Hotaru landed with some thud. He landed in the city of Shunrou, and he landed downtown. Hotaru opened his eyes not long after he landed, and he saw red colored leaves scattered everywhere. Hotaru took one of the leaves and looked closely. He recognized that leaf. It is the leaf that he called maple leaf. ​"a maple leaf?," Hotaru said while he looked at the leaf. "But.. Isn't it supposed to be Spring?," he said again. Then, Hotaru turned his head to the left and right. "Where am i??," Hotaru said.

Hotaru to remember what happened. He was at home reading The Universeof The Four Gods, then there was a light engulfing him. And he suddenly found himself here. "So, that is what happened," Hotaru said. Then, he noticed that he gathered people's attention. And he decided to find a clothing store. Hotaru exchanges his clothes with local clothes after he finds that clothing store. And he already wears the local clothes when he leaves the store. "That store owner is very kind. I just have to have an exchange with him and he already gave me these clothes," Hotaru said again. "I have never thought that my shirt and pants are valuable here!," Hotaru said.

Then, Hotaru walked away from that place. He decided to explore the area that became his landing place. He goes from one store to another. But, he did not buy anything there. Most of the stores refuse his money, and he can not buy anything because of it. Since when has the currency changed? Why did they not accept my yen? Those kinds of questions appear in his head. Then, he had another question appear on his mind. And he approached a passer by and asked him what kind of currency he uses here. "What kind of currency do you guys use here? Can I take a look?," said Hotaru. This earned him a frightened look from the man. "No. I don't have money!," the man said. Then, that man ran away as far as he could. Seeing that man running away, Hotaru was thinking that it was a misunderstanding. "Wait! That is a misunderstanding!," Hotaru said. He tried to chase that man. But that man is a fast runner. And he got away in no time.

"How can he be that fast??," Hotaru said after he lost that man. Then, he decided to not chase that man again. That guy is already away. There is no meaning in chasing after him again. He better find other people. "There must be someone who can help me," Hotaru said. Then, he remembered the person that he met in the clothing store. "That's it!," Hotaru said. "That person can definitely help me!," Hotaru said again. Then, he goes back to the clothing store.

It did not take long for Hotaru to find that clothing store. Then, he asked the shopkeeper the same thing that he asked the man who ran away from him not long before. "What kind of currency do you guys use here in Kutou? Can I take a look?," Hotaru said. He hopes that he did not startle the man when he asked that. How wrong he is. He is very afraid right now. Something that Hotaru hopes will not cause another misunderstanding with anyone.

Aikano stood cheerfully playing his flute in the town square. He had come to Kutou to deliver a package for an old woman in his village whose son had moved to this village. He didn’t normally travel this far, sticking to Konan and Sailo, since Riko had started traveling with him. He’d gotten paid for the delivery, but it was a pretty day, and he saw no harm in playing for a little extra pocket money. He never used his Seishi abilities when playing like this. He could easily use his powers, and get people to empty their pockets while he played, but that just never occurred to him. It wouldn't be right, and so it just wasn’t something he thought to do.

He was startled out of his thoughts when a man came running through the crowd so quickly that he collided into Aikano, and knocked them both to the ground. “Hey, what’s the rush?” He didn’t sound angry at the man, but rather concerned.

“There was a strange man back there, and he tried to rob me. I think I lost him, but he was clearly up to no good!”

Aikano asked the man what the suspected bandit looked like and what he'd said that was so alarming, and then looked to Riko as he put his flute and the few coins he had earned away. “Something feels… off, about this,” He said softly. “I want to go check it out…” He grinned. “And you’ll want to come with me, I know.” He gave her a gentle, teasing smile. “Come on, my little muse. Just get behind me if there’s trouble.” Setting out with her, and with his dog Haji bounding happily at his side, he set off in the direction that the man had come running from.

Tentatively, he reached out with his somewhat simple telepathic ability…. and soon he picked up on a current of fear coming from a nearby clothing shop. He nodded to the store and moved toward it. He wasn’t surprised to find a young man who matched he man’s description talking to the clerk who looked very frightened, “Excuse me?” He called out loud enough for both men to hear. “Do you need some help?”

Riko was watching in rapture as Aikano played some lovely music and was rubbing Haji’s belly when she sensed a change shift around them. It almost felt like a commotion that was about to take place and in a way it made her slightly uneasy. Looking at Aikano she spoke through her ability to communicate through the mind, ’Have you felt that? A change in the balance, something has stirred been though it is not physically visible’. She was not sure hot to explain this but she expected Aikano had felt this as well and she had not gone crazy. After all, not long ago she had been kidnapped and due to her captors she had lost memories of her past. She could not remember her family or profession. It was a horrible thing to happen, had it not been for Aikano, Riko would have been lost and scared and unable to go back home. But now, she had a purpose, to keep him company in pursuit of her memories or family.

Although they had been trailing for a while, she was still struggling to get her memories back but she was past that stage where she tried to force herself to remember. Now, she lived every day as it came and if anything helped tug at her memories then she would welcome it. She closed her eyes for a moment feeling the gentle breeze caress her skin before she looked back at Aikano, she would not admit it but, at this point, given all they had been through and how supportive he had been, feelings had been awoken in her heart.

She blushed gently and smiled looking at the man before her. Yes, she felt her cheeks blush and her heartbeat increase whenever she thought about that and she could not bring herself to say the words but she knew how she felt about him. She looked down trying to regain composure as Haji wagged his tail next to her.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a man appeared to be running in their direction and he seemed to be panicking.

“Hey, what’s the rush?”

“There was a strange man back there, and he tried to rob me. I think I lost him, but he was clearly up to no good!”

Riko raised an eyebrow. A thief in broad daylight? What a strange thing to happen and in a city with so many people. She felt compelled to ask more on the matter but Aikano was already packing things. So he wanted to see for himself? She smiled softly, ever the curious young man. Although, she was just as curious as he was to be fair.

Haji was already up and walking next to Aikano as if they shared one mind and she could not stop herself from laughing softly and covering her mouth, it was a gentle sound like the ringing of soft bells. She packed her stuff as well and then moved to stand next to Aikano and blushed softly. She could was not entirely sure but, she felt as if her feelings toward him increased the more time they spent together and it both thrilled and scared her.

“Something feels… off, about this… I want to go check it out… And you’ll want to come with me, I know… Come on, my little muse. Just get behind me if there’s trouble.”

Riko nodded, “I felt it too, but I cannot put my finger on what it could be.” Perhaps checking it out was the only means to figuring it out. She blushed when he smiled at her but she returned the smile and then she walked right next to Aikano, she need felt afraid whenever he was next to her. Therefore, at this moment she was more excited about finding out what was happening than worried about it being something terrible. Besides, it could not be that bad and maybe that man misunderstood the situation.

As soon as Aikano stoped, Riko hid behind him feeling shy all of a sudden.

“Excuse me? Do you need some help?”

As soon as her eyes saw the young man she felt as if her Seishi skills activated. The symbol ‘Rise’ on her collarbone shone bright and her eyes seemed to acquire an etherial glow. She was having a vision of that young mans past. She saw how he acquired the book, he was dressed in different clothes and it surprised her, he walked around a city and it shocked her the size of the architecture. He seemed to be entering a building, could it be his home? And he sat down and started reading before a light enveloped and he was brought to this world.

She gasped and the vision ended, her eyes regained their usual dark blue tone and she stumbled into Aikano’s back but managed to stay on her two feet, she whispered, “He came from that world… the world of the Miko.” She was greatly surprised, he could not be a Miko… so what was he doing here? Was he… a Seishi then? She was so surprised she did not realise she had grasped one of Aikano’s sleeves and Haji stared at the young man unsure if whether he should get close to him or not.

"Hey, mister! Don't be startled like that," Hotaru said. "I did not want to rob you. I just want to know what kind of currency do you guys uses here and what does it looks like," Hotaru said. But it was too late. The shopkeeper is already frozen in fear. And now he become more afraid.

“Excuse me? Do you need some help?”

Hotaru turned around. Then, he saw a man with white hair in front of him. And he looked back at the shopkeeper. Then, he turned around and looked at the white haired guy again. "No. I don't need any help from you," Hotaru said. "It's not what you think it is. I am just talking to him," Hotaru said. "Who are you?," Hotaru said again. Of course, he is not going to reveal his identity to him. It's too early. And not to mention that he did not reveal his.

Then, Hotaru saw a woman coming. So, he turned around to get a better look. Hotaru saw a woman with a blue hair in front of him. For a moment, he think that she is his sister. But, he snap back to reality not long after that. And Hotaru realize that this woman infront of him is not his sister. He was alone when he read the book and when the light envelope him. There is no way his sisters is inside The Universe of The Four Gods.

“He came from that world… the world of the Miko.”

Hotaru looked at the woman. Something that makes his curiosity come up. This woman knows that he comes from another world. Then he decided to tell his story with this woman. Perhaps there is no point in him hiding it any more. Then, he forgot about the shopkeeper and Aikano. And he walks towards the girl. "So, you know about another world," Hotaru said. "Great!," Hotaru said again.

Then he walks away from the girl and approaches the shopkeeper. "You hear that right, mister?," Hotaru said. "I did not want to rob you! I just want to know what kind of currency you guys use here and what it looks like!," Hotaru said. "Fine, fine! I will no longer think that you want to rob me!," the shopkeeper says. It seems that the shopkeeper also heard what Riko had said. He became relaxed soon after that. He also shows his coin to Hotaru, and Hotaru takes a closer look. "There is no difference between my yen. Why is it that they refuse my money when I go to their store?," Hotaru said. He is referring to the stores he has visited before he comes for the second time to the clothing store. Then, he gave that coin back to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper takes his coins back, when Hotaru gives all of them back to him. Then, he turned his attention to Riko. "You seem to know a lot of things about another world. Are you perhaps the Seiryuu no Miko and the young guy here is your friend?," said the shopkeeper. He asked her out of curiosity. And he wants it to be answered. He refers to Aikano when he says 'young man'.

"No. I don't need any help from you, It's not what you think it is. I am just talking to him, Who are you?"

Aikano was surprised at the rude reaction this young man had to a simple offer to help. Still, he seemed very agitated, and perhaps it wasn't his fault that he was a bit off. My name is Aikano, and this is my friend, Riko.“ He motioned to the blue haired girl behind him. “We were passing by and heard a commotion. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“He came from that world… the world of the Miko.”

"So, you know about another world, Great!,"

"You seem to know a lot of things about another world. Are you perhaps the Seiryuu no Miko and the young guy here is your friend?"

Aikano recognized when Riko had a vision. It had happened once or twice before, since they started traveling together, and it was how he had discovered she was a Byakko Seishi, just as he was a Suzaku Seishi. He always felt a bit protective of her, especially after one of her visions, and he moved an arm around her shoulders. “Do you need water, or a chance to sit down?” His voice was gentle and concerned, though he looked up at the other two men. The shopkeeper at least had not seen her Seishi symbol, so he just had to tell enough of the truth to get them somewhere more private to talk. “No, she has just heard the stories, as we all have, and she is very perceptive about people.” He turned to Hotaru, smiling welcomingly, “If you would like to join us for lunch, perhaps we could help answer your questions.” He glanced down at Riko. “I’m sure you’re ready to eat. Breakfast was some time ago…” Still, he waited to make sure Hotaru would agree to join them before he would lead the way to a nearby tavern known for their delicious food.

"So, you know about another world… Great!”

“Well,… I…” Riko blushed lightly at the sudden attention the young man gave her and stayed behind Aikano although she examined him and remembered her vision and turned to look at Aikano, “Byakko, just like me.” She told him through telepathy, the only thing she did not now if he was a Seishi or a Miko but usually Miko were young girls. It was so strange she wa snot sure what to make of this.

“You hear that right, mister? I did not want to rob you! I just want to know what kind of currency you guys use here and what it looks like!,”

"Fine, fine! I will no longer think that you want to rob me!,”

"There is no difference between my yen. Why is it that they refuse my money when I go to their store?,”

Riko was a bit confused for a moment. What was this about currencies? She looked at Aikano and wondered if he was as shocked and confused about the situation as she was. He did look surprised at how the young man reacted to Aikano offering to help him but she decided to let him handle the situation as there were a lot of confused bystanders nearby starting at them. Riko knew well that she did not like this kind of attention.

"You seem to know a lot of things about another world. Are you perhaps the Seiryuu no Miko and the young guy here is your friend?”

Riko swallowed worriedly as the Innkeeper asked if she was the Miko and the people around turned to look at her. She felt a little bit scared but she knew that they were in a delicate situation and she could not panic now so she had to draw strength from Aikano and not show anyone here what she was actually feeling. Feeling Aikano move an arm around her shoulders her body leaned on him and she was grateful for the comfort.

“Do you need water, or a chance to sit down?”

It was astounding how such gesture and words helped ease the panic in her heart and she felt calm once more. She smiled at Aikano and said, “Yes, perhaps we could stop somewhere to rest for a little bit.” Haji sat next to Riko and stared at the young man with curiosity.

“No, she has just heard the stories, as we all have, and she is very perceptive about people… If you would like to join us for lunch, perhaps we could help answer your questions… I’m sure you’re ready to eat. Breakfast was some time ago…”

Riko turned to look at the young man waiting to see if he would join them. After all, he was a Seishi of the same deity as her. But they would not force him to come with them if he was not inclined to. All she knew was that she was eager to get away from this part of the city and away from all those persons who were still staring at them. Haji waggled his tail eagerly to get moving almost mirroring her feelings on the matter.

"My name is Aikano, and this is my friend, Riko. We were passing by and heard a commotion. I didn’t mean to offend you... No, she has just heard the stories, as we all have, and she is very perceptive about people,"

Hotaru looked at Aikano. Then, he turned around and looked at Riko. And he turned around and looked at Aikano again. He did not look that believable when he said that he and Riko were passing by and heard a commotion. But, Riko seems to trust him so much. And it makes Hotaru think that perhaps he is telling the truth and he can relax now. Because he did not mean any harm. "Okay," Hotaru said. "I believe in what you have said," Hotaru said again.

The shopkeeper listened to what Aikano said. "I see..," the shopkeeper said. And he said with full understanding. "That explains why she knows about another world," the shopkeeper said. Then, he decided to go back to work. And he looks at Hotaru, Aikano, and Riko. "Now, I will excuse myself," the shopkeeper said. "Sure," Hotaru said. And he have the shopkeeper leave the tree of them for themselves not long aftee that.

"If you would like to join us for lunch, perhaps we could help answer your questions…”

Hotaru listens to what Aikano says. "Sure," Hotaru said. "I will join the two of you for lunch," said Hotaru again. Then, Hotaru looked at both Aikano and Riko. And he thinks that it is necessary for him to tell these two strangers his name. Then, he told Aikano and Riko his name not long after that. "Mihaya Aoi," Hotaru said. "My name is Mihaya Aoi," Hotaru said again.

Hotaru notices that people are still staring at them. "Let's get out of this store," said Hotaru. Then, after going through the crowd and saying "excuse me" several times, he got out of the store. And he brought Aikano and Riko with him. The distance between the place where they used to be standing and the front door is not that far. It does not take a long time for Hotaru to get out of the store. Then, after going through the crowd and saying "excuse me" several times, Hotaru was already outside of the building. Hotaru took a glance at Aikano and Riko after he get out of the store. And he shamelessly asked Aikano to lead the way for the three of them not long after that. "Uhm.. Can you lead the way, please? " Hotaru said.

“Byakko, just like me.”

Aikano gave a single, slight nod. ”It’s strange he would land here. And I’ve never heard of a Seishi from that other world…but these are very strange times we find ourselves in. If his is your fellow Byakko Seishi, I owe it to him to help him settle here as I have tried to help you.” He gave her a brief smile, glad they could discuss things privately over their mental link. When the man from the other world finally introduced himself, Aikano gave him a friendly smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aoi-san. Riko and I will be happy to serve as your guide around here, until you feel more comfortable.”

Seeing that everything was mostly resolved now, he exited the store with the others, taking Riko by the hand so they did not get separated as they moved through the crowd. Once he was outside, he nodded to Hotaru’s request to lead the way, and he began to move toward a quieter part of town, and a nice cozy tavern. He had been there before, and he knew the food was inexpensive but delicious, and they would allow Haji to come in with them, as long as he stayed under the table and didn’t make a commotion.

Entering the tavern, he led the way to a table that was further away from the rest of the people having lunch, and he waved to a server so they could order food.

It didn’t take long for their food to arrive, and he looked at Hotaru as they started to eat. “I know you must have a lot of questions. We’re both happy to help answer them if we can.”

”It’s strange he would land here. And I’ve never heard of a Seishi from that other world…but these are very strange times we find ourselves in. If his is your fellow Byakko Seishi, I owe it to him to help him settle here as I have tried to help you.”

Riko looked at Aikano for a moment and spoke to his mind through telepathy, ”It is very strange, usually the Miko came from another world. But he is my fellow Seishi, I thank you for offering him help. It makes me happy. You are always so kind.” She smiled at Aikano and was glad they would help the new Byakko Seishi, she wanted to learn what his world was like, what kind of life he had. She had many questions. She hoped the new Seishi would not mind her curiosity.

”Okay… I believe in what you have said,”

Riko was glad that Aoi believed that they wanted to help him. They would do everything they can to make him comfortable and answer his questions in this world. And she would ask questions about his world. It was a very interesting situation.

“I see… That explains why she knows about another world… Now, I will excuse myself,”

”Sure,”

Riko was glad that the innkeeper accepted Aikano’s words and went back into the shop. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. They still had to get out of this place but it all worked as it should and no harm came to anyone.

”Sure… I will join the two of you for lunch… My name is Mihaya Aoi,”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aoi-san. Riko and I will be happy to serve as your guide around here, until you feel more comfortable.”

Riko smiled and nodded, “It is lovely to meet you, Aio-san.” She was still feeling a bit shy but the fact that Aoi was a Seishi like her made it easier for her to fight the initial embarrassment. When Aoi asked them to lead the way, she initially moved her hand to grab his sleeve but blushed when he took her by the hand. He was trying to make sure they would not be separated, she smiled softly looking down for a moment but followed Aikano and Haji trotted next to Aoi.

Riko looked around enjoying the liveliness of the shops and watching as people chatted, walked around and interacted with others. She always enjoyed watching every-day people do their daily chores, have a laugh and negotiate prices. She was not sure why she liked it but, she had a feeling it had always made her smile.

“I know you must have a lot of questions. We’re both happy to help answer them if we can.”

Once they reached a tavern Riko sat down on their table and pulled Haji to lie down and take a nap under the table. She then began to think about what she would like to have while she waited for Aoi to answer Aikano, she was sure he would have a lot of questions. She smiled at him as she rubbed Haji behind the ears. Once the waitress arrived she asked for some water with lime and a chicken salad served with bread. She then waited for Aikano and Aoi to order their food and drinks.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aoi-san. Riko and I will be happy to serve as your guide around here, until you feel more comfortable.”

“It is lovely to meet you, Aio-san.”

Hotaru looks at the two Seishi. And he smiled back at them. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Aikano-san. And it's lovely to meet you too, Riko-san!," said Hotaru. Although he turned around and looked at Riko not long after that. "Is it okay if I called you Riko? Your surname is definitely not Riko, right?," Hotaru said. Then, he turned around again. And he realizes what he is doing. Then, he thinks that it is necessary for him to tell them a little bit of information about his world and the customs within it. "In my world, the name Riko is usually used as a given name. And there is a custom to call someone we just met with our username," said Hotaru again. "We are being rude to them if we do not call them by their surname when they have just met them. Unless the person allows them to call them with their given name," said Hotaru again.

Then, he looked at the two Seishi in front of him. And he was thinking that probably they are thinking that they have been rude to him. Then, he gives him a smile that he hopes is reassuring to the two Seishi. "Do not worry about being rude to me. I have been rude to the two of you myself. And it's okay if the two of you want to continue calling me Aoi," said Hotaru again.

Hotaru follows Aikano to the tavern. Then, he sat at the same table with Aikano and Riko. And he looked at the menu after he sat down. Then, he saw grilled chicken and iced tea on the menu. So, iced tea exists in this world. That is what Hotaru was thinking when he looked at the menu. Although he will not order it. Right now, he is in another world. So, why not try food and beverages that become a recommendation here? That will be great. Then, he looked at Aikano not long after that. "Do you have any recommendations?," said Hotaru.

Then Hotaru remembered the money. And he takes out his wallet. Then, he looked at Aikano and Riko not long after that. And he asked whether yen will be accepted as a tool for payment here. "Hey. Does this store accept yen?," said Hotaru. And he thinks that it is necessary for him to explain what yen is to the two Seishi and takes out his wallet. Then, he takes 100 yen money from his wallet and shows it to Aikano and Riko. "This is the money I use in my world. And it is called yen in my world," said Hotaru.

“I know you must have a lot of questions. We’re both happy to help answer them if we can.”

Hotaru looked at Aikano. "You are right. I have questions other than the ones that I have asked you," said Hotaru. Then, he shooted out his first question. "Where is this?," said Hotaru. Then, he realizes that it is necessary for him to change his question. "What is the name of this place?," said Hotaru again. Then, he spoke again. "This place is definitely not Japan. Not with this Autumn season. It's supposed to be Spring now in Japan," said Hotaru.

Then, Hotaru shooted out his second season. "Why do you guys bring weapons with you?," said Hotaru. Although it is just pure curiosity and he has no intention to accuse anyone. "Is it necessary to bring a weapon if we want to go outside in this world?," Hotaru asked again. Of course he did not mean to accuse Riko and Aikano about anything. But, it is considered dangerous to bring weapons such as swords, knives, or guns to public places in his original world. And those who bring them usually end up being sented to jail. So, seeing that swords are a common thing to be carried in this world makes him curious. Although perhaps because this is a different world. Perhaps it is necessary for a person to armed themselves with a weapon if they want to go outside in The Universe of The Four Gods.

Hotaru looked at the two Seishi in front of him. Then, he remembered something. It is the thing that he heard while in Kyoto, and it is the thing about Byakko. "What is it about Miko that you guys are talking about in the store earlier? Why is she related to another world? And.. Are there any interesting stories in this world?" Hotaru said. Then, he looked at Aikano and Riko. Hotaru feels as if he will get suspicion by asking that question. So, he said that he just wanted to ask that question not long after that. "I just want to ask," said Hotaru. He hopes that he will avoid suspicion by saying that.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Aikano-san. And it's lovely to meet you too, Riko-san!Is it okay if I called you Riko? Your surname is definitely not Riko, right? In my world, the name Riko is usually used as a given name. And there is a custom to call someone we just met with our username. We are being rude to them if we do not call them by their surname when they have just met them. Unless the person allows them to call them with their given name, Do not worry about being rude to me. I have been rude to the two of you myself. And it's okay if the two of you want to continue calling me Aoi,"

Aikano rubbed the back of his head, feeling embarrassed. “Sorry about that. We didn’t mean to be rude. I guess I was so focused on welcoming you to our land that I forgot to be polite. Yes, Riko and Aikano are our given names, but neither one of us are very strict with formality.” He smiled warmly. “Whatever makes you the most comfortable is fine with me.”

"Do you have any recommendations?"

Aikano considered for a moment. He wanted to make sure that he made a good recommendation. “There is a river running behind this tavern, so the fish was probably freshly caught. I also know they have an extensive garden, so all of their vegetables will be good.” He laughed. “And they make very good desserts here. I am really fond of their sweet rice. Teally, anything you order here will be delicious.”

"Hey. Does this store accept yen? This is the money I use in my world. And it is called yen in my world,"

Aikano leaned over to look at the money Hotaru was showing him, and he remembered that there had been some confusion about money earlier. “No, that doesn’t look like the money we use here.” He pulled some money from his pocket and showed Hotaru the different coins. “Don’t worry about it for now. I can buy lunch and we can help you out until you can get settled here.”

"You are right. I have questions other than the ones that I have asked you, Where is this? What is the name of this place? This place is definitely not Japan. Not with this Autumn season. It's supposed to be Spring now in Japan,"

Aikano smiled. “This nation is called Kutou, although we are very close to the border of my homeland, Konan. I’ve never heard of Japan. That must be the name of the country you’re from in the other world?” He looked to Riko to see if the name meant anything to her. “The weather is almost always like this in Kutou. It’s much more pleasant than Sailo or Hokkan.” Thinking quickly, he dug through his pack and pulled out a scroll that had a map of their lands and passed it over to Hotaru. “Here. This map may help you. Feel free to keep it.”

"Why do you guys bring weapons with you? Is it necessary to bring a weapon if we want to go outside in this world?"

Aikano considered this for a moment. He had never thought about why they carried weapons. He had just always accepted that he was supposed to. It seemed strange that people were not armed in some way in Hotaru’s world. “What do people in your world do if they run into bandits? Or if they need to catch their dinner?” He asked, confused. Shaking his head, he continued to explain. “Here, it’s possible that people that stay in one place all the time may not need weapons, but Riko and I travel all over the place. Sometimes we have to camp out for the evening, so her spear is great for catching fish for supper, and sometimes we run into bandits and thieves on the isolated roads, and I need to be able to protect us until we can get to safety.”

"What is it about Miko that you guys are talking about in the store earlier? Why is she related to another world? And.. Are there any interesting stories in this world? I just want to askf./i]

Aikano glanced at Riko then, using their mental link to speak to her privately. ”We need to try to explain things to him, just as we would to the Miko. He’s from her world, after all, and so this all must be new, strange, and confusing for him. Maybe you should go first, since he is a Byakko Seishi like you are… Though if you would prefer, I can explain my powers to him first. I wonder if we should take him back to Sailo, and meet up with Rindou and Eri…”

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Aikano-san. And it's lovely to meet you too, Riko-san!,”

Riko smiled shyly at Aoi and nodded. She was glad that they found him before anyone misinterpreted his questions. The young man must have been so shocked to find himself in this world all of a sudden. Especially when he is from a world that is much more different than the world in which Riko and Aikano lived. He seemed polite as well maybe they would all become good friends. She nodded when he asked if he could call her Riko. She did not mind.

She looked at the condos Hotaru showed them with great curiosity they looked so different to the ones they used that she could not help herself from taking one to examine it for a moment, she then returned the coin and said, “As Aikano says we will help you out until you are settled.” She smiled as Aikano conversed with Aoi and answered all the questions he asked.

She felt more at east now that she knew for sure that Aoi was her fellow Seishi and that he was more relaxed now and was getting all the information that he needed. It was going to be difficult at first but she was sure that he was a very smart young man and would be able to find his bearings in these lands.

“What is it about Miko that you guys are talking about in the store earlier? Why is she related to another world? And… Are there any interesting stories in this world? I just want to askf.”

She was thinking for a moment the best way to explain the situation to Aoi when she felt Aikano speak to her through their telepathic bond.

”We need to try to explain things to him, just as we would to the Miko. He’s from her world, after all, and so this all must be new, strange, and confusing for him. Maybe you should go first, since he is a Byakko Seishi like you are… Though if you would prefer, I can explain my powers to him first. I wonder if we should take him back to Sailo, and meet up with Rindou and Eri…”

Riko thought for a moment and then replied, ”I can tell him about he gods and Byakko and then we can speak about our powers, I do agree it would be a good idea to have him meet Eri and Rindou.”

Smiling at Aoi she said, “This world is mainly divided by four kingdoms each serving one god: Konan serves Suzaku, which is a phoenix, Kutou serves Seriyuu, which is a dragon, Sailo serves Byakko, which is a tiger, Hokkan seres Genbu, which is a turtle.” She allowed him some time to take in what she just said, “Each kingdom has one Miko and sever celestial warriors called Seishi. The Miko usually comes form your world, so we were surprised to have you land here as you seem to be a Seishi, I am a Byakko Seishi and you are also a warrior of Byakko. There are two more Seishi,it would be a good idea to have you meet them, if you would like.” She smiled at him and then added, “All Seishi have special abilities. My abilities are mainly telepathic communication and telekinesis.” She then turned to look at Aikano so that he could explain his powers as well. She did not want to talk about her other power in public, she would do so once they were with Eri and Rindou.

"Sorry about that. We didn’t mean to be rude. I guess I was so focused on welcoming you to our land that I forgot to be polite. Yes, Riko and Aikano are our given names, but neither one of us are very strict with formality. Whatever makes you the most comfortable is fine with me. Whatever makes you the most comfortable is fine with me. There is a river running behind this tavern, so the fish was probably freshly caught. I also know they have an extensive garden, so all of their vegetables will be good. And they make very good desserts here. I am really fond of their sweet rice. Teally, anything you order here will be delicious. No, that doesn’t look like the money we use here. Don’t worry about it for now. I can buy lunch and we can help you out until you can get settled here.,"

"It's okay," said Hotaru. Then, he listens to the rest of what Aikano is saying. "Really?," said Hotaru. "Okay.. In that case, I will leave everything to you," Hotaru said. Then, he became quiet. He thinks that Aikano is going to say something important. And Hotaru thinks that giving him a chance to speak is something that is more beneficial for him. Then, he did not speak about anything. And he just listened to what Aikano said.

"This nation is called Kutou, although we are very close to the border of my homeland, Konan. I’ve never heard of Japan. That must be the name of the country you’re from in the other world? The weather is almost always like this in Kutou. It’s much more pleasant than Sailo or Hokkan. Here. This map may help you. Feel free to keep it."

"What do people in your world do if they run into bandits? Or if they need to catch their dinner? Here, it’s possible that people that stay in one place all the time may not need weapons, but Riko and I travel all over the place. Sometimes we have to camp out for the evening, so her spear is great for catching fish for supper, and sometimes we run into bandits and thieves on the isolated roads, and I need to be able to protect us until we can get to safety."

"Yes, it is. I come from a country called Japan," Hotaru said. Then, Hotaru takes the map from Aikano. "Okay. I will keep it. Thank you," said Hotaru. Then, he opened the said map. Although he closes it again when he hears Aikano's question. "Ooh.. I see..," said Hotaru after he listened to what Aikano had said. He understands why Aikano and Riko bring a weapon with them now. "I usually do not take isolated roads when I go outside unless I find something interesting there. So, I did not know. But now I know," said Hotaru again. Of course he will go to that kind place if he sees something interesting there. And of course the real reason why he did not go to that kind of place unless he found something interesting there is because he did not want to meet creatures scarier than a thief there. He is not that brave. But, he doesn't think it will be necessary to tell them about it for now. Then, he remembered Aikano's question. "About your first question, in my homeworld, we did not catch our dinner unless we were stranded on an island or a forest. We usually go to a market to buy ingredients that are needed when we want to cook dinner," said Hotaru.

Then, Hotaru looked at the two Seishi in front of him. "As for what the people in my world do if they run into bandits, they will run to a nearby police station if they are in an area with a police station there. If there are no police stations nearby, they will just run from the isolated roads to the ones that are more crowded. Because there are police stations in crowded places," said Hotaru again. Then, he realized that maybe Riko and Aikano did not know what policeman or police station was. And he tells them what a policeman and police station is.

”We need to try to explain things to him, just as we would to the Miko. He’s from her world, after all, and so this all must be new, strange, and confusing for him. Maybe you should go first, since he is a Byakko Seishi like you are… Though if you would prefer, I can explain my powers to him first. I wonder if we should take him back to Sailo, and meet up with Rindou and Eri…”

Hotaru looks at both Aikano and Riko. He feels as if he has made a terrible mistake. It is as if he should not have asked that question at all. Even though Aikano and Riko did not say anything. Why do I get a feeling that they talk about me even though they did not do anything? And why do I feel like I should not ask that question about Miko and stuff? That kind of question appeared on his mind. Although Hotaru said nothing. Riko seems to want to say something to him. And from the way she and Aikano asked, it seems to be an important thing. So, he is going to ignore this and pay attention to Riko.

"This world is mainly divided by four kingdoms each serving one god: Konan serves Suzaku, which is a phoenix, Kutou serves Seriyuu, which is a dragon, Sailo serves Byakko, which is a tiger, Hokkan seres Genbu, which is a turtle.

"Each kingdom has one Miko and sever celestial warriors called Seishi. The Miko usually comes form your world, so we were surprised to have you land here as you seem to be a Seishi, I am a Byakko Seishi and you are also a warrior of Byakko. There are two more Seishi,it would be a good idea to have you meet them, if you would like. All Seishi have special abilities. My abilities are mainly telepathic communication and telekinesis.”

It did not take more time for Hotaru to take the information in. He is not stupid. So, he can understand very well about it. "I see.. That is why she is related to another world," said Hotaru after he finishes listening to what Riko had said. Then, he remember about one of things Riko mentioned. "A warrior of Byakko?," said Hotaru. He can not hide his curiosity. He knows that there is a group of heroes that is named after Byakko in his original world. But, he never knew about the seven celestial warriors of Byakko or the fact that he is one of the seven celestial warriors of Byakko.

Hotaru remember again about something that Riko have said. "Sure," said Hotaru. Then, he asked what kind of person the other two Seishi are. "Hey. What kind of person the other two Seishi are?," said Hotaru again. Of course he can find out about them when he have meet the other two seishi. But, he can not hide his curiousity. Something that makes him can not help but asking what kind of person Rindou and Huo are.

Aikano waited until their food arrived, and he settled in to eat with the others, listening to what each of them had to say. “I see, so your polieve are like the guards and soldiers that patrol the main paths and villages here. They keep the people safe, but for most of us who travel a lot, it’s better to have something to protect yourself, just in case.” He smiled at his new friend. “I would be happy to help you learn a weapon, if you feel that you need one, but if not, Riko and I are happy to help you stay safe while you are here.”

He chuckled when Hotaru asked about the two Seishi. “Rindou-chan and Eri-san are as different as night and day. They’re brother and sister, but he is an imperial samurai, and his Seishi ability lets him control fire. Rindou-chan, on the other hand, is a bandit, and her Seishi power lets her control plants.” He realized that this could sound concerning, given the reputation bandits usually had. “But you don’t have to worry. Rindou-chan is a good person. She and her bandits only steal from the very rich and corrupt, and they use what they steal to help the poor and mistreated. They’re called the Noble Bandits. Despite how it may sound, you’ll always be safe with them.”

He ate for a moment, trying to figure out how to explain his own powers before finally speaking up again. “Unlike you and Riko, I am a Seishi of Suzaku. He rules the land of the south, my homeland of Konan. Riko and I travel back and forth between the two groups, that way we can both fulfill our duties, but we can still travel together. My Seishi ability is…” He rubbed the back of his head, feeling suddenly embarrassed. “It’s hypnosis. I can sing or play my flute, and I can cause people to go into a trance, or I can put them to sleep. It only lasts as long as the music does, though, so it can only be a little help in a battle…though it's really good for getting out of a dangerous situation quickly.” He smiled at Riko, thinking of the first time they met, when he rescued her. He then looked back to Hotaru. “I’m sorry, I know this must all be a lot to learn at once, and I’m sure it sounds unbelievable.”

Riko smiled when their food arrived and as Aoi and Aikano spoke she busied herself drinking some water and then digging in to her food. She was quite hungry and it surprised her, but then again they were constantly travelling so she no longer had the time to snack in between meals and she honestly did not mind that. She preferred it that way because she had a healthier lifestyle and she drank much more water. She was surprised at how good the food was, Aikano surely knew the best places. She turned to smile at him, “I officially declare you the gastronomy guide from now on. This food is delicious, I hope you like it too Aoi-san.” She smiled and continued enjoying her food while the conversation carried on. She drank some of the water and then looked around them, it had a nice atmosphere as well, there weren’t that many people and the waitress had kindly brought them a bowl of water for Haji, Riko thanked the waitress as their dog seemed to be quite thirsty. Shew as grateful that he was behaving.

"I see, That is why she is related to another world… A warrior of Byakko?”

Riko nodded, “Yes, all Seishi know that their Miko will come from another world and they will be different for the people you see here. That is how I knee you came from another world.” To his question regarding Byakko she nodded, “Yes, you serve the same kingdom and God as me, Byakko who looks after Sailo.”

”Sure.”

She smiled at him and kept on eating and drinking some more water before she added, “As a Byakko Seishi you also have special abilities, I assume that just as the Miko discover that special ability that allowed them to tell their Seishi a part from normal people, you will discoed your own skills.” She then added, “But do not worry, what that happens we will be with you, and we will help you as much as possible to learn to summon and control your abilities. As with eery gift there comes consciences.”

She smiled at his curiosity. It was good because that meant Aoi was relaxing and assuming his role. If he had curiosity about his role, the other Seishi and their abilities that meant he would be okay and Riko was glad, she was certain that they would all become good friends. She continued eating silently while Aikano answered Aoi’s question about Eri-san and Rindou-sama and then pet Haji placed his head on her lap and she smiled softly, she rubbed him behind his ears while she finished her meal. She could not believe they were served so much food, it was so filing as well. Definitely a good place for them to come have lunch, she wondered if Aikano and Aoi would like their food as well, although she supposed that since Aikano brought them to this pub he already knew his favourite dish.