[Early Morning – Me & Bell]
Bell and I were up early, chatting excitedly about Hestia. I could barely contain my grin — today was the day he'd get his special weapon. I couldn't wait to see his face.
Just as I opened my mouth to speak again—
"Yo!"
A familiar voice cut through the morning air. Bell and I turned to see her — the catgirl waitress from the Hostess of Fertility. My blood ran cold at the memory of my last visit. Trauma? Slightly. Regret? Immense.
She bowed politely. "Good morning."
"Good morning," we echoed, returning the gesture out of reflex.
She held up a wallet. "Give this to that airhead Syr, will ya?" Her eyes flicked toward me. Once. Twice. Again.
My brow twitched. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
She smirked. "Shouldn't you be on a date with Ryuu?"
Boom.
My brain short-circuited.
"S-SHIT!" I blurted, paling. "I totally forgot!! See ya, Bell!"
As I fumbled to teleport using the Nurse's power, I caught a glimpse of her grin.
Still there. Still smug. Still terrifying.
[Still With Bell]
"I wish I had a teleportation skill," Bell muttered, staring at the spot I vanished from like a sad puppy.
Anya turned to him. "Sooo… you know what to do, right?"
Bell blinked. "Um. Not really?"
Just then, Ryuu stepped out from a nearby alley, carrying a basket of tablecloths like a scene from a peaceful domestic life anime. Bell tilted his head, confused.
Then his eyes flicked to Anya's expression.
That smug look… oh no.
Tristian just got pranked, he realized.
Ryuu's eyes narrowed. "Anya. That's not a proper explanation. Mister Cranel seems confused."
Anya laughed. "Geez, Ryuu, lighten up. I just want him to take Syr her wallet — she bailed on her shift again and went to Monsterphilia!"
Ryuu ignored her and turned to Bell. "Do you know where Mister Tristian is? I need to speak with him."
Bell gave her a look. No words. Just one look.
Ryuu read it like a book.
"Anya!" she snapped, her voice sharp. "What did you do!?"
"I regret nothing!" Anya cackled, dashing inside the restaurant to escape justice.
Ryuu sighed, massaging her temple. "That cat... Always pranking people just to satisfy her own curiosity."
She handed Bell the wallet. "Please get this to Syr."
"What about your date with Tristian?" he asked.
Ryuu hesitated. Her expression softened, guilt flashing across her face.
"I… couldn't go. Syr's off today, but Mama Mia still refused to give me the day off too."
"I'll tell him you're sorry," Bell said sincerely.
"Thank you, Bell," she replied, heading inside to deliver the righteous fury of justice unto Anya.
[With Tristian]
I stared off into space, deadpan.
I got pranked, didn't I?
(-_-)
[Elsewhere – Loki & Freya]
Loki swirled her drink lazily. "So? Who's caught your eye this time? Another poor soul from someone else's Familia? You really are a chaos gremlin, you know that?"
Freya's eyes weren't on Loki. She was watching… someone.
"A child," she murmured. "So delicate, he looked like he'd shatter if you so much as breathed on him. Ethereal. A color I've never seen before…"
She stood up.
Loki raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Where are you going now?"
"There's an obstacle," Freya said simply. "But I'll deal with it."
And she walked off.
"HEY! You're ditching again! And the bill, too!?"
Loki glanced at Aiz, who was lost in thought.
"Oi. You spacing out on me too? What's wrong?"
"…Nothing." Aiz replied.
But deep down, she wasn't so sure.
That boy with Bell… I've seen him before, she thought.
[Back With Me & Bell]
"So… let me get this straight," I said, blinking.
"Anya pranked me… and Ryuu couldn't go on our date?"
Bell nodded, bracing for a meltdown.
"Double OOF," I muttered.
"You're… not mad?" Bell asked, confused.
"A little disappointed," I admitted. "But hey, if Ryuu couldn't help it, then it's cool."
Bell sighed in relief.
"I'm gonna go look for Syr. Wanna come with me?" he offered.
I smirked. "Tempting, but nah. I've got exploring to do — maps to make, secrets to uncover. And besides…"
I leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"I wouldn't want to third-wheel your date~"
Bell blushed. "I-It's not like that!"
"Oh? What was that?"
"I just… I don't even know where to find her!" he exclaimed, frustrated.
"No problem." I snapped my fingers.
A black crow appeared in a puff of shadow. My Spies from the Shadows skill.
"Find Syr," I commanded. The bird took off, disappearing into the sky.
Bell stared in awe. "Whoa…"
"Follow the crow," I said. "You'll find her."
"Thanks, Tristian!" Bell called, running after it.
"Good luck on your daaate!" I shouted after him, laughing.
"DATE?!"
A voice screamed behind me.
I turned around slowly.
"…Oh no."