Chapter 2: Enter! Vivian and Jack Frost!

Author's note: Man this was an experience, I am not quite use to writing not from a character's perspective. It feels weird honestly and my confidence in it is still a bit shaky at the most. I guess that's what happens when you step out of your comfort zone. I am still feeling things out with this story but I would love to hear some thoughts. Anyways that's enough from me. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off!

/

The next morning Ichiban and Nanba when through the routine of morning and chatted a bit. Ichiban filling him in what he seen and what to expect. From the villagers and possibly other characters and the monsters with faces. The former hobo was amused by the circumstances and shared his friend's motivation against the Dark Lord. As it was a different kind of evil that had to be dealt with. Also, what kind of messed up induvial does that to a person? A foul one that's for sure.

"Ho ho! Morning adventurers!"

Ichiban smiled upon hearing the voice of the spirit, "Morning spirit, what's up?"

"I see you are good spirits Ichiban, I came to explain to you a bit about this land. As you see, Miitopia is a land where mii's live in peace and harmony. Mii's being a race of avatars for those own a Nintendo Switch. As you can tell, they don't act like the characters you have seen in your world or other worlds for that matter. While you are in this world, they will appear normal but through the games lens they look like the Mii's you are familiar with. For you and your future allies I pulled you from your respective worlds."

"That seems pretty rude you know. I mean what about our friends and family? No doubt they will be looking for us and by extension anybody else you bring along."

"Right, I thought of that…and I am still thinking how to explain it to them. Regardless, it takes effort to bring them here and unfortunately there is a side effect to the job roles I granted you. As long as you stay with those roles, you cannot use any other abilities you had back from your world. Er, sorry about that."

"It's alright, other than our physical ability we didn't have much else to begin with," The ex-yakuza smiled.

"Yeah, we were only human. Can't say the same about the others you drag in here."

"Yes, well that is it for now. I suggest you eat some of the food dropped from the monsters, not only they will fill up your belly but can increase your stats. Though I cannot guarantee you'll enjoy the taste. Bye for now!"

The spirit's presence left the duo as they are now curious of the food they obtained. The butterfly honey and goblin meat. Ichiban stared at the meat with caution as Nanba prepares the meat.

"Hey Nanba, are you sure you want to eat that? I mean, that came from a goblin!"

"Relax Ichiban, if the monster drops it then it must be edible right? Besides I learned beggars can't be choosers, so it can't be that bad right?"

He prepared his plate earnestly and made one for his friend, "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try it once."

"That's the spirit! Pass the teeth, pass the gums, look out stomach here it comes!"

What followed next was the two heroes retching and suffering severe stomach cramps just after one bite. Turns out goblin meat is not in their palate range. And after eating some butterfly honey to counter the bad taste in their mouths the two packed up and set off north. More monsters stood in their way, mainly a mix of what is now known as Rock Moths and Goblins. Stockpiling on experience, gold and of course food. They quickly got the hang of it and slayed monsters left and right.

"Hmm, I think Temmie's face should be around here. I swore I saw it fly in this direction," Ichiban looked around the sky to see if he can see signs of the recognizable face.

"Well, you were here first so I sure hope so, I would hate to be wasting my time."

After looking a bit more, they were surprised by Temmie's face as it floated downward worried and scared, "Huh? What? Help!"

Before they can reach for it a giant grey metal butterfly appeared from purple magic smoke and attached the face to its body. It screeched at them as they prepared for a fight. Immediately the monster swung at Nanba, taking him by surprise and hurting him a bit. Ichiban reacted quickly and counter the monster while it was still in range. Despite the size of the monster, it was no stronger than the smaller variants. So, it didn't take long for the two to finish off the monster with a team attack with both of them striking at the monster. It crumpled to the ground, defeated as it exploded into a magic cloud and the face was freed.

"Thank you!" Temmie shouted before he flew back to the sky.

"You're welcome!" The ex-yakuza waved at the leaving face as to flew over to the town.

"Well, that wasn't so bad, I thought the Dark Lord is supposed to be giving us the best he got?"

"He just recently attacked here, I guess he didn't have much time to conjure up any strong monsters."

"Better for us, hey look there is another inn ahead."

"Really? I think we are going to have to expect those a lot."

"Whatever, lets rest up and figure out where to go next."

Ichiban agreed as they finished their travel to the next inn and rested up, using the money they earned to get the next level equipment possible for each of them. They also looked over the area map to plan their next course. Once done they headed to bed and slept the night away. Morning after the duo or rather Ichiban received a letter from the worried mother thanking him again for saving her child. Attached to it was an outing ticket which led to a café. Deciding against using the ticket for now they got their stuff and moved onto the next travel path of their journey. Shortly after eating their fill in butterfly honey.

"Looks like we can move further down the land if we head east."

"Then east we go! Onward!"

Nanba chuckled a bit as Ichiban led them forth. They battled some more goblins after passing a fork in the road. It was only two, so it wasn't that big of an issue plus the experience allowed Ichiban to level up and learn the jump slash skill. Eventually the duo stumbled upon a bottle to which Ichiban tried to drink. It was unlabeled and despite wanting to give it swirl Namba advised him not to and they moved on. The day was pretty uneventful after that, one chest holding two-star goblin ham later and they were back at the inn.

"Well, that was boring, but then again the games really shorten the travel time."

"That's how it is Kasuga-san, expect noneventful days. Less stress for us and more time for us to get our bearings."

"Yeah, you are right, just wish we had more people…not that you are boring Nanba. It is just we already know each other pretty well already."

"Hah, none taken. Maybe we should have used that outing ticket to go to that café, at least we would have at least some amusement."

"A café isn't exactly a place I first think of when it comes to alternative fun."

"Whatever, night Ichi."

"Night Nanba."

Morning came and just as the two got ready for the day, a doorbell rang. It came as a surprise to both of them as they didn't see a doorbell on the Inn entrance before. Perhaps it was something they overlooked?

"A new resident?"

"Looks like it Ichi, I wonder who else came along?"

"Ho ho! Why don't you check it out? I did go through the trouble of leading them here after all."

"Spirit? You mean this is for us?"

"Precisely, a new adventurer to join your party. I told her that you were heading to this inn and I help lead them here so you can all meet up. I hope you give her a warm welcome; she is a bit timid."

"Got yah, alright lets see our new party member Nanba!"

"After you," Nanba smiled as he pointed his staff to the door.

The two made it to the main lobby as they saw a young woman sitting by herself on one of the chairs. From appearance alone Ichiban noticed she was dressed as a mage and had pink hair and shadowy purple skin. The hair reaches just below her shoulders and ends in swirls. The most notable of which is the bangs covering her eyes. She looked in their direction and from there he can notice a constant low colored blush on her face and her yellow lips. A contrast from the rest of her outfit is her white gloves which seem cartoony.

The RPG gamer nerd was wracking his brain on the identity of this character as he sworn, he seen her before. Unfortunately, it was too late as she literally glided across the floor to them and making him lose his chance to think, "Um…hi. I'm Vivian, I was told to come here by some spirit to meet up with two other adventurers."

She bowed in respect as Ichiban shot her a friendly smile, "Yes that would be us. Ichiban Kasuga, glad to have you aboard."

"Yu Nanba, I have to admit I didn't expect to somebody like you. I can knock that off my bucket list."

Ichiban looked at his friend with surprise, "You had a bucket list Nanba?"

"Still working on it, but anyways its nice to have you with us Vivian."

The strangely colored woman smiled, "T-Thank you, I promise to help out the best I can!"

"That's all I expect from you, Vivian. You're working with veteran heroes!"

"I would call that a stretch Kasuga, but I would be lying if I said we didn't have experience."

Vivian looked at them with surprise, "Oh! Did you two save your world before?"

Ichiban paused with his finger raised as he contemplates his next sentence. He looked over to Nanba for help who only smiled at him with a glance that said, 'Tell her hero.' With a defeated sigh the ex-yakuza settled with telling her the truth, "Not really…more like we saved our town from a conspiracy that could have gotten some…bad people in positions of power. Still, it was quite a journey."

"Well, you still qualify as heroes to me."

"Thanks Vivian, I hope to get to know you better as we journey together."

"Me too, you look like nice people," her smile warmed Ichiban's heart as they left the inn and continued on the journey for the next few days. Vivian had a rough start as she couldn't use magic yet, but Ichiban covered for her so she wouldn't get seriously hurt. This was risky as the group found themselves in a battle with four goblins and the stalwart hero took many hits for his team.

"Damn it Ichiban, you're getting your ass kicked!" Nanba quickly healed the reckless hero as he shook off some of the damage.

"Sorry, but I couldn't let Vivian get hurt. Mages are fragile and I had to make sure she wouldn't take a serious hit," he twinged with pain a bit but ignored to focus on their foes.

"You don't have to do that for me Ichiban! You're really hurt!"

"Heh, this is nothing. Now let's focus on taking down their numbers. Vivian-san I got your back!"

Vivian was taken aback but listened to the selfless man as they both attacked one of the goblins together and taking one out of the fight. Nanba kept their health up as they took turns attacking, focusing on one goblin at a time. Ichiban even taking one out with a jump slash. It was a lengthy battle, but they managed leave victorious. The ex-yakuza rolled his shoulders to shake off the soreness as they kept on their way. Nanba was chastising his friend on his recklessness to which he just took as it was well deserved. Vivian stayed silent as they headed into the inn. Before prepping for bed, the shadow siren wanted to chat with the man.

"H-Hey Ichiban, are you okay? You took a lot of hits for me."

"I'm fine, I got hit by a lot of things harder than a goblin. Sorry I worried you though."

"It's okay, I'm just glad you're fine. You really are reckless though."

"Well, I'm trying to get better at that, but I sometimes can't help it. If my friends really need me, I will put my life on the line just to protect them. Just like that last Goblin fight, those bastards tried to aim for you a lot."

"Y-yeah, I gotten into fights that involved multiple enemies before. Back then it was just me and…him, I-I mean there was others but there were times it was just us."

"That's impressive Vivian-san, I guess this wasn't new to you."

"No, but its comforting to know that I have people watching over me."

"That reminds me, what is a shadow siren? It was something I was curious about."

"Oh! Well, we are a ghost race that are able to travel through shadow. Actually, we are pretty much like the shadows. Unfortunately, I can't demonstrate it here, but I am able to hide in the shadows, even yours!"

"Whoa that's pretty cool Vivian-san! Anything else you can do?"

"Well…I also had control over fire. Either with a fiery punch or a little jinx! The latter would be better for that goblin encounter. Or of course use my charm to confuse them, but again the rules of being a mage prevent me from doing so. I feel very limited with just a fireball spell."

"I'm sure you'll get better spells if you level up more!"

"Excuse me, what do you mean by level up?"

"Oh sorry, I was gamer back in my world. So sometimes I think of things in RPG terms, like in Dragon Quest! That's uh a game I liked to play a lot."

Vivian giggled as Ichiban sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "There is nothing wrong with that, I guess you can say I 'leveled up' quite a bit myself in my previous adventure. I used to be quite shy…well I still am but not as bad as it was before."

"Heh, honestly that's kinda adorable."

"A-A-Adorable?! Oh uh…well I never been told that before…I um…"

"Oh sorry! I didn't mean to get you so flustered."

"It's o-okay…hehe, I guess I'm not used to people calling shyness adorable," She was tapping her fingers together at this point and blushing a noticeable shade of pink. Ichiban knew he may have just emotionally surprised her and after some quick back and forth they headed to bed in their own separate rooms.

Nanba was already asleep by the time Ichiban entered their shared room and slept the night away.

/

The morning came and it was time to eat some grub they collected to boost their stats. Having faced goblins and rock moths only they just ate some of the honey. Vivian ate some of the honey as well but looked at the goblin meat with confusion.

"You're not going to eat the goblin meat?" she asked concernedly.

"Nuh uh, Nanba and I ate that fantasy meat, and it did not sit well with our stomachs."

"Yeah, and I thought it would be fine, apparently I was really wrong."

Vivian exchanged glances with them and back to the meat. She was still confused and despite being cautious the meat looked fine to her, "Well it would be a waste, maybe one bite wouldn't be bad."

Ichiban was about to try and stop her, but Nanba stopped him. Telling him that it would be best if she found out the hard way. They watched with anticipation as she ate the meat casually and after a few bites she 'jumped' into the air with clear content on her face from a good meal.

"Mmm! These tastes great! Very succulent and delicious! Are you sure this is the same meat you ate?"

Ichiban and Nanba couldn't believe their eyes as their jaws figuratively dropped. Not only did she eat the ham but truly enjoyed it. They looked at each other for a bit before the woman walked up to them with a smile on her face. Speaking not a word to each other they set off again. On another path as they discovered the use of HP bananas and MP Candies to help themselves out in battle. Also sprinkles which are held in a salt container.

"Uh…not busting too hard on the logic of the world, but really sprinkles? I just shake this over our heads, and we feel better?"

"I think its best not to question it Kasuga, though we can't use it freely."

"One for health and one for magic points. I guess it can be helpful in a pinch."

"You did not just say that Vivian-san," Ichiban held his face in his hand.

"W-What what did I say?" the poor woman was confused and was worried that she may have offended the ex-yakuza.

Ichiban, quickly noticing his mistake tried to amend his mistake, "Oh uh, its nothing. I jumped the gun a bit. Don't worry about it."

"If you say so, is he always like this Nanba?"

"Not always, but it happens and honestly it's pretty amusing when it does."

The warrior bit his tongue to avoid responding and just rolled with the blows as they gained more experience from their battles. Plenty of side chatter from the side between encounters as Nanba began bonding with the shadow siren and explained his relationship with Ichiban and how they met. She was surprised to hear that he thought the man was dead upon his first meeting but tried to help him regardless.

"Wow…you two really had a big start together."

"No kidding if it wasn't for Nanba I probably would have been dead in the gutter. You can say he was my first real friend after I hit rock bottom. We are strong friends ever since."

"Well, I don't often toot my own horn, but yeah I saved a future hero that day. I guess good things can happen for good people. Our crazy adventure with each other actually pulled me out from being homeless."

"It's amazing, isn't it? A little kindness can go a long way, I know that lesson myself personally."

Nanba grew curious, "Oh? Do you have a personal experience you want to share?"

"Not now, maybe another time."

"No worries, when you are ready to tell us we'll be all ears," Ichiban gave one of his winning smiles with a thumb's up. The young woman smiled in appreciation for her privacy.

"Thank you, I'm glad I'm getting to know you two."

Ichiban was about to respond until a familiar dark booming voice spoke out, "Aww…I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

The group jump back as the intimidating form of Dark Lord Ganon glided into view, "Ganon! What are you doing here?!"

"I can ask you the same thing peon. You keep turning up like a bad penny. Maybe I should pick you up and flick you into a well. I don't believe in wishes in coming true, but maybe for once I should give it a try."

"Argh! I won't let you get away with hurting more people! Me and my friends will stop you!" Namba and Vivian agreed and backed up Ichiban.

"Pfffft…Aaaahh ha ha haaaaa! Oh, that was a good one! The fact you think you can stop me, and the fact you think I'm going to let you walk away after that declaration. Congratulation's hero, you just earned a dance with the Dark Lord. Be careful though, I always knock my partners dead…"

With an evil grin the Dark Lord immediately charged up a dark magical blast that dwarfed all of the heroes. Despite this, Ichiban stared at the attack bravely as he was ready to take one for the team to protect his friends. He felt two arms wrapped around him, one around his waist and another around the back of his neck. Ichiban looked over to see his friends sticking close to him. Ready to take the incoming pain together. However, the attack never came as a voice shouted in the air.

"Hold it right there!" A magical blast came out from behind them and destroyed the magical bomb.

"Who dares…?" Bellowed the dark lord as a new figure came rushing in between the two forces.

A man in white to green hooded robe, looked up at the Dark Lord with an unseen observing eye. Ichiban and the others could not determine the identity as his hood was up, but his voice will haunt the ex-yakuza forever.

"Hmm…So you're this Dark Lord I've been hearing so much about. You won't be getting your way for much longer!" He began crackling with greenish magical energy as he readied a spell, "Not if I have anything to say about it!"

"Ichiban? What's wrong? You're shaking!" Vivian noted with concern.

"Kasuga, what's gotten into you?"

"No…no it can't be, I know that voice…"

"Didn't anyone tell you nobody likes a party pooper? I might just let you live…this time! Bye for now! Mwaa ha ha haaa!"

The Dark Lord vanished in his dark magic cloud, and all was left was the heroes and the mysterious man who came in to save them. The man turned to face them as he pulled his hood down. Ichiban's eyes widen as the familiar face look back at him. It was like staring at a ghost.

"A-Arakawa-san?!"

"Hmm? You heard of me? Yes, my name is Arakawa, I'm a traveling mage, though I am more famously known as the Great Sage. That is simply a title though, what are your names heroes?"

Ichiban struggled to say his own name and Nanba understood why. Vivian was lost to why her friend looked like he was about to cry, but she handled the introductions, "My name is Vivian, this is Nanba and this is Ichiban."

"Well met, looks like your friend is getting emotional. He is a brave one at that, hiding his true emotions from the Dark Lord."

"He really is, I been traveling with only for a while now and he is really reliable."

"Glad to hear it, though I must ask why you are all out here? It's dangerous with the Dark Lord running amuck."

"Funny thing is…"

"We're on a quest to stop the Dark Lord," Vivian was surprised to see a still teary eyed Ichiban standing strong despite his previous emotional outburst, "I apologize sir that you had to see that earlier."

"Think nothing of it Ichiban, it just shows your big heart. A capacity for empathy and sympathy are great marks of being a hero. Still your group is not ready yet to take on the dark lord. Doesn't mean you won't though. I sense a strange power within you, it doesn't look like much at the moment, but I assure you that it will grow with you on your journey. Just hang in there."

"Th-Thank you Arakawa-san! I'll make you proud!"

Ichiban immediately bowed in respect. The great sage looked at him curiously as he places a hand on his head, "Rise warrior, there is no need to be so humble with me."

"Sorry, it's just…never mind."

"That's quite alright, now go continue your journey. I'm sure we will meet again."

The Great Sage said his goodbyes and left the group. Ichiban was taking deep breathes as the group continued along the road taking a rest at a nearby inn. Ichiban, emotionally exhausted by the encounter of Great Sage Arakawa went to bed early. Leaving Vivian and Namba on their own.

"What happened Nanba? Ichiban looked like he was ready to breakdown."

The man sighed, "It's a long story, but to put it shortly. Back in our world, there was a man name Arakawa. Kasuga looked up to him, he was his idol and father figure. However, a series of events eventually led up to him…being murdered. So just now, for Kasuga, it was like seeing his ghost. Of course, we know it's not him for real, just his face but for poor Ichi what was left unsaid came back to him all at once. He was real enough for him."

"Oh my…that's a lot to take in."

"Yeah…I think it's better if Kasuga tells you the full story himself when he is ready. Until then it's best not to bring it up."

"I will keep that in mind, thank you Nanba. Well, I should get some rest too, we still have the other villagers faces to save."

"Yeah, and who knows where those are. Good night!"

"Night!" Vivian smiled as she entered her bed and did her best to rest.

Still, she was still bothered by Ichiban's near emotional breakdown and thought about how to take his mind of today's event. Perhaps she can make use of one of the outing tickets? It was better than doing nothing, so, when possible, she'll treat him to something nice.

/

The morning after Ichiban was still feeling off. The shadow siren asked if he was okay and with a smile, he said he felt better but needed to work off the rest of the stress. She nodded in understanding and kept the outing ticket to herself as they all ate to fill their stomachs and improve their stats. They were about to leave when the doorbell to the inn rang. Ichiban's mood lifted a bit as this would mean a new adventurer has arrived.

"Hee-ho! Whoa are you three who I was supposed to meet up with?"

A small snow man looking creature stared at them wearing a thief's attire, "Oh hey! Your Jack Frost!"

"Yuppy do day! That's me! One of many and this one is me. So, I been summoned to give you a hand, Hee-ho!"

"That's great! With you in our party we have a full team!

"Hee-hell yeah! I can't use all my awesome powers sadly, but the voice said I can do thief things. So, uh…Imma just wing it."

"That's okay little buddy, we kinda all are."

"Hee-ha! That just makes things more fun!"

"Let's go everyone! The next face should be somewhere north from here! Let's go team!"

The party agreed whole heartly as they headed north. Jack Frost's energetic personality proved to be useful as a thief as he is quick and nimble with the dagger. Hitting multiple enemies at once with a single toss. Vivian quickly tried out her new lightning spell and zapped three rock moths in a row. Needless to say, the team was dominating the monsters that came their way.

"Hee-whoa! These things are dropping food!"

"Better get used to it because it's something we will be seeing often," Nanba said as he picked up the dropped food and put it into the bag.

"That's weird-ho, but not too weird. I see demons eat other demons before…"

"Ah, so demons are normal where you are from?"

"Hee-yup! Things are always going on where I am from."

"That's the Shin Megami Tensei world for you, Nanba, never a dull moment," Ichiban added as he helped put what else they can scavenge from the battle and put it into the bag.

"He looks kinda cute actually. He has a cute little tail behind him!" Vivian pointed out which got the little snow fairy self-conscious.

"Hee-hey! B-Back off! I'm not cute! I'm a tough demon who can kick some serious butt!" Jack Frost was blushing red which only earn a quiet 'aww' from Vivian as he stomped around

"Hehe, I believe you Jack-san, for now save some of that energy for the next fight."

"Right-ho!" He jumped onto Ichiban's back and pointed out his dagger outward, "Onward march!"

Ichiban and the rest of the group laughed as they continued the path with high morales. Their new friend already making waves in their growing group dynamic. Eventually they found clearing in the path and the face of the cat sarcastic guy floated into view. Scared and asking for help as a giant rock poofed into existence along with two cloud monsters. These are monsters they haven't fought before and immediately their toughness was displayed when the boulder crashed into Nanba, not only hurting him but also Ichiban and Vivian as well. Before they got time to react it rolled into Vivian and dealt additional damage to Nanba and Jack Frost.

"Ow…that is one fast rock!" The shadow siren picked herself off the ground while holding her side.

"Grr…looks like its aiming for us first! Ichiban! I can handle the healing, but I doubt I can provide any aid on the offense!"

"Got it, Jack-san! Can you take care some of those cloud monsters?"

"You know who you talking too? I'll smack them all around, hee-ha!" With a mighty throw the little snow fairy tossed his dagger and it boomeranged into the three monsters.

Ichiban followed up by using a jump slash on one of the cloud monsters, hurting it badly as it recoiled from the blow. However, as soon as that happened the other cloud healed its companion with a rain shower. It did the same with itself which caused Ichiban's brain to turn the gears. He sees what the setup is now. A classic tough boss with two healing mobs. They need to quickly take them out or else they may end up healing the boss together. Plan was set and now they had to keep it going.

"Everyone! Focus fire on those cloud monsters! They'll just keep healing each other if they keep up!"

"Got it! But what about the boulder? It will still attack us twice."

"Leave that to me! I'll cover you Vivian and Nanba too. Just focus on attacking and everything will be fine."

"Ichiban…please be careful."

He just smiled at her while Nanba gave a sigh, "Kasuga…you really are a nutcase, but sure thing I'll make sure you don't die on us."

"Proud Defender!" Ichiban shouted as the battle resumed. The boulder attempted to attack the fragile members of the group, but this time the kind warrior stood in to defend them from harm. Taking two hits in the face in a row while being healed by Nanba. Meanwhile Vivian and Jack Frost attacked the cloud monsters, Vivian saving MP by using her fire spell to focus high damage on the single target while Jack slashed them all with his dagger. The already weakened cumulus monster couldn't handle the attack and was destroyed.

This left only one and with confidence Ichiban took another round of blows for his team as they focused on the remaining cumulus monster. It took serious hits but didn't go down as Vivian ran out MP and was forced to gobble down an MP Candy to restore some of it back. Ichiban took another hit for her as she became a focused target for the monsters. He gritted his teeth as he took the hits, feeling his legs buckling as the Rock monster attacks was starting to become overwhelming. He stayed on his feet for his friend's morale as Jack Frost took out the last cloud monster.

"That's both healers down! Only leaves big and rocky here! You can stop being a punching bag Ichiban!" Nanba shouted.

"On it! Now we focus on shattering him!" With a war cry Ichiban jump slashed the Rock Face.

The team followed up with their roles as Nanba kept healing the team and Vivian fired fireballs. Jack Frost, being a sneak stole a HP banana off the monster. After a couple of turns of back and forth, the attack of the monster was strong and put Ichiban in critical condition, but ultimately. With one last spell Vivian finished off the boss with a fire spell.

It blasted backwards and poofed, freeing the face attached to it. Thanking the group as it flew away. With a victory pose the team walked away from the battle battered, beaten, but alive. Ichiban was limping the entire way to the inn as despite being healed, he was still feeling sore much to Nanba's and Vivian's concern.

"Do you need help? You took quite a beating for us," the shadow siren got under his arm and helped him up.

"Thanks Vivian-san, oof…I never thought I would be taking boulders to the face multiple times."

"Probably not the first time you will either, just try to be careful Kasuga," Nanba said shaking his head.

"Does he always do this, hee-ho?"

"More than you think Jack."

"Wow wee…"

The two went ahead leaving Ichiban and Vivian alone together, "You really are kind Ichiban, not many people I know that would throw themselves into the line of fire like that."

"Heh, what can I say that hasn't been said already? When your friends with me, expect me to always have your back. That's an Ichiban guarantee! Ow! Ow…still hurts…"

"Hehe, easy Ichi. I got you, time to rest up hero. Can't do anybody good if you fall apart."

"Right right, oof…that bed is calling my name."

"It sure is," Vivian giggled to herself a bit as she and Ichiban entered the Inn. Taking a well-earned rest after such an intense battle.