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Going on a walk around town with Luke was really the best idea for the evening, since Tom always thought walks were better with someone by his side. It also helped that Atlas showed up along the way.

Even after they left the Astral Dreams café, and the Founders Circle as a whole behind, conversation topics just wouldn't stop coming.

Atlas: So... You guys went to the same college?

Luke: Yeah. But I was more focused on poems and songwriting, instead of storytelling.

Tom: You should hear him singing.

Atlas: Oooh. Now I'm curious.

The tiny feline blushed a little.

Luke: I can try something, just... Not now in the middle of this crowd.

Tom: Heh. Fair enough.

They were now making their way into one of the many parks of the city, crossing a long bridge barely above a big lake, with a good amount of light coming from the fish houses at the bottom of it. It was a sight to behold for sure. Even after countless years of the bull going through this very same path.

And it didn't take long at all for him to find a familiar face in the water. A light pink fish with a darker headfin was staring at something on the other margin, but turned around in the exact moment Tom's eyes met him.

Fish: Oh, Hey!

Tom: Hello Nando. What's the matter?

Nando: Well... I was craving an orange fresh from the tree, but I can't really reach it.

Indeed, there was a big orange tree booming with fruits just across the bridge.

Luke: I feel ya.

Atlas: Is that so? We can help.

Tom: Yeah.

Nando: Thank you guys.

So, they made their way calmly to the other side, and reached the big tree with a bit of admiration. It seemed to be there for ages, and would stay for a few more.

But what they didn't notice before was that there was someone almost as tall and large as the tree trunk, just behind it. An enormous orange bunny with a light muzzle and long brown hair. He also had a short beard and was wearing a green beanie.

But the most interesting thing about him was his long ears, since one of them was split in two, making for three in total.

He was also carrying a basket, that seemed deceptively small in his big hands, that he was staring to fill with oranges as soon as the other three guys arrived, and was noticeably startled by their sudden approach.

Bunny: Oh... Sorry! I was just...

Atlas: Calm down. We're not the police or something.

Tom: Yeah. We're just here to get an orange too.

Luke: Some oranges.

Nando: Yep.

The fish agreed from the closest he could get in the lake, and the bunny seemed to calm down indeed. At least a little.

Bunny: Phew... I thought you'd call the guards on me.

Tom: I believe this tree is public property by now.

Luke: And besides, you're pretty sneaky for someone this big.

Bunny: Heh, thanks.

Atlas: Anyway, why do you need the oranges?

Bunny: Well... I wanna bake some orange cakes, to sell around my neighborhood.

Nando: Neat. I just want a fruity snack.

Tom: Here.

He just used his upper left hand to get the biggest orange from the nearest branch, and gently throwed to the fish in the lake.

Nando: Thanks, Man.

Tom: No problem. Anyway, do you need some help?

He was now talking to the big bunny again.

Bunny: Well... If you guys don't mind...

Luke: Of course not.

Bunny: Then thanks, in advance.

Atlas: What's your name, by the way.

Bunny: Brent. Brent Meadow. What about you?

Atlas: Well... I'm Atlas Lighthorn, this bull here is Thomas Jay...

Tom: But you can call me Tom.

Luke: And I'm Luke Natsu. Pleased to meet ya.

Brent: Heh. Same then.

With that, they started filling that basket, wich didn't take long at all due to Brent's size and Tom's extra pair of hands. Despite being tiny, Luke proved to be a very good climber, and Atlas pointed out the juiciest oranges he could see.

In a couple minutes, the four of them had already filled the basket to the brim, and were slowing walking through the park with Nando following in the water. They were looking for the west entrance, where Brent parked his truck.

Luke: What a nice night to be out.

Tom: Indeed. I just love the sight from here.

Across the luminous waters of the lake, they could have a good look into the sheer magnetude of the city centre they just left. Tall buildings, lit windows and apartament balconies, and specially the neon lights of the many signs and ads that filled the place, were so pretty to look at. Another sight to behold.

Nando: There's always some music coming from this place. Usually more than two at once.

Atlas: Heh. Guess a Heart never stops pumping.

Brent: Yeah... But it can be a little overwhelming.

Tom: True. It's a nice place to spend some time on, but not where I'd live.

Luke: The suburban life has the best of both worlds anyway.

Nando: But I'd like to visit the countryside again someday.

Atlas: You've been there before?

Nando: Yep. Went into a mountainside lake with my family a few summers ago. There was a big waterfall, some caves... It was so nice, despite the bad wi-fi.

Luke: Heh. We can't get everything.

Tom: But we can be happy with what we do have.

Brent: Yeah... Well, we're here.

The conversation was so nice, and Tom was so distracted looking at the other side of the lake, that he didn't even notice the huge gate right in front of them at first. But the bunny was already putting the basket in the back of a huge green pickup truck, that must be his.

Atlas: Oh. Already?

Luke: It was great talking to you.

Brent: Thanks... I'm not in a hurry, but it would be nice to get home early.

Tom: Heh, I feel ya. But where can we find you?

Brent: Well... I work at the Morning Star Bakery, near the road to Bright Fields.

Luke: I know where that is.

Tom: Me too. Pretty close to where I live. But I've never seen you there.

Brent: That's probably because I spend most of the day in the back, baking stuff.

Atlas: Pretty tasty stuff then.

Brent: Heh... Yeah. The cakes will be part of a new marketing strategy.

Nando: Neat. Just bring some to me, if you can.

Brent: We actually have top-notch fish accessibility. Just swim by with the underground tubes.

Nando: Perfect. I'll be showing up tomorrow then.

Tom: It's Saturday, so we should all go.

Luke: Yep.

Brent: Heh. So I'll be waiting then. Thanks again for everything.

Atlas: No problem, dude.

Tom: See you soon.

And with that, the bunny got into his truck with a warm smile still on his face, and soon drove away from the park, as the other three said farewell to Nando, and went on their way. That fateful encounter still very fresh in their minds.