"Anyway," Himeko began. "Do you have anything else to wear besides that nightgown Kazuki has given you?"

Lia shook her head and turned her face towards the floor. She hasn't had anything to change out of ever since she's come here. That only made her realize that she really did leave everything behind.

"Kind of thought he didn't prepare for your arrival." Himeko brought her hand to her face and shook her head. "Men are just never prepared."

Lia smiled but couldn't find the strength to say something to her.

"Don't worry," she said. "I'm going to take you out. and we'll get you some things you need for now."

"Thank you," Lia said.

"Alright, we'll head out soon. I'll just be right back."

Himeko went upstairs for a few moments but returned in a timely manner. She had an adorable little handbag with her but she also carried another bag on her back in the shape of a sword.

"Himeko," Lia pointed at her. "What is that on your back?"

Himeko gave Lia a very confused looked but she then realized what Lia was hinting at.

"Oh this, don't worry about it." It's only if we run into trouble."

Lia's eyes widened. "Wait! Trouble?"

Himeko nodded. "Yes, but I highly doubt that will happen. Especially with Kazuki going into town."

Himeko opened the door and the sunbeams shined in the doorway, giving off the morning warmth. Lia ran out and took in the little warmth the morning had to offer.

"It feels so nice. Who knew it could be this warm in December?"

Himeko smiled and put her head down as she walked past Lia. Lia quickly followed after her and saw the size of the mansion for the first time on the outside. Just looking at it from the outside amazed her. She realized that she was falling behind a little bit but then quickly caught up to Himeko. Himeko waited for her to be outside the gate and once the gate closed. Himeko put her slightly over it and then the mansion disappeared before them. Lia's eyes filled with shock. She couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. Himeko just smiled but continued walking until they were out of the forest.

"You probably want to know what I just did back there, don't you?"

"Yes, what just happened?"

"It's only natural for a human to be confused. I'll explain everything once we get into the boat."

The two finally got out of the forest and they could smell the fresh ocean air. Himeko got the boat ready and took control of it with Lia being the passenger. Then they headed towards the main island.

"As you see, this island is deserted. No one lives here but the people in the Komatsuzaki household. To keep it like that, I cast an illusion spell to make it appear as those the mansion never existed, to begin with. The only way to get back in is if you the key, which is the spell I just cast or if you have a household member with you."

"I see, but what is the point of this?"

"The point is so that we can stay in hiding."

"But why do you have to stay hidden? What's so terrible about not letting other people know where you live?"

Himeko looked away but continued paddling the boat, then took a deep breath in.

"It's not really my place to say this. Actually, it's because I was way too young to remember how it happened." She finally looked at Lia. "About 200 years ago, our clan was almost completely wiped out."

Lia's eyes widened and she brought her hand to her mouth. Guilt overwhelmed her as she wished she never asked.

"Actually," Himeko continued but smiled so Lia wouldn't feel bad. "The reason I can't tell you is because I was a still a baby when it happened." Lia was about to say something but then got interrupted by Himeko again. "Oh! Lia, look at the city in the distance."

The boat finally docked and the two were finally able to get into the city of Izayori. Himeko led Lia to the train station and they traveled to the city center where Himeko typically shopped at. Lia followed her into the first store and Lia took in the elegant surroundings with the Christmas music in the background. She then realized there was no western style clothing in this store and it was all Japanese kimonos.

"Himeko," Lia said. "Is there only kimono in this store?"

Himeko nodded. "But don't worry, there is someone who works here that helps you with the kimono."

"Hello," a storekeeper said. "How are you doing today."

"We're good," Himeko said and Lia smiled.

"Anything I can help you girls out with today?"

"Do you have any recommendations for her," Himeko asked.

The lady took a look at Lia and then picked out one that she thought would suit Lia. "I honestly think this one would suit her with her skin tone."

The lady showed them a yellow coloured kimono. "Would you like me to help you get fitted into this kimono Miss?"

"Yes," Lia said. "Thank you."

The lady got Lia fitted into her kimono and once Lia got a look at how it looked on her, she was amazed by how nice it was. Lia really felt beautiful in it and couldn't stop looking at how it looked in the mirror.

"It really looks so pretty," Lia said.

"That one really looks good on you Lia"

"That's not all," the lady said. "No kimono outfit wouldn't be complete with a new pair of zori sandals."

She gave Lia a pair of tabi socks to put on with the black zori sandals she handed to Lia. The two looked around the store some more and purchased a couple more kimonos for Lia along with the one she tried on. Then the two exited the store.

"Himeko," Lia began. "Thank you for taking me out. Even though this outing has just begun, I've already had a good time."

"It's no problem, really. Say, would you like to go to a cafe?"

"Cafe! I would like to go."

Before they could head over to the cafe, they were both stopped by a scream coming from a woman close to them. Himeko took off running towards the scream.

"Himeko, wait!"

Lia started running after Himeko, not sure what she got worked up over until they reached the place where the scream came from. When Lia saw what the scream was all about, her entire being filled with fear, unable to move. She never saw anything like it. The monster that stood before her and the power that filled the air made it hard for her to breath.

"Lia," Himeko warned. "Stay back."

Lia was unable to respond but with that octopus-like monster before her, she couldn't move which brought her to her knees. She noticed that this monster had one of its tentacles around the woman, ready to devour her. Himeko took her bag off and unsheathed her katana.

"Today isn't your lucky day if you ran into me," Himeko announced to the monster. "I'm sorry space monster, but I cannot allow you to devour that woman."

The monster cackled. "A little Alien, like yourself is going to challenge me? How exciting! I didn't plan on having someone like you show up. No matter, I'll devour you both."

The monster charged at Himeko but she quickly dodged its attack and then cut off the tentacle that had captured the woman.

"If you plan on devouring me, you have got to do better than that."

"Pretty good for someone not wearing her districts uniform."

"It's my day off, I didn't expect to have to work on my day off."

Himeko landed another blow on the monster, causing it to scream out in pain. It charged again at her but it was no good for it.

"It's over, monster."

Himeko delivered the fatal blow that ended the battle and the monster disappeared before them. It appeared that she killed but this confused Lia. If it was killed, the body and its remains stay leaving behind the evidence; however, it completely disappeared.

Himeko sheathed her sword and came over to Lia.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Lia got up and Himeko was looking off into the distance. "What is it?"

"Kazuki said he'd be doing his rounds here today but, I don't sense him here. No, he's not here at all. He's far away."