---
"I'm staying for a while," John said. "Got some upgrades to make. Maybe a pancake debt to repay."
Fizz's ears perked up. "Pancake debt?"
"You remember what I said after the last battle," John said with a smile. "You earned it."
Fizz burst into applause. "Pancake festival is coming! I shall name it 'The Redemption of Fur Day.' Can I cook?"
Sera smirked. "Fizz, You better not burn down the kitchen again."
"That was an accident," Fizz muttered.
"You put your fire and cooking oil into a mushroom pot." Sera said. "It exploded."
"…It looked like syrup. Don't bring up my past. I don't like it." Fizz said by giving Sera a look.
They all shared a laugh, the kind that broke tension like sunlight after stormclouds. Even Gael let out a bark of amusement.
As they walked John noticed how the people watched from far or paused in their chores to see him pass. Some offered polite nods. Others avoided eye contact entirely.
