Eriky turned as they entered, wiping his hands on the apron.
"Orced, right? Two hours ago, I arrived here. Decided I would start supper and be helpful. I hope you enjoy roasted veggies and herb-crusted fish. And I made some new ginger tea for after the fight; I figured you might need something to calm your adrenaline."
Orced's grin dilated. "Perfect timing. Eriky, get to know the team. Macker is the man who manages to transform breakfast into a war crime. Our blade specialist and strategist Kruna. Aftor, the knife guy who never lowers it. Ema, our technical expert and archer. Nix, the explosion lover. And Sano, the human tank with everything on hand."
With warm but sharp eyes, Eriky nodded gently to each. "When I arrived, the radio chatter told me about the fight. Looks like you passed an A-class without hardly exerting yourself. Wow."
Nix zeroed straight for the stove. "Is that fish? Smells amazing. May I sample? For science, then?"
Eriky gave him a tiny spoon and laughed. "Only if you pledge not to blow the pot. I learned about your gauntlet. My kitchen appeals to me whole."
Nix bit and then let out a dramatic groan. "Oh my dear. Before Macker kills us all with boiling water once more, at least teach him cooking. Macker tossed at him a folded-up napkin. Hi! I was giving it my all."
Macker get an eyebrow at Eriky. "I also learned about the breakfast catastrophe. Tough day for you, yes?"
Macker moaned and covered his face in his palms. "I'm never going to live this down, are we?"
From the threshold, Kruna grinned. "No fucking way. Eriky, you'll already be my favorite person here if you can make good food every day."
Aftor walked over and took a piece of roasted vegetable right off the pan. "This is really eatable. Unlike Macker's efforts. Welcome to the team, Eriky. Your chances of survival could be better than those of the most recent cook."
Ema laughed. Before Nix by mistake exploded the rice cooker, the last cook took three days. "Eriky, you appear to be normal. That makes me suspicious. Are you certain you aren't an A-class curse in hiding?"
As Eriky stirred the tea, he grinned serenely. "I'm a human in my entirity. Just a man who enjoys feeding people and keeping himself out of trouble. Decided the ideal location to stay away from both was a floating island filled with curse hunters. Besides, the view is amazing and the compensation is adequate."
From the corner where he was polishing his shield, Sano let out a heavy chuckle. "Intelligent man. Keep with the cooking. We'll take care of the punching."
Leaning against the counter, Orced observed the engagement with a pleased grin.
The kitchen had more life already. Eriky tasted, tweaked spices, and poured tea into odd mugs without skipping a beat as he moved with silent efficiency.
Nix aimed his spoon at Eriky, still chewing. "Alright, but let's get serious. Are you able to prepare those elaborate desserts? Those that have tiny sugar sculptures on top? Once I saw it in a magazine. Looked fantastic."
Eriky laughed. "I'll try for something. Should the oven explode, though, I'm charging you for a fresh one."
Macker woke up. "Hold on, can you create anything without using boiling water? Because you know I'm already traumatized."
Eriky passed him ginger tea in a cup. "Here. Drink this. It will lessen the aching. And yes, anything is possible. Tell me what you want and I will take care of it."
Kruna drank from his own mug. "This is really wonderful. Superior to the quick fixes we have been battling. You are hired permanently, Eriky."
Others sat at the table as Eriky got ready dinner. Dishes were shared, and for a while the tension of the day dissipated into easygoing chat.
Macker moaned after a slow bite. "This is paradise. Eriky, I will follow you should you ever leave."
Aftor stole yet another vegetable. "Yeah same. But if you make us wear aprons, we're rioting."
Ema grinned. "Matching aprons get my vote. Division of Sky Boys Chef. Black fabric with white wings. It would be legendary."
Nix raised his palm. "Only if mine have explosion-proof pockets."
Sano just ate silently, but his little smile said everything. "What a good company."
The laughter was still reverberating when the main entrance let out a gentle knock.
Everyone grew anxious somewhat.
Orced stood up. "I shall come to see it. Be on guard."
He ambled toward the door and turned it open. Outside was someone Orced had not seen in years.
Florka.
With sharp features and long dark hair tied back in a sensible knot, 6'3 tall, broad-shouldered has.
Though he appeared older than when they were youngsters roaming around the same streets, his same strong posture was present.
Over armour, he donned plain travelling gea.
Behind him, a tiny group of followers stood at a respectful distance, his own people.
Florka's eyes rested on Orced's. There was no smile but there was recognition. "I've heard you started something significant on this floating rock up here. Thought I'd go visit myself."
Orced blinked once, shock flickering over his face before he covered it with a gentle smile. "Florka. Not expecting to run upon you. What draws you here in all of sudden?"
Florka surveyed the group inside, noting the kitchen, the team, the overall mood. "I created something unique to me. Karkas. My family is my cult. Our method is different. I did, though, heard of Sky Boys. I overheard something about you. Though it was time we spoke. Old pals, as fresh… competitors maybe."
The term hovered in the air. Though his eyes sharpened, Orced's grin never changed.
He had not realized. Not one word about Florka starting his own band had gotten to him. This had never been seen before. This was very important. Sensing the change, the crew had gone silent behind him.
Kruna's hand lay nonchalantly close to his blades.
Ema's bow just got closer.
Orced, however, kept his voice light. "Rivalries?
Are we not all fighting the same battle? Enter here. Get some tea. Eriky just cooked a new pot."
Florka entered; his followers stayed at present outside.
Once more, his eyes swept the room, focusing on the map on the wall, the weaponry, the fresh faces.
Standing opposite each other in the kitchen, the two old friends had the air suddenly dense with unsaid memories and fresh chances.
Sky Boys had only found a competitor recently.
And Orced could not have predicted it.