Norbert
*It's morning. Daytime. Or whatever you want to call it. Zed was wandering the streets, looking for maybe something. He's not sure what to do right now. Maybe he should become a mercenary. The recent fight with Ayane had cut him up quite a bit, and exhausted vast amounts of his magic. He'll have to regain some back. He sees a figure stand out on the streets walk out of a tavern, with clothes far too big, looking like they should fit someone at least half a foot taller. Interesting. Their also wearing familiar clothing and a hat. He recognizes them, though isn't sure where. Zed himself is dressed in farmer's clothing, a large straw hat covering his head. A large pack with a long object is on his back. Probably a farming tool. He decides to follow this interesting person, and why they seem familiar.*
Kevin
*Even despite Hitoshi's vastly enhanced hearing, she chooses to ignore everything going on around her, in exchange for finding out how much it'll cost to turn back to normal. Hitoshi is back to being not exactly rich. Which is fine... Or at least it **Would have been,** If not for today.

Hitoshi scampers in and out of alchemists asking about the price of a sex change potion. Most people don't even make sex change potions.

Eventually, the simmering pot of anger that is the young Kitsune begins to boil. She has to take 10 solid seconds just to breath in and out, holding her fingers against her temples all the while as she leans against a random wall. In Runran, the woman speaks.*

"Peaceful thoughts. Peaceful thoughts."
James
*After following the figure for some time, he overhears them. The voice is feminine, asking for a 'sex change potion'. Zed didn't even know if those existed. After quite some time, he hears some Runran. He doesn't understand it, but she's obviously mad. About something. Why the sex change potion though? That would make her male. Unless they were male in the first place. That reminds him of someone, who had a 'pretty' face, the clothing seemingly familiar. He walks up behind the figure and taps her on the shoulder.* 

"Excuse me, but do you know anything about 'The Salamander?'"
Kevin
*...Who the fuck is- hang on a minute.

Have they finally sent someone to finish Hitoshi off? She doesn't doubt that they'd be willing to do that.*

"No idea who you're on about."

*She turns around and... Yep. It's him. Her blood runs cold, but she doesn't show it. Hitoshi can be a very convincing liar.*

"Sorry." *Shrug.*
James
"You look familiar, though..."

*If he's right, the face looks like if Hitoshi has become female. She's wearing what seems to be his clothes as well. One detail will help, though. For all he knew, he could be mistaken, though it seemed very likely that this was Hitoshi. She was asking for a sex change potion, after all, and it would make sense that he would want to turn back.*

"Ah, never mind. Just one thing. Could I see your right hand?"
Kevin
"...Sorry, but why do you ask?"

*Hitoshi dodges the question for as long as she humanly can. If Zed thinks she's some sort of pickpocket or thief? Fine, sure. But Hitoshi doesn't fancy meeting with another Salamander...*

"Are you looking for anyone?"
James
"Not really. I just want to make sure I didn't mistake you for anyone else. Someone I haven't seen in a while."

*To anyone else, his face would actually be quite friendly though. But Hitoshi would know this face. The deciever, a trick Zed uses to lower the guard of the person he's talking to. He remembers that Hitoshi has a missing right middle finger. If he saw that, then he knows that this person, a woman, is Hitoshi.*
Kevin
*Hitoshi folds her arms, careful to tuck her right hand in and clench a loose fist, and smiles. She stares at Zed for what seems like hours. Then the facade drops. There isn't any hiding from this, is there? She hisses through a gritted smile.*

"Why are you here? Did *She* Send you?"
James
"It's better if we do this somewhere else. After all, you don't know who's listening."

*He knew it. It was him. Or, rather, her. On the outside, his face remains the same. On the inside, he's laughing. This is HILARIOUS!! Hitoshi was turned into a girl? Even shorter, too! He's now an entire foot taller than she is. He'll have to get used to that.*
Kevin
"...Sure."

*Hitoshi really doesn't like the sound of this. But fine. If it gets Zed to leave her alone.*
James
*After a bit of walking, they arrive in a dark alley. No one around. After wandering deep into it, Zed quickly looks around, them, to Hitoshi's surprise, bursts out in laughter.*

"It's really you? Hitoshi? The Great Salamander, known for his violent temper, has been turned into a woman? You're even shorter than I remember! At least your groin isn't a weak spot."
Kevin
*For a moment, Hitoshi is willing to throw a fucking spear in Zed's throat. But then... She finally sees a bit of humour in the scenario and chuckles a bit herself.*

"Yeah... Yeah, there's that, heh. Life's funny, huh? Just wish getting the you-know-what didn't cost so fuckin' much, you wouldn't believe the price getting your dick back is. **50 gold,** One of them charged."

*Hitoshi might have normally been on pretty neutral terms with Zed, but honestly she's partly relieved nothing would come of this altercation. It seems, anyway. And weirdly enough, it's nice to see someone from his old life.*

"How's the witch?"

*Now that Hitoshi can speak in Runran to someone, a little more of his more informal, street-wise side can show.*
James
"That's an expensive amount. Better get to work. And the witch? Ah, her. Ayane. She's dead"

*He gives her a good pat on the back. It's a bit awkward, as the angle is much lower. It seems Hitoshi's done a lot lately, as well as gotten himself into quite a predicament.*
Kevin
"Good."

*Silence. What else is there to say? It's not like Zed and Hitoshi ever talked much. She just folds her arms, lying one leg on the wall behind her.*

"Wait... What made you come here, then? It's not like anyone would miss her..." *Suspicion is back.*
James
"Hm? I'm just looking around. There's not much to do since the group is gone. I plan to just study, get stronger. My fight with Ayane sapped my magic pretty hard."

*Zed saw Hitoshi become suspicious. At least he didn't lose his skills as well as his dick. He wonders if he has any acquaintances. Hitoshi meeting them would be quite funny.*
Kevin
"Huh..."

*It's funny, really. Hitoshi should've been absolutely pissed at Zed right now. She had every reason to be. But... She couldn't bring herself to be that angry at him. Maybe it's just because meeting him was almost like a bizarre silver lining to what seems to be a horrible start to the day? Or maybe it's knowing that he's free from his old life? At least, a little?

Gods only know. All Hitoshi knows is that she hasn't eaten yet. And it might be nice to just chat about shit with someone who can actually understand Hitoshi's mother tongue for once. Even if it's Zed.*

"You wanna get something to eat? I can pay."
James
"Sure. But I'll pay, you need to save up for that potion after all. It would also be odd seeing a woman pay."

*This would be interesting. Zed hasn't seen Hitoshi for a while. He honestly did not expect to meet him as a woman.*

"How... Did you even become a woman anyway?"
Kevin
"Isn't the mystery part of the fun?"

*She smirks a little bit.*

"Also it's not as interesting as you think, so if I shut up about it maybe you'll think it's more interesting than it really is. Where we going? You're the man here now, not me."

*She cracks her shoulders back, grinning all the while. Hey, being a woman does have its (somewhat underhanded) perks...*
James
"Let's go then. Might also want to get some new clothing. Those are a bit too big for you right now."

*Zed starts to walk out, and to a nearby restaurant. He's not that hungry, but he's interested in Hitoshi's story.*
Kevin
"*A bit.* **A bit.**"

*Hitoshi laughs some more. Damn. Imagine actually being happy to meet a Salamander again...

She ties her hair into a rough ponytail before following Zed to get something to eat. May as well try to look halfway presentable, all things considered. Hitoshi can't help but wonder what she'll actually get though. Not really sure what kind of food tickles her fancy. And as for the clothes... Yeah, considering Hitoshi was literally forced to use half of her old outfit to preserve her modesty, she'll need new clothes as soon as possible.*
Norbert
*The two arrive at a nearby restaurant, quite small, but it seems good. They sit down at a table for two, and a waiter arrives.*

"Welcome! Would you like something to drink?"

"Just water for me, please."
Kevin
"Yeah, same, thanks."

*Hitoshi really doesn't fancy drinking this early in the morning. She has **Standards.**

A long, *Long* Sigh is emanated from Hitoshi's mouth as she thinks about what to say, and how it should be said. If she just says the story as it actually was, it would likely be the most underwhelming tale of all time. But hey, she did say it really isn't as exciting as Zed thinks, you know? So... Eh, if he's underwhelmed it's his own fucking fault.*

"Yeah. Uhh..."

A quiet crack is heard from Hitoshi's back as she loses herself in her brain for a moment.*

"Uhh... Where do I start?" *Pat, pat, pat the knees, as she realises how awkward this is.*

"So you want to know what happened, right? I'll give you two clues. Angry old woman. Clumsiness."

*A dumb smile shows up on Hitoshi's face as she awaits the conclusions Zed comes to.*
James
"Hmmm... Wait."

*Did the angry old woman turn him into one? Perhaps because of clumsiness? That is one of the dumbest things Zed has ever heard. Hitoshi got turned into a girl because of clumsiness. He laughs, covering his mouth to stifle the sound.*

"Did an old lady really turn you into a girl because you were clumsy?"
Kevin
"Well, she was probably a bit... *Not right up there*, if you know what I mean... I think she was all "*Oh, you-you misogynistic whatever*, and she wouldn't take an apology, probably thought I was some sort of guy who smashes and dashes or something, I dunno. Like I said, she looked nuts. Probably some crazy old crone."

*Hey, he asked. She points at him and smiles.*

"Respect your elders, don't end up like me."
James
"That is so dumb and hilarious at the same time."

*If he had been in that position, he probably would have stabbed the woman. Then ran away under the cover of darkness. Better to not get in that position in the first place though. Oh, looks like the waiter's back.*

"Here are your waters. Would you like anything to eat?"

"A roast beef sandwich. Cold, please."
Kevin
*Hitoshi resists the urge to ask for a crossbow bolt to the neck. It's very challenging.*

*So what does she want? Damn, she isn't really sure. At all. What does she fancy- Of course she'll just piggyback off Zed.*

"Same as him, please."
Norbert
*The waiter bows, then walks off.*
James
"How original. Thought you would have wanted something different. What have you done ever since you left?"
Kevin
*Well, Zed certainly won't find New Sunlight interesting. So that's getting omitted. What else has Hitoshi done? He took on a Wight that one time. He's fought against the beasts of Charam Ta. And he's been doing... Stuff. Planning on taking an assassin mission. Not to assassinate anyone, but to prevent an assassination.*

"Uhh.. Just trying to get by. You know, since I left. Hasn't been easy. You?"

*Honestly, it's weird seeing Zed out here. Hitoshi never saw Zed as the cosmopolitan type. It's... Yeah, it's weird. He hasn't changed one bit since Hitoshi left. It's the same old Zed. It's funny, really. She looks at him for a moment, internally mulling over how different she's become to what she once was. Lost in her own train of thought, she just kinda... Has her brain switch off for a moment. Although now she thinks about it...

This isn't permanent, is it?* **Oh God.**
Laura
*Arthur had already exited the Oriate Cheese cafe a little while ago, taking all of his stuff with him. His coin pouch was 3 silver smaller, but it wasn't that big of a deal; he had about 1000 more lying in wait, practically begging to be spent on something. There were coins there from the beginnings of his adventure, coins that he had recently earned through jobs, and coins that he had found haphazardly laying down on the streets, the sheen and luster of their silver staying vibrant and constant, even after all this time had passed. He had eaten a miniature feast just now, with food items that were both familiar and unfamiliar, the tastes that graced his mouths being both old and new. It was simply a wonderful meal, but due to his vampiric nature, his stomach would still be the same hollow void it always had been since his turning. The void only seemed to disappear momentarily when he drank blood, but that action in itself was unpleasant. He wouldn't really like killing innocent people just for the sake of quenching his resurfacing urge for blood. 'Oh well,' he thought to himself. In his newfound power, he had lost one of the largest pleasures life had to offer: eating. It sucked, but it was included in the package of being a vampire.*

*As he stepped out into the busy streets of New Salvainia, his stomach grumbled. It tossed and turn in his body, and he could instantly feel huge amounts of... Material... Move through his rectum as quick as lightning. It was scary on how fast it had traveled through his stomach, through his small intestine and large intestine alike, in that short amount of time where he had finished his food and stepped out of the door of the cafe. The soft grumbling of his stomach grew into a monstrous, disgusting roar as the discomfort he felt escalated entirely into a massive, uncontrollable urge to shit his pants; he thought once about turning back into the cafe to use the bathroom, if there was one, but remembered that he hadn't seen such a door leading into one from when he had first walked in. Now sweating large beads by the second, his eyes darted past the crowd that was making their daily commute up and down the streets of New Salvainia. He saw the bank where he had kept his money, the general store in which he had first met Hitoshi, and some guards that stood about the city's exit. Looks like escaping wasn't an option just yet.*

*Speaking of Hitoshi, what was he doing now? He pondered this momentarily as his brain attempted to conjure up would the fellow oriate would be doing as of now. Most likely, he was off taking more quests for New Sunlight to advance from the squire rank. Arthur himself had forgotten what came next after that rank, but he didn't really care; in fact, he harbored a great amount of malice towards the guild in itself, seeing that they were most likely actively hunting him down at this very moment, along with the authorities and the guards. Damn them... And damn this stomach! His pains were growing ever so rampant as he waited idly, continuing his search for somewhere he could go to... Do business... And finally, his eyes landed on a store that was nearby. It looked to be another restaurant, which would probably have a restroom, but wasn't it poor taste to just hop from one cafe to another? Nevertheless, he sprinted towards that building, his bag shaking as he ran with all of the speed he could muster towards the restaurant.*

*He barged in through the doors, searching frantically throughout the building for a door that seemingly seemed to lead to a room that most certainly wasn't the kitchen. In his field of view, he would see a lightly skinned water macen with tinged, blue hair conversing with a brown haired oriate that bore an uncanny resemblance to his friend, Hitoshi. Though, this oriate was a female, but their facial features were honestly strikingly similar; though, it was too striking. It was kind of odd how she looked like a female version of his friend, even including the trademark gear he usually wore, but he hadn't had time to think of that just yet. Sprinting towards a door that would look to lead to a restroom, which it did, he would lock it as he swiftly pulled down his pants and took the biggest, longest, most painful shit of his entire life. It smelled like... Well, shit, obviously. Though this shit was about one thousand times worse than any other kind he had smelt before; it was disgusting to the most extreme level, odious to the farthest reach possible, and it was as painful as the worst kind of torture imaginable. Yet, Arthur plowed through this challenge with determination, and eventually, it ended. He couldnt even feel his ass anymore. He didn't care where the shit had ended up, but would quickly wipe his numb asshole with some parchment that was laid nearby, tossing it down into where he had done the thing. Sighing to himself, he would walk back out of the room, and would go to the bartender.*

"Water. Now."
Kevin
*Hitoshi...

...Noticed the Kitsune take a comically long time doing his **Stuff.** Had it not been Arthur of all people, he would've just ignored it. You know, "Not my shit, haha" Kinda mentality.

But the fact that it had to be Arthur making this situation so awkward, and the fact that Arthur would possibly want to meet the two, is just too hilarious to the ninja, although she doesn't let it out for sheer embarrassment. She just angles the hat in such a way that one couldn't get a proper look at her face and drinks the water.*

*What a day,* **What a lovely day.**
James
*As the doors burst open, Zed, and probably everyone in the restaurant, noticed a pale, dark-haired Kitsune frantically run towards the bathroom. The waiter arrived, after also giving the Kitsune a strange look, then delivering their roast beef sandwiches.*

"Enjoy your meal."

"Thank you."

*Zed carelessly bit into the sandwich. It was flavorful, the umami of the cold roast beef combining beautifully with the lettuce, cheese and tomato. He notices Hitoshi tilt her hat. Wait. Did Hitoshi know this person? He studied the room, waiting to see what would happen when the Kitsune came out.*