One of their owns had been returned to the karmic wheel this morning. All the rites had been done but one: The living still had to celebrate the memory of the dead by getting drunk as fuck and sharing the little stories about his life that were not solemn enough for a proper ceremony but were still an important part of him that shouldn't be forgotten.

So Akemi had passed the word around and come to "the Crab bar" early to make sure no one will be missing alcohol tonight, paid out of her pocket (and maybe of Nishida's if he was nice) as a free courtesy of the Crab clan to anyone willing to partake in their drunken mourning.

Atena seemed to be one of those to wanted to celebrate his life and hear a bit more about the Crab that saved her life. She had a new look had also change to a more confortable clothes. Still her arm was bandagaed but it was much better. She sat besides Akemi. "Konbanwa Akemi san." The girl gave the Hida a bow.

And daily the crab greets, or so...
He was back at the bar again. Akechi walked beside him as they entered.

"Konbanwa, Minna-san" he greeted the usual crowd that was here and the two ladies on the bar.
He knew about the crab tradition, not that he could share any stories about the young kuni, he only met him for their meeting some days ago, but he would join the drinking anyway.

Akemi bowed her head:

"Nishida-sama. Ate..."

A pause.

"Atena-san?"

She handed them a full cups of sake each.

"Koryn was a good boy that I feel like I only started to learn about now that he is no more. Please tell us more about his final moments lady Mantis."

"Hai..." A sheepish smile was brought to her lips as she scratched the back of her neck. "Do you like it?" The shook her head a bit just to show off the hair. "It was this or cutting it... I doubt Komori san would like the extreme short hair."

She look at Nishida. "Konbanwa..." She had seen the man but never officially met him. "Crab sama..." She gave a bow.

"That's... a change for sure. Is that a Mantis tradition to arrange one's hair during the mourning period or am I reading too much into it?"

"Well... it is more about a bit of change rather than a look... not a tradition per se... but more like a custom." She gave a light chuckle. "Besides after being mauled one can always use a bit of cheering up ne and a look change can make one happy."

"Oh. It's true that you were also badly hurt yesterday. Sorry that I forgot about that, last night had been quite confusing. I remember making and receiving many calls, but the details are a haze. I hope you're fine now? No permanent damages?"

He gave her a quick bow: "Mantis-san .I am Yasuki Nishida. Not quite the circumstance to make a new acquaintance, but I'm glad to meet you anyway."

"I am Moshi Atena." She bowed to the Yasuki. "I know but it is how life is."



"No... I am starting to think that Kystal san really cares. She wrote me a note that she made a big step and asked Kuchiki san for help." She moved her bandaged arm and wince a bit. "Still a bit sore but it is to be expected."

He orderd a beer and looked to Atena: "Who's Kystal-san?"

Baka... baka ... baka... think... think ...think. ah She looked at aAkemi. "She is a friend of Akemi san and who told her about what happened last night."

Akemi froze for a second before commenting:

"I'm not 100% sure Kystal considers me a friend. She can be hard to read. But it's good that she overcame her general distrust of people to help you.

And now for the crusty question...

Were you actually on a date with Koryn that night?"

The girl blushed and chuckled nervously. "Etoooo... well... anoo... He and I went to watch the wrestling... and he asked me out another time... so we went on the boat ride together... I guess it was a date." She looked down and frowned. "He wanted to have dinner with me..."

He blinked: "So, Kystal-san was on the boat too? Why wasn't she invited to the funeral, Akemi-san?" he looked at her.

Akemi sighed and took a sip in her own cup before answering:

"I think you have to explain the whole thing Atena. It's just not going to work without that."

The girl sighed. "Kystal san is me Yasuki sama. Just a different me... I have what the medics in Starnest call MPD." She looked down ashamed. "It is hard... for some people to understand."

He took a sip from his beer and nooded to Atena.
That would be nothing he would start meddling with.
"Anyway, you said you started dating Koryn?" he digressed.

"Anooo... you can say that. We were getting to know each other. He was really nice to me... I gave him a book to read."

"Oh. It must still be in his stuff then. Do you want to have it returned to you?

And... Uh... Do you have, uh, alternative plans for the near future? I know it's not easy, but the miai is halfway done and Koryn wouldn't have wanted for you to be unhappy even if you weren't destined to be together."