A few moments later, Moonlight hotel...
Unwrapping the clean underwear which he stored away in his pocket, Eiji cried inside as he counted what little Yen coins he had while Ankh sat comfortably on opposite side, enjoying the beautiful view, eating ice cream. Back then, when he spotted this place, the bird Greeed decided that this traditional hotel was going to be their stop. However, different from him, the young man found this was a really bad idea after one look. He tried to stop his partner, but by that time, he had already slided the door opened. Charmed by his beauty, the one at the front desk totally forgot all of her duties and inviting them in while stuttering. Even when Eiji explained they just wandered in here by mistake, that they didn't have any intention of renting a room, the receptionist showed them straight to their luxury dinning room the moment Ankh said he wanted ice cream. What came next just happened naturally.
Just as Eiji predicted, everything here was super expensive. He nearly fell off his chair after taking a quick glance of the menu. Finished his third ice cream, Ankh raised his hand, ordering more.
"Ankh, you should really stop. At this rate, I won't have enough to pay off our bill."
"Like I care. You're the one promised me free ice cream for a year." He said while taking a big bite
"Yeah, but it doesn't inclue this expensive one! Gimme!"
"Oi! Give that back!"
"No! You have enough already!"
While Ankh jumped on Eiji's back, reaching his hand out, trying to get back his ice cream, a woman approached them.
"Excuse me, dear customers. I couldn't help but overheard your conversation."
"You are...?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Miho Kinta. I'm the owner of this hotel."
"Sorry, we'll leave immediately!" Eiji lowered his head. "Ankh, you apologize too."
"Huh?!"
"I think you're mistaken. I'm not asking you two to leave."
"You're not?"
"Yes. You see, my girls seem to have taken a liking toward you friend. If he agrees to take a couple of pictures with them, consider your bill is on the house."
"He will do it!"
"Oi! Don't just go around deciding things on your own!" The Greeed grabbed his shoulder.
"Then we have a deal." She smiled.
"Too late. I already did."
"You!"
"Of couse. I'll be more than happy to provide some treat of your selection once you're done for free. Of couse, ice cream is included."
"I hate to admit it, but this sounds fishy. Maybe I should just pay--"
"Alright. Where are they? Let's get this over with."
"Eh? Didn't you just said--"
"Shut up."
Under Miho's calling, the girls came rushing out and the photoshoot began. Half way through it, Ankh suddenly covered his ears, staggering. Seeing that, Eiji came running and caught him as he fell backward."
"Ankh, are you alright?!"
"Just what...are these sounds?"
"What do you mean? It has been like this from the beginning--"
At that moment, he remembered what the former scientist of the Kougami Foundation, Maki Kiyoto once said. When the tenth medal was taken away, desires filled into the void and a Greeed was born. However, they lacked the proper senses. To them, colors were washed out, taste was nonexistent, sounds were muffled and distorted, as well as the inability to feel deeper emotions such as love.
"Don't tell me... Aknh...you..."
"Eiji. Help me up."
"Alright."
Once he was back on his feet again, the bird Greeed slowly removed his hands and closed his eyes. After a few minutes, he finally opened them again and smiled before moving forward.
"Where are you going, Ankh?"
"You should feel honor, Eiji" He said while stepping on the stage, grabbing the microphone. "Just for today, I'm going to show you what I am capable of."