The shimmering shores of Luluhawa Island had been kind to Tōga, blessing the adventurer with bountiful treasures from his many escapades. Exciting exploits across the sandy beaches had lined his pockets generously with glistening jewels beyond his wildest dreams. Though the island landscapes had imprinted both friends and foes on his memory, Tōga embraced it all with jovial spirit. Luluhawa had welcomed him fully, and now his presence danced playfully across its beaches, his smile as bright as the sun-kissed tides.

The vast horizon beckoned to Tōga as he pondered the open seas. When dawn broke, he would set his sails for Era once more, eager to share the triumphant tales of his exploits with the Rune Knights. His victories on Luluhawa would surely grant him greater standing and open up new realms of possibility. The whole world now seemed an unwrapped gift, ripe for exploration. Perhaps he might voyage beyond the familiar, to take on quests in distant lands and meet fascinating strangers, like his friend Michael. As Tōga gazed out at the glittering waves, he marveled at the adventures still awaiting him and all the wondrous surprises the future could hold. Luluhawa had been but one chapter - many more lay ahead, just waiting to be told.

---

wc: 209

Luluhawa Island had proven to be a pleasant surprise, revealing itself layer by layer like a gift that kept on giving. Tōga found himself lingering along the shoreline, mesmerized by the seamless fusion of azure sky and sapphire sea. He watched the waves lap gently against the sand, as if hesitant to disturb the tranquil beauty.

Lost in the timeless rhythm of water meeting land, Tōga's thoughts wandered to the home and duties that awaited his return. Though he knew he could not stay forever suspended in this blissful reverie, the urge to remain a while longer sang a siren's song. For now, it was just him and the elements, basking in the quiet communion of sun, sand and sea. The stillness invited contemplation and Tōga surrendered to its spell, letting his mind float upon the placid waters. In this perfect solitude, his obligations seemed distant, like fading ripples dissolving into deeper waters.

Luluhawa Island continued revealing itself in pleasant surprises. Tōga’s heightened senses suddenly detected incoming footsteps and chatter, though not before a familiar scent reached his nose. He turned to see a man with snow-white hair approaching, accompanied by two Exceed kittens reminiscent of Michael's own furry friend. Eras watched the trio approach, intrigue piqued. Luluhawa was certainly full of unexpected encounters, and this looked to be yet another. He wondered what chance meeting or adventure awaited as the man and his feline companions drew nearer across the sun-kissed sands.

"Does everyone around here have an Exceed companion?" Tōga mused aloud, voicing his thoughts to the island air.

Tōga observed the approaching trio with curiosity, noticing the two felines bounding impishly ahead of their white-haired companion. He offered a friendly wave, though the strangers remained unknown to him. Still, Tōga considered, new friends seemed abundant on Luluhawa's sunny shores. Perhaps his lucky streak would continue and this unexpected encounter would bring more camaraderie. The island certainly had a way of drawing people together.

The trio's footsteps slowed as they approached Tōga, who was seated in the sand gazing out at the vast ocean before him. As the dragon slayer rose to his full height, his bare feet sank deeper into the warm, golden grains. He took a moment to savor the heat radiating up through his toes before turning to face his visitors, the gentle lap of waves at his back. Though he appeared relaxed, there was an unmistakable alertness in his stance and expression. He regarded the new arrivals wordlessly, his piercing eyes filled with questions.

Tōga's gaze followed the exceed companions in quiet admiration. "I definitely need an exceed-friend soon," he mused with a smile. Michael and Samuel's bond had not gone unnoticed by Tōga. The winged creature was intelligent, witty, and humorous - traits not dampened in the least by his furry exterior. Their interactions exhibited a special kinship that Tōga found himself longing for. Having an exceed partner of his own, he realized, was something missing from his life. Watching Michael with Samuel only further convinced Tōga of the unique companionship the creatures could provide. His time with them had shown him how much he desired that same connection, that same loyal friend always at his side.

"Yeah, the weather here has been nothing short of amazing," Tōga declared, though even this felt like an understatement. Luluhawa Island had shown him only kindness since his arrival, treating him to crisp, cloudless days and sunny, languid afternoons. But the fair climate was merely an added perk. There was a certain magic in the air that went beyond the picture-perfect weather. An intoxicating essence that permeated the island. With each breath, Tōga could feel it - a lifeforce that pulsed just below the surface. More than just the sun kissing his skin, it seemed to impart a glow from within. This place had secrets yet to be uncovered, and Tōga sensed he had only glimpsed the start of what Luluhawa had to offer.

“I’m Tōga, by the way! And you are?”

Yuurei, Renji, Migi - three names that stirred a sense of familiarity within the Dragon Slayer, though he knew them not. How could a man's arm possess eyes that see, a mouth that speaks, a magic all its own? No, it was not their strangeness that seized Tōga's attention, but the shape of those names upon his ear. In their syllables he sensed a trace of the distant land he once called home, the kingdom of Joya that still held so dear a place within his heart. In those curious names he heard echoed whispers of a past now faded, yet still stirring his soul with a longing that never fully fades.

“Nice to meet ya all!” Tōga greeted them warmly, a smile upon his lips. "Not to be rude, but I have to ask: are you all from Joya?" The Dragon Slayer's question held no suspicion, only a glimmer of wistful hope. Though the syllables alone did not betray their origins, still he sensed the whisper of a shared heritage. For even as the years flowed on, Joya yet echoed in Tōga's soul, and to meet fellow children of that land so distant would rekindle fading memories. In query he sought not to judge, but simply to know these strangers better, to spin familiar stories with newfound friends. Their past remained a mystery, but in their names resounded possibilities yet unexplored.

Yuurei's query brought a smile to Tōga's face. "Work brought me here, but I’m stayin’ a little extra for a break," he explained brightly. "I see it as a small vacation," The past days had been filled with deeds and duties, three trials conquered to aid the land. But time remained ere he must return, and Tōga was determined to claim these last free moments for himself alone. To bask unfettered beneath the tropical azure, lulled by the endless ocean's rhythmic roar. No agenda now beyond refreshing spirit, mind and body, enriching himself ere obligations called once more. This island paradise offered a chance to live with abandon, if only for a fleeting interlude. And Tōga knew no life was complete without such joyous liberty.

“Are you vacationing here? Do ya live here?”

Tōga's eyes widened in surprise as Yuurei revealed the strange and mysterious origins of his sword and arm. The North Pole and the void - two places as different as night and day. Yet somehow they came together in the form of the enigmatic man before him. Tōga could scarcely believe it. A talking arm was astonishing enough. But comrades from such polar opposite realms, literally and figuratively? It was almost too much to comprehend.

A thousand questions bubbled up within the dragon slayer. His natural curiosity and excitable nature made him want to burst with an enthusiastic interrogation. But he held back, reigning in his usual explosive expressions. He sensed the need for a delicate touch here. This was a moment for patience and careful listening, not his typical fiery outbursts. Tōga waited with contained excitement and curiosity. His eyes shining, he gestured for Yuurei to continue. Eager to learn more, yet cautious not to run off this fascinating man with demands for explanations. He would let the revelations unfold at their own pace, though it took all his self-control not to bubble over with exhilaration at this tantalizing tale.

Tōga's restraint snapped as Yuurei casually mentioned his ability to teleport across the world with ease.

"Wait, what? You can teleport!?" The dragon slayer burst out, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. His dark eyes shone like fireworks exploding in the night sky. His mouth stretched into a wide, beaming smile that revealed his gleaming white teeth. In his excitement, Tōga unconsciously closed the gap between them with an eager step forward. "Is that your magic?" he prodded, practically vibrating with infectious enthusiasm. The possibilities whirled through his imagination, fueled by childhood stories of wizards and warlocks zipping through space in the blink of an eye.

Yet he sensed this was something different, something more. There was surely an incredible story behind Yuurei's astonishing gift. Tōga quivered with anticipation, hungry for every detail. But he checked his usual headlong rush into questioning, not wanting to overwhelm the fascinating man. Still, the dragon slayer could not hide his exhilaration, eyes dancing and grin shining, as he awaited the revelations behind Yuurei's mysterious teleporting magic.

"I wanna teleport!" Tōga exclaimed wistfully, his mind already leaping ahead to imagine the possibilities. How incredible it would be to traverse the world in the blink of an eye, appearing wherever he wished in an instant. The dragon slayer's expression grew contemplative as he mentally reviewed his own abilities, considering if teleportation could somehow be within his grasp. But after a few moments of turning ideas over in his head, he realized such magic was likely far beyond him. Disappointment flickered across Tōga's features before he reigned in his wandering thoughts. In his excitement, he had nearly forgotten about Yuurei's follow-up question. Tōga quickly refocused, not wanting to miss a single word from the mysteriously gifted man.

“Oh yeah! I’m from Joya, but I live in Era now!”

---

wc: 492 [1733]

Tōga's excitement dimmed as Yuurei revealed he could not, in fact, teleport. For a brief moment that stretched into eternity, Tōga's smile faded and his shoulders slumped ever so slightly, like a balloon slowly losing air. His curiosity, once soaring high and buoyant at the prospect of discovering the secrets of teleportation, now drifted slowly back to earth. He had imagined a thrilling conversation delving into the nuances of slipping between locations in the blink of an eye. But that exhilarating discussion would have to wait for another capable of such magic. Fortunately, Yuurei continued, outlining his own remarkable abilities. Though teleportation was not among them, Tōga's passion for the mystical was sparked once more.

"Incredible!" Tōga exclaimed as Yuurei described his ability to summon weapons from pocket dimensions. "I've never met someone with that kind of magic."

Tōga's mind swirled with fascination at the notion of crafting personal storage realms. Though this was his first encounter with such magic, he had heard legends of "Requip Magic" before. A prominent leader in Joya was renowned for concealing countless armors and weapons, effortlessly donning each battle-ready set as the situation demanded. If Yuurei commanded similar mastery over dimensional spaces, his combat potential surely knew no bounds. Tōga eyed the mysterious mage with newfound awe, his curiosity piqued. What spectacular arsenal lay tucked away in Yuurei's arcane armory, waiting to be called forth? Such supernatural craftsmanship was rare indeed. Eagerness flickered in Tōga's gaze, enthralled by his companion's remarkable gifts. There was still so much to uncover about this new ally.

"I'm a Rune Knight!" Tōga declared proudly, a bright smile lighting up his face as he regarded Yuurei. He was eager to share his affiliation with the Rune Knights organization.

"I've been a member for several months now," he continued enthusiastically. "I'm really enjoying it so far." Tōga relaxed into the conversation as he recalled his journey with the Rune Knights, mentally sifting through the many adventures and events he had experienced in his short time with them. He had accompanied seasoned knights on patrols, learned investigative techniques, helped quell a local uprising, and begun honing his swordsmanship and magical abilities. It had been an exciting few months, full of new skills, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose.

Though still relatively new, Tōga felt he was on the path to something greater under the Rune Knights' tutelage. Their rigorous training and discipline was shaping him into a stronger mage, physically and mentally. He hoped to continue proving himself to his superiors and peers alike, working his way up the ranks to become a fully-fledged Rune Knight. For now, he was simply grateful for the opportunity to develop his talents in service of the people.

“Someone with your kind of magic and cool hair can’t be a loner – do you belong to a Guild or are you actually traveling alone?”

---

wc: 479 [2212]

Shock jolted through Tōga as Yuurei revealed his lofty title of Guild Master. The Dragon Slayer's auburn eyes widened with awe and excitement. What were the odds that a leisurely stroll on Luluhawa Island would lead him to cross paths with someone of such prestige? The world could feel so vast, spanning endless miles in every direction. Yet occasionally it contracted, shrinking down to the size of an apple. This was one of those serendipitous times. Tōga now stood face-to-face with a prominent Guild Master, Warden of the North no less. The threads of fate had woven their lives together, however briefly.

"My bad, I've been told I can be oblivious," Tōga said with an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his pink-tressed neck. In truth, he was no fountain of knowledge or attentive observer of world affairs. A shame, given his wanderlust to explore every corner of the globe. Tōga thrived on the thrill of stumbling upon the unexpected, reacting in the heat of the moment. What fun was there in being prepared? He favored the spice of surprise, the flare of tests that caught him off guard and demanded wit on his feet. A life lived spontaneously, come what may. Tōga saw no need to burden his mind with facts and details. Better to let the world wash over him, all its wonders new and unforetold.

"Don't worry, I won’t ever forget it, Sir Guild Master Warden Yuurei-kun!" Tōga declared, offering a spirited salute. He had no clue if that was the proper protocol, but the gesture felt right in the moment. This chance crossing of paths deserved ceremony, commemoration. After all, it wasn't every day one met a personage of such import.

---

wc: 285 [2497]

Ittindi's sarcastic yet light-hearted warnings about Tōga's lack of etiquette finally rang true when Tōga stood ignorant before the esteemed Guild Master and warden of the north, Yuurei. Though never one for stuffy formalities himself, Tōga often casually disregarded them, to the chagrin of his companion Ittindi. However, representing the Rune Knights in the eminent presence of Yuurei demanded awareness and respect. Tōga felt relief amidst his embarrassment that the venerable Guild Master let his breach of etiquette slide, though Tōga knew his ignorance did not reflect well on himself or the knightly order he represented. Still, Tōga mused that perhaps Ittindi’s teasing admonishments about manners contained some truth after all.

Tōga cheerfully accepted Yuurei's invitation for drinks with an exuberant, "I'd love to go for drinks! It's my third favorite pastime." The quests that had brought the Dragon Slayer to Luluhawa Island had proven mentally exhausting, though the tropical refuge provided the perfect hub for rest and recuperation. Yuurei's offer of conversation and libations at a local tavern resonated as a welcome respite. Tōga felt relieved and grateful that the esteemed Guild Master seemed to share his sentiment that this island village, with its swaying palms and vibrant culture, made an ideal place to temporarily set down the burdens of adventure and simply enjoy good company and cheer. As Tōga eagerly followed Yuurei into the rustic island cabana, he mused that beverages with fascinating new friends ranked even higher than his initial assessment as a pastime.

“Do you have a favorite spot on the Island? One of my good friends, Lumikki-chan would always take me to a small tavern not too far from here,”

---

wc: 293 [2790]

Tōga trailed Yuurei from the sandy shores into the bustling heart of the city, their footsteps carrying them from natural beaches to paved roads. Before long, they arrived at a cozy tavern, no larger than the one Tōga often visited back on Luluhawa Island. He savored the homey atmosphere of the island, free of the towering excesses that marked the metropolises, tailored as it was to the humble lives of its islander folk. The little tavern was a familiar retreat, its worn wooden tables and mismatched chairs evoking lazy evenings filled with easy talk and laughter shared among neighbors. It was an atmosphere Tōga had come to cherish in his time living on the islands.

As they stepped inside the tavern, Yuurei swiftly ordered tequila. With an approving smile, Tōga asked for the same. So not only was Yuurei an extraordinarily gifted mage of worldwide fame, but he also appreciated fine liquor. Tōga could already tell this was someone destined to become a close companion.

"Lumi-chan is really one of a kind," Tōga chuckled, memories cascading through his mind of the formidable raven queen. Their first run-in on this very island flickered by, when her tremendous power was revealed in a dark flash. That fateful encounter set the tone for an untold number of interactions since as unpredictable as the tide. Though fondness had grown between them over the years, an immense respect still underscored his regard for the sorceress, along with flickers of fear at the relentless force of her ancient magics.

Tōga smiled wistfully into his glass as visions swirled of a long-awaited dream duel with Lumi, peerless powers pitted at last against each other. Though today he could never hope to best her mystical mastery, he nurtured an ember of belief that one day his strengths would stand as an equal to her own. Even if that day never arrived, the true test would be having the boldness to stand opposed to so daunting a display of supernatural command. The whims of fate might someday conspire to arrange such a meeting, and Tōga knew that win or lose, the challenge itself would be honor enough.

“How did ya find yourself in a guild? I’ve always been curious about guilds and those who join em,”

---

wc: 377 [3167]

“The world really is a small place,” Tōga laughs a little, allowing the situation to overtake him in a very gentle, casual way. He had spoken randomly about a friend he met on this very island. They both came from far away, and wouldn’t have met any in other situation, however chance granted them the opportunity to meet and befriend one another. Now Tōga sits here, at a different bar on Luluhawa Island and meets another person who also knows Lumikki, and maybe even deeper than he does. It just shows how close and connected everyone truly is.

“Oooooh, how cool. I’d love to visit your home one day,” this was a message shared with anyone who Tōga met that hailed from a faraway land he had never ventured to before. The world may have been small in some respect, but when you’ve only been exposed to raindrops, any body of water always felt vastly larger.

“Well, the simplest answer was, at the time, they accepted me,” Tōga said, taking a sip of his drink as he turned to face Yuurei, a smile still lining his face. ‘I haven’t been many places, and haven’t met a lot of people. I ran across the Rune Knights first and well, they took me in. Maybe it was chance, but they helped me get here,” Tōga answered as honestly he could. In truth, the guild life, from what Yuurei briefly shared and what he knew from Lumikki, may have fit his personality more. Still, the Rune Knights were like a family to him, and in some ways, were able to replicate that feeling.

“Maybe one day, I can be a guild liaison or something – live the best of both lives, hahaha”

---

wc: 288 [3455]

"Yeah, I try to keep to myself and stay out of other people's business - but I won't lie, it can be tough sometimes," Tōga admitted, his eyes closing in a broad smile as he glanced at Yuurei. At his core, Tōga was not one to interfere in the affairs of others, preferring instead to surround himself with like-minded individuals who shared his insatiable thirst for adventure and wouldn't dampen his enthusiasm. What others chose to do with their lives was their own concern, and he respected that. However, there were moments when turning a blind eye felt impossible, instances that tugged at his heartstrings and compelled him to lend his voice or his strength to those in need. Though he rarely found himself diving headfirst into the troubles of others, Tōga couldn't simply ignore a genuine cry for help when it reached his ears.

"If there's one person in this world who could tempt me away from the Rune Knights, it would be Lumi-chan," Tōga remarked, his casual tone belying the fierce loyalty he held for his fellow Knights. "She's been instrumental in my growth, both as a person and as a mage. We've weathered countless storms together, and our bond has only grown stronger with each passing trial." Despite his deep affection for Lumikki, Tōga recognized that, at present, an intricate web of dependency bound him to his cohort within the Rune Knights. They relied upon him as much as he relied upon them, a fact he admitted without a hint of embarrassment.

In Tōga's eyes, this kind of mutual reliance formed the bedrock of any meaningful allegiance; when needs went unmet or talents were left unappreciated, it was only natural for the neglected to seek greener pastures elsewhere. But Tōga felt neither slighted nor undervalued among the ranks of the Rune Knights; his needs were well taken care of, and his unique talents were employed for the betterment of all. Where he stood, he stood with unwavering conviction and a sense of purpose.

"You seem incredibly powerful, Yuurei-san, and I doubt someone like me would add much value to your guild!" Tōga exclaimed, his words tinged with a hint of self-deprecation, even as the raw power radiating from the white-haired mage before him spoke volumes of Yuurei's unparalleled might. Despite this, Tōga couldn't help but feel a glimmer of pleasure at having piqued the interest of someone outside his usual circle of Rune Knight brethren. Since dedicating himself to the arcane arts, his life had become singularly focused on his duties and responsibilities within the organization, leaving little room for much else.

Though he knew his own talents paled in comparison to the stellar blaze of Yuurei's abilities, Tōga wondered if perhaps they still held some fragment of value that the other mage could glean. Or maybe, Tōga mused, Yuurei had glimpsed in him the glints of a potential greatness that had yet to be fully revealed, even to Tōga himself. Regardless of the reason, it warmed Tōga's heart to have his skills recognized and desired, rather than being dismissed as superfluous or unimportant.

As he stood there, basking in the unexpected praise from the enigmatic mage, Tōga couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Though he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Rune Knights, the idea that his abilities might be of use to others beyond the organization's walls ignited a spark of excitement within him. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in quite some time, and he found himself eager to explore the possibilities that lay ahead, even if they were still shrouded in uncertainty.

---

wc: 606 [4113]