Leo, Kittienia, Grant, Kwitwaka, and Aquatina exchanged glances with Clair, creating a sense of discomfort in the air. Gimp noticed her presence as well, but his hissing only intensified the tension. Asukem's eyes widened in disbelief at Gimp's reaction, exclaiming, "Gimp, what on Rikros!" Gimp turned to Asukem, confusion evident on his face, as he questioned, "What? Isn't she the one who left your siblings with Rhino?" 

Clair lowered her gaze, acknowledging her past actions. However, Asukem's demeanor softened as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Gimp, if she hadn't done that, I wouldn't have known she was in trouble, which means I wouldn't have been able to save you, and Fayte would have had to encounter Rhino." Gimp pondered this for a moment before grasping Asukem's point, responding, "I understand, you're suggesting this was all part of fate, right?" Asukem affirmed with a nod, replying, "Exactly."

Clair nervously waved, gulped, and blushed in shyness while introducing herself, "Hello everyone, I am Clair Junhato, a family member of asukem's." Grant's eyes widened in shock as he stepped forward and demanded to know, "Did you say a family member?" Asukem clarified, "Well, in fact, we treat each other like family. We used to live in the same orphanage." Grant took a breath of relief and stated, "Ah okay, good. So you are not related?" Asukem replied, "No, we are not." Grant nodded, relieved, and added, "I see, glad to hear that, since I saw her all over you."

Clair and Asukem exchanged a quick glance, nervously chuckling before turning away, cheeks flushed. They were surprised at how obvious their feelings were. Despite the awkwardness between them, everyone started introducing themselves. Gimp flew over to Clair, perching on her shoulder and introducing himself as well. She gently patted him on the head, asking, "Do you think we can help Asukem regain his humanity, Gimp?" Gimp nodded, replying, "Absolutely! Any friend of Asukem's is a friend of mine!" A smile spread across Clair's face as she said, "That's great to hear."

After welcoming Clair into the group, they proceeded on their journey, searching for any signs of chaos or Eveleana. Despite the long trip, Clair worried about Asukem's ability to confront Evealeana once more. Nevertheless, they continued along the path until they reached a remote lodge. The lodge, constructed of stone, wooden planks, and clay, had a curved roof and appeared both inviting and mysterious. It featured a riverbed for bathing that split into separate male and female bathing houses. Asukem and the group decided to take a break for the night and stay at the lodge. They rented two rooms, one for the men and one for the women.

The women in the group made their way to the riverbed to unwind and take a bath, while the men remained in their room. Grant initiated a discussion about Clair, observing that all eyes turned toward Asukem, resembling a pack of eager hyenas. Finally, Grant posed the question, "So, Asukem, have you always had feelings for Clair?" All eyes were fixed on Asukem, eagerly anticipating his response.

Asukem pondered Grant's question carefully before responding, "I suppose I did, but the family dynamic made things complicated. We grew up together in the orphanage, looking out for one another like siblings and friends." Gimp interrupted, landing on Asukem's shoulder and inquiring, "When did you realize that she meant more to you than just a sister, Asukem?" Asukem shifted his gaze to Gimp, considering the question thoughtfully before answering, "I think it was when I saw her in the hallway of the Colosseum. Initially, I was relieved she was safe, but then I realized my feelings for her had deepened over time."

Leo chuckles and mocks Asukem, "Just goes to show I'm the superior fighter, I don't need love to win battles." Out of nowhere, Gimp swoops in and playfully nudges Leo's arm in response to his comment, "Oh, come on, Leo. I bet you have a secret admirer in your tribe." Gimp winks mischievously and continues to tease Leo. Leo growls as he attempts to catch Gimp, "Enough!" Gimp screeches and darts around as Leo tries to catch him. "Lighten up, Leo! I was just kidding!" Gimp yells, laughing as Leo chases after him. Asukem bursts into laughter at the scene, leaving everyone else in shock and amazement.

Asukem wiped away a tear from his eyes, struggling to catch his breath and push through the pain in his sides from laughing. Grant, still in shock and awe, remarked, "That's the first time I've seen you laugh like that, Asukem." Asukem's gaze shifted from Leo to Gimp to Grant, a mix of concern and confusion on his face as he questioned, "Really?" He hadn't really considered how he was handling the journey. Leo had Gimp by the tail on the ground, but Gimp was hovering in place as they both looked at Asukem and chimed in, "Yeah!" Asukem's eyes fell with sorrow as he realized he may have been a burden, but he perked up and declared, "Well, that changes today. I'll make an effort to take it easy from now on."

Despite Asukem and the guys fooling around and discussing Clair, the women were bathing in the river bed, except for Kittienia who disliked getting her fur wet. The girls' focus was on the lodge, where they could hear Gimp and Leo making noise. Kittienia interrupted their attention by exclaiming, "By the Great Spirits, they are loud." A smirk appeared on Clair's face as she teased the men, saying, "Oh men will be men." Aquatina chuckled and agreed with Clair, saying, "Oh, definitely." Kittienia shifted her position and turned to Clair and the other women, finally asking, "So, how long have you had feelings for Asukem? It couldn't have been just a passing fluke, right?" Clair laughed at Kittienia, feeling like she was back in the orphanage as Kittienia posed her question, but something felt different this time as if she wasn't flustered by the question anymore.