Sorry this has taken me so long! I'm starting to get super bogged down with school, but this is my final semester, so cheer me on! I graduate in May, and then I would like to think I'll have a little more free time. Haha. Anyways, things are going to be moving along now. :) Hopefully everyone is still having fun reading this. Shoot me a review and let me know what you think.


"Did someone just say they saw Isuzu-chan?!"

Somewhere behind her a person yelled out, and the man standing next to her jumped and pointed enthusiastically.

"Yes! She's right here! It's really her!"

Suddenly there was an outburst, the Adventurers and People of the Land in the area exploding into a frenzy. They pushed and shoved their way forward, charging on with only the small bard in mind. People were grabbing and hollering. Rudy got swallowed up somewhere in the crowd and Isuzu could no longer see him. Her cloak was pulled down, revealing her face and causing even more of an uproar. They were shouting her name, praising her, asking to shake her hand and Isuzu didn't even know which way to look or whom she should start with. Everyone needed to form a line and stop shoving her. Someone stepped on her foot and she couldn't even move out of the way. The sheer density of people surrounding her was absolutely overwhelming.

What was she going to do? There was no escape. Her voice was being drowned out by everyone else's. It was becoming madness!

"Miss Isuzu!"

She heard Rudy's hollering and searched for him frantically. She felt a tug on her hand and realized he was crawling beneath the crowd in his attempt to get to her.

"This way!"

She ducked down and they used everyone's confusion to crawl out of the sea of bodies. They stood and were spotted immediately, Isuzu's position being called out.

"There she is!"

Rudy grabbed Isuzu's hand and ran, pulling her along behind him as someone shouted "She's getting away!"


They ran from the guild building, an immense, determined crowd of fanatics trailing behind them.

Rudy now understood the reason for her hood and caution. This was insane! He had to get her away. A quick glance back at Isuzu and Rudy could see she was already pretty battered from that boisterous crowd. They would have trampled her to death in their enthusiasm!

They made a few turns, and Rudy noted it had put a bit of distance between them and their pursuers. But they couldn't keep on like this. There were just too many of them. And the crowd was getting bigger as more fans on the street got word of her sighting. Once the mob mentality set in, there seemed to be no way to stop it. He had to think of a plan and quick.

Suddenly, they passed a store front with a large marquee and Rudy got an idea. They ran past it and rounded the corner, but instead of continuing on he pulled her behind it, shoving her against the brick wall. He shielded her much smaller form with his own, pulling her hood back up as he did.

To an onlooker, it looked as if a young couple had found a little advantageous spot to make out in. Rudy could hear a passerby huff indignantly for them to get a room. Ignoring any embarrassment, he leaned in even more as the crazed crowd of fans charged right by them.

They were confused now that they could no longer see Isuzu, but they continued on down the next street. Rudy heard her heave a sigh of relief but she remained stiff, as if ready to flee again at any moment.

"My goodness. So this is what it is like to be so popular?"

"Ah, Rudy you have no idea! I know I was laughing this morning, but Henrietta and I have honestly discussed getting me an assistant to run errands for me..."

He stared down at her, noting how drained she looked now.

"I did not realize it was this bad. Now I feel terrible for bring you out with me."

"Oh Rudy, please don't be. I haven't left the guild house in three days." She said with a frown.

He sighed and began to say something else, but more shouts from her fans could be heard behind the marquee. He leaned down instinctively and protectively, pressing her further against the wall.

"Someone said the musician, Isuzu-chan was just seen here!"

"Yeah, she could be anywhere! Keep looking!"

Rudy placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her down a little, using his height to shield her better.

"I need to get you out of here." He whispered with concern.

She craned her neck to look up at him, offering a feeble smile.

"I'm sorry, Rundllehaus."

He choked a little at that. She never used his full name.

"Miss Isuzu, it's okay. I'm more-"

His words cut off as the sound of ringing chimed in his ears. Rudy was receiving a phone call, and it looked like it was from Richard.

"Hello?" Rudy answered, doing his best to keep the annoyance from his voice.

Isuzu stared up at him curiously, and it was then that Rudy finally became aware of their proximity to one another. Their bodies pressed together. Her lips only inches away.

"Rudy! What are you doing right now? You have to get to the guild building right away!"

"The guild building?" He echoed in surprise, looking away from Isuzu's full pink lips to his hand, as if it would tell him Richard's thoughts faster.

"Why?"

"I'm headed there right now! There was an Isuzu sighting! My friend saw her himself! She's there right now, we just have to-"

"Richard." Rudy interrupted.

"I am kind of in the middle of something right now."

"Aww but Rudy you-"

Click.

Rudy hung up the call, telling himself he would apologize to Richard later. Right now, getting Isuzu back to their guild house safely was his priority. He scanned the area and realized a large carriage was coming down the road, about to pass them by.

"Miss Isuzu, I need you to hold me."

"Huh?"

"Just do it."

"Okay..."

Nervously, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, just as the carriage passed them by. Rudy grabbed her and jumped, their forms breaking through the canvas and falling into the carriage bed with a thump.

Ouch...

"Are you okay, Miss Isuzu?"

"Yes, I'm fine." She answered dazedly.

They peered at one another before breaking into hushed laughter, easing away the tension in their bodies.

"Ah, Rudy that sucked."

"Yes but at least we finally got away."

She pulled away and sat up, gazing around the covered carriage they had jumped in to.

"We had to stow away in a merchants carriage to do so. How lame is that?" She laughed.

He sat up beside her, leaning against a box for support.

"I didn't know what else to do. There was no way we were going to walk away from there."

"I know. I wonder where this is headed?"

Rudy shrugged and peeked his head out of the hole they had made in the canvas.

"Looks as if it is in the proper direction of our guild house."

She nodded and leaned over onto his shoulder. They fell into silence, which Isuzu didn't break for several minutes. Her eyes were glossy and wide, and Rudy knew what she was going to say, before she even said it.

"I'm really sorry. We weren't even done going to all the places you needed to go."

"It is not your fault, Miss Isuzu. The bank clerk should have been more discreet."

"You got that right."

Suddenly the carriage lurched to a stop, and they heard footsteps walking around them.

"Oh no. Rudy, I don't think they are going to be too happy about the damage to the cover."

"Do not fret. I can handle this."

He turned on his best smile, just in time for a very startled old man to open the back flap and discover the two Adventurer stowaways.


That night at dinner, everyone gathered in the warm dining room for Chief's spicy curry. The dinner conversation was pleasant, and Isuzu was enjoying the calm atmosphere in contrast to hers and Rudy's crazy day. They had made it home finally, after paying the merchant for the damages they had caused and then sneaking through the last stretch of streets in an attempt to keep Isuzu unseen. They had sprinted the last twenty meters of the journey, taking off in relief when the tall building had finally come into view. Isuzu was just glad Rudy had been there to help her escape.

"Isuzu-chan?"

Shiroe's voice jolted her from her thoughts, making her spoon slip from her fingers. It clattered loudly back into her bowl, causing several of her guildmates to look over in surprise and interest.

"Ah, yes?"

"Henrietta has informed me you had an eventful day in town today."

"Oh...right. That was an accident. I guess she heard about it."

"Yes, she certainly did. She heard it caused quite a scene in the Guild Building."

"Guild master, it was not her fault. The bank clerk recognized her and was very loud about-"

"Regardless of who's fault it was..." Shiroe interrupted, shifting his gaze from Rudy back to Isuzu," you need to be mindful of these type of situations. You cannot go about causing such a fuss in town."

Isuzu lowered her eyes and nodded.

"I know. I'm very sorry. It won't happen again."

"Good. Henrietta and I both agree you should keep a low profile until your next concert and not venture out until you and Rudy leave town. If you have to run an errand, any one of us would be happy to do it for you. All you need is to ask."

"Okay. Thank you. And I'm sorry again."

Shiroe's stern face broke into a much kinder half smile.

"It is okay, Isuzu-chan. You are in a hard position now. And I am only saying this out of concern for you."

Isuzu smiled widely at that and nodded, turning back to her curry.

"Do not worry, Miss Isuzu." Rundllehaus boomed, catching the whole group's attention.

"In a few short days we shall escape together from the bustle of the city. A well deserved break is just what you need!"

Isuzu raised her eyebrows at that, gaze falling on Touya, who was noticeably snickering. He caught her eye and offered a meaningful wink.

"Shut up." She mouthed.

"Told you he's come for you." He whispered back loudly.

Having heard that, Rudy spun around and pointed dramatically at him.

"Of course I have come for her!" He proclaimed, smiling his best sparkly, princely smile.

"Was there ever any doubt?"

Isuzu sighed and face palmed, shaking her head in exasperation.


Two days passed quickly, and it was time for Isuzu's next concert. Rudy stood amongst her fans, near the front of the crowd. There were only around 50 Adventurers present, as this had been marketed as a highly exclusive event. Even so, Isuzu had invited Rudy and the twins as her own guests. While Touya stood beside him, jumping up and down to the beat of the drums, Minori had opted to watch from backstage.

"This is best I've seen her play in a while." Touya hollered, leaning into Rudy's ear.

"Is it?"

"Yeah. You know, there's only one thing different about this concert from her last few."

"What's that?" Rudy asked, genuinely curious.

"You."

Rundellhaus blanched.

"You jest, my friend." He laughed nervously, feeling the smile spreading across his face.

What Touya was implying was ridiculous. Even so, Rudy couldn't help but feel incredibly happy at his words. Even if it was a fool's happiness, he quite liked the idea of being her muse.

Rudy shifted his gaze back to the stage. Isuzu's angelic voice filled the room, the words clear, and full of life. He suddenly realized she was looking right at him, the notes spreading around her in a colorful flurry. Her harmonious aura surrounded Rudy and the others, a brilliant spectacle that burst from her lute. An overwhelming sense of joy and love filled him up, like his heart was about to pound out from his chest. This may be a concert, but for just a moment Rudy felt as if she were singing directly to him.

It couldn't be helped. He raised a hand into the air and waved to her, his excitement overflowing. She smiled and twirled in response, syncing perfectly in time with the song. The band was picking up on her extra enthusiasm, and suddenly the atmosphere exploded with sound. Rudy could hear muffled gasps of astonishment and hollers of joy. People began jumping into the air as they were swept away by her movements and passion.

The small venue was alive with energy. Isuzu managed to continue to awe and astonish, carrying the momentum forward for the rest of the concert.

After the concert, the guests were allowed a meet and greet. Rudy stood to the side with Touya, watching carefully as people fawned over her with the same hysteria he had observed the other day at the guild building. The only difference was these fans were all arranged in a tightly controlled line.

"Hey Touya! Good to see you again!"

A man called out as he approached them.

"Hey Sigurd!" Touya answered, bumping fists with him.

"Hey, shouldn't you be over there with everyone?" He asked, pointing to where Isuzu and the rest of the band stood.

"Nah. No one cares about the drummer. And I don't like crowds. This your friend?" Sigurd replied, jabbing a thumb in Rudy's direction.

"Oh yeah! This is our guildmate, Rundllehaus Kode. He came to see the show."

Rudy smiled, feeling awkward as the drummer named Sigurd put his hand out for a fist bump, rather than a handshake.

"So I don't know what got into her partway through." Sigurd said, scratching his chin.

"What got into her?" Rudy echoed, not sure what he meant.

But Touya was nodding, and Sigurd twisted to address him.

"You know what I mean. You're at all the concerts."

"Uh huh. Isuzu-neechan kicked it up all of a sudden."

"That's what I thought! She made us really work for it tonight. We didn't want to be completely drowned out. Haha!"

"Yeah, it was almost as if there was someone in the audience she was aiming to impress." Touya said suggestively, tilting his head in a way that made Rudy wonder if he had developed a tick.

Sigurd's eyes widened and he turned back to Rudy with interest.

"What did you say your name was again?"

"Rundllehaus Kode. But my friends refer to me as Rudy."

"Oh!" Sigard exclaimed with recognition, putting an arm around him.

"So, you're Rudy! The one who's always out raiding."

"Yes, that is me."

"Isuzu has told us a lot about you. She said your group finished the Abysmal Rune in three weeks flat."

"Indeed. I see that rumors of my exploits have already spread through Akiba." Rudy said with a haughty laugh.

Sigurd raised an eyebrow at that.

"She wasn't kidding about his modesty though, was she?"

"You have no idea." Touya chuckled.

Rudy laughed too, not picking up on Sigurd's sarcasm.

"Well, it all makes sense then." Sigurd nodded, releasing Rudy from his hold.

"Makes sense?" Rudy echoed, tilting his head.

"Yup." Touya nodded.

"We've all been waiting to see what happens."

"Oh me too. All she's talked about is 'going raiding with Rudy.'" He said to Touya, ignoring Rudy completely.

"Umm..." Rudy, tried to interject, but realized Sigurd's and Touya's attention was elsewhere.

The line of people had dispersed and it seemed like the club was getting ready to shut down for the night. Isuzu was skipping over, Minori and the rest of the band trailing behind her.

"Rudy! What did you think? Did you have fun?" She asked earnestly, ignoring the stares of everyone around them.

"I did. You were spectacular! Like a dream with the voice of an angel!"

"Rudy! It wasn't that good!" She laughed, punching his arm.

"But it was! Miss Isuzu is wonderful at what she does." He smiled, his eyes trailing to the delicate hair ribbon securing her braid.

He hadn't realized she was still wearing it. It looked pretty as a picture, and he couldn't even stop himself from reaching out and gingerly lifting it with his fingertips.

"It really does suit you." He commented softly.

"I love it." She answered reassuringly, looking down at it in his hand.

They paused until Minori cleared her throat.

"Everyone, I think they need us to leave so they can close." Minori's voice called out, punctuating through their consciousness and giving the couple a start.

"R-right." Rudy nodded.

We should go."

"Yeah." Isuzu agreed, smiling tightly.

"It's okay. You two can resume when we get back to the guild house." Touya snickered.

"Shut up." Isuzu huffed rounding on her younger companion.

Feeling flustered, she stomped away to gather up her things, ignoring the sounds of snickering behind her.

The group exited the building together in high spirits. With their last concert finally over, Isuzu and her band mates were looking forward to a well deserved break. They parted ways soon after, Isuzu insisting that they enjoy themselves and only worry about playing their instruments for their own enjoyment.

"Everyone have a nice Christmas!" She called out, waving as her band disappeared from view.

Isuzu's new journey was about to begin and she couldn't be happier.


It was a bright morning, despite the chilly crispness that hung in the air. The usually mossy buildings were peppered with icy frost. Isuzu shivered, but it had nothing to do with the cold. Her and Rudy were approaching the large elaborate exit to the city.

Isuzu's excitement was bubbling. The group would meet just on the other side.

As they approached, she could see many others already gathered. A few took notice of their arrival and turned to wave at Rudy, who enthusiastically waved back. A small cluster of girls standing in the center called out to him and then eyed her warily.

Gosh I really wish Rudy would have told them. I hope they don't turn me away or...

"It's okay." Rudy whispered, noticing how her pace had slowed.

"Go wait over there, okay? I'll introduce you when everyone is assembled."

He released her arm and strode over to the group of at least 10. Isuzu slunk to the back, near a particularly tall tree. A couple of faces followed her retreat, but other than that no one took notice of her. She had become quite good at becoming a fly on the wall, when she didn't want to be seen.

"Rudy-kun! How are you doing?"

"Did you make out with a good haul from all the shops?"

"We never did get to go for tea!"

"Hey, where's that friend of yours? Not here yet?"

She watched as Rudy addressed the stream of questions in a roundabout way, and steered the conversation away with questions of his own. The group talked loudly and boisterously. They were so full of energy.

Rudy's raiding party...

Isuzu felt as if she were getting a glimpse into his other life. This was the world he loved. The people he shared it with. The part of his life she missed out on.

"Sorry I'm late! Have we all assembled?" A loud, booming voice cut through all existing conversation as he stood before the crowd of friends.

He was a tall man, moderately covered in really nice looking gear. A monk class. This was most definitely Ken, the raid leader. He looked just as Rudy had described him. In fact, she was able to pick out who everyone was based on his descriptions. After all, Rudy had told her all about his companions throughout this past year.

Ken's gaze was scanning the party, finally coming to rest on Rudy.

"Where's this friend of yours, Rudy? Please don't tell me he flaked."

"No, not at all." He responded placatingly, gesturing to his right and beckoning Isuzu over.


Okay! Let me know your thoughts, and thank you so much to everyone who has left me feedback so far. You guys keep me going!