Neko Paradise!

The Resting...Or Not

-"I'm glad I finally get a chance to nap for more than 2 minutes." My buddy Kimihito next to me said.

-"Whatever you say, I'm just happy to be heading home after this long." I said.

-"Oh? You got a family now, (Y/N)?"

-"Nah, just been fighting for way too long. Think I might enjoy some breathing room. Ya know?"

-"Yeah, I get it. But hey, look on the bright side! You got yourself a bronze star for saving those hybrids!" 

-"True enough. If I'm being honest, I didn't even realize they were hybrids in the moment. I just thought they were part of the 2000 civies in Arcadia."

-"You don't remember? They were two-" 

     Kimihito was interrupted by our Colonel. He was giving his departing speech, as always. The rest of us got in line and stood proud.

-"When history called, you answered. From all walks of life you came to defend peace and prosperity between two races. I thank you. And the world thanks you. And wherever your path takes you, know this; You will always be among a brotherhood of heroes. I hope that you will take this honor not only to yourself, but to those that present themselves to you in your everyday lives. Farewell gentlemen, Godspeed." Colonel Ravis said.

     Kimihito and I along with a few other friends met up afterwards.

-"Well...this is it fellas." Alex said.

     I pulled out a small pendant from my pocket and showed it to him.

-"Here, Saint Michael, patron saint of soldiers. You're gonna need it more than me, you got a kiddo now." I said, handing it to him.

-"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Gentlemen." he said, turning away.

     I was about to speak again, until Alex yelled out something.

-"Queens! Your prodigal son returns!" Alex said jokingly.

-"Hey, you gonna be okay?" Sam asked me.

-"Gotta say bye to everyone first." I said.

-"Well boys, I'll see you whenever you decide to get your asses over to America." Sam said.

-"I think I'll brave the winters of Canada a little while longer. It's home." I said.

-"Sure, I don't know what I was talking aboot, eh?" he said jokingly as he left.

    Just Kimihito and I left standing together.

-"Well, you going home Kimihito?" I asked.

-"...I am home." he said.

-"Right. Besides, you got that Lamia, Harpy, Centaur, Slime and Mermaid to watch over right?" 

-"Yeah, I think they'll all be relieved once I show up not riddled in bullets."

-"Makes sense, they been treatin' you alright so far?"

-"...Alright enough." 

-"What does that mean?"

-"Well, there's the occasional injury, but other than that they're all amazing."

-"Good to hear."

-"You know, you should apply to be a host as well."

-"Nah, not really my thing. Like, I'm not a hybrid racist or anything, it's just that I don't think I'm cut out for that type of stuff. Besides...I've been away from Canada for a long time."