The long road home

After breaking camp the next morning, everyone begins the trek home, in higher spirits than when you came. As you travel, the army begins to break up as various groups head back to their homelands. You say goodbye to Unir and Nathan, stopping to remind Greg and his girls to visit sometime. Ruka and Dura get much more personal and thorough goodbyes, so much so that you endure a bit of teasing about walking funny the next day.

By the time you hit the former border, you’re down to just the troops under Ochiba’s command. The army is still in good spirits, but you’re slowed by the wounded and simple fatigue. Still, you expect to arrive at the capital within the week.

As you travel one day, you’re surprised to find Daigo approaching with a smile on his face. “Well well, I finally found you! I meant to talk to you at the party, but someone dragged you into the bushes…”

Nearby, Kali giggles. “Too slow, mister dragon!”

He laughs. “Fair enough! Regardless, I wanted to tell you, news has reached the capital of your victory. Expect a hero’s welcome, for everyone here.”

You nod. “And how exactly did word get out?”

He winks. “Well, some of us can cover a lot of ground! I had to check on my daughter, after all. She misses you, by the way. They all do.”

You smile. “The feeling is mutual! How are they?”

The other girls crowd around, anxious for news from home. Daigo laughs. “All I’ll say is that they’re doing well. The rest you’ll see soon enough.”

You laugh. “Fine then. I suppose I better start writing a victory speech, then.”

Sadie pipes up. “And get ready for our REAL celebration!”

Daigo rolls his eyes. “I’m going to pretend that I don’t know what that means.”

Uzume chuckles. “No no, it’s cake and presents!”

Clarissa laughs. “Of course! Good clean fun!”

Now you have to laugh. “You girls are terrible liars.”

Samara shrugs. “Fine then. I missed out on the last orgy, I look forward to this!”

Daigo chuckles. “Ok, ok. That’s my cue to bail out. I’ll see you later, all of you.”

Everyone waves as Daigo walks away, making space for his transformation. Meanwhile, Reika comes closer to you, looking a bit nervous. “So…am I invited to this celebration?”

Sadie answers for you. “Of course you are! Gotta get the real you all down and dirty!”

You chuckle. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”

Reika smiles, then whispers in your ear. “I’d like to have you to myself tonight, then…”

You shiver at her tone, and the girls all laugh. Uzume smiles. “We couldn’t hear it, but it looks like Josh has a date tonight!”

Reika blushes, the effect impressive on her extremely pale skin. You laugh, giving her a kiss.