"Master," Makoto said hesitantly as they walked through the bustling market square. "Are you sure this is the right place to find information on Akuma activity?"

Cross, who was busy examining a wine bottle at a vendor's stall, didn't even look at him. "Of course. Akuma are drawn to people, and people are drawn to wine. Simple logic."

Makoto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's... not how logic works."

Timcampy, perched on Makoto's head, chirped as if in agreement. The little golem had taken to Makoto more and more in recent weeks, often choosing him as its resting spot. Makoto didn't mind—it was oddly comforting to have the golden creature nearby, even if it occasionally stole his food.

"Listen, kid," Cross said, finally turning to face him. "If you want to understand the world, you've got to start with its vices. People drink when they're scared, and this town's been drinking a lot."

Makoto frowned, his cursed eye faintly tingling. He couldn't argue with Cross's logic, no matter how dubious it sounded. "Fine. Just don't rack up another tab."

Cross smirked, slipping the wine bottle into his coat. "Relax. I've got it covered."

Makoto's stomach dropped. That usually meant he'd be the one covering it.

As they moved deeper into the market, Makoto's bizarre luck began to make itself known in full force. It started with a simple stumble—Makoto tripped over a loose cobblestone and accidentally knocked over a cart of cabbages. The vendor shouted angrily as the vegetables rolled down the street, scattering into the crowd.

"I'm so sorry!" Makoto cried, scrambling to pick up the cabbages. Timcampy, ever the troublemaker, swooped down and started juggling two of them mid-air, much to the vendor's horror.

"Master, help me!" Makoto pleaded, clutching an armful of cabbages.

Cross, who was now sampling bread from another stall, waved dismissively. "You're doing fine, kid. Think of it as balance training."

"Balance training?!" Makoto yelped as he tripped again, the cabbages tumbling out of his arms and into the path of a passing donkey cart. The donkey brayed loudly, kicking over another stall, and chaos erupted in the market.

Makoto groaned, sitting in the middle of the mess with Timcampy perched triumphantly on his head. "Why does this always happen to me?"

After narrowly avoiding being thrown out of the market (thanks to Cross charming the vendors with false promises of payment), they settled at a small café overlooking the square. Makoto sipped a cup of tea, his cheeks still burning from the embarrassment of earlier events.

"Master," he said, breaking the silence. "Do you ever feel... I don't know, bad about all the trouble you cause?"

Cross smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Trouble is relative, kid. What you see as chaos, I see as opportunity."

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "Opportunity for what? Free wine?"

Cross chuckled, pulling out a cigarette. "For growth. You can't learn anything if everything always goes your way. A little chaos keeps you sharp."

Makoto frowned, unsure if that was a profound lesson or just an excuse for Cross's behavior. Timcampy chirped, nuzzling against Makoto's cheek as if to comfort him.

"You're lucky to have that thing," Cross said, nodding toward Timcampy. "He doesn't usually take to people like this."

Makoto glanced at the golem, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. He's been a lot of help... even if he likes stealing my food."

Timcampy chirped indignantly, pretending to be offended. Makoto laughed, scratching the golem's head. "Okay, okay. You're not that bad."

For a brief moment, the weight of Makoto's journey felt lighter.

As night fell, they returned to the small inn where they were staying. Makoto sat on the bed, cleaning the scratches on his hands from earlier in the day. Timcampy hovered nearby, occasionally swooping down to inspect his work.

"Kid," Cross said, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. "You did good today."

Makoto blinked, surprised. "I... what? I caused a cabbage disaster."

Cross shrugged. "And you handled it. Barely, but you handled it. That's progress."

Makoto stared at him, unsure if he was being serious or sarcastic. "Thanks... I think?"

Cross smirked, lighting a cigarette. "Don't overthink it. Just keep moving forward."

Makoto nodded, his heart warming slightly at the unexpected praise. It wasn't much, but coming from Cross, it meant something.

Later that night, Makoto lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Timcampy rested on his chest, its wings folded neatly as it let out soft chirps in its sleep. Makoto smiled, stroking the golem's smooth surface.

"Thanks for sticking with me, Timcampy," he whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

The golem stirred, chirping quietly before nuzzling against his hand. Makoto's smile widened, and for the first time in a while, he felt genuinely at peace.

But that peace was short-lived.

A loud crash echoed from downstairs, followed by the sound of breaking glass. Makoto sat up, his cursed eye flaring as he grabbed his Innocence. Timcampy sprang to life, hovering beside him with a sharp chirp.

"Master!" Makoto called, running into the hallway.

Cross appeared moments later, his coat half on and his expression annoyed. "What now?"

Another crash shook the inn, and Makoto's cursed eye revealed the familiar glow of an Akuma soul. He swallowed hard, gripping his weapon tightly. "It's here."

Cross smirked, adjusting his hat. "Good. Let's see if you've learned anything."

To Be Continued...