I was never one to be around people or get out that much. I always thought it was a pain in the ass to go out a lot when I can buy beer while heading home or dancing in my own house, listening to music that I liked. Sure, I have friends and get out but it’s too much of a pain to go out so often. So much money and annoying people at the places that you can go to, to have fun at during the night. Then people like to leach off of you if you have a lot of money or get you to do stupid stuff. Why deal with all of that when you can just relax at home. Its not that bad as long as you have something to do. Then whenever you get stir crazy you can go out and do whatever. I prefer walking around or having a nice cup of tea somewhere. Not much of coffee guy. Oh, look at the time, it’s time to clock out.

A young man clocks off on his computer which appears to be in a small apartment. With clothes all over the place, games in one area and figures in another. He gets up to put on some shoes to go get some food. As he walks out, he is approached by a woman.

 

Woman “Hey, Hanzo!”

 

Looking up, Hanzo sees his neighbor. A lightly warm dressed woman, with long black hair, with the right side somewhat frazzled. Hanzo replies.

 

“Hey Yukika, what do you need?”

 

Yukika “Come on now, I don’t need anything to see how my friend is doing now do I.”

 

Yukika begins to shyly look away as Hanzo aloofly and confusingly stares at her.

 

“Yea but you live next door. If anything happened you would know immediately. It doesn’t seem productive to come see me out of nowhere.”

 

“You’re going to lecture me about being productive.”

 

Hanzo takes a moment to think before respond. Scratching his head he realizes that he can be a little bit lazy at times.

 

“Fair point.”

 

“So, where are you going? Don’t see you going out that often.”

 

“Don’t worry. Im just heading to the store to buy some drinks and food, maybe a bento.”

 

Yukika sees this as another opportunity to try and invite Hanzo over. She hesitates at first, due to her feels. She manages to express to him that she could cook for him in a very shy manner.

 

“You don’t have to do that. I could cook for you. I have a little extra food than usual, so I can do that.”

 

“No thank you, I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

 

“It wouldn’t be an inconvenience at all. I want to, if you’d let me that is, as your friend.”

 

“Riiiiight. Well, I already have my shoes on. So, I’m going to go to the store.”

 

As Hanzo begins to walk towards the stairs. Yukika is disappointed in her missed opportunity and rejection of her offer.

 

“Oh, ah okay maybe another time.”

 

As Yukika is about to walk into her apartment, Hanzo sees the look of disappointment in her face. Begrudgingly with a huff, he stops on the third step as he calls back out to Yukika.

 

“You can come with me to the store. I don’t know what you have your house but if I pick out the food you can cook it. Deal?”

 

Yukika is elated. She closes her door immediately, trying to lock her door as fast as she can. While jumbling her keys about. Hanzo gives a grin to himself as he watches her clumsily struggle. As she finally makes her way over, walking ahead of him, she daintily glances back.

 

“Deal.”

 

It’s a little cold for her this fall but Hanzo seems unfazed. They walk out of the apartment complex to a nearby train station to head over to the shopping district. It’s a little over thirty minutes away but it has the best prices and foods in the area. As they get off the train, Yukika sparks a conversation.

 

“I’ve never asked but why Hanzo?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Why did your parents name you Hanzo?”

 

“(sigh) My parents were into action movies when they were younger. Especially ninjas. Hattori Hanzo was a legendary ninja and they named me after him hoping I’d be just as cool.”

 

Yukika giggles at the thought of how he was named. How his parents must have been really fun to be around, maybe a little ninja nerdy too.

 

“That’s a little funny. How do they feel about how you turned out?”

 

“They are happy with what I do but wish I did more. I guess that’s parents though.”

 

Yukika giggles some more. While Hanzo gives an apathetic sigh and small grin as they reach a crosswalk just in front of the grocery store. As the light turns green to walk across, Hanzo looks back as he stretches to see an older woman trying to cross the road. Noticing she can’t with everyone walking in front of her or by passing her. Hanzo takes in a deep breath as he jogs back across to the older woman. Yukika turns to see that Hanzo has turned around. Flustered that he may be headed back home, she cries out.

 

“Hanzo!”

 

Yukika tries to go back across but the light turns red, when she looks back over to the other side of the walk. She can see Hanzo talking to the older woman.

 

“Excuse me miss, do you need some help?”

 

“Oh, yes, thank you so very much young man.”

 

“It’s no problem at all.”

 

Yukika smiles at what she sees. Mesmerized by Hanzo and how he can so easily help others at the most random of times. Despite his usual disposition. When the light turns green again, Hanzo extends his arm out to the older woman, gentlemanly. Escorting the woman across the walk, where Yukika is waiting for him in front of the store.

 

“There we go miss.”

 

“Thank you again. How can I repay you?”

 

“No need to miss, just be careful and take care.”

 

As Hanzo turns away from the older woman waving goodbye. He passes Yukika, as they both enter the store. As the older womans waves goodbye to Hanzo when passing the doorway.

 

“Take care of yourself and your girlfriend too. Have nice evening young man.”

 

Hanzo and Yukika are embaressed by what was said. Hanzo doesn’t want to acknowledge it, as he continues to walk further into the store. While Yukika can only think about the older woman’s words. As she looks over to Hanzo, she calm’s herself down, smiling to herself. Whispering.

 

“If only you could be that nice, openly. More often.”

Hanzo notices that Yukika is behind him by the front door still. Seeing that she has said something, walks up to her.

 

“You say something?”

 

Even though Hanzo has walked up, so close to her. She can’t help giggling as she heads further into the store with Hanzo right behind her.

 

“No, let’s go find the food. I’m starving.”

 

A slick but a genuine smile comes over Hanzo as he sees how genuinely happy she is. Deciding to take this opportunity to joke with her a little.

 

“Here, I thought I was going to be the one mainly eating.”

 

Hanzo and Yukika make their way through the store finding what they need to make katsu for dinner. Finishing the shopping rather quickly, they make their way back to the apartment complex and begin to cook. The decision was made to eat at Yukika’s place since Hanzo’s place is a little messy to say the least. Hanzo tries to help with the cooking but can’t seem to keep up with Yukika’s pace. Yukika picks on him the whole time. With dinner cooked, they sit down to eat the meal they’ve made.

 

Hanzo “I love katsu and rice. I could die happy if I could eat Katsu every day for the rest of my life.”

 

“You can’t just eat rice and Katsu. That’s why I made sure to steam some vegetables. You better eat them to.”

 

Yukika stops eating to give Hanzo a stern look as he continues to eat. Once he glances up to see her disapproving look, similar to a mother. He reaches for the bowl with vegetables, as he replies.

 

“Okay, okay, I will.”

 

As the dinner carries on. Hanzo and Yukika are enjoying the delicious dinner they’ve made. Yukika has a question pop into her head that makes her hesitate to ask at first. But she decides to ask anyway with a sense of curiosity and nervousness.

 

“Hey, Hanzo, can I ask you something?”

 

“You already did.”

 

“Come on, I’m serious.”

 

Realizing that it’s a question she really wants to know the answer to. Hanzo heads over to the counter where the Katsu is, as he replies

 

“Alright, what do you want to ask?”

 

“Why don’t you have a lot of close friends?”

 

As hanzo is picking up the katsu to put on his plate he stops. A more expressionless look comes over Hanzo as Yukika continues her question.

 

“I see you with people you call your friends but I feel like more of a friend than them. Why are you so against having close friends?”

 

Hanzo hesitates to answer her, it’s not an easy subject for him. He’d normally answer this question with a simple.

 

“I’m not a people person” or “Having close friends can be too much of a hassle.”

 

With Yukika though, he wants to give her a proper answer. Just not a full answer. He steadily gives his response without revealing too much.

 

“It’s not something I really want to talk about. Just know, having close friends can only hurt when their gone. Weather it’s just moving away or their gone forever.”

 

Yukika notices the change in tone from Hanzo. She’s never seen this side of him, but feels bad. Feeling as though she brought up a subject she shouldn’t have.

 

“Okay, I’m sorry I brought something like that up. I didn’t know.”

 

Hanzo doesn’t want the dinner to be ruined over something she didn’t know about. In order brighten the mood, Hanzo gives a nice gesture in a joking way.

 

“It’s, it’s alright. I don’t ever say anything about this so, I guess it payment for the great meal.”

 

Yukika smiles and giggles, while responding with her own sassy remark

 

“You didn’t have to say it was great ya know. A little much.”

 

“Well it was the best I could come up with. I’m, I’m not good at dealing with times like this.

 

Hanzo scratches his head in slight embarrassment. She has gotten to see some new things about Hanzo. Seeing his embarrassed side set her in a frenzied laughter.

 

“Dummy.”

 

Her laughter is contagious, as Hanzo joins in on the laughter his self. As they finish dinner, Hanzo decides to clean the dishes since he wasn’t much help with the cooking. Once done, Hanzo prepares to leave. Yukika suddenly stops Hanzo at the door to somewhat stammer shyly and ask.

 

“Hey Hanzo, I know you don’t like going out that much but would you mind coming with me to a movie. It’s at the movie theatre near the store we were at today. I hear it’s gotten rough out there around night time and I don’t want to go by myself.”

 

Hanzo thinks on her question for a moment. To suddenly ask.

 

“It’s not a horror movie, is it? I don’t like horror movies.”

 

Yukika sees clearly that Hanzo doesn’t like horror movies. As she sees his face go pale at the mere thought of one.

 

“No, it’s a new anime movie I really wanted to see is that alright?”

 

Hanzo doesn’t really want to go but the look in Yukika’s eyes melt away his formerly cold first response. Seeing that it would mean a lot he begrudgingly accepts while scratching his head.

 

“I get off around 6pm tomorrow. If you’re okay with a 7 showing then we can go.”

 

Yukika’s is elated at Hanzo’s response. Her smile could brighten a middle village, with the happiness she feels.

 

“Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll come knock on your door when I’m ready.”

 

“Okay.”

 

As Hanzo leaves Yukika’s apartment, she waves goodbye with a smile that goes from ear to ear. As he turns into his apartment, he tosses his clothes off and around the apartment headed to the restroom for a shower. As he gets ready for bed, he thinks about his date with Yukika tomorrow. Wondering if he should have said yes.

 

“I know it’s a date, it’s clear as day. She’s not a bad girl but I’m not sure if I’m the dating type. I have good looks sure but my personality is very unattractive. Maybe I should have said no. I may not be the best person for her.”

 

Hanzo pauses, as he knows all too well what this means for Yukika. Knowing how she feels about while finally being able to have him with her on a date. Or at least an outing like this.

 

“But then she would have been sad. I know I go with her shopping from time to time but this is different. Even dinner was a first, in a long while for me. Yet alone how long she’s wanted that. I don’t know maybe I have been without close friends for long enough. A girlfriend is just a really, really close lady friend, it may do me some good. I haven’t had a girlfriend since high school. Maybe this can work. As I have the rational of a fourth graded with adult tendencies. Sigh, I wonder if I should wear something special.”

 

As Hanzo gets into his bed, he continues to think on what he should do and wear. As he drifts into sleep. When he wakes up, just before his shift, Hanzo decides to clean all his cloths for the date to be able to have a good outfit to wear for Yukika. She’s been trying to get Hanzo to come with her somewhere ever since he moved in. Just the two of them but he has declined every time until now. During his break, he is able to transfer his cloths to dry and bring them back to his apartment. Once he got off work, Hanzo is now wondering exactly what to wear. He decides to keep it simple with a pair of white pants with a black sweater with a white t-shirt underneath. It saves time for him, while keeping it simple like he wanted. While it still looks presentable because the sweater looks like it belongs to a model. Which is good enough for Hanzo. As 7pm rolls around an excited yet soft knock on the door can be heard as Yukika shows up.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

Hearing Yukika, Hanzo answers the door for her. After opening the door, seeing Yukik, she is in a nice white summer dress with a blue crop top coat with her long black hair off to the right side of her shoulder. Beside himself at how beautiful she looks, he jokingly yet honestly thinks she is someone else. Pausing to make sure who she is, he stares at her with a questioning look.

 

“Excuse me miss you must have me mistaken for someone else.”

 

Yukika is immediately flustered at Hanzo for making fun of her.

 

“It’s me Hanzo!  Geez you can be really mean sometimes.”

 

After confirming that it is Yukika. He gives a mischievous grin and a chuckle to Yukika’s response.

 

“Where’s the fun in being nice all the time.”

 

With a sincere smile, Hanzo gazes at Yukika one more time in reserved astonishment. Shrugging his shoulders due to his hands being in his pocket by habit.

 

“You look great, so great I honestly didn’t recognize you for a second but who else would knock on my door now.”

 

Yukika blushes, while twisting her hair in a flirtatious, shy manner. Before she can respond, Hanzo decides to break the tension with some rather crude humor.

 

“Unless you were an ex trying to get back with me. Then that would be something else.”

 

Yukika is tired of Hanzo’s teasing to an extent. She punches Hanzo in the chest hard, due to his over teasing. Her own version of payback for now.

 

“Jerk.”

 

The hit leaves Hanzo stunned and at a loss for breath. It defiantly makes him reconsider his constant teasing.

 

“I can’t breathe. Do you box for a living.”

 

After recovering, they set off for the movie. While on the way there, there is an awkward silence due to the admiration of how each other look. They keep exchanging glances, as some of the passenger’s glance over to them. Noticing the cute couple, they make. As they reach the stop for the movie, heading towards the crosswalk. As they make their way across the roar of an engine can be heard. A car coming up fast didn’t pay attention to the stop light. As it races towards them Yukika has a slow reaction and is frozen with fear. Hanzo lifts her and pushes her out of the way as the car hits him. Yukika is thrown to the other side of walk. As she tries to turn back to help, she can only see the sight of Hanzo being hit by the car.

 

“Hanzo!!”

 

Hanzo lays on the ground watching Yukika race towards him. He begins blacking in and out as his life flashes before his eyes, while thinking to himself in his final moments.

 

“Aw man. Is this really it, my life really didn’t make a mark did it. At least Yukika is okay.”

 

Yukika is frantically trying to help Hanzo, as she looks for help from the gathering crowd.

 

“Hanzo please get up. Help someone call for an ambulance.”

 

“Don’t be so sad. You can find better than me. I only wanted to live in my house to keep my peace. You look like the kind of girl who should see the world with the guy she loves. I’m not the right guy for that. I’m sorry that things ended like this.”

 

As those final thoughts cross his mind Hanzo fades away. As he wakes up, he finds himself in a very bright white room. Where a beautiful young woman is sitting in front of him.

 

“Where am I? Who’s the….the gorgeous woman? Wait didn’t I get hit by a car? “

 

Hanzo thinks about the situation and circumstances at hand. Collecting himself, he calmly realizes what exactly has happened.

 

“Ah, I died.”

 

The woman has chills roll up her spine at the sight of Hanzo talking to himself. She can’t bring herself to stop him either because it just seems like creepy mutterings to her. She responds quickly to make sure that she can complete her task quickly.

 

“I appreciate that you figured that out on your own but don’t talk to yourself it’s not healthy, its creepy and Im right here.”

 

Hanzo looks over to the woman with a taken back look to her rude remark. While the woman collects herself, beings to present a bright, warm glow from herself.

 

“Ahem, I am the goddess Yui, a goddess of life, purity and honesty. Your selfless act of courage and sacrifice saved that girl. She had so much love for you but you saved her from any harm. The world could always use more heroes. So, hero, I can give you your life back, but in exchange I ask you to protect another world from the Master phantoms and demons trying to destroy it. Once your task is complete I can send you home or help you be remembered as a hero in that world from I can give you two gifts but that is all, what will it be?”

 

Hanzo hears this knowing that he could be sent to a new world to fight but doesn’t want that. Seeing as there’s no reason not to ask. Hanzo decides to go for broke.

 

“Can you send me back?”

 

“You can go back, if you complete the task and reap the rewards as a hero, oh hero.”

 

Hanzo is a little flustered at her quick response, while having that unnatural bubbly smile. At this point, Hanzo knows it can’t be helped. Though he is not the least bit excited about this coming prospect. Nor did he ever think he would end up in a situation like this

 

“Am I a hero or not? (sigh) Hmmm, it’s one of those situations. Gotta admit didn’t really think this would happen. Yet alone be real. I didn’t really sign up for this.”

 

Hanzo thinks on his last moments saving Yukika. Giving a slight smile to himself as he thinks on the feelings she had for him. Knowing he did the right thing.

“I couldn’t just let Yukika die, that’s wrong. We probably both could have lived if I tried harder but we both could have gotten hurt too. I guess that makes me a hero but I don’t want the hassle of being a full blown one like the comics. I usually don’t do that kind of thing or at least that extreme. I don’t like seeing people get hurt but it’s different with Yukika. She’s been there for me and her feelings. You know what I mean. Wait why am I thinking like I’m talking to someone?” Well I guess this happens in this unreal sort of situation.

 

Hanzo decides to give the choices some real thought. He doesn’t want to go into a world where he must fight to survive or achieve some kind of legacy or legend. Though he also doesn’t want to go to heaven yet. He wants be able to more thoroughly enjoy the remaining days of his life. If he will go to the new world his current age.

 

“Okay, let’s think this over a little, pros versus cons.”

 

“Um hello? Can we decide this year? I have other people to judge for this job, if you don’t want it I can just send you to heaven, but I gotta be honest. It’s really boring there, sure there’s no worry, no pain, no suffering but people there only talk about how good it is every day, desire is removed so no wants anything everything is just there, ya know. So why not have a change of pace.”

 

Hanzo glances up with an annoyed look in his eyes. He just as suddenly goes back to his thinking on the situation Yui begins to become nervous, that he may decide to go to heaven. As she ponders to herself about why she needs him to go.

 

“A lot of people usually turn this down nowadays. I need to send more people there to clean up that mess. No telling if the others I sent died, unless they die…again. It always good to have back up plans for heroes.”

 

“What was that?”

 

Thinking that Hanzo may have heard her. She tries to sweep it away and return to his answer. Whatever that may be.

 

“Oh, nothing but please hurry and decide.”

 

Hanzo clearly heard what she had to say, further flustering him. With a begrudging sigh, he continues his thought process.

 

“She doesn’t think I heard her but I did. I don’t want to be a cog in a machine just appease some goddess. Especially one I have never heard of. Wait I can be granted two gifts. She never said what they had to be or any restriction. If I can get a decent power then I can just live there with no worries. While enjoying what would have been the remaining days of my life, instead of being bored or just singing the praises of heaven. I’d like to live a little more. This might work out better too, no bills, no real work, just trips back and forth between town. That should be easy to learn as well.

 

Hanzo has finally made up his mind, but doesn’t want to draw the wrath of the goddess for tricking her. Tricking her into giving him a new lease on life. Which is the only thing Hanzo really wants.

 

“Okay, its decided, I’ll do this. Now how do I answer her without drawing suspicion and her just sending me off to heaven anyways. What do the hero types usually say in comics?”

 

A quick second and the thought comes to him in a flash. Clapping his hands together, as he makes his statement leaves the goddess in light shock.

 

“Got it. I choose to go back and protect the lost world from the evil of the demons and phantoms. Saving the everyone in it.”

 

It takes a moment for Hanzo’s comment to set in. As Yui slowly tries to hide her increasing laughter.

 

“Pfft, that’s a little cliched. Did you watch anime or play video games all day while you were alive? That’s just a really lame response. I thought you were actually thinking this through.”

 

Yui can’t hold it in anymore. She bursts into an uncontrollable laughter at the thought of Hanzo’s cliched response. It was so earnest and proud sounding, similar to a lot of people that have come before him.

 

“Nerds are the easiest to get into this since they all want to be heroes. If I had a dime for every person that said something similar, I’d be able to give someone some decent money going into the new world … but that lame response, hahaha! It’s the cliched of the cliched! Hahaha, I can’t breathe … I’m okay, I’m sorry. I hear that a lot. Now, what will your gifts be?”

 

Hanzo is becoming increasingly annoyed with the goddess. He takes in a deep breath as he mutters to himself.

 

“Tch, annoying Goddess. It doesn’t matter, I won’t have to deal with her much longer. She is cute, shame she has a piss poor attitude or personality, don’t know which.”

 

Once Hanzo calms himself, he thinks on what power he should ask for. It seems like something he should have more time to think on. It’s a power that will aid him, he wants be sure that power is worth having.

 

“Could I ask for a blessing that gives me three wishes?”

 

Yui gives pause before responding with a disgruntled sigh.

 

“You can ask for that as long as it’s only three wishes. It’s already technically cheating as you would have five blessings in that regard. Because blessings and wishes are the same.”

 

Curious, Hanzo questions the stipulations behind his “wishes” request.”

 

“Is there a reason for only three wishes? What can I do with them?

 

Yui is tired of how long Hanzo has already been in her area. As she bluntly answers his questions.

 

“It takes a lot of power from us to even grant you these blessings. I for one, am not going to guy for a cliché like you. As for what you can do, it’s more so what you can’t do. While you can use the wishes at any time. You can’t bring people back to life. You can’t go back home, only the boss has that kind of power. You can’t make anyone fall in love with you. No matter how lonely you’d be.”

 

Hanzo doesn’t like her tone towards him in the least. But he decides to endure it to gain more information

 

“Anything else”

 

“You can’t make yourself the strongest person in the world or make yourself the richest. It would steal those from the person that is either of those. It would steal the wealth of the richest and kill the strongest for its power. It wouldn’t be able to give you a phantoms power, as these blessings don’t work on demons or phantoms.”

 

Yui remembers as similar situation to her own remark. She remarks on that situation as she also thinks about it.

 

“There was one guy who tried it. The first and only actually. We didn’t know if it would work so we tried it. Turns out these blessings don’t work yet holy attributed attacks or magics do. Weird, right?”

 

Yui gathers herself after pondering that and quickly ends the explanation. To hopefully get Hanzo out soon.

 

“Anyways, most of the other rules behind the wishes are similar to that one children’s movie, you have on earth. The one with the genie. Oh and any way, shape or form of the phrase “I wish” will use up a wish. So, do be careful with your wording”

 

Hanzo ponders all the information before him. The wishes could be very useful as he gathers more information about the world. He can then use his wishes as he sees fit but has to be careful not to want anything no matter how much he may not want to do something.

 

“Okay, I want the wishes, please.”

 

Yui is relieved that he’s finally decided on one of the blessings but is slightly disgusted at the thought of such power being in Hanzo’s hands

 

“Wow, not only are you cliched but you’re just boring. You want to be that OP, I hope you really get the job done. If you come back dead, you’re going to be the laughing stock of the gods. I can’t believe someone like you would be so boring as to have such a power, it won’t even make a good story to tell. How tragic, (sigh) oh well, what is the second gift you want, not like there’s much else though.”

 

The last straw has finally broken. Hanzo is infuriated with Yui’s last comment. Just because she’s a goddess doesn’t mean she is above manners. Manners she sorely lacks in Hanzo’s eyes.

 

“You ask for my help and judge me!! No, its okay, its fine, it’s alright.

 

Hanzo collects himself long enough to make a very interesting choice.

 

“I know how I’m going to fix this. Some things just can’t be granted through power alone. I’m going to need some friends when I get there, someone that knows the place. So, I’m choosing you as my second gift.”

 

Yui returns to her former elegant and grand disposition. Until she realizes what Hanzo has asked for.

 

“Okay I will now bestow you with……wait WHAT, you weren’t supposed to pick me! That’s not an option, and since I’m not an option you have to pick something else.

 

A simple jingle can be heard loudly across the room. As Yui searches herself to find a modern looking phone. She picks it up calmly only to return to her frantic state.

 

“Wait I’m getting a message on my god phone……it’s okay, WHY! I’m not suited for fighting, since when are we up to be a gift? Hello, boss, boss, BOSS!! Why would you pick me, what did I do to you? I’m sorry please don’t pick me”

 

A white light envelope the both of them as they begin to disappear. With a mischivious grin and cackle, Hanzo looks to the sky in the white room.

 

“It seems like it’s too late for take backs, I picked you because you fill the role It helps that you are beautiful but you need some work on your attitude or personality, still don’t know which. Looks like I can now help with that.

 

Yui frantically searches for a way out of the white light as she continues to fade.

 

“YOU MONSTER!! Lecher, pervert, you only want me for my body! Boss this guy isn’t as pure as we thought! BOSS!! Wait, beautiful?

 

Hearing Hanzo’s comment, she stops her search and begins shyly talking fast.

 

“Well, I do my best to keep my hair nice. To smell good and I always pick new cloths to greet people in after a thousand years. Wait no!”

 

In the blink of an eye they are transported into a desert like area in the new world, where nothing looks to be in sight for miles except for more desert and a small mountain. When they land, Yui landed right in the middle of a patch of sand, dusted herself off and got up, trying to collect herself. She took one look at the desolate, hot desert that surrounded the two of them and her jaw hit the floor.

 

“We just got here and we’re already gonna die!”

 

While Yui’s anguished cries continued, Hanzo began to look around at the surrounds. With a scorpion walking in front of their path as Yui continued to pace and whine. She made such a racket that Hanzo had to walk away to be able to get their bearings and concentrate. While still being annoyed by her.

 

“Didn’t expect to land in a spot like this. I’m guessing this is your fault somehow. Not even a minute here and its already a pain in the ass being here.”

 

Yui doesn’t take kindly to his words, even if they were to tease her.

 

“How can this be my fault! You’re the one who was originally scheduled to come here alone.”

 

Remembering that Hanzo has the wishes for his blessing. She begins to beg him to get them to safety.

 

“You’re a hero, fix this. What happen to that heroism a minute ago? You better not be getting cold feet with your power! Fix this, wish us to the closest town.”

 

“No, I’m not wasting a wish on you. Your boss, only knows when we might need to use these and what for. Two of them anyways, because I need power. So, shut up and let me concentrate. To answer your second question, it didn’t go anywhere because I never had any, I lied to get here.”

 

Yui is appalled at this revelation. She knows there isn’t a real way for her to gauge their true intentions before leaving. But everyone she has dealt with always had the same excitement he showed when he made his proclamation. She’s furious.

 

“What! Blasphemy, I demand to be allowed back home.”

 

While walking away from Hanzo. She yells towards the sky, whining even more.

 

“Boss, Boss let me come home, condemn this idiot, I’m sorry, Sure, I laughed at him, but just let me come back, please, please, please.”

 

Hanzo decides to ignore everything around him, including Yui to concentrate. As well as to control his annoyance level. Somewhat regretting making his choice to bring her out of spite, teasing, beauty. Seeing as it may not be worth it anymore.

 

“Shesh she doesn’t shut up. It’d be too much of a welcomed change. Now, let’s see what we can find out here.”

 

In the distance behind him. Yui can be heard clear as water. Continuing her complaining and incessant whining.

 

“Who knows how long that will be before something happens. We’re dead, we’re so dead, why, why me. I’ve done my job well why do I deserve to be punished like this.”

 

Yui finally stops her whining as her complaining turns to tears and crying. Hanzo is ignoring her as scans the land further trying to see if there might be any figure they can make out. Or someone coming towards them from a direction.

Just as suddenly as they came, her tears stop as both her and Hanzo see a caravan coming into view from the only mountain into view. The sight of the caravan brings Yui to tears again, this time, tears of happiness.

 

“We’re saved!!! Thank you Boss.”

 

Hanzo and Yui race towards the caravan. Once it becomes clear to the caravan leader that they are headed towards them, he slows the caravan down. Once they reach one another, the caravan leader pulls his cart up to Hanzo and Yui

 

“Hey, are you people alright? It aint safe to be out here in the desert like that. Do you need help?”

 

For some reason, Yui has decided to hide behind Hanzo as they walk up to speak. Shaking his head, Hanzo takes the lead to speak with the Caravan leader.

 

“Yes sir, we’re lost. We we’re on our way to visit some friends then got attacked by some bandits as we wound up here like this.”

 

The caravan leaders soft hear melts at the news. As he is reminisce with the current state of the world in mind.

 

“You poor people, bandits are everywhere these days. World going to hell with the demon’s n phantoms n all that. Hopefully a hero will safe us.”

 

Hanzo doesn’t want to be found out that he is a new hero sent. Not knowing how that goes in the new world. Weather heroes are celebrated or randomly emerge, he gives a nervous chuckle.

 

“We can only hope right.”

 

“We can help yall out, we’re headed to Misty Mistral. It’s a nice little oasis around the way.”

 

Hanzo sees this as an opportunity to head to a good city. With no other options on hand, Hanzo decides that Misty Mistral is their next destination.

 

“That’s where we were headed, it would be a great help if you could get us there.”

 

Yui is still annoyed with Hanzo over coming to the new world. As she pops her head from behind Hanzo’s shoulder. She makes a claim to leave hanzo behind.

 

“Don’t bring this guy with you, he’s a big idiot and a fraud. All you need is to take little ol me.”

 

The Caravan leader thinks there is a relationship between Yui and Hanzo. He doesn’t want to meddle with their affairs but wants to prioritize their safety.

 

“I don’t like getting in the middle of a fight between lovers but ma’m you are going to die if yall stay out here much longer.”

 

Hanzo and Yui are immediately disgusted at the comment. With a pained, disappointed look they respond to the caravan leader.

 

“No, no, no, we are not a couple.”

 

“Ah, ex’s I getcha. Anyhow there’s an empty cart just behind me, hop in and we should be there in a few hours.”

 

Hanzo wants to argue further that he never has nor does he ever want to be in a relationship with Yui. He instead, decides to let it go. Deciding to show his gratefulness in its place.

 

“Great, thank you so much. How can we repay you?”

 

Sensing the sincerity in Hanzo’s voice. He reaches for the same level of sincerity, speaking his true intentions.

 

“No charge at all, just glad to help.”

 

“Thank you again, I promise to repay you as soon as possible.”

 

As they head to the cart that the caravan leader spoke of. The leader gives a nod with the tip of his hat to them. As Hanzo and Yui walk into the empty cart, Yui asks.

 

“What do you plan on doing when we reach the town?”

 

Hanzo thinks on the question before deciding to answer honestly. Since she’s here, might as well be up front about everything.

 

“Well I had plan to just build a house just outside of the city we ended up at. I’d live out the rest of my days that way. Simple to the point, no need to do anything unless I absolutely have too.”

 

Yui face becomes blank as she realizes that she’s been played. That he made this plan before they ever arrived.”

 

“You had this planned the whole time?”

Hanzo leans back on his side of the car propping his feet on a box near him as he responds in a smartalick tone.

 

“Yea, you were a bonus. A bonus, I’m starting to regret”

 

“I really can’t believe this. How are going to build a house with no money?”

 

“I’m going to look for a job around here, while looking into what currency is used. How much things are worth and the like. Once I have that figured out, I think I’ll use my first wish. Saves me time and maybe money.

 

“You’re just really lazy, aren’t you? What about the demons and phantoms?”

 

Hanzo gives a sincere serious look. The first one she has ever seen from Hanzo, as she anticipates what he is going to say.

 

“I want to see some of the hero’s here before deciding anything. If there are a lot of them, then there’s no reason to get in their way. It’ll also help to see if they themselves are even doing anything about the problem.”

 

Yui turns away from Hanzo disappointed at his plan but figures it’s something as she decides to take a nap. It’s not long until she hears the caravan leader yell out that they are close.

 

“We’re almost there, another 10 minutes and were all good.”

 

Yui begins to wake up as she sees Hanzo messing with some magic. Curious, she crawls over to him, to see what exactly he is messing with. All she can tell is that its black. Once she gets close enough she sees that its fire and lightening magic. Puzzled at the color choice, she asks.

 

“Why black lightening and black fire? A lot of people may mistake you for an enemyNot a very holy color.”

 

Hanzo is surprised by Yui’ssudden appearance but not enough to startle him. He looks back at the magic in his hand with a gentle smile and huff.

 

“Black is not evil nor represents bad things like most people think. It just happens to be used on a lot of evil characters. Black is the birth of all colors not the absence, “In the beginning there was darkness, then there was light”, meaning we came from darkness. Thus, we find comfort in that because even if we are alone we never really are. Darkness like people is all around us, the light is a guide to the future for us, the hope of the people.”

 

Yui is pleasantly surprised at how Hanzo gave his explanation. She sees him as more of a hero now after hearing this. Though her own feelings of being in the new world get mixed among her thoughts.

 

“That’s a little…That’s pretty good coming from you.”

 

Hanzo lifts his head until he can see an upside down Yui. Slowly leaning back to lay down.

 

“Gotta have something nice set up. Might as well give it some personal meaning otherwise others won’t believe it.”

 

Disappointed, Yui feels as though this another way to hide Hanzo’s fake heroism. She did like what Hanzo said, but cant bring herself to trust it to be genuine.

 

“I knew it, just another way to be a fake hero.”

 

Hanzo becomes highly annoyed with her from her utter lack of trust and tone.

 

“Says the fake goddess.”

 

“I’m not a fake goddess. How else could I give you your powers?”

 

Yui begins to pout over Hanzo’s comments. Seeing how Yui is being, Hanzo decides to take this opportunity to tease her some more. To get out some of his annoyance towards her, the only knows how.

 

“You said you had a boss, you could just be a cute angel with a bad attitude. Plus, I’ve never heard of a goddess named Yui anywhere. Research my worlds history and mythology. You don’t exist.”

 

“How dare you, sure I’m not famous in your world but here. I’m deity revered amongst all other deities. And well, yea I am cute but I’m way stronger than an angel.”

 

As she says this she looks around worried about who heard her and sits closer to Hanzo almost hiding herself.