Wonder had mentally braced himself, but it wasn’t enough. When they reached the gates, there was instant chaos. It was the Prince they were bringing in, after all. The guards were a flurry of questions. Wonder tried to process it all and calmly process, but it was like a storm of white, gold, and metal. The sounds were getting louder and louder, accusations and questions and voices.

Suddenly, he couldn’t see his kids. He was just holding their hands! Where were they? Where was Sakura, she hated crowds! Where was Izuku, this was a Light city! Why did everyone have weapons?!? Where they attacking him?!? His family?!? Where, where, what, what, why why… shut up shut up shut up!!!

“WONDER!!!”

Wonder jolted. He was lying down on a bed, with his two worried kids, Kat, and Mids looking over him. Someone in green and white robes was nearby, but giving respectful distance.

Wonder sat up with a groan. “What… I fainted, didn’t I…?”

Mids nodded. Izuku and Sakura both hugged him tightly. Kat said, “Yeah, and we couldn’t get you to revive. How are you feeling?”

The robed figure walked up. They said in a raspy voice, “Give him space.”

Kat and Mids looked in concern at the figure and scooted back. Wonder took the chance to hug his kids. He said, “Sorry, guys… I’ve never been good in crowds. Especially large ones that are very… intense on me. But I haven’t fainted in years…”

Mids said, “Why didn’t you say something? I mean, I’m not Prince for nothing…”

Wonder chuckled. “Ever since coming to Hoseki, I haven’t been in large crowds for every long. And even then, their focus was not on me, so I didn’t feel in danger. I can last an hour or two in a crowded environment like a festival without some sort of break or ‘isolation’ like a lunch table. I keep forgetting that I… get overwhelmed.”

The robed said, “Not uncommon for Hunters. Many enjoy isolation, or even smaller groups.”

They looked at the adults. “Which leads to, get outside. I don’t even know how you got in!” They pointed at Kat.

Kat said, “Hehhehheh…” He blushed.

Mids said, “Um… I…”

The robed figure held his hand up. “Until Wonder has fully recovered, it’s best that we keep the company small. I don’t see the harm in children as long as they stay quiet and calm. But you two need to give Wonder some breathing space.”

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Kat said, “Besides… we probably should split the news to your parents.”

Mids paled. “True… Wonder, I’ll check on you in a few hours.”

Wonder said, “Thanks, Mids. Kat, behave.”

Kat held up his hands, but smiled softly. The duo left the room… and there was some chaos as Lil tried to break in. Wonder then saw two guards who barely managed to stop her. Wonder fought chuckles, though he was glad she cared.

He smiled down at his kids, stroking their heads. “It’s okay. Daddy’s okay. I’m sorry to scare you.”

Izuku and Sakura looked up. Sakura said, “Daddy not like people either?”

Wonder debated how to answer. He said, “Not to that extreme. Daddy kinda has a people time battery… kinda like you have Mana for your spells! Daddy has a much smaller people time battery than most people, so it drains like spells drain mana. Does that make sense?”

Wonder always applauded his kids’ intelligence. Sakura nodded, and then simply cuddled up. Izuku asked, “Do we drain your people-mana, Daddy?”

Wonder smiled and rubbed his back. “No, sweetie! Daddy’s people-mana drains more around lots of people that’s not Daddy’s family. And you and Sakura are definitely family.”

Izuku smiled and hugged Wonder tight. Wonder gently hugged them back, then looked at the robed figure. “You’re the doc, huh?”

The robed figure said, “Do… oh. Yes, I am a medic.”

They removed their hood to reveal… basically, an adult Sakura. Like, seriously, the face shape and ruby eyes were uncanny matches. But this medic’s crazy hair was tied into a poof of a ponytail, and her skin had a bit more of a tan to it. As well, there seemed to be leather right under the robes. As well… a black collar?

Sakura suddenly shrieked, and hid behind Wonder. Wonder nearly jumped sky-high, and quickly turned. Sakura was now behind him, clinging to him tightly. Wonder said, “Hey… honey, I don’t think the Doc’s gonna hurt yah…”

The doctor said, “Oh… you are not her birth father?”

Wonder said, “Uh, doesn’t matter. Not really.”

He looked around, and grabbed a paper to write with. He scribbled quickly, Preme. Tribe attacked by Mages. Ended up in my wagon a week later.

Doc said, “Oh, I see.”

They sighed, and sat down at a nearby desk. They seemed to debate what to say. And, with glances at the kids, probably was debating what was even safe to say. They finally said, “Wild Tribes have very different cultures than Lightwraiths away from cities or towns, especially in non-Lightwraith territory. I’m actually impressed that you and young Izuku were able to bond with her. Probably due to her age… she hasn’t have time to… ‘know better’.”

They rubbed their chin. “Have you met any other hatchlings?”

Wonder said, “No. Well, they played with some kids in the carriage line last night, but we’ve been on the road.”

Doc nodded. “That is fair. I suggest that maybe, you see if you can arrange a bit more playtime while in the city.”

Wonder got an idea. “Does the Adventurers’ Guild have a daycare here too?”

The doc seemed confused, then smiled. “Actually… I think they do.”

Wonder said, “Great. I know the next stop… after a bathroom break. And snacks.”