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Finally arriving at his home-away-from-home, Kazuki let out a small sigh. The interaction with Marianna bothered him more than he wanted to admit. It wasn't enough that the mobs and bosses weren't acting like themselves, but the behavior of the computer characters could mean that they had no real way of knowing what was going to happen even in the safety of the town. Couldn't [i]anything[/i] stayed consistent in this stupid world? Were the NPCs going to start talking to him out of nowhere? Were they actually watching his every move? Was he going to suddenly get jumped by a desperate guy trying to get by? The last one caused the hair on the back of his neck to rise, freaking him out somewhat as he looked around.

[color=lightskyblue]"Oi! Kazuki!"[/color] Kazuki jumped in place, having been so absorbed in his thoughts that he somehow didn't notice the man next to him. The [url=https://i.imgur.com/hjei4Jl.png]bard[/url] known as Robin Goodfellow flashed him a grin, with Kazuki somehow having missed both him and the cart next to him. It wasn't an extraordinary sight; despite the guy's look, he was a madman with his hands, favoring alchemy. The cart was a little more packed than usual, but what really held Kazuki's attention was the way the bard had a firm grip on it.

Robin's smile faded just a touch as he got a good look at Kazuki, not liking what he was seeing. [color=lightskyblue]"Jesus, you look like you've been through some shit,"[/color] He commented.

[color=plum]"You scared the crap out of me,"[/color] Kazuki scowled, relaxing after a few seconds. [color=plum]"I thought you'd be in Iblenar, I sent out a message to you and Hammer."[/color]

[color=lightskyblue]"I was meeting a friend here that I had just introduced to a game,"[/color] He explained, his smile looking particularly pained as he let out a hollow laugh. [color=lightskyblue]"We were in the field when he accidentally stabbed himself with his own sword. Not the brightest of the bunch, but you can imagine the panic that ensued once he started bleeding everywhere. Fortunately, we found a healer in time, but...shit freaked everyone out. I mean, everything did, but you know..."[/color]

Kazuki couldn't help the pang of jealousy, though he nodded in understanding. [color=plum]"I'm glad you're alright,"[/color] He said quietly, glad to see that he was okay.

[color=lightskyblue]"Wish I could say the same to you, but like I said, you look like you've been through some shit,"[/color] Robin frowned at him, dropping all of his previous joy. [color=lightskyblue]"You ended up going with your brother to the dungeon after all, didn't you?"[/color]

There was no need for any lies; he figured word would get out sooner than later. [color=plum]"We lost three people,"[/color] He sighed. 

[color=lightskyblue]"Well, shit. So much for Mystic Prophecy being 'the guild'. Still, you ended up better than that small guild that went for a rerun. Think only two of them ended up coming back,"[/color] The bard muttered, shaking his head. [color=lightskyblue]"Anyway, I came looking for you because I'm heading back to Iblenar. I figured I'd bring you along, we could hole up with Hammer and ride this out until the devs fix shit."[/color]

Hammer did have her guild, and being back in his home territory would probably help out in the magic department. Maybe putting some distance would help, too; God knows he had avoided any street that was even close to the guild hall. That said, he knew he couldn't just up and leave without talking to Kazuma, and in the back of his mind it felt wrong to just up and leave without saying anything. At the very least he would say goodbye to his party. If they wanted to see him, that is. He wasn't sure if they blamed him for Aaginim's death, too.

[color=plum]"I appreciate the gesture, but I'm going to see what Kazuma wants to do next,"[/color] Kazuki told Robin. [color=plum]"If we do end up heading over there, I'll make sure to let you know."[/color]

Robin teetered on a response, initially looking like he was going to insist but changing his mind at the last second. Instead he turned back towards his cart, pulling out a small box. [color=lightskyblue]"Sounds good. Take this, then."[/color]

[color=plum]"Whatever it is, take it with you, you might end up needing it for the trip,"[/color] He declined.

[color=lightskyblue]"Or you could take it while you figure your shit out. C'mon, take it,"[/color] Robin insisted, shoving it into Kazuki's hands. [color=lightskyblue]"It's just some food and a few potions I rationed for you if you ended up coming, might as well keep it. Once I'm settled over at the guild hall, I'll send you some stuff from time to time and if you ever need something, just let me know."[/color]

As much as he wanted to protest, Kazuki figured he may as well take it. Who knew what other effects the glitch had that he hadn't accounted for? Extra food was never a bad thing to have, anyway, since [i]hunger[/i] was now something else to worry about. [color=plum]"Fine. In exchange, feel free to use my place. Hammer has a spare key, if you guys need it for whatever reason, use it."[/color]

[color=lightskyblue]"Giving me a place for my booty calls? You're too kind!"[/color] Robin let out a genuine laugh. [color=lightskyblue]"Alright, alright...but send Hammer another letter saying so, she probably won't believe me."[/color]

[color=plum]"Thank you. Be careful out there,"[/color] He said, giving him a deep bow.

Robin nodded, giving him a serious look. [color=lightskyblue]"Don't go dying out there, Hoshizawa,"[/color] He said.

[color=plum]"Yeah. You too, Yukine."[/color]

Kazuki watched Robin walk off with his cart until he was out of sight. At some point he'd probably go that way, but for now he would finally enter his home, closing the door behind him. Settling the box down, he examined its contents. He wasn't a fantastic chef or anything but he could probably make something out of this stuff to make it last longer. There was a recipe book somewhere around here, he could add cooking to his improvement list. It probably wasn't a bad idea, if the goal was to survive, then he may as well. 

An unfamiliar sound caught his attention and pulled him out of his thoughts once again, though his heart splintered as he realized what it was. He entered the bedroom freely, watching his brother for a moment. Yesterday must have gotten to him. Not that he'd blame him, but Kazuma had been more invested in both the game and the people they'd lost. He was probably overwhelmed. Still, as bad as he felt, Kazuki had to admit that it gave him a little resolve. He was going to make sure to be the big brother Kazuma deserved, he promised himself right then and there to be his rock.

Kneeling down next to the bed, he reached over and squeezed his hand. [color=plum]"It's okay,"[/color] Kazuki soothed him. [color=plum]"Let it all out."[/color]

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