The Start Of Reunions Again!

Once done resupplying the box, Nine closed it and took them the rest of the way to the city. It would be afternoon by the time they arrived at the western gate where they were greeted by an odd raccoon-like guard.

“Hello, Nine,” The guard said, looking over Tzeitel and James. “Newcomers? Seems there’s a lot today from what I’ve heard.”

“Yeah, they’re good people.” Nine said with a friendly smile.

“Go on then,” The raccoon-guard pressed a button that let them inside the city. “Make sure you take them to get cleaned up too!”

Nine laughed. “I will!”

Tzeitel flushed. It wasn’t her fault she landed in a swamp. She wanted a shower so badly right now. She hugged her arms.

“Don’t worry, Tzeitel,” Nine said as he turned to look at her. “Most people that come from the swamp area need showers. It’s a common joke he uses.” Giving her a smile, he gestured toward a building. “Let's go there and get you both cleaned up. You can see what my place is like and relax a little, too!”

“This place is very interesting…” James murmured, looking at the city around them. “It’s as if everyone gets along…”

“We do. We have to in order to survive here.” Nine pointed out.

“Okay… I can’t wait to not be all muddy.” Tzeitel almost smiled back at Nine. She knew showering usually helped her feel better… Usually.

They would make it to a simple building on the outskirts of town, but still within the ever present protection of its light. It was a one story building made of brick and concrete. Stepping up to it, Nine pulled out a card from a pocket and tapped a panel next to the door.

When a small chime went off, he opened the door. “Come on in!” Nine said as he held it open for James and Tzeitel.

James, being a gentleman, waited for Tzeitel to go first. The moment she was inside and out of the way, he followed and Nine was inside with them soon after. The door closed and audibly clicked to indicate the lock moving into place.

“House secure,” A robotic voice chimed from just above the door.

“Don’t mind that.” Nine said as he stepped around Tzeitel and James. “Security is very important in Converge since They tend to cause as much trouble as possible.”

“What exactly are…They?” James asked.

“Hard to say, but you don’t wanna be killed by them.” Nine’s voice was hard when he answered, a serious look on his face. It soon became a smile. “Want me to show you where the bathroom is, Tzeitel?”

Tzeitel nodded, wanting desperately to feel clean again. Her mind would work better after a shower, maybe she could figure out how to find Ami.

“This way,” Nine said and took Tzeitel to his bathroom. It was a large room with both a bath and a shower to choose from. There was a single toilet, a sink with a long counter and the lights were nic Le and bright, but dim enough you didn't get blinded. “Here you go. I'll find clean clothes and leave them by the door for you.”

With the, the fox eared man headed back down the hall.

“Thanks, Nine.” Tzeitel said, memorizing where everything was. She tried to figure out how the lights worked, then gave up and peeled off her clothes. Her other son had gotten rid of the worst of her scars, of course Tzeitel picked up new scars though none as bad as what she used to have, but Tzeitel still avoided seeing herself naked when under stress. Tzeitel was ripped from all the working out she had done. Tzeitel showered quickly, scrubbing off the mud. After getting clean, Tzeitel wrapped herself carefully in some towels, then went to get the clothes by the door.

There was a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt waiting for her.

When she came out to where Nine and James were she'd find someone else there - a familiar short brunette with gold eyes, dog ears and a tail. “I only came to check on you, Nine. I didn't expect…I mean…” There was shock on her face as she kept looking at James, obviously wanting to hug him.

Nine looked to where Tzeitel was and grinned. “Come on, James. Let's allow the girls to talk.” He said and took James to show him where the bathroom was.