A very happy bird-day

[Solana]

One of my good friends and fellow bird-lover sent me a picture of six cockatiels (none as cute as mine ) with this caption, and it was too good not to use. As much as I love Hatoful, dipping my pen into the universe was inevitable. It's an AU, though there are slight spoilers for Sakuya's path and Anghel. I tried to do some research, but am crediting major differences to the awesomeness that is Anghel.


Two weeks before Solana's birthday


Aryn and Eziban were still very much in their 'honeymoon phase', especially after their long separation. Aryn was sitting in Eziban's lap. playing Dragon Quest VI. Eziban had one arm wrapped around his wife and was reading 'The Drunken Botanist' for new ideas with his free hand.

Aryn was trying to concentrate on her game, but was thinking about something else. Finally, she looked up at her husband with a smile. "Ezi, did you get Solana's present yet?"

Eziban put down his book. "Yep. I was looking for some new ingredients with a supplier last month and found out she carried yellow tea. I talked her into selling me a few tins of it."

Aryn gasped. "Yellow tea? How did you talk her out of parting with that?!"

Eziban winked at her. "I... convinced her."

"You bribed her with a gem, didn't you?" Aryn asked with a grin.

"Have it your way," Eziban said sheepishly. "How about you, firebird?"

Aryn sighed. "I've been trying to think of something really special this year. Solana really goes all out for us, you know? Breakfast in bed for our first anniversary, a day of hands on training at Gobancho restaurant for my last birthday.... a book just doesn't seem to cut it."

"What would you want for her?" Eziban asked.

Aryn thought it over. "To be... spoiled. Treated like a princess. Have all the stops pulled out for her, you know?"

"So can we rent a castle? Maybe have some maids and butlers on hand-" Eziban began jokingly.

Aryn's eyes lit up. "Butlers.... ooh, Ezi, you're a genius!" she declared. Aryn kissed her husband on the lips, then jumped up and ran off.

Eziban smiled at the kiss and abandoned DS. Chuckling to himself, he picked up the handheld to get to a save point.


Solana's birthday


Solana had had a lovely birthday. She and her friends had spent the day at Meribia's beach, where Aryn had whipped up some Atlantean recipes for grilling while Eziban had brought along countless coolers of icy drinks for everyone. She had received wonderful books, some lovely new oils to experiment with, and even the rare yellow tea that she had never tasted in her life. Her plan had been to enjoy a quiet evening with one of her new books, but Aryn had other ideas.

"We're going out for supper, Solana. Dress in something fancy, but don't put up your hair," she advised her.

Solana had been a little confused, but shrugged. Whatever Aryn had planned was going to be fun, a little wacky, and heartfelt.

She ended up donning the new gown that Oriana had made for her. It was a sleeveless gown crafted of silver-shot white silk. Pearly ribbons did up the corset-style bodice and also tied in the back. Her silver sandals and a shimmering shawl complemented it. Her hair was down as requested, and her pearl pendant and silver armlets completed the outfit.

Aryn nodded in approval. Oriana knew her craft, and this would suit their destination well. "Okay, Solana, let's go. We have a reservation to catch."

Solana frowned in puzzlement, realizing Aryn was still in the shorts and shirt she'd worn to the beach. "Aryn, aren't you going to change?"

"On the way. Let's get moving to our vehicle, okay? Hustle, hustle!" Aryn responded, playfully pushing Solana along. She had on a backpack and was also carrying a case she used for cooking instruments.

Solana was still mystified, but smiled and said nothing as they made their way to the time traveling bathroom. She didn't want to spoil Aryn's surprise, and it's not as if Aryn would answer anything yet anyway.


The clouds parted beneath the bathroom and city lights glowed far below. Solana was gently guiding them down as Aryn quickly changed into the chef whites she used when cooking somewhere besides her kitchen.

"Welcome to Littledove Hachiman City," Aryn explained. She pointed to a landing ground behind a large, mansion-like building. "That's our destination."

"This is the world where birds have evolved to humanoid intelligence, right? And there are very few humans?" Solana asked curiously.

"Yep. Since you talk to seagulls, I figured that it wouldn't be as jarring to you. There's a very special location here that I think you'll enjoy," Aryn answered.

Solana looked out the window, seeing many large birds walking around. Some were wearing clothes, others were not, and quite a few seemed to be gigantic versions of the bird species that she was most familiar with. Well, in all the time she spent talking to aquatic creatures, she had learned to tune out physical appearance. Surely this wouldn't be all that different.

The bathroom was landed and the cloaking mechanism engaged. Aryn was smiling, nearly jumping in glee as she led Solana to the front door of the mansion.

Solana looked up at the sign. "'Hatoful Butler Cafe'," she read curiously before they stepped inside. A butler cafe? What was this?

Solana gasped at the beautiful and decadent style of the place. Soft, deep velvets covered immense windows and plush chairs. The carpet was a masterpiece of artful weaving. Every table was covered in white satin and lace, with crystal glasses, polished silver, and fine china. Nearly everyone she could see was a bird, many dressed in silk and dripping with gems.

Sitting behind a podium was a white bird she recognized as a button quail. He was much larger than ones she had seen pictures of, though quite a bit smaller than most of the other birds in the room. She guessed that he would come up to her waist if he stood. A mug of what smelled like peach tea was sitting on top of the podium. "Ah, welcome to the Hatoful Butler Cafe, ladies," he said pleasantly. His head drooped a bit. "It's very nice.... to meet.... you.... zzzz." His head dipped down as he suddenly fell asleep!

Solana jumped forward to see if he needed any healing, but a large fantail pigeon already had things in hand-uh, wing. A tiny violet rose was pinned to his jacket lapel. "Mr. Nanaki! Wake up, we have customers!" he scolded.

The button quail jumped. "Oh! Yes, ah, sorry, Mr. Sakazaki, ladies. Do you have a reservation?" he asked kindly.

"Yes, reservation for Solana Kesai. I'm Aryn Caldera, here to help in the kitchen during that time. I arranged everything with Ryouta Kawara," Aryn answered.

Solana gaped. "Aryn, what did you-" she began.

"It took a little leverage to get a reservation today, but you're worth it, siliquemanisa," Aryn answered, using the Atlantean word for 'big pod-sister'. "Besides, a new kitchen like this to play in? I can't call that 'work'."

Solana smiled warmly as Mr. Sakazaki looked through their book. "Yes, here it is. My, such lovely ladies to visit us this evening. I hope the kitchen staff won't be too blinded by your beauty, or the lucky butler to serve you. I'm just sorry it isn't me," he said with a wink.

Solana blushed at the compliment, glad that there were no perverted tones in it. Aryn grinned. "Easy on the honey there, I'm blissfully married," she said playfully, "Now, where can I get started?"

"I'll show you," the friendly fantail offered, "Sakuya made sure I would know where the kitchen was, at any rate. Your butler tonight is-"

"Ah, wait!" Mr. Nanaki cried. He wobbled over to the front window and pushed aside the velvet drapes. Then he carefully opened the window and stepped aside. "Okay."

Mr. Sakazaki guided everyone away from the window as Solana started to feel a bit nervous. "Your butler tonight is Butler Anghel," he explained.

Suddenly, a black blur hurled itself through the open window and rolled to a stop on the sumptuous carpet. He got himself righted and quickly shot to his feet, looking around wildly.

"Apostle of the Violet Rose and the Sage of Nightmares! You called for the Crimson Angel tonight?" he asked.

Solana stared curiously at the new arrival. He was only a little bigger than Mr. Nanaki, a dove with gray feathers on top, white underneath, and crimson feathers over his chest. A Luzon bleeding heart dove, she remembered. He wore a nice tuxedo that was ruffled from his flight into the building.

"Yes, mon amie, you have a customer tonight. Remember what we talked about. Adieu!" called Mr. Sakazaki as he led Aryn off to the kitchen.

Anghel looked up at Solana curiously, then jumped. "You! The Purveyor of the World's Chronicles! Do you remember who I am?" he asked earnestly.

Solana shook her head in confusion. Strange titles, large birds as butlers... what had Aryn gotten her into this time?

[Solana]

Anghel was still peering at her intently. Solana thought fast. Perhaps this was a role he played, or something he believed in. Either way, it couldn't hurt to play along.

She swept into a deep curtsy. "Forgive me, Crimson Angel, but I do not," she confessed, "It's nice to meet you, though."

Anghel shook himself. "You have not awakened then. It cannot be helped. I have been instructed to serve you with all the reverence due to the great saint Edel Blau. For one who has provided the lore of the world to so many, it poses no hardship to this crimson breast. Come!" He reached out with his wing for Solana's hand.

"Higure! Don't forget the menus!" Mr. Nanaki called out, holding a few out to the dove.

"Fear not, Sage. Textoris Melodia Funerus has given me the dictates of the Apostle of the Flowing Rocks of what would be available tonight. I have crafted my own for the Purveyor," Anghel replied.

Solana blinked. Flowing rocks? Lava. Ah, that must have been his title for Aryn. Mr. Nanaki looked dubious, but shrugged and turned to help another guest.

Anghel could move quickly for his small size, and Solana had to trot to keep up with him. At least she wasn't being served by the hyperactive fantail pigeon that was a blur of white as he rushed from table to table, delivering what looked like enormous bowls of pudding.

Anghel stopped at a small table set near the wall of the cafe, and gave an overdone bow. "I hope that this meets your requirements, Purveyor. The Apostle of the Flowing Rocks instructed me as to your preferences, and it seemed well according to my crimson eye."

"It looks lovely, Anghel. Thank you for your work," Solana replied happily. The tablecloth was white and embroidered with images of a coral reef. A glass bowl filled with water held floating candles and fresh orchids. Next to it sat a crystal vase filled with water, but oddly, no flowers. A small china dish sat in front of her chair, holding a small display of chocolates crafted in the shape of various seashells.

Anghel quickly pulled out Solana's chair, then offered her a dainty napkin. After she thanked him and spread it over her lap, he held out an exquisite menu. "We'll begin by selection of a fine elixir. We have the eternal variations of the green leaf, the sweet cordials of the elder fruits and golden grains, or even..." he made a face, "the diabolical creation of the Black Beandonna. Choose what you will, Purveyor."

Solana opened the menu and gasped. Each item's description had been carefully written in fine calligraphy, and there were gorgeous drawings of the food or drink next to each listing. "This is so beautiful. Did you draw all of this yourself?" she asked.

Anghel nodded as he reached into a pocket and pulled out a little bell. "Indeed. The Golden Winged Messenger advised me that my powers were best trained in a variety of methods than only the Forbidden Epic."

Solana smiled and flipped through the drinks. Oh, there was tea, wine and beer, or coffee. She quickly glanced through the teas. "I would like to try the nectar of the pale and blushing fruits, please," she stated. A white tea with white peaches, pears, and a bit of dragonfruit.

Anghel was writing her request in a little notebook with a manga pen. "Very well, Purveyor. Should you require anything more in my absence, do not hesitate to strike the bell and summon me." He turned around to go, then stopped. "Ah, I have forgotten the mark of your status this evening. Forgive me," he muttered. He reached into another pocket and pulled out... a tiara?

Solana chuckled, realizing that this was why Aryn had told her to wear her hair down. "Thank you, Anghel," she said solemnly. Anghel gestured for her to bend down, and he carefully placed the tiara on her head.

"I shall return swiftly, Purveyor. Choose well what you will dine on tonight. The Day of Judgment draws ever nearer, and all must be at full strength to resist the Dark Sorcerer!" Anghel instructed, then dashed off.

Solana laughed to herself. Sure, this was a little silly, and she never would have asked for a tiara, but Anghel was obviously trying very hard to please her. This was fun.

As she looked around, she realized that all the birds she could see were obviously enjoying themselves. A very prim-looking fantail was playing some beautiful music on a grand piano in the middle of the room. Mr. Sakazaki was going from table to table, handing out roses and smooth comments that would make one bird after another blush even under their feathers. It wasn't long before he came to hers.

"Mon amie, such beauty is only enhanced in the moonlight. Would you care for a rose to further sweeten the memories of your time here?" he asked, offering her a violet rose.

Solana found herself blushing again. She wasn't used to this kind of attention! "I... ah, yes, please, Mr. Sakazaki," she babbled.

The fantail laughed good-naturedly, and Solana joined in. "Call me Yuuya. It can be overwhelming here, but we seek to entertain above all. And see our customers again, of course," he said with a wink. As he passed her the rose from his wing to her hand, he lowered his head and gave a gentle tap of his beak on her hand, the bird equivalent of a chaste kiss.

"Thanks, Yuuya, I am having fun. Anghel is very kind," Solana replied.

"Good, I knew he would be. But do see me next time, all right? Adieu!" With a chuckle, he walked off to the next table.

Solana smiled back as she realized why her vase was empty and carefully placed the rose in it. A nice touch.

A gray rock dove that she hadn't seen earlier was making sure everyone was being taken care of. He stopped at Solana's table, a little worried, but Solana assured him that she was being well looked after.

Anghel returned quickly with a beautiful silver tea set. "Your nectar, Purveyor," he said with a bow, placing the tea set on the table with a flourish. He carefully poured her a cup. "Would you like the golden ambrosia of the tiny stingers, or perhaps the sparkling crystals of frozen sweetness?"

"No honey or sugar, thank you. I always take my tea plain," Solana answered.

"Very well. After I carry your august selections to the Hall of Infernos, would you prefer solitude? Would you like to exchange tales of great epics? Would you enjoy reading the forbidden epic detailing the adventures of our comrades?" Anghel asked eagerly.

Solana needed a second to translate, but so much time with Joshua made things easier. "Actually, Anghel, I would love to trade stories with you. Is your epic available to buy later?" she asked hopefully.

Anghel's blue eye lit up joyfully. "Indeed, at this very location! Pray, tell me that which you would prefer to dine on, and we can begin!"

Oh, right, she still had to eat. Solana glanced through Anghel's beautiful menu again. "How about the grilled Silver Beings coated in the juice of the fruits blessed of the heavens?" she asked.

Anghel scribbled it down. "My own forefathers provide the Silver Beings, so they are worthy of one such as yourself," he assured her. "I will pass your request to the Apostle of the Flowing Rocks with all haste. Farewell!" Off again. He was almost as fast as that speedy fantail.

In no time, Anghel returned and carefully took a seat at her table. "My knowledge of the epics is indeed vast, Purveyor. Tell me that which you would hear," he began.

Solana thought it over. "You had titles for the others here. The Apostle of the Violet Rose, the Sage of Nightmares..." she began.

Anghel nodded. "The Hallowed Magician of White is playing the piano, and the Great Pigeon and Textoris Melodia Funerus are seeing to our other guests. I shall tell the origins of our great adventure together long ago! And of the great Edel Blau, of course."

Solana took another sip of tea and listened intently. Anghel was a brilliant storyteller, and certainly one of the most... enthusiastic she had ever heard. But he was certain to ask her for tales of her own, even inquiring about adding certain details of things to his epic. He had to leave to bring back her food at one point, then jumped right back in.

Solana sighed with delight. Aryn's perfect dish. The wonderful tales. What an amazing night, and a perfect way to end her birthday...

Suddenly, the lights went off. The front door opened and a spotlight came on, illuminating a new bird that had just entered. A colorful bird, a golden pheasant, standing tall and proud.

"Wahahahaa! Tremble before me, and applaud your savior! For I, the great Tohri Nishikikouji, am here to save you from that detestable chukar partridge, Isa Soumaaaa! I have heard he is here!" he announced loudly, striking a pose that he no doubt thought was heroic.

What? Solana glanced over at Anghel, who seemed stunned. "No... the Golden-Winged Messenger..." he muttered angrily.


I have even more respect for fanfic writers who manage to pull off Anghel's speech pattern. It was tricky, but fun. I'm also trying something out for my hydro where she gets a little flustered at smooth comments. (Still no pervertedness. I am tweaking Yuuya's speech a bit for that.)

[Solana]

Tohri glanced at the stunned crowd in disappointment. "What? No applause? Has that unsightly partridge warped you all so much?" he asked, then sighed melodramatically. "No matter! Today is the day that I will have my revenge at last!"

"You, there!" the prim fantail yelled. He left his piano and came stomping up, his tail fully fanned out in rage. "You are no employee of ours, nor do you have a reservation! I must insist that you leave the premises immediately!"

"Or what?" Tohri cooed. "I do not see that primate here today, and you don't have the school's security to use. Besides, this time, I have come prepared!" He whipped out a remote control and hit a button.

Yuuya was already running to get in front of the prim fantail. "Sakuya, stay behind me!" he ordered.

"Do not order me about, mongrel! I am fully capable of looking after-" the prim fantail began angrily.

"Look out!" Yuuya yelled, pushing Sakuya backwards. A laser blasted the ground where the two had been seconds before.

Solana got to her feet as Anghel removed his tuxedo jacket and grabbed his manga pen. The world seemed to spin for a moment, and Solana caught herself on her chair.

Suddenly she blinked, seeing the golden pheasant as he really was- Avies Aurum the puppetmaster. He had an enormous puppet shaped like a golem attacking the two fantails. The Apostle of the Violet Rose was in front of his brother, sword at the ready as lightning danced along it. Behind him, the Hallowed Magician of White was preparing a spell as the golem lunched at them. Avies himself had run to the kitchen in the back, leaving his golem to battle.

She glanced at Anghel. The Crimson Angel already had the holy spear, Saekro'm, ready to go. "You must go warn the Apostle of Flowing Rocks, Purveyor. Leave this to us!"

"Right! Be safe, my friend!" Solana called. The Great Pigeon had dropped off his last bowl of pudding, Textoris Melodia Funeris had drawn his own blade, and the Sage of Nightmares had left his podium. They had prevailed against many trials before, and today would be no different!

Solana began to run and almost tripped over the long robes she was now wearing instead of her gown. No matter, she lifted them a bit from long practice and ran quickly to the kitchen after the angry pheasant.

Aryn was also looking different, in black armor with a red cape and a badge shaped like a volcano clipped on her sword belt. She didn't look confused, only pissed as she glared at the pheasant. Her usual flaming sword was gone, replaced by a thinner blade in her left hand and a sword catcher in her right. "Depart from here immediately, or by my role as Apostle, I will defeat you!"

Next to her was a fluffy partridge in a cape, with red horns on his head. "You have no chance against us both, Avies," he said in a bored tone. "Besides that, I am busy. Get out."

Avies laughed. "Two is a perfect number, Wallenstein. After all, with my powers, I can make one of you my ally against the other!"

"Fat chance!" Aryn roared. She lunged at the pheasant, blades ready to strike. Avies flicked his wings, and suddenly Aryn was shifted to running towards the partridge instead! She yelped and just managed to miss him, but stumbled and fell instead.

Wallenstein called up a ball of black energy to launch at the pheasant, but was twisted at the last moment to throw it at Aryn. Aryn cursed and rolled out of the way.

Solana prepped a spell to launch at the pheasant as well, but she felt an odd sensation as if strings were tied to her body and twisting her to face Aryn. Aryn dodged Solana's spell and again threw herself at Avies, only to be turned aside again.

Avies was fast at turning them, but Solana soon realized his weakness. "He's using too much of his power with the golem to control you both! Do a simultaneous attack!" she called out.

"Right!" Aryn agreed. This time, she waited a second as Wallenstein prepped another spell. The partridge launched his attack as Aryn lunged forward.

Avies squawked and tried to pull Aryn into the way of Wallenstein's black ball of energy. Solana threw out two magical web spells- one at Aryn, one at Avies himself. She made two gestures, to pull Aryn out of the way and to throw Avies' web up at the ceiling.

Aryn laughed as Solana dissolved one web spell. "Look at that, hung up to dry! What do we do with him now?" she asked.

"I can think of a few possibilities," Wallenstein answered. He walked over to a counter and grabbed a shiny steel cleaver.

"No! What kind of justice force does this world have?" Solana asked.

Avies laughed. "You think I came unprepared? You think I'll lose to the Dark Sorcerer today? Think again, cretins!" His clawed feet rummaged amongst his feathers and pulled out two balls. His sharp gaze rested on Solana. "The rumors are true- the Purveyor is a dangerous enemy indeed. Farewell!" He threw the balls at the floor.

They proved to be flash bombs and soon filled the kitchen with choking yellow smoke. Blinding, piercing light was the last thing Solana remembered seeing...

[Solana]

"...Sol, you okay? You got the brunt of those damn flash bombs.."

Solana slowly opened her eyes, but could only see a large white blob a few feet back, and a white and black blob in front of her. She closed her eyes again and tried a healing spell.

"Won't you open your lovely eyes for me, mon amie?" Yuuya asked.

Solana stifled a chuckle and obliged. There, now she could see Yuuya in front of her in his tux again. Aryn was in her chef whites again, looking worried. The partridge was in front of the stove, wearing an apron and looking bored.

Yuuya leaned in close, gazing at each of her eyes carefully. Finally, he nodded in satisfaction. "You'll be fine. Your eyes are still as beautiful as the moonlight glinting off a night sea."

Solana blushed again as Aryn glared at the partridge. "You're supposed to be a doctor, Shuu. Why didn't you look Solana over?"

The partridge shrugged. "I am here to cook tonight. If you wish me to examine her, I will ask for a lung in return. I would love to see how an Atlantean lung differs from that of a human. Ho, ho, ho..."

Solana wasn't sure if he was serious, but didn't want to find out. She got to her feet with Aryn's help.

"What the hell happened to us?" Aryn demanded. "One minute I'm cooking, the next I'm wearing some kind of weird armor and calling myself an 'Apostle'... did you guys put something in the food?"

"Not for you," Shuu muttered.

Yuuya laughed and gestured for Shuu to shush. "No, of course not. You know how Anghel talks like he's in a different world?" Solana nodded. "He has the ability to pull others into that fantasy world when he gets excited. It won't hurt you, and it happens every now and again. It makes life around here that much more interesting."

Suddenly, Anghel himself raced into the kitchen. "Forgive me, but the Golden Winged Messenger managed to elude me. How is the Purveyor...?" he asked, then noticed Shuu at the stove. He glared at the partridge and pulled out his manga pen again. "Wallenstein, you fiend! What have you done to her?" he hissed.

"Nothing," Shuu remarked coolly, "It was that editor who threw the flash bombs. I would advise asking him during your next meeting."

"I'm okay, Anghel," Solana assured him.

Anghel came over to her, then bowed his head in shame. "This is my sin, yet another to be added to this crimson breast. I failed to consider that the Golden Winged Messenger would strike even here, and then was unable to bring him to face his own Day of Judgment. I dare not ask for forgiveness...."

"Hey, man, it's not like that..." Yuuya protested.

Solana knelt down in front of the bird, then gently pushed his beak up so that he would look her in the eye. "Anghel, I'm fine. So is Aryn. Believe me, in our lives, we've faced many battles."

"Besides, you're the one who shoved the golem out the door so that it didn't attack any of the guests," Yuuya added.

"And you made sure that I went to go warn Aryn," Solana finished, "Even in the heat of battle. Together we took him down, even if he did get away. That wasn't your fault."

Anghel sniffled. "Purveyor, Apostle, you are too good to this fallen servant. My crimson breast burns with happiness at your forgiveness. Perhaps you might allow me to complete the Great Trial, and deliver the Great White Shell to the Purveyor."

"Um..." Solana began, trying to figure that one out.

"It is time for dessert. Most of the guests believed this to be a show, and only the door was damaged. I can't deny the ladies the night of sexy and luxurious service that they came for," Yuuya explained. He picked up a few trays to go back to work.

"We'll be fine here, and your dessert is about ready," Aryn agreed. "Go, it's still your special day!"

Solana smiled and followed Anghel back to her table. Yuuya and the rock dove were pacifying the guests, Sakuya went back to his piano, and the speedy fantail was again bringing bowls of pudding from table to table. Except for the splintered door, it was as if nothing had happened.

Anghel was quiet as he pulled out Solana's chair again, gave her a fresh napkin, and topped off her teacup. "Purveyor, allow this fallen servant to bring you the grand finale to this feast," he requested.

"It'll be fine, Anghel," Solana tried to reassure him, but he took off soundlessly.

It was only a few minutes before he brought back Aryn's masterpiece. Solana gasped in delight as she realized how apt the 'Great White Shell' description was.

Aryn had molded a gorgeous clam out of white modeling chocolate. Nestled inside was a white chocolate truffle rolled in coconut shavings as a pearl. The chocolate clam was resting on a bed of golden sugar as sand, with a few strands of kelp draped over the sand as if carelessly arranged by a wave.

Seeing Solana's happiness seemed to have cheered Anghel up, and he smiled as he carefully placed it on her table. "The Apostle of the Flowing Rocks was here late last night creating this for you," he explained.

"It's... it's stunning. I don't know if I can eat this," Solana sighed.

Anghel nodded. "The Apostle told me this might be so. She requested I mention that she has taken a picture for any records, and that if you do not consume it, she will leave the kitchen and forcefeed it to you."

Solana laughed. That sounded like Aryn. She picked up a knife and carefully sawed a piece of white chocolate off of the clam to sample.

Heavenly. It dissolved slowly, leaving a gentle sweetness. She made her way through the rest of the clam, saving the truffle for last. It was truly a pearl of delicious chocolate, and Solana savored it slowly.

Anghel began gathering up the dishes once she was done. "Did this evening meet your qualifications, Purveyor? The Apostle informed me that the day is a celebration of the anniversary of your reincarnation, which demanded nothing but the best from this crimson breast."

"You did a wonderful job, Anghel. I'll have to come back and see you all again," Solana promised.

Anghel ducked his head almost shyly. "It would please me to record this night's events in the Forbidden Epic, if you wish. The last act before the rising of the eye of heaven is a freezing of this moment in time."

Did that mean a photo? Solana nodded agreeably. Anghel took her hand with one wing and led her towards Mr. Nanaki's podium. Behind it was a beautiful burgundy velvet covered alcove with a cushioned stool. In front was a fancy camera.

"Higure, well done tonight. A photo for the evening?" Mr. Nanaki inquired politely.

"Indeed, Nightmare Sage. Which battle poses would be most suitable?" Anghel asked.

Mr. Nanaki blinked. "Whatever is comfortable. Maybe the lady would like to take a seat?"

Anghel led Solana to the stool, and she sat down. Anghel stood to the side, brandishing his manga pen high in the air. She smiled as the button quail wobbled back to the camera and took the picture.

"Would you inform Mrs. Caldera that her duties are done for the evening, Higure?" Mr. Nanaki asked.

"Yes. Farewell, Purveyor. Destiny decries that we shall meet again!" Anghel declared. He bowed once more and ran for the kitchens.

Mr. Nanaki smiled as he watched the dove go. "Anghel is a good soul, if a bit unusual. I am happy that he had a guest able to see past his eccentricities," he murmured.

Solana shook her head. "No, he is who he is. I wouldn't have wanted him to play at being someone else when he's wonderful as he is."

Anything Mr. Nanaki would have said in response was prevented by Aryn's return. Solana threw her arms around her friend in a huge hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Aryn! You're amazing, and this was so much fun! And delicious!"

"Yes, I am, but feel free to add on more," Aryn replied with a grin, "Glad you liked it, but we should make tracks for home."

Mr. Nanaki bowed to them and handed Solana an envelope with her photo. "Have a lovely evening, ladies. And do please... see us... again... zzzz."

The gray rock dove came over to wake up Mr. Nanaki as the women left. Once outside, Solana opened up the envelope to check her picture. She gazed at it, then burst into laughter.

"What, what?" Aryn demanded. Solana showed her the picture. She was sitting on the stool with Anghel posing by her side. Behind them, Yuuya had pulled back the velvet drape to photobomb them, holding a violet rose and winking at the camera.

"Oh, boy... we met some interesting ones tonight, didn't we?" Aryn asked.

"Yes, but that just made it better. Thank you," Solana said again with one more hug.

"You're welcome."