#xdio

The Azure Drake's Aquifer's shimmering dark blue exterior stood out atop Hugo's slate colored kitchen counter. He was still so touched to receive the magical item as a gift from Forest and had set his thoughtful note aside for safe keeping. Anxious to test the treasure, he poured himself and Dio glasses of refreshingly cool water from it.

Though the wonders of Acoma weren't far behind them, Hugo desired an escape to old and familiar mortal territory. He frequented alleys with hidden entrances or bustling night markets brimming with vibrant energy. Always to return home by the next day. That was when he was alone or brought a courageous ally to tag along. For Dio, there was so much more of his families world Hugo was eager to share.

Dio was his fateful guide in the states. Well, California at least. The dream had always been to repay that kindness. A practiced selfish-selflessness as he booked the room and whisked them away. Where the sounds of nature were both eerily familiar yet entirely foreign after so much time apart. This luxurious cabin was for only them.

His body waded in the open-air pool as he came closer to Dio. Treating the fighter's body like some canvas to brush his fingers across and fixate his jet black gaze upon. The bruises from already closed cuts that he inflicted on Dio during their spar earned special attention. Steam rose and clouded the vision at times. "How are you feeling after the rest?" He'd assured that a hot mineral bath would aid in full recovery, but sleep remained the best cure.

His thumb dragged across Dio's cheek. Swiping away a drop of dew. "I always wanted to show you around my country. It felt worlds away at the time, just a pipe dream, but being what we are now... if you ever wanna go, just say the word."

clatter!

The Ark's makeshift dojo had been filled with similar sounds that morning. The wakizashi fell again to wobble on it's guard. Hugo followed, leaned on both knees, and inspected the unvarnished floor for damage. With an eye for spotting imperfections, the tiniest chip in the floor soon glared back.

A low growl escaped him, no louder than a breathy whisper as he used his thumb to aimlessly scuff the cut. Sharply, he spat to himself, "Fffuck..."

The current state of this dojo was inexcusable. His dropping of precious tools unforgivable. ... No matter the excuse.

The punishing thoughts silenced once he noticed a presence enter the training room. They were quiet, tall. Soon, Hugo craned his head to see their face, and all of that previous fire in him was snuffed out. His skin turned pale. This face was haunting.

"... It's you." Hugo's snarling tone now turned into wonderment. Filled with questions for answers he wasn't deserving of. Their appearance was jarring, but the memory of last he saw them remained fresh in Hugo's mind. "... Concordio."

The memory of the cult commune was still fresh in Hugo's mind. Creepy statues, creepier practices, vines pulsating under flesh, human skin masks, and cruel false prophets. The visuals alone would stick with him for awhile. He did rest easier after the team returned with plenty of resources and information. Comforted that they'd ended Cassia's life, and spared the innocent. Hopefully, Reverchon Grove was gone for good.

That mission had been for Mateo, and though the Shinto investigation with Forest was active his troubles were starting to extend beyond his own pantheon. While building the Ark, it was inevitable, and yet Hugo suspected the presence of Dio had accelerated the process. He stood in the library aisle now, nose deep in a book describing Anito pantheon deities. What he learned about Lakapati was that they were a benevolent provider. Stark contrast to Raijin who was often depicted as a chaotic destroyer. To the superstitious farmer at least.

Barely scratching the surface, yet intrigued, Hugo hadn't noticed someone join him in the aisle. His heart raced after realizing, but it was too late to clap the book shut and shove it back in the rack. "I... like what I've read. So far. How was South Carolina?" He finally asked, but perhaps that was too casual. He turned a page, stared at an illustration, but every other sense was attentive to Dio now. His energy and heat--or coolness. "... You're ok? And the others?"