After explaining what he had in mind for the upcoming joint training session with classes 1-A and 1-B, the reception was mixed but in the end, everyone agreed to do it. With that done, Terra set about healing Sakon, who had been set down on the couch. Michiru sat on the armrest of the couch, watching the half-esper work, still impressed by the idea of magic despite spending so much time with a sorcerer herself.

That, however, was an understatement compared to the ant girl. As the cure spell began to mend her cracks, bruises and punctures, Sakon exclaimed "That's freakin' amazing! I remember when you lost it that day at the mall, flying around throwing fire around and shit and you can heal too? Yeah, that's totally broken."

Terra mirthlessly chuckled, aware Sakon didn't mean to bring back a moment she was entirely ashamed of. Still, the older girl felt the need to answer the attempted praise, saying softly "I try to use my powers as best I can, thank you Yoshimura-san. For a very long time they caused me and others a great deal of suffering. I'm glad to be of help."

Aware enough to realize she had somehow hit a sore spot, Sakon's enthusiasm died on her lips, and she managed to reply despite being entirely unprepared for Terra's answer "O-oh. I'm sorry to hear it. Guess being from this world, it's more natural for me to see your magic as something awesome, huh?"

"Depends on the world, I suppose." Zelgadis thoughtfully added. When the others turned to him, expecting more, he continued "I craved the kind of power that Terra was born with. Magic is highly respected where I come from. What you see before you is the result." Zelgadis waved at himself as he finished.

Sakon's eyes went wide at the implication, "Woah, you mean you weren't born that way?! No rocks and shit?"

Most everyone else in the room expected Zelgadis to bitterly complain at the very least in response. Instead, the chimera just raised a bemused eyebrow and answered "No, I wasn't. I was just an average, stupid kid that didn't think about what he really wanted."

Sakon nodded in approval and answered back with a predatory smirk "Well, I'd say it worked out. Just say the word and we can go on a geologic survey, if you know what I mean…"

"SAKON!" Michiru admonished, scandalized while Zelgadis suddenly began choking, his face a bright red.

Hina, who had remained quiet, still upset at having to babysit the two girl's fight earlier, burst out laughing.

The wounded ant girl joined the telekinetic laughing, annoying the half esper who was trying to heal her. It didn't go unnoticed by Sakon, though how Zelgadis seemed to lock on Michiru before the ant girl added "What? Heroes can have fun too! And I could do much worse than a cool otherworlder who knows how to use a sword!"

"It would seem that Yoshimura-san is feeling better." Emeralda said, her voice icy as she suddenly loomed over Sakon from behind.

"I agree." Terra concurred, before ending her healing spell and turning away in indignation.

"Ah, come on, I didn't know people from other worlds were such prudes!" Sakon pleaded, looking around.

"That has nothing to do with it." Hina countered "Everyone here just appears to have more class is all." she finished, crossing her arms and smirking smugly.

"Be all that as it may." Jun cut in firmly, ending all discussion and drawing attention to him. "The fact now remains that you, Yoshimura-san, know the lighters secret. Only a select few at this school and the government know the whole truth and I will inform the commission that you are now among them, which means you'll be wholly accountable for that information."

Then, shooting a glare at Michiru, the retired rescue hero added "Just like the rest of us."

Michiru's ears drooped as the tanuki girl looked away, an uneasiness settling in among everyone in the room. Jun, however, bucked expectations by adding with a sigh, "But that can come later. For now, given the state that Yoshimura-san is in, I think I deserve to know what happened tonight."

Michiru seemed to relax when Jun decided not to further publicly reprimand her. Being asked to explain the fight though, that was only slightly less awkward and it showed on her face before Michiru said "Now? Oh, um, ok. I hadn't planned to say this in front of everyone so soon but here goes…"

"Wait, it took me getting the shit kicked out of me to get you to spill and you're just going to give everything away just like that?" Sakon complained.

The ant girl was rewarded by a swift smack to the face from Hina's unseen telekinesis, causing the ant girl to tumble to the floor, quickly followed by the blue-haired girl coldly saying "Shut it. Now."

After briefly staring at Sakon with an annoyed look, Michiru took a deep breath and continued "Sakon and I had a fight on the way back to UA. I had already told her our secret since she was suspicious based on what Tomura Shigaraki said during the battle the night before. She'd figured out from an off-hand comment I'd made that growing up, I hadn't ever even met a beastman."

The two girls then exchanged a knowing glance, though Sakon's turned smug despite still sitting on the floor.

Michiru continued "During the mission I had to spend a lot of time in my human form and Sakon saw just how much I hated it. She quickly put two and two together before calling me out on it. I…didn't take it well and lashed out at her. She *sigh* she challenged me today to force me to admit she was right."

Everyone in the room waited, eyes locked on the tanuki girl, for what she was about to reveal. When an answer didn't immediately come, Emeralda spoke up softly "What, what was she right about, Michi?"

Michiru didn't meet the tan nanomachine girl's eyes, instead looking up, her eyes closed. Then, letting out another, much more labored breath, sparks surrounded the girl. When she looked back down, Michiru was in her human form, tears in her eyes as she said "Sakon was right that I was hiding from my guilt. I lived my life entirely ignorant of just what it was like to be a beastman and once I became one and truly understood, I quickly began to hate this face, this person that had been so foolish, so willfully ignorant."

At the end of her admission, Michiru glanced around the room, trying her best to face her mistakes head on instead of hiding from them anymore. Hina and Sakon knew already of course but Terra looked on with empathy, and a small smile, as if to say she understood and was there for her. Shinra, who had remained silent throughout, had looked away, a frown on his face for some reason. Jun was mostly neutral but it was clear he was considering what to do from here.

Her closest friends, though, were night and day. Zelgadis looked as though he'd just been punched in the gut and all the air had been forced from his body. Given his long and obvious self-loathing, that wasn't too surprising. Emeralda, though, looked as though she'd come to some great realization, her eyes wide.

It was the tan girl that stepped up to Michiru and took her plain, hairless hand in her own and said "Back during the license exam, that was it, wasn't it? That's why you were so angry. It wasn't that you were seeing that this world had people who were hateful, it was because it was a reminder, wasn't it, Michi."

It was hard to admit, but Emeralda was right and Michiru hung her head because of it. The more she thought about it, the worse Michiru felt about herself. She truly was a coward. Now, admitting it to everyone, this was just scratching the surface. If she started going down point by point all of her mistakes, she was sure no one here would want anything more to do with her and she wouldn't blame them.

The thought occurred to Michiru that it was funny how terrible she was feeling in this moment when admitting your feelings was supposed to make you feel better. The bitterness stung the more she thought about it.

"Hey."

The simple and soft word broke Michiru out of her decent into self-hate. Looking up, the tanuki girl turned human saw on Emeralda a rare thing indeed: A bright, genuine smile, her amber eyes aglow with affection, accompanied by the glitter of barely constrained tears. "Hey." The nanomachine girl began again. "I've…hated myself for a long time. I'm just a thing, after all, how could I deserve friends or happiness. I was just a thing. But you, Michi, you wouldn't let me stay that way. You saw so much more."

Then Emeralda thrust herself forward and wrapped her arms around Michiru in a tight embrace, one hand placed on the other girl's head, allowing for Michiru's face to rest on Emeralda's shoulder. "I still don't see everything you do in me but if it wasn't for you, I would still hate myself at least as much as I did when I first found myself here."

At first Michiru began to laugh but it quickly broke into a sob as her limp arms suddenly rose to return Emeralda's embrace. After several long moments, Michiru regained herself and gently let go, signaling for Emeralda to do the same. When Emeralda stepped back and looked at Michiru again, it was the tanuki girl she was so familiar with, albeit with much redder eyes.

"When *sniff* when did you get so wise, huh Emmy? Not bad for someone whose only been walking around for a few years." Michiru managed to get out in between wiping tears from her face.

Emeralda simply smirked before motioning toward Zelgadis and replying "I'm not the only one, Michi. You know Zelgadis as well as I. He has been quite forward about his feelings about himself and you've stuck by him through it all."

Zelgadis met Michiru's eyes before offering a nod and adding 'And I'd like to be there for you if you'll have me."

Michiru, already overcome with emotion, fought back sobbing again and nodded, a smile fighting onto her face.

"I struggled a great deal with my dual nature as well, Michiru." Terra suddenly added. "I saw myself as a freak, neither human nor esper and the source of so much conflict and death. Then I had to accept losing my powers before regaining them again here. I can understand how you feel."

"I blamed myself for the loss of my family for a long time. I was ready to join them. It's an awful feeling, seeing yourself as nothing. Helping you all has helped me to regain purpose, so in a real sense, you all have saved me, including you, Michiru." Jun added.

"I…may have been seen as a monster myself because of this smile of mine. Lost my family when I was young and that was how I coped but people thought I was insane. I guess, maybe, sometimes I believed them." Shinra threw in, still looking away, arms crossed. It was clear the former fire-force member wasn't used to sharing his feelings in a group but felt determined to help make someone else feel better.

Naturally, all eyes turned to Hina, the last lighter in the room not to bare their soul. She wasn't having it. "Oh no, you're not getting me to join this little kumbaya moment! I'm awesome and you're just going to have to live with it." she huffed but still offered a smile to the tanuki girl, if just this once.

Sakon suddenly sprang from the couch and wrapped her two right arms around Michiru and declared "Hey, she's my bestie and I'll totally be there for her, even if she doesn't know she needs it! You're all welcome, by the way!"

With her confession complete and tensions fully defused, Mobb, who had conveniently been focused on dinner, came out to let everyone know it was ready and all enjoyed a laid back meal. Jun decided to talk to Michiru the next day before class about her loose lips so as to not spoil the mood.

Sakon went back to her own dorm afterward on the promise to see Recovery Girl the next day. For the first time since arriving, everyone in the lighter house slept well that night.
(X)

"Emeralda, may I speak with you?"

Just short of entering the main UA building with Michiru and Zelgadis, the trio had stopped when Jun approached them and asked after the greenette.

While the other two looked on curiously, the tan girl replied "Certainly, Sanada-sensei. Is everything ok?"

Offering a smile to reassure the trio, the former rescue hero then replied "Yes, I just wanted to talk to you about Eri. Could you spare a minute?"

Nodding to the other two otherworlders, who returned the gesture before continuing on, Emeralda turned her whole attention to their mentor and temporary homeroom teacher.

The two began to walk slowly away from the entrance before the older man asked, "Do you think Eri likes living in the hospital, Emeralda?"

The nanomachine girl only took a moment to consider the question, her brow furrowed before responding "Based on what I know of her previous living conditions I know she is very happy to be there."

The silver-haired teacher knew there was more and gently prodded with a leading "But…"

The nanomachine girl only took a brief moment to pick up on the teacher's meaning and continued "…but she has expressed a want to get to see more and maybe have another friend or two. She has told me she feels guilty about pulling me away all the time, even though I have told her I am happy to visit her."

"She's a very sweet girl, it sounds like." Jun replied, before he glanced down at his student, catching the small smile that had appeared on her lips.

"She is." Emeralda agreed.

After letting the warm sentiment hang for a moment, Jun continued "Aizawa-san was slated to take her under his wing. Adopt her, you might say."

At that, Emeralda's eyes widened, and her lips tightened. "I am…unsure how well that would have worked. Aizawa-sensei is a dedicated teacher but I find he lacks the warmth that Eri-chan deserves."

Jun chuckled at what he very much felt was an understatement. "You may be right about that, Emeralda. At the moment, it is moot, however. With his project taking him away from even his teaching duties, Aizawa is in no position to take on such a responsibility."

Emeralda again furrowed her brow and asked, "Then what is to become of Eri-chan? Are they going to leave her in the hospital?"

Jun suddenly stopped, which caused Emeralda to do the same, turning her head to look up at the fellow scarf wearer. He wasn't looking at her, instead, he'd turned to look over in the direction of the dorms. "I have some experience housing and teaching people without a place to go you know." he said, his voice distant, almost as though he was speaking to himself as much as her.

Emeralda's voice took on a mixture of hope and trepidation as she said "You are suggesting she come and live with us lighters? Is…that allowed? Would it be wise, especially after Yoshimura-san was told about us?"

Finally, Jun turned and looked Emeralda in the eye, his features soft, almost pleading "It would just be until Aizawa was in a position to take her in. I'm sure your friends and roommates could cope with hiding our secret for a week or two. Would you not agree?"

Emeralda was confused. Was Jun actually seeking her input on this idea? Why? Because she was Eri's friend? The nanomachine girl wasn't sure but she decided it didn't matter and gave the best answer she could. "I do not think I know Mobb or Shinra well enough to speak on their reaction but I think Hina and Terra would be quite happy. I'm sure Michiru wouldn't mind either. Things may be more complicated with Zelgadis however. Still, I think Eri-chan would be overjoyed."

"A keen summation, Emeralda. Thank you. I knew you were well suited to giving me insight. I appreciate it." Jun quickly answered, bringing a rare embarrassed blush to the tan girl's face. "Now, if that's all, I think we should head to class. Can't keep the students waiting."

Jun began to walk with much more purpose back toward the entrance, leaving Emeralda behind. When he noticed his charge hadn't followed, he turned back and asked "Emeralda? Is there something else?"

After a moment of trepidation, Emeralda's features hardened as though she had settled on something. She answered "Yes, Sanada-sensei. It's about Zelgadis and Michiru."

Turning fully back to face the greenette, Jun raised an eyebrow and replied "Oh? What about them? Is there something I should know?"

Clutching her scarf, Emeralda shook her head and said "It's nothing bad. It's just…complicated. I wanted some advice and some input."

The brief moment of fear threatening to bubble up within him subdued, Jun waved the girl over. When she caught up to him and the two began walking again toward the entrance, albeit slower than before, Jun replied "Certainly. What can I help with?"

Emeralda nodded and began with "To make a long story short, let me tell you about what happened at the school festival…"

(X)

"She's been ranting any time she hears someone so much as pass by her door. With those ears of hers, you can guess that's pretty often." A pudgy, mustached prison official explained to the trench-coated man he was escorting through the jail's halls.

It wasn't a maximum-security unit like Tartarus or the like. No, this was a more run of the mill facility for petty thieves, blue collar criminals and also served as holding for those awaiting trial without bail.

"You don't say? I admit, when you contacted me, I was pretty surprised. I am, however, glad you did. One way or another, I'll get to the bottom of this, warden." The clean-shaven man replied, playing with his tie.

Approaching the door in question, a shrill voice could already be heard beyond. The warden put his badge on the handle, releasing the lock before he turned and said "See that you do. I don't run an insane asylum. One way or another, I'm not dealing with this shit. If I have to listen to her insist she had a different quirk one more time I might just lose it myself."

With a raised eyebrow, the trench-coated detective replied before stepping through the offered door, speaking over the now very prominent screaming "I'm confident I can solve your little problem."

The warden shut the door behind him and the form of Naomasa Tsukauchi got his first look at the reason he was there. Before him was a heteromorphic woman, her features very much rat-like while she frantically struggled futilely against the straight jacket she wore and the restraints keeping her in her chair. She had stopped talking and had simply begun to scream and wail, frothing at the mouth, giving the impression she was rabid.

Despite all this, the detective put his hands behind his back and calmly stated "I am told that a few days ago you looked like any average human but then changed into this?"

The screams stopped as the woman leveled her beaty eyes at the man but her breathing continued to be heavy and threatening. He continued "The warden thinks you just couldn't keep your human form anymore or you made this story up to get out on medical leave. Something like that. You, though, you've been insistent that you never looked like that before. Is this true?"

The woman went completely silent and her eyes, small as they were, went wide. The officer chanced to step forward, a warm, inviting smile spread across his face. Just a couple of feet away, he stopped and kneeled in front of the presumably insane rat-woman and said "If it's not too much trouble, do you think you could tell me how you got this way? Miss…"

"…Misa. You can call me Misa." the rat woman answered, her voice low and hoarse.

The smile on Naomasa's face grew wider as he pulled out his phone and replied. "Well then, Misa, please, tell me how this happened to you and I promise I can help you get out of that most uncomfortable little ensemble of yours."

(X)

"How many days have we been at this?" Shuichi asked to no one in particular while he watched on, exhausted as Tomura continued to challenge Gigantomachia.

"I've totally lost count! This blows…" Himiko lamented before she laid back on the rock she was resting on.

"It is pretty hard to believe he only rested once, and even then just for a few hours. Impressive for a human, if I do say so myself." Xellos added, literally appearing from thin air.

It had become abundantly clear that the mazuku's delay and distraction tactics weren't as effective as they needed to be. Nothing he did could pull the massive man's attention from Tomura for too long and nothing the rest of the league did seemed to affect Gigantomachia at all.

The hand-wearing mad man didn't seem to mind the challenge though. Quite the contrary, he seemed to revel in it, a grin almost always plastered on his face while he dodged and attempted to counter the giant.

"We're not that far from Deika City already since that monster doesn't seem to freakin' sleep. They're bound to notice sooner or later that we're coming. You think they're just going to let us waltz in there and let our feral big guy wreck their shit?" Himiko asked of the purple-haired mazuku.

"Oh goodness, no" Xellos replied cheerily, offering the food he'd brought with him. "They'll definitely see us coming! I'm counting on it, actually."

Shuichi and Himiko looked at each other before looking back at Xellos, the same question on their mind. That question, however, would have to wait because Gigantomachia choose that moment to take a rest, suddenly stopping his onslaught and wandering off to lay down by some trees.

Kicking the slumbering Jin next to them, Himiko demanded "Twice! Get the hell up, we need to get the boss and get some distance while we can."

With a start, the multiplying man answered sleepily "Y-yeah, right, I'm up. Five more minutes, you bitch, I'm tired!"

With a second kick, Jin was up and the four of them caught up with the exhausted Tomura and Atsuhiro. With some help, the group made their way to a clearing by a creek. They were tired, dirty and several were beginning to wonder if this was even worth it. Most of all, they worried about their leader, who effectively hadn't slept at all since this challenge began and it showed, deep bags under his already worn face.

Still, even with his determination, even Tomura's eyes were beginning to slide shut, much to the relief of his followers. However, the gaunt man's eyes shot open once more at the sound of Jin's phone going off, his ringtone apparently a fart sound.

The damage already done, the cloner went ahead and answered it, realizing it was from Giren, the broker that had gotten himself and several others into the League to begin with. "Giren, buddy! How ya doin'? Why the hell haven't you returned our calls?!"

"Oh my, such a…colorful greeting. It's a pleasure to speak to you, Jin Bubaigawara or Twice if I remember correctly" a clearly modulated voice, high and artificial, replied for all to hear since Jin had put the call on speaker.

"Yeah, congratulations, you can read a police report. Who the hell are you and why are you on Giren's phone? Answer or I'll kil you!" came Jin's immediate response, worry and fear for his friend taking over.

"Twice, calm down!" Himiko warned before the caller could respond.

"I would listen to Himiko Toga if I were you Twice. We wouldn't want any more harm to come to your little middleman, now would we." came the patronizing response.

"Fuck you buddy! You hurt him anymore and I'll gut you myself." Himiko snapped back before Jin could reply.

"Is there maybe an adult I can speak to? Tomura Shigaraki, I know you can hear me. We have some things to discuss. If that is of no interest to you, well Giren here still has five perfectly good fingers." the voice said less than subtly.

Unlike most of the rest of the League, Tomura remained calm during the previous exchanges. This didn't change when he answered "Speak your business. You clearly went to a lot of trouble to get our attention. Let's have it."

There was a brief chuckle before the voice replied "Oh, but it is you who has gone to great lengths to get my attention is it not?" When silence greeted the question, the voice continued "Don't think I haven't noticed that giant you're slowly luring toward my city. I'm impressed. I had intended to kidnap this man later, intent to force you to come to my city but it seems you beat me to the punch. You are better informed than I have given you credit for."

"And just whose city are we marching toward, huh?" Jin snapped, clearly ready to get at the man who claimed to have kidnapped his friend.

"Shigaraki, is this really the caliber of the League of Villains? To think, I've gone to great lengths to ensure I snuff out such a third rate group of thugs." The voice responded dismissively.

"Oh ho, such unbecoming behavior from someone of your station!" Xellos gleefully taunted, drawing the attention of the other league members.

"Your station?" Shuichi repeated, confused.

When the voice on the other line remained silent, Xellos continued in a flippant, carefree tone "Oh yes, for the head of the Detnerat conglomerate to lower himself to picking on a band of homeless villains? What has the world come to?"

Most of the league members eyes went wide in surprise, Atsuhiro the first able to speak "The CEO of Detnerat? But that could only mean this is…"

"Rikiya Yotsubashi." Tomura finished, his voice dripping with menace.

"Seriously!" Himiko blurted out, turning back to the phone and adding "You rich asshats think you can just step on anyone you want! Smiling for the public while cutting throats in the dark, you're worse than heroes!"

There was another long pause but when the voice spoke again, the modulator was gone and the refined masculine voice of Rikiya could be heard by all "I see I have underestimated you all. Still, knowing the truth will not help your friend. Come and face off with the combined strength of the reborn Meta Liberation Army or I will start taking larger pieces of your friend off than just his fingers."

"The Meta Liberation Army was destroyed generations ago! Try again, you rich bastard!" Shuichi snapped back."

There was a chuckle on the phone before the CEO said "Was it now? Well, you'll just have to come and see. You have one hour before more parts of Giren start getting…misplaced. I do hope to see you soon." There was an aduble click and the line went silent.

After a moment of quiet, Atsuhiro turned to his hand wearing leader and asked "You knew? He laughed when Spinner dismissed his claim about the MLA, why? What are we getting into?"

Before Tomura could answer though, Himiko spin on Xellos, eyes wide in realization and exclaimed "This is what you meant, isn't it? You knew all along that we were headed to this guy's stronghold and that he'd use Giren to make sure we'd go, didn't you?"

Raising his hands defensively as Himiko brandished a knife and waved it threateningly, the purple-haired mazuku replied "Although it is true I knew Deika City was controlled entirely by the Meta Liberation Army, I had no idea they had taken your little friend. Honest."

The blood-sucking schoolgirl wasn't buying it and was about to take a stab, if only to make herself feel better when Tomura spoke up, bringing her up short. "Xellos wasn't hiding anything. He told me what we were getting into. He has people on the inside. The people of the MLA are fanatics, fully committed to their leader. To anyone who will lead them to the freedom they want."

"Are you mad? You think we can usurp control of an army? It's brilliant! Sign me up coach!" Jin questioned, a sentiment clearly shared by the others.

"How big is this army, if I dare ask?" Atsuhiro reluctantly inquired.

"Oh, something like one hundred and fifteen thousand. Not to worry, it'll likely only be a fraction of that in the city!" Xellos kindly provided, clearly ignoring the despondent reactions he got.

"We're screwed." Shuichi deadpanned.

"Our overall plan hasn't changed." Tomura spoke, his voice carrying a sense of confidence that was enough to allow his followers to raise their heads. "This big idiot we've been fighting clearly focuses on me and me alone. He'll chase after me no matter where I go and since we don't have to be sneaky about it anymore, all we have to do is hold our own until he wakes up and storms the place. That'll take care of the rabble and we can handle the rest, right, Xellos?"

"Oh yes. And with the intel I've already gathered, I think we should be able to make quite the impression." Xellos replied, a hint of glee in his eye.

(X)

"It would be so much faster to fly! What's the point to having licenses if we can't even use our, um, quirks?" Michiru half seriously questioned/half whined.

Rolling his eyes, Zelgadis crossed his arms and replied, making it clear he knew she knew exactly why. "It would be an abuse of those powers, Michiru. If we were out patrolling, sure but to head to a restaurant? Not so much."

Michiru frowned, unconvinced and grumbled "Never seen a cop hit his sirens to run a red light, have you?"

Emeralda chuckled to herself and decided to be the cooler head and said "You know he hasn't, Michi. It's ok, from what Sanada-sensei said, this Nekoya won't close any time soon. We'll be fine."

After Jun and Emeralda spoke, the retired rescue hero was now aware of what had happened between his newest charges and the rest of 1-A and the interest that Zelgadis had admitted in the tanuki girl to Emeralda. The nanomachine girl had sought advice on how to help her two friends but the silver-haired older man admitted it had been a long time since he had been in love and didn't think he'd have much useful advice.

When Emeralda had suggested asking Hitomi, Jun said he was already talking to the counselor about Michiru and would ask when next they spoke. Jun had really wanted Hitomi to spend some time with the tanuki girl but much like Shouta, she was deeply engaged with Kurogiri and was generally exhausted having to use her power so much each day.

The brunette first lighter did have a suggestion when Jun asked her even if she wasn't available to offer great insight or help Michiru, as much as she wanted to. After calling in a favor, Michiru, Emeralda and Zelgadis were offered, as a way to get away and relax, the chance to go to a unique restaurant. The catch was they would have to meet the owner's mother at the front door and they were told to dress "Medieval."

So it was that after having already taken a bus and a train, the lighter trio waited at another bus stop, dressed like they were heading to a renaissance faire or cosplaying a fantasy anime. Well, Michiru and Emeralda were, Zelgadis just wore his hero costume since it was for all intents and purposes the same outfit he wore in his home world.

Emeralda wore a simple red sleeveless dress with a black leather belt over which she wore a heavy red cloak to hide the shoulder clamps she refused to take off even if she was willing to part with her scarf. Michiru looked much more like a warrior with a red short-sleeved tunic over which she had a leather breastplate, shoulder pads and armor on her waist and a short pair of black pants that flared toward the end that gave it the appearance of a skirt.

"I know." Michiru conceded before adding "But he made the food sound so good! I can't wait! What's so funny?"

Zelgadis had burst out laughing as Michiru finished talking, which caused the tanuki girl to frown, which just prompted the chimera to laugh even more. When Michiru threatened to smack him, Zelgadis finally calmed and said "I'm sorry Michiru, it's just the way you said that made me think of two of my friends from back home. They could, and would, eat everything they could get their hands on."

Michiru playfully smirked, raised an eyebrow and challenged the chimera, saying "Are you calling me a glutton, Zel?"

The rock-encrusted sorcerer shook his head in mock indignation before replying "You're only a glutton if you don't need it and trust me, those two burned all that energy. It was just a...happy memory is all."

Just then, Emeralda's phone rang and excusing herself, she stepped away from the other two to take the call. After a moment where Zelgadis and Michiru watched on mildly worried, Emeralda came back and said "It seems there has been a change in plans and they are discharging Eri-chan now. She has asked me to help her. I am sorry but I told her yes."

Michiru briefly looked at Zelgadis, who had an uncertain look on his face before turning back to Emeralda and declaring "We can help too! She's going to be our roommate too after all."

Emerald's gaze flashed to Zelgadis for an instant before settling back on the tanuki girl, a comforting smile on her face before she said "Eri has few possessions, I should be more than enough to carry it all. Sanada-sensei went to some trouble to work this out for us, it would make me happy to know two of us went at least."

Zelgadis furrowed his brow as Emeralda finished speaking, clearly suspicious but didn't voice his thoughts. Instead, the chimera turned to Michiru and said "She has a point. I admit that I have been curious to see this restaurant. What do you say, Michiru?"

The tanuki girl was still on the fence, worry on her furry features. "Are you sure, Emmy? It doesn't seem right if its just the two of us, you know?"

"Just as Zelgadis said, the restaurant isn't going anywhere. Let me know how it was and if it's worth it, then I'll be glad to go next time, ok?" Emeralda offered.

Finally, Michiru relented, bobbing her head in defeat. "Ok, ok, if you insist! But if its awesome, I will make sure to talk it up so you absolutely will want to rush back, you hear me?"

Emeralda warmly nodded before offering her departing words "I hope you two have a wonderful time. I'll look forward to hearing about it. See you tonight."

Michiru waved and Zelgadis nodded as Emeralda left to hop back on the train to go to Eri's hospital, her plan executed flawlessly.

(X)

Finally arriving in the ward that was their destination, Michiru used GPS to get the two of them the rest of the way. The restaurant was toward the end of a sleepy street, the actual entrance of which required you to go down several steps since it was on the basement floor of the building.

Before they could get there though, Zelgadis felt the need to say, "You know she'll be fine, right?"

Michiru had been fretting the rest of the way and hearing the chimera's words, she seemed to snap out of staring at her phone and replied "I know…it's just, it's a big city and you know how old she actually is. I'm sorry, I promise I'll try to have fun!"

"Oh ho! I thought there was going to be three of you?" a kindly older woman, perhaps in her fifties though her brown hair lacked any hint of grey suddenly spoke up from the landing of the steps.

Zelgadis waved a greeting and replied "There was. Something came up and she couldn't make it, but she wishes she were, I'm sure. I'm Zelgadis Greywards."

"And I'm Michiru Kagemori!" the tanuki girl added with a smile as the two lighters came to stand beside the older women by the café's door.

The older woman returned the smile, lightly bowing and introducing herself "And my name is Koyomi Yamagata. My, if I didn't know better, I'd think you two were on a date! You certainly make a cute couple, even in those outfits!"

The two lighters immediately looked at each other, their eyes meeting and their faces turned red before just as quickly turning away to look at what must have been the most interesting of adjoining walls.

Michiru was first to regain her voice, stuttering out a denial "We're not a couple, Yamagata-san! We're friends and teammates! And weren't you the one that asked us to dress up? Why, by the way? And another thing, we're not even from the same-"

"World, deary?" Koyomi finished with a chuckle.

The two lighters eyes bugged out of their heads, Michiru especially worried after getting quite the talking to from Jun about sharing their secret with Sakon.

"H-how did you know?" Zelgadis asked, confused as much as surprised.

Putting her hand in her bag and pulling out a key, the brown-haired older woman answered "Because I am, too. Been here a lot longer than you lighters I might add."

The not-couple in question stood speechless. What this woman was saying raised so many questions that neither seemed to know where to start. Before either could find their footing, Koyomi put the key in the door and turned it, allowing her to open the door. As she did so, she spoke again, mirth in her voice "As to why you're dressed the way you are…well, see for yourself!"

Shook from their stupor by the woman's words, Michiru followed by Zelgadis stepped forward into the offered entrance. What awaited them was as much mundane as it was fantastic. The décor was simple. Wooden paneled walls, tables set up throughout, bar seating to one side. No, it was the patrons that drew the eye. An old man with a long grey beard and matching grey robes sat next to a grizzled swordsmen at the bar arguing over something. A group of what looked like fairies appeared to be feasting on a desert. A massive lionman in a loincloth sat alone eating a port cutlet rice bowl like it was his last meal. There was even a lizardman! Almost all of them in what any modern Japanese person would consider western medieval garb.

This was definitely not a normal restaurant and Zelgadis knew one reason right away. "This place is absolutely flooded in magic!" he declared, impressed.

Koyomi came up behind the pair and responded "Indeed. Impressive. Makes me wonder if that sword of yours is more than just show?"

On instinct, Zelgadis put his hand on the hilt of his sword, an act that drew the attention of several of the patrons. "It isn't, I assure you." was the swordsmen's curt reply.

The older women smirked. "Interesting. I may just have to test that claim next time we meet. As for now, I'm going to go say hi to my grandson. You two have fun!"

Koyomi walked off, waving to a young blonde-haired woman in a maid outfit with prominent black ram-like horns on her head who came bounding up to Michiru and Zelgadis. "Welcome to the Western Restaurant Nekoya! I'm Aletta, I'll be serving you! I don't believe we've met, is this your first time?"

Michiru was slow to respond, still stricken by the scene before her. When Aletta tilted her head waiting for a response, the tanuki girl finally replied "Y-yeah, that's right! We came on a recommendation. This wasn't exactly what we were expecting…"

That seemed to confuse the hostess/waitress briefly before she smiled and replied "Well, I admit that's a little unusual. Most of our customers come here their first time on accident. Here, let me sit you and get you some menus."

Michiru turned to Zelgadis, a confused look on her face. When the chimera shrugged, Michiru turned back, following the young woman to a table for two. Once seated, Aletta chirped "I'll be right back with the menus and ice water! You read Eastern Continent, yes?"

Again, both lighters looked confused, this time Zelgadis being the one to speak up. "Um, no, what about Japanese? Don't tell me I've got to learn another language…"

The blonde horned girl blinked once, blinked twice and then it dawned on her. "You're from this world!"

The waitress' outburst drew the attention of a number of the other patrons and after a moment, another waitress, pale skinned and adorned in the same maid outfit though the dress was completely black with matching black hair that ran down near her feet and elvish ears appeared.

"Is everything alright, Aletta? Are these two bothering you?" The other girl's voice rang in both Michiru and Zelgadis' head without her mouth moving.

Again, both lighters appeared unnerved, though for different reasons. Michiru had never experienced telepathy before so she was for what felt like the millionth time since arriving in this world trying to process something else earth shattering. Zelgadis, on the other hand, was just then becoming aware of the immense retrained power emanating from the newest arrival.

Lucky for the pair, Aletta was quick to dismiss her coworker's concerns, waving her hands and replying "Oh no Kuro, everything's fine! I was just surprised that these two didn't come from our world but the Master's!"

The now named Kuro looked upon the pair with a new level of scrutiny, her golden eyes scanning them both. "So they are, though I can sense neither of them are originally from either our world or the Master's." the apparent young woman replied.

"Wow, really? That's amazing!" Aletta answered energetically before remembering herself. "Oh, but I was off to get you your water and menus! I'm sure the Master has some menus for his normal customers! I'll be right back."

Aletta rushed off before Kuro offered a quiet nod and wandered off as well. Finally, the two lighters were left to themselves. Zelgadis let out a long breath to let go of the tension he'd been holding. Michiru smiled and sank in her chair and said "Well, it's certainly been memorable, and we haven't even ordered yet!"

"You could say that again." Zelgadis grumbled after he leaned forward to speak quieter. "That second one, she's extremely powerful. Almost reminded me of one of the demon lords I've faced back home."

That caused Michiru to raise an eyebrow before she asked, sitting back up and eyes curious "One of the demon lords? Geez Zel, how many have you fought?"

"If you count the one from the overworld, five." the sorcerer-swordsmen answered almost without thinking.

"That sounds pretty impressive. Almost…heroic. How did you survive all those encounters if these demon lords are so strong?" Michiru asked, her tone going from mocking to serious.

Zelgadis ignored the light jab and replied in a way that Michiru hadn't expected. "Oh, I didn't. Hellmaster Phibrizzo killed me with little effort."

If Michiru had been drinking, she'd done a spit take. As it was, she simply sputtered before coming just short of blurting out "You died! What the hell, Zel? When were you going to tell me? What happened?"

Instead of getting angry or defensive, Zelgadis lightly chuckled as he looked down. Then, a soft smile graced his lips when he looked back at the concerned tanuki girl across from him and said in an attempt to comfort her "I didn't tell you because, well, I'm here aren't I? Clearly, I made it out alright. Thank you though. I'm glad you worry so much about me."

That wasn't what Michiru was expecting at all and she sat back in her chair, almost as though she was recoiling. With a stutter, she replied "Do-don't be an idiot! How could I take dying lightly, I mean, how could I not? Even if you are ok now, that, you know, had to be one hell of an experience, right? And you still didn't answer my question."

Remembering the ordeal, Zelgadis looked away, noticing what looked like a young couple enjoying some roast beef before looking back at an expectant Michiru. "Phibrizzo was trying to get Lina to cast a spell for him and when she refused, he started killing us one by one. Amelia went first. I held her in my arms while she insisted she was ok over and over. With her dead, I figured there was nothing else for it and threw myself at him, a spell at the ready but I never made it, he just crushed a glass bead that represented my life and I dropped as I ran. Honestly, it was too quick to feel or remember anything after that until after Phibrizzo was dead and we were revived."

Michiru listened, empathy clear on her face. She tried to imagine what that experience must have been like and she watched her friend's face to see if she could see any pain that ordeal may have caused. When he finished and she hadn't found what she was looking for, the tanuki girl replied "That-that's amazing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you went down trying to avenge your friend and save another. Just, please, don't do it again, ok?"

Zelgadis was about to reply when the peppy horned girl seemed to appear from nowhere and cheerily said, "I have your water and your menus! Here!"

Zelgadis forced a smile, inwardly annoyed at the interruption. "Thank you miss." he replied, taking the offered menu while Michiru did the same. After setting the water down, Aletta added "I can offer you warm towels if you wish. The bread is also complimentary! I'll be along with it shortly, enjoy!"

"Thanks, Aletta, we appreciate it!" Michiru offered. Aletta smiled, offered a light nod and was off once more.

With their server gone, Michiru decided to latch onto a slightly different topic to lighten the mood. "So Zel…" she started, drawing the chimera's attention away from the menu, "were you avenging Amelia's death because she was your friend? Or was she, ya know, more?"

It took everything Zelgadis had to fight off the blush that threatened to color his features and remain calm in the face of a question that was clearly meant to get him to lose his composure. For a moment, the chimera wondered if this was Michiru's way of seeing if he was interested in her but beat that thought back. Michiru was usually much too direct for that. Something he very much appreciated.

His emotions in check, the sorcerer was able to bring himself to counter without giving himself away, a sly smile working its way onto his face before he countered "Why, you interested?"

Michiru, for her part, was trying to get Zelgadis to lose his cool and when he instead threw her strategy right back in her face, she was caught off guard, her eyes widening. Seeing Zelgadis' smile gain a hint of smugness to it, the tanuki did all she could think to do in that moment, laughing uncomfortably loudly before relying "Careful there Zel, people might think we were dating or something!"

"Oh? You weren't on a date? I'm glad I didn't ask the master to see if we had any special couple meals!" Aletta said with disappointment, having returned with the bread much quicker than either lighter expected.

Zelgadis quickly waved the waitress off, saying "No no, we're just friends. There was actually supposed to be three of us but one had something…come…up…"

Seeing the chimera trail off, Michiru asked "What? What's wrong Zel?"

A look of realization appeared on the rock-encrusted young man's face and he said, to himself as much as the two girls listening "She, she set us up…I'm going to kill her…"

"What was that?" Michiru asked, able to hear but confused by the words.

"Nothing!" he immediately countered "Thanks for the bread! We'll have our order ready in a few minutes!" Zelgadis followed, desperate to change the subject.

Michiru raised a suspicious eyebrow but said nothing and smiled at the horned blonde when she put the bread on the table.

Once Aletta left, Michiru's smile turned to a glare but Zelgadis had already buried his head in the menu, avoiding the ire being thrown at him. After a few moments, the tanuki girl relented and turned to the menu herself. After some time perusing, Zelgadis felt it was safe to speak again, asking "So, what looks good to you?"

Her anger abated somewhat and realizing just how hungry she was, Michiru hadn't taken long to decide "The pork cutlet rice bowl sounds amazing right now and I totally want once of these parfaits, probably strawberry!"

"That does sound good. I'm going with the beef stew though. Probably go great with the bread. I'm in the mood for some cheesecake as well." Zelgadis added, relieved he had avoided having to explain himself.

From there, the two settled into pleasant conversation. Zelgadis talked about what he had learned working with Kyoka and some of the musicians she had turned him onto. That had in turn gotten Michiru excited at the chance to discover some new artists she could enjoy.

After that, Zelgadis shared some of the more entertaining stories he had training with Katsuki and Minoru. Knowing how much she hated the grape-haired little lecher, the chimera tried to stick to stories that involved the torture or embarrassment of their hated classmate. It was nice, the two of them just hanging out. It also made Zelgadis happy to know he was taking Michiru's mind off of all the stress she had endured lately.

Eventually the food came and conversation died down a bit while the pair ate. As Zelgadis had expected, the bread did go well with the stew. When he saw Michiru's eyes glaze over at the how good it looked, he'd offered her some. Not aware that was really something that couples did in Japan, he blushed deeply after Michiru had nervously declined and explained the meaning.

Eventually, after the embarrassment died down, the two returned to talking, even as the dessert arrived. This time Zelgadis didn't dare suggest sharing, even if that parfait looked damn good. After Zelgadis had run out of training stories, Michiru told him of her time as an athlete and the insanity that was playing baseball in Anima City. Suddenly playing a form of tennis with enchanted rackets looked tame compared to a sport where players were actively trying to maim or kill each other all while organized crime ran everything.

The conversation had turned so pleasant, the thought crept into the swordsmen's mind that maybe it wouldn't be so bad, having a relationship with this girl. Maybe it would be worth it, despite knowing one day they would go back to their separate worlds never being able to see each other again. Almost as quickly Zelgadis quashed the idea. It wouldn't be fair. To him and most certainly to her. How could he ask her to grow closer knowing how it would suddenly end?

Zelgadis was brought out of his train of thought when he noticed the change in tone from his companion. Suddenly more somber, Michiru had asked "Zel, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. Tell you really, but I've been afraid to ask. After realizing what could happen if I bottle things up with Sakon, I've decided I just need to go for it."

This was it, whatever Emeralda mentioned Michiru had been wanting to say. A million thoughts raced through the chimera's mind. Everything from worry about her new powers to Xellos to, in his deepest of hearts, a confession that she felt the same way he did. With bated breath, Zelgadis gently nudged "It's ok, Michiru. I'll be here for you whatever it is you want to say."

Michiru shyly looked up, offered a brief small smile then took a deep breath and said "Ok, here goes. Zel…what if…what if I could do something that would make you look human again?"

Of all the things to come out of Michiru's mouth, of all the things he had considered, somehow she had managed to say something so unexpected, so outlandish that Zelgadis sat there, frozen. His brow was furrowed and his mouth slightly agape, Zelgadis had no words. It was as though his brain had shut down.

Michiru, when she saw the state he was in, quickly added "Well, that is, you wouldn't be human at first, but I'd help you get back there! Turns out its pretty easy once you know how…"

Finally the gears began to turn again in the chimera's head and Zelgadis seemed to snap back to life, replying dryly "A beastman. You'd make me a beastman, is that it?"

Michiru was growing nervous. He was angry, he had to be. Once she said it out loud she realized just how stupid it really sounded. Regret began to take hold and Michiru reared back in her chair, waving her hands defensively as she said "No, never mind! Pretend I didn't say anything!"

The tanuki girl's reaction drew disapproving glances from the other patrons, something Zelgadis was quickly aware of. Inwardly he cursed at the attention and knew he needed to act quickly before they and Michiru let their emotions get the best of them. Leaning forward, one hand outstretched, Zelgadis gently called out "Hey. Michiru, look at me."

With an unexpected soft voice reaching her ears, Michiru stiffened, realizing she needed to look at her friend. Slowly, but surely, Michiru moved her hands away from her head and turned to look at the sorcerer across from her. He…wasn't angry. He looked worried, if anything. Finally, Michiru fully turned and gave Zelgadis her full attention, even as she remained tightly pressed in on herself.

"Michiru, I'm sorry. It's just, more than anything, I'm surprised. You never said you could do that before and that's a pretty big deal. But beyond that…look, all I've talked about since getting here and long before that, trust me, has been about getting my body back. But since the raid, since meeting you, I've begun to think, maybe I'm ok this way"

Zelgadis' hand was still outstretched, and he shook it lightly as an invitation for her to take it. It took her a moment, but Michiru realized the meaning and with some reluctance, reached out as well and took his calloused, hard hand. He squeezed gently and continued "I'm as at peace with myself as I have been in a long time and that's in large part because you accepted me from the beginning and saw the best in me, even at my worst. So as much as I appreciate you thinking of me, of wanting to help me, it's ok. I want to stay the man you've called your friend all this time, just like I want you to be yourself, ok?"

Suddenly Michiru's hand squeezed harder as she let out a broken laugh that turned into a sob despite the smile that spread across her face. "Zel…you're right. I'm-I'm so sorry. I hadn't really thought of it until recently and I thought, if you couldn't get your body back any other way, maybe you'd be ok being like me."

"I already am like you, Michiru. I'd just be changing one form for another and at this point, this is as much me as anything else. That's something I admired about you. I'm sorry I didn't see what was bothering you underneath it all. Seems we both still have a little ways to go, huh?" Zelgadis replied, a smile spreading on his face.

"Heh, yeah, you got that right." Michiru answered, matching her friends smile.

Her tears beginning to dry, Zelgadis gently released his hand, signaling Michiru to do the same and they each sat back before Michiru added "Zel…Zel, I…I"

"Excuse me miss. Is he bothering you?"

Michiru's train of thought was interrupted by the loud and proud voice of the massive lion-man they had seen earlier, now looming over their table, his arms crossed as he glared down at Zelgadis.

"Wha-what?" Michiru lamely responded, utterly confused.

"I couldn't just let another fan of the pork cutlet rice bowl suffer like that!" the lion man declared.

"Look-" Zelgadis started, clearly annoyed "Nothing was wrong, we were just having an important conversation. Please just leave us be mister…"

"Lionel! That's big talk coming from such a sissy looking little man. Is that blunt sword of yours just for show or do you know how to use it?" the lion-like interloper taunted.

Standing up and no longer amused, Zelgadis shot back "I wouldn't be so quick to judge, if I were you. I'm not here to fight so again, would you please leave us be?"

Before Lionel could respond, Michiru stood up, her arm growing much larger in size before she added "Or maybe you'd like to go a round with me, big guy? You got a problem with my friend, you got a problem with me!"

The atmosphere in the restaurant suddenly grew much colder, all of the surrounding conversation having died, the other patrons watching on. Things went no further for a moment later, the black clad elf-like waitress appeared between Lionel and Zelgadis, an aura of darkness around her as she declared in their heads "There is to be NO FIGHTING in this place. Is that clear?"

Zelgadis felt the power from the apparent elf girl and stumbled back into his chair. Lionel stepped back himself, though his expression didn't change when he replied "I never said we'd fight here. I was going to suggest we fight in the arena, like real men. I'd never dream of losing the right to visit here. My apologies."

The lion-man then went back to his table, threw money on it and left without another word. Michiru and Zelgadis watched him leave with more than a little anger toward the large apparent warrior. After a moment, Zelgadis turned to the waitress and apologized profusely, as did Michiru. That seemed to be enough to calm Kuro, who nodded and wondered back to the kitchen.

Almost instantly, several of the patrons swarmed the two lighters, peppering them with questions. The old, robbed man, a great wizard by the name of Altorius was impressed by Zelgadis, sensing the chimera's magic and wanted to know more about it since it seemed different to him. Aletta herself wanted to know about Michiru's shifting just like a man with fox-like features who introduced himself as Doshun.

It took a while for the two lighters to finally answer everyone and for things to finally settle down. Agreeing they had had more than their fair share of excitement for one night, Michiru and Zelgadis paid their bill, apologized to the master of the restaurant in person and left.

Whatever Michiru was about to say before Lionel interrupted them, Zelgadis was ok not knowing for now. He was happy to have let her know how his view on himself had changed and how she had played a role in that. No, he was happy to just enjoy the tanuki girl's company for their trek back home and let things go, for now.

(X)

This was it. Sadou had just locked up his own restaurant and stood in front of it as if he was expecting looters any minute, along with many of his staff. Instead of thieves, though, it was a small group of villains, summoned here by the leader of the group Sadou had infiltrated. Word had gone out that they were to "welcome" the League of Villains to Deika City and the deposed demon lord had little time to figure out how the hell he was going to keep up appearances, keep his staff and his store safe and report back whatever happened to the commission.

The anger and more than a touch of fear that was permeating off of the cities residents was more than enough to fuel Sadou's magic and his ability to return to his original demonic body. If he willed it, he could level this whole city in just a few minutes. Yet, that would only drive these people underground again. The commission wanted the MLA lured out and knocked out in one blow. So Sadou stayed his hand, waiting for Tomura Shigaraki and his little band of murders and psychopaths.

Word went out that the League had been spotted and within a few moments, it sounded like the battle had been joined. Letting out a heavy sigh, Sadou knew a district manager's position was absolutely not worth this shit.

(X)

I'm sorry if this chapter seems a bit disjointed. I struggled to have time to write between getting a stomach bug and yet another hurricane which knocked out power for several days but luckily didn't do any other damage. I hope if any of you were in the way of Helene that you are safe, it was a bad one. This was already a short month to write because I scheduled a get away for myself this very week. I usually reserve the week before publishing for review and editing but since I'll be out in nature I needed to have the chapter done a week early on top of every other complication. I, like an idiot, have other passions, one of which is wildflower photography so by the time you read this, I'll still be out and about admiring flowers and chasing butterflies.

As for the chapter itself, I'm sorry. I hadn't planned the dinner scene to be one long running thing but I couldn't find a good place to break it up and I kind of let myself wander abit (see my above note about not having time to truly edit this chapter). That being said, I'd been looking forward to writing it for a long, long time. I very much enjoyed Restaurant to Another World and I'd managed to sneak in reference to it way back in the first arc of the story with a throwaway line between Jun and Hitomi but I knew even then that we'd eventually get to visit it. So my apologies for my over indulgence here.

Michiru may have had her break through last chapter but clearly she still has to work through it some more and the shadow of what she did to Misa still looms, even if she doesn't know it yet. The League of Villains is about to have it's showdown with the MLA only this time there is a lighter on either side to throw a wrench into the situation. The fight will start and end next chapter so we can get on to the joint training session, which, I admit I'm more excited to get to.

This month we have one review and I had a lovely private message conversation. I assume the author of the PM's did so to avoid more public acknowledgement and I will thus say no further. It was, as always, great to hear from Endericus, who writes:

The chapter was great though I would've loved it if Sakon and Michiru talked a bit more but I figure you have something more planned for Michiru's to confront in a future counselling session, also can't wait to see what you have in mind for the joint training exercise, I have been busy recently with university and lessons but this fic is as good as I remember it. Also my friend also likes though has expressed a bit of frustration with the whole greenette/bluenette thing since it can get confusing sometimes if Izuku and Emeralda are in one scene. Anyway, loved the chapter and cannot wait for the next one! Endericus out.

Thank you, as always Endericus! I'm glad you continue to enjoy the story and I hoe this chapter helps to fill that want with Michiru and Sakon. Sorry the training session is still a couple of chapters out. I know all about being busy with class loads, college can leave you with little time and if you have a job on top, it often feels like there is nothing else in life. I wish you the best of luck with it. I'm very happy to hear you have a friend who also likes the story and thank you for pointing out the over use of hair color. Like with my over-reliance of "as" I try to not over use the same word or phrase describing someone in a scene and that I sometimes don't consider having multiple people with the same hair color. I am something of a fan of green hair so that's gotten me in trouble in this story, my apologies. I will do my best in fixing it the next time I edit through the story and going forward. Thank you!

And that's it! Hopefully next month won't have any major disruptions to my writing cycle and I can bring you more of this story. Thank you so much for sticking around and see you next month!