Chapter 18: Some Familiar Faces “Mmmmm.....mgh!” Mist moaned as she slowly started to regain consciousness. She sits up and yawns loudly as she started to slowly open her eyes. “Where am I? (Yawn)!” Just as Mist's eyes were fully opened, she found herself laying down on a comfortable bed with a feather mattress, light blue sheets and a royal blue blanket. Mist checked out her surroundings and found herself in what appears to be an immaculately clean bedroom within a cozy house. There was a wooden dresser drawer with a huge mirror hung over it on the left side of her bed. In front, above the bed, there was a wine colored crystal vision set firmly bolted up to the wall. On the right side of bed, there was a bookshelf full of books and magazines. It was perfectly organized, unlike Noelle's book case back at her home, where the books were haphazardly put back into place. Over at the door, Mist saw the knob turn and the door crack open. Right before Mist, a young boy of Trowe mystic heritage greeted her. The boy had dark gray skin, short length chartreuse hair, huge amber hued eyes, and wore a blue and red shawl lined with gold threads and donned a baggy violet and teal striped pantsuit underneath. On his head, he wore a blue, double pointed wizard hat with reverse cross bangles adorning the tips. With that sort of outfit the youth was wearing, it was apparent he was a sorcerer of the Devil Shaman class. “Mist! Mist! You're okay!” The young boy cheered as he approached Mist. Mist went and hugged the boy, and said, “Of course I am Garland. How have you been recently?” “I've been fine.” Garland said happily. “I kind of like it here in Gen-Dei.” “Hmmm....” Mist pondered as she puts her right index finger on her lip. “I need to know more about this place. It's been forever since I've been to an Alagablettur on Earth.” Garland heads back to the door and waved back to the reclining Valkyrie. “I'll let everyone know that you are awake and well. We were all worried sick about you.” “Okay, I'll wait here. I just woke up anyways.” Mist said as she watched Garland leave her room and go downstairs to announce the good news to everyone. --- Meanwhile, downstairs, Amirani was having a conversation with Tala about his beloved at the kitchen table, taking sips of their coffee. “I'm glad you found her Lord Amirani. I was worried that we'll never find her alive and well in this world.” “I'm glad I found her too.” Amirani said back to Tala as he sipped down some of his coffee. “I'm thankful that Mist is safe and well in her reincarnated life. She has a loving human family, good friends, and is well fed with shelter over her head.” “Same here my Prince. Same here.” Tala replied. “Hey everyone...!” Garland shouted in bliss as he made his way down the stairs and greeted his fellow master and his peers. “What is it Garland?” A Laminak girl clad in purple and pink garments asked, as she was sitting at the crystal vision, watching a movie. Garland's face started to beam with joy as he hopped up and down happily. “Mist is awake! Mist is awake! HOORAY!” “She is?!” Everyone in the house asked in surprise. “Come. Follow me!” Garland cheered as everyone followed the Trowe child upstairs, to where Mist was resting. --- Mist felt rather relieved, knowing that she was in safe hands in Gen Dei. However, at the same time, she worried about Kai Fai Wong and her Obake friends back in Kowloon. She hoped they were in safe hands, far from the prying eyes of her old nemesis. The Valkyrie gotten herself out of bed and she stretches out for a bit, cocking her neck from side to side. The feeling of her joints popping felt quite wonderful for Mist. She didn't know how long she was out, but she was finally awake for now. The effects of the tranquilizer dart has finally ended. Mist now heard a knock on her door. Amirani was the first to speak. “Can we come in Mist?” “Sure. Come on in my dear.” Mist replied as she sat back down on the bed. The door opened, and there, Amirani and company came in, with looks of relief and happiness on their faces. The girl in pink and lavender was the first to approach Mist at her bed. The girl hugged mist and said cheerfully, “Miss Mist! We missed you! I'm glad you're okay.” “I missed you too Oksana.” Mist sighed peacefully as she hugged Oksana back. “How are things holding up in Gen Dei?” “They're holding up just fine Sis!” Oksana cheered as the two stopped hugging. “We spent seventeen years going from one Alagablettur to the next. But now, finally, after finding you, we found our true place to be in the human realm, as long as you live this life out.” “We're all glad you are safe and sound in this mortal life.” Tala added as she stood at the end of Mist's bed. Mist started to show a look of concern on her face. “Amirani....guys....” “Yes?” Amirani asked, looking concerned. “Is there anything wrong my lady?” Tala asked as well. “How are Kai Fai Wong, Yukio and his family?” Mist wondered, feeling a little uneasy. “Are they going to be okay?” Amirani and Tala went over to Mist and patted her on her shoulders. “We just got done talking to them a little while ago. Yukio and his family took your human father to their house....” “What about Doll Grethe and her companions?” Mist wondered nervously. “Well, Lilith forged a note to make it look like Kai Fai's writing, that said that he is over on Hong Kong island to run some errands.” Amirani explained to Mist. “Lilith told me that she will spy on the trio, and keep a close on them, so they will never find your human father nor your Obake friends.” Mist jump up off the bed and hugged Amirani. She kissed him on the tip of his beak and said, “Thank you my Prince. You're such a sweet heart!” Amirani blushed and giggled. “Heh heh, thanks Mist. For you, I'd do anything.” “And same for you.” Mist added, smiling. “Say Mist....?” Tala asked, as she folded her arms casually. “Yes my lady Tala?” Mist wondered. “Do you mind if we show you around Gen Dei?” Tala asked. “It's been centuries since you've been on an Alagablettur in the human realm, so, we only think it's fair we give you a tour of this quaint region.” Mist nodded her head and smiled, her face lit up with joy. “Yes! That sounds wonderful! I'd love to check out this region.” Tala nods her head and smiles. “Then, what are we waiting for? Get yourself out of your armor and slip into something more casual. It's not like we're going on a mission. Enjoy your stay while you're here!” Everyone left Mist's room and got ready for their day out. Everyone in this house switched into some more casual outfits for the day. Mist looked through her clothing wardrobe and found one of her favorite outfits she would wear when she'd take a break from her divine journeys. The outfit consisted of a floral patterned red kimono with flowing sleeves, a pink slip and a matching floral patterned red bonnet surrounded with fluffy lace. The obi was black and white, with a pink silk flower on the front, and a huge black and white bow on the back. Mist loved this outfit a lot, so she decided to wear it for once in seventeen years. Mist was excited and happy to be with her friends and husband again. She was overjoyed that they were doing well in the human realm for all these seventeen years since her reincarnation into a mortal body. --- Today was a rather nice day on the Alagablettur of Gen Dei. It was sunny outside, with no visible clouds in the sky. On the outside, in the eyes of a regular human being, Gen Dei appears to be an abandoned amusement park out in the middle of a remote mountainous forest. But to non-humans, as well as a human that happens to be invited by a non-human, Gen Dei appears to be a grand oriental styled city. Only humans invited by a non-human person or two were allowed on an Alagablettur. Those uninvited humans are either, at best, banished, or given a warning to leave the area. At worst, the uninvited humans are either captured or cursed. So unless a human was close friends with a non-human, it was best for humans to heed the warnings and leave these untouched areas alone. Mist was in awe over this enchanted city. Even though it felt forever since Mist was on an Alagablettur, Gen Dei reminded Mist of home sweet home all over again. For many centuries, Mist, Amirani and their loved ones traveled between the eight worlds of Alerfa. Whenever the divine group ended up in a world outside of Earth, the human realm, many cities, villages and towns in these non-human realms were a lot like the Alagabletturs of Earth. So it was a very familiar setting for the Valkyrie and her loved ones. And they all felt at ease at this moment. As they strolled through the city limits, Mist was thoroughly observing her surroundings with her loved ones. On the right side of the group, there was a toy shop, a magic shop, a jewel shop and an outside booth that sells meat buns. On the left side of the group, there was a musical instrument shop, a weapon shop, an armor and clothes shop, and a potion shop. While strolling through the streets, Mist's stomach started to strongly grumble and churn. “Oh man...I'm so hungry...” “Me too.” Oksana sighed as the group stopped strolling for a bit. “Me three!” Garland added. Mist looked over at her friends and asked, “Do you guys know of any fine dining establishments?” Amirani and Tala started to think of some places where they can go out to dine. There were so many great restaurants and pubs that were sprinkled throughout Gen Dei. Decisions...decisions...decisions.... Then, Amirani decided to speak up and give a recommendation to his beloved. “Well, we have a favorite hangout spot.” “Where's that?” Mist asked. “There is a restaurant known as 'The Dancing Firebird'.” Amirani explained to Mist. “It is a restaurant for the truly adventurous. The meals are quite one of a kind indeed.” Oksana and Garland were overjoyed when they heard they were going to The Dancing Firebird restaurant. They both jumped up and down in joy. “Hooray! The Dancing Firebird! We love that place!” “Very well.” Tala said calmly. “I think Mist would love this place as much as we do. So The Dancing Firebird it is.” --- Mist and company entered the Restaurant known as The Dancing Firebird. When the entered the building, Amirani led Mist to a wall of pictures that showcased the victors of a spicy food eating contest known as “The Rise from the Ashes”challenge. This is how the Rise from the Ashes challenge works: The one who endures the most spicy food in one sitting is the victor, and will have a picture pinned to the wall of fame. Over on the wall, there were a couple of images of Amirani on the wall, as well as a few other familiar faces with him. Mist looked over at the pictures, and smiled in delight. “Wow Ran! I didn't know you and your relatives were winners in an eating contest. Amazing!” “I was meaning to tell you that when I met up with you.” Amirani said sheepishly. “But now that you can control your abilities better now, I can tell you what we've been up to while you were away and re-born....” “Ahhh! Greetings Lord Amirani!” a female voice cheered out loud in the diner. Amirani and Mist turned around and saw they were being greeted by a waitress of the Efreet mystic clan. The waitress had dark tan skin, obsidian horns nestled in her shoulder length blonde hair, orange eyes and wore a work uniform consisting of a feathered cloak, a white halter top, red shorts and knee high red boots. The Efreet waitress looked over at Mist and smiled. “I see we have a newcomer here. What is your name Miss?” “My name is Mist. Mist Elmbarn. And you?” “My name is Sireen. It's a pleasure to meet you.” Then Sireen eyed Amirani and asked, “Are you going to participate in the annual 'Rise from the Ashes' eating contest this week?” Amirani shook his head. “No, not this time.” This surprised Sireen as she asked, “Why not? You and your brothers do a great job taking down a series of spicy meals.” “I'm here to show an old love one around this week.” Amirani replied as he goes over to Mist and puts his arm around her. “Mist is my beloved wife, and it's been 17 years since she was reincarnated into a human host. Now her memories as Mist returned and I just want to show her around town.” Sireen nodded her head and smiled. “Ah, I understand now. Glad to meet you Mist. I hope you enjoy your stay here in Gen Dei.” “Thank you.” Mist said back, smiling. “Hey, Sireen, I have a suggestion...” “What might that be my lady?” Sireen asked. “Can we have a table outside on the patio? It's such a lovely day today.” Mist looked over at Amirani and her group of Valkyries and Einheriar. “What do you guys think?” “Fine by me.” Amirani replied as he looked over at Tala, Oksana and Garland. “What do you three think?” “I see no objection.” Tala replied, smiling. “It's such a nice sunny day.” Oksana sighed in bliss. “As long as we get to sit under an umbrella, I see no objection.” Garland added. Sireen nodded her head and beckoned everyone to follow her. “Come, follow me, I shall show you five to your table.” --- While the five sat outside under a shady umbrella out on the patio, they looked over their menus that Sireen gave to them. All the meals looked spicy, yet tasty at the same time. On each side of the dish, there was a certain number of stars that indicated how spicy the food was going to be. One star indicated a mild dish. Two stars indicated a tad bit spicy dish. Three indicated that it was significantly spicy dish. Four stars indicate a super spicy dish. Last, but definitely not least, there was five stars, which indicated code red spiciness. The five star dishes were for pros only. Sireen went outside to check up on Amirani and the group. She pulls out a notepad, and asks, “Are you guys ready to order yet?” “Yes, we are!” All five of the group members cheered in unison. “And what will it be for today?” Sireen asked as she was ready to take notes. “I would like some Kung Pao Troll Ball. Two star spiciness please.” Mist replied. “I would enjoy some Curry Manna and Seafood please. I'd prefer four star spiciness.” Tala said with anticipation. “I'd really like some Garlic Bark Lobsters. One star spiciness, if you don't mind.” Oksana added as Sireen was taking notes. “I'd like some Spicy Milk Ball soup. Two star spiciness.” Garland adds back. Finally, Sireen sets her eyes on Amirani and asked, “And what would you like, our greatest spicy food veteran?” “I would like some Kung Pao lake prawns with a bowl of Manna Chili on the side.” Amirani said as he smiled and winked. “I'd like both to be five star spiciness, of course.” Sireen smiled and bowed, as the group handed over the menus to her.”Very well, we will prepare the meals as soon as possible. Take care.” “You too Miss.” Mist said, as she waved back to the Efreet waitress. --- Approximately nearly a half hour passed. The food was delivered to the tables where Mist, Tala, Amirani, Oksana and Garland were sitting at. The five couldn't wait to dig into their spicy meals. In the middle of eating, the five decided to carry on some conversations and ask how Mist was doing as she lived her life as Noelle Wong. “So Sis....” Oksana asked. “How's your life as a human?” “Has the human realm changed over the years?” Garland wondered. “I'd go check em out myself, but humans seem very hairy scary.” “Oh yes, the human realm has definitely changed over the centuries.” Mist replied to the youngest members of the group. “Human technology is almost on par with the technology of the seven other realms.” “Seriously?!” Oksana and Garland exclaimed in unison. “You're kidding me Sis?” Oksana asked in surprise. “No, I'm serious guys.”Mist said calmly, with a peaceful smile on her face. “The human realm of Earth has grown over the centuries. The growth of Earth technology took longer to advance than the technology of the other worlds, but believe me, it has improved big time.” Oksana and Garland looks over at Amirani, and asked him, “Is that true Lord Amirani? That Earth technology has improved big time?” Amirani smiled and said, “Yes, of course it's true. I've seen it for myself as I went undercover in human form. They have video games, electronic reading tablets and so on.” “Cool!” Oksana and Garland exclaimed. Now, it was Tala's turn to ask Mist questions. “So Mist, did you make any friends in the human realm? Any rivals as well?” “Well, my human father and I made friends with a family known as the Nozawas.” Mist replied. “They are obake yokai who decided to make themselves at home in the human realm.” “They're really nice people.” Amirani added. “They helped us bring Noelle's father to safety, away from the prying eyes of the devil hunters that are pursuing us.” “How nice of them.” Tala said calmly. “They sound like great people.” “Say, Mist?” Oksana asked with a huge impish grin on her face. “Did you run into humans that annoyed you to no end?” Mist rolled her eyes and groaned. “Sadly enough, yes. There were some annoying kids at my school. There is this one girl named Yoshiko, the snobby popular ditz who tries to get under my skin whenever possible.” “Blargh!” Amirani grumbled in disgust over hearing Yoshiko's name being mentioned. “You know that Yoshiko girl too Lord Amirani?” Tala wondered in curiousity. “Are you kidding me?” Amirani groaned. “That lady child keeps trying to get down my pants and force herself on me when I'm in human form.” “Ah, I see....” Tala sighed in disgusted as she shook her head. “But don't worry you guys...” Amirani said casually. “Yoshiko is not threatening or evil. She's just moronic and childish.” “Whew!” Tala, Oksana and Garland sighed as they wiped the sweat from their brows. “Well, anyways, this food is delicious!” Mist exclaimed happily as she ate away at her Kung Pao Troll Ball. “This is one of the best restaurants I've been to on an Alagablettur. Thank you very much guys.” “You're welcome Lady Mist!” Everyone cheered as they dug into their meals and enjoyed each other's company. --- An hour has now passed. The plates and bowls were licked clean of all meats, vegetables and spicy sauces. There was not one crumb of food on their platters. As Sireen went outside on the patio to check up on her loyal customers, she was rather pleased with Mist and her friends looming over their empty platters and bowls, licking their maws in delight. “I see you guys enjoyed your meals.” “Are you kidding Miss Sireen? I love this place!” Mist cheered in pleasure. “I'd go here again.” “I'm glad.” Sireen said calmly as she hands everyone the restaurant bill. “Here is your guy's bill.” “Thank you!” Amirani said back as he looked over the bill. “Ha, we can handle this.” “Ummm...Ran....Uhhh....” Mist stuttered. “I can pay for this. I have....” “Don't worry so much Mist.” Tala interruped as she patted the Valkyrie on the shoulder. “We all got this handled.” “Besides, this is our treat to you Mist.” Amirani added as everyone gathered their money to pay for the wonderful service. “It's only fair we all pitch in and you take it easy.” Mist blushed and giggled. “Ah ha ha! Thank you guys. I really appreciate your kindness and hospitality.” So everyone went up front, payed for the food, and left. This was only the beginning of Mist's big day, as her friends would show her more that Gen Dei has to offer.