Melody of Lost Dreams

A Story of A Daydreamer and His Little Reverie

[in-a-world-untitled]

The Little Bunny & Her Wolf Pack

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Jairen: -In the process of shining up wine glasses, gets alerted by footsteps from the left side of him- ? -Sees Zanadi and Reinalia walking towards the entrance- You two heading off somewhere?

Reinalia: *Wings flitter* Zan-Zan take me out for ride. Riii! While there’s some sunlight left.

Jairen: Sounds fun! So… in regards to—

Zanadi: Shune will fill you in on that. -Walks out the door-

Reinalia: *Hides her wings as she waves at Jairen* Riii! See you later, Ren-Ren!

Jairen: -Waves back at her watching Reinalia then walk out; sighs-

<A moment later after Zanadi and Reinalia left, Shune and Alrik came walking out from the kitchen and into bar area>

Jairen: -Senses their presence from behind him as he was organizing the bottles on the shelf- How was the deciphering process? Finally have it solved?

Shune: -Now sitted on one of the bar stools; sighs- No…

<Shune explains to Jairen the situation down to Zanadi’s words “Do nothing” and how he showed a ‘smirk’ afterwards>

Jairen: -Sighs and shakes his head-

Shune: Do you have some idea to what he’s planning?

Jairen: …Not exactly… Though of course knowing Zan, I have an idea in what his smirk entails… Setting that aside, I’m not entirely surprised that some people outside of the Dream Catcher organization would work with them. I mean… we destroyed one of their bases when rescuing Rein from their clutches months ago—and a few of their loyal members and researchers lives were lost in the process… They could have hired whoever was an expert in science and or technology in desperation to fill in those they’ve lost. They also still have the finances to hire those who are willing to work with them.

Shune: Hmmm… They could have more new members then than just those two…

Jairen:

[in-a-world-untitled]

Shune: -Finally getting busy setting up his hacking equipment-

Alrik: So what were those guys exactly? Just random people who decided to work along side those Dream Catcher bastards or what?

Kaixuro: Didn’t care to ask. I just so happened to listen on their convo while I was out taking a stroll. Saying stuff like if there any responses to the text and if their plan is gonna work out smoothly… but more importantly gabber about their deal with the Dream Catchers. That’s when I rained on their parade. There were only two of them by the way. Your duo of a typical nerd and a badly dressed bum seated on a cozy looking bench at the small park you guys have here. Got surprised, of course, when I made an appearance and got on the offense.

Alrik: What the hell? Were they thinkin’ that no one would happen to be there and be suspicious of them?

Zanadi: That’s not important. What’s important is what will those two do on the information on Reverie and the Dream Catchers’ need for info on Day Dreamers.

Shune: -Typing real fast on his laptop- Hopefully I’ll able to get access into their account, so possibly we’ll get our answers.

Reinalia: *Gives a worried face* Zan-Zan…? Riii? Am I in danger again?

Zanadi: -Looks at her- ?

Reinalia: *Shakes her head* D-Don’t like Dream Catchers… Riii… because what they do to Reverie like me…

Zanadi: Reinalia…

Kaixuro: ……

Zanadi: Get over here, kid.

Reinalia: *Gets off her chair and goes to Zanadi*

Zanadi: -Takes her on his lap and places his comforting hand on her head- You won’t be in ‘danger’ when you’re with us.

Reinalia: *Nods still with a troubled look in her eyes*

Shune: -Beginning to get miffed after a few trial and errors of breaching the security of the suspect’s tablet; lets out a disappointed sigh and mumbles- Man…

Kaixuro: -Witnessed the whole process and was impressed but confused- What? What happened?

Shune: -Starts speaking in “techno tongue” with mix feelings of amazement and frustration-

Alrik: -Lets out an irritated sigh- Talk normally, man!

Shune: -Explains but still no one understood what he meant-

Zanadi, Alrik, Kaixuro: …?

Kaixuro: …Is this his usual when it comes to tech?

Alrik: -Yells- I said SPEAK NORMALLY! We didn’t understand a damn thing, ya techno nerd!

Shune: Ok, Ok, Ok!! No need to shout, sheesh! -Clears throat- Ahem! In a much “simpler” explanation, the program that this guy has on his tablet… is complex! I never seen anything like it! Perfect password protection! It’s—

Alrik: -Holds up a yielding gesture- Alright! Stop right there! So simply put, you can’t break into it?

Shune: -Scratches his head and chuckles nervously- Uhhh… -Sighs in utter defeat- Yeah…

Alrik: Ugh… Ya coulda just said…

Kaixuro: Sooo… That’s the end of that? Nothing can be done?

Shune: -Shakes his head- See… The thing is… it’s a program which most likely was created by that person themself! And… they’re NOT an ordinary “nerd” by any means merely based on how complicated it is. Personally, it would take me approximately 3 to 5 months to crack it… if I’m stubborn to not give up. Right now… I’m kind of stumped…

Alrik: Damn… -Turns to Kaixuro- Why didn’t ya just bring those bastards here instead of handin’ them over to the police?

Kaixuro: You’re blaming this on me now?

Zanadi: It wouldn’t be an ideal decision at this moment… It’s Ren’s working hours and it’ll disturb the peace here for the genuine customers.

Shune: Yeah… Wouldn’t want Ren to be upset.

Alrik: -Displeased- So we’re gonna leave it at that? It’s like we’re lettin’ those bastards off the hook to me.

Shune: Not exactly… We have one of their possessions—the tablet… and what little info Kaixuro gave to us on them. It’s not a loss. The police are the ones who are letting them off the hook eventually.

Kaixuro: -Realization hits him- …I think I know what you’re getting at…

Shune: Eh…?

Kaixuro: Once the police releases them, we’ll beat them up and bring them over here on a non business day.

Shune: -Smiles uncomfortably- Uhhh… Not even close to my idea… I was thinking along the lines of “stalking” and seeing if they’ll meet up with a Dream Catcher or something and then we’ll make our move.

Alrik: I didn’t want to agree with this sparky asshole… but his idea sounds more direct.

Shune: Wow… I’m completely amazed you would! And also deeply hurt… But more amazed! Still hurts though…

Alrik: The hell!? Make up your damn mind!

Zanadi: -Deep in thought again- ……

Shune: -Turns to Zanadi- Oh yeah! Zan! You’re like our fearless leader here, what do you think we should do?

Zanadi: -Scoffs- Leader…

Alrik & Shune: -Awaiting their “leader’s” thoughts in anticipation- ……

Kaixuro: -Thinking to himself whilst munching on a cookie- Knowing this guy for only short amount of time… he is definitely gonna go in the direction of forcefulness…

Zanadi: …Do nothing…

Kaixuro: -Instantly chokes after his thought- !?

Alrik & Shune: -Both equally baffled- What!?

Reinalia: *Lightly flaps her small wings while resting her head against Zanadi’s chest, unbothered by the banter* Riii…

<As the vexed collectively were at the edge of speaking out their concerns and complaints on the dark-haired man’s lax response, they were halted by his conspicuous wicked smirk spreading in the corner of his lips>

Shune: -Tinge of excitement rising- Oh no… It’s his infamous smirk!

Alrik: Whatever he’s plannin’, it’s gonna include Zyn in it… Maybe.

Kaixuro: -Sweats- Damn do I hate that smirk… It could mean anything…

[in-a-world-untitled]

Shune: -Bites off a piece of one of the Autumn leaf shaped cookies- Mmm~~! It’s apple cinnamon flavored! It’s so good! It kind of melts in my mouth too! You’re always so good at making cookies, Rein!

Reinalia: *Flaps her wings with joy from the praise* Riii! Liandra taught me lots!

Alrik: The frostin’ isn’t too sweet either.

Shune: Yeah! It has the right amount of sweetness! -Looks at the rest of the cookies with awe- I love the gradient colors of the frosting and how they blend into one another. I sort of feel bad in eating them now.

Alrik: You took pictures of ‘em. Why’re ya feelin’ bad? Food is meant to be eaten.

Shune: Yeah I know. But they’re so cute! Like Rein!

Reinalia: *Blushes and giggles; later attention was drawn to Zanadi who was seated next to her*

Zanadi: -Eating another cookie-

Shune: How many cookies did you eat now, Zan?

Zanadi: …My fourth one.

Shune: What!? I only had one so far!

Reinalia: Zan-Zan… *Giggles* Riii! I made lots of cookies to eat. But rest on plate for Ren-Ren and Churro.

<And as if on queue, Kaixuro returns to the bar and into the kitchen>

Reinalia: Oh Churro back! Riii!

Shune: Hey man! Right on time! Just about to decipher that text message. Try that is. I still don’t know what type of cipher it is yet.

Kaixuro: No need. -Instantly places a slightly cracked COMMS tablet on the kitchen table-

Shune, Alrik, Zanadi, Reinalia: ?!

Shune: Uhhh… Kaixuro… Who did you hurt to obtain that…?

Kaixuro: -Instantly gets offended- What do you think I am?! Some kind of psycho who goes on a rampage—terrorizing people!?

Shune: ……

Kaixuro: -Sighs with regret- Never mind… Don’t answer that…

<Kaixuro then briefly explains how he obtained the tablet>

Kaixuro: …After that, I got a random witness and told them to send an authority to deal with the culprits.

Alrik: -Gives an unconvincing look- Ya sure you’re not makin’ this up?

Kaixuro: Hey, I have you know that I could be an upstanding citizen if I wanted to be!

Shune: Uh… huh… Stating that when you electrified those guys.

Kaixuro: You gotta teach ‘em a lesson not to send stupid cryptic messages to random people… especially if they’re in cahoots with the Dream Catchers!

Zanadi: !?

Reinalia: *Gasps*

Shune: The Dream Catchers!? So they’re behind this?!

Kaixuro: -Heaves out a sigh- Don’t be so loud! And before you ask anymore questions… I made one of them spill the beans that they only were doing it for the money and some info on Reverie. And in exchange, the Dream Catchers receive info on who is a Daydreamer within the region.

Reinalia: Riii! Shune c-correct then!

Kaixuro: What?

Shune: Yeah! Well… the latter half of that. We were all discussing on the topic of who could be the main recipients and Zan had come to the conclusion that it could be Daydreamers; while I made up the possibility that they’re trying to gather them in one place for whatever the sent message reads!

Alrik: So did ya find out what the message means?

Kaixuro: Why do you think I have this tablet here for?

Shune: They could have deleted their data though and kept the data chip.

Kaixuro: -Grins- Was about to… -Surging electricity around his hand from his sygnergy- …But I made sure they didn’t.

Shune: -Clears his throat- Ok then… Well, even if they did—we still have the message they sent Zan and you. -Takes the tablet-

Zanadi: -Lost in thought with a very serious look in his eyes- ……

Reinalia: *Glances at Zanadi, concerned* Zan-Zan…? Riii?

Kaixuro: Hey Flammie, you have that more extra serious expression on your face than usual.

Zanadi: What were they doing in Surril?

Kaixuro: ?

Shune & Alrik: -Look in Zan’s direction-

Zanadi: …If they’re in Surril… that could mean two things: They’ve been here all along under our noses or they’ve already had pinpointed our exact locations and have came straight away to make their move.

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<Now at the kitchen, Shune had set up his laptop after helping Reinalia with placing the cookies and hot chocolate on the table>

Shune: -Sees the cookie that had the tiny heart shape drawn on it- Oooh~! That cookie is a bit bigger than the rest! Can I have it?

Reinalia: *Shakes her head* Riii! That one is for Zan-Zan.

Shune & Alrik: -Think to themselves- Of course…

Reinalia: *Starts wrapping up some cookies in Autumn themed cellophane treat bags*

Alrik: -Surprised- Wow. You made a lotta cookies, Rein.

Reinalia: Mmhm! Riii! These are for Zyn-Zyn, Big Sis, N-Naol, Alyna, umm… Liandra, and—and… Kayel and May too! Riii! They easy to make!

Shune: -Pouts- I want mine in a cute cellophane bag too…

Alrik: Dude ya already here. You don’t need one.

Zanadi: -Finally walks into the kitchen- Zyn had texted me. He was sent the same message last night as well.

Shune: Huh? Him too? Did you tell him you and Kaixuro got a message too?

Zanadi: Yeah. I had asked him if he and Naol had any suspicions on who could have sent him it, but none of them got a clue. I already told him that you were going to try to decipher it soon.

Shune: Man… Now why does it feel as if it’s all riding on my shoulders, even though it could be nothing?

Alrik: What happened to ya bein’ all hyped about it?

Shune: I dunno… Anyway, it can’t be all a mere coincidence…

Alrik: What ya mean?

Shune: I mean… first it was Kaixuro, then Zan and now Zyn who got this weird cryptic text out of the blue last night… And that got me thinking… all three of them are Daydreamers.

Reinalia: Riii! Only Daydreamers and not normal h-humans getting message? Riii?

Zanadi: …Ren had his suspicions of the unknown sender only sending these messages to a specific group of people… It could possibly be just Daydreamers.

Alrik: But the only known Daydreamers are you three. Well to us that is…

Shune: Hmmm… -Getting lost in contemplation- ……

Reinalia: *Cutely tilts her head to the side* Shune…?

Shune: -Gasps- I think I get it!

Zanadi, Reinalia & Alrik: ???

Shune: It could be that maybe whoever the sender is—they’re trying to rally up the Daydreamers together!?

Alrik: Eh…? For what though? What purpose?

Shune: It’s just a guess! The text message might answer that question if that’s the case. When I’m done deciphering it! -Tummy grumbles a bit- Heh heh… After I eat some cookies…

<Zanadi takes the cookie that Reinalia stated was meant for him seeing as Shune was reaching out for it, which not only took Shune by surprised but Reinalia and Alrik as well>

Zanadi: -Munches on the cookie-

Shune: Darn… Did he know it was meant for him?

Alrik: He knew it was meant for him.

Reinalia: *Giggles*

[in-a-world-untitled]

<Alrik and Shune finally returns to Surril from Lunare>

Alrik & Shune: -Walk into the bar’s entrance-

Shune: We’re back, Ren!

Jairen: Oh! Welcome back, you two!

Shune: -Notices soon after stepping in the bar, two middle aged men at the bar counter and recognizes them right away- It’s the twin grampies! Hey! How’s it going?!

Older Twin: Well if isn’t, Tech Boy! All’s good!

Younger Twin: Just windin’ down is all we doin’!

Shune: -Smiles- Awesome! -Calls out to Jairen- We’re gonna be at the living quarters, Ren!

Jairen: -Serving another drink for one of the twins-

<Back at the kitchen, Reinalia gets done frosting all of the Autumn leaf-shaped cookies>

Reinalia: *Wipes her forehead* Riii! F-Finally done! Now time for hot cocoa!

Zanadi: -Notices the last cookie she frosted was the bigger one and that it has a tiny heart drawn on the corner of it- ?

Reinalia: *Caught Zanadi staring at the cookie* Riii! It’s for you, Zan-Zan!

<Minutes later Alrik and Shune walk in>

Shune: Is that Reinalia’s Autuminish leaf cookies I smell!?

Alrik: Seriously gonna call ‘em that?

Shune: Why not? Rein called them that yesterday.

Alrik: Well that’s Rein. You callin’ em that is cringe.

Shune: Cringe is being free!

Reinalia: *Flaps her wings cheerfully* Shune! Rik-Rik! Welcome back! Riii!

Shune: Hey, little princess! You agree with me, right?

Reinalia: Be cringe! Be free! Riii!

Shune: -Proudly gives a thumbs up- Yeah!

Alrik: -Shakes his head-

Shune: I brought my laptop so we can finally decipher that text message! I’m hyped! -Realizes Kaixuro’s absence- Where’s Kaixuro by the way?

Alrik: Who cares? The guy’s probably out doin’ who knows what.

Reinalia: *Heating up water on the stove* Riii! Churro went out. Don’t know when he come back.

Zanadi: A guy like him isn’t patient enough to wait for others.

Shune: Huh… I guess I’ll just have to tell him the results whenever he returns then.

Reinalia: Anyone w-wants hot cocoa with their cookies? Riii?

Shune: -Raises his hand energetically- Me! Me, I do! With marshmellows, please! Also with whipcream if there’s any!

Alrik: I’ll have mine’s plain.

Shune: -Grins- ‘Cause you’re plain.

Alrik: -Gets ticked off but decides to ignore him- How was your new motorbike wheels, Zan?

Shune: -Amazed- Wow… He ignored me… Nice character development!

Alrik: -Angrily retorts- Shaddup!

Shune: Well… That was short-lived.

Zanadi: Ran smoothly. I had no problems with it.

Reinalia: But Zan-Zan said he bumped into Nightmare before home. Riii!

Alrik: A Nightmare? Was it around Surril Forest?

Zanadi: Yeah. It peaked around the bushes before ambushing me. I’ve never seen such a weak Nightmare like it though. I had no trouble taking it out.

Alrik: Maybe you’re just that stronger than it.

Shune: Or it was manifested by a Nightmare summoner.

Alrik: What? That group of people don’t exist.

Shune: Yeah they do! They’re an extremely rare group though. Not many can summon a Nightmare since it’s an arduous task that takes large amounts or your sygnergy. There’s some insane people out there who try despite that.

Zanadi: I had the same thought as well. But it didn’t cross my mind of it being a Nightmare Summoner. I was thinking along the lines of a corrupted Dream Weaver.

Alrik: Aren’t they… pretty much the same?

Shune: Yeah and no. A Nightmare Summoner is like a summoner who just calls forth a Nightmare from the Night Void. A Dream Weaver forcefully brings forth their fantasies into the Waking World, which also takes a lot of sygnergy. In this case, Zan stated ‘corrupted’. But what do you exactly mean by that, Zan?

Zanadi: Someone could have forced an unwilling Dream Weaver to recreate their dream into a Nightmare. But in this day and age, it’s impossible since both Nightmare Summoners and Dream Weavers have almost completely dwindled in the past 100 years as well as their type of sygnergy. It most likely could be a rare low tier Nightmare I encountered.

Alrik: -A bit confused- So that means…? It wasn’t then? Like I mean not a Nightmare Summoner or a Dream Weaver.

Shune: Simply put it was a possibility, Rik. But talking about those two, isn’t Daydreamers like yourself a group that decreased in population too, Zan?

Zanadi: -Falls silent- ……

Reinalia: *Looks at Zanadi worried* Zan-Zan… Riii…

Shune: -Sweats- Ah! Was it wrong for me to phrase it like that? S-Sorry! I didn’t m—

Zanadi: There’s nothing to apologize for, Shune. I know nothing in regards of other Daydreamers except for Zyn and I… and Kaixuro… I just never fell into my deep thoughts of it in quite some time…

Reinalia: ……

Shune: Ah, ok…

Alrik: ……

Shune: -Notices the somber awkward silence- A-Anyway! Rein! Do you want me and Rik to help you with putting the cookies and hot chocolate on the dining table?

Reinalia: *Snaps back into reality* Ah! Riii! Yes please and thank you!

[in-a-world-untitled]

<Back at the Perch Bar, Reinalia waits for the last minutes for the first batch of cookies in the oven to be done>

Reinalia: *Done with mixing the ingredients of the second and last batch of cookies* Riii! Done! Now to make them Autumn leaf shape!

Kaixuro: -Walks into the kitchen and sees the small little Reverie girl flattening cookie dough with a roller- No wonder I smelled something sweet.

Reinalia: *Wings perk up* Riii! *Turns around* Ch-Churro? Startled me! Riii!

Kaixuro: -Laughs- Hey, Shorty. You baking cookies?

Reinalia: *A little miffed* Riii! I am! But no eating cookies yet!

<The oven later on begins beeping>

Kaixuro: I’ll take it out for you.

Reinalia: *Shakes her head* Riii! No, Churro! I do it.

Kaixuro: Alright! Alright! Sorry to ruffle your feathers! Because I mean you do you have wings.

Reinalia: *Opens the oven after putting on her oven mittens, then places them on a cookie rack*

Kaixuro: So… do you do this often? Bake cookies and all that here?

Reinalia: Occasionally, y-yes. Riii!

Kaixuro: …Do you mostly cook for that odd-eyed bas-I mean guy back at his apartment?

Reinalia: Riii! Zan-Zan not a cuss word!

Kaixuro: -Thinks to himself- Damn… She caught me almost calling him a bastard…

Reinalia: *Starts cookie cutting the dough of the second batch*

Kaixuro: -Observes her in silence; later thinks about his own little Reverie- ……

Reinalia: Churro can eat cookie later when I’m done. Riii!

Kaixuro: -A little surprised, soon after shows a small smile on his face- Can I get more than one?

Reinalia: Riii! Maybe.

<A few minutes later, Zanadi returns from his motorbike wheel test drive>

Zanadi: -Takes off his helmet after parking his motorcycle, then enters the bar-

<While finally waiting for the last batch of cookies to be done baking, Reinalia hears the sound of heavy boots and pants chain clinking gradually becoming audible>

Reinalia: *Wings beat rapidly* Riii! Zan-Zan here now!

Kaixuro: Huh…?

Zanadi: -Walks into the kitchen-

Reinalia: *Runs up to greet him* Zan-Zan! *Hugs his waist* Riii! How was test drive?

Zanadi: -Glares at Kaixuro before giving Reinalia a head pat-

Kaixuro: -Felt Zanadi’s glare and thinks to himself- What’s with that angry stare?! Oh right… Shorty’s his girl… Heh! He really is a bit possessive and overprotective regarding her…

Zanadi: …I ran into some trouble before returning here. But it’s nothing to worry, kid.

Reinalia: *Looks up at him, concerned* ‘Trouble’? Riii?

Zanadi: Just a lowly Nightmare. Nothing I couldn’t handle.

Kaixuro: -Contemplates what Zanadi had said before speaking out- Wait… Where did you bumped into a Nightmare?

Zanadi: Why would you want to know?

Kaixuro: Geez… Just asking!

Zanadi: Outside of Surril, near the forest.

Kaixuro: …You said it was a “lowly Nightmare”… did it happen to be a stretchy looking black blob?

Zanadi: -Gets a flashback of the Nightmare he encountered earlier; later stares at Kaixuro- ……

Kaixuro: -Notices his stare; thinks to himself- Is he thinking I could have manifested that monster?! Damn bastard!

Zanadi: -Smirks at seeing Kaixuro’s expression-

Kaixuro: -Gets peeved- What’s with that smirk on your fucking face!?

Zanadi: -Holds the same smirk- If it was you, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Kaixuro: -Understood what he meant and gets angry- You son of a—!!

<Right when Kaixuro was going to curse, the oven begins beeping>

Reinalia: Riii! Last batch of cookies done! *Goes to the oven*

Zanadi: Let me take it out of the oven for you, kid.

Reinalia: Ok! Riii!

Kaixuro: -Thinks to himself, peeved- Of course she allows him… Did she think I was gonna steal a cookie or what…?

Reinalia: Riii! Can’t eat cookies y-yet, Zan-Zan. Have to frost them first.

Zanadi: -Notices a slightly bigger Autumn leaf shape cookie- Is that for me?

Reinalia: *Looks* If Zan-Zan is being good. Maybe. Riii!

Zanadi: -Lifts Reinalia into his arms and starts nuzzling her- What you talking about? Huh…?

Reinalia: Riii! *Giggles* Zan-Zan!

Kaixuro: -Watches them, annoyed- I feel like a third wheel here…

[in-a-world-untitled]

<Outside of Surril and along the forest path, Zanadi parks his motorbike on the side of the road>

Zanadi: -Breathes in the fresh, cool Autumn air after taking off his helmet- That wasn’t such a bad drive… -Looks at his motorbike wheels- These wheels really are top notch quality. Now I gotta try driving around with Reinalia. -Takes out his phone to text Reinalia-

<Back at the Perch Bar, Reinalia puts in one batch of homemade cookies into the oven>

Reinalia: *Closes the oven* There! *Later hears her phone play her message tone* Ah! Zan-Zan t-texted me! Riii!! *Grabs her phone off the counter and reads it out loud* “I’m heading back now, kid.” *Texts him back* “Ok, Zan-Zan! Head back safely!”

Zanadi: -Reads the message Reinalia sent him, then quickly sent her a reply- “Yeah” -Puts his phone away afterwards- Alright… Time to head back.

<Right when Zanadi was about to put his helmet on, in the corner of his eye something caught his attention>

Zanadi: -Confused as he stared in the direction of the forest’s trees- What was that?

<Focusing his attention whilst wondering if he was seeing things, Zanadi saw off into the distance what appeared to be a small shadowy blob peeping behind some bushes>

Zanadi: -Instinctively materalizes his gunblade-

Shadow Blob: [Vanishes]

Zanadi: -Surprised- It… disappeared? It must be some type of Nightmare… It can’t be a Night Creep. Those show up mainly at nightfall… But who could have manifested that monster?

<A moment later to Zanadi’s atonishment, the Nightmare reappears behind him>

Zanadi: ?! -Senses it and quickly turns around to slash at it with his weapon-

Shadow Blob: [Vanquished]

Zanadi: -Dematerializes his gunblade- Damn Nightmare tried to ambush me! I’m surprised though that it died so quickly… Must be a low tier one… Still, I have to keep my wits about me. -Scans his surroundings to make sure he’s safe then puts on his helmet and drives off back to Surril-

[in-a-world-untitled]

<7:27 a.m. at the Perch Bar>

Shune: -About to exit out of the bar after Alrik- Ok! I’ll be getting my laptop, Ren! We’ll be back soon!

Jairen: -At the bar counter- Alright, Shune! Tell Rik to drive safely!

<A few minutes later and after Zanadi and Reinalia woke up and ate breakfast together>

Reinalia: *Flaps her wings excitedly* Riii! Gonna bake cookies now! Riii!

Zanadi: -Finishes drinking his coffee-

Reinalia: Zan-Zan gonna t-test motorbike wheels soon? Riii?

Zanadi: Yeah… I’d take you with me, but…

Reinalia: But Zan-Zan first test alone! Riii!

Zanadi: -Smiles at her- Yeah. -Strokes her head gently-

Reinalia: *Blushes* Riii…!

<In the living room, Kaixuro wakes up in a daze>

Kaixuro: -Laying on his back on the sofa- …? -Thinks to himself- Where… am I…? -Sits up and looks at his surroundings- Oh yeah… I’m at the Perch Bar… Not used to being here overnight… -Stretches out and then looks at the text message from yesterday- …… -Sighs and says out loud- I don’t know why this is bothering me so much…

<Now in the kitchen, Reinalia prepares the ingredients for making her Autumn leaf shaped cookies>

Reinalia: *Flies up to get the measuring cup from the cupboard; afterwards lands lightly on her feet*

Zanadi: -Walks up to Reinalia- I’m gonna get going now, kid.

Reinalia: Ok, Zan-Zan. H-Have safe test drive! Riii!

Zanadi: -Gets down on one knee, pulls Reinalia in by her tiny waist and then kisses her on the lips-

Reinalia: *Blushes; kisses him back*

Zanadi: -Later stands up and then walks out the kitchen-

<Now walking into the living room, Zanadi notices Kaixuro awake staring at his phone>

Zanadi: -Snorts- That message still bothers you?

Kaixuro: -Atonished by the abrupt interruption of his deep thoughts- ?!

Zanadi: Shune left to get his laptop back at home. So in the meantime, just wait. -Leaves out the back door-

Kaixuro: ……

[in-a-world-untitled]

Jairen: -Enters the dining room and places the phone charger on the dining table near Kaixuro’s bowl-

Kaixuro: -Sitting at the dining table, eating the beef stew Jairen had made; looks at with the spoon in his mouth-

Jairen: Zan happened to have received the same exact text message as you. So we can just have Shune read his instead.

Kaixuro: -Murmurs- The same one as me, huh… The hell’s going on…?

Jairen: -Notices Alrik and Shune’s absence- Where did Rik and Shune go?

Kaixuro: -Shrugs- I wasn’t paying attention.

Jairen: -Sighs-

<And as if summoned, Alrik and Shune returned from outside>

Jairen: -Sees them walking in- Oh there you are!

Shune: We were taking some of the trash out that you forgot in the kitchen.

Jairen: Ah! Thank you!

<Later Jairen tells Shune that Zanadi also got sent the same text message as Kaixuro, and instead of reading off of his phone, to look at Zanadi’s>

Shune: Even Zan too? Well ok. But no guarantee that I’ll be able to decode if it is a code without my laptop.

<Jairen with Shune and Alrik and then later Kaixuro all walk into the pub area where Zanadi was still sitting at the bar counter with Reinalia>

Alrik: -Sees Reinalia, surprised- Rein’s awake?

Reinalia: *Yawns whilst stretching out her wings* Riii!

Shune: -Chuckles- Cute! Now it seems like she’s sleepy again!

Zanadi: -Gets off the chair after finishing his third shot of liquor, takes Reinalia into his arms and carries her-

Reinalia: *Immediately falls asleep the moment Zanadi holds her*

Jairen: Zan. Do you want me to take Rein into your guest room for you?

Zanadi: No. I’ll be heading to bed myself later.

Shune: Ren told me you gotten a text message like Kaixuro’s, Zan. May you show it to me, please?

Zanadi: -Gives his phone to Shune-

Shune: -Eyebrows knitted as he examines the odd text message with his reading glasses on- ……

Kaixuro: -In a low voice- Can he really read what it says?

Alrik: -Hushes Kaixuro-

Kaixuro: Ok, Ok…

Shune: -Vexed but gradually gets excited- Hmm… It seems to be a certain kind of cipher, not a code specifically because it has symbols not semantics… You guys know I’m incredibly knowledgable in a plethora of ciphers and codes… however this… this could be a whole different type! I mean whoever sent this created in a new one! Amazing!

Zanadi, Jairen, Kaixuro: -Stare at him- ……

Alrik: Ugh! Alright, man… Stop nerdin’ out and tell us if ya can decipher it or not.

Shune: -Scratches his head, apologetically- Uh… yeah… about that… I can’t… Sorry!

Alrik: -Lets out a deep sigh- Go figure…

Shune: -Gets peeved- Hey now! I just said it’s a completely new cipher! I can’t instantly understand it!

Jairen: -Sighs then smiles- Well you did your best, Shune. Thank you!

Shune: Before I hand your phone back to you, Zan… I’m gonna copy and send this message to my phone. I’ll try my best to see if I can find a way to decipher it on my laptop tomorrow.

Zanadi: Yeah…

Kaixuro: It makes me wonder who else would have gotten that weird cipher. It can’t be just the two of us.

Zanadi: ……

Jairen: Well… at least we now know it’s a cipher—thanks to Shune.

Shune: -Hands back Zanadi his phone- Done sending it to my phone.

Zanadi: -Takes it back from him and puts it in his back pocket-

Jairen: Alright! It’s getting pretty late now; and I need to open shop in the morning. Shune, are you and Alrik staying over for the night?

Shune: -Looks at Alrik- Are we?

Alrik: -Stretches- Yeah… ‘Cause I don’t want to drive my big sis’ truck when I’m too tired.

Jairen: Then that’s that! Let’s all get good night’s rest, everyone!

[in-a-world-untitled]

Jairen: -Enters the dining room and sees Alrik and Shune finishing up cleaning- Aww~ Thanks you two! You didn’t a miss spot, did you?

Shune: -Grins- No prob, Ren! And uhhh… If we did, it’s mostly Rik’s fault!

Alrik: -Side eyes him- So ya gonna put all the blame on me? Damn…

Shune: So is Kaixuro back?

Jairen: A moment ago, yes. By the way, Shune. Kaixuro showed me earlier a very odd text message with no sender. It could be nothing, but it seemed to me a sort of code…?

Shune: A text message that looks like a code? Where’s Kaixuro so he can show me.

Kaixuro: -Walks in the dining room-

Alrik: Speak of the devil…

Shune: Hey, Kaixuro! Show me that text Ren told me about.

Kaixuro: Huh? Oh… -Takes out his phone and sees the battery ran out- …My phone’s dead…

Alrik: -Snorts- Then jump start it with your Electric Sygnergy, dumb ass.

Kaixuro: -Retorts- The last time I did something like that, I fucking blew out my television! Rose!

Alrik: I said never to call me that, ya asshole!!

Jairen: -Lets out a deep sigh and facepalms- Good grief… Is it always going to end like this between the two of them…

Shune: -Nonchalantly shrugs- I guess so. It’s kinda comical in way though.

Jairen: I’ll let you borrow one of my chargers. I’ll be right back.

<Jairen then leaves the dining room and into the bar. As he enters, he sees Zanadi and Reinalia walking in as well>

Jairen: -Surprised- You two are awake? I thought Rein fell asleep.

Zanadi: -Carrying Reinalia- She woke up right after I had lay her down on the bed.

Reinalia: *Flaps her wings hard enough to have Zanadi’s jacket which covered her fall on the floor; stares at it with an “oops”* Riii…

Jairen: -Can’t help but chuckle- I’ll get that for you, little princess! -Picks the jacket up off the floor and then gives it to her-

Reinalia: *Hugs it like a security blanket after taking it from him* Riii! Riii!

Zanadi: I had Rik and Shune clean up the dining room. Are they done?

Jairen: -In the midst of looking for the charger from the bottom drawer of the bar counter- I figured you’re the one who told them. And yeah, they are. Kaixuro is back as well. -Later mumbles to himself- Now where did it go…? -Finds it- There it is! -Pulls out the charger-

Zanadi: -Sits Reinalia down on a bar chair and then sat down next to her- Don’t you have one of those charging pads?

Jairen: Oh. I’m letting Kaixuro borrow this. His phone died…Speaking of which, earlier ago he received a very strange text message with no sender. We were going to have Shune quickly take a look into it, but—

Zanadi: -Cuts him off- ‘Strange text message’…? -Takes his phone out from his back pocket- Does it happen to look like this? -Shows Jairen the text message he received-

Jairen: -Glances at it and was shocked- That appears to be the same as Kaixuro’s!

Zanadi: So… I’m not the only one… I most likely received it the same time as he did. Did you get sent one as well?

Jairen: No. So far it’s just the two of you.

Zanadi: …Is that so… -Looks at text on his phone- I was thinking it could just be from a mere prankster who’s into chain messages or a malicious text bot. I’m not sure…

Jairen: It may as well be… but considering the oddity of its nature and the way it’s targeting specific recipients, it could actually be more than that…

Zanadi: ……

Reinalia: *Glances back and forth between Zanadi and Jairen with concern* Riii…?

Jairen: -Pats Reinalia’s head in reassurance- It’s nothing for you to worry about, Rein! -Smiles at her, then turns to Zanadi- Let’s just have Shune take a look at it—and maybe go from there. If it’s actually nothing to be concerned, then that’s that.

Zanadi: Yeah…

Jairen: -Swiftly pours bourbon for Zanadi in a shot glass and peach ice tea for Reinalia- I’ll be taking this charger to Kaixuro now.

[in-a-world-untitled]

Zanadi: -Carefully lays Reinalia on the guest room bed and gives her teddybear to her; kisses her on the forehead afterwards-

Reinalia: -Suddenly wakes up and starts chirping- Riii…? Riii…?

Zanadi: Sorry. Did I wake you up, kid?

Reinalia: *Sprouts her wings and lightly flaps them; clings onto Zanadi* Riii… Zan-Zan… Riii…

Zanadi: -Looks at her and then sighs- You want to stay awake a little longer?

Reinalia: *Nuzzles him for her answer*

Zanadi: -Gently strokes her head- Alright, kid. You have to go to bed pretty soon if you want to bake those cookies of yours though, ok?

Reinalia: Riii… Riii! -Flaps her wings-

Zanadi: -Nuzzles her-

Reinalia: *Blushes*

<Suddenly Zanadi’s phone beeps to which surprises him>

Zanadi: …! -Takes his phone from his black jacket pocket and looks at the text with a puzzled expression- …?

Reinalia: *Tilts her head cutely to the side* Riii…? Zan-Zan…?

Zanadi: It’s nothing, kid… It’s some kind of cryptic text that’s probably a prank. No sender though. Could be a text bot.

Reinalia: T-Text bot…? Riii…?

Zanadi: Yeah… But just in case, I’ll have Shune look it over. -Puts his phone in his back pocket- You’re going to stay in here or do you want me to take you out?

Reinalia: Want… Zan-Zan… Riii!! -Excitedly flaps her wings-

Zanadi: -Chortles- Heh… This kid… -Lifts her up and into his arms-

<Right when Zanadi was about to head out of the guest room with Reinalia, his phone rings>

Zanadi: -Heaves out an agitated sigh- What now…? -Takes his phone from his back pocket and sees who is calling- I have to take this call, kid. Its from work.

Reinalia: Riii…

Zanadi: -Sits Reinalia down on the bed and quickly puts his black jacket on her; soon after that, answers the call-

Reinalia: *Grabs her teddybear and hugs it; then looks in wonder at Zanadi who was now on the phone*

<A moment later>

Zanadi: -Ends the call and sighs- ……

Reinalia: *Tilts her head to the side, concerned* Zan-Zan…? Riii…?

Zanadi: -Turns to her- It’s nothing for you to worry about, Reinalia. It’s just business as usual…

Reinalia: *Tries hard to speak normally* O…Ok… Za-Zan-Zan… Riii!

Zanadi: -Kneels down to her level and strokes her head gently- But I’m gonna be real busy fighting off Nightmares coming few days than normal. So you’ll be staying over here a couple of nights, ok?

Reinalia: *Frowns* Riii… Gonna m-miss… Zan-Zan lots… Riii…

Zanadi: -Eyes soften a bit more; softly smiles- You’ll be fine, Reinalia… -Kisses her on the lips-

Reinalia: *Cheeks turn rosy red* Riii…

Zanadi: -Kisses her again, but longer than the first and then nuzzles her-

Reinalia: *Nuzzles him back*

Zanadi: -Pulls her into his arms and carries her as he stands up from kneeling- I’m gonna get a drink. You still want to come with me?

Reinalia: *Flaps her wings happily while nuzzling him for her answer* Riii!

Zanadi: -Gives a brief smile at her and finally walks out with Reinalia from the guest room-

[in-a-world-untitled]

Jairen: -Stretches out- Ahhh… My work is never done… -Placing the bowls of Alrik and Shune with the rest of the dishes inside the dish washing machine; suddenly gets alerted by the sound of his bar’s entrance bell clinking- Hm?

<After walking out of the kitchen and into the pub area, Jairen is greeted by Kaixuro’s presence>

Jairen: Oh Kaixuro, you’re back. Shune told me you should be inside here already, but I guess he was wrong. There’s still some leftover beef stew if you’d like.

Kaixuro: …You’re not gonna ask me where I’ve been…?

Jairen: -Perplexed- Do you want me to ask you…?

Kaixuro: -Scratches the back of his head- Ah… no… I just thought since that blonde kid asked me, you would too.

Jairen: Blonde kid…? You mean Shune? He’s actually a brunette. He dyed his hair that blonde color. Anyway now you made me curious… Where did you go?

Kaixuro: -Sighs and murmurs to himself- I shouldn’t have said that…

Jairen: Hmm? What did you say? You shouldn’t have said that?

Kaixuro: -Dumbfounded; thinks to himself- Damn, does this guy have pretty sharp ears… -Heaves a sigh- Nothing really… Just received a weird text sent to me on my phone…

Jairen: ‘A weird text’?

Kaixuro: Yeah… Some kind of garbled nonsense… I don’t know who would have sent me something like that. After I quickly looked around the vicinity—thinking some suspicious person nearby could have sent it, I ended up empty-handed…

Jairen: -Contemplates- So that’s why he didn’t come inside the bar yet… and who could have sent him such a message…? -Has an idea suddenly pop up- Hand me over your phone for a moment please. I would like to see that message.

Kaixuro: -Hesitates a bit before reaching for his phone from his back pocket; hands over his phone to Jairen after unlocking the home screen-

Jairen: -Grabs the phone- Thanks. Don’t worry. I won’t be perusing the contents on your phone. -Gives a foxy grin- Not unless you want me too!

Kaixuro: -Gets angry- The hell!? Of course not!

Jairen: -Starts examining the text and instantly gives a puzzled look- Eh…? What is this…? It doesn’t seem this could be deciphered in any form… It’s very uncanny… And no sender…?

Kaixuro: -Shakes his head- Should I just delete it…?

Jairen: Hmm… I would have shown this to Shune, however I don’t think it’ll be possible for him to even crack this… code? If it even is one. Regardless, I believe you should archive it for the mean time. -Gives back Kaixuro his phone-

Kaixuro: -Takes it from him-

Jairen: -Checks his COMMS watch- It’s 7:46 p.m. I should check up if Rik and Shune are done cleaning the dining room.

Kaixuro: -Staring at the text message in deep thought-

Jairen: -Notices Kaixuro’s expression- If it’s bothering you, we can try to look into it tomorrow. Anywho, like I said earlier there’s still some beef stew if you haven’t eaten out already.

Kaixuro: Ah, yeah. I’ll get some in a bit…

Jairen: -Leaves to go to the dining room-

Kaixuro: -Sighs and then thinks to himself- I doubt it could be one of the Dream Catchers… so who could it be…?

[in-a-world-untitled]

<Alrik walks into the dining room; soon after talking to Kaixuro, Shune enters>

Zanadi: -Already done eating and holding a sleeping Reinalia in his arms while still sitting at the table; notices Alrik walking in- Took your sweet ass time coming back here… Were the tires that heavy?

Alrik: -Shakes his head as he takes his seat across from Zanadi; later puts some beef stew in his bowl of rice-

Zanadi: -Notices the look on Alrik’s face- ?

Shune: -After walking in after Alrik, surprised- You done eating already, Zan? And Rein fell asleep? Did she eat? And where’s Ren?

Zanadi: What is this? 50 questions?

Shune: -Chuckles apologetically- Heh heh… Sorry… -Sits himself down next to Alrik-

Zanadi: -Sighs- …After Reinalia ate, she got sleepy. And Ren is already cleaning up the kitchen. You two help out with the dining room after you’re both done eating.

Shune: Will do! -Starts eating-

Alrik: -Continues eating his food in silence-

Shune: Oh by the way, Zan… Kaixuro came back. I asked him where’s he been and he said that he was ‘just exploring Surril’ because he plans on living here. I don’t know if he’s inside now or not.

Zanadi: ……

Alrik: -Finally breaks his silence- But you don’t want to him live here, right Zan? You don’t trust him… right?

Zanadi: …Who’s to say… I don’t have the right to tell a person they can’t live here merely because there’s bad blood between us…

Alrik: But—!

Zanadi: Listen, Rik… -Smirks wickedly- You gotta keep your friends close but your enemies closer…

Alrik: I-I see…

Shune: -Thinks to himself- There goes that infamous wicked Cloudedfayt smirk… Gotta love it!

Reinalia: -Starts softly chirping in her sleep as she buries her face into Zanadi’s chest- Riii… Riii…

Zanadi, Alrik, Shune: -Startled by the sound- !!

Shune: Oh, Rein is in her Baby Reverie Mode! Cute!

Zanadi: -Strokes her head lovingly- Alright… I’m gonna take this little brat of mine to bed. -Stands up from his chair while carrying Reinalia- Don’t forget to clean up. -Proceeds to make his way out of the dining room-

Shune: Ok~!

<A moment after Zanadi left with Reinalia>

Alrik: If that asshole doesn’t show up… I’m really gonna eat his share…

Shune: -Impishly grins- I’m started to think you subtly care for Kaixuro. Because if you didn’t, you would have already.

Alrik: -Almost chokes on his food- THE FUCK NO!

[in-a-world-untitled]

Zanadi & Reinalia: -Enter the dining room*

Jairen: -Sees them walk in- Oh. I was wondering where you were, Rein.

Zanadi: -Gently lets Reinalia down-

Reinalia: Sorry, Ren-Ren. I was looking for Churro but he isn’t here anymore.

Jairen: …I see… Well I don’t think he’ll take back his word on ‘crashing this place’. He’ll be back soon.

Reinalia: *Nods*

Jairen: By the way… where is Rik and Shune?

Reinalia: They’re putting Zan-Zan’s motorbike tires away. *Taking her seat next to Zanadi*

<At the front of the Perch Bar, Alrik and Shune got done storing the old worn tires onto the back of the pick up truck>

Shune: -Dust off his hands- Alright! Now it’s time to go eat! I’m hungry!

Alrik: Rein said its beef stew, right?

Shune: Yup!

Alrik: Since that psycho guy ain’t around, I’m gonna eat his share.

Shune: Are you going to share with that share?

Alrik: -Raises an eyebrow- What?

Shune: -Sighs and repeats himself-

Alrik: -Giving a vexed look- …?

Shune: -Shakes his head in defeat- Forget it…

<Finally as Alrik and Shune were on their way to the entrance of the bar, they suddenly hear an alarming sound behind them and immediately materialized their respective weapons as they turned around>

???: Damn… are you guys always battle ready…

Alrik & Shune: -Instantly ease up after hearing the familiar voice in the unlit area of the street-

Shune: -Sighs in relief- It’s just, Churro…

Alrik: -Retorts angrily- What do ya expect? You came unnoticed, asshole! You could have been a thug or somethin’ like a Night Creep that snuck through!

Kaixuro: -Comes out of the shadows; snorts- Me? Being a thug or a Night Creep? Well that’s not very nice of you, Rose.

Alrik: Whatever… And don’t call me that, ya bastard!

Shune: -Shakes his head and sighs, then quickly changes topic- ANYway… Where did you go off to, Ch—I mean Kaixuro? Rein searched everywhere for you at the bar.

Kaixuro: Shorty? Really?

Shune: -Nods-

Kaixuro: -Shows a soft smile that quickly disappeared afterwards, shrugs nonchalantly- Just wanted to grab a beer and explore Surril a bit… I am planning to live here ya know.

Alrik: -Gives a look of skepticism-

Kaixuro: -Notices- What’s with that funny scrunched up face? Don’t believe me? Well, I don’t give a damn… Fully established you people don’t trust me much yet—not like Shorty…

Alrik: ……

Shune: -Side glances at Alrik then looks back at Kaixuro, gives an awkward smile- Well, we’ll all get there in due time! Right, Rik buddy?

Alrik: -Clicks his tongue- Whatever… -Saunters off into the bar-

Kaixuro: …Some ‘buddy’ you got there. Is he always like that?

Shune: What? Angry? He may have some anger issues but most of the times he has his reasons. And those reasons… I know and understand—much like the others.

Kaixuro: ……

Shune: Anyway, I’m gonna head inside to finally eat! You should too! -Starts heading towards the entrance-

Kaixuro: -Stands in silent contemplation- Reasons, huh… -Suddenly his phone beeps which startles him; takes it from his back pocket- Who the hell is sending me a message…? I can’t even read this!

[in-a-world-untitled]

Reinalia: *Places the last plate on the table* There! *Calls out to Jairen* I’m done now, Ren-Ren!

Jairen: -Bringing out the pot of hearty beef stew on a carrier into the dining room- Thank you, Rein! -Places the pot in the center of table- Can you please tell Zan and the others dinner is ready?

Reinalia: *Nods then leaves the dining room; after entering the living room notices Kaixuro missing* Huh…? Did Churro leave?

<After Reinalia checked the public bar area with no signs of Kaixuro there, she decided to go ask Zanadi who was still outside with Alrik and Shune>

Shune: Well… time to put these old tires away.

Alrik: Ya think Liandra can somehow use these?

Shune: For her garden? -Shrugs- I don’t think so… She has a certain aesthetic she sticks with.

Zanadi: -Double checking if the new wheels on his motorbike is secured- Just have them recycled.

Shune: …Changing subjects here real quick… How would you feel if Ch—I mean Kaixuro permanently taking residence here? As in Surril, not at Perch.

Alrik: Both of us don’t live here in Surril.

Shune: The question was mainly for Zan.

Alrik: -Gets pissed off- How would I have known? You didn’t even include Zan’s name in your damn question!

Zanadi: -Stops what he’s doing; a contemplative expression looming over- ……

<Later all heads turn when the sound of the back door clicks then opens>

Shune: Oh Rein! The food is done already?

Reinalia: *Nods* But I looked around for Churro and he’s not inside anymore.

Zanadi: -Rises up from where he squatted- Just let him be…

Reinalia: But—!

Zanadi: He’s not a child, Reinalia. You don’t need to worry about him.

Reinalia: *Stares at Zanadi, the tone in his voice a bit startling; lowers her gaze abjectedly* ……

Zanadi: -Notices the look on her face and sighs- Come here, kid…

Reinalia: *Meekly walks over to him*

Zanadi: -Lifts her up into his arms- What did Ren cook for dinner?

Reinalia: *Replies; her voice about to crack into tears* B—Beef stew…

Zanadi: -Strokes her head gently- Don’t cry, kid. I wasn’t mad at you. Ok?

Reinalia: *Rubs her eyes; sniffles* Ok…

Shune: Let’s go and eat now, little princess!

Alrik: -Lifts up one of the old tires- You and I need to put away the tires first.

Shune: -Nervous laughs- Oh right!

[in-a-world-untitled]

Jairen: Zan, are you and Rein staying over for the night?

Zanadi: Yeah. I’m going to be replacing the wheels of my motorcycle here, then I’ll be giving it a test run tomorrow.

Reinalia: *Still being held by Zanadi* And I want to bake cookies tomorrow!

Shune: Oooh! Cookies! What kind of cookies, Rein?

Reinalia: *Contemplates for a bit* Um… I wanted to make spooky cookies, but that’s too early. So I’ll be doing Autuminish leaf shape ones instead.

Shune: -Chuckles- Cute! Autuminish!

Alrik: There won’t be any tree nuts in it, right?

Reinalia: *Shakes her head* No. Because I know you don’t like nuts from the trees.

Kaixuro: -Couldn’t help but stifle a laugh-

Alrik: -Quickly turns his head in the direction of Kaixuro- What’s so funny?!

Kaixuro: Nothing. Its the way Shorty phrase that sentence.

Shune: -Snickers- Nuts…

Alrik: -Turns his head to Shune- Now you too?!

Jairen: -Stares at them in a sarcastic way- I’m glad you guys are getting along… Anyways, I’ll be making dinner for tonight. So if you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen.

Reinalia: I’ll help you, Ren-Ren!

Jairen: -Smiles- Sure, little princess! You can help me set up the table.

Zanadi: -Kisses Reinalia on the forehead before gently letting her down-

Reinalia: *Nuzzles Zanadi after he kisses her on the forehead and before he let her down; soon after goes to Jairen but before she follows him to the kitchen, glances over her shoulder* Now behave. *Giggles*

Shune: -Gleefully replies- Ok, Rein!

Zanadi: -Watches her leave- Heh… That kid…

Alrik: Are you gonna be needin’ those wheels now, Zan?

Zanadi: Yeah. I’ll be installing in the wheels myself.

Shune: Alright! We’ll be getting them then!

<Both Alrik and Shune walk out of the living quarters to get to the truck, leaving Zanadi and Kaixuro being the only two left though only briefly>

Zanadi: -About to head outside-

Kaixuro: -Calls out to him before he reaches the threshold- Hey, Flammie!

Zanadi: -Stops-

Kaixuro: Remember! Our fight isn’t over yet!

Zanadi: -Snorts- Yeah… -Leaves-