It was somewhat hard to imagine at that time, but it was true. I think I can finally have some peace for once. Things could finally settle down, for a while at least. Alice and I came back home from a long day and long journey to relax and put things back in order with the help of Alice's dolls. Alice started to command her dolls to clean the entire house while I put my gear back in my room, realizing I'm still missing something from my belongings.
Reinhardt: "Hey Alice?"
Alice: "Yes Reinhardt?"
Reinhardt: "Would you happen to know where my MP3 player is? It's a small device that makes music through these wires with buds on the end that go into your ears so you can hear the music."
Alice: "Hm, oh! You mean this thing I found in your belongings?" She pulled out my MP3 player from her sleeve with the earbuds plugged in.
Reinhardt: "Oh, so that's where it's been. I was starting to worry about losing it."
Alice: "I actually had it with me the whole time we were separated. This strange device is actually pretty neat. I don't even know how it's supposed to make all that music in such a small box. I listened to some of the music you had on it. A few of the songs were too loud for me to handle and some of it I couldn't understand, but otherwise I enjoyed listening to it and having it with me. Did you want it back?"
Reinhardt: "Well if you like some of the music on it, then you can borrow it as much as you want."
Alice: "Really?"
Reinhardt: "Sure. Anything for you."
Alice: "Thanks, Reinhardt. I don't know how to return your kindness, not just for this but for you going out of your way to find me after Yukari took me hostage to get to you."
Reinhardt: "It's because you were so kind to me. I knew you would do the same for me, and I still love you like I said before we separated." Alice blushed.
Alice: "You're truly serious, aren't you?"
Reinhardt: "I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
Alice: "I don't know, it's just that I don't get that much attention around Gensokyo, that's all. Well, except from Marisa but she's so outrageously popular that I could hardly see her as much of a friend. She's everywhere with everyone, but it seems that you don't get along too well with her."
Reinhardt: "Yeah, about that. When I first found out that you went missing, I went over to Marisa's house and... kinda blew a huge hole into her roof by shooting her Mini-Hakkero before she shot me into Oblivion."
Alice: "What? Is Marisa alright?"
Reinhardt: "Don't worry, I didn't injure her at all, only her insurance bill. That is if she has one. If not then her housing situation is screwed until she can repair that hole her Mini-Hakkero made. She won't be Master-Sparking anyone anytime soon though. Her weapon is broken too." Alice had an expression of surprise and disbelief with her jaw dropped.
Reinhardt: "Don't worry, though. That's not the only news. I made sure to keep the house in order while you were gone. I also had Rumia over since she needed somewhere to stay before I went to the Hakurei Shrine to find you. Don't worry, she behaved herself. I made sure to that. She also stayed on my side because I let her chew on my arm a bit."
Alice: "Goodness gracious, so many thing have happened while I was gone! Is your arm alright?"
Reinhardt: "Yeah, it's fine. There's plenty other stories to tell, though."
I told Alice about the time I spent in the underground city and my visits with the residents of the SDM. She was astonished at how much I've been through just for her. I also told her about clearing my reputation with the help of the Kakashi Spirit News journalist Hatate Himekaidou and the assistance I got from Yuugi Hoshiguma and Nitori Kawashiro. She felt better, knowing that I had more friends that could help the sun was setting, however, the question arose about where I'll stay indefinitely .
Reinhardt: "Are you sure I can live here with you until I can figure out a housing solution?"
Alice: "Of course! I would never think of letting you wander the wild after everything you went through to reunite with me. I love you too, remember?"
Reinhardt: "I would never forget."
I now officially had somewhere in Gensokyo I could call home. I slept in my bed given to me by the kindest soul in Gensokyo with a feeling of safety and belonging that could last my entire lifetime. Thank You, Lord, for everything You've done for me since I arrived in Gensokyo. Thank You for always protecting me from danger, even in the darkest of places with the most dangerous of beasts.
The news we got a few days after we could relax changed my view on this safety I had for once in my life. One morning after settling in from the long ordeal we both went through, we got a letter from Remilia Scarlet.
Alice: "Hm, I couldn't imagine what she would want, but let's just see."
She opened the letter to reveal an invitation to a party around a week from now. She immediately called me over to read it with her while I was in my room. I was a bit concerned, though, with the particular invitation from the very person who wanted me for dinner (literally).
Reinhardt: "I'm not so sure about going to this party, but then again I promised Remilia that I would visit her again so she would let me leave her mansion with my life."
Alice: "Don't worry, if anything happens, you always have me by your side." These words of assurance were more than enough to comfort me.
Reinhardt: "Thanks. Here's another thing about this invitation though, guests are strongly advised to bring a homemade dish, let's make a good impression by making something special for them."
Alice: "What do you have in mind? I was thinking of making something sweet as our dish."
Reinhardt: "I have a good idea. Do you know how to make a German Apple Pancake? I think I remember the recipe, only we should add a bit more sugar than required because last time I made one, it tasted very eggish since it requires around six eggs."
Alice: "Wunderbar! I think I've heard of the recipe too. We can prepare it a day before the party. We should send a letter in return, notifying them of our attending to the party."
Reinhardt: "I'll make sure to dress for the occasion as well. I'll show this world that I am a good person and I don't give up easily."
