Akihiko was here, back outside of Sieghardt on his venture through the mountains he’d once called his home. A place where the founding of the Syndicate had transpired and passed just a few short years ago. He’s grown in time, and the passionate flame of his youth hadn’t disappeared, even in his matured age. He carried a bag over his shoulder, only a few things like his money saved and his spare change of clothes for his stop through Rush Valley.

The town was nothing like he imagined it back then, in his time it was hustling its way up the economic food chain. These day? It was expansive and out of place with the desolate arid pass that encircled it’s outskirts; the barren wasteland. Much like him, the area was a relic of the days. But the future was calling, and so he’d come here to reminisce. His smile was bright, his eyes deep with an emerald gander. He inhaled deep, letting the oxygen hit his nostrils. Sweet release as it exited his lungs, ’time has really changed, hasn’t it old friend?’ his thoughts spoke to the town. To his homage.

The sun shined against his youthful expression, and his complexion under the hood was full of life. The young mage had expected to visit the market today with no real sense other than to sight see, unknown to him if he’d ever see the same faces from his time in the Syndicate again, but hopeful that his eye for shopping would make up for his solo venture back home.

Aki had lived a peaceful life by comparison to others out there, accumulating a hefty million... So the thought had recently made him question what he really wanted out of life. Should he spend it on himself, or perhaps he should just donate it to those less fortunate or in need— his forearm crossed the strap over his shoulder, beading with curiosity. The man took his first steps forward toward the booming city, Rush Valley was about a kilometer ahead and you could see it’s tall buildings miles away, the dirt path was straight and welcoming. The warm summer sun was hot, but nothing like that ever came to bother an adventurer like himself.

Today was a good day, he was feeling great.

It was 1:00 PM, and Yori had been making rounds around Rush Valley. He had convinced himself that he was making these trips out of obligation and duty, but Yori knew the truth. The truth was that a part of him felt some ounce of compassion for the inhabitants of this town. The incident at the infirmary reminded Yori of how scared he had felt going through something traumatic for the first time at a young age. Luckily for him, he had the company of his sister and best friend, but this young boy, however, had no one close to them. No one else, but strangers, that is.

Since that day, the adventure had not heard a word from the infirmary on the boy’s condition. They left him in the dark as they did many other inquiring guests. It troubled Yori, but all he could do was hope for the boy’s speedy recovery. He spent the next couple of days aiding the citizens of Rush Valley. Whether it be construction, the infirmary, or anyone else in need of assistance, he was the guy for the job.

The adventurer had already devoted hours of his day to the cause, so he felt it appropriate to take a small break. There was a shop a couple of blocks away that sold the best ramen, and Yori was starving.

Akihiko stopped at the gates of Rush Valley, kneeling to one knee. In truth, the kilometer was a little longer than he may have first thought, because getting into Rush Valley, he realized the sheer size of the buildings. They were skyscrapers and clearly, unlike anything else around Fiore for hundreds of miles. He found his stomach rumbling, and that meant only one thing to him... Lunch!

Picking his knee off the ground after a short breath, his smile revealed pearly whites and his emerald eyes began dashing around the street. He took off in a running body, his bag bouncing against his back. Little to no time at all and he was standing at a crossroads, a hospital could be seen up ahead his left, and down the right, a bazaar. Full to the brim with goodies that one might fancy themself with, weapons, relics, scrolls, and tomes with magic spells etched into grimoires— clearly nothing too crazy as he figured those to be hidden away in some underground tunnel, but within his money limits, he could afford just about anything here in the streets.

In the center of these two uphill paths, perhaps the dead-center of all this activity? A nice little Ramen Shop he use to frequent back in the day... The Hunter definitely had to eat up before he took off for his shopping spree in the Bazaar right? Akihiko pushes his way through a flap entrance without hesitation, entering into the store with a hearty smile and pause as he scanned the room for a seat. His nose was already sniffing the air, and his expression delighted to enjoy a fancy meal. He see’s a young man with long dark hair pulled back, and decided then and there, he’d take a seat beside him.

There was no particular studying that went on as he chose the spot, It happened to be the only one available in the room. People’s conversations were loud and kept the place alive, but in everyone’s own world— no one seemed to really bother each other. These were definitely Aki’s kind of folk. Happy natured, expressive, and nostalgic.

Akihiko planted himself at the stool bar beside a person he’d later know to be called Yori, and held up his hand to the staff behind the counter. “Hit me with a nice bowl of Miso for one please,” he spoke to the chef who was already throwing bowls upon the bar, a nod over to Aki set his worries to rest. It was then that Akihiko looked over to see what the guy to his left was chowing on, albeit a little forth and curious, he was starving and in from a long foot travel; The hooded Hunter didn’t find much issue in being nosy, quite frankly, he loved a good cafe convo. “Hey man, what’s up?” Akihiko quickly noticed one thing about this man, the bags under this fellas eyes meant he was either hardworking or going through a stressful time.

Aki immediately took to delivering his hello and followed in with some more dialogue. He was keen about figuring other people out, and this guy? He seemed like he wasn’t so bad— perhaps that was a bit of an assumption since they knew nothing about one another. But Akihiko blistered with life like a party, and never ceased to spread those positive vibes and cheer others up. “What’s the name big guy? You alright? My name’s Akihiko Sterling,” he quickly put his hand up, slightly waving, his other elbow took a firm place against the bar. Both arms crossed as he leaned in hungrily awaiting his meal, the sack on his back was still strapped over his shoulder, hanging at his waist.