I forgot to add this before but...
Disclaimer: All rights to Re: Starting Life in a Different World from Zero and South Park belong to their respective owners.
Upon opening his eyes he immediately noted the dark rich wooden ceiling, having grown used to waking up to sights of a jagged white ceiling it was an easy difference to spot. Sitting up he found himself in a pleasant room, one that looked as large as his whole apartment. The whole sight caused him to malfunction, taking a minute to gather his senses. Turning towards the sunlight shining to his right, he met a pair of giant windows.
Standing he made his way over. It was a beautiful sight to be sure, a grand courtyard that released a sense of tranquility and peace. Protecting the land was a large white scaled wall. It was large, but he was high enough to get a view just beyond the wall, out towards the street ahead.
Having his fill he pivoted his attention back to his bed.
Futon, he quickly corrected.
Lying neatly a few feet to the side were his things. Bag, hoodie, mask, gloves, and cloak. And despite staring at his folded clothes he sent a hand atop his head, where instead of the familiar sensation of soft fabric he felt his messy hair. Sending his other hand to his face he felt noted his missing mask. Looking downwards he noted his missing shirt, his body and left arm wrapped in bandages.
Gazing towards the sound of an opening door, Kenny came face to face with a maid. Her cat ears standing up as her eyes widened in alarmed.
"You're awake." Confirming her findings out loud, the woman excused herself. "Pardon me, I'll be right back." Shutting the door behind her Kenny's hand dropped to his side. Eyeing the futon he sluggishly made his way back, placing himself underneath its blankets. As he tried to make sense of what was going his thoughts quickly wandered to this newfound comfort.
In his apartment he was used to sleeping on a shitty mattress that he barely tolerated. Here he felt himself being sunken in, like the bed was enveloping his form. Deciding to take in this newfound luxury he gently laid back down, sighing at the pillow's tenderness.
Just as he felt himself being dragged back to sleep the door creaked once more, followed by the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. Sitting up he had a second to prepare himself before a small body crashed into him, engulfing the young man in a hug.
"Mysterion!"
"?" Still slightly lost in thought, the young hero hesitantly hugged her back. As yesterday's events replayed in his mind he pulled the girl away. "Daisy...?" She playfully nodded, enjoying his slight bewildered expression.
"What are you doing here?"
"To see you." She answered, inwardly surprised by his lighter voice.
"Huh?"
"Morning." A new voice answered, looking past the girl in his arms Daisy's father met him with a smile. "I pray you slept well."
Before having a chance to answer, he was stunned into silence as a figure rushed at him. Placing themselves at the bedside a reptilian eyed woman separated Daisy from him. Placing her hands on him she overlooked his upper body, "Are you alright, do you feel any pain?" As she continued her examination he shook his head. "Truly?" He reaffirmed with a nod.
"Fansincating, I had figured a few of your injuries hadn't completely healed yet." The woman took a step back. "Apologizes, it must have been uncomfortable having a stranger run their hands over you."
"It's fine." Besides having been through worse, his more unsavory side kinda enjoyed it.
"Oh?" Not expecting such an answer the woman's tongue slipped out for a second, its snake-like appearance catching him off guard. "Well moving on, I'm Medusa Regal, I've been the one assigned to overlook your condition."
"My conditions?" He repeated, looking at his bandaged arm.
"Yes, your injuries, or previous injuries as it stands," She clarified, sparing Daisy's father a glance. "I've healed and treated your injuries to the best of my abilities. Due to your initial state I feared there were still parts of yourself needing treatment," She side eyed the sheepish sitting girl. "But I'm glad to see that isn't the case. However I still wish to do an extensive check up one last time. Come see me when you can, I'll be here all day."
Having said her piece Regal made her way towards the exit. "I'll be here if you need anything else." she commented before leaving.
Staring at his hand he slowly curled his fingers, setting it down after a few moments. As he did Daisy returned to wrapping her savior in a hug. Stoically he began to pat her back when another voice called out. "Mysterion correct?" Spoke to the charming woman besides Daisy's father.
"Yeah."
"I would like to sincerely thank you." She gave him a bow. "I know what you did for my daughter yesterday, you don't know how much it means to see my daughter safely returned."
"You're welcome…?" Not used to being genuinely thanked by anyone outside of Karen, Kenny quickly shifted his gaze to Daisy's father. "Where am I?"
"You're in one of our guest rooms."
Taking it in he paused for a moment. "Why am I here?"
One of his rabbit ears dropped. "You saved our daughter, is that not enough?"
"No, I guess what I mean is how?" Pulling Daisy away he furrowed his brows. "I was in-"
"The alleys I know." Finishing for him he sighed. "After you had departed Daisy wished to send some guards after you. She feared those men would try to enact revenge, so I ordered a few of my men to trail you." Kenny shifted his gaze at Daisy, who smiled in response. "According to them they had quite some trouble, apparently you constantly shifted and turned in supposingly random streets, as if you had no idea where you were going."
Yeah that sounds about right.
"They had lost track of you until they had questioned a shop owner who informed them that a dark hooded individual entered the alley across from their shop. With this in mind they ventured in and roamed until soon the sound of fighting could be heard. Rushing to the source they reported a fleeing Demi-Human alongside a numbered amount of fallen men. Among them were you."
"Realizing the situation at hand they quickly ministered first aid before transporting you here, to our abode." He coupled his wife's hand. "I called and had you treated right away."
"I see." Placing his hands against the bed, Kenny gazed down at his bandaged form.
"I'm thankful you managed to recover." commented, a small smile on his lips.
"I imagine there must be much on your mind, we'll leave you to think in peace." Announcing their departure, mirrored her husband's expression. "We'll have food delivered shortly, so please take as much time as you need."
Reaching a hand towards her daughter she called her over. "Come now Daisy, let's give Mysterion some space."
"But I don't want to go." Facing her mother with pleading eyes she tried to rest her case. "Can't I stay?"
"Daisy…"
"Please?" With giant eyes she pleaded with her mother, her ears twitching as a means to strengthen her plea. Deciding it wasn't enough to convince her parents she turned her face to Kenny, having him bear the full force of her attack. "I can stay, right?"
Staring down the largest puppy eyes he had ever seen, Kenny relented. "I don't mind." He answered with a sigh.
"Well alright then." Knowing how deadly her daughter's pitiful expression can be, she gave Kenny an apologetic smile. "We'll be going then, it'll be a little busy with the preparations for tomorrow's meeting but should you need anything please feel free to ask. One of our household servants will be more than happy to assist your needs."
Giving her husband a loving glance the two departed with a wave. Before they could shut the door Kenny called out to them. "Wait." With their figures just outside they looked at him.
"Thanks."
The parents shared a smile, "Please there's no need to thank us , this is the least we can do." The door quickly shut after, leaving the two to themselves.
Seating herself right besides him, Daisy happily humming to herself, her head tilting side to side. There was nothing wrong with her simply enjoying the peace, but based on their previous interactions he was almost surprised she wasn't chatting away. But this was a good thing really, it gave him more time to contemplate things.
It may be ridiculous to say, but truth be told he found it odd he didn't die. To any other man they would be counting their lucky stars to be alive, but to Kenny McCormick dying was as rare as drawing the short stick in a group of ten. Over the years his deaths became less and less, but they never truly stopped. It may be grim to say but Kenny was an expert when it came to death, and it's symptoms. Fading pain, sense of loneliness, creeping chills, he felt the usual lying on the cold floor last night.
But the fact he woke up here, well he lived.
Which, again, was odd. He was mostly always right whenever it came to his feeling of impending death. Rubbing his chin he simply sighed. So his death sense was wrong from time to time, no big deal. Of course it wouldn't have hurt to have woken up in his bed in South Park, but no harm in taking the long way home.
"I'm glad you're alright you know." Taking him out of his thoughts, Daisy flashed him a smile, "They wouldn't tell me much, only that you needed help..." Trailing off recent worries raced her mind before she shook them off. "I'm happy to see you're okay now."
"Thanks." He said, offering a small grin. With his responsibilities entering his mind, Kenny got up.
"Mysterion?" Puzzled, she watched as he bent down and rummaged through his stuff. Producing a white tee, he put it on. "What are you doing?"
"Getting dressed." Sliding on his orange coat he grabbed onto his face mask.
"Why?"
Was there a reason why? Well for a little girl the responsibilities of going to work, and more importantly tracking back home, was not really an issue. Ruffling his hair back he put on his cap. "Work."
"Oh..." Pulling his mask over his nose, he stuffed his Mysterion costume into his bag. "But you haven't eaten yet."
He shrugged. "I'll find something on the way."
"But-"
Cutting her off, the door opened once more. A familiar cat maid entered the room carrying two trays of breakfast. Placing them next to the bed she gave them a bow, "Please enjoy."
As the maid left, the two shared a look. Steam came off the plate, as the humble breakfast tempted his stomach. Silently he watched as Daisy handed him a plate. "Let's eat!"
Half an hour passed as the two ate, with most of their time spent in conversation. Kenny, much to Daisy's insistence, retold his experience as Daisy eagerly listened. Her expression constantly changed as she took in each comment and detail. Obviously McCormick left out the more graphic detail and ending of the fight.
"Then I woke up here." He finished with a frown.
"That's amazing!" With sparkling eyes she imagined the event. "You took them all by yourself! You even managed to survive against their boss!"
"Yeah." That feeling of unease returned. He certainly felt that their boss, the Crocodile, killed him. Or at least he felt like he killed him, he vividly remembered the feeling of death embrace as he slowly bleed out in that cold dark alley.
But he lived. Thanks to the knights reaching him in time and efforts he miraculously managed to pull through. The fact he was here and not in his crappy bed assured him of that.
Still, alive or not, it was really painful.
As a cheerful Daisy beamed, Kenny munched on the last of his breakfast.
This is really good.
Noticing his finished breakfast Daisy's smile slowly diminished. Honestly she would have loved to spend more time with her hero, but she couldn't. A young child she may be, she understood the concepts of adult life. Heir to her father's company, she knew how important it was to work, how money affected everyone's personal lives. And yet, she selfishly wished to spend one more day with him.
"Mysterion." She spoke, her voice soft. "Do you have to go?"
"I-" He paused. "Why?"
"Well I just..." Trailing off she thought of an idea. "I want to visit the city with you."
"I told you I have work."
"I know it's just... I want to spend some more time with you, before you leave. Just for today, please?"
In all honesty he didn't have to go to work today. Besides a forecast of light rain, his boss wouldn't miss him for a day. Sure the guys on site would be a little annoyed at his absence, but if anything he could just repay them for a night at the pub.
Damn, she was giving him the puppy eyes again. Besides Karen, and the new kid at times, he never really felt himself being swayed like this. "Well, I can take the day off."
"Really?" she questioned with hopeful eyes.
"Yeah, but I really gotta get going tomorrow. So just for today."
"Ok!" Answering with a smile she began to bounce up and down. "I'll go get ready!" Already deciding their newfound day's activity, she zoomed out the room. As the door slammed shut, Kenny was left to himself once again. There were a lot of things on his mind, thoughts that should have been the center of his attention, but McCormick simply didn't want to deal with those thoughts at the moment.
Taking a quick stretch, he looked into his bag. Having rummaged through it earlier, he knew all his belongings were there. Yet it wouldn't hurt to double check before he left. Shuffling through his stuffed Mysterion costume, he noted his pistol, books, wallet and phone. Spotting what he wanted, he took out a pack of cigarettes and lighter. Stuffing them into his coat's pockets.
Now he now felt ready.
Awaiting Daisy's return, Kenny took the opportunity to look outside again. It was a sunny day, no sign of the so-called light rain that was forecasted. The few trees in the courtyard gently swayed as guards took their post by the giant wooden gate. As he continued to stare however, the corner of his vision caught a sudden dark appearance. In the corner of the road was a hooded figure. They weren't there for long, fifteen seconds at best before they vanished from sight.
Unfortunately Kenny didn't have time to properly process what he had just seen as Daisy reentered the room with a giant grin.
"Ok, let's go!"
Glancing out the window one last time, McCormick frowned.
"Hey, I don't have any money." As they stopped before a pleasantly looking restaurant, Kenny mentioned his lack of funds while glancing down at her. Believing they wouldn't be buying anything he had left his wallet back in his bag.
"That's ok!" Daisy replied, a smile plastered on her face, "I can just lend you some!" Tugging on his sleeve she began dragging the cashless adult. So far they had spent their time window shopping, going around town Daisy introduced him to many different spots and shops she enjoyed. He also properly introduced himself, feeling a bit guilty keeping his real name from her. It was nice, strolling around while an energetic girl rattled her opportunistic thoughts away was something he missed.
While Karen wasn't as chatty, she happily spoke her mind to him. From stating how pretty a sweater looked to how sweet her vanilla ice cream tasted. They would just have a good time in each other's company.
As he entered through the front doors he frowned. Karen should be fine, now in high school she still lived with their mother and father. They were still poor, but with Karen able to find work and Kenny's financial support his little sister had been able to take care of herself. No longer having to eat frozen waffles or wear the same clothes Karen's life had gotten better.
I should hurry back.
He was brought out of his thoughts as he saw Daisy wave her hands. Looking in her direction he saw a little orange haired cat girl wave back.
"Mimi!"
"Daisy!"
Departing from the young woman at her side, Mimi met Daisy's advance, the two crashed into a hug.
"I'm glad to see you, how've you been?"
"Mimi's been good! Have you been good too?"
"I've been great!"
As the two girls continued to greet themselves Kenny turned his gaze to the girl's chaperone, who gazed at him in return. As quickly as he looked he shifted his sights away. He was indifferent to her young appearance, her cute appearance not as impactful as a seductive look would have been. Her blue green eyes coupled with her long purple hair and white pinkish color palette emitted a lovely charm.
But perhaps most disappointingly, she was rather petite. Not that he would treat a petite woman differently than one well endowed, but he still appreciated the view granted by a bountiful one.
Having turned his attention to the two girls, he missed the ever so slightly widened smile and narrowed eyes the lovely lady sent his way.
His disappointment was not missed.
Thankfully the atmosphere was shifted as Daisy returned to him with her friend at side.
"This is the man who saved me!"
"Hi, Mimi is Mimi! Nice to meet you!" Offering a friendly introduction, the tiny cat girl known as Mimi waved at him. With a wave of his own he greeted her. "Hmm?" One of her cat ears perked as she tried to process what he said. "Hi?" Seeing him nod she smiled. "Mimi wasn't sure because Mimi couldn't hear you too well."
Kenny let out a muffled acknowledgement, he had heard that saying much throughout his life.
"We're gonna go eat now!" Shifting her attention Mimi grabbed onto Daisy's hand.
"Do you want me to pay for us?" Questioning her friend Daisy tilted her head.
"It's ok, my lady gave me some money." Taking out a small leather bag, the girl gently shook it revealing the clashing sound of coins.
"Ok! Oh but can Kenny?" While she had come to the restaurant to meet up with her friend, Daisy still wanted to spend time with the vigilante.
"Your friend can eat with me Daisy." Speaking with a certain dialect, the purple haired lady joined in. "I'll keep 'em busy while you two catch up."
The short bunny girl seemed to mull this over before nodding. Walking over to him she handed him some coins. "Here!" As the coins filled his hand he mindlessly wondered if she was messing with him. Wouldn't it have been better to give him some cash? But the genuine smile she gave him shut those thoughts down, maybe she just preferred using coins.
Sending her off with a hidden smile, Daisy rejoined Mimi as the two set off to find a table. Left with coins in hand, Kenny had no choice but to follow the nicely dressed lady to a table. Stuffing them into his pocket, the two sat down. Far enough to speak freely to themselves and with a clear view to where the girls sat. Happily staring at the girls for a few moments, the young woman made herself comfortable.
"Before we begin, why don't we introduce ourselves."
He shrugged, reaching out a hand. "Kenny McCormick."
"Anastasia Hosin, pleasure to make ye're acquaintance." She replied, taking his hand for a moment.
Maybe this conversation wouldn't be so bad.
"Now then, that was kinda bold don't ya think?"
Or maybe it would.
