AN: Different fonts denote different languages.

Normal font is English, Italics is Halkeginia's language, and underline is Japanese.

-o0o-

The morning sun shined its rays down on Tristain academy. The halls of the institution were buzzing with activity, but in a small room within, all was quiet and silent.

The group of foreigners gathered together, minus Saito who went to use the bathroom.

"So…" Vergil began, "Our plans then. They will need revision."

His family members nodded.

"We can't exactly go home the easy way. Being in another world entirely crosses that idea out," Dante replied.

"What about V and the others? Think they can open up something from their end?"

Both brothers shook their heads.

"The hardest part is not opening a portal, it is opening it to the correct location. Think of it as digging a tunnel between two locations when you have no idea where the end is," Vergil replied.

"Can't be that many other worlds though right?"

Vergil turned to Dante.

"Take it from me, Nero. There are a whole lot of other worlds out there than you might think," Dante replied.

"Even if there weren't," Vergil added, "another problem would be where this world is located. Saying that we can open a portal to our home is one thing, but doing so is another. No map exists detailing the coordinates of this place, as it exists on a different plane. By such rules it means that there is an infinite amount of space between this world and ours, and at the same time, there isn't. There is no way for us to navigate such terrain and return through our usual means," Vergil explained.

Nero crossed his arms.

"Well this ain't the first time you two crossed worlds. You made it back before, we can do it again," the young hunter replied.

"Indeed. But it will take time," Vergil replied.

A knock on the door, followed by an "Excuse me," cut their discussion short.

Saito entered, a small bag with him filled with personal toiletries. Fresh bandages adorned his arms and head.

"For now let us discuss how we will manage our lives here for the foreseeable future," Vergil continued.

"Are we really stuck here though? Is there no going back?" Saito asked.

Vergil nodded.

"At the moment, we are," the man who usually wore blue replied.

"But can't we use that summoning spell to bring us back?" Saito asked.

Vergil shook his head.

"That spell is meant to bring someone here, not to send them to where they returned. Even if such a spell could be reversed, there is no guarantee it would send us to our home."

"But it brought us here! It HAS to know where we live!"

"Kid's gotta point," Dante added. Though he knew better, he left to his brother to explain to the teen the reason the could not.

"It is not so easily done, Saito-kun. I know little of magic, but I know it must follow logic. Imagine opening a portal is like building a bridge between two cities. To create the spell is the same as crafting the bridge, only the mages do not know where the other end of the bridge is supposed to be. And unlike modern day technologies, they cannot look up where the spell had taken us from. There is no 'log' of where things were taken from, so they cannot even begin to fathom the image of our home world," Vergil replied.

"But… there has to be something…" Saito said to the hunters.

"Eventually, we will find something. Until then, we must focus on our accommodations."

"We've already got free food and a roof. I'm sure the headmaster's not gonna mind us taking up one room here," Dante said to the group.

"Pretty sure he won't, but I don't wanna bug him and the others just to help out our necks. I'd rather go make a living for ourselves," Nero replied.

"Agreed. While I appreciate his charity, I do not like to freeload off the backs of others. I much rather work hard for what I eat, or not at all," Vergil added.

Dante looked between his family members and let out a sigh.

"Ano… I'd feel pretty bad if the staff had to take care of me as well. If I could do something to help them, I would," Saito siad, throwing in his two bits.

"Alright! We'll find some work then," Dante said, throwing his hand up into the air, "we'll help out the staff around the academy, cool?"

"No," Vergil said as he walked to the window.

Dante shook his head.

"You said you want to work, now ya don't? Make up your mind Verg!"

"What I meant is that I refuse to work as a hired hand for the academy," Vergil said as he faced his comrades, "As we are aware, we are not mages, we cannot teach the students magic. The only other jobs a facility like this has for those like us are in the kitchen," Vergil then paused, eyeing the other occupants, "or as a janitor. And I refuse to service ill mannered children or clean up their messes."

Dante and the group sighed, but conceded Vergil's point.

"What do you suggest then brother of mine?" Dante asked.

"Simple. I saw no gardens or cattle around the school, thus the kitchen must get their supplies from somewhere. I imagine the cart that is parked outside the gates at the moment leads to a rural area where we may find work."

At that the remaining occupants crowded around the window, spotting a medium sized caravan offload wrapped items and sealed containers.

"Perfect timing then. Verg, we can head out to the town, and Nero and the kid can stick around here."

"Perhaps we can change the grouping a bit. Nero is still learning the language and Saito-kun is clueless, leaving them both here is unwise. I will go with Nero into town and you and the boy can remain here."

Dante looked at his twin and nodded.

"Alright. Just don't forget to grab me a souvenir when you come back."

–o0o–

"I still can't believe he tried to ask for 100 pieces of gold for the ride," Saito said as he walked along the old hunter.

Dante turned to Saito, the past few moments playing back in his mind. Both had found themselves currently walking to the headmaster's office in need of funds. The caravan driver, a merchant by the name of Harrison, asked for compensation for the ferry ride back. Despite Vergil's claim that the man had plenty of room and that two more bodies would not slow him down, the man insisted on being paid. Dante stepped forward and managed to haggle the merchant's unfair price down to five gold a person. Thus, the caravaneer allowed the father and son to board, with promises that he would get his money the next time he delivered food.

"Do you really think the headmaster has some gold lying around anyways?" Saito asked.

"Probably. From the way he said it, it sounds like gold is the standard currency here, unlike the paper money we got back home."

"Eh?! But gold is so valuable!"

"Maybe that's why they tie their finances to the stuff. Pretty much everyone did that a while back. They called it 'The Gold Standard'. If my history is still good, I think it was the U.S. President, Nixon who changed it so that paper money had a fixed value."

"Ah… I see…"

Dante raised a brow and turned to Saito.

"They didn't teach you that at school?"

Saito shook his head.

"We haven't covered that part in the course yet, I think."

"Another reason why we gotta make sure you get back A-S-A-P," Dante said as he stepped around the corner.

"Eh-Ees-Ey-Pee? Dante-san, what does that mea- oof!"

The young teen was pushed back on to his rear, just as the yelp of another person caught his attention.

"Ah-! I-I-I am sorry I-"

"Louise?" Dante cut off.

The pink haired girl looked up from her position on the floor, eyes wide at the old hunter.

"Oh! It's you! And your friend… Saito was it?" she said.

Dante extended a hand forward, and the petite girl took it. Once she was on her feet the girl quickly brushed down her uniform of any stray dirt or dust, before gathering her scattered books.

"Yep. That's his name," Dante said as he helped the Japanese teen to his feet.

"Ah- Ohayo," Saito said with a bow.

Louise looked at the hunter who swiftly translated for her.

"He says, "good morning.""

"Ah! Good morning to you as well. I hope you both are having a pleasant morning," she said back.

While clueless about the girl's words, Saito quickly understood the gesture of her light returned bow. Dante then responded to the girl's query.

"As good as we can have, I guess."

"Ah…" said the young girl as she thought back to the news they had discussed in the headmaster's office, "I suppose that is rather unsettling…"

Dante nodded, his mind flashing back to the short discussion.

-Headmaster's Office, 40 minutes earlier-

"Well… this ain't the land of Oz, but I sure wish I had a pair of ruby slippers right about now."

"Make that four pairs," Saito added.

"This… is quite the turn of events… I am sincerely sorry you were all ripped away from your homes," the old man replied.

"The fault is not you," Dante replied, "but we thank you for your sincerity."

"Am I to believe, then, that you will be extending your period of stay here in Tristain Academy?"

"It would appear so, for the time being."

Osmond nodded.

"Very well. I will allow you to stay within the guest room for now. As for food and the baths, I will let the faculty know and accommodate you for whatever you need. Longuevuille."

"I will sort out the necessary paperwork immediately, headmaster."

"Thank you very much. Now," the old mage said as he turned with a somber look to the four travelers, "Once again I am truly sorry for the turn of events. If there is any way I could return you back to your world I would do so. Until then, you are welcome here at Tristain."

The twin hunters gave a curt nod and translated for their comrades, putting their meeting to an end.

-Present Time-

"If I may ask…" Louise spoke up, "How long do you all plan to stay here at the Academy?"

Dante shrugged.

"Difficult to say," Dante replied, "My brother and nephew just left for town to find work. If things go well, we might move out by the end of the week."

"Oh…" the young mage replied in a somber tone.

Dante quickly took notice, "We will still be around. You can come visit us when you are free."

The pink haired girl looked up at the hunter, a small smile captured on her lips.

"Perhaps I will do that," she replied.

A loud bell cut through the halls, causing a slight panic to erupt in her.

"Pardon me, I have class. Have a pleasant day to you both," she said and two bows. The pink haired girl then scurried along to the class around the hall.

Dante turned to his younger cohort, seeing him grip his head.

"Are you okay Saito?"

"Yes… I just feel a little dizzy…"

"Must be the concussion. Take some deep breaths."

The young teen did as he was told. Moments later he was feeling much more stable.

"Good?" Dante asked.

"Yes… although I have to ask… do these bandages help at all?"

Dante shook his head.

"Eh?! Then why do I have them?"

"So that other people know you're injured. Don't worry though. One of the things my brother's looking for is a way to help your injury. Just bear with it for a little while."

"H-hai…" the teen said as they traversed further down the hall.

—o0o—

The ride over had been bumpy, with Vergil and Nero having only seats at the outer edge of the caravan. Their tears were sore from the hard wood they sat on, but their host denied their request for a cushion.

"Argh!" Nero exclaimed as the cart jumped once more, slamming the younger hunter on his sore rear.

"Does he have to hit every single bump in the road? Gonna lose my groove… and my rear."

"Judging by the way the cart is swaying, I have a suspicion he's doing this on purpose," Vergil replied.

"What, he's mad he couldn't charge an arm and a leg for a short ride?"

Vergil gained a wry smile.

"Well if you wish to compensate for half that price, you're more than welcome to."

Nero quirked an eyebrow in confusion, then shot his father a deadpan look in realization .

"Haha, very funny. Maybe you can donate one of your legs to cover the other half."

Another large jump caused Nero to land on his sore behind, making the hunter wince.

"Geez… when is this joy ride gonna be over?"

—o0o—

"Tch… what kind of spell is this? Who makes such a complex lock to such a simplistic door?" a voice whispered in the hallways of Tristain Academy.

A faint mystical glow extended from a short wand to a wooden door. An array of circles and symbols appearing before a hooded figure. With a swish of their hand, the oracles spun and changed, but no matter how the figure tried they would not disappear and reveal the treasures behind it.

"Argh, how aggravating… and the old man still won't tell me the way to unlock it!" The figure said, stomping their foot onto the ground.

They crossed their arms and examined the locks one more time, as footsteps echoed in the halls.

'Wait… those are not from my feet…'

The figure quickly dispelled their magic, causing the seals on the door to vanish. They removed their hood and hurriedly grabbed the textbooks at their feet, just as the owners of the footsteps rounded the corner.

"Oh, Longuevuille," said the old hunter, "Yo, perfect timing. Think the old man can lend us a few coins? Got nothing to our name and we could use a little start up fund."

The curvy secretary adjusted her frames, steadied her breathing, and turned to the older man and the Japanese teen.

"I apologize, what are you saying?" she asked.

Dante shot her a puzzled look, before hitting himself on the head with his left hand.

"My fault. I was talking to my friend and I spoke in the wrong language. My apologies."

The green haired woman smiled and tilted her head.

"No trouble at all. Can I ask that you repeat what you said?"

"Of course. I was wondering if Osmond can lend us some money as a beginner's money."

"Ah… well we would have to check our school's budget, but I do believe we can spare a few coins for you and your companions."

"That would be wonderful, thank you."

"It is no trouble at all. Now if there's nothing else…" she said as she began to walk away.

"There may be," the old hunter said, causing her to freeze. She lightly clutched her hidden wand, a spell forming in her mind.

"Do you mind if we use those books?" Dante said, pointing at the two she held in her hands she peered down at the tomes, one green and one red. Their covers read "Divination and Astrology for Second Years, 8th Edition," and "My Love, an Ocean. Your Heart, my Sky," respectively.

"Oh? Whatever use could you have for these?" she asked.

"I thought we could learn how to read and write in your language. I thought those books could be a good start."

"I see," the secretary said as she peered down once more at the books. She had grabbed the tome on divination on a whim to make in case she needed to hide her true motivations, so she had little feelings in parting with it. However, it belonged to the Academy and the paperwork needed to give it away would cause her a headache. As for the other… Well everyone has a small guilty pleasure and this was her's. She would never think to part with it until she was finished with it.

"I apologize, Ser Dante, but these are Academy property. If you wish to obtain your own copy, then you would have to purchase them yourself."

The old hunter nodded.

"That is unfortunate, but I accept the circumstances."

The old hunter then noticed the door she was just beside.

"What is this room for?"

"Ah, that," the bespectacled secretary began, "it is a storeroom of sorts."

"Oh… what were you doing there then?"

Longuevuille began to sweat, her right hand moving towards her hidden wand.

"Well I-"

"Oh, duh," Dante said, cutting her off, "getting something, clearly."

The curvy secretary relaxed and softened her demeanor.

"If it wasn't obvious, yes. Osmond sent me to fetch something for him."

The older man scratched the back of his head, "Heh, My age must be running up to me. I'll leave you to your business. Should I go to the headmaster's office to ask for the money?"

Longuevuille put a finger to her lower lip, thinking about things for a moment before shaking her head no.

"I believe he has a meeting now. He may be free after the school day is over, however."

"That is good news. I will come by later then. Farewell."

Dante turned to his companion and ushered him past Longuevuille, the two making their way around one of the many corners the hallway connected to. The green-haired secretary sighed in relief, and gave one last look at the door before strutting off.

"What you're hiding can't be hidden forever. That is a promise."

—o0o—

Despite the rough journey, the end result was far more pleasant to the father and son hunter duo. Nero held a few leaflets in his hands, each one detailing an open job position. While the two could not read them, the people they obtained them from were more than happy to vocalize their advertisements for them to remember.

"Heavy lifting, messenger, ingredient gathering…" Nero listed off, "heck we could make a killing if we did all of these at once. Wouldn't even break a sweat."

"…I'm not sure such easy job openings are a verily good thing," the older hunter replied.

Nero looked up at his father, a brow raised in confusion.

"What makes you say that?"

"If they are so easy, why are they still open?"

Nero shrugged.

"Not enough hands on deck? Still think we should count our lucky stars that we found something so easily."

Vergil crossed his arms.

"Hmm… perhaps I AM over thinking things."

"Right? Let's see what else we can find."

A light rumbling caught the attention of both hunters.

"…After we find something to eat."

Vergil gave his son a sad look.

"What?" Nero asked.

"Nero… we still lack any funds to our name."

The young hunter's face paled at that, just as his stomach rumbled one more time.

–o0o–

"Maaaan…" the old hunter grumbled as he held his hungry stomach, "is it lunch time already? Time sure flies."

Saito's stomach rumbled as well, although the teens were louder than Dante's.

"Sounds like you're starving over there, kid."

Saito rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Well, I don't think any of us had any breakfast this morning, so…"

The old hunter widened his eyes in surprise.

"You're right. Then we better make up for lost food. To the dining hall!" he said as he marched down the hall. Following his nose, he arrived at a wooden door. The scent of hot food marched on from behind the entryway, and with a smile, he pushed open the wooden doors.

However, a stare down was not what Dante planned to stomach when he walked into the cafeteria.

He and Saito had only taken two steps each into the room when nearly every head turned towards them. At first the old hunter paid them no mind, but a few more steps had him face to face with a student and his cohorts.

The young brunette glared into the hunter's icy blue eyes in mild annoyance.

"Is there something on my face?" Dante asked.

"It's your ugly bearded face that's the problem," the student replied.

Dante tilted his head in response, and rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb.

"Really? I always thought I was quite the handsome devil."

"You need to take another look in the mirror then, old man," the student said as he inched closer. "We don't serve your kind here. Get out."

Dante's humourous demeanor dropped immediately. He narrowed his eyes and let his hands hang around his sides. His fists were balled tightly, a light straining sound confirming his grip.

"Dante-san," Saito called out and grabbed one of the hunter's wrists.

The old man turned to look at the Japanese teen. The young teen stared at the man with worried eyes, glancing to and fro at the other students. Dante did the same, seeing disapproving looks being shot at him, with several mages seeming ready to join their schoolmates. He managed to catch a few whispers as well.

"Disgusting commoner… just leave already," one voice said.

"He'll make the food taste bad just by standing there with his stink," another jeered.

"Does he think he's on equal footing with us?! The nerve of him."

"The old dimwit must be going senile if he thinks he can dine with us."

Dante grit his teeth at the voices, then turned his attention to the student before him. He still met Dante's gaze, trying to intimidate the older man. In response, Dante closed his eyes and took a deep breath. As he let it go, he turned around and left, Saito following behind him.

"T-thank you, Dante-San," Saito said as he stepped behind him, "I'm sorry. It just looked like they really wanted to hurt you."

Dante turned and gave him a smile.

"Don't worry about it, kid. Would've left a bad taste in my mouth if I had to hit a kid for something so small anyways."

A loud laugh drew their attention back to the mess hall however.

"Did you see his FACE when he looked at me?! Hetried to act though, but he was so scared!" a voice proclaimed boisterously. It was followed by a round of laughter.

"And that other commoner was about to wet his ridiculous pants!"

"That old man would've broken his back if he stood there any longer!"

More laughter followed.

"Those peasants thought they could dine with US?! Perhaps a thousand years ago when they were cavemen!"

"What are you talking about?! I'm pretty sure I saw them still banging on some rocks!"

The voices continued to laugh and ridicule the two. Saito turned to Dante, a worried look on his face. He still could not understand what the students were saying, but his gut told him that the laughter meant nothing good. However, Dante's face remained as aloof as ever. His smile dropped a bit, but if the words were getting to him, he'd never let it show.

—o0o—

Nero's stomach growled one more time, and the hunter placed his right hand over empty stomach.

"Perhaps we should not have left in such a hurry…" Vergil steed as he walked beside Nero.

"You think?!"

Vergil was slightly taken aback by Nero's abrasiveness, and the younger hunter sighed in response.

"Sorry…"

"It is fine… I understand what it means to go hungry."

Nero's stomach rumbled again.

"Dang it, quiet down."

A shoulder then hit Nero's.

"H-hey!" the hunter called out.

"Shh…" the figure said as they nervously looked around

"What?"

"Take it and don't say anything."

Nero gave a puzzled look, and turned to his father, who too looked at the hooded stranger with confusion. They both then noticed a weight in their pockets. Fishing it out revealed an apple had been tucked into their clothes.

"You're welcome."

The figure then tried to move away, only to be caught by Vergil.

"Hold. Did you steal these apples?"

Though they could not see it, they could feel the stranger narrow his eyes at the duo.

"Of course I did. Now shut up, you're gonna draw attention."

Vergil narrows his eyes in return.

"Perhaps that is what is needed. I do not take food from thieves. Return these and other things you have taken this instant."

"Are you crazy?! Let me go!"

The hidden stranger tugged at his cloak, but Vergil's grip was stronger. It did little, and the old hunter in return pulled the stranger towards him. Vergil sidestepped and swept the thief's leg, letting the stranger trip over him and tumble to the floor. A loudtear entered the air as the cloak tore into two. The damaged cloth was no longer able to hold onto the robber's bounty of several different fruits, and breads.

Vergil looked at him with disdain, as Nero walked closer to his father.

"So… I'm guessing the apple wasn't meant to keep the doctor away for a day?"

"A crude joke, but yes. This man is a thief."

Nero winced.

"Should we just let him go? I think he learned his lesson."

"Not until we return his items," Vergil said as he threw the apples he and Nero were carrying down at the thief.

"Hey!" A voice called out.

The two hunters turned to see a few soldiers in uniform approach.

The thief widened his eyes, and scrambled to get up, only to be tripped by the various foods he had stolen.

"Well, what's goin' on 'ere ey?" the man said in a gruff voice.

Vergil widened his eyes in surprise and interest.

"So there are dialects in this world."

"Couple a' commoners tryin' ta make off wit a bit of merchandise is it?" the soldier continued as the squad moved to encircle them.

"A moment. We had no part in his crimes. He tried to hand us some of his stolen goods. We caught him."

"So that says you. 'Ave ya any witnesses ta da crime?"

"I'm certain if you ask around…" Virgil said as he glanced at people in the street. However, most did not pay any attention, while others turned their heads when his gaze met theirs.

"Looks like there ain't no one ta confim yer story then. I'll 'ave ta take you all in fer attempted robbery then."

Vergil narrowed his eyes.

"I explicitly said we had no part-"

"Oh shut it, ya wee c**t! Does it look like we care 'bout some old codger's words about 'ho stole 'ho? 'Eh, for all anyone cares you all could have stolen 'em togetha!" the gruff man said as he walked closer, "Makes no difference ta me any'ow. Me and me boys 'ere get a nice fat commission for each one of you street rats we pull in off the road."

The soldier then turned to his subordinates.

"Round 'em all up boys! Put 'em in the slammer!"

Vergil stole a glance at the thief as he harshly brought up to his feet. They peeled his hood off his face, revealing his tan skin and messy brown hair. Vergil was then shoved by the leader, who cocked his head and said. "Git movin' c**t."

"Such dirty language. Though I guess I should not expect much when your mother is a pig," Vergil replied. From the corner of his eye he spotted Nero being harassed by two more soldiers.

"What'd you say-" the soldier replied as he moved to shove the old hunter one more time.

However, he was quickly cut off when Vergil grabbed his hands, and was tossed onto the ground behind the hunter.

The two guards carrying the thief quickly dropped the man and rushed towards Vergil. The old hunter dropped into his stance and stepped forward with a right jab, catching one off guard, falling from the sudden impact.

"Nero," Vergil said as he roundhouse kicked the second soldier. "We're running!"

As soon as the two soldiers touched the younger hunter, Nero replied with a right hook, sending one of them to the ground.

The other tried to retaliate with a right hook of his own, only for his hand to be caught by Nero, parrying it to the side. The young hunter then twisted the soldier's arm back, making the man wince in pain.

"Nero, we're running!" he heard his father call.

"Yeah I got that," he replied.

Nero then dove towards the soldier's waist, wrapping his right arm around his back. Nero then lifted his opponent up, turned and slammed him down onto the ground.

The young hunter then turned to look at his father side-kicking the soldier he jabbed, putting the man out of the fight. Nero then spotted his own punched out guard rise to his feet.

"Oh hell no," Nero said as he watched the man reach for the sword at his hip.

Nero walked forward and front kicked the hilt of the blade just as the soldier drew it out of its scabbard, sending it back into the dark confines.

The young hunter then dove for the guard's legs, wrapping both arms around them and lifting the man high above his head. The soldier was then slammed down in an improvised powerbomb by the white haired hunter, putting him out of the fight.

Rapid footsteps drew his attention to the thief, who grabbed as much food as he could carry, and sped off into an alleyway.

"Nero," Vergil called as he backstepped to the young hunter's side, "let's go."

The old hunter then "tricked" out of the street, just as the leader got to his feet.

"Tch… you're lucky I learned this Trick from Dante!" Nero yelled as he too vanished in a haze.

The leader could only yell in frustration when he saw all three of them gone, and two of his men unconscious on the ground.

"Find them! Make 'em regret their mums ever gave birth to the wankers!

–o0o–

Saito and Dante both sighed as they sat at the bottom of the stone steps that led to the courtyard. Their stomachs rumbled, but the two did their best to ignore it, gorging themselves on fresh air instead.

Their stomachs rebelled against such a meal, rumbling their stomachs even more. The two looked at each other, a sad and knowling glance plastered on their faces. Their stomachs revolted again, causing them to hang their heads in despair. The two then let out another sigh, one as empty as their bellies.

Two soft clacks caught their attention.

They turned to see two deep plates had been placed in between them, steam coming off the hot food. Its scent drifted to the hungry duo, making their mouths water. However, instead of diving into the food, they instead turned to the kind hand who placed them there.

Tilting their heads up a little more they were greeted with the sight of a young girl, no older than Saito, dressed in a stereotypical maid outfit. A white crown-like headdress adorned the top of her raven haired head. Her grey eyes shone with kindness as she gave the two a tilted smile.

"Hello! I hope you won't mind. I saw what happened in the dining hall, and brought you something to eat," she cheerily stated.

She handed a spoon to each hunter, who took it in gratitude.

"Not at all. Eating a meal served by a pretty lady makes it more delicious," said the suave hunter, just before his stomach rumbled.

"And my stomach seems to agree!"

The girl giggled at his comment.

"Dante-san, she's giving this food for us to eat, right?" Saito asked, his eyes darting between the girl and the steaming plate before him.

"Yup. You can dig in kid, don't have ta be shy."

"Ah, then can you tell her 'thank you' for me?" the Japanese teen asked as he raised the plate to his chin.

"Sure, I'll add it with mine," the man who usually wore red said as he faced Siesta, "My friend says thank you for the food. And I do too."

"Of course!" The girl replied as she crouched to their sitting height, "I hope you don't mind the food. I could only spare some leftover mashed potatoes from the kitchen. But I did add a ladle of stew and vegetables."

Both the hunter and the teen lifted a spoonful of the food to their mouths, half filled with brown stew and the other with white potatoes. They took a bite and let the flavors meld in their mouths before swallowing the tasty gift.

"It is just what we needed. Thank you," Dante replied.

The girl gave a small smile.

"I am glad to hear that."

A few more spoonfuls and their hungry bellies calmed greatly. Although the flavors were something to be desired, being bland and somewhat watery, they nonetheless appreciated her kind gesture.

"So…" Dante said between spoonfuls, "mind if I ask for the name of our gracious savior?"

The girl gave a small laugh and replied, "My name is Siesta."

"Siesta? A lovely name for a lovely lady," Dante replied, "I am Dante. My friend there is named Saito."

The young Japanese teen perked his head up at the mention of his name, brown stains adorning his lips.

Dante quickly translated what was happening, and the teen gave a cursory nod and greeting. Siesta put a balled hand to mouth to cover her laugh and returned his pleasantry with one of her own.

"It is nice to meet you both."

The two foreigners nodded and welcomed another spoonful to their mouths.

"Umm… if I may ask… you two are foreigners from here, yes?" she asked.

The man who usually wore red looked up from his meal, and swallowed.

"Yes. Is there something you want to know?"

She nodded.

"I was curious… your friend, Saito… I was wondering if you knew where he came from?"

Dante furrowed his eyebrows.

"Uh… I do."

"Really?!" Siesta asked with stars in her eyes, "Then, can you tell me where?"

"I can… but why do you want to know?"

"Oh…" the girl said as she turned her gaze away, "Well… it's his face… I noticed his face looked similar to mine, so…"

Dante tilted his head. He then turned his attention to Saito.

"Hey kid, you ever have a long lost sister, or cousin, or niece you never told me about?"

"Eh?" Saito said as he jumped slightly. "Not that I know of? Why would you ask something like that so suddenly, Dante-san?"

"Eh, no reason really," he replied. He then caught Saito stealing a glance at Siesta.

"If you're wondering if she's asking about you, she is."

"Eh?!" the young teen said as he jumped once more. "That's… um… well… uh, hehe…" he replied as he shyly put a spoonful of stew into his mouth

Dante gained a small smile, but then faced Siesta once more.

"Sorry, but he says he never had a missing family member. But maybe his parents may have a relationship with yours."

"O-oh! No, no, no. I didn't mean to ask if we were related. I just wanted to know if we came from the same place…"

Dante furrowed his eyebrows once more.

"I apologize if this offends you, but are you an orphan?" the man who usually wears red asked.

"Oh, not at all! I was born as the eldest of eight children, and grew up alongside them and my mother and father in Tarbes," the young girl replied.

"Oh? Then why do you ask my friend where he came from?"

"Well…" the girl began as she looked off to the side, "It's just that… growing up, I noticed I looked different than the other kids. Even among commoners me and my family were black sheep. Our… strange looks drew the attention and ire of others. Some really liked the differences in our appearance, others thought we were weird for having them…"

Dante's expression fell as he heard the girl's story. He let his spoon fall onto his meal as he listened.

"That's why I wanted to give you some food. Seeing you being treated that way by the nobles… it's not right when you're just hungry and want a meal."

"That is very kind and thoughtful of you. I thank you for it," Dante replied.

"If you don't mind me asking, the other workers in the kitchen… Do they… bother you at all?"

Siesta's head perked up when she heard that, and she shook her hands in front of her face.

"No, not at all! The staff here at Tristain is very friendly! Compared to other places, they don't bother me much at all. The head chef says that we should all look out for each other and treat us like we're all one giant family. It's very refreshing honestly."

Dante nodded in approval.

"I am glad you found people who are willing to look after you rather than make fun of who you are."

"As am I," she replied.

"Can I ask why you are so interested in my friend?" Dante said to the maid, "Be pinpoint."

"'Pinpoint'…?" the girl asked with a tilted head, "Oh, do you mean 'specific'?"

"Yes!" Dante replied with a bashful smile, "I am new to this language so some words I do not know."

Siesta nodded. "I completely understand. One of my younger sisters had similar troubles when she learned our language. I can only imagine how difficult it is for foreigners," she said with a smile, "As for your question… it's just… this is the first time I'm meeting another commoner who shares features similar to mine, so I wanted to ask where he came from."

"I see…" Dante said, "I do not mean any offense, but can you not ask your parents where you are from?"

"Oh… I have, actually. My father said my looks come from his side of the family. But as for who or where they are, he said he would tell me when I turn 16."

"Ah… then why not wait until you are 16 to ask again?"

"My 16th birthday was over a year ago," she replied blandly.

"…I have a feeling that you did not receive your answer because of a tragedy?"

Siesta nodded.

"You're right. My father died when I was 14 years old. I never found out where he came from. He didn't live long enough to tell me"

"I see…" Dante said with a somber tone, "I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you. It was hard then. I had to find work to help support my younger siblings, but it did allow me to work here in the end. The payment is great and the staff are all really kind. I'm quite lucky to have been hired here," she said.

"Siesta!" A voice called from behind the door.

"Speaking of the staff, it seems I have to go back to work," he said as she stood up. She lifted her dress slightly and gave a small curtsey to the two.

"Farewell, enjoy your meals. You can return them to the kitchen when you are down with them!"

"We will. Thank you again Siesta!" Dante said with a wave.

The young girl smiled and retreated back into the academy.

"Is she going back to the kitchen?" Saito asked as he followed her leave.

"Yup. Duty calls, especially for a maid."

"Ah…" Saito said as he placed another spoonful into his mouth.

"She was really nice…" he said somewhat quietly.

"Yeah," Dante said as a smirk made its way onto his face, "And don't you think she's pretty too?"

"She is. She's really pretty," the teen agreed, then paused as he realized what he said.

Dante's grin grew even wider.

"Sounds like someone's got a crush!"

"W-wait, Dante-san, it's not like that!"

"You sure? I think I heard Cupid flap his wings a second ago."

"I-I-I only said it because you did!"

"True, but my compliment was simply just that. Yours sound like they're a bit more."

"M-m-my compliment was simply just that as well! You can't go accusing me of something like that when you did it yourself!"

"I don't know kid…" Dante said as he placed his hands behind his head, "I've got pretty good intuition you know…"

"Dante-san!" Saito yelled with red cheeks.

The old hunter just chuckled in response. Maybe the day would not be so bad for them after all.

Oh how wrong he would be.

-End of Chapter 8-

AN: I am back! I hope you all did not wait too long! School has really been kicking my butt, but I did manage to get some time in today to work on this. I also want to apologize once more if any of you received multiple notifications from the app about my chapter edits, and hopefully there won't be as many in the future! I hope you all enjoy this chapter and look forward to what comes next. Until then, keep maintaining that Smokin' Sexy Style y'all! Singing off.