The sun dipped below the horizon, bleeding purple and bruised orange across the sky. The air grew cooler as the dense forest gave way to a wider, beaten path.

"Come on, guys," Jin called from the front, adjusting the straps of his pack. "Pick up the pace. We are getting close. If we don't get there soon, all the merchants will be closed for the night, and we need supplies."

Noah groaned, leaning heavily on his grandfather's staff. "If that’s the case, why not just stop for the night? My feet are screaming. We can always just get there in the morning."

"I guess we could stop," Jin shrugged, not breaking stride. "But wouldn’t you rather sleep in a bed tonight?"

Luna’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Bed?"

"Yeah," Jin grinned over his shoulder. "I know someone in the village. She runs a lounge. She will definitely let us stay there for a discount. Maybe even for free."

Luna’s fatigue vanished instantly. "Onward march! Come on guys, let's get a move on before it's too late! I need a mattress!"

"Wow," Lynn chuckled, watching Luna practically vibrate with energy. "That really put a pep in her step."

"Well, yeah," Maya muttered, rubbing her sore legs. "You promised her a bed. She'd fight a demon for a pillow right now."

Luna took off, sprinting down the path toward the distant lights. "Last one there sleeps on the floor!"

"Slow down, Luna!" Jin shouted, jogging to catch up. "You never know when danger can pop out of nowhere!"

"Oh, blah blah blah!" Luna waved him off. "Let's get to Zeno already. I want my—OUCH!!!"

Luna’s foot caught a protruding root. She went down hard, tumbling into the dirt with a yelp.

Jin sighed, slowing to a walk as he approached her. "See there? Didn’t I tell you to slow down? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Luna grumbled, sitting up and brushing dirt off her knees. "Stupid ground."

"Yeah, blame the ground," Jin offered her a hand. "It definitely jumped out at you."

He pulled her to her feet. "Hey, look behind you."

Luna turned. Through a break in the trees, she saw it—Zeno Village. It was a rustic collection of stone and timber buildings nestled in the valley, glowing with the warmth of lantern light.

"It’s Zeno," Luna breathed. "Let's go."

She took a step and gasped, her leg buckling.

"Woah," Jin caught her. "Luna, did you forget how to walk or something?"

"Shut up, Jin," she hissed, clutching his arm. "This isn’t funny. I think I twisted my ankle."

"See? That's what you get for not listening."

"Shut up and help me."

"Are you okay, Luna?" Noah rushed up, looking panicked.

"Yes, Noah, I’m fine. Just a twist."

"No, no, no," Noah shook his head. "The village is still a mile away. Let me carry you the rest of the way."

"No, Noah," Luna sighed.

"Aw, come on! I've been training! I can lift you!"

"The woman said no," Jin cut in flatly.

Luna tried to put weight on the foot again but winced. "Okay, maybe walking isn't an option."

"My offer is still available!" Noah beamed.

"Noah, just drop it," Jin said. He swept Luna up into his arms in one smooth motion, carrying her bridal style. "I will do it. Besides, you have some training to do, don't you? Walk with the staff above your head."

"Damn you, Motozawa!" Noah kicked a rock.

"Jin," Maya smirked. "Shouldn’t you ask Lynn if that is okay first? Carrying another woman in your arms?"

"Oh, shut up, Maya," Jin groaned. "Always trying to start something."

"It’s fine," Lynn waved a hand dismissively. "Anything to get there sooner. My feet are killing me."

Jin adjusted his grip. Luna felt her face heat up as she realized just how close her face was to his chest.

They reached Zeno Village just as the last sliver of sun disappeared. It was a lively place, filled with travelers and the smell of roasting meat.

"Cool, we made it," Noah looked around. "So what should we do first?"

"Under normal circumstances, I would say get supplies," Jin said. "But we have to get to the lounge so Luna can rest her ankle. Follow me."

He carried Luna through the winding streets until they reached a large, two-story building with a sign that read The Gilded Lily. Warm light spilled from the windows.

Jin kicked the door open. The lounge was busy, music playing softly in the background. He set Luna down gently on a bench near the entrance.

"Excuse me," Jin called out to the bartender. "I’m looking for the lady who runs this place. Her name is Gina."

A voice boomed from the balcony above. "JIN?! IS THAT YOU?!"

A woman practically vaulted over the railing, sliding down the bannister. She was stunning and radiated a cool, punk-rock energy. She wore a purple jacket over a white crop top, denim shorts, and fishnet stockings that disappeared into combat boots. A cherry blossom tattoo curled around her waist.

She sprinted across the room and tackled Jin in a hug that lifted him off his feet.

"Oh my god, it is really you!" she squealed, squeezing him tight. "It has been so long since I've seen you!"

Lynn, Maya, and Luna watched in stunned silence.

"OMG," Lynn whispered. "Who the hell is that?"

"I don’t know," Maya narrowed her eyes. "But she's really pretty."

"Why is she all over bae like that?" Lynn’s hands balled into fists.

"I bet she is someone he comes to mess around with whenever he is in the village," Luna muttered, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy she didn't want to admit to.

"What?!?" Lynn marched forward. "JIN! Who is that?"

Jin gasped for air as the woman released him. "Gina, you're crushing my ribs."

"Jin," Lynn tapped her foot. "Who are they?"

"Gina," Jin gestured to the group. "These are my friends. That’s Lynn, Maya, Luna... and Noah is the one over there. Everyone, this is Gina. She is my older sister."

"SISTER?!" The girls shouted in unison.

"You never told us you had an older sister!" Lynn exclaimed, her anger vanishing instantly.

"Well, I don’t tell you much about myself," Jin shrugged. "Gina, can we go somewhere private, please?"

In Gina’s office, Jin explained their situation—the fall of Toji, the mission, and the demons chasing them.

Gina leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "So, let me get this straight. I haven't seen or heard from you in almost two years. And now you’re here not to see me, but because you need a hideout and free rooms."

"Aw, Gina," Jin winced. "It sounds so ugly when you put it like that."

"Well then, how would you put it?"

"Yeah, Jin," Luna smirked. "How would you put it?"

"Yeah," Lynn crossed her arms.

"Okay," Jin held up his hands. "Maya, Noah? Have a nice tall glass of shut the hell up. Look, Gina, you know my work as a Guardian keeps me busy. But when I’m close, I come see you. It isn’t like I'm avoiding you."

"Fine," Gina sighed, a smile tugging at her lips. "You know you’re just lucky I love you so much, ya little jerk. You never even properly introduced me."

"Hi," Lynn stepped forward. "I’m Lynn. Sorry for your brother's rudeness."

"Hello," Maya bowed slightly. "My name is Maya. Don’t worry, we know your brother is a jerk."

"Nice to meet you, Gina," Luna waved. "I’m Luna, and this little guy is Minou."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Jin waved a hand. "And that is Noah over there. You happy now?"

"Jin, Jin, Jin," Gina shook her head, golden jewelry jingling on her wrist. "Shame, shame, shame. So rude."

"Man, whatever."

"Anyway," Gina leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "So which one of these pretty ladies is your girlfriend? Or are you trying to run a harem or something?"

"Wait, what?" Jin choked. "What the crap, Gina?"

"Anyways, none of my business," Gina laughed. "So you guys need a place to stay tonight, huh? Well, we are booked solid. The only thing available is the Big Room. So all of you will have to make do in there."

"Awesome," Jin nodded. "Thank you so much, Gina."

"Yeah, yeah, I know I'm awesome. Come on, I will take you guys up."

The Big Room was spacious, but clearly not meant for five people.

"Well, here you go," Gina opened the door. "Hope you like it."

"Hey," Noah pointed. "There's only two beds. Who is going to sleep where?"

"Obviously, the girls get the beds," Jin said, dropping his pack. "Noah, we will just have to make do on the floor."

"Aw, what a gyp," Noah complained. "You promised us beds, and now I have to sleep on the rug?"

"Oh, suck it up," Jin muttered.

"Hey, I know!" Noah brightened. "What if Lynn and Maya sleep in one bed, and I sleep with Luna in the other bed? You can just fend for yourself."

"There is no universe in which I am going to sleep in the same bed as you, Noah," Luna said flatly.

"Aw, come on! We used to all the time when we had sleepovers!"

"Yeah, we were seven!"

"Noah, just drop it or you can sleep outside," Jin warned.

"Fine."

"Hey guys," Gina poked her head back in. "If you are interested, the onsens are downstairs. Hot springs water, piped right in."

"Awesome!" Lynn cheered. "Luna, Maya, let's go."

"Okay," Luna stood up carefully, testing her ankle. "It feels a bit better."

"Sure, why not?" Maya grabbed a towel.

"Hey, wait a minute ladies," Noah grinned. "I'll join you."

"Not so fast, horn dog," Gina grabbed Noah by the ear. "No boys in the girls' baths. If I catch you trying to peek, I will make you regret the day you ever climbed out of your mother."

"Damn, Gina," Noah whimpered. "You’re scarier than Jin."

"Where do you think he learned it from?" Gina winked. "Alright, later guys. Have fun."

"Jin," Luna asked. "Can you go too and keep an eye on Noah for me? Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid?"

"Sorry," Jin shook his head. "I don’t have time to babysit. I have to go get supplies before the shops close for good."

While the girls headed to the baths, Jin walked out into the cool night air. He found a general store that was just locking its doors.

"Excuse me," Jin called out. "I need to buy some things."

The old merchant grunted. "Sorry kid. Closed. Come back tomorrow."

"But I have to leave on my mission in the morning," Jin pressed.

"Mission?" The merchant paused, looking at Jin’s gear. "Oh. So you’re a Guardian, are ya?"

"Yes, sir."

The merchant unlocked the door. "What the hell. Come in. What do you need?"

"Thanks a lot," Jin said, stepping inside. "I hope I'm not being too much of a burden."

"Meh, no big deal," the merchant muttered. "I'm just glad to see one of you guys. Word is your village was overrun. They say there weren't any survivors."

Jin stiffened. "Oh, you heard about that? Yeah. I was out on a mission at the time."

"Well, I’m glad you made it," the merchant handed him a bag. "Hopefully there are others like you out there. These demons have been getting very bold lately. We’re going to need as many of you guys as possible."