Chapter 8

Gorou teleported to the Traveller's teapot with closed eyes. He carefully opened one eye, looking around warily.

"S-sorry for the trouble...!" He said weakly as he looked around, unsure when exactly to say it as he had already stepped inside the teapot. He was amazed by the space that the Traveller had created in their realm. He couldn't wrap his head around how such a huge space could fit inside a teapot, but he was also taken aback by seemingly how much work had gone into decorating and filling the teapot. Gorou suddenly felt very tiny and nervous.

"Are you really sure it's okay for me to stay here tonight?" He checked again with the Traveller who happily nodded.

"Welcome to our humble abode! Feel yourself at home! Oh, and the mansion is this way." He gestured towards the door behind Gorou, who just now realized they had been standing in front of the door this whole time.

"I'll be your tour guide!" Paimon chimed in excitedly, and they stepped inside. Gorou was so overwhelmed by all these new experiences, he didn't have time to think about any of his other worries. Traveller showed Gorou all his pets, the mansion's rooms (all decorated with different styles and elements), each island with the gardens and ponds and fountains, exploring each area as if it was an adventure. Gorou's breath was taken away when he noticed some houses and decorations in Inazuma style, when he saw trees just like the ones on Watatsumi Island, but most importantly, he was shocked by the amount of things that were there.

By the time they had checked out everything, it was nighttime - though it didn't even occur to Gorou just how magical it is that there's a day-and-night cycle inside such a realm - and Paimon was half-asleep as she followed the two of them.

"I think it's time I showed Gorou his room and we can all catch some Z's. Sounds good?" Traveller offered and Paimon nodded groggily.

Traveller gave Gorou a room on the upper floor, a smaller but all the more cozy and comfortable bedroom.

"If you need me, I'll be in the bedroom across the hall, okay?" Gorou nodded, and wanted to say something. Traveller waited patiently for him to find the words.

"I'm ... really grateful." Gorou said, but his eyes told more than the words. When Traveller looked at him, he really saw the gratitude in them. He could only imagine the terror the poor general had gone through, to be this touched by his help.

"I'm glad I could help." Traveller replied then closed the door behind him.

Gorou let the silence sink in. Today was a very eventful day, and he saw so many new things. Having spent the majority of the day with Traveller filled him up with so much energy and hope, but at the same time, he also realized that it only lasted while they were together. Now that he was alone with his thoughts, even before the memories could come back to him, his fears acted up even quicker. He wasn't even sure what effect today would have on him, but he felt worried nonetheless. He placed his backpack on one of the sofas and sat by one of the windows, looking out somberly. He watched the waves on the shore in the distance, caught up in his own thoughts. With a sigh, he rested his forehead against the window, not feeling the strength to be alone.

Today he had a place to stay, but where was he going tomorrow? How can he ever be normal again without Traveller being there for him? His nightmares felt so distant now, but he knew, if he went back, it would all come back without delay.

Hours passed and Gorou was still sitting there, looking out the window. He lazily glanced at the clock on the wall - 2 in the morning. With a sigh he thought to himself, "Guess no sleep for me tonight." He felt a pang of guilt, knowing the Traveller would pick up on it tomorrow, but it was still the lesser evil compared to having to see those nightmares again. He stood up only to bring a blanket to wrap himself in - not for the warmth, but rather, just the sensation of comfort.

As he sat back, he picked up sounds of footsteps, coming towards his room. His ear twitched and he curiously looked at the door - who could it be at this hour? His shoulders relaxed again as he saw the Traveller in the doorway, with a cup in hand.

"Am I bothering?" Traveller asked in a hushed voice, most probably to not wake up Paimon. Gorou shook his head and the Traveller stepped inside.

"I just realized I hadn't brought you the berry tea I had promised. If Paimon found out, she'd be fuming." The two of them chuckled merrily and Gorou took the cup. There was a bit of quiet peace as Gorou slurped the warm tea.

"Can't sleep?" Traveller asked gently and Gorou nodded.

"I don't think I'm ready yet to face my nightmares. Today was too nice to end on such a sour note."

"I also enjoyed our day together. Say what, why don't you tell me some of your favorite stories from the army? I've always wanted to hear them."

"W-what? Really?"

"Absolutely! I wonder what it's like to be the Top-Dog General! That is, of course, if you don't mind sharing."

Gorou looked away bashfully. "I don't mind, though I'm not sure if I have any exciting stories to tell. Oh well, I guess I can try! It's the least I can offer for such an amazing day, and all the help you've given me!"

The two of them talked late into the night, sharing funny and exciting stories. Somehow, Gorou became sleepy before Traveller, and he had to stifle a few yawns as he kept talking. The Traveller just rested his head on his hand, and continued to listen to the stories, all the way until Gorou finally drifted off into sleep.

Traveller pulled the blanket tighter on Gorou and quietly stepped out of the room to let him sleep.