Chapter 288

Zack was running through the forest with Ashleigh, and Tanya trying to catch him. A young tanuki and inari appeared gesturing Zack to a safe space while the tanuki hurled talismans to cover his advance. The two dodged the talismans, and it gave Zack the chance he needed to getaway.

While running past the children they smirked and halted their attacks. Zack was running into a clearing when he sensed something off and stepped forward with a smirk. The twig that snapped under Zack's foot revealed its true form as talismans sprung up. Risa was laughing could be overheard from the canopy.

'He's gonna look like an idiot.'

While Risa was clutching her stomach, and kicking from the anticipation she failed to notice it was an illusion. The real Zack already appeared at her side and finished writing his glyphs as Risa transported to her trap. The smoke settled to reveal Risa in a tight blue dress with an excess amount of makeup and bound to a kid's table for a tea party.

"You look pretty." Zack smiled while leaning against the tree.

All the kids caught up seeing Risa in such a state and began giggling. They were the usual audience for the pranks in Eden, and the children never expected to see Risa caught in one. With all the laughing, and eyes on her, Risa went quiet. Zack thought it might've been too much with the audience, and approached to apologize.

"You would've looked better in it." Risa smiled before laughing.

Zack helped Risa from the table, and she undid the transmutation. A light gust swept up the mountain carrying the scent of food nearby, and the children began racing to the garden.

"We should team up some time," Risa smirked.

"I could use your help with something," Zack replied.

"I'm not a fighter," Risa told Zack.

"When finding a new city it can be hard to read their true intentions with so many around. When a crowd gets worked up it's easier to read them. Your pranks would work perfectly, but it could get dangerous. I'll be watching your back so don't worry." Zack replied.

"Sounds fun," Risa smirked while jumping on his back.

"Can you hide your form?" Zack asked.

"And others with ease." Risa bragged making ears appear on Zack.

While catching up to the others they saw the tanuki ears on Zack and began laughing. Karin had just returned with Amara, and seeing Risa behaving playfully with Zack caught them off guard. Once Risa jumped down to get some fish Karin embraced Zack.

"I see Hanami's village decided to visit tonight," Karin said before kissing Zack.

"It was mostly the children, but a few of the parents were touring the area," Zack replied.

"Did they tell you about the injured?" Karin asked.

"They did, and they say it's why they are allowing the waystation to be built," Zack walked towards the table sitting with Karin.

In the forest rising from the lake were Lydia, and Mero. They just returned from checking on the restaurant and were now joining the others. Once Lydia arrived she used her ring to retrieve a workstation with all her tools and a fresh catch from today.

"Did you catch them by yourself?" Helena asked.

"I scare them, and Mero grabs them," Lydia replied.

"I can barely keep up with her." Zack smiled.

"You're still the better hunter." Mero came up behind Zack wrapping her arms around him.

"I only use what you taught me." Zack leaned up kissing Mero.

"Can you teach me how to swim?" Helena asked Zack.

"We can do it." Shiro declared.

"C-can we join?" Mika asked Zack.

Mero released Zack, and he got up to introduce Helena. They have passed each other a few times during the feast, but they typically hung out near the water. He walked up to embraced Mika and called Helena over.

"Leaving me out?" Fuuka teased as she pressed up against Zack.

"Behave." Kimi pulled Fuuka's tail.

"They can't always be around due to their bodies needing water, but I want you to know they're part of our family too," Zack told Helena.

"Will my siblings look like you or them?" Helena asked.

"That's a good question." Shiro smiled.

"We could practice while the food is cooking." Kimi kneeled at Helena's level.

"Is it okay?" Helena asked.

"Just be careful. I'm gonna help the others get food ready if you need anything." Zack helped Kimi up kissing her cheek.

"I d-don't know how to swim either." Tanya stuttered.

"Teaching one or a group makes no difference," Shiro told Tanya.

"I should go help." Mika was preparing to leave his embrace.

"You can stay put I'll do it." Mero offered.

Most of the children have played in the bath but never attempted to swim. Eager to learn a new skill even the older kids joined. Crowley could fly, but during his recent training with Zack, he learned being trapped in a water orb isn't fun when you can't swim. After waving goodbye to the children Zack walked up to the counter with Lydia and started assisting in the prep.

"She would never share like that," Lydia told Zack.

"She knows how it feels to be away from him now, and feels sympathy," Lilith told Lydia.

"Are you speaking from experience?" Kaya teased.

Lilith glared at Kaya prepared to retort.

"Can you c-come by more of-often?" Mika asked.

"I don't mind the bed getting wet so why don't you join us?" Lilith whispered while running her hand down Mika's side.

Lilith dragged Mika to the table for teasing while Cynthia approached Zack. She was preparing to tap on his shoulder when Ericka swooped in. Ericka's breast engulfed his arm while kissing his neck.

"Do we have to cook it all?" Ericka asked.

"Why?" Zack replied.

"Raw is better." Ericka nibbled his ear.

Abruptly the temperature increased, and Zack felt a warm sensation on his back. Cynthia's claws had a blue glow, and her tails were already ignited. Lilith stopped her teasing long enough to push Cynthia forward.

"Just be honest," Lilith smirked.

"I'm he-here to," Cynthia mumbled.

"I'm sorry." Zack pulled Cynthia in kissing her passionately.

"Just d-don't for-forget." Cynthia blushed.

"I'll get better I promise," Zack caressed her cheek while she purred.

'I hope these happy days never end.' Lilith smiled looking around the garden.