17/09/4098
*Silence reigns in the corridors of the FCG, or well, in almost all of them. Kaelion yawns as he orders some papers and sends some files. He hates getting up early, but he doesn't want to be out of work either.*
???: Wow! What a great facility, I thought Phoenix was exaggerating.
*Kaelion gets scared and falls out of his chair, but stands up and in a defensive pose. He studies the girl's features. She has silver hair and eyes, and she's tall, a little less than half a head taller than Kaelion.*
Kaelion: Who are you? How did you get in? Oh no, I think I forgot to activate the alarms again.
???: Don't worry, I came in with my ID. I'm Briana, the new girl.
Kaelion: Briana? That name doesn't ring a bell.
Briana: Really? I could have sworn I sent my full report yesterday.
Kaelion: Well, I'm still going through the reports from a month ago, I have some backlog.
Briana: *Laughing* You're pretty funny, what's your name?
Kaelion: My name is Kaelion, a pleasure. Oh, wait, I still don't know what you're doing here.
Briana: Let's say that my old mentor has helped me get into work.
Kaelion: Mentor? Oh, Phoenix? I think you've mentioned it before.
Briana: Yes, although Cryo would probably have helped me too but he doesn't usually answer the phone. Although he always answers the calls to Phoenix, to argue or something.
Kaelion: Do you know Dad and mom?
*Both stand for a few seconds in silence. Briana starts laughing a lot, making Kaelion laugh too.*
Briana: Dad and mom?
Kaelion: Well, it's just that whenever I see them they remind me of a marriage.
Briana: You have a point there, after all they are polar opposites. You're very friendly, I doubt you're a hero, are you some kind of intern or something?
Kaelion: Well, the boss says I'm on an internship, although so far all I do is review reports over and over again.
Briana: That sounds boring.
Kaelion: It is but I guess it starts with something. What is your role here?
Briana: I don't want to brag but since they need another hero I've come to introduce myself. Since Tyler's death no one seems to want to be a hero and those who do want to just go to another city.
Kaelion: That sounds cool, I want to apply too.
Briana: Well then let's introduce ourselves together.
Kaelion: Perfect! Although... What do we have to do?
Briana: I was just coming to ask that, although it looks like I'll have to wait until someone arrives who knows.
Kaelion: Do you want to play something?
Briana: What do you have?
*Kaelion looks everywhere before opening his secret drawer, in which he has a bunch of board games and consoles.*
Briana: Wow, a prepared man is worth two.
*Meanwhile Hiro flies through the sky, doing his daily patrol. When he finds nothing strange, he decides to return to his house, a mansion on the outskirts of the center, near the southern area.*
Hiro: Erissa, I'm back, I hope you're not waiting for me angry in the living room with that pajamas you like so much.
*Upon entering, Erissa is angrily waiting for him sitting on the couch in a dinosaur pajamas.*
Erissa: You made me get up again and then leave, I want an explanation.
Hiro: I've mixed up schedules.
Erissa: You say that all the time!
Hiro: Erissa, where were you yesterday?
Erissa: Eh... At the library, I already told you that I was going to study.
Hiro: Really? How funny, I could have sworn I saw a girl heading to the Han district yesterday wrapped in what seemed to be a flash of light.
Erissa: It wasn't me.
Hiro: I've never said you were.
Erissa: Hey! Stop using your interrogation tricks on me, I'm no criminal.
Hiro: Erissa, was that you?
Erissa: I've already told you no.
Hiro: Are you sure?
Erissa: I was bored! It's your fault for taking the console away from me.
Hiro: I've told you that you shouldn't go alone, I really mean that. Look Erissa, I know you're at that age of discovering the world, I don't mind you running away.
Erissa: Really? Then why are you punishing me?
Hiro: For eating my chocolate chip cookies and for turning off the pager.
Erissa: I don't like feeling watched.
Hiro: I promise not to interrupt your life anymore if you promise not to turn off the pager.
*Erissa stays thoughtful. She still doesn't like the idea, but decides to use it to her advantage.*
Erissa: Fine, but I also want a monthly payment.
Hiro: As long as you don't spend it on anything bad I guess there's no problem.
*They both seal the deal with a handshake.*
Hiro: Okay, you can go now.
Erissa: What? How...?
Hiro: You've been very restless since yesterday, apart from the fact that you've spent more time in the attic than in your room. Not only that, you went out for about 14 minutes and 56 seconds, as nervous as you were, you were probably in a hurry. Considering how long it took you, you went to the pharmacy and with the 20 credits you stole from me, you bought medicines, right?
*Erissa stares at Hiro, noticing his serious expression and calculating tone. She doesn't usually see him like that much and when she does she always feels a certain fear.*
Hiro: Besides, you've tidied up your room, that means you're hiding something. Maybe a backpack, were you planning to lie to me again and say you were going to study?
Erissa: Me...
Hiro: Where are you going?
*From the tone of Hiro's voice, Erissa knows perfectly well that lying is not an option.*
Erissa: I'm going to see Sylkar.
Hiro: Sylkar... *His tone is back to its usual one* Who is Sylkar?
Erissa: I don't know if you're asking seriously or you're that dumb.
Hiro: Ah! Your friend.
Erissa: He's not my friend!
Hiro: In that case you can go, he doesn't stand a chance against you Although if you take medicine to him it will be because he is injured or similar.
Erissa: I'll be back later, don't wait for me.
Hiro: Go carefully.
*He watches as Erissa comes out of her room with a backpack. When she leaves, Hiro looks at the time and decides to go to the FCG. He goes straight to Thalior's office, who is reading a bunch of documents.*
Hiro: Good morning.
Thalior: Hiro, good morning. You don't usually come so soon, have you fought with your apprentice again?
Hiro: Let's just say I've let her be a little more free.
Thalior: What are you coming to ask me?
Hiro: I want to ask you two things, which are very dangerous.
Thalior: What are you up to? You don't usually ask for anything risky.
Hiro: I want to fight Kazuki Takeda.
*Thalior stops reading documents and focuses all his attention on Hiro, who asks for one last thing.*
Hiro: I want to talk to the new demon king.
*In the Demonic Realm, Weldud is lying down watching a movie with his wife.*
Fiorella: I missed this, just the two of us. Although I also miss the child.
Weldud: Don't worry, he'll be safe. He is a strong boy, I am glad to know that he will be able to have a good life.
Fiorella: Does he keep sending you information?
Weldud: Yes, although I have told him to enjoy his new life, that we will talk when everything has passed.
*Weldud instantly gets serious when he feels a large amount of Ánima approaching at high speed.*
Weldud: Honey, stay here and call Thazmur and Kassira, I'm going to take care of some business.
*Outside the castle Takumi vaguely reads some grimoires, but his spells are invoked again and again, making Hiro retreat. Zaryah rubs her jaw, though she stays on her feet.*
Zaryah: It's not bad at all, but you're going to need a lot more to knock me out.
Takumi: Anyway, who is this guy? We are having bad luck with the fighting.
Hiro: Wow *repelling Takumi's spells using light orbs* and that I've hit you with all my strength, I think I should train a little more.
*Weldud lands, getting in between Hiro, Takumi and Zaryah.*
Weldud: Either you are very brave or you are very silly. Explain yourself, hero.
Hiro: Wow, I was expecting someone more intimidating. My name is Hiro. I am delighted.
Weldud: And I was expecting to see someone stronger, not a spaghetti. Weldud, now you have 5 seconds to explain yourself.
Hiro: I've come to inform you about a battle that's going to happen in the afternoon of next Friday.
Weldud: And?
Hiro: I plan to fight Kazuki Takeda, there will probably be a lot of noise.
Weldud: Against that arrogant brat? I don't care what you do.
Hiro: Well, I'm leaving now. By the way, you are invited to participate, after all it will be a battle between the strongest. I doubt he will fight to the end, I just want to test Kazuki's strength.
Weldud: Get the hell out of here.
*Hiro smiles and leaves in a flash of light. Zaryah complains.*
Zaryah: I wanted to fight him.
Takumi: Maybe another day.
Weldud: You've fought both of them, what do you think?
Zaryah: You are definitely on his level, I would say even stronger.
Takumi: You physically tear them apart, but no one knows what happens in a battle until it happens.
Weldud: I understand, Takumi, have you researched what I asked for?
Takumi: Yes, we are still looking but the odds are very high.
Weldud: Good.
Zaryah: Hey Weldud, would there be a problem if I have puppies?
Weldud: Are you going to adopt dogs? I don't mind as long as you take care of them.
Takumi: That's not what he means. Most hybrids call their offspring that.
Weldud: Children? No problem for me, where are you planning to find a partner?
*Zaryah nudges Takumi in a suggestive way.*
Zaryah: I already found a partner a long time ago.
Weldud: That's weird, I thought you were attracted to physical strength.
Zaryah: Well, imagine how sweet this lazy little wizard is to have made me fall in love.
Takumi: I'm not that physically weak either, am I?
Zaryah: Don't worry, I know you'll be a good father.
Weldud: Well, I'll leave you, I'm going to see my wife.
*Back in Lightown, Kazuki finds himself exploring the city. He has decided to visit more abandoned places, such as the Han District. He walks with his hands in his pockets, analyzing the state of deterioration of the place. Some men come out with knives and surround him, the tallest one approaches him.*
Man: You'd better give us everything you have.
Kazuki: No.
*Without waiting for a response, Kazuki starts walking again, completely ignoring the man. One of the thieves gets angry and walks towards Kazuki. Halfway through, the thief is split in half.*
Kazuki: I think you have misunderstood me.
*The rest of the group stay frozen in place, terrified. The only thing they can observe are Kazuki's yellow eyes as he slowly turns around.*
Kazuki: Pathetic, is that all you can do? You are dedicated to stealing what you can never get, at least you should be strong. I almost feel bad for having to kill you.
*In the blink of an eye Kazuki cuts them off without any hesitation. His gaze falls on another thief, one who had managed to hide.*
Thief: Please spare my life *says the man through tears.*
Kazuki: Would you have let me go? Of course not, that's why you're the bad guy. Don't worry, I'm a villain too. That's why I'm not letting you go.
*Later, Kazuki returns to downtown Lightown to go get something to eat. He grabs his takeaway and sits down in a nearby park.*
Hiro: Wow! What a coincidence *suddenly appearing.* It's just my free time and I had decided to go for a walk.
Kazuki: You again.
Hiro: How are you? That looks really good *sitting next to Kazuki. Despite his calm and kind tone, his gaze analyzes Kazuki's every move.*
Kazuki: Well, I'm discovering new things. It's not that bad in this place.
Hiro: Really? I'm glad you like our city, Kazuki Takeda.
*Hiro keeps staring at him, but Kazuki keeps eating like it's nothing.*
Kazuki: I see you already know that.
Hiro: From the beginning, but I don't come to fight. Well, not yet.
Kazuki: Just get to the point, "hero."
Hiro: Next Friday, I'll look for you and tell you where to go.
Kazuki: Fine, but don't think I'll let you run away.
Hiro: I'm counting on it.
*Kazuki continues to eat while Hiro disappears in a flash of light. Kazuki's mobile phone glows, with a new message.*
Skye: "Hey, I think it would be nice to get some rest from training today."
Kazuki: "Okay, then I'll go explore the city."
Skye: "Actually... My friends talk about going to airsoft and insist on meeting you. Well, actually, it's only one of my friends who talks about meeting you. Okay... Are you signing up?"
Kazuki: "What is airsoft? I have nothing better to do, I'll go."
Skye: "I'll explain it to you when you get there *puppy sticker*"
*Kazuki stares at Skye's message.*
Kazuki: A dog?
*Skye puts her mobile away, relieved to see Kazuki's message.*
Liana: So your boyfriend is coming?
Skye: He's not my boyfriend! I've already told you that he's just a friend.
Liana: Well, if you say so...
Kiki: Does Skye have a boyfriend?
Skye: Not at all!
Stuart: Stop making a drama and let's get on with it. Skye, tell your boyfriend to hurry up or we're leaving without him.
*Liana covers her mouth to suppress a giggle while Skye looks at Stuart with irritation.*
Skye: You too?
Stuart: That's funny to say.
Skye: You are...
Kazuki: What are you guys talking about?
*Stuart instinctively steps back and activates his element. Skye, as she is used to, turns calmly to greet Kazuki.*
Stuart: What the hell? When did you arrive?
Kazuki: I just arrived.
Stuart: I didn't even sense you, don't do that again.
Zephyr: We're all done, let's go.
Liana: Hey, Zephyr, we should introduce ourselves first. I'm Liana, nice to meet the couple from Skye.
Skye: Liana!
Zephyr: Hi, I'm Zephyr.
Stuart: Stuart.
Kiki: Wow, Skye! I didn't know you like blondes. Although I must say that this is the first time I have seen someone with such marked yellow eyes.
Kazuki: That's because...
Skye: Well! *Skye interrupts* Shall we go?
Liana: Come to think of it, what's your name?
Kazuki: Oh, that's right, my name is Kaz...
Skye: Kaz! You can call him Kaz.
Liana: Kaz? What a weird name.
Stuart: Let's get going already, does anyone remind me who had this idea?
Zephyr: Liana and Kiki.
Liana: It will be fun. By the way, we should exchange numbers, don't you think?
Stuart: No.
Kiki: Yes.
*Skye sneakily approaches Kazuki while the others are arguing.*
Skye: Hey, could you be careful with your identity? I don't want anything to get out of control. In return I promise you that we will have a good time *whispering in his ear.*
Kazuki: I know, I'll be careful *with a slight blush on his cheeks.*
*Skye notices Kazuki's flushed cheeks. It's the first time she's seen him react that way. She whispers in his ear again and notices that his blush grows slightly. She repeats it over and over again to keep testing his limits.*
Liana: Well, well, then are we the ones who misunderstand things?
Skye: Eh... I was telling her a secret.
Liana: Yeah, of course, it doesn't leak. When do you think...?
*Zephyr pulls Liana's cheeks.*
Zephyr: Stop bothering for once.
Liana: Hey! Let go of me already!
Stuart: If we don't get going I'm going to go home.
Zephyr: We're coming *dragging Liana.*
*Along the way they decide to exchange numbers. They joke, chat and integrate Kazuki into the group. Skye takes the opportunity to explain to Kazuki what airsoft is in a summarized way. Liana finds Kazuki's confusions and questions very funny, because it's the first time she's met someone who seems to know nothing.*
Liana: Well, Kaz, where are you from?
Kazuki: From a village far away from here.
Liana: Well, and what's your story?
Kazuki: I came because this city seemed like fun.
Liana: I understand, I like your motives. This city is full of things to explore. Although it is not the best city in the world either. He has been through a lot, the closest incident was the one in Han District. It used to be a place full of life, now it is abandoned to its fate.
Kazuki: I was around, what happened to him?
Liana: It is said that the founder became very greedy and wanted to start some scientific and nuclear tests. Due to lack of time they could not create good containment systems and... It exploded, the radiation was contained but the Han district became uninhabitable.
Zephyr: The radiation was removed the next day, but the people inside had already died.
Kiki: It is not known what happened to the founder, she is believed to have died in the explosion.
Liana: As a curious fact, the district is called Han because that was the founder's surname.
Kazuki: Interesting, although I haven't understood half of the words you have said. Anything else I should know?
Liana: Did you say you were in the district?
Kazuki: Yes.
Liana: You should be careful, it is said that there is a killer who hunts people. He hides in the shadows and makes his victims disappear. Although I've heard that he usually comes here too. Well, actually for all of Lightown.
Skye: I've heard that they're just criminals.
Kiki: Me too, whenever he kills them he leaves documents with the proofs. Surely the government has added more fake deaths to him in order to win the support of the people and invest more money in his "capture".
Stuart: Besides, they only publish the supposed documents that he leaves about the civilians. Obviously no one is buying it, we all know that they just want to create more drama than there is.
Zephyr: They say he's an anti-hero.
Kazuki: Anti what?
Stuart: It looks like we've arrived.
*The group stands in front of the airsoft, a bigger place than half the group imagined. They give their names and go to register.*
Stuart: Even if we are from the same team we have to change, we will go to the locker room on the right. When you are ready, go to the main area.
Liana: Understood.
Zephyr: Don't take long *looking only at Liana.*
*Both groups go to their respective locker rooms to change. In the girls' locker room Skye notices Liana's steady gaze while changing, which makes her get a little nervous.*
Liana: Hey, Skye, can I ask you something without making you angry?
Skye: Oh, right, what is it?
Liana: Do they weigh you down?
Skye: What?
*Kiki starts laughing when she understands Liana's question, which confuses Skye even more. Liana points at her breasts, causing Skye to be embarrassed and cover up.*
Skye: Why do you ask that? *Blushing with shame.*
Liana: Curious.
Kiki: I think she's jealous. She's been giving me a little bad looks too, although she's been noticing you more. Not all of us are born with a voluptuous body *winking at Liana.*
Liana: I'm not jealous!
Kiki: I think you are, after all guys like women with nice bodies.
Skye: Really?
Liana: That's a lie, my Zephyr would never notice something like that. It just seemed weird to me that Skye was like that.
Skye: Why?
Kiki: I think she's saying that because you're always wearing baggy clothes. Doesn't it make you want to show off your body? Of the three you are the most voluptuous, besides...
Skye: I don't need to listen anymore. I'm just embarrassed and I don't feel comfortable.
Kiki: Don't worry, we're not going to pressure you either.
Liana: Don't you feel comfortable with your body?
Skye: It's not that, but I don't want someone to notice me just because of my body.
Liana: Don't worry Skye, you'll find the one for sure.
*Silence reigns in the boys' locker room. Kazuki feels a little uncomfortable, just realizing that the girls are the ones who lead the topics of conversation. He takes off his shirt and changes. Zephyr and Stuart look at his scarred body, look at each other and keep silent, albeit with a new perspective. Finally, both groups meet in the main room.*
Stuart: I guess we're ready. Zephyr's clothes fit a little tight, he's a big boy and there were no more sizes.
*Kiki and Skye hold back their laughter when they see Liana staring dumbfounded at Zephyr.*
Kiki: Wow Zephyr, it looks like you're bringing crazy to our little friend *elbowing him in the side.*
Liana: Don't touch him! He's mine *hugging Zephyr in a possessive way.*
Kazuki: Hey, are we going to start already? It's all getting very boring.
Stuart: I feel the same way. Oh, by the way, I've put us in a qualifier, to give it more excitement.
Zephyr: Are you kidding us? No one here has played and neither Liana nor Kaz knew how it was shot just a few hours ago.
Stuart: It's more exciting that way.
Liana: Well, no problem for me.
Kazuki: Not for me either.
Stuart: Well, you have to put on this bracelet. You can not use your element, it is forbidden. If this bracelet is activated then you are eliminated and will not be able to play the following rounds.
Skye: I like that rule, it's more equitable that way.
Liana: Let's go! I'm sure we'll win.
*The group sets off, with Stuart leading the way. Kazuki asks over and over again what the goal is.*
Skye: Look, you aim and shoot *teaching him to pick up the gun.* The goal is to hit everyone on the rival team without getting hit. Although I must say that I doubt we will win.
Kazuki: Mmm, I see.
Liana: I trust Zephyr to protect me.
Stuart: Well, we have to get in positions, when the bell rings the round starts.
*The group gets into position and the bell rings.*
Kiki: Ha! This will be easy, follow me and I will lead you to victory, my senses never fail *starting to walk without waiting for anyone.*
Stuart: Hey come back here *walking behind her.*
*Zephyr walks next to Liana, pulling her by the cheeks. Skye walks next to Kazuki, noticing that he has been quiet for a long time.*
Skye: Are you okay? *Speaking softly so that others don't hear.*
Kazuki: Concentrated.
Skye: It makes sense. Okay... what did you do before you came?
Kazuki: I've explored the city a bit, I've tried a lot of food and little else. And I've bought myself some other music chips.
Skye: Come to think of it, where do you leave your stuff?
Kazuki: At the lake where I train you.
Skye: Do you live there?
Kazuki: Yes, to prevent the heroes from attacking me by surprise.
Kiki: Hey, stop whispering, I want to find out too.
Stuart: Stop distracting each other.
*Liana gets a hail of bullets for getting ahead of the rest.*
Liana: Hey! You've already eliminated me! Stop shooting! *Taking cover from the bullets.*
*The group quickly hides while Liana leaves the field irritated. Kazuki, who doesn't hear about anything, keeps walking as if nothing happened. He runs into an enemy head-on but dodges his bullets thanks to his reflexes, although he misses all the bullets by not aiming and in the end he is eliminated as well.*
Stuart: I knew you guys were bad but not that bad. What inhuman reflexes, on top he is very fast without using his element. Where the hell does your friend come from? *whispers to Skye from her hiding place.*
Skye: He just really likes sports.
*Kiki laughs when she sees that Kazuki misses all the bullets and gives away her position, causing her to be eliminated as well.*
Skye: I have an idea, I'll run out so you can know the position of the rivals and thus have more advantage. By the way, where is Zephyr?
Stuart: I have no idea. Well, we'll follow your plan.
*Skye nods and waits for a few seconds. She throws some rocks to distract the enemies and from there she runs out as fast as she can. However, she runs into Zephyr, who was changing hiding places, and both are eliminated. Stuart runs a hand through his hair and lets himself be eliminated.*
Stuart: First and last time we came here. Let's get back to the others, there are still about 9 rounds left.
*Skye rubs her head as she walks, somewhat sore from the crash. In the distance they see Liana talking angrily to Kiki and Kazuki, who are laughing at her.*
Zephyr: What's going on?
Kazuki: Liana says she kept walking because she had seen a squirrel and wanted to touch it.
Kiki: She thinks the squirrel was a trap.
Liana: She was too well positioned for it not to be.
Stuart: Come on, we need to get in position again.
*Liana remains angry, although Zephyr comforts her by patting her on the head. Stuart stays thoughtful while Kiki annoys him. Skye stays alert, making sure there aren't any enemies in sight. Kazuki on the other hand walks around distracted, finding anything he sees curious.*
Stuart: Hey Kaz, position yourself further forward to maintain the formation.
Kazuki: Okay.
*Stuart stops the others and gestures for them not to say anything while Kazuki moves forward alone. Kazuki stops in his tracks and dodges a hail of bullets coming at him. Stuart takes advantage of the fact that the rivals are unprotected and shoots them. The group follows Stuart's example and launches into the attack, although they are forced to disperse as they begin to be attacked.*
Kiki: Hey, where are you guys?
*Zephyr hides behind a tree and sees Stuart hiding behind some rocks nearby. He makes some signs for them to attack together. Stuart nods but upon coming out of hiding they are both eliminated. Meanwhile Kazuki is walking near the enemy base.*
Kazuki: I got lost.
*As he turns a corner he comes face to face with Liana. Kazuki shoots her out of pure instinct and Liana out of fright, eliminating each other. On the other hand Skye walks slowly, listening to everything around her. She eliminates an opponent and takes advantage to take a better position.*
Skye: Kiki, I could use some help around here.
*When she doesn't receive a response, Skye assumes that only she is left. She arms herself with courage and comes out of hiding to hunt down the remaining enemies. She manages to eliminate two more and take cover from an attack. The eliminated ones carefully watch the screen with the location of the players who are still playing, noticing that Skye is close to the last opponent. Skye prepares to attack but the bell marks that they have won.*
Skye: What?
Kiki: Look Skye, I hit him.
*Stuart stares at the replay in disbelief. Kiki had gotten confused and was going to shoot Skye, but she took the wrong aim and hit the opponent by pure luck.*
Kazuki: I like this game, I didn't know you played so well.
Skye: It was pure luck.
Kazuki: I think it's in your blood, you have a lot of skill.
Stuart: Well, this round has been much better.
Liana: I want an ice cream when we're done.
*They spend the whole afternoon playing with laughter and funny moments. Once they finish, they are going to change and then buy Liana's ice cream, since she kept asking for it.*
Liana: This is life *eating her ice cream.* Well, we're leaving. We had a great time *holding Zephyr's hand.*
Stuart: So do we. It's been good.
*Once they say goodbye, Kazuki accompanies Skye home. They both talk about how much fun they had and that they should do it again another day. For a few moments Skye sees Kazuki genuinely smile, if only for an instant. In a way she feels happy to see him like this. They finally get to Skye's house.*
Kazuki: Well, we've already arrived.
Skye: Thanks for joining me, I had a great time.
Luna: Skye?
*Skye turns around only to find her mom just getting back from work.*
Skye: Mom! I didn't think we'd meet.
Luna: Who is your friend?
Skye: This is Kaz *kind of nervous.*
Luna: Delighted, thank you very much for accompanying my daughter home. The streets are very dangerous nowadays.
Kazuki: It's nothing, do you want me to help you? *Pointing to the shopping bags.*
Luna: Thank you very much, what a polite boy. Do you want to stay for dinner?
Kazuki: I don't want to disturb you.
Luna: Don't worry, it's the least I can do as a thank you.
*Kazuki agrees and helps Luna with the shopping bags. Skye is afraid, very afraid. Although he wants to trust, having Kazuki at home and with her mother nearby causes her to panic.*
Luna: Skye, can you go cutting the vegetables?
Kazuki: If you want I can do it myself.
Luna: Really? It would be very helpful.
* Kazuki cuts the vegetables with a lot of practice, leaving Skye stunned. Apart from that, Kazuki is very used to household chores, because he puts the dishes and washes everything that they have been using. During dinner Skye stays watching as her mother and Kazuki talk very naturally, as if they had known each other all their lives.*
Luna: Everything's so expensive these days, but salaries are the only thing that doesn't go up.
Kazuki: That's true, bread has gone up 4 times in price this week.
Luna: Exactly! That's what I'm talking about. Well, Kaz, what are you planning with my daughter?
Kazuki: I don't understand the question.
Luna: You're a nice guy, but I'm worried about your intentions with my daughter.
Skye: Mom, I don't think it's time.
Kazuki: Well, to tell the truth, I hadn't thought about it. I have a good time with her and everything just comes up.
*Skye covers her face with her hands, knowing that her mom is going to misunderstand. Luna, on the other hand, is very happy about Kazuki's response.*
Luna: You passed the test *shaking her head approvingly.*
*After finishing dinner, Kazuki helps to pick up the table and says a cordial goodbye to Luna. Skye walks him to the door to say goodbye.*
Skye: Well, it's been a curious day.
Kazuki: Yeah, it's been fun.
Skye: Do you want to wake up earlier tomorrow for training?
Kazuki: Sure, see you tomorrow.
Skye: See you tomorrow.
*Skye watches as Kazuki leaves. Later she stays reflecting on her bed. On the one hand she feels that Kazuki is opening up and expressing himself a little more, but on the other hand she feels that today has been the breaking point and that she should set limits. She really doesn't want to, as she's had a great time, but she feels she has to. With that last thought, she falls asleep.*