Episode Five

 Her recipe for the unexpected~

The cleared-out hallway echoes with the sound of hurried, clacking footsteps as Hyori speeds to her class, already extremely late. “Crumbscrumbs CrUMbs CRUMBS AAAA imsolateim. so. LATE.” She blurts out to herself, cutting corners sharply. Almost passing the door and tripping, Hyori comes to a quick halt in front of Ser Creator’s classroom. “Pleaseee don't be upseeet..” she whispers, being hopeful while giving a gentle knock. “Come in, Hyori.” Ser Creator says, knowing full well who’s arrived. Flustered, she cracks open the door, slowly creeping into his classroom with her head bowed. 

“This is the fifth time you have been late to my class. Is everything alright?” Ser Creator stands tall with picture-perfect posture in front of a lectern. 

Hyori takes an empty seat, the desks lined exquisitely at the whims of Ser Creator’s astute perfectionism. “Y-Yes Ser! I just.. Got caught up with something. But, everything’s okay!” She looks around the room, posters and quotes line the walls, all refined to the right angle, none out of place for a literature class. Distracted, Hyori ponders. I think some of these are new.. Fitting for a new semester! She smiles at the passing thought, appreciating Ser Creator’s neat, model classroom. 

Ser Creator turns to the whiteboard, moving his small white pupils away from Hyori. “Perfect! I am glad. Though attendance is important; I frankly do not care, as long as we can move on.” He taps his fancy cane to the board, taking the students’ attention. “Now then, without any further—” 

“Uh.. Ser?” A timid demi-gator raises her hand, quietly seated behind Hyori with a straight back. 

“..Interruptions.” Unamused, Ser Creator slowly turns back around, feeling incredibly done with needing to stop his lecture. “Yes, Alicia? What do you need?” He fixes his crooked top hat, melting from the annoyance; the tips of his goopy gray tailcoat dripping into the puddle under him. 

The shy gator squirms in her seat “M-May I use the restroom, Ser?” She stutters, feeling guilty for asking. 

Ser Creator sighs, collecting himself. “Yes, of course. Go, child. You don’t have to ask, just make sure you sign the papers and take a hall pass.” He voiced, saying his usual dialogue on this matter. 

The demi-gator girl stands up without a sound, shuffling out of her seat. “E-Excuse me..” Alicia says to Hyori, trying to avoid her elbows pointed outwardly. 

“Oh! Sorry!” Hyori moves her arm out of the demi-human’s way as Alicia quickly moves past Hyori, mindful of her own green tail. 

Pretty tail! And her hair is so long! I’m so jelly. Hyori thinks, admiring this plus-sized gator, as she writes her name down on the sign-out sheet while taking a pass; her dark brown skin making her shiny scales pop even more under the gem lighting. Ser Creator taps the whiteboard lightly once more, making Hyori focus.

“Okay.. without any further ado—”

A knock interrupts him again. With a sigh, the blobman replies “Come in, please!” His pupils fade as the puddle under him grows, leaving him with a blank stare facing his classroom door. 

Opening it, the undead principal walks through; her pale-white skin and dark sunken eyes prominent under the lights as she clacks her purple high heels towards Ser Creator. “Hello, Creator. Apologies for the intrusion, I have some new student files for you.” She holds out a light stack of papers for him. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad point…” 

The blobman, his frame now more humanoid and straightened, responds with tired eyes. “Greetings, Principal Deadman. And- it is quite alright, it appears interruptions are ‘trendy’ today.” Ser Creator secures his bright purple latex gloves, making sure his top hat is perfectly dapper. “But, a new student? This late?” Taking the stack, he examines the student file, peering at the pronouns listed. “She will have plenty of catching up, enrolling at the start of semester two.” He says, placing the papers on his lectern. 

“Yes, of course. I trust you’ll help her out? She’s been homeschooled for the majority of her life until now.” Principal Deadman makes her way back to the entrance, giving a wave as she speaks. 

Ser Creator returns her wave, his goop fully collected back into himself. “I will do my best, no worries there.” He announces, fixing his bowtie. 

Hyori rests a hand on her cheek, watching the conversation finish as the zombie principal closes the door behind her. I wonder if they were talking about her…”

“I think I left my shirt.. in front of the school.. Damn.” With a new shirt on, Juuzou steps out from Xander’s apartment, closing the door gingerly behind her so as to not make noise. “Whatever seems appetizing” huh..? I guess.. I have to look around… Recalling what Xander said, she struggles pocketing his small bag, getting used to yet another one of his shirts that look incredibly oversized on her. She goes to the elevators, pushing the button, this time patiently waiting for the machine to arrive on her floor. The elevator dings with luckily no one inside for Juuzou to avoid contact with. She enters, expecting the gem’s robotic prompt. 

“Hello. What floor would you like to go to?” 

“Ground floor, p-please..” Juuzou stammers, still a bit flustered by this part.

“Heading to the ground floor.” The voice states, the gem set into the ceiling illuminating with each word. 

The elevator dings again, indicating her stop. Standing in front of the opening doors, Juuzou can see the lobby of Moonblight Apartments from the crack between. Rather empty, she quietly makes her way to the front entrance, leaving the complex with her arms glued to her sides, hiding her bandages to avoid calling any unneeded attention to herself. She breathes in deep, thankful that the streets aren’t as busy at this hour, though saddened that the air isn't nice and clear as it is on the roof. She inhales again. This’ll have to do.. 

Juuzou starts walking along the block, leaving the safety and haunting quietness of Xander’s apartment. She scans the area, admiring the purple-leaved oak trees swaying with the light breeze and the assortment of food establishments, stalls; clothing stores; and various other houses along the road. I should check out a few clothing stores too.. Juuzou looks down at her clothes, her ripped up jeans prominent. But.. Xander only gave me coin for food.. She feels his coin bag in her pocket, a muffled jingling as she walks. 

I shouldn’t spend it on other things.. Without his permission.. Juuzou continues to examine her surroundings, peering into display windows. She stops, smelling something sickly sweet in the air. Sniffing, she turns to see two beings talking inside a building including an appetizing display case filled with various treats and pastries. A bakery.. Is this..? Remembering what that pink-haired human said, she cautiously backs away from the windows, the two presumed humans noticing her. Juuzou’s heart skips a beat, the sound of palpitations beginning to flood her ears. With a shaky breath, she turns away from the mouthwatering display case, but then quickly halts to the sound of a small ‘Ding!’ 

“Hey darlin’- need some help?” a pale-rose haired human appears from the front door of the establishment with a concerned look painted on their face as Juuzou turns. 

“You.. look a lil lost, hon.” 

Stuttering, Juuzou avoids their eyes. “Ah- no.. I’m—” Interrupted by her own stomach grumbling, she blushes out of embarrassment. “U-Um.. s-sorry.. I’ll—” 

“Oh! You hungry? I can whip up some fresh crepes for ya! The name’s Stella.” They gesture for Juuzou to come, already walking in. 

“O-Oh.. o…kay..” Juuzou’s voice falters, but she tries her best to shake her anxiety and beating heart away. Taking a deep breath, she slowly follows Stella inside. Those pastries do look delicious.. How bad.. can this be? Juuzou wonders, trying to amp herself up and listen to her aching stomach. 

“Take a seat anywhere ya like!” Stella ties their hair back with a smile, going towards the kitchen off to the side. “We usu’lly don’t open ‘til school’s out, but I felt bad havin’ ya stare at our display!” They give Juuzou a wider, warm grin, talking with their hands. 

A muted green haired woman makes her way behind the register, clearly a bit annoyed. “Stella! We can’t sell food if we aren't open!” she hisses in a whisper. 

Walking stiffly, Juuzou takes a seat at a booth near the back wall, noticing a long opaque curtain covering a door adjacent to the seat.  

They push open the double swinging door leading into the kitchen, looking behind to the middle-aged woman who’s staring intensely at them. “Don’tcha worry, hon, this one on the house! I couldn’ jus leave ‘er there outside like that..” Stella replies, not worrying about their volume. 

“But, Stella—!”

“N-No no, I’ll pay.. How much.. are the crepes?” Juuzou interjects their half-whispered, half-loudly held conversation, pulling out Xander’s coin bag. 

Stella brings a hand up to her forehead, swiping a strand of gray hair back. “Nah, darlin’! I couldn’t possibly accept that!” 

“We do need the funds.. It’s five silver coins. But we can’t accept payment at these hours! Otherwise, I’d be glad to sell you many treats!” The mid-size older woman smiles at Juuzou. “I’m Aozora, dear.” She states, relaxing a little. 

“Please, take it. As thanks.. for inviting me in.” Juuzou says slowly, pleading with them as she has more confidence now. These people.. are nice too.. Just like.. Her… 

Aozora crosses her arms, thinking for a moment. Awaiting her answer, Stella looks at Aozora with begging eyes, hoping for approval. “Well.. alright then. As a thanks. But worry about that afterwards, sweetheart! Enjoy Stella’s yummy food for now.” Aozora reveals a small smile, then walks around the register’s counter, making her way to Juuzou.
“Sweet!” Stella happily throws a fist in the air, quickly turning to the kitchen. “I’ll have yer crepes ready in a jiff, darlin’!” They call out to Juuzou.

“I haven’t seen you around here before, dear. Are you new in town?” Aozora tries to make small talk. “Oh, can I get you some water?” She offers.

“S-Sure.. Thank you, miss. And– yes.. I am..” Juuzou zips her eyes past Aozora, still a bit uncomfortable with the confrontation. “My brother.. Xander.. I believe he’s one of.. Hyori’s friends..” 

Aozora’s eyes widened a bit. “Oh, you’ve met Hyori already? How lovely! I’m glad Hyori’s making more friends. I assume she mentioned Sweet Spot Bakery? Also, I didn’t know Xander had a sibling!” 

“Y-Yes.. She did. And I have... A-And yes.. I’m his sister.. U-Um..” Juuzou stammers, her mind starting to fill. She takes a quiet breath, trying to center yourself.

It’s okay.. It’s okay.. 

Realizing Juuzou’s shaking hands, Aozora pauses her questions towards the girl with one eye covered by bright white hair. “Let me get you that water, dear. Ah, what’s your name, honeybun? My apologies, I can ramble for hours! I get ahead of myself.. Ah, sorry, again..” 

“I-It’s.. okay, ma’am.. Thank you.. My name.. is Juuzou..” Juuzou calms a bit, steadying her mind. She breathes in deep as Aozora spins around, heading towards the kitchen. Now alone, Juuzou gets stuck in her head. 

“What can he do while he’s locked up?” She repeats in her mind what Xander said earlier. He can still plague my mind, that’s for sure. Juuzou scoffs to herself while thoughts of her time in Uroth zip past as quickly as she wants to be rid of them. He can still.. Haunt me.. Her brows furrow. What father said.. What he said.. Isn’t true.. Juuzou inhales sharply, resting her elbows on the booth table. Humans.. are nice too.. Tucking the left side of her bangs behind her ears, she shakes her head, refocusing to reality. 

Aozora returns to Juuzou, glass cup in hand. “Alrighty! Here’s your water, love.” She places the cup with a cute pink straw adorned in it. 

“Oh..! Thank you, miss..” Bringing the glass closer, Juuzou takes a sip, relaxing a little. 

“Crepes incoming!” Stella calls out, walking from behind Aozora. Juuzou and Aozora both jump a bit, simultaneously startled. Stella had walked out from the kitchen without a sound until now.

“Oh my sweets! I didn’t hear you come out, Stella!” Aozora crosses her arms, furrowing her brows slightly and puffing out her cheeks. 

Stella chuckles. “Heh, sorry love.” They set the plate with utensils down in front of Juuzou, then gives Aozora a peck on the cheek. “Forgive me?” 

“Hmm.. for now.” She smiles, giggling at their antics. 

Juuzou sits stunned, staring directly at the beautiful dessert. “This.. This looks delicious! T-Thank you!” Her mouth waters, having been without food for hours. 

“Of course, honeybunch! You enjoy now!” Stella motions for Aozora to follow, heading back to the kitchen.

“Yes, please enjoy!” 

They both walk off behind the register, swinging open the door as Juuzou admires the food. 

I’ve never seen something so pretty!

She examines the dessert with fluffy cream stuffed between layers of vanilla crepes, noticing slices of strawberries as well. Looking at the top, Juuzou sees chocolate mousse drizzled over the stack with strawberries cut into hearts and banana slices neatly decorated in a circle, lightly powdered with fine sugar. 

I can’t possibly eat this..

Juuzou gets reminded of her hunger with a quiet grumble of her stomach, telling her this dessert must be consumed. Cautiously, she opens up the napkin containing her fork and gingerly cuts into the crepe stack, cherishing its softness. She pokes into a few crepes from the top of the stack with confidence, and quickly takes it to her mouth. “Mmm..!” THIS IS AMAZING. She chews, the sickly sweet flavors enveloping her taste buds as her eyes widen. Juuzou scarfs down some more, succumbing to her hunger and savoring the exciting newness. I’ve never tasted something so pretty! Oh my hell- “This ish aweshum!” Juuzou says to herself aloud with a full mouth, ignoring manners. She eats every fruit, every crepe until the plate is clear. Human food is so good! I.. I didn’t expect this…! This is unlike anything on Uroth! Her mind races, new realizations and thoughts coming to mind as she sets down her fork and wipes her mouth. 

Stella walks out from the kitchen, reaching for some extra napkins next to the coin register and glancing at Juuzou. They start to head back, but then double takes. “Yer- Yer done already?! Gee, that was fast, love! You kids and yer iron stomachs..” They approach her as Juuzou gulps down water. 

“That was delicious! And you made that?! That’s incredible!” Juuzou’s visible eye glimmers, a sparkle that was never there before. She beams, clearly more enthused. “That’s the best thing.. I’ve ever tasted! T-Thank you, Stella!” 

Stella replies with a wide, proud smile. “Thanks to my daughter, that’s her recipe! I’m glad you liked it, heh heh!” 

Juuzou’s eyes widened once again, surprised. She.. came up with this..? She’s..

“Amazing..” Juuzou mumbles to herself accidentally aloud, staring at her now empty plate. A sudden ‘Ding!’ from the front door of the bakery interrupts her thoughts.