Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A few days after the Divine General Assembly, Kumbhira and Anila are lounging together in a quiet secluded spot at Alohas with a view of the pools watching the others play off in the distance.

“Those three really have endless energy, don’t they Anila?” Kumbhira says, looking off in the direction of Andira, Varja, and Vikala going on the water slide yet again.

“Truly they do, they’ve been at it for hours again together and haven’t stopped smiling for a moment.” Anila says warmly.

“Being with them takes me back sometimes, it reminds me of how I used to get led around by the Former Boar.” Kumbhira says looking back towards Anila.

“Oohoh, worrying that you haven’t changed once more, Kumbhira?” Anila asks, taking her hand.

Kumbhira shakes her head and grips Anila’s hand tightly, “Not quite… since with her I always went along with her antics since she ordered me to or cause I respected her…”

“And are things different now from back then? Anila says, raising her eyebrows.

Kumbhira nods, “I think so, since I choose to because I want to spend time with those I care about now.” Kumbhira smiles radiantly.

Anila giggles lightly and pats Kumbhira’s head gently, “You’ve definitely changed after all you’re the one who confessed to me. Which I am really grateful for, always. Back when you first joined the crew you’d never have let yourself make those type of choices, muchless take that initiative, you’d only go along with someone’s idea.” She smiles back.

“T-that was just… just me getting pulled into the moment...” Kumbhira stutters. “I think Vikala calling us a family before… really made me realize something important.” Kumbhira says softly, glancing away.

“I know what you mean, when I heard her say it… it made me really start to see just how much I treasured my bonds with the other generals.” Anila says.

“Me too. That’s why I am able to make that choice now.” Kumbhira smiles and looks back to Anila.

“Then why not consider my proposal from before to repay that gratitude to Vikala? For us to take care of her.” Anila asks slyly, giving her girlfriend a knowing look.

Kumbhira groans, “That's… uuw... Just have I really grown enough to take on that responsibility?...“

“Why not try and find out while we’re still at Alohas. Besides you said it yourself that Djeeta & Lyria are too busy to leave her entirely to them, didn’t you?” Anila says with a smirk.

“I am… just afraid since I really care about Vikala… I don’t want to disappoint her,” Kumbhira says with uncertainty.

Anila giggles once more, “If it’s you then I am sure Vikala will be overjoyed, just remember how much she looks up to you. And we’ll take responsibility together since I want to help Vikala too and I want to support you to help you do it. I wouldn’t be a good partner to you if I had encouraged you to do this alone after all!” Anila suddenly hugs Kumbhira.

Kumbhira returns the hug, “Then… we’ll do it soon, and I really can’t thank you enough Anila.”

“Anything for you my beloved Kumbhira!” Anila kisses Kumbhira’s cheek softly.

“Geeze… Anila I thought we agreed to keep the PDA to a minimum.” Kumbhira protests

“Sorry I just couldn’t help myself, since I’d been holding back around everyone. Just this once is fine when we’re alone isn’t it?” Anila says with a hint of begging.

Kumbhira sighs. “I suppose so, then take this.” Kumbhira kisses Anila’s forehead.

Anila smiles in delight at Kumbhira returning her playful affection and they both laugh wholeheartedly. The two girls’ exchanges of affection and giggles lasts quite a while longer as they both savor the precious time with each other.

Chapter Text

Early one morning after Divine General Assembly, an eager Vikala spots Friday in the lobby of Alohas and calls out to her, “Aloha, Friday!”

“Aloha, Vikala, to what do I owe the honor? Enjoying your stay here?” Friday says waving.

“It’s been wonderful! And I always knew you were a good person, but you’re a really good person! Thank you, Friday!” Vikala says approaching her with a smile.

“I am glad to hear that, and I don’t think I’ve done anything worthy to earn the thanks of one the Divine Generals, I’ve only followed what I believe in Premium Friday,” Friday says humbly.

“I don’t mean to thank you, as a Divine General. I am thanking you as an individual!” Vikala says cheerily.

“As an individual… I am still not sure, why?” Friday says confounded.

“Well I heard about what you did for Tiare and Lantana!” She says happily before her tone gradually shifts somberly, “It made me really really glad that someone is looking out for people with experiences, not different than mine.”

“!” Friday can only gasp in shock at her realization towards Vikala.

“That’s right, before I became Vikala, the divine rat.” Vikala glances away from Friday, “... I was neglected by society and alone… And I know all too well, that plenty of people will ignore that.” She looks towards Friday once more and cuffs her hands in her own, “So I really can’t thank you enough for giving them this place, this chance at life! So please accept my praise and my sincere thanks,” Vikala says, finally smiling once more and releasing her hands.

Friday struggles to control her tears, “Thank you so much, Vikala… to hear those words from someone such as yourself, makes me far too happy. And I’ll keep working hard to stay worthy of those words.” Friday smiles wiping the last of her tears.

“You don’t need to thank me, Friday, but I’ll accept it. So you’re welcome and keep up the good work!” Vikala says happily.

The unusual traveling pair’s conversation turns to lighter topics, such as what Vikala loves most about Alohas.

Chapter Text

The morning after the Divine General Assembly, all the generals had left their hotel room for activities already except two.

Andira who sat on her bed with her arms crossed and holding a sheet of paper.

And Vajra who had just finished getting changed when she noticed the harsh looks Andira had been shooting her ways for several minutes now.

“Andrie… are you mad at me?” Vajra says looking towards Andira.

“I am not mad at all, I was just thinking maybe Vicky should be my new best friend, hmph.” Andira pouts, facing herself away from Vajra.

Vajra rushes to hug Andira with pug eyes, “I am sorry and I don’t know what I did! But please Andrie… anything but that!…”

“. . . ” Andira pulls away from the hug and shuts her eyes, but she accidentally releases the paper she was holding.

“That’s one of my…” Vajra recognizes it to be Andira’s copy of the written report she had submitted at the Assembly, she notices a part highlighted in red. “Um… Andrie please let me explain.”

“Must be nice, being able to meet your ancestor Vajie, I wonder who would have liked to hear about this sooner...” Andira says in a cold yet jealousy tone with a harsh stare.

“Ah… I am sorry Andrie… I was really busy back in my village after the final trial, I forgot to contact you then… I’ll make it up to you, I’ll show you something really special!” Vajra pleads.

Andira looks curiously towards Vajra with one eye, “Something really special? You really have something like that?” she asks.

“Yes! You, my best friend, will be the first one outside of my clan to see it!” Vajra says enthusiastically to Andira, before turning to Garjana “Gara,” Vajra whispers to companion and signals her loyal partner towards the table with her blade.

“Then maybe… I’ll be willing to forgive you this time,” Andira says softly.

Vajra takes her blade from Garjana. “Then here goes!” Vajra shuts her eyes and strikes a stance holding the blade with both hands as energy begins to swirl around the blade. “Oh Great Master heed my call! Spirit Channeler Arts: Awaken!” the blade shines brightly before the energy stabilizes around it.

“Huh? Vajra? Again? I thought I told you to leave me alone until it was important. I have no interest in places like these,” An annoyed voice from the blade speaks.

“It is important though! If I didn’t Andrie might stop being my best friend.” Vajra pouts.

The voice sighs, “Fine, Fine, since it at least involves one of the other generals this time, I’ll help you.”

“Thank Master Basara!” Vajra says cheerfully.

“How many times have I told you not to call me that?” The voice says even more irritated.

Andira stares intensely at Vajra talking with her blade, “staaaaareeee.” 

“Ah sorry, let me explain and introduce you two. Andrie, this is Basara Kongou, the first divine dog. And Brosara this is Andira, the current divine monkey.”

“Hi, Brosara, I am Andira, Guardian of the West-Southwest! Pleased to meet you. So how did you end up traveling with Vajie?” Andira asks.

Basara sighs again, “I see you two are certainly like… Hmph, anyways, I am Basara Kongou, the first divine dog and first deity of war, the strongest divine general. And I am traveling with Vajra thanks to her truly exceptional ability as a spirit channeler allowing me to use both her blade and her body as a vessel when needed,” Basara says firmly.

“Aren’t you impressed Andrie?” Vajra asks confidently.

Andira nods, “You can be pretty amazing Vajie, and thanks. And uh, I’ve heard plenty of stories from my clan about my Ancestors, but um... I’d love to hear any stories about the first monkey from you, one of the first divine generals, if you don’t mind?” She asks eagerly yet nervously.

“Oh! That’s a good idea Andrie, I want to hear some too!” Vajra says happily.

“There is one I think I can share, however it might take a while to tell, are both fine with that?” Basara asks.

“Of course!” Vajra and Andira say in unison.

“Very well then…” Basara begins recounting their past stories for the excited pair. 

They both listen happily to his tale of the past divine generals, totally free of their earlier conflict.