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The scent of water damage, dirt, and mold waft through the air as Agnea walks back home from work. She still remembers the freshly baked goods and sweets from her job, though. The memory puts a smile on the dancer's face. Her coworkers adore her at the bakery, having someone who was the embodiment of sunshine and berries.
Jeez, you’re a genius, Agnea. The raspberry jam tastes perfect with the cookies!
Agnea chuckles, smirking and high-fiving herself mentally. She hums to herself as she tries not to let the litter stick to her flats, squeezing through the alleyways. She swings her brown paper bag back and forth, filled with leftover sweets and bread that the bakery gave to her as a treat. The juxtaposition between the New Delsta district and the new up and coming star was black and white. Ice and fire. Water and oil. Night and day.
Dusk and dawn…
Then suddenly, as she was humming a song she was given to by Gil, she hits her face against a brick wall - dirt and wall residue getting on her.
“Ack!” She brushes off the dirt, spits out anything that she felt was on her lips, and wipes her face with her hands.
“Ptttthhhh! Pweh!”
After a few moments of calming herself down, she takes in a deep breath, breathes in through her nose, holds it, then breathes out through her mouth - a trick Castti taught her that helped with pre-show jitters.
“Ok, Agnea. Focus on getting home.”
After a good 10 minutes, she finally finds an apartment building that has not been cared for in far too long. The owner, Gil, a washed up alcoholic with crushed dreams, sits at the front desk. He has a glass of whiskey in one hand, and today’s newspaper in the other.
“Evening, Gil!” Agnea yells. Gil takes a swig of his drink, and lets out a cathartic sigh.
“Ah, now that’s smooth. And evening, Agnea,” he brings his drink up to give a “cheers” to the dancer. “Oh, before I forget, you’re going to be off the next two weeks, right?”
“Yup! My friends and I are finally going to open the next chapter of our lives,” Agnea giggles to herself with her comment. Gil decides to not question her, a tactic that has been keeping him sane the past 2 months since she and her friends have moved in.
“You got it. I’ll make sure the customers know about this. The people here love your hot moves, don’t forget it,” Gil takes another drink. Agnea blushes, looking down at the floor.
“Oh, you know that I… um, thank you I guess,” Agnea decides not to delve into the topic. She shakes the thought out of her head, and walks to him to change the topic.
“Leftover cookies from the bakery! Here,” Agnea hands him some raspberry jam cookies from today. Gil happily grabs it, and immediately devours one. He nods in approval, smiling at the girl.
Agnea exits the front lobby and walks to her apartment room. She fumbles to get her keys, and opens the door. As she walks in, she sees two familiar faces.
“Welcome home, Agnea,” Castti says, smiling. The doctor takes out food from the recently-acquired fridge. They found it on the side of the road, and Partitio and Hikari quickly picked it up and ran to the station with it. Osvald then spent a solid month fixing the damned contraption. Yellow stains are still on and in it, no matter how hard Castti or Throne scrub the damn thing.
“Evening Castti! Evening Osvald!” Agnea sees Osvald in front of a broken CRTV in the living room, kneeling over as to readjust the many wires behind it.
“Gods damned this box. Just turn on, already.”
“Um, Osvald, we can still just buy a new TV,” Angea says. Castti sighs.
“I have been suggesting that for hours. He is very much determined to fix it.”
“We shouldn’t have to spend money if we don’t have to. Just… give me some time,” Osvald looks at the ladies, waving his screwdriving around like a professor giving a lecture. He then goes back to work.
“You can do it, Osvald!” Agnea says, trying to be optimistic about the situation. It’s not that she doesn’t believe in Osvald - hell, the broken parts of the wooden floor were fixed by him (said floor is a combination of both old splinter-threatening boards and new wooden boards that are too clean and smooth to match the room). It’s just that she doesn’t know how the TV works, so she doesn’t know if progress is actually being made.
“Ugh,” Osvald grumbles.
Agnea puts up her brown trench coat on the coat hanger, both donated by Gil himself, and walks over to the apothecary.
“Sorry for being late,” Agnea goes to put down the brown paper bag on the kitchen counter, and washes her hands in the sink.
“No worries, Agnea. You must be super tired. I’m just glad Gil gave you the two weeks off.”
“So am I! He’s super accommodating to me, though. I have to work extra hard to show him how grateful I am!”
“Agnea, you have two jobs. Remember to take care of yourself- wait, what happened to your head?” Agnea stops drying her hands. She then looks to Castti, as she already sees the woman run to the first aid box under the kitchen drawer. Castti immediately wipes Agnea’s face with a clean wet cloth, and wipes the dirt and blood off her forehead.
“Agnea, please take better care of yourself,” the caretaker then puts a bandaid on her forehead.
“Mmm, I know. I’m sorry,” Agnea whimpers in shame. After a moment of awkward silence, Agnea finally decides to ask “So, what are we making tonight?”
“Well,” Castti smiles in excitement, “to celebrate everyone taking the next step in their journey, I’m making beef stew.” Agnea’s eyes widen like gems facing the sun.
“Oh, I love that! Lemee help cut them veggies,” Agnea’s accent slips out. Normally, the gang would only eat meat skewers and bakery leftovers, due to Ochette hunting enough meat to feed the entire apartment, and Agnea’s job giving her baked scraps. Tonight, though, was special.
Agnea sees the carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and peppers on the counter, and begins to rinse them. Castti takes out the cutting board for Agnea, and then turns on the gas stove. Only one out of four burners work, but at least it’s the biggest one. Castti puts a big metal pot over the burner, and drizzles olive oil and drops garlic in it. Castti then opens a big can of pre-sliced tomatoes and then pours it into the pot. The scent of said ingredients overtake the room, putting on a smile on both Castti and Agnea’s face - and even Osvald.
…
“Howdy, yall!” A man clad in yellow walks into the room, loud and full of energy. Osvald jumps a bit, grumbling under his breath.
“Evening, Partitio!” Castti and Agnea say. Partitio puts his coat away, and peaks into the kitchen.
“Wooey, we having stew tonight?! I swear, I’m spoiled by you lot,” Partitio whistles, and then goes to the upper kitchen cabinets. Partitio grabs eight bowls, small plates, and sets of utensils to make the dinner table - actually it’s more so a dinner coffee table, but I digress. He then places down eight floor cushions around said coffee table, setting up everyone’s seat for dinner.
“I’m still so proud of my purchases here,” he says, looking at the cushions and coffee table like they were his grandchildren.
“I’m still surprised you were able to get a job at that department store,” Osvald says.
“Why?... Oh, you referring to that mall rodeo?” Agnea overhears said comment, and immediately sinks in embarrassment, “we have Temenos and Throne to thank for that. They made sure the police forgot about it. Wanna make sure bad blood can’t prevent any of us from getting a job, ya hear me?”
“Still, we shouldn’t have to depend on Throne’s… skills,” Castti says, a bit of venom in her comment.
“Oh, come on Castti! It’s because of her we’re able to stay undercover here,” says Agnea, “The police here are annoying, and you know it. It’s because of her that we have routes we can use in the city, and can stay safe at night.”
“I know I know. It’s… I’m still trying to get used to her.”
“Well, you’re going to have too soon. You’re going to spend the next two weeks with her!” Castti sighs, not even rolling her eyes. She knows her innate distrust in Throne is due to Castti’s fear of what her own identity is, the apothecary still on the hunt for her memories.
“Oh, let’s not talk about that just yet! Let’s wait until dinner,” Agnea eagerly nods, agreeing with the lady. The mom of the group gives the dancer a wink.
…
“Good evening Octopath!” Ochette yells.
The gang immediately knew Hikari and Ochette were arriving minutes ago, due to them hearing Gil groan at the mountains of meat they were holding.
“Haha, hello Ochette. Hello Hikari. Was hunting successful?”
“Yes, it was. Ochette is a fantastic teacher, actually,” Hikari says, appreciative of Ochette’s mentorship and time.
“Hikari’s super strong and cool! I’ve always wanted a big brother, heehee” Ochette smiles big, revealing her fangs. Hikari blushes, not sure how to take the compliment or idea of brotherhood here. The both of them store away meat in the fridge, then give some to Gil.
“Thank you both for all your hard work,” Castti says. Ochette runs to her, and Castti pats her head and scratches behind her ears a bit. Hikari smiles as he begins boiling water in the electric kettle - again purchased by Paritio. He starts to brew tea and coffee for everyone.
…
As Castti tastes her last sample of the stew, the detective and thief walk through the door.
“Boo, this is a robbery,” Throne says, deadpan.
“Everyone, put your hands up,” Temenos says jokingly.
“Never!” Ochette runs to Throne and jumps up high, matching the height of her head. Ochette jokingly thrusts herself into a fighting stance, ready to fight the “robbers.” Throne bobs and weaves, easily reading the hunter’s movements, and Ochette hits Temenos’ face. Ochette clings to him tight as to not fall.
“Mmmm!!!” Temenos muffles.
“Hey! Remember the rules, no fighting in the apartment,” Castti yells. Ochette looks back at her mama. She pouts, and then jumps off of Temenos.
“Bah!” Temenos fishes for air, then scrambles to shut the door behind him. “Y-you knew she was going to hit me!” Throne gives him a wink, then walks over to Castti.
“So, what’s for dinner tonight, cutie?”
Castti ignores the nickname, but answers the thief, “Beef stew! We’re celebrating since tonight is a special night.”
Throne smells the pot, and gives a rare genuine smile.
“... just like home,” she says. Castti feels the warmth of Throne’s words. Knowing her past, Castti gives her a warm smile back.
“Ok, everyone, dinner is ready! Serve yourself,” Castti announces to the gang. Everyone expresses excitement for dinner, and immediately goes to fill their bowls.
…
“But I’ve already had New Delsta’s best pizza. Why must I try others around here?”
“Hikari, you do know that food stalls like that often scam you, right?” Throne says to the prince.
“What? No, I don’t think so. The food stall had in big letters ‘New Delsta’s Best Pizza’ on its sign,” Hikari brings up his spoon and uses it to stress each word in front of him.
“Trust me, your highness. There’s much better food around this city. I can show you,” the thief takes another bite of her stew, breathing in the savory scent of the meal.
Hikari nods deeply, looking a bit like a bow, “I appreciate it. I… wish to learn as much from this city as possible. I still have a ways to go before returning home.” the prince says, having a melancholic look on his face.
“You’ve already made lots of progress living here, Hikari. Remember to give yourself credit for that!” Agnea says. Hikari looks down at his bowl, never knowing how to accept any form of compliment.
“It’s been a difficult road, that is true. I still do not understand most of the customs and politics here.”
“It will take time getting used to it all. Do not give up, though. You would only betray yourself if you gave up now, simply because you don’t understand everything immediately,” Osvald knew better than anyone how tempting it is to give up on a difficult task. However, he also knew the importance and beauty of not letting failure and trial and error stop one from finding answers. He noticed the struggles Hikari commonly fought day by day: adapting to city life, moving from a place that had a caste monarch system to a democratic one, understanding life outside of his culture and home, managing his anxieties and… his other self. Still, the prince continued forward all for the sake of his nation’s/district's pride and future. If anyone could save Ku, Osvald believed it was Hikari.
Ochette jumps in her seat, sensing all the support and optimism in the air. Castti places a hand on the fox girl’s knee to calm her down. Ochette looks up, and sees Castti giving her an apologetic look; the doctor knew the hunter was simply excited to see the gang so happy. The little one picks up her spoon, and scoops another bite of stew with incorrect technique in her hand - Castti and Ochette are working on table manners.
“So, since we are all here,” Temenos says, wiping his mouth with his napkin, “I suggest reviewing our plans for the next two weeks?” Everyone immediately gets quiet, silence filling the room.
“... I can start then,” Temenos continues, “Ochette, Osvald, Agnea, and I shall go to the Conning Creek district in the Harborlands.” The mentioned three people look at Temenos, and nod in agreement with serious looks.
“Um… will you be alright going, Osvald?” The dancer asks. Everyone knew that Conning Creek was his hometown, where Harvey set fire to his home and took everything from him.
The scholar looks at Agnea with determined eyes, and nods, “... yes. I will be ready.”
Ochette bounces again in her seat, “I heard rumors and tales about a weird monster cry in that district! It must be a clue to the legendary beasts. Master Juvah would tell me tales of-” Temenos was still in disbelief of Ochette’s journey, unsure about whether he could trust the girl… no. He was sure the girl was being honest. It was more so if he could trust her judgment. Said detective was half listening to the hunter, as she was explaining tales her “master” had told her about these “beasts.”
“Signs of a good detective, my dear hunter,” Temenos says, lifting up his glass of wine. Ochette smiles and nods, saluting him. Castti glares at him, sensing the man’s sarcasm. She felt as if he was going to tell a small child that Santa didn’t exist. Temenos simply looks back at her, and gives her an Aelfric-approved smile.
“How about you, detective? Anything you’re looking for?” Throne asks.
“Hm? Oh yes. My dear assistant, Canalbrine seems to be wrecking with suspicious activity. Evidence and word from the late pontiff point to an important person that I believe is there. I hope it’s still not an issue to go to Canalbrine before Conning Creek, though.” Osvald and Ochette shake their heads.
As for Agnea, they all knew that she was on a journey to complete Gil’s song: The Song of Hope. She’s been working hard rehearsing and practicing the song for Gil’s bar. Now, she just hopes a new scenery will inspire her.
“Do you think you’ll see Crick there?” Agnea asks. Temenos takes a sip of his wine, eyes closed. He feels a slight ping in his chest hearing that little lamb’s name.
“Haha,” he wipes his mouth, smirking to hide his heart fluttering in his chest, “there is a possibility.”
“You sly hound you,” Throne elbows the detective in his rib a bit. “Perhaps the docks will provide a romantic scene for both you and him.”
“Only if you’re nice to him for once, though,” Agnea pouts at the holy man.
“Tsk tsk tsk,” Temenos wags his finger towards the girl, “I must guide my flock with a firm hand, young one.”
“And is that getting you any ‘progress’?” Throne pokes fun at him.
“I don’t know,” Temenos sips his wine again, “How about you?”
The tension between the thief and detective quickly thickens, lightning shooting out of both their eyes, as Throne growls at the man and the holy son returns with a shit eating smile.
“A-anyway, that leaves us with Castti, Throne, Hikari, and me!” Partitio says, pointing his thumb to himself, and wanting to ease the tension.
“Yes. Throne and I have business at Winterbloom. I… I hope that I can find some hints about my past there.”
“And Father will be waiting for me as well.” Everyone stays silent, one question apparent in everyone’s mind.
“Throne, will you be alright seeing your pops- I mean, Father alone?” Partitio asks. Throne smiles, masking her worry and anxieties with initiating her plans.
“... yes. I think so. We will need to enter the district at different times, however. We don’t want Father to associate you as his enemies. That… is the last thing I need,” Throne takes a sip of her drink: red wine freshly opened with her knife. She tops off Temenos’ glass.
“No worries. We… trust your skills. However, we will be nearby if you need us,” Castti says. Throne smirks at the doctor.
“Heh, I love it when you compliment me, doc,” the lady brings up her glass, gesturing cheers to the doctor. The thief adds a bit of sultry undertone to her comment, teasing the woman even more. The doctor sighs, taking a bite of her food. After a second, she takes a deep breath, her tired nature with the thief showing.
“... poor thing. No wonder you’re a thief. You can’t afford good one liners,” Castti closes her eyes to take in the reactions of her comment, and sips her tea. Throne nearly chokes on her wine, shocked. Temenos bursts out laughing, tears forming in his eyes; he wraps one arm around Throne’s shoulders, his glass of wine in the other. Everyone else either laughs as hard as Temenos, or nearly spits out their drink in shock.
“W-what?! Um, uh, I’ll, uh, have you know, um,” Throne stumbles with her words, flustered.
W-what is wrong with me, today?! Nobody’s ever spoken back to me like that before. Most people fall for my flirting…. Gods, I love her…
“A-and you Partitio? Hikari?” Agnea asks, desperate to get everyone back on topic. Hikari looks at Partitio. Paritio wipes his eyes, calming down from Castti’s comment. He then nods to the prince. “I’m going to give that Mister Roque a piece of my mind!” Everybody stares at the merchant in anticipation. “... ok no, I ain't gonna throw no fist-o-cuffs at ‘im. I just… wanna talk is all. No need to worry.” Everyone gives a sigh of relief. Throne almost scoffs in disappointment though, sipping her drink again.
“Yes, and after that, we shall head to the Montwise library.” Hikari looks down at his tea, staring at his reflection. “Kazan should be around there. Osvald helped me confirm the rumors and my suspicions there. The only question is what Kazan is doing now,” Hikari says, lost in thought.
“Don’t worry, Hikari! We ain’t leaving until we got that eagle in our sights,” Partitio gives a thumbs up to the man. Hikari smiles and nods, grateful for the optimism.
…
Wow, everyone’s surely been waiting for this moment…
Agnea wears a gentle smile. It wasn’t visibly large like Ochette’s smile, but it was powerful enough to light up the whole city. This was a huge moment for everyone, and she couldn’t help but feel proud of them all.
Agnea begins to tear up. All the hardships of adjusting to city life, moving out of her home for the first time, struggling with rent, being poor for the past two months. She really feels like she got lucky, finding her friends - no, family - here of all places. It was strange. She knew her journey wasn’t as gritty or dark or life threatening as most others at the table.
All she wanted was for everybody here to have the courage to continue fighting for what they believed in… and to know that they had a home to go back to.
“Hey, everyone?” Silence envelops the room. Everyone immediately turns to face her. “I know we all have our reasons for being here, and goals and dreams we want to accomplish,” Agnea takes a moment to gather her thoughts here. She takes a deep breath, then continues her monologue.
“... but please. In two weeks, when we all meet back here, know that I will dance my heart out for you all! Just…”
She’s only known these people for two months, but she feels she’s been waiting for them her entire life.
This is the first time in two months we won’t all be together. I’m really going to miss this place… I’m really going to miss y’all…
“... y'all better come back here safe and sound, ok? Because gods be damned if I catch wind of somebody getting hurt, ya hear me?!” Agnea’s accent slips out heavily, full on Cropland core. Then, drops of stew due to Agnea’s movements fly up to her face from her bowl - the stew making it look like she has a goatee.
“Ack!” Agnea opens her mouth and sticks out her tongue in shock.
After such a passionate monologue from Miss Sunshine here, everyone laughs hard at her makeover; sounds of joy rings across the apartment building. Agnea blushes out in embarrassment. “H-hey! I was being serious, yall!” Everyone laughs again.
Partitio lifts up his cup of whiskey, generously bought from Gil. “Cheers to the next chapter of our lives! Cheers!”
“Cheers!” Everyone taps their cups and glasses to everyone in the room. Dinner then continues, as the melodies of laughter, stories, joy, and family hums throughout the night.
…
It is late now, and everyone gets ready for bed. Each person has their own foldable futon, each stacked on top of each other in the corner of the room. It was suggested by Hikari to not only save space, but to provide everyone their own mattress to sleep on. The gang used to all sleep on one big mattress. That… didn’t last long. It was a common practice in Ku to own foldable futons, and to take them out only during the night. He felt it would help everyone with space, efficiency, and comfort.
Partitio moves the coffee table aside to the corner of the room, as everyone uses the center living room area as the “camping ground.” Everyone puts their futon in their respective areas in front of the broken TV, and lays down to sleep.
Everyone quietly says goodnight; the lights are turned off.
Hours pass, and everybody is deep asleep, but Ochette snores loudly and kicks the TV. Hard. Then, the TV suddenly turns on.
Eureka!
“-It appears that today’s forecast is going to be cloudy, folks! Be sure to bundle up, for the days are about to get shorter, and the nights a lot longer!” The TV’s low volume, gentle hum, and soft light shines towards the eight travelers. Ochette, having a dream about monsters attacking her home, growls softly.
Grrrrr, not on my watch.
The hunter then relaxes, and falls deeper into sleep.