Chapter 29

Being restrained to the bed for the last few days was more eventful than it had any right to be, Bell thought as he looked back at the memories. Well. What memories he had. He could faintly recall that he was drifting between being awake and unconscious in the infirmary of Babel after beating that irregular minotaur. The next thing he knew was that he was essentially tied to the bed, unable to get up whatsoever. It was rather embarrassing once he realized the implications of that, as he did not feel dirty whatsoever. Still, if he thought Kojiro had it bad with the judging glares, being on the receiving end of it was even worse once the women of the Astraea FAmilia returned from whatever they were doing while Bell was out. By all means, he did not understand how his teacher could be so unfazed by all the attention! While the Astraea Familia were a lot less chiding than they were with Kojiro, maybe because they actually saw the fight, he still felt shivers down his spine at the glints in their eyes. They may have smiled warmly and innocently at him, but the implications of 'fixing his mistakes' once he recovered was a daunting thing to say the least.

He thought Syr visiting would at least be relaxing, but she appeared to a master at 'smiling while also threatening'. Even more so than all the other women he had met. Sure, she was spoon feeding him. Sure, she was giving him water and what not. But beyond the food being bland and chewy, perhaps the only reason Hestia allowed the maid to 'flirt' with him was that those flirts were passive aggressive comments about how men could be thick headed and needed to take care of themselves. Still, at least just like with the others, Bell felt they were a bit happy for him. Hopefully. At least now he could move around. A bit sore, stiff even, but still moving. But gaining his motion back did not mean the exasperation at his stunt stopped. Astraea sighed, holding her hand against her cheek, causing Bell to blush as he was seated on the couch.

"Honestly, why did you have to be so reckless?" She shook her head, a small smile on her face. "I know you are part of the Hestia Familia now, but-"

"Hold uuuuuup!" Hestia slammed her hands down on the table with a glare. "What are you implying here?!"

"She does have a point," Ryuu commented, raising her hand politely. "It's three out of three children that leveled up due to being incredibly reckless."

"You're one to talk! Your kids are insane too!" She ignored the glares from the girls, besides Alise who was just laughing sheepishly, instead still frowning at Astraea. Then she paused before glancing to the side, a warm smile on her face. "Except you, Arash! You're a good boy!"

"Thanks?" The archer said, raising an eyebrow. Weirdly enough the ladies begrudgingly agreed with grumbles and a laugh in Alise's case. Bell chuckled a bit, wincing as his body ached from that. Raising his hand, he gained everyone's attention. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"So when can I go back into the dungeon?"

The residents looked at each other. It was Lyra who waved her hand with a casual smirk.

"Healthwise? A day or two."

Bell blinked at the words. Tilting his head, he crossed his arms.

"Uhm, isn't that the only... err, wise that matters?" He paused, horror creeping up his stomach. His eyes widened as he looked around. "Wait, where's my Daisho?"

"In the bag over there," Kaguya replied bluntly, avoiding a smack from Ryuu by leaning backwards. Bell let out a whimper before turning his head to where she pointed. There it was. A small bag. Its contents... more like crumbs than he wished. Lowering his head, he felt his heart sink.

"...Oh."

Before he could fall into a depression, mentally already apologizing to everyone in the Far East, Ryoma included, for making such beautiful blades only for him to smash them, Hestia quickly grabbed them. In her hand, she shook them in demonstration before revealing a shining smile.

"No worries, we'll get them reforged in no time!"

Having a hopeful expression on his face, Bell sparkled as Hestia had her eyes closed, a pride look on her face. However Astraea blinked before narrowing her eyes ever so slightly.

"Hestia, are you-"

"Yup! I'm sure Hephaestus will help!" Hestia announced her plan. Then she faltered for a moment, confidence fleeting before she nervously forced a smile back on. "Probably! If I beg enough!"

Suffice to say everyone did not have a lot of faith in her. At the silent, judging looks she received, Hestia wilted ever so slightly. Bell bit his lip. It'd be great if the goddess of the forge would help but for his own goddess to lower herself... With conflicted feelings he shook his head, raising his hands with an awkward smile.

"Y-You don't have to-"

Before he could even finish his sentence, Hestia put her finger on his lips. Shaking her head, she pouted a bit.

"Nu-uh, let your goddess do goddess stuff for once!" A warm smile radiated from her as she patted his head. "Besides, you care for them, don't you?"

Feeling his face redden, he looked away. But he couldn't contain his giddy expression, at the thought that Hestia's efforts might bear fruit. In a shy manner he tapped his fingers together a few times.

"...I did come up with a name... "

"Really? What's the name?" Alise asked cheerfully. The others also looked at him with curiosity. It only put more pressure on his shoulders. Scratching his cheek, he was not sure he could say it out loud just like that.

"Err... "

As if sensing his worries, Ryuu shook her head before regarding the others with a nod.

"Perhaps we should wait until his swords are reforged."

"I am looking forward to hearing it," Kojri commented casually. Bell let out a nervous laugh. Ah. That only put more pressure on him. Having his swords returned, stronger than ever, was a big moment, which made him feel he needed to live up to it with a name cool enough that even the gods would love it.

"That settles it! I'll go right away!" Hestia announced, already jogging towards the door.

"I'll escort you."

Bell blinked at the voice. It sounded so demotivated, so low energy, that he had no idea who said it. Then he turned his head and his eyes widened. The red hair was a bit messy, her eyes had bags under them, but it was unmistakingly his captain. Solaris let out a sigh, lazily walking forward to follow Hestia. He was not the only one. Worry was evident in everyone's expression, but they did not say anything. Biting his lip, he stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Captain? Is something wrong"

He saw something flash in her eyes. Her mouth opened for an instance and Bell flinched back. Seeing his reaction, she stopped, her eyes going wide. Closing them, she took a deep breath, her lips pressed together. After what felt like an eternity, she forced on a strained smile, patting his shoulder before she picked up her shield and attached it to her arm.

"Nevermind..." She muttered. Turning her back on him, she motioned for Hestia to move on. The goddess hesitated for an instance before carefully walking forward. The captain glanced back, before looking forward. Her shoulders seemed to become smaller as she whispered, her voice barely audible to Bell's ears. "Good to see you up... "

The door closed, leaving behind a rather strained atmosphere. Bell felt his heart clench. He didn't understand why Solaris, the usual fiery and peppy girl, seemed so down. Turning around, he was looking for answers as he looked at the other residents in worry.

"Is she... okay?"

"Well, got some theories at least," Lyra commented, her arms crossed behind her back. Yet she seemed almost melancholy, as if remembering something herself. Ryuu looked at the Pallum, seemingly conflicted and even guilty, before shaking her head with a sigh.

"It is not our place however."

At the pointed look she received, Kaguya rolled her eyes before stepping back, raising her hands defensively.

"Don't look at me like that, I stay out of this."

"Eh, we all have our moments." Alise shrugged before flashing a smile and a thumb at Bell. "Just be a good familia member and it'll settle itself!"

"There may be some issues, I believe," Kojiro agreed calmly. "But Alise is right. Just be yourself. Either way, that is a topic for another day." Smiling, he patted Bell's shoulder. "For now, we should go."

"Go where?" He asked in confusion. Arash laughed, grabbing his other shoulder and giving it a casual squeeze.

"Celebrate, of course!""

"Alright, just give us-"

The two men raised their hands, interrupting Alise in mid sentence, who was already in mid motion of bolting to her room.

"Apologies, but it's only going to be the three of us."

"It's a casual celebration between men," Arash added before letting out a chuckle. "Consider it a pre celebration to the actual celebration."

Bell couldn't feel but be a bit excited about that. Between men. They considered him a man now! No longer was he the boy, the cute rabbit! His excitement died down when the women gave the men stares that screamed 'unimpressed'. But in the end, they all sighed, with Kaguya smiling wryly at Bell.

"I suppose he needs more male role models in his life."

With that, they said goodbye as the three of them left the house. Bell stared at the ground for a while, pressing his lips together. Then he looked up, staring between Arash and Kojiro.

"Why do I feel like I was insulted just now?"

Their laughs did not help that suspicion. So much for being considered a man. A part of him started to believe he'd never get rid of that stigma of 'cute'.

/

"You want me to what?"

Hestia winced at the words. The sun was setting by now, its red color painting the city. To be honest she felt a bit bad for coming so late, but it was the most optimal time between making sure Hephaestus wasn't busy and making sure she wouldn't be too angry. The disbelief still hurt though. Clearing her throat, she gathered her courage and proceeded to repeat her words, pointing at the bag she laid on her friend's desk.

"Reforge these blades into weapons that can keep up with Bell!"

Hands folded under her chin, Hephaestus remained unimpressed. Their relationship was a bit complicated. They were close friends back in heaven, but Hestia, to her shame now, was quite the freeloader when she came down to the Mortal World, having lazed around nonstop in her home. Looking back she could count by the angry veins popping up by how much she was straining her patience. It was only thanks to Astraea's good nature and taking her in that Hestia didn't sour or even destroy her friendship with Hephaestus. However, as she sort of expected, alright relationship didn't mean charity. The goddess of the forge sighed, exhaustion visible on her face as she massaged her own temples.

"I understand there may be sentimental value. The first weapons are always special." She opened her one eye, frowning at Hestia. "But you are asking for a lot here. My Familia sells high quality tools. Even giving you a discount would be too much. With what you are asking... it's quite a lot."

Hestia bit her lip. She knew this would happen. That her request was too unreasonable. But... But... ! She thought about what she read on Bell's back. Remembered the stories about the outside world, the contents of his diary. His always wide eyed look, that earnest kid that wanted to be a hero... Imagining him not coming back home if Hestia didn't do everything in her power to do so... She shook her head. Thinking about it didn't matter. What mattered was to convince Hephaestus. But the question was how? Before she could come up with an explanation before she ran out of Hephaestus' patience, Solaris stepped forward. The goddess felt her heart clench at her depressed sight. The usual energy she possessed, that brightened up her day, was buried beneath the recent events. Even the blacksmith raised her eyebrow. Then however, Solaris bowed, her hands curling up into fists.

"Please listen to what she has to say, Lady Hephaestus."

It was an earnest plea, from the first child for the sake of her goddess. Hestia held back tears, thanking fate that she was able to meet that girl. As Hephaestus sighed and nodded at Hestia, she stepped forward, with a hand on her chest.

"I know where Bell is walking towards... He needs all the help he can get." She bowed her head as well, even lower than Solaris did. "For that journey he is partaking himself, for that goal he wants to reach, I want to grant him power! For that, he needs his swords back! Reforged, so that they will never fall behind again!" She sniffed, shaking her head furiously. "I... I don't have any special talents! All I can do is sit at home and wait for my brave kids to return home! So if begging like this will help them, I-"

"Enough." She snapped her head up, seeing Hephaestus lean back with crossed arms. She let out a long suffering sigh, yet the smile on her face caused Hestia to feel hope. "Haaah... You'll stay here forever if I don't say yes, right?"

She couldn't help herself. As she started to bounce, she practically jumped over the desk, to shake her friend's hands repeatedly.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

It took awhile for her to calm down. Once she did, Hephaestus shook her hands with a wry expression.

"Just to make this clear, you'll repay every valis for it." She leaned forward, hand resting on her cheek in amusement. "Even if it takes centuries."

"Of course!" Hestia shouted, undaunted. With her hands on her hips, she nodded in excitement. "I was planning to get a job anyway! Staying alone in that big house was gonna drive me crazy!"

"At least Astraea pushed some work ethic into you." Hephaestus' soft smile was replaced by a calculating frown as she rubbed her chin. "Two swords, longer than knives... this is going to take a while... "

"I'll take my leave then if that's all," Solaris said quietly. Giving a conflicted smile to Hestia, she left the room before anyone could object. Hestia's hands curled up into fists. She should've said something at that moment. Anything. But anything she could've come up with would have sounded empty. Turning her head, she hoped her friend would have some words of advice. Instead she received a pointed look that felt like a dagger in her heart.

"She really must be depressed." She crossed her arms. "She hasn't tried hooking me up with her brother at all since you two got here."

"It's my fault... " Hestia muttered, shaking her head in self admonishment. "I am playing favorites here."

She saw the signs. The first one when Bell and Kojiro joined in. The frowns, the subtle looks of envy, when hearing about how the two men grew. How Hestia was doting on Bell occasionally. The level ups and now this most likely pushed the captain over the brink, in a sense. Low self esteem. Conflicted between being angry at them and loving them anyway. As a goddess, this was a failure on her part, even if she couldn't help herself. It wasn't like she didn't offer the same to Solaris when she first joined. But the girl was quite insistent that she would either only take mass produced goods or a weapon from her brother. She had quite the pride in it. Hestia even asked beforehand if it was okay for her to do this for Bell and Solaris agreed it was a good thing. Still, she felt that she should be doing more...

"Yes, you are," Hephaestus bluntly agreed. Her features softened up however. "But do you believe in her?"

"Of course I do!" Hestia shouted in indignation. The blacksmith nodded in approval.

"Then trust her that she'll get out of this slump." Amusement filled her voice. "Telling her that you love her helps however."

"I'll do just that! That and even more!"

"After we negotiate." Hephaestus' words caused Hestia to deflate. A shiver went down her spine when the blacksmith's eye seemed to glint like an evil god. "Or rather, after I tell you my price."

"Err, which is... ?" Hestia asked nervously. Her friend uttered out the number. The goddess of the hearth promptly fainted.

/

The bar they entered was a rather small one. It was weird in a sense, as it was one of those that only accepted reservations and prided itself in its privacy. The owner, a jolly dwarf, seemed to have a sense of humor too, as he called it the "Gremlin Cave". After they got seated at the counter, the dwarf just presented them with glasses and bottles and left, telling them to ring the bell if they needed something from him. Naturally the celebrations didn't quite start yet, as they merely enjoyed the rather homey atmosphere. However Bell couldn't quite enjoy it, as he tapped on the counter nervously.

"When you said celebration between men, I didn't expect this."

"What, the bar, the alcohol or him?" Kojiro asked, raising an eyebrow at Bell as he pointed to his right. The young man laughed awkwardly, before lowering his head.

"The third," he muttered. "He just didn't seem the type... "

A click of a tongue sounded in the small bar. Bell flinched when a certain blue haired individual leaned forward, openly glaring at the young man.

"He still has ears and sits right here, brat. So how about not referring to him in the third person as if he wasn't around?"

"S-sorry."

The small man rolled his eyes, resting his chin on his hand.

"Anyway, I was invited by Mr. Suicide over there." After shaking his head at Arash, he cracked a grin as he motioned with his head towards his seat neighbor. "Besides, Kojiro is an excellent pestizide."

Bell blinked. He felt that "Mr. Suicide" was yet another of the many complicated stories. Maybe Hestia was wrong and Arash was more reckless than expected? He wasn't sure. Still, what bothered him was what Kojiro was referred to as. Nervously, he raised his hand.

"A-against was?"

"Classified," Hans grunted out. Sighing, he crossed his arms and glanced at Bell. "And to your information, yes, I am a Pallum. Didn't grow whatsoever in fifteen years." He narrowed his eyes. "Don't ask."

"You are tall for a Pallum," Kojiro stated with not a hint of hesitation.

"What did I just say?!" Hans shouted, slamming his hands down the counter. "Don't ask me why the world made me like this!"

"Didn't you always say that this body represented the peak of your creativity?" Arash asked in a teasing tone, causing the author to throw his arms up in the air.

"So what?!"

Bell laughed awkwardly. Apparently the man was sensitive about his height in a way. He wasn't quite sure what the average size of a Pallum was, but considering that Finn, the Braver, was like a head smaller than this man... it must have been hard, being stuck between the regular Pallum and the regular human. He pointedly snapped his head away when Hans glared daggers at him, as if reading his mind. The author sighed before playing around with the empty clean glass.

"By the way, I'll have your book finished up pretty soon." Bell perked up as the man rolled his eyes before sighing. "Just gotta through the stupid editing phase... ugh. As if I want to read my own flawed writing repeatedly, but what do ya do for quality?"

The albino tried his best to not be too giddy. Yet the thought of a book, dedicated to his experiences, being released... ! He was both excited and mortified! Kojiro chuckled while Arash hummed thoughtfully.

"What's the title?" The latter asked. Slowly, Hans turned his head, looking Bell straight in the eyes. A smirk appeared on his face as he raised his finger.

"White Fool."

At once, Bell's mouth fell open. The two Stardust Garden residents blinked. Kojiro raised an eyebrow as he pointed at him.

"Are you the reason that's his alias now?"

"Sure is." He scoffed. "What, you wanted to get a name from the hacks that are the gods? Like Rabbit Foot or Little Rookie?" Hans pointed at the ceiling. "My name at least has some inspiration behind it!"

"And you think I'm an idiot," Bell muttered. He was certainly devastated when hearing that name. While he would never doubt the wisdom of the gods, to be called a fool hurt quite a bit. By now he managed to shrug it off after hearing Hestia's explanation, that the "fool" part referred more to the tarot card in a sense. Yet now knowing that Hans was the reason the name was brought up at all, however that worked...Not to mention the man himself was smiling, as if he did nothing to be guilty about..

"Am I wrong?"

Bell laughed awkwardly. Then there was that. Glancing at Kojiro, he pointed at himself.

"Err... All heroes are idiots?"

Hans raised an eyebrow before laughing quietly, slapping Kojiro's arm as he looked at him.

"Rare words of wisdom. I'm impressed." Rolling his shoulders he reached into his white coat. "Alright, enough chit chat." He slammed a bottle down on the counter, a grin on his face. "Time to get wasted."

"Is that from Soma?" Arash asked, eyeing the half moon and the cup imprinted on the glass. Hans snapped his fingers before pouring each a glass.

"Soma is the only booze worth a damn in this place."

"Uhm, I thought these things weren't in circulation anymore?" Bell asked, raising his hand as he recalled some information about the city. About how Soma wine was highly sought after until five or so years ago the god himself took them out of the market, which angered a lot of people. Hans meanwhile smirked, pointing at himself before taking a sip from the wine.

"Who do you think caused it?" Letting out a satisfied breath before putting the glass down, his cheeks flushing red ever so slightly, he crossed his arms smugly. "Soma likes my books. I give them for free, he gives me the good stuff."

"I... never drank before," Bell muttered, staring at the glass in front of him.

"That's why we're here," Arash said casually, patting his back reassuringly. Hans nodded in agreement.

"No worries about negative side effects or hangovers."

"Really? Sounds miraculous," Kojiro asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's the god of wine, of course it's miraculous." Hans pulled out a smaller bottle, shaking it with a smirk. "Also he made this sober up drink in emergencies, so get as wasted as you want to."

Bell gulped, looking down at his cup, the red color almost shining as if it tried to seduce him. He saw how weird people could get after taking in alcohol so it worried him a bit. Still, Bell thought with curiosity, how bad could it be with him? With that in mind, he raised the cup, intending to drink his first alcoholic drink.

Time moved forward. By now it was deep in the night, the time only bars would be open like the one they were in now. It was at most an hour they spent in this tavern, but for the former Heroic Spirits? It felt quite long. Mostly because a certain individual managed to make time feel long with his... alcohol induced state.

"And-And-And I dunno what to do... !" With tears streaming down his face, Bell buried his face in his arms, letting out a loud sniff. "Aiz' just too cool and beautiful!"

The three still somewhat sober men laughed awkwardly, Hans shaking his head in disbelief as he wrote away on a notebook.

"Jesus, that was only one sip." He let out a scoff of amusement before taking another sip frm his own drink. "Good lord, he really is like a disney princess that overshares her emotions."

"Well, consider that curiosity sated," Kojiro commented, staring at Bell's sobbing in fascination. He glanced at Hans. "Are you sure he won't remember any of this?"

"Vague memories at best." Hans shrugged nonchalantly. "Better he learn lesson number one of alcohol in a safe environment."

"Not accepting drinks from strangers?" The swordsman asked. Hans nodded in agreement.

"Memory loss is a bitch, but that too."

"There, there, buddy," Arash muttered, gently rubbing his back. Meanwhile Bell let out another outburst of emotions, downing yet another glass, enjoying the taste with a small giggle before crying once more.

"Should I be like Argonaut?! Like the Mercenary King?! Like you guys?! Can I even do it?!" He let out a messy gasp. "Would she even care?!"

Hans snapped his fingers, his other hand holding the pen.

"Oi, kid. Back on track." The drunk kid meekly nodded when Hans stared at him intensely. "What did you feel during your fight with the minotaur?"

This was how the evening went. Hans getting him drunk to get rid of his inhibitions, to allow his emotions to flow out more easily. It was one of the few last things he needed to get done for the book. He just didn't expect the lack of any self control in this state.

"It-It was like a rival! connected by fate!" A blush, deeper than the drunk red that his skin was, appeared on his face. "N-not that I would think like that about a m-minotaur, Aiz is the only one, bu-"

"Hans," Arash said in a chiding tone. Fun was fun, but this was getting a bit out of hand. Hans nodded in agreement, pocketing the notepad away.

"Yeah, good enough." He snapped his fingers three times in front of Bell. "Now go to sleep. Heroes need to sleep."

"If-If you say so…"

A moment later his hand almost slammed down on the counter, saved by Kojiro holding his collar. Loud snoring sounded in the bar as Bell fell asleep in an instance. Gently putting him down, the swordsman turned to Hans, a frown on his face.

"Hans, a question."

"You may or may not get an answer. Shoot."

"How did you know about the parts we didn't tell you?" Arash perked up at the words as Kojiro crossed his arms. "And don't start with 'author's intuition'."

Looking back, there were indeed too many details in that notepad. As if Hans was observing the events himself. Human Observation could only do so much and the way this was written, it was made clear that Hans only 'added to the experience that was already there' instead of making it up from hearsay alone. The man turned Pallum licked his lips a few times in contemplation before shaking his head and pointing at Bell.

"Don't tell the kid, but he's getting stalked."

"By your god?" Arash asked, not sounding too surprised. Yet at Kojiro's questioning look, Hans rolled his eyes.

"Slut goddess personified, yes."

"Wait, is Freya your goddess?" He asked quickly, remembering a similar description before arriving in Orario. Hans scoffed, twirling his hand at him.

"So shocked, are you?"

"Why yes, you did warn us about her." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I sort of expected you to heed your own warning."

"Wow, we are funny today," Hans grumbled. Shaking his head he looked up at the ceiling, his eyes half lidded. "It all just happened and by now I am way too invested in turning that whore into an actual real girl like I'm the damn Fairy godmother."

"You certainly don't pick easy tasks," Arash said with a laugh. As Kojiro chuckled as well, Hans gave both of them a pointed look.

"For how long did you know me by now?"

"To be fair, the timeline is a bit fuzzy in my memories." Kojiro nodded slowly. "Hm, so I suppose Odin was referring to her then."

"Smart man," Hans commented before a smirk appeared on his face as he regarded Kojiro. "Your soul really is a drug trip apparently because she was close to barfing when she saw you. It's great."

The group laughed together. It was a bit somber, as it reminded the three of them of another place where many different individuals would just sit together and have some drinks. Still, there was something bugging Kojiro, in the far back of his mind regarding this topic. Yet with the alcohol giving him a pleasant buzz, he couldn't place it. Oh well. With a shrug he stood up. It couldn't be that important.

"We should carry him back."

With a huff, he hoisted Bell up, who muttered in his sleep. Adjusting him on his back, he began to move forward. Arash pulled out a bag of valis and put them down on the counter. Wandering down the streets together with Hans, the archer turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

"Why not give him that sober up drink?"

"And have him be awake? No thank you. Sleeping people are easier to transport," Hans countered dryly.

"I assume that is not just you caring and wanting him to rest more?"

"Why ask obvious questions?"

"My mistake."

They kept trading playful jabs. After a while however, Kojiro turned his head towards them.

"Did any of you ever wonder why we're here? As we are?"

As expected, the two locals didn't seem to care too much as they both shrugged at the same time.

"Kojiro, we've been here since fifteen years. If there is some big important task, it sure is taking its sweet ass time."

"Agreed. We searched at the start, each on our own and then later cooperating a bit but... " Arash twirled his hand at the empty, dark alleys. "No hints at all."

"So this might just be a rather weird coincidence and us getting a second chance at life?" Kojiro asked, sounding a bit skeptical. Hans nodded, arms crossed.

"Probably. Of course we could be wrong and we should've hauled ass for twenty years to prepare for a Beast or something like that." He looked at Kojiro with a thoughtful look. "Or in your case... give or take three years?"

"Indeed." Kojiro sighed, fully aware of that gap in the time frame between their appearances. "I am a bit jealous."

"Look at it this way, if you arrived sooner, you wouldn't have met Bell," Arash pointed out. Kojiro smiled warmly, as he adjusted Bell on his back, his peaceful expression making the swordsman feel more at ease.

"Hah. That is tru-"

The trio stopped. They all noticed it, even with their intoxicated state. The sounds of footsteps, the presence. Slowly, a figure emerged in front of them, entering the light of a nearby lantern. But they could already make out her appearance beforehand. Blond hair, cut short to her ears. A black keikogi, form fitting her attractive figure. Hans shook his head in disbelief.

"You gotta be kidding me."

"Am I missing something?" Arash asked, more confused than anything. But Kojiro paid it no heed. His wide eyes were replaced by a soft smile. The memories of the past flooded his mind as the individual stopped in front of them. Kojiro bowed, traditionally as his heritage dictated.

"Long time no seen."

"Hello, Kojiro," the girl responded back, a small smile on her face as her fluffy tail swished over the ground, her fox ears twitching on her head.