Shangri La Pt. 1

26: Interest

"Seems she might have a change of heart right now." Gin noted as he pointed past the blond. 

Katsuki slowly turned his head and his heart started racing the second he saw the greenette hiding while trying to get his attention. 

'Oh shit.'

( Back in Time! )

"Oh, Izumi, I didn't expect you to see me this early in the morning." the Great Piscis spoke as the greenette entered the shrine. 

"Forgive me, Great Piscis, I had been sick for the past few days and was unable to serve you." 

"Why that's alright, Zeri here was keeping me company, so there's nothing to worry about." she replied as the familiar doctor approached them and entered the conversation. 

"Good morning, Izumi, I can see that you are doing a lot better now that you've recovered." 

"Ah– G-Good morning, Zeri, I-I didn't think you'd still be here, but I'm glad I can thank you once again in person for all you did for me. I am sincerely grateful." Izumi spoke as she bowed to the doctor. 

"No need to thank me, I was just doing my job, and your cousin would've killed me if I didn't get rid of your fever." 

"That's very true. Now is that the only thing you wished to say, Izumi?" Piscis questioned.

"Oh– Actually there was something I was going to request and hope you would approve of for today." 

"Hm? Today? Is there something special happening in the palace today that I am unaware of?" 

"No no, I was wanting to request if I could go into the city today. It's been a bit since the last time I went to go see my mother and another friend of mine." the greenette requested. 

"I see, you have been quite busy recently and just overcame a very bad fever, so I understand why you request this. There's no need to make such a request when I know that you will return safely. Ah– But I do think you having a guard joining you through the city shouldn't be an issue. How about the guard you had the last time you went to the city?"

"S-Shiro!" 

"Thank you so much, Great Piscis, I will be on my way then and return before nightfall! Excuse me then." 

"Ah– But there is something I think would come in handy for you, Izumi." Piscis spoke, stopping the greenette in her tracks. 

"Hm? Something handy?" 

"Yes, it's something that I was able to use when I was much younger, but there is no need for me to use it's purpose any longer." Piscis answered as she went into the sleeve of her robe to reveal a silver band that had a Lotus engraved in it. 

"Woah~ What a beautiful band, is that real Silver?" 

"Of course, and I used this band to give me the ability to disguise myself, but like I said before, I have no purpose for it now. I think it would be a better idea for you to take it and give it to your guard so no one recognizes them when you two head into town. I know you already have your Emerald charm to disguise yourself, but you can't be the only one in disguise." Piscis explained while handing the silver band to the greenette. 

Izumi was left in awe by how shiny and pristine the small band was, not to mention how it appeared to look like it was just polished.

"Shiro, don't give that to her!" 

"Oh goodness, are you sure I can take this?" 

"Certainly, but I do request that you return it to me once it's served its use for today. This band is very important to my past and I would not want it to be lost."