Drawing another breath, Fins nervously smoothed her hair and stuck out with her plan to tread on the hallowed ground of the great tree. She only faces her anxious mood with more intensity as she crests the hill, stumbling upon the horrendous gore and smoldering ash of the battle prior.

“Oh, fuck…HOFF?! WINGS!”

“Be silent, please. I am contemplating.”

Fins glanced down at Xinobu, whom she did not notice due to her bust and the fact the monk was seated atop a large rock.

“Oh…hey, old man. I was, uh…sorry if I…y’know. Intruded.”

“You are here for the Seraph, yes?” Xinobu opened one eye behind his mask.

“Y-yeah. I came because he forgot something at the bar. The fuck happened?”

“Wanton destruction and an intrusion to my peace. Demons.”

“Demons?? Is Hoffmann okay?” Fins replied, voice pitched with worry.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Minor injuries. He will live. Yes, you may see him.”

“...How did you know I was gonna ask?”

“You could have waited until he returned to work. You came all the way here just to give him paper. I know you do not wish to travel by land unless forced. Second floor, second door on the left.”

Nodding, Fins thanks Xinobu silently as she steps inside, getting up to the second floor of the mighty tree mansion as she finds Hoffmann’s room and knocks.

“Come in, Xin.”

Fins clicks the door open, finding Hoffmann laid up on the bed with a bowl of broth to his lips. Hoffmann coughs for a moment, hurriedly putting the bowl down and spilling some in the process.

“Fins? The Hell are you doing here.”

“Hey…I came by to give you something, but, I saw the shit outside. What happened?”

Hoffmann gave a huff and stared at the window.

“Demon attack. Not sure why.”

“...Wings.”

“What?”

Fins had crossed the room and gone to a knee to wipe up the spilt soup broth. She looks up into Hoffmann’s face and meets his gaze.

“Tell the truth.”