What felt like an impossible maze of twists and turns eventually led to the dim light of the city. The rain was just as heavy as before, and gave Sachi a newfound sense that he was being watched.
Ray tugged on Sachi's pants. "We have to get Lyra! Miss April told me she's in the hospital!"
Sachi nodded, and pat Ray's head. "That's what I was told too. I'm sure she's fine, but let's find our gods first. I'm sure Zephyr's worried sick.
Dion scratched the back of his head. "Speaking of which... Who is your god, Ray? I can't imagine many gods wanting to drag a kid into all this..."
Almost as if he was personally summoned, a strange golden animal zipped past Dion and Sachi, landing next to Ray.
Velocis had taken the form of a cheetah, now proudly sat next to his Champion.
"Ray! That was incredible! I mean, jumping out of the water like that was exactly the kind of flashiness I expected of you!"
Ray laughed cheerfully and hugged Velocis. Sitting down, the cheetah was just about as tall as Ray. "I only got out thanks to Sachi... Can we stay with them, Velocis?"
The cheetah tilted it's head. "Of course we can, I'd never deny a request of yours."
Following where Velocis had arrived from, two familiar looking birds emerged. A light green one landed on Sachi's shoulder, while the hawk landed on the invisible barrier on Dion's head.
Zephyr let out a chuckle. "The way you talk about your Champion versus how you act around him is entirely different. You spoil the brat, don't you?"
Velocis spoke shakily. "I-I think you're mistaken... I never had a doubt about Ray in the entirety of my existence!"
He laughed again. "Right, of course. I must've misheard you before. Now, we were off to find Lyra, weren't we? The hospital is just over here." Zephyr gave a quick wink. "I had a quick fly around just before heading over."
Sachi nodded. 'Hopefully she's okay…'
Towering buildings passed by, covered in clear windows showcasing interiors apartments and offices alike. Finally, their wet footsteps arrived in front of the hospital.
Ray gripped tighter onto Sachi's arm. "I don't like hospitals…"
Dion laughed, pointing his finger at him. "You're lucky we aren't here for you, then."
Inside the hospital was everything Sachi was familiar with. Bright fluorescent lights atop of white tiles lining the interior. A woman sat at the reception desk, diligently flipping through heaps of medical records. She glanced up, making brief eye contact with Sachi.
"Oh! You're the new Champions, aren't you! I saw everything on TV!"
Her eyes lit up with excitement, losing her spot between the records.
Sachi was taken aback. 'They have working television too?'
"Y-yeah. We're here to see our companion, Lyra Emberwind."
She glances back to the computer. "She's in room A-12, just down the hall, I'll lead you there!"
The excitement in her voice was overwhelming, any amount of professionalism was gone.
They shuffled down the hallway, passing by several rooms, eventually arriving at A-12. The wooden door creeped open, revealing a brunette woman in a light blue gown leaning against the windowsill.
"Lyra! Thank the almighty that you're okay!" Zephyr shouted. He pushed through the group and jumped to her side.
For the injuries she had sustained in her fight, Lyra looked completely healthy.
The rest of the group filed into the room, following Zephyr's example. Even Velocis had seemed to be happy to see her, despite them only just meeting.
"Man, that fight of yours was unlike anything I've seen! You were so dramatic, I could've sworn I was watching a stage play!" Velocis' exaggerated movements made it seem like he was really invested in the memory.
She laughed. "Yes, I guess I was a little dramatic with that speech… but it just felt right."
Everyone had jumped to her side. Everyone except Sachi.
She had plenty of company, he felt it was best not to overwhelm her, especially when she's recovering from such a brutal injury.
He sat there for a moment, just listening to the laughter and banter from each of his companions, hardly noticing the bird that had landed on his shoulder.
"Is something wrong, Sachihiro?" She whispered.
His gaze was fixated on the group before him. "No. I just don't want to get ahead of myself."
"Are you worried about what your next move will be? I believe Lady April can now safely be considered an ally, and a great one at that."
"…No. She might seem like it, but she wouldn't hesitate to give us up for her own Zone."
"Would you not do the same for your home?"
"…"
"I don't know."
Serendelle leaped off his shoulder, turning back into the humanoid version of herself.
"Then there is no use dwelling on it, let us just enjoy the moment while it lasts."
He didn't have a reaction. There was still something bothering him. Sachi glared at Dion while Dion chatted on without even noticing.
Lyra pushed herself away from the window and led a playful strut to the bathroom. "I'm gonna get changed so we can head on out, I'm already tired of this place!"
Sachi's ears perked up. 'She's getting released already? It's barely been a few hours!"
Lyra's nimble movements were almost unbelievable after what he had seen her go through.
Sachi didn't seem to be the only one shocked.
"Already!? You've barely even checked in!" Dion's eyes were wide and he had instinctively leaned forward.
She placed her finger on her chin and looked up, as if she was recalling something.
"Well… they gave me some strange pills, and used that same strange potion stuff they used back at the tournament."
Zephyr's arms were crossed. "Well, if Lady April hooked you up, you've could've been given some expensive medicine if she's that eager to speak with you."
Lyra giggled. "That means there's only one way to find out!"