“I see. So that’s what I’m doing here.”
Slowly, Iori nodded, moving to stand. Her hand extended to him, easily pulling the tailor up off his feet.
“This is Radial Island, a place that routinely takes people from other universes and brings them, powerless, to this one. Power is gained through notoriety and upon completion of certain tasks through a period of time. As of now, the eclipse is open, allowing people in here at a faster rate than before, regardless of ability.” “Correct, my lady.” “And from what you’re saying, even people who come from the same place can arrive at different points in time. This is why the delinquent students are still here and accosting you, even though REVOCs and the Primordial Life Fiber have been destroyed. “Exactly.”
Bandages were, fortunately, something he was more than capable of doing. The one around his side was neatly woven into place.
“I’m not sure if anyone else ha broken through this odd mist in the city. Houka and I were the only ones here originally, until I ran into you.” “Houka?” “--Inumuta. Apologies.” “The apology isn’t necessary. Address him as it naturally comes to you, Iori. I was merely curious.” “Understood.” “We’ll talk about it later. For now, let us focus on the task at hand. From what you understand, you believe the objective here is to survive until the mists recede. Correct?” “That’s right.” “Hm.”
The young woman watched him pull his coat over the bandages and straighten his posture again, watching first with a calculating gaze, then a curious one.
...Finally, she gave a small smile, breaking her usually stoic expression.
“Then I know what I must do. I’ll accompany you around, in the event other echoes of the past decide to arrive to do you harm. For everything you’ve sacrificed for me, it is the least I can do for you. Can you walk?” “I can, yes.” At the moment, the tailor after-thought. “Let us be on our way, then. Let’s find Inu--ah, Houka, before he runs into trouble as well. Though I have the utmost confidence in his ability, I can’t gauge the city like the two of you can. Lead the way.”
Giving a sigh of relief and a grateful nod, the tailor began to walk, pulling out his phone to start tracking down the other. Over his shoulder was Satsuki herself, keeping alert and noting the way her companion moved as if he’d been through this countless times before.
...
...Had he?