Returning home, the first thing Voss did was check all the doors and windows to make sure everything was secure.
"Looks like I need to think about moving," he muttered. "This place is just too dangerous."
"Move?" Aqua asked reluctantly. "But I was just starting to get used to this place."
"Used to what? You've only been here one day." Voss rolled his eyes. "And what happened today could easily happen again."
He wasn't wrong. After offending Tony Stark and running into local thugs, staying in Hell's Kitchen wasn't exactly safe.
"But moving costs money," Voss sighed, counting his savings. "I'll need to build up a bit more before I can."
Tom padded over, patting Voss's leg with his little paw, his eyes full of determination.
"You mean I don't have to worry?" Voss smiled, understanding his meaning. "Having you all around does make me feel a lot safer."
Jerry hopped onto his shoulder and gave a tiny "it's fine" gesture with his paws.
"Alright, then we'll stay a little longer," Voss conceded. "But everyone needs to stay alert."
That night, the four of them returned to their rooms to rest. Lying in bed, Voss thought over everything that had happened. From Stark's threat to the gang's retaliation, the day had been a whirlwind.
"Tomorrow I'm going to the publishing house to officially sign the contract," he whispered, looking at the starry sky outside the window. "I hope everything goes smoothly."
The next morning, Voss woke up early, nerves buzzing. Today was the big day—signing the contract with the publishing house. He was so excited he'd barely slept.
"Tom, how's this look?" Voss asked, wearing his only semi-formal outfit as he spun in front of the mirror.
Tom sat on the bed, paw under his chin, scrutinizing him. The shirt was wrinkled, the pants were worn, but overall, he looked presentable. Tom gave him a nod of approval.
"You should wear a tie," Aqua yawned, climbing off the sofa with messy hair. "For something this important, you should look the part."
"I don't own a tie." Voss spread his hands. "This is as good as it gets."
Just then, Jerry leapt out of a drawer holding a red ribbon in his mouth. He offered it up with a gesture.
"Where did this come from?" Voss asked, taking the ribbon. The quality wasn't bad at all.
Tom scratched his head, embarrassed. He'd snuck out the night before and scavenged it from a gift shop trash bin. After a good wash, it looked decent.
"Thanks, all of you," Voss said warmly. "It's really good having you with me."
With the makeshift "tie" around his neck, he looked in the mirror and felt a burst of confidence.
"Let's all go together!" Aqua declared. "This goddess wants to see what a mortal publishing house looks like."
"Don't cause trouble," Voss warned quickly. "If you say something weird again—"
"This goddess won't cause trouble!" Aqua puffed her cheeks. "Besides, at a big moment like this, of course we should be there to support you."
Tom and Jerry nodded firmly—they wanted to witness Voss's first real step as an author.
"Fine, but no nonsense," Voss sighed. "And Aqua, absolutely no 'goddess' talk."
"Yeah, yeah," Aqua waved him off.
They set out together, Voss's palms sweaty with nerves.
"What if they change their mind?" he fretted. "What if they think my book isn't good enough?"
Tom patted his leg, signaling him to relax. Jerry flashed an "OK" sign.
"Don't worry," Aqua said, for once sounding serious. "Your writing is good. They'll love it."
At the publishing house, Voss straightened his clothes and pushed open the door.
"Mr. Voss!" the receptionist greeted him warmly. "Mr. Osk is waiting; please follow me."
Inside the office, Osk stood with a thick contract on the desk.
"Voss, glad you're here." He shook his hand. "I finished your manuscript last night. It's excellent."
"Really?" Voss's eyes lit up.
"Really. The plot's clever, the characters feel alive, and your historical detail on World War II is spot-on. The way you captured the protagonist's bond with Steve was especially moving."
Voss's face flushed at the praise. Tom and Jerry beamed beside him.
"Phil also read it," Osk continued. "He said it's one of the best time-travel stories he's seen."
"What about Mr. Coulson?" Voss asked.
"He's away on business, but he told me to pass along his congratulations." Osk smiled, then tapped the contract. "Now, let's go over the terms."
"The first print run will be ten thousand copies at $18 each. Your royalty is ten percent—$1.80 per book."
Voss did the math quickly. If they sold out, that'd be $18,000.
"You'll also receive a $5,000 advance today. If sales go well, we'll discuss a reprint."
"That's amazing!" Voss nearly jumped in excitement.
Aqua's eyes sparkled. Five thousand dollars! That could buy so many dresses.
"And if the book does well," Osk added, "we'd like you to consider a sequel. Maybe even a series."
"Of course!" Voss nodded eagerly. "I already have ideas."
Osk handed him a pen. "Then let's sign."
With trembling hands, Voss carefully read through the contract, then signed his name.
"Congratulations," Osk said, signing as well. "You're now officially one of our authors."
"Thank you! Thank you for the opportunity!" Voss shook his hand, glowing with excitement.
Tom and Jerry high-fived, Aqua spun around like a child celebrating.
Osk then slid a check across the table. "Here's your $5,000 advance."
Voss stared at the numbers, hardly believing it was real.
"When will the book go on sale?" he asked.
"In about a week," Osk replied. "Printing and distribution are already lined up."
"A week? That fast?"
"Your manuscript is strong. We're confident it'll sell. Stories with this kind of spin on history are rare—and in demand."
Leaving the publishing house, Voss raised the check above his head. "We're rich! $5,000!"
"That's wonderful!" Aqua cheered, clinging to his arm.
Tom and Jerry held paws and danced happily in the street.
"We've got to celebrate," Voss said. "Let's have a good meal."
"Let's go to the fanciest place in town!" Aqua shouted.
"Not the fanciest," Voss laughed. "But we'll celebrate properly. And I'll buy you all something."
Tom waved it off, content just to see Voss succeed. Jerry nodded too, though his eyes betrayed a little hope.
"Alright, some cheese for Jerry, fresh fish for Tom," Voss grinned. "And Aqua—"
"Dresses! Pretty dresses!" Aqua interrupted, hand raised.
"Yes, yes, I'll buy you a dress," Voss sighed helplessly.
The four of them strolled down the street, smiling brightly. It was only the beginning, but it was a beginning full of possibilities.
"Oh, Voss," Aqua suddenly asked. "What's your book called again?"
"Reborn in World War II: Fighting Side by Side with Captain America," Voss said proudly.
"Very straightforward," Aqua nodded. "But it does sound exciting."
Tom and Jerry exchanged a glance—they agreed it was a solid title.
"When it comes out, we'll be famous," Voss joked. "Maybe even get interviews."
"Then this goddess will be on TV?" Aqua's eyes lit up.
"Not happening," Voss shot her down immediately. "You'd expose yourself in five seconds."
"Hmph. Stingy." Aqua pouted.
And so, the little group set off to celebrate. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, they could savor this hard-won victory.