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Chapter Six - Madam of the Manor!

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - On A Quiet Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4il1aWstQFU&t=159s Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

As he continued along his journey, the care Chris put into keeping Goomy's skin maintained and teaching Sera the ways of the world, combined with protecting Bounsweet from the predators they faced as a result of her scent had him irresistibly thinking back to the girls and his children at his mansion in the Valley, from how he'd cared for the girls and defended them along his previous travels in similar ways and did his best to teach their offspring his ideals on right and wrong, how to behave and the like. Whenever rubbing the lotion on Goomy, he couldn't help but flash back to when he'd cared for Alicia when she was a small Snivy, barely able to eat due to her weakened state as well as reflecting on when he'd look out for Rose due her meek nature. Protecting Bounsweet also hearkened him back to Serenity when she was only a small and blind Ralts, the reflections leaving him nostalgic time and again. At the same time, having the language barrier between him and his new companions made him think back to his beginnings with the others, as well as having met Aoi not long before his recent departure. While sitting in front of a fire he'd set up one night, Chris began thinking back on those he'd left behind, his memories coming to the forefront of his thoughts while watching the fire waft before him, his new companions resting soundly at his feet while Sera dozed soundly curled atop his lap and Midna rest atop his head, lying comfortably on its back while looking at the stars littering the night sky above. Watching the embers of the fire sizzle in the air, it made Chris reflect back to the night sky during a night like any other, one he spent sitting as though meditating on one of his favorite balconies under the stars, communing with the spirits housed in his stone...

"This... Is what he spends most of his nights doing..." Ninetales point out, sitting next to Aoi as she stood behind one of the potted plants atop a table within the hall leading to the balcony where Chris silently sat, a cloaked guard at both sides of the door with his back turned. "Since the attack three years ago, once he was resurrected he lost a fair amount of the need to sleep... He still does so on occasion, though there is little difference in him with or without it." she explained. "And so, with that spare time, he often uses it to introduce himself to all the souls who brought him back, getting to know them, bonding... In its own way, it's quite the task. There's no telling how many he's met, how many he's yet to meet... Despite this, he makes it a priority to take the time needed to know them." she went on, Aoi listening as the fox spoke in her native Japanese tongue, the two watching a small, pure aura of blue and white wafting around Chris as he remained motionless. "That energy you see... It emanates from the very souls he's opening up to... You can think of it as an embrace of sorts between them. Despite the tempest of entities inside of him, they've always appeared calm, at peace. Despite their confinement, you sense no hostility..." Ninetales continued with a nod. "That is simply the type of person he is. Through his efforts, you can clearly see the peace he brings to them, and they to him in turn. He now lives on borrowed time granted by others, he knows this and spends many a night showing his appreciation, his consideration, like this..." she paused, looking up at Aoi as she kept her focus on Chris, her eyes widened with curiosity. "...The same as he did for you." Ninetales affirmed, causing the woman to jolt slightly and look down at the fox.

"Be it a spirit, a Pokemon, a person..." Ninetales continued, looking out and noticing Midna sitting on the railing of the balcony, suddenly using a whip-like extension of its darkness to snap away a Cutiefly that fluttered too closely to Chris, acting like a repellent to keep the area silent for him. "...Even something like that imp, a creature even the Almighty would wipe away from this world as something that shouldn't exist, he protects it and gives it a place to consider home." the fox affirmed. "Though... Whether it considers this a home is beyond me... We don't even really know what it considers him for that matter. That creature is an enigma to us all..." she added with slight sweat showing. "He cares for all... Granted it leaves him open to harm, though that's the reason he has all of the friends and acquaintances he's come to know. There's more than enough willing to look out for his well being." Ninetales assured, looking back at Aoi, adding "he protects others, like yourself, thus in turn they protect him." with another nod. "By day he goes about tending to the needs of others, getting to know those he's invited to live here, and by night, he does the same for those who've given him a second chance in this world." the fox smirked. "A busybody really, though I suppose that is how he was raised." she added, looking down slightly. "By choice or... Otherwise." she finished, a somber hint to her tone before watching him again. "He surprised me... Before he was returned to us, his original life was meant to serve the curse I placed to aid others. Now with us once more and free from that burden, he's come to take it on willingly of his own accord. No curse, no strings, merely his own desire... One could say he was raised too well." Ninetales sighed before showing another smirk.

"You say you were exploring the mansion when you spotted him leaving his chamber... You do know spying on another, especially in his own home is a tad odd? You should be resting yourself the same as the others." she lectured, making Aoi blush slightly and apologize. "...I suppose a time like this is the only moment you can find the chance to get closer to him." Ninetales admit. "Since he brought you here the others have been rather mindful of you... It will take time. Especially with the one he named Serenity, their pasts with humans and likewise their treatment of both, them and himself left them all wary of your kind, be it man or woman." the fox explained as Aoi looked back at Chris and sulked slightly. "He is a... Good... Human..." Ninetales continued. "Despite his deeds for the betterment of others, his acts taken to help has caused harm to how the world perceives him. While there are many who appreciate and welcome him, there are just as many who fear his presence. He has shown a terrifying strictness toward those who do wrong, one could even call him ruthless at times." she admit. "He's not one to shy away from taking matters into his own hands. Your kind didn't take that too well, and this in turn was what played a part in his demise." she point out. "His nature toward those who do wrong aside, which you could really blame me for I suppose..." she paused, looking down again before turning her attention to Aoi with a slight smile. "He's not one to fear at heart. Though firm with wrongdoers, he's as gentle as a feather toward those who are good and just... More-so toward those he takes in as family. I do believe he proved this to you when he carried you here from the mountainside and made this your home?" she reminded, making Aoi blush again and nod.

"Another thing to remember..." Ninetales affirmed, the curious woman listening. "He's not one to focus on the past of another. Perhaps he came off a tad heartless the way he didn't pay much mind to your experiences, but it's merely his way of looking forward and wanting you to do the same. The one he calls Alicia was a project in particular that took some time to put her past behind her... Chris will coddle you as need-be, but more-so than anything he'll do what needs to be done to keep the right priorities in mind... The past cannot be changed, and perhaps traces will linger in your mind, but to him, moving forward is all that matters. If you really, and truly, are thankful for what he's done for you, then you'll not take issue with how little he focuses on your hardships, but instead will push yourself to live and focus on a happier tomorrow for yourself... That is his greatest desire for you as it was for those who came to bear his children. Do you understand?" the fox asked, Aoi remaining silent as she watched the aura continue wafting around Chris before finally nodding in response. "...You've suffered wretched things, now you have an opportunity to move forward, with both a new life and a new body. The only wounds that remain are those in your mind... Healing them is entirely your responsibility. He may help, but the real work must come from you." the fox lectured. "I also know tonight isn't the only night you've spent eyeing him... Many times he roams these halls the same as you, looking through his memories etched in paintings, appreciating the home he has now the same as yourself... Whether you continue being wary and distant is entirely your choice. He let you in, whether or not you reciprocate is up to you." Ninetales affirmed.

Standing up, the fox turned and began making her way down the corridor, pausing to look back and remind Aoi that despite his atmosphere and essentially ruling the Valley, he wasn't someone to fear before leaving the woman to reflect on her words. Returning her attention to Chris, she noticing tiny orbs floating around him within the wafting aura. Looking around, Aoi took a breath and stepped out from her hiding spot, slowly making her way up to the balcony exit only to pause when the hooded guards turned their shadowed faces toward her, making the young woman tense up before they nodded and returned their focus ahead, letting her quietly pass. Taking notice of her, the orbs floating around Chris seemed to suddenly panic as they rapidly returned toward the front of his body, vanishing into the chest area of his clothes. With his calm link between the spirits severed, Chris let out an "mm?" noise and faced down as the aura also vanished, seemingly wafting away like smoke hit by a breeze causing Aoi to freeze wide eyed and clutch her chest. Raising his head, Chris looked around catching Midna's attention, the imp noticing Aoi first and showing a grin that made her sweat slightly. Noticing the expression, Chris tilt his head, asking "what are you...?" before slowly looking back and seeing Aoi as well. "Oh... Hello." he nodded, pushing himself up and patting off his clothes. "Sorry, did I wake you somehow?" he asked, turning to face her making Aoi quickly shake her head. "I hope the others aren't keeping you from getting rest... I know the girls can be a little harsh." Chris apologized, pausing before pointing out Rose as an exception. "Trust me, they might be kinda protective of me and the kids, but rest assured you're welcome here. Don't let their clingy attitudes keep you from being comfortable and having a good rest!" he smiled warmly.

"Er... You... Understand?" he asked, motioning for her to get rest by laying his cheek on his hands and emphasizing the word "sleep" just in case. "I-I under...stand." Aoi managed to reply, her Japanese slur still remaining as she nodded. "Ah... Good! Those lessons with Ninetales are already paying off..." Chris sighed in relief. "You're a pretty smart girl... Not bad at all." he praised, making the woman show a small smile out of her own shyness. "I-I sorry. Not... Talk much yet." she apologized in response. "No worries! You're getting the basic stuff already." Chris nodded. "I.. Um..." Aoi replied, trying to think of the right words. "I not... Do wrong thing? The, um... The tiny... Lights?" she tried to point out, making Chris tilt his head curiously before bopping his fist in his palm with an "oohh!" of understanding and shaking his head. "No no. They were just surprised. I was letting my friends out for a little stretch while we talked. They like it now and then." he explained, tugging his collar down to show off his stone. "The, um... Fox! She tell me... Story? Yes! Story about... Past?" Aoi point out, making Chris blink with an "eh?" before smiling with a drop of sweat. "I'm guessing she's been telling you stuff about me then." he laughed nervously. "Is... Bad?" Aoi asked with a guilty look to her. "No, not bad... Just not stuff I thought you'd want to hear. Not important." Chris affirmed, waving his hand. Grasping the basics of what he was saying, Aoi looked down for a moment before clutching her chest again. "I-Is... Impor...tant." she replied with a nod, making Chris look at her curiously again. "My past... No good... You past, like. I... Like?" Aoi tried to explain. "Eh? Mine is good?" he replied, pointing toward himself before showing a nervous smile.

"I dunno... I've caused a lot of trouble for folks and all. Even the girls went through hell in the past. We didn't get here by walking on an easy street." he affirmed. "I not get... Here." Aoi replied, continuing to think out her words. "Easy... Streetu? Not get here, on street." she point out. "You, hard life. Me, hard life. Both... Here? Yes, here!" she nodded insistently. "Ha ha... I guess that's true... I'm glad you made it too." Chris smiled again, about to reach out over Aoi's head making her jolt. Stopping himself, he pulled his hand back with an apology. "I'm so used to doing it for the girls and my kids, it's kind of an instinct. I don't mean to make you nervous." he assured as Aoi relaxed and gave him a curious look of her own. "I mean... The head. I'm used to rubbing their heads." Chris explained, rubbing his own to get the point across making Aoi let out an "oohh!" of realization of her own and nodding before Midna jumped on Chris's head, tilting its head at Aoi making the woman jolt and inch back. "Ha ha, don't worry. This fella might seem a little strange, but it's one of the best friends I've got." Chris assured, reaching up and scratching the imp on its tiny chin getting a grin out of it in response. "You know, it's good to see you out and about too... That makes me feel pretty good." Chris smiled. "I've noticed you moving around more the past week... Though we haven't had much of a chance to get close. You usually disappear before I can even say hello." he point out, referring to how Aoi would notice him and go into hiding making her blush and sulk slightly with an apology. "I-I try... It is..." she paused, thinking out her words again. "H-Hard...? Yes! Hard, it is hard to... See you." she tried to explain, making Chris tilt his head.

"Hard...? I didn't... Do something bad did I?" he asked, pointing at himself. "N-No!! Not bad!" Aoi assured, quickly waving her hands and shaking her head. "I-I just not... Feel... Right?" she tried to continued. "You don't feel right...? Did the girls do something to you?" Chris scowled, the nervous woman quickly shaking her head again. "You... You are very nice. You know... Where come from. I come from bad place, but still. You let me... Live? Live here. Say it okay if take care of Pokemon for you." she replied. "You mean my kids." Chris smiled with slight sweat showing. "Y-Yes! I sorry!" Aoi apologized. "It's okay... It's not something that usually happens. But yeah, they are my kids." he affirmed. "I... Like them. They very good. Just not... Feel right." Aoi repeat. "Place I come from. It is very... To say, dirty? Yes..." she sulked slightly, rubbing her arm. "It is... Really okay to live in big home? Okay to be close to children? People... Not like people like me. Do things I do..." she explained as best she could, referring to when she had to prostitute herself making Chris look down for a moment. "Besides the girls being protective over the kids and me..." he began, looking at her once more. "Which really has nothing to do with your past, just the way they are... Has anyone here made you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in any way? Has anybody made it seem like you shouldn't be here?" he asked, making Aoi look down in turn. "Not... Think so?" she admit. "Have they or haven't they?" Chris affirmed, crossing his arms. "N-No..." she replied making him show a smirk. "Then there you have it... The only one focusing on whether or not you belong here is you. Far as I can tell folks working for us like you pretty good." he grinned.

"And since we haven't spoken much... I might as well tell you now." he added, making Aoi show a curious look. "I've been talking about you with the folks who live here in the Valley, a lot of them actually respect you." he assured, making the woman's expression turn both, confused and surprised. "Around here... A lot of people have a different mindset than folks you might meet someplace else... Most of their responses have been about you being a pretty strong girl. If they're not talking about that, they're asking if you're alright, wondering when you'll come out..." Chris explained, walking along the balcony. "Some of them have seen you through the windows, catching a glimpse of you when you step out like you have now... The ones who've been lucky enough to spot you say they think you're mysterious..." he smirked, looking back. "And there's a number who think you're real pretty." he grinned, making Aoi blush and glance away embarrassed. "The people in this Valley are real welcoming folks. They love meeting new citizens, hearing their stories... You've inspired a lot of people around here and they haven't even met you yet! That just goes to show what an amazing woman you are! So believe me, you're the only one making yourself feel like you don't belong. The people here can't wait to meet you." Chris assured with a nod. "As far as the staff in the mansion and I are concerned, we couldn't be any happier to have you with us. I know I'm glad we met! I just wish we could talk more than we have... You're a pretty shy one." he point out, getting another apology from the flattered woman before him. "I know it might be a little awkward to know people are trying so hard to see you... But trust me, nobody has any bad intentions. They're just eager to meet our new resident." he assured with another smile.

"I-I am... Sorry... I feel... Nervous? When in open place. I have... Tried?" Aoi explained, noting how he'd mentioned her stepping out on the roof. "Well... I could go out with you if you want. I usually try to make a few rounds everyday. Meet and talk with folks... Get feedback on how things are done here... Why don't you try coming with me and introduce yourself to others that way?" Chris offered, making Aoi show a wary look on her face as she made her way up to the edge of the balcony and looked around and the streetlight paths below. "I-Not sure if ready...?" she replied, clutching her chest again. Noticing this, Chris walked up to her side and looked around as well. "The people who live here... All of them were approved by me and the girls. We do our best to know folks as closely as we can... I really think you'll have fun meeting them. It's like I said, they're really eager to meet you." he affirmed. Noticing him standing so closely, Aoi looked up at Chris in a shy manner, looking at his smile as his gaze focused on the Valley he'd built giving him a somewhat regal atmosphere. Comparing herself to him, Aoi looked down at herself and tugged at the collar of the lengthy night gown she donned, subconsciously feeling ragged and meek compared to the way Chris looked and acted. "I-I am... Not sure... I am very... Different? You are important. Do not want to... Make look bad?" she point out, looking at Chris and noticing his eyes looking down the collar of her shirt at her cleavage, a wide eyed and reddened look on his face. Blinking curiously, Aoi looked between his eyes and where he was focusing on, realizing tugging on her gown was exposing herself making the embarrassed woman quickly conceal herself, inching back nervously.

Jolting and realizing his own misdeed, Chris quickly faced away with a flush, apologizing for gawking after what she'd endured from other men. Remaining nervous for a moment, Aoi noticed the look of both, his own shyness and guilt showing in his expression as Chris scratched his nose. "I-I'm not used to interacting with human girls so closely... I didn't mean to gawk... I-I mean I did look, but it was... Uhh..." he assured before slumping with another apology. After going through what she had, having a man behave as Chris was made Aoi feel both, at ease and also somehow reassured that he had the same nature as others deep down, but at the same time had vastly different mannerisms about him in comparison that kept him from being reckless. Taking a moment to relax, Aoi finally stepped back up to Chris with a nod. "I-It is... Okay? You are... Man..." she smiled. "Y-Yeah... But really, I'm not THAT kind so... Don't hold it against me? Y-You're just... Y'know... Pretty..." he assured, the woman shaking her head and assuring him it was alright before thinking about things Ninetales had told her about him. "...You look at me, but not... Hurt me. Not touch me... You are good." Aoi assured. "Men before... Do many things. When they look at me, they..." she paused, thinking back on what happened whenever she was forced to be face to face with them before looking at Chris again. "You are... Nice change..." she smiled. "Ha ha... I appreciate that... Sorry for being kind of a dog there. Alicia always gets onto me for that but, yeah... I really don't mean any harm." Chris assured, Aoi looking confused again. "You are... Dog?" she asked, looking at his figure and tilting her head. "Er... It's a figure of speech. You know... Dog. Uh... Woof woof?" Chris tried to explain.

"Ooohh!! Inu!!" Aoi nodded in understanding, thinking his words over and making the click before scowling. "You are etchi...?" she asked. "E-Etchi...? You mean pervert...? N-No!! Uh, that is... I mean..." Chris tried to assure, only to think about everything he'd done with the girls and the fact they were Pokemon and he was human, making it difficult to say he wasn't putting himself in a complicated position as he tried to assure Aoi she was safe in his presence. Seeing him fumbling so badly over himself, Aoi couldn't help but show another smile as Chris panicked before her, eventually slumping with a frustrated groan. After a moment, Aoi thought back to the way he'd tried to reach out and touch her head. Deciding to try it herself, the young woman slowly reached out and put her hand on his head instead, making Chris pause and look at her. "It is... Okay? You are good... Dog?" she assured, trying to compliment him making Chris laugh nervously and sweat slightly once more. "I set myself up for that I guess." he confessed while straightening up. "...Don't worry about living here or being around others. I promise you're safe and welcome." he smiled warmly, Aoi smiling back with a nod making him blush slightly and glance away. "Sorry for uh... Looking again..." he apologized before returning to the edge of the balcony. Looking down at herself, Aoi thought in silence before approaching Chris at his side, looking at their surroundings as well. "...It is nice, to live here." she admit. "You... Give good food. You help... Or, is heal...? Make me better." she added, looking at her hand before touching her lips. "Me...? Nah." Chris waved, shaking his head. "It's the people who take care of us here and Ninetales... They did it all." he affirmed with a smile.

Looking at him for a moment, Aoi noticed his hand by his side and began slowly reaching out, finally touching it with her fingertips making Chris look down curiously before focusing on her as she quickly retracted her hand. "I-I am sorry." she apologized, facing away nervously. Lifting his hand, Chris looked at it before holding it out. "It's okay... Wanna hold it?" he offered, the young woman glancing at his palm before carefully reaching toward it again with a nod, placing her hand in his allowing Chris to close his around hers. "Soft!" he praised, making her blush as she faced away shyly. "I-I am not used to it..." she point out. "Mm? You don't have to if you're forcing yourself. It's no good if you're uncomfortable." Chris affirmed, offering to let go only for Aoi to shake her head and assure him she was fine. Standing together in silence, Chris decided to scan the view before him while the young woman occasionally looked at her hand in his, letting herself slowly get used to the feeling and giving his face a glance every now and then as well, all the while Midna soundly slept on its back atop Chris's head, bored into a deep slumber and sprawled out with a bubble showing from its nose. As the minutes passed, Aoi slowly worked her fingers between Chris's, working their hands together in a way that looked more like a couple holding onto each other making her show a small smile and a content blush across her cheeks. "It is... Nice..." she muttered. "Wuzzat?" Chris asked, looking at her before noticing the way their hands had intertwined. "U-Uhh..." he added as Aoi looked up at him. "You... Do many things for me. You do more... Than say you do." she affirmed as his own blush appeared.

"You carry me here. You ask Kyukon, that is... Ninetales, to help me. It is you who say I can stay, can live in your home. It is you who ask others to feed me, to help me get strong, yes? You who ask me to help... Help with kids. Offer good money..." she explained. "Th-That's nothing though. It's the least I could do..." Chris point out, looking at their hands locked together again before glancing away and shyly scratching his nose once more. Seeing this, Aoi looked down as well for a moment. "You even go out, tell people about me, make others care, make them want to see me... You help make them want me here..." she added before calling his name, making Chris return his attention to her finding the young woman pulling her collar again, glancing up at him. "You... Can look..." she offered with a small smile, suddenly making Chris turn a bright red with his eyes widened only to quickly face away. "Th-That's not necessary!" he affirmed. "J-Just doing what's right and all. Yeah! That's all! Yes indeed!" he added, sweating slightly from having such an innocent invitation from a girl like Aoi making him scream within to resist. Getting such a response from him, Aoi looked down at her bosom and fixed her collar, keeping her hand on her chest as a smile remained on her face. "...You are nice man." she praised, looking at Chris again as his gaze remained averted due to his flustered state. "I-I try..." he laughed nervously before shaking his head. "B-But seriously, don't think you owe me anything. Especially that kinda stuff!" he affirmed, finally looking at her again. "From now on, that's something only you should be able to see. Y-Your body I mean. Only show it off to the person you really want to see it. Not someone you think you owe to see it... That's no good. If you really think you owe me, then you can pay me back just by hanging out and talking more often... I like company." Chris explained with a warm smile, Aoi showing a look of surprise and curiosity combined.

"...Fox is right." she suddenly smiled, making Chris show his own curious look. "You are man, but are like little boy... Very strong, but... Innocent? Yes." she nodded. "I-I'm not sure I like her talking about me with you..." Chris replied, slight sweat showing as he scratched his cheek. "She's becoming more like a mom than I think she realizes." he added. "She tell many things. About you, who you are. She tell what you do. How many you help, how you do it. That is why..." Aoi paused, looking down. "You such big person. Important to many. You... Very nice. But not want to make others think bad of you." she affirmed. "People like me... Past that I have, it not do you good. Word spread, know this. Not want bad word spread of you." she added, sulking slightly. "You say many nice things. People in Valley, they sound very nice too. But outside Valley, it is not same, no?" she point out. "Kyukon, that is, Ninetales, she tell me outside Valley, they scared of you. Many not know what to think of you... I do not... How to say... Wish to make worse for you. People know you take woman like me in..." Aoi tried to explain, still feeling down on herself making Chris sigh. "Hoo boy... You're gonna take some work." he replied before showing a worn out smile. "You said Ninetales says a lot about me... Hasn't she told you I don't really care what or how others think of me?" he assured, turning to the self-doubting woman. "I took you in because this region you worry will judge me failed to do what's right for you. It didn't protect you, it didn't notice your problems. You had to fight your way through it all to get here when you never should've had to fight in the first place." Chris affirmed, lifting her hand as it remained in his.

"It was with your own two hands... You struggled, but no matter what you fought through everything that was thrown at you... After what this region let you go through, the same as it made the girls and other friends of mine suffer... Why would I ever care what anyone out there thinks of me when they allow such bad stuff to happen to people like you? Like all the others I've come to know? To care about?" he went on, his last sentence making Aoi's eyes widen and a blush return to her face. "The people I know... They went through so much because of systems that were meant to help them, ignored them... I know a little girl and a Mawhile who really suffered... I built this mansion, restored this valley, secured its borders... All for the people who've endured so much when they should've never had to... Maybe nobody can create Heaven on Earth, but a person can create happiness." Chris explained, looking back out at the Valley before them. "A person can try and create the best home possible, for himself, for others... Even the Valley isn't perfect, but it's accepting. It's protective of those within it, supportive... It thrives..." he paused, taking Aoi's other hand in his own as well while facing the young woman. "We thrive... And not because we rely on systems, but we rely on each other to make sure each day is full of happiness, we rely on each other for reassurance, that what and who we are is okay. We do it for ourselves and for those we live with." Chris smiled. "Believe me... You're a wonderful woman Aoi, you're strong, persistent... You made it so far after going through so much... You don't realize what an honor it is to know you and have the chance of a woman like you helping to look after my kids... I know they'll be okay with someone like you!" he grinned.

Hearing this, although some portions were muddled in their language barriers, Aoi couldn't help but grow still as she looked up at him, slowly turning all the redder as his coat and her night gown blew in the wind creating a scenario like that out of a fairytale as the moon glowed above. "This is your home, Aoi, and as long as you live in this house, you are my family. No matter what you think of yourself, to me you're a girl I'm glad I can be friends with!" he assured, releasing her hands with a confident smirk before looking back at the Valley once more. Looking at his back, Aoi felt a fluttering in her chest as she clutched it, watching as Chris took a deep breath and sighed happily. "You know... Getting to tell people stuff like that always picks me up." he affirmed, looking back at her. "Hope it did the same for you. Wouldn't be right if it did more for me!" he added with a warm grin, Aoi nodding in response before he bopped his fist in his palm again. "That's right..." he muttered, turning back to her and looking her gown over. "You know, since you were brought here we've just been putting you in stuff like this since you stay in your room and all so much..." he added as Aoi stiffened up from having him so close after being given his speech. "I kinda wanted to wait until the right time but... You might be ready for it now." he nodded, stepping back as she blinked at him confused. "You know how I told you I like making rounds? Think you could come with me tomorrow?" Chris asked. "T-Tomo... G-Go out...?" Aoi replied nervously. "I found something a few days ago in the market I thought you'd like... I figured it'd make a good present for when you finally decided to leave the mansion so you could make a bigger impression." Chris smiled.

"It can wait of course... Can't deny I'm anxious to give it to you though. See you in something besides those gowns for a change." he point out as Aoi showed a hesitant look. "H-Have to go out...?" she asked. "That's the deal... You'd be with me the whole time though!" Chris assured as she inched up to the edge of the balcony and looked at the streets before them. "G-Go out..." she muttered, holding her arm nervously. "If you still feel like it'd take too much force, don't worry about it right now." Chris coaxed as she continued looking at the streets before finally facing him, albeit with her head lowered. "H-Have to... Go far? Whole time...?" she asked. "Well..." Chris paused, thinking it over. "I'd like to walk a few blocks at least... We wouldn't leave the mansion too far behind though. We could come back easily." he assured as Aoi returned to thinking it over. Finally, she responded with a silent and wary nod, making Chris smirk with his arms crossed. "There we go." he nodded back before heading toward the guards at the entrance. Speaking with them for a moment, the two went off down the corridor as he returned. "I told them to get your present. We'll meet them at your room." he explained, motioning for her to follow before the two entered the corridor themselves and made their way along. Once they reached their destination, after a moment the guards finally reached them as well, carrying large hanging bags. Letting them enter first, Chris shut the door behind the guards so they could prepare her gift while he and Aoi remained in the corridor. "Gotta let them set it up." Chris point out with a wink as she looked at her door bewildered. Once the guards finally exit, Chris covered Aoi's eyes with his hands and guided her inside.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Guardian's Gifts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOfKp-9O78E Recommended - Right Click On Video - Select Loop

"Alright... It's not much. I don't really have the best eye when it comes to stuff for girls, but... What do you think?" he asked, slowly uncovering her face allowing Aoi to look at a regal looking dress standing before her on a display rack, accompanied by a business looking outfit next to it. "I didn't know if the dress was too frilly, with the bow and all, but... I thought it'd make you feel kinda nice having something more snazzy to wear around. Then you have something that has a kinda professional look to it, something to wear when you're taking care of the kids or have other important stuff to do... I thought maybe you might like something more ritzy feeling!" Chris grinned. "Th-Though the idea kinda came from Alicia, really... She's the ritzy type herself so I was just trying to buy something based on what I thought she might like if she wore clothes." he confessed with slight sweat showing as Aoi walked up to the outfits on display, feeling the dress before looking the business attire over. "Is it... Too much? I wasn't sure if girls are still into the whole princess kinda look but... You're pretty and all, so I uh..." he paused, scratching his cheek shyly again. "Just... Tried to find something that would look as nice. K-Kinda do you justice and all... Figured you could walk around kinda proud-like in this stuff!" he praised as she looked back at him, causing him to sweat. "S-Sorry... Am I making you uncomfortable?" Chris apologized nervously as she returned her focus to the dress, feeling it again. "I just uh... Thought it might be kinda nice..." he added. Continuing to look over her new outfits, after a moment Aoi showed a small smile as she touched the small jewel placed in the center of the ribbon on her dress.

"It is... Very nice." she nodded. "S-So you like it?" Chris perked up. "It is nice. But... It is, how to say... Too much?" she point out, looking back at him. "You... Do not know me. It is like I say. You feed me, give me home. You ask many people to... Care for me? Yes... Do very much. Now..." she paused, looking back at the outfits. "Spend for me... It is nice, but look very... Um..." she tried to think. "Cost... Very much?" she asked, hoping she worded it right as Chris walked up and looked at the outfits himself. "...You like them, right?" Chris replied, Aoi giving a nod. "I-I like! Like very much! But..." she assured before looking at them as well and facing down. "You say you pay me... Give much money to care for children. Now on top of all, you spend to give me this... I do not have way to... Pay back, is right?" she asked, glancing at him guiltily. Looking back at the young woman, Chris shook his head with another smile. "Listen to me, Aoi... I was given a second chance at life. A second chance to live the way I want without anyone telling me how to do it... A second chance to make my own decisions, to walk my own path. To start all over and say this is how I'M going to do things." Chris affirmed before adjusting the display holding the dress, facing it before a standing mirror and guiding Aoi behind it so it appeared as though she was wearing it. "Now... Just take a look." he instructed, making her look at herself with his hands on her shoulders causing her eyes to widen. "I wanna give you that same second chance... It's thanks to a lot of people that I have everything I do today, that this Valley exists... I didn't start off alone, I had help... That's what I'm doing for you." Chris explained.

"You wanna pay me back for everything, then just walk forward. Hold your head high and focus on tomorrow." he added, lifting her chin and smiling as her face reddened while thinking about how Ninetales had said similar things. "I don't want or need anything in return really... But if you smiled more, stood straight and showed a little more confidence... That'd be a pretty nice reward!" Chris grinned before stepping back. "Just take a moment to look at yourself... To think about it. No matter what happened before, now's your chance to start all over, to do things different and think for yourself. Be who and what you want to be. There's nobody who can stop you or control you anymore. As long as you're under this roof, or heck, in this Valley even, you're as good as another Nakazaki to everyone!" he assured with a thumbs up, causing Aoi to flush all the more and look at him in surprise. "N-Naka... Eh?" she asked, pointing at herself. "Sure! You're family in these here hills!" Chris assured in his own quirky manner, putting a southern slur in his voice to lighten the moment as Aoi looked at herself in the mirror once more, remaining silent for a moment before tears started welling up in her eyes. Seeing this, Chris hesitated thinking he'd made her uncomfortable, apologizing only for Aoi to assure him she was okay, wiping her eyes as he remained wary, not wanting to push too strongly while still wanting to coax her forward. "Okay if... Try on?" she finally asked. "S-Sure! They're yours after all!" Chris eagerly nodded, watching as she took the dress behind a nearby privacy screen he'd had put in her room with a Japanese style to it. "A-Ah. Hang on, I'll step out." Chris hesitated with a nervous smile.

Turning toward the door, Aoi poked her head out from behind the screen and shyly assured him it was okay to stay, so long as he didn't try to come behind the screen making him panic and quickly wave his hands, assuring he wouldn't before sitting on a nearby chair in a shy manner of his own. Seeing his innocent behavior again, Aoi couldn't help but smile from being with a man so opposite from those she'd been around as she returned behind the screen. Looking at it as she moved about, despite vowing not to look at her behind the screen Chris was still able to clearly see her darkened silhouette, seeing her gown fall off making his eyes shoot open and an immediate flush appear on his face. "U-Um... A-Aoi...?" he called out, making her jolt and stand in a way that showed her silhouette concealing itself. "N-No look! You say no look!" she panicked. "N-No no!! I'm in the chair!!" he assured as she peeked out from the side of the screen again. "Wh-Why call?" she asked. "I-It's just, er... I-I'm not trying to look!! But... I can see your... Uh..." Chris tried to explain, pointing at the screen making her poke her head out far enough to see the way her silhouette showed through it. Turning red and wide eyed herself, she raised her hand and gave it a wave behind the screen, her silhouette moving accordingly before she glanced at Chris again. "Th-That is... Okay..." she replied meekly. "Y-You sure? I mean, I can..." Chris affirmed, pointing toward her door only for Aoi to shake her head and return behind the screen. "I-It is... Okay to watch... Only outside!!" she affirmed, making Chris think he was getting into things perhaps too deeply as she resumed dressing herself, allowing him to look at her silhouette while doing so.

Once she was finished, Aoi nervously stepped out from behind the screen, clutching her arm with her face down until finally glancing up toward Chris, asking "How do... Look?" as best she could, her voice quiet and wary as Chris remained silent, his eyes widening once more. "It is... Strange?" she asked, raising her head to look at him better only to notice his expression having turned flustered as his gaze hovered up and down her figure. "U-Uhh..." he muttered, the sight of her in the dress turning out to be more surprising than seeing her standing before it in the mirror. "I-It is good?" Aoi asked, noticing his gaze trailing up making her look down and put an arm over her bust. "...You are being ecchi again..." she scowled with a blush of her own, making Chris shake his head and apologize. "I am asking how I look." Aoi reminded. "G-Good! You look... Really good." he nodded in response, glancing away nervously. "S-Sorry about that... Kinda look better than I thought, and my expectations were already high." he point out with a nervous laugh. "So... Not waste of money, is right?" she asked, Chris quickly shaking his head. "You're amazing!" he smiled, making the young woman smile shyly as well, lowering her arm from her chest. "It makes me... Happy." she nodded before offering to turn for him, letting Chris look at her from all sides keeping his face in a reddened state. Once she faced him again, he quickly faced away himself with sweat showing, nodding with a "Y-Yep!! Looks good!!" of assurance, albeit in a panicked manner making Aoi giggle. "You are ecchi, but good kind." she point out. "Th-There's a good kind of per...?" Chris was about to ask, only to pause and quickly respond with "I'm not a pervert!!" making Aoi giggle all the more, looking at him as he pout in frustration like that of a puppy of sorts.

As she began returning behind the screen to try on her other outfit, Chris found himself returning to the present as his flashback ended, looking at the now barely lit fire as tiny bits of wood glowed. Reaching nearby for more to add to the fire, Chris nearly grabbed Sera who slept curled by his foot, adjusting his arm to grab the wood by the tiny fox instead and tossing it on the cinders before him, sending sparks fluttering up as the fire slowly began returning. Looking next to him, Goomy slept soundly in her own puddle-like slump, dozing atop the log while Bounsweet rest with Sera, cushioned by her tail. Deciding to adjust himself into a more relaxing position, Chris lowered himself to the ground and attempted to rest against the log, only for Midna to let out a whiny groan as it clung to his hair to keep from falling off. "Oops, sorry..." he apologized, reaching up and letting the imp crawl into his hands as he relaxed and placed it on his torso. "How's that?" he smiled, getting a yawn in response before it lazily slumped its chin down and went back to sleep. Looking up at the stars, Chris felt himself lacking the need for rest again, looking at the girls and Midna before staring at the stars above. "...It's not so bad. Nice night at least." he smirked before feeling Sera nuzzle her way into his side, curling up firmly against him while Bounsweet followed and plopped her cheek back down on the fox's tail. Squinting her eyes open, Goomy noticed Chris's head was now free and crawled her way on top, slumping back down with a yawn of her own. "Not my idea of a hat... But okay." Chris chuckled, the sensation like that of having a warm pouch of water on his head. Letting out a sigh of relief as he stretched, he reached up to make sure Goomy was still well coated.

The following day, as they made their way along with Goomy and Bounsweet tucked under his hood and Sera sitting comfortably atop his rucksack, Chris played with Midna by lifting and lowering the imp atop his staff, swaying it about making the creature grin and cackle. "Sure is easy to amuse you." Chris smirked, lowering is staff and rubbing the imp on its head. Everyone doing alright so far?" he asked, Goomy and Bounsweet letting out respective sounds of assurance while Sera let out a comfortable bark of sorts.

Nodding, he continued along with his party of misfits once more...