Shopping!

They arrived at a huge, bustling shop filled with vibrant colors and a lively atmosphere. Mannequins dressed in the latest fashion trends lined the walls, and racks of clothes in various styles and sizes filled the floor. The shop had a modern, sleek design with large mirrors, bright lights, and a cheerful ambiance.

Xaphor sat on a plush chair next to a cabinet filled with accessories, feeling out of place. He noticed people around him glancing his way, some with curious looks and others with a hint of admiration. 'Oh god...' he thought, trying to avoid eye contact.

Aeti and Rina were already diving into the racks, pulling out various outfits and discussing them animatedly. Rina's excitement was palpable, and Aeti, though more reserved, seemed to be enjoying herself as well.

'Gosh...this is so embarrassing...' he thought as his tail wag slowly behind him.

Rina: Captain, here try those out!

Xaphor look up and saw Rina and Aeti with tons of clothes in their arms

Xaphor sigh "all of these..?"

Rina: come on captain, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

"...fine."

--

Xaphor sighed, reluctantly taking the pile of clothes from Rina and Aeti. "Fine, I'll try them on."

---

After trying on various outfits, Xaphor emerged from the fitting room in yet another ensemble. Rina sighed in disapproval, shaking her head. "All he tried were kinda 'meh' on him... What do you think, Aeti?"

Aeti, who had been uncharacteristically quiet and blushing the entire time, finally spoke up. "I-I think they all look... good on him."

Xaphor raised an eyebrow, noticing Aeti's blush. "Really? Even the last one?" He glanced at the mirror, trying to see what Aeti saw.

Rina grinned mischievously. "Well, maybe we need to find something that combines the best elements of each outfit. I have a question...in the cape you always wear...what is the thing you like in it?"

Xaphor thought for a moment. "The faux fur on the shoulders is quite cozy...and I like the color of it," he replied with a slight smile.

"Hm...so like a final boss energy...I like that!"

'Well, that's specific...wait, didn't I hear this thing before...' Xaphor thought.

Rina smiled and adjusted her glasses. "BRB!"

Xaphor sighed as he watched her go and sat back down in the chair. "Well...Rina seems to be a huge fan of shopping."

Aeti giggled. "True, she was always like this. She isn't a stylist for nothing."

Xaphor: "But if she's so good at fashion...why did she join Vanguard X?"

Aeti's smile faded. "Well, her father was a renowned soldier. He was dedicated to protecting the kingdom but lost his life in a fierce battle against the Oxtywraiths. Rina joined Vanguard X to honor his memory and continue his legacy. Fashion was her way of coping, a way to bring some beauty into a world that could be harsh and unforgiving."

Xaphor looked down, feeling the weight of the story. "I...I had no idea."

Aeti nodded. "She doesn't talk about it much, but that's why she's so passionate about both fashion and fighting. She wants to make her father proud."

Rina returned, holding a new outfit. "Alright, Captain, try this on! It's got the faux fur you like and a modern twist!" she said, her usual energy back in full force."

Kryzius looked at Rina with a mix of apathy and understanding. Behind those confident eyes, he saw someone trying to run away from her pain.

He got up from his seat and gently patted her head.

Rina blushed a little, surprised by the unexpected gesture. "What is this for?!"

"...You're a strong fashionista," he said softly.

Rina's eyes widened in surprise.

Kryzius took the clothes from her hand and walked into the changing room, leaving Rina standing there, touched and momentarily speechless.

--

We see Rina standing by the racks of clothes, her fingers idly trailing over the fabric as she daydreamed about Kryzius's words.

"..."

Those words he said to her...they were strangely nostalgic, bringing back memories of a time when she had felt truly seen and appreciated. She sighed, a mix of emotions swirling inside her, as she waited for Kryzius to emerge from the changing room.

Aeti noticed her introspective look. "You okay, Rina?"

Rina snapped back to reality, giving Aeti a small smile. "Yeah, just...thinking."

Suddenly, both Rina and Aeti turned as they heard Xaphor stepping out of the changing room.

Rina's eyes widened in surprise.

Kryzius was wearing a long coat that perfectly blended his old style with a fresh, modern twist. The coat was a deep, rich black with intricate silver embroidery running down the sleeves and edges. The shoulders were adorned with the same cozy faux fur he loved from his cape, but now it was sleek and sophisticated, giving him a regal yet edgy look. The coat flared slightly at the bottom, allowing for easy movement, and inside, it was lined with a deep crimson fabric that hinted at the fierce energy within.

Kryzius looked down at himself, adjusting the collar. "Well, how do I look?"

Rina's smile grew wide, her eyes sparkling. "You look...perfect. Like a true captain."

Rina suddenly had tears in her eyes.

Aeti's eyes widened. "Rina...are you okay?!"

Those words...the way Kryzius wore the clothes reminded her of her father, and of a moment when a stranger confronted her about holding a grudge from the past.

Nothing mattered to her anymore. She had wanted to disappear, to leave behind what she loved. She wanted to end it all. And yet, when she had expressed these feelings to that stranger, he had said something she hadn't expected.

"Would he like you to be out of existence...?"

Suddenly, she felt something hugging her. Kryzius had stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. His hold was strong yet gentle, conveying a sense of safety and warmth.

"It's okay, Rina," Kryzius said softly.

Rina stood silently, accepting his hug. In that moment, nothing else mattered to her, and yet, she didn't want to give up.

"Thank you...sir," she whispered softly, expressing her gratitude.