On the way back to the village Kagero woke up and Zen spoke to not talk about any details on the battlefield, Kagero agreed as no one would believe him anyways, just as they land Felcote was waiting to hear from Zen on the mission, but sees Kagero there about to leave before getting caught, Zen and Kagero were taken to the elder's hut to talk.

F: From what I've witness, I can only guess that you, Zen, either let him join you on this dangerous mission... or... this rookie went w/o permission as well as not being fully aware or prepared for such a task... though I don't know you all that well, Zen... I know you wouldn't endanger a rookie so recklessly.
Zen: No, I wouldn't.
F: Then the only logical conclusion is that you, rookie, followed him w/o permission and endangered yourself just to satisfy your need for adventure, for such reckless behavior, I will request your badge back from you while you spend another year in the training camp.

Kagero felt ashamed as he reaches for his badge before Zen spoke up.

Z: A bit harsh, don't you think?
F: It is the proper punishment for such reckless behavior.
Z: That may be, but this is his first offense. Also, when I found him, it was my fault for not warning him about the dangers we were going to face, for bringing him along w/ me instead of staying at the camp, as well as letting him fight w/ me. So it is my fault that he was exposed to such dangers, but in the end, the mission was a success and it was thanks to Kagero that I was able to complete it.
F: Is this true?

Kagero looked to Felcote and was remembering what Zen said, to not talk about any details of what happened there, so he gently nodded.

K: Yes, ma'am.
F: ... hm.
Z: So I suggest that anytime he wants to join me on a mission, it would only be ones his current rank will allow, but if he follows me again, I'll have him tied up and left in the trunk until the mission is over, then you can take his badge. Otherwise, let him go through the quests and gain the experience to battle along side me at his pace and maybe w/ some others that will team up w/ him.

Kagero looked at Zen knowing that it will take a long time before getting up to his level but the elder laughs.

E: Hohoho. That is a very reasonable request, but I think he shouldn't be allowed to quest for at least a week and do some heavy studying, sound fair?
F: ... very well, is that clear, rookie?
K: Uh! Y-Yes! I'll accept it!
E: Hoho, good, you both are dismissed.

They leave the hut as Kagero spoke up.

K: T-Thank you, Zen. I guess I'll see you later?
Z: You're welcome... and only if you want, I'm still curious on what you did before and would like to work w/ you further on it... but only on the gathering missions.
K: O-Of course!
Z: Good, study up and see you next week.
K: Later.

Kagero stood there while Zen left as Kagero then walked off and smiled brightly.

K: I'm going to study up and train hard, I'm not going to let Zen down again. Count on it!


END CHAPTER

Kagero (C)
Zen/Omni, Drawn and Story by
Link to others: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/1266234/