Melody glances around, chewing on her lip softly. It's definitely a bigger group than she was expecting. But to her surprise, almost the entire Shinto has gathered to see them off. Even more surprising is the fact that, even though Ra left sometime yesterday, Emelia is still here. She winces when her teeth dig into the still healing scab, and she switches sides without giving it much thought.

"Looks like everyone's here," Julien says when Koji and Akari appear from the furthest farmhouse. They walk briskly down the road, meeting the group beyond the front gate. The Shinto parts for them, and Koji dashes to the front.

"I-I'm glad I didn't miss you," he says, panting softly. He's obviously addressing the whole group, but it feels like he's talking to Melody directly. She shifts, glancing at the others. When none of them greet him, she speaks out of sheer awkwardness.

"It's not like we would have left without saying goodbye," she mutters. Akari skips past them, throwing her arms around Julien.

"We had some last-minute things to pack up," she explains with a smile. "But he should be good to go now."

"Where are you going?" Melody says curiously, noticing the backpack hanging off Koji's shoulder. He follows her gaze, his cheeks flushing.

"I figured you would have stayed around a bit longer now that Orochi is taken care of," Marcus adds. "You're a god now, right?" Koji takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly through his mouth before answering.

"I'm not accepting my godhood," he says, loud enough for the whole group to hear. Melody notices the sword strapped to his hip that looks suspiciously like the Grasscutter he got from Orochi. "Not until I get back."

"Why not? Where are you going?" Melody says again.

"The Shinto needs Susanoo right now. So, until I get back, my sensei will keep the title." Koji takes another deep breath, facing her head-on. He bows deeply, his back and arms stiff as a board. "And I want to go with you! If you'll have me!" He says quickly. Melody's face heats up, and she quickly grabs his shoulders, trying to make him stand up straight. But he doesn't move, keeping his head down.

"Koji, please stand up!" She squeaks as the assembled Kami start to chuckle. She pulls on his shoulder, but he shakes his head.

"I want to help fix things," he says, ignoring her efforts. "I didn't know things were this bad until you arrived, and now I can't ignore it! I know I won't be able to help in a fight, and I'm not the best at talking to people, but..." he trails off, apparently unable to think of a good reason for them to bring him. Emelia giggles, placing a hand on Melody's shoulder.

"I think you should just accept. I doubt you'll be able to change his mind," she whispers.

"I-I wasn't - I mean - Koji, please just stand up!" She begs. "Yes, you can come with us! So please stop bowing!" Koji quickly rights himself, smiling wide.

"Really?"

"We could use all the help we can get," Marcus says with a shrug. "And there's a lot more to do than fight and talk, trust me." Oliver nods silently from the back of the group, wearing one of his rare smiles.

"Looks like we're up to five," Emelia says, pressing her fists into her hips. "Or do I need to bow and ask to come along too?"

"Please don't," Melody whimpers, clapping her hands over her cheeks.

"Let's not waste any more time then," Julien interjects, rubbing his hands together. "Koji can warp himself, so we'll need four volunteers to help us get to the coast," He adds, addressing the crowd. "We're heading as far to the west as we can."

"Right here!" Haruto calls, shoving his way through the crowd. He grins at Koji, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Don't think I'll let you get away without a proper goodbye!" Fujin and Raijin follow close behind, grinning.

"We'd be happy to help!" Fujin declares, stomping his foot.

"It's the least we could do after all the trouble we caused," Raijin adds with a chuckle.

"I'll come as well," Hinata says, joining the growing group. She bows her head to Akari, then flashes a grateful smile to the rest of the group. Julien spins on his heel, facing Melody and her friends.

"Everyone pair up, then," he says, linking arms with Akari. Oliver whimpers, inching backwards.

"I-I can warp myself," He tries, but Haruto drops a heavy hand on his shoulder before he can escape. Fujin and Raijin each offer Melody and Emelia a hand, bowing their heads respectfully. Melody takes Fujin's hand carefully, eyeing the two oni. But neither make a move towards Marcus, who stands next to Hinata with a sour grimace.

"Sagano island," Akari says clearly. "We'll be back within the hour; everyone can relax until then," she adds, waving to the rest of the Shinto. Melody offers a small wave as well, taking in the serene farm one last time. She doesn't know when she'll return - or if she ever will. Looking back, her time at the Shinto was stressful, but also incredible. For her first time overseas, she couldn't have asked for a better place to go.

A sudden falling sensation overtakes her, stealing her sight. As the farm blinks out of view, she wonders if she's going to regret not staying for one more day. The last two weeks have been the most difficult days of her life - but she knows they're nothing compared to what lies ahead.

"Here we are," Fujin says, stepping back from her. Melody sways on the spot, her stomach rolling over itself as the world fills back in around her. She's standing on a rocky shore, facing the sea. Gentle waves wash over the rocks, retreating with a low breeze. Behind her, the ground slopes up into a small field dotted with trees. She wobbles again, trying to regain her balance.

"First time teleporting?" Fujin laughs, crossing his arms. Melody huffs, trying to look less queasy.

"I-I've teleported before," she snaps, though this time certainly felt different. She wonders if it's because the last time Oliver was the one to warp her, using Greek power. That's probably why this time is so much worse.

"Everyone make it in one piece?" Julien calls in a playful tone. He steps up to the shoreline, sucking in a deep breath through his nose. "Looks like it's going to be a good day to sail."

"Why can't we just catch a ride on the sun?" Marcus huffs, trudging up to the water. "We'd probably get there in a couple of hours."

"Unfortunately, we're not the sun today. That's why Ra left early- Julien and I are taking a break from our duties for a little while." Akari explains. "At least until we can find our apprentices."

"Sailing is fine," Melody says, shoving her hand into her bag. She feels around for the ship, wrapping her fingers around the small wooden cube when they brush against it. Pulling it out, she holds it by the string, gently twirling it. The string starts to extend, growing longer and longer until Melody has to hold it above her head. When she can't hold it anymore, she flicks it forward, sending the cube soaring over the water. She keeps a tight grip on the string, which extends like a fishing line.

The cube lands with a plop, sinking below the gentle waves. Melody wraps the string around her palm for support before reefing on it as hard as she can. The water begins to bubble and swell, a dark shape unfolding below the waves. She pulls on it again, and the shape expands, the string growing thicker between her fingers. With one more tug, Skidbladnir erupts from the water, spraying them all with mist. Fujin and Raijin gawk at the impressive ship, their mouths hanging open and eyes wide. Hinata giggles, pushing their jaws closed gently.

"Do you know where you're going?" Akari says, eyes sparkling as she looks the ship over.

"Wudang Shan," Marcus replies, his voice empty. "That's where Sun Wukong said he'd be waiting, right?"

"T-that's where the Jade Palace is," Oliver confirms. "They're one of the Pantheons that have never moved." Melody nods, turning to face the group.

"Then that's where we're going. And this is your last chance to leave before-" She starts. Everyone interrupts her at once - even Oliver.

"Not happening," Emelia says with a smirk.

"I told you, I want to help," Koji interrupts.

"Y-you need me to get in, right?" Oliver whimpers.

"Forget it," Marcus grunts. "I mean come on; we've only been through this how many times?" He adds, crossing his arms. "I'm here because I want to be. And I'm sure everyone else is, too."

"You won't be able to sail the whole way. Wudang Shan is pretty far inland," Julien says, stroking his chin. "I'd say maybe a week away, assuming you can make land tomorrow night."

"Skidbladnir is the fastest ship in the world, we'll be fine," Melody assures.

"Plus, most of us can fly," Marcus adds with a mocking smirk. Melody huffs, quickly whirling around on Emelia.

"Please tell me you can't fly," She begs. Emelia laughs, wrapping her arm around Oliver's waist.

"I don't need to, I've got him," she says. Melody grumbles, not sure if she should be happy or irked. Akari claps her hands, stepping into the center of the group.

"I'm sure you have a lot to talk about, but you should get going first," she says firmly. "The more time you waste here, the bigger the chance that Sun Wukong will come looking for you." Melody grumbles, her eyes sinking to her feet. She kicks a loose stone, chewing her lip again.

"Plus, we've got places to be. The Shinto isn't going to run itself," Haruto adds with a huff.

"I guess this is goodbye then," Melody says, looking up at Akari. The goddess chuckles, wrapping her arms around Melody and pulling her in for a hug.

"For now. But we'll be thinking of you," she says, patting the back of her head affectionately. "Thank you, Melody. For everything you've done," she adds in a whisper. Melody hugs her back, sinking into her embrace. Akari feels so warm and motherly, Melody wishes she could stay forever.

"I didn't do anything," she mutters, staring at the ground. "Marcus and Koji-"

"Were inspired by you," Akari interrupts with a giggle. "The next time we meet, I hope you can see the role you've played. None of this would have happened if not for you."

Melody hugs Julien next, while Akari walks around the group hugging and whispering to everyone individually. As everyone starts flying onto the boat, Melody asks Hinata to thank Kaito one more time for helping to treat Marcus's eyes. Then she boards as well, letting Koji lift her into the deck with a gust of wind. Everyone gathers at the back of the ship, waving goodbye to the small group shrinking into the distance. Once they're gone, Koji waves his hand, filling the sails with a powerful gust of wind.

"I guess that's that," he says, watching his homeland disappear into the horizon. Melody nods, patting his arm.

"I really appreciate you coming with us, Koji. It means a lot," she says gently. Koji nods, offering a weak smile. Emelia clears her throat from the center of the deck, drawing everyone's attention before they can disperse.

"Now that we're on our way, I think it's time we discuss how we're going to deal with Sun Wukong."