Beneath a benevolent sun, the ocean shimmered, its rhythmic pulse punctuated by playful leaps of marine life. These aquatic companions seemed to escort the unassuming fishing vessel as it traversed the vast blue expanse.

For Tōga, this voyage was a landmark event. He hadn't set foot on his native soil since joining the Rune Knights, an era that felt like a distant memory. The recollections of his early days as a novice private resurfaced, battling alongside his former General, Kon, for their country's liberation from the oppressive reign of the late Shogun. Those initial skirmishes on Chishi Beach seemed a lifetime ago, a time when Tōga was still discovering his path as a warrior and mage. Time and experience had wrought remarkable changes.

Yet, amidst his growth and transformation, one aspect of Tōga's being remained stubbornly unchanged: his debilitating motion sickness. The mesmerizing beauty of the seascape, teeming with life, was lost on the dragon slayer as he grappled with his rebellious stomach. He lay curled on his side, swaying in a futile attempt to maintain equilibrium, his head resting in the comforting lap of his beloved Ursula.

Inviting Ursula on this journey back to Joya had been a romantic gesture. Tōga had envisioned sharing his roots, allowing her to witness the origins of the man she knew today. However, the reality of their voyage was proving less enchanting than he had hoped.

"Oooooooi, everything's spinning," Tōga groaned, his vision a dizzying kaleidoscope of blurred images. Ursula's gentle touch provided some solace, her presence a soothing balm amidst his discomfort. Despite his present misery, a beacon of hope pierced through the nausea-induced haze: the coastline of Joya. As its familiar contours materialized, stirring dormant memories, Tōga felt a surge of anticipation tempered by apprehension.

The landscape of Joya unfurled before them, a tapestry of verdant greenery and rugged terrain, a testament to both natural beauty and the scars of past conflicts. Each vista held a story, a fragment of Tōga's personal history interwoven with the broader narrative of his homeland.

As they neared the harbor, the vibrant arras of port life came into focus. Fishermen repaired their nets on weathered docks, while merchants bartered over the day's catch. The air was a heady blend of salt, fish, and exotic spices, a sensory homecoming that stirred something deep within Tōga. With each passing moment, his excitement grew, momentarily eclipsing his physical distress. This return was more than a nostalgic trip; it was a chance to reconnect with his origins, to share with Ursula the experiences that had shaped him, and perhaps, to uncover new facets of himself.

---

wc: 472

Amidst the swirl of motion that tethered him to discomfort, Tōga strained to focus on Ursula's words, each syllable a tantalizing whisper against the backdrop of his own inner turmoil. The purple-haired vixen was weaving her usual dance of charm and allure, her gestures painting pictures in the air, her eyes glinting with a magic all their own. Normally, such an enthralling display would have captivated any man, tethering his attention and will to her every whim and desire. Yet, Tōga found himself wrestling with an all-too-familiar adversary that no warrior could simply defeat through strength or willpower alone: the dreaded motion sickness that plagued dragon slayers.

Ursula’s voice, usually so clear and compelling, seemed to drift in and out of Tōga’s auditory grasp, muffled by the internal cacophony of his condition. The world spun around him, a carousel of sight and sensation that refused to stabilize, making it extraordinarily difficult to anchor himself in the moment.

“H-Huh, Ursula-chan?” His voice wavered as he managed to utter, the effort palpable, his features tinged with the flush of struggle. Sweat beaded his forehead, tracing lines of exertion down his face as he fought to remain composed, to stay present in the enchanting presence of his companion.

“Did you say s-something?” he attempted to smile, hoping to mask the ache that clawed at his insides, yet the charm he aimed to project was overshadowed by the effort to maintain his composure. His words hung between them, a feeble bridge over the chasm of his disorientation.

Even as he battled the relentless tide of nausea, Tōga's heart clung to the desire to engage fully with Ursula, to respond to her enticements with the warmth and attention they deserved. Yet the dragon slayer's affliction, an ironic twist of his mighty lineage, rendered him momentarily helpless, adrift in a sea of dizzying spins and unsettling lurches.

---

wc: 335 [807]

As the ship benignly decelerated, its gentle sway gradually replaced by the serene stillness of the Joya ocean, Tōga felt a surge of revitalization course through him. The cessation of the ship's unnatural motion allowed his stomach to settle, the color returning to his face as he still rested in Ursula's lap.

"A-are we... are we here?" he stammered, almost in disbelief, still grappling with the lingering effects of the motion sickness that had plagued him, a common affliction among dragon slayers. If not for the gradual return of his strength, Ursula's reassuring words, and the sight of passengers disembarking towards the docks, the pink-haired mage might have doubted his own senses. He slowly shifted, sitting up beside the purple-haired beauty, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The dizziness that had clouded his mind began to recede.

"Whoa, that was something else," Tōga admitted sheepishly, a touch embarrassed after spending what felt like an eternity slumped against Ursula. With his color returning and his motion sickness fading, the Joyan native's trademark smile blossomed as he turned to his captivating companion. "I bet that wasn't quite what you signed up for," he chuckled.

"Welcome to Joya," he proclaimed, his gaze sweeping across the sprawling countryside. Mountains, like distant titans, pierced the clouds, their peaks seemingly touching the invisible stars of the morning sky.

The sight of his homeland, unchanged yet somehow different, filled Tōga with a bittersweet nostalgia. The vibrant tapestry of memories - the laughter, the tears, the battles fought and won - washed over him, a poignant reminder of the life he had left behind. Yet, there was also a sense of anticipation, a thrill of homecoming that quickened his pulse. Joya was where he had been forged, where he had taken his first steps towards becoming the man he was today. And now, he was returning, not as a wide-eyed boy, but as a seasoned Rune Knight, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.

“Ya hungry?”

---

wc: 360 [1,167]

"Hahahaha, Ursula-chan! Perhaps our next adventure will be by air!" Tōga jested, playfully negotiating the terms of their future travels. While Ursula likely enjoyed tending to him during his bouts of motion sickness, the dragon slayer himself found the experience far from pleasant. Much like the moon shunned the day, or fire rebelled against water and the absence of air, Tōga endured the universal malady of man-made transit with gritted teeth.

Still, Ursula's presence had been a comforting anchor, and when he could manage to focus amidst the tumultuous storm in his stomach, he relished the sight of her from his unique vantage point.

As the ship eased into its berth, Tōga deftly caught his bag and beamed at Ursula as she disembarked, taking his arm and marveling at the scenic grandeur of his homeland. "Yeah," he replied affectionately, his gaze sweeping across the picturesque docking village, the distant mountains veiled in mist, and the lush greenery that enveloped them as they ventured deeper into the quaint fishing hamlet. "I've journeyed far and wide, but few places compare to this." Joya had welcomed them with a humble yet majestic embrace, and Tōga eagerly anticipated sharing its hidden treasures with his beloved companion.

Oblivious to the curious glances Ursula's attire might be attracting, Tōga simply smiled as they strolled through the village. "Have you ever tried ramen?" he inquired, spotting a small ramen shop adorned with its name in the elegant Joyan script. Without hesitation, he led Ursula to the inviting stall, quickly securing two seats as his eyes roamed over the menu painted on the eastern wall.

"I've missed this!" he declared, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. The familiar aromas and flavors of home promised a comforting respite after their arduous journey. As they awaited their steaming bowls of ramen, Tōga couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. He was home, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and tastes that had shaped his childhood. And now, he had the privilege of sharing this experience with Ursula, weaving her into the rich tapestry of his life.

---

wc: 380 [1,547]

"Well, that's a bit of a long story," Tōga replied, lost in thought. Ursula's question about why he left Joya, the home he held so dear, hung in the air. "My parents passed away when I was young, and the dragon who raised me eventually left," he explained, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "I didn't have much family left." The world had forgotten about dragons, relegating them to the realm of myth and legend. But Tōga knew better. He understood his destiny as a dragon slayer, and he was determined to prove their existence to a skeptical world.

"So I set out to find a new path," he continued, his eyes sparkling with a hint of wanderlust. "The world is vast, and Joya will always be there. But the opportunity to explore might not always be." He turned to Ursula, his trademark grin spreading across his face. "And there's no one quite like you out there, so I'd say my adventures were worth it."

They reached the ramen shack, and as Tōga perused the menu, Ursula's next question caught him off guard. "Cup stuff?" Tōga tilted his head, momentarily confused by her unusual description. He glanced around, noticing the other patrons sharing his bewilderment. "That must be something else entirely!" he chuckled. "Here in Joya, we eat ramen fresh from a bowl, made to order!" He gestured towards the menu, its extensive selection of characters and symbols hinting at the culinary delights within.

Turning to the server with a charming smile, Tōga placed his order. "I'll have the Shoyu Ramen, please! Ursula-san, what's your favorite kind of protein? They have everything here, even veggie options!"

He watched with amusement as Ursula's eyes darted across the menu, clearly overwhelmed by the choices. It was a delightful reminder of their cultural differences, a testament to the exciting journey of discovery they were embarking on together. Tōga couldn't wait to introduce her to the vibrant tapestry of Joyan cuisine, one delicious bowl of ramen at a time.

---

wc: 390 [1,938]

"Pack?" Toga echoed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He hadn't shared his story to elicit pity. The loss of his parents and the departure of his dragon father had been devastating, but time, the great healer, had mended most of his wounds. Yet, he couldn't deny that a part of him still ached with a sense of longing. Thankfully, Ursula had stepped into that void, filling it with her love and unwavering support.

"Thank you," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't want to belong to any other pack either." The words were simple, but they carried the weight of a thousand unspoken sentiments. In Ursula, Toga had found more than just a partner; he had found a kindred spirit, someone who understood him on a level that transcended words.

The ramen shack, cozy and usually quiet, buzzed with a subtle energy that evening. Its compact space, usually a haven for the unassuming, seemed all the more intimate as Ursula's playfully risqué comment echoed slightly louder than intended. The heads that turned weren't just drawn by the novelty of her words but also by the distinct, dynamic presence she commanded. Tōga, caught in the middle of her verbal jest, felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks, a stark contrast to the coolness of the evening. His smile was bright, almost all-consuming as he couldn't contain his happiness; still infatuated by the warmth his beautiful conspirator infected him with. Still, like Ursula, sentimentality was always near seduction.

"Oh…" he muttered, processing her insinuation, his face blossoming into a deep shade of red. His heart thumped audibly, resonating with a mix of thrill and mortification over the spicy insinuation that outspiced the upcoming meal.

"Ooh, Ursula-chan! They don’t serve that here!" Tōga chuckled, a nervous laugh betraying his fluster as he playfully rebuffed her allusion. His attempt to lighten the mood was almost desperate as he felt Ursula’s hand wander tantalizingly down his torso and discreetly beneath the table.

"S-she'll take what I'm having, and uh, add chicken, please!" he called out to the server, his voice lifting in a pitch of exaggerated cheerfulness to cover his growing discomfiture. He bowed slightly, maintaining the courtesy ingrained in him by his Joyan heritage, his eyes darting around in a futile attempt to ignore the sensation of Ursula's exploring fingers.

The murmurs around them grew slightly louder, the curiosity and amusement palpable as fellow patrons pieced together the context behind Ursula's words. Tōga, sensing their attention magnetizing towards them, shifted uncomfortably yet clung to his smile. "Don’t mind them," he whispered to Ursula, his voice a mixture of reassurance and slight admonishment. "They're just not used to hearing such free-spirited conversation." His grin was encouraging, aimed at bolstering both their spirits amidst the growing awareness of their audience.

---

wc: 522 [2,460]

Tōga's laughter echoed softly in the cozy confines of the ramen shop as he affirmed the exclusivity of his bond with Ursula. "Good, I don’t like being passed around," he joked lightly, a warm smile playing on his lips as he reveled in the comfortable assurance that they were, in essence, two souls entwined by choice—a duo as inseparable as stars in the night sky or the waves on a beach, endlessly returning to each other.

The conversation meandered to his past, particularly to his days in Joya. Ursula's curiosity about his romantic adventures—or the lack thereof—in his homeland sparked another chuckle from him. "Honestly, I never really thought about it," Tōga admitted, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I was so caught up in exploring and honing my strength that I didn't make room for romance. It's funny, the women of Joya are indeed amazing—each a unique picture of grace. But my heart was set on broader horizons." That reflection illuminated the special nature of what he shared with Ursula. It wasn’t merely that she had caught his eye; she had captured his attention in a way that no one in Joya had managed, her spirit resonating with his on a profound level that went beyond mere physical attraction or shared interests. She had managed to become his focus when countless others had merely been part of the backdrop.

As their ramen arrived, steam rising invitingly from the bowls, Tōga’s delight was palpable. "It smells incredible!" he exclaimed, a childlike glee overtaking him as he prepared to dive into the culinary masterpiece before him. The ramen was aN opus of flavors: the savory broth enriched with tender pork, the vegetables lending their subtle textures, and the soft-boiled egg adding a creamy richness that perfectly balanced the dish.

However, Ursula’s playful remark, laced with innuendo, caught him off guard just as he was about to savor his first mouthful. His reaction was instant; a choke of surprise, his cheeks aflame as the underlying meaning of her words sank in. "W-what!?" he stammered, the chopsticks pausing mid-air, his heart racing with a mixture of shock and delight.

Regaining his composure, he shot her a look that mixed feigned indignation with genuine affection. "Can’t say I get enough of that," Tōga responded, his voice a blend of tease and truth. His roguish banter masked a deeper appreciation of their connection, one that was as flavorful and nuanced as the dish they were about to enjoy.

---

wc: 436 [2,896]

Tōga was all too aware of the curious glances that punctuated the ambient noise of the ramen shack. Here in Joya, a land woven from the threads of tradition and reserve, his uninhibited display of affection with Ursula was not just an anomaly—it was an exhibition. Yet, the gazes that swept over them carried no hint of judgment, merely the shimmer of intrigue and the shadow of unfamiliarity.

It was reminiscent, perhaps, of a fawn's first tentative steps into a meadow, each movement etched with wonder and caution. Tōga recognized this not as an intrusion but as an opportunity—an unspoken dialogue between the old ways and the new connections he brought into this fold. Amid these reflections, Ursula’s struggle with the foreign utensils drew a tender smile from Tōga. It was a reminder of the small journeys they navigated together, each learning curve a shared path.

“Here, let me help, Ursula-chan,” Tōga murmured, his voice a blend of warmth and amusement. Sliding closer, he reached around her, his hand guiding hers with a gentle sureness. His fingers were confident and kind as they adjusted the chopsticks in her grasp. “Like this,” he explained, his tone soft yet instructive, ensuring the utensils were aligned just so in her hands.

“Now, give it a try,” he encouraged, his arm lingering just a moment longer in their intimate embrace, bridging the gap between teaching and touching.

---

wc: 256 [3152]

Tōga couldn't help but chuckle, his laughter echoing lightly through the modest confines of the ramen shack. "Hahaha, I mean, most places in the countryside are just like this!" he explained, his voice infused with a light-hearted amusement. Ursula, ever the epitome of control and independence, seemed to instinctively raise a barrier, even in such a humble and unassuming environment. Her actions, though subtle, did not escape Tōga's observant eyes. It was one of the many things he admired about her—the way she managed to assert her sovereignty, no matter the setting.

"Everything isn't about control, Ursula-chan," he continued, his tone softening, the words drifting between them like an early autumn breeze misplaced in the warmth of summer. His smile broadened, eyes twinkling with a warmth that mirrored the affection in his voice. "Sometimes, it’s about being uncomfortable because that's where we find true freedom," he mused, shifting back slightly to give her space to maneuver her chopsticks without his guidance.

Tōga returned to his own meal but remained acutely aware of Ursula, watching her from the corner of his eye. He noted every fumble and every small victory as she navigated the unfamiliar utensils with a determination that mirrored her spirit. When she finally managed a successful bite, the delight that transformed her features was unmistakable, lighting up her face with the radiant glow of achievement. "Delicious, right!?" Tōga couldn't contain his excitement, his voice booming a little too enthusiastically as he momentarily risked his own bowl in his animated response. He watched her with a mixture of pride and joy, thrilled to see her embracing this new experience.

"Now imagine that, but with like 400 other flavors!" he said, the thought alone enough to make his mouth water anew. He eagerly scooped up another mouthful of his ramen, the rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles giving him flashbacks to the culinary delights Joya had to offer. His enthusiasm was palpable, each word punctuated by his energetic gestures, clearly eager to share even more of his world with Ursula.

---

wc: 370 [3,522]

“Oh, I couldn’t forget, hahhaha!” Tōga's eyes lit up, reflecting the jocund spark that seemed to ignite whenever Ursula spoke with her characteristic fervor. Her spirit, untamed and fiercely independent, had drawn him to her from the moment they first collaborated during an investigation into drink spiking at nightclubs. Ursula had transformed from a potential victim into a pivotal ally overnight, her sharp wit and indomitable spirit hinting she might have thrived as a Rune Knight herself.

In the unfolding months, their relationship had deepened substantially, blossoming into a partnership that seamlessly blended adventure with affection. Their adventures ranged from navigating the sinister nightlife of Stella to now exploring the pastoral landscapes of Joya, Tōga's homeland. Each journey revealed new layers to their personalities, strengthening their bond and emphasizing their mutual dependence. Now, back in Joya, Tōga's demeanor was visibly lifted, a buoyant echo of the carefree days of his youth. "Here in Joya, the possibilities are endless," he enthused, gesturing expansively as he described the local cuisine. "You can concoct any ramen you can imagine—mixing various meats, veggies, and uniquely flavored broths!" He polished off his own bowl with a satisfied slurp, savoring the familiar taste of home.

"So, Ursula-chan," Tōga continued, his tone weaving curiosity with a hint of curiosity, "Is there anything you wanna do while we are here? " The question lingered between them, ripe with the possibilities of shared new experiences. Joya's rich drapery of culture and its staggering natural beauty presented innumerable opportunities for discovery.

Tōga was keen to introduce Ursula to the lesser-known treasures of his homeland, to craft memories in the very places that had shaped him. His anticipation was palpable, a keen giveaway to his desire to spend more time with her, in the place he knew the most, and knew him. Their journey together was far from ordinary, it was a continuous exploration of life's vast and unpredictable panorama.

---

wc: 346 [3,868]

"Ursula-chan!"

Tōga nearly toppled from his chair as Ursula, with a mischievous gleam in her eye, playfully suggested their next activity might involve something more... intimate. The comment, light-hearted though laden with innuendo, sent a shockwave through Tōga's system, rendering him momentarily speechless. He scrambled awkwardly, attempting to regain both his physical and composure, under the watchful eyes of the small ramen shack's patrons.

The immediate reaction from the nearby locals was a mix of startled glances and hurried shuffling. A couple at the next table, who had been quietly enjoying their meal, exchanged a look of perplexity before hastily paying their bill and departing, clearly discomfited by the risqué exchange. Tōga, cheeks flushed a shade that rivaled the setting sun outside, managed a nervous laugh. "Well… I mean – Oh! You're joking. Hahahaha!" he stammered, trying to brush off the intensity of the moment as he refocused on Ursula. His attempt to redirect the conversation was both a desperate pivot and a genuine attempt to embrace the lighter side of their interaction.

"You know," he ventured, eager to change the subject to something less charged, "I heard there's a festival happening nearby. It’s in celebration of the recent victory in the war. Wanna go check it out?" His suggestion was more than just an escape from their current awkward dining experience; it was an invitation to delve into the cultural heart of Joya.

His gaze lingered on Ursula, admiration and affection evident in his eyes. The warmth returned to his expression, his smile broad and inviting, encapsulating the spontaneous joy he felt whenever he was with her. Despite the occasional embarrassment, Ursula's vibrant spirit was a constant reminder of why he cherished their time together. He wanted to nurture that feeling and allow it to blossom, living on for as long as she’d have him.

---

wc: 331 [4,199]

"Then it's settled!"

With the blush slowly retreating from his cheeks, Tōga settled into a comfortable warmth, the earlier flirtations from Ursula now a fond ember in the afternoon's glow. The dragon slayer leaned back, contentment painting his features as he took in the last of their meal together in the cozy ramen shack. With a practiced motion, he drew from his pockets a handful of jewels, each glinting like tiny stars fallen into his palm. They were more than enough to cover the meal, a silent extension of his gratitude for the shack and their hosts. He laid them out on the worn wooden table with a nod of gratitude to the chef and server who had provided them with such hearty fare.

Turning his attention back to Ursula, Tōga’s eyes twinkled with mirth, his smile broadening as he stood and stretched his limbs, ready for the next adventure. “You know, it might not seem like it, but the people of Joya really know how to celebrate,” he declared, his voice tinged with pride for his homeland.

“But first, we ought to dress the part. How about we pick out a kimono for each of us? It’s only right to honor the traditions while we’re here.”

His excitement about sharing this piece of his culture seemed to grow with each word, imbuing his suggestion with an infectious enthusiasm. Reaching out, he offered his hand to Ursula, his gesture a bridge inviting her into the deeper aspects of his world.

“Let’s go!”

-Thread closed

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