Sobaka: So how's it been for you after... well... the mess?
Aster: It's been... quiet. Nothing to do, no place to go... just waiting for death to claim me.
Volk: You don't plan on escaping?
Aster: There's nothing else for me out there. That's why I came to Russia.
Inu: I had a feeling you weren't from here.
Aster: I'm not. Name's Aster Yakudatsu. My mother and younger brother died when I was young. My dad—head of a mafia—left me with my grandparents. One by one, they passed away. When I was old enough, I traveled here. Always wanted to see Russia. Then... this happened. Now I'm stuck, just me and my thoughts.
Inu frowned slightly. Yakudatsu... why does that sound familiar? His mind flicked back to a particular moment—a memory of Okami standing there, hands shaking, gripping a gun. Inu exhaled through his nose.
Inu: Right...
Sobaka: Listen, I won't try to change your mind, but I'll say this—there's still a whole world out there. You've got more life ahead of you than you think.
Aster: Yeah... but leaving a comfort zone is hard.
Sobaka: True, but it's not impossible.
Aster: Fair point. Enough about me. What's this long story you mentioned?
Sobaka: Well, basically...
Sobaka laid out everything—their journey, the fights, how they got to Russia. Inu added his own side, explaining the sudden appearance of his group.
Aster: Really now? Sounds a lot like the power of a Telum user I met once.
Inu: And who would that be?
Aster: Some older guy—Fidi. Said he came from Greece after a Monstra attack wiped out his team.
Volk: From Greece, you say?
Aster: Yep.
Sobaka: We should ask Lykos and the others, see if they know the name.
Volk: You think they'd know him just because he's from Greece?
Sobaka: There's always a chance.
Volk: This dumbass.
Aster: He did say he was part of a group of heroes.
Sobaka: See what I mean? Bet they'll recognize him.
Volk: Hmph.
Inu: Anyway... yeah.
Sobaka: Hey, Aster. Any new info on what caused all this mess in Russia?
Aster: Well, judging by all the ice and snow, I'd say Hel's got something to do with it. No proof, but it seems likely. The why is the real mystery.
Volk: Hel? As in Helheim Hel?
Aster: That's the one.
Sobaka: Man, she a whole grain bitch.
Volk: For once, I agree.
Aster: Same here.
Sobaka: Should we go wake the kids and ask about Fidi?
Volk: I still don't think they'll know him.
Inu: They should rest, but... this feels important.
Inu stood up, scanned the houses, and spotted the one still lit. He knocked.
Skylos answered. Skylos: Oh, hey Inu.
Inu: Where are the other two?
Skylos: In the bedroom. Told me to wait out here for a bit.
Inu: Uh... we need you three for something.
Skylos: Oh, I'll get them. Hope they aren't doing anything... bad.
Inu: ...Right.
Skylos walked inside, knocked on a door.
Skylos: Lykos? Alepou?
No answer. He cracked the door open—and there they were, asleep, hands still intertwined.
Oh.
Skylos shook them lightly. Their eyes fluttered open, and as realization hit, they quickly let go, both faces turning red.
Skylos: Uh... the guys need us.
Lykos: Ah—ahem—alright.
Alepou: Ahh... right.
They shuffled out. As they stepped outside, Inu raised a brow.
Inu: You two okay? Your faces are kinda—
Lykos & Alepou: SHUT UP.
From the doorway...
Skylos: Bruh.
They arrived at Aster's house.
Inu: Alright, here they are.
Sobaka: You three. Do you know anyone named Fidi?
Skylos: ...You mean dad?
Sobaka: YOU SEE THAT, VOLK? IN YOUR STUPID FACE! ...Wait. Why'd you say it like that, Sky?
Skylos: He went missing years ago when Amnea fell.
Lykos: Right along with our parents. The Protectors of Freedom fell, and so did Amnea.
Sobaka: Oh.
Volk punched Sobaka's arm.
Sobaka: ...Yeah, I deserved that.
Aster: When exactly did he disappear?
Alepou: Years ago now.
Aster: I ran into a man by that name—blonde, cyan eyes. Looked a lot like you, Skylos.
Skylos: How long ago?
Aster: Three days. I saw him heading east.
Volk: Why would he be moving closer to ground zero?
Aster: No clue. He just said he had a fight to finish.
Skylos: I... don't think we can reach him now, right?
Volk: There's a chance. But heading east is dangerous.
Skylos hesitated.
Skylos: I won't put the group in danger just for this...
Inu, Sobaka, and Volk exchanged a glance. A silent agreement.
Sobaka: We can make it. That's what our Telums are for—protecting each other.
Lykos: ...Right.
Alepou: I just hope it doesn't take long to find him.
Volk: So we got a plan?
Sobaka: HELL YEAH WE DO!
The seven of them talked a while longer, swapping stories. As the night grew late, they said their goodnights and returned to their homes.
Lykos, however, lingered in the living room, staring at the ceiling.
Then it came again.
"It's almost time for me to come out."
Lykos's jaw tensed.
Lykos: Shut up for a while, would you?
As he passed a mirror, something caught his eye. His reflection... was wrong.
Black hair. White eyes. No glasses. A scar on his neck. The beanie—different.
Lykos froze.
His heartbeat pounded in his ears.
Argos...?
He blinked. The reflection was normal again.
Exhaling sharply, he shook his head and turned away. He had enough to deal with already.
Tomorrow, they had a journey to prepare for.
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