Civilization.

Stepping outside of the demon chief's castle, Alexander and the others were greeted with the sight of the sun setting on the busy demon village. 

The air was cool, and the sky a mixture of hues ranging from orange to purple. 

As Alexander and the others approached the gate that surrounded the demon chief's castle, the Elder guards stepped to the side with their weapons erected. 

Pierre and Martine eyed the guards cautiously, while Alexander and Mimi followed closely behind. 

Alexander wasn't thinking much about the guards anyway, as his mind was still lingering on Zara. He knew he would miss her, and there was no telling when he'd be back, or if it was even possible.

Especially since he had no idea where the village was on a map, even if he had a map.

"You have your torch?" Pierre asked curiously, his question directed at Martine as he pulled a black tube from his pocket. 

Martine nodded as she reached into one of the pouches strapped to her chest, pulling out a similar black tube. "Yeah," she whispered, shaking it.

"Good," Pierre replied, before turning to face Alexander and Mimi. "Once we pass the village outskirts I need you two to stay close, I'll guard the rear while Martine leads us out of the forest."

Alexander nodded. "Sure…" he replied.

Martine narrowed her eyes as she stared at Mimi. "Hmm, what are going to do about her eyes," she asked, her question directed at Pierre, "you know how everyone feels about demons, even half breeds."

Pierre turned to look back at Mimi, his expression souring slightly. "Shit, I almost forgot about that."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean?" He asked curiously, glancing at Mimi. 

From a distance, Mimi looked normal, but there were two signs she was a demon. First, her tail swayed behind her confidently. And secondly, her eyes, which while not stacked like full-blooded demons, were still numerous.

"Demons are considered monsters in a technical sense, like beastmen or goblins…" Martine answered.

"I am no monster," Mimi said with a snarl.

Pierre stopped walking as he raised a hand to silence Mimi. "It doesn't matter what you think, we don't have time to argue." 

Mimi crossed her arms as her tail flickered with frustration. 

Alexander turned to face Martine, who looked down at him curiously. With a point, Alexander gestured towards her sunglasses. "What about your sunglasses?" He asked, "They could hide her eyes."

Martine raised an eyebrow as she reached for her face. "Oh… okay." She replied, a little surprised. As she took them off, Pierre looked at the side of Mimi's head, noticing the small eye on her temple. 

Mimi looked at Pierre using her small eye. 

"You're going need to let your hair down too," Pierre said with a point to Mimi's bun.

"And wrap your tail around your waist." Martine chimed in as she handed Mimi her glasses.

Mimi hesitated with a frown, glaring at Martine before accepting and then wearing the sunglasses. "You pale conquerors love your appearances." She muttered sarcastically while letting down her hair.

As her hair draped down the sides of her head, she began wrapping her tail around her waist, before tucking it into her tunic."Is this fine?" She asked dryly.

Alexander smirked along with a thumbs up, "Yeah, makes you look like a mysterious stranger."

Martine giggled softly as she nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, you look good."

Mimi groaned softly as she looked to Pierre, who gave a subtle shrug. "It'll work, let's move."

Mimi frowned at Pierre's abrupt answer but remained silent. 

The group pressed on, stepping out of the heart of the village and towards the outskirts.

Alexander couldn't help but look around, remembering all the things he and Zara did in the village. 

Learning the ways demons went about life, how they fought, how they celebrated. 

He couldn't help but feel he was leaving a piece of himself behind.

But Alexander knew that if he felt like this, then it must be worse for Mimi, right?

She was born and raised here.

Alexander turned to look at Mimi, his expression curious. 

Mimi walked beside him stiffly, she seemed so haughty a few minutes ago, but now with her tail and eyes hidden, she looked less… confident.

"You know, I'm surprised you're coming with me, I thought you'd beg to stay home," Alexander said, attempting to start a conversation.

Mimi glared at him, though he couldn't see it. "I'm not coming for you." She hissed.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, "then…"

"My father," Mimi replied, answering Alexander's question before it left his lips. "I will find him and bring him home."

Alexander blinked in surprise, Mimi's declaration was a strong one. "Your father?" He echoed, "You mean you didn't come to be my… uhm, wife?"

Mimi frowned, "of course not." She answered sharply, "I don't like you, but you're important and strong, so I know I can use you to find him."

Alexander blinked blankly, his thoughts swirling. 

On one hand, he was quite delighted to know Mimi didn't want to be with him, or that she wasn't doing this because the demon chief said so.

But on the other hand, he didn't like the idea of being dragged into Mimi's search for her father, especially since his family's fate was up in the air. 

That, and he was a little disappointed Mimi didn't like him. 

"Oh cheer up Alexander," Martine said with a giggle as she glanced back at him. "Princess Elizabeth is most certainly waiting for you."

Alexander's mood immediately improved, just the thought of Elizabeth greeting him when he got back was warming.

At least some women in this world know nothing but kindness. 

After a while of walking, the group reached the outskirts of the village, and Pierre was the first to let everyone know. "Alright," he called, clearing his throat as he turned on his touch, a warm white light illuminating it. "We need to be cautious from here on out, so stick together."

Alexander nodded as Mimi sighed.

Martine took the lead as she turned on her torch, followed by Alexander's and Mimi then Pierre, who brought up the rear.

As they entered the forest the group fell silent, the vibrant demon village falling into the distance, replaced by the ambiance of the forest. 

Alexander felt a mixture of sadness and happiness, sad to say goodbye but elated to return to familiar surroundings. 

Though deep in his heart he knew this place would always hold a special place in his heart, as well as Zara.

As he truly did love her.

— — —

The trek through the forest was an eerie experience, not scary as in horror, but more like an isolated experience. If it wasn't for the company of his companions, Alexander probably wouldn't have made the journey through the forest at night.

So when the first signs of light began popping up in the distance, joined by the sounds of carriages and conversation. 

Alexander felt relieved.

"And just like that, we're back in port." Martine joked, glancing back at Pierre. 

Pierre gave a subtle head shake. "Not yet, we still have to give Alexander to the pathfinder lieutenant, and his new companion."

Martine shook her head. "Ehh, we probably should take Mimi with us at first, get her vetted with Her Majesty and headquarters."

Pierre raised a surprised eyebrow. "That's… a good idea." He muttered under his breath.

Martine smirked confidently at his reaction.

She soon led the group into the busy port city of Hamala-Don. The smell of seawater filled the air as distant chatter flowed through the ears of all who would listen.

Alexander felt like he was stepping into another world as he looked around, a wide smile on his lips.

Finally, back to civilization!

Mimi meanwhile looked overwhelmed by the bright lights of lamps and lanterns, the large carriages pulled by strange fox-like beasts with several tails. The constant chatter and shouting of merchants and pedestrians alike.

But luckily for her, Martine's sunglasses hid her face, as her tunic hid her twitching tail.