten anything since his arrival in the Omniverse.

“Yeah, bring me meat or something. I’m starving, thank you.”