A Daring Tale (A Fist Epilogue)

They were supposed to meet in a classy little bar in the middle of Japan. Dan and Arthur chatted about the matches they lost just a few hours ago while waiting for the Musashi to show up.

When the finally all gathered, it was a collection of familiar faces. The 4 Musashi girls greeted everyone, starting with Dan.

"Yo! I guess you already know Soon, those two are my sisters, Akane and Ann."- Mai said as she walked while carrying soon on her shoulders, the esper fully distracted attempting not to smash her head against the ceiling.

"I know him alright"-Akane replied with a small smile. "Met him on that last mission at Shirokumo. Pretty good fight.I gotta say, you are quite a tough guy after all."- Akane told him as she bumped her fist into his shoulder. She walked past him to see Arthur, his bandages hidden by an illusion that also gave him a huge nose and a handlebar moustache, but Akane did her best not to chuckle.

"How are you holding up, Arthur? You do have someone at home that can look after you, right? If not then I can always come by."

“Hey, Akane! Long time no see.” Arthur noticed Akane struggling to suppress a chuckle. ”You think I look funny now, eh? You should see me without the illusion. Anyway, I appreciate the offer,” Arthur said, “but my daughters can help me out. Did you see my fight?”

“Daughters huh? Must be nice…”- Musashi replied in a slightly sorrowful tone. When Arthur changed the topic her eyes shone a little.

“I did! You should have used twin swords you know? Aim at the wrists!” - She excitedly replied while doing the hand motions for the cuts.

“...I should’ve thought of that. I’m always hesitant to use those in this league since they’re so deadly, I never even thought of, you know, not trying to kill with them. Thanks, I’ll try it next time. Did you give tips to your sister, too?” Arthur nodded toward Mai. “She fought really well, even though it came down to her just being really tough.”

“Oh, none at all, her style is completely different from mine, I’m guessing Yui will punish her later for not following the plan. She still has a lot to learn from a technique standpoint”

Mai jumped into the conversation with Soon as she handed over a beer to Akane and Arthur

“I’m sure she won’t be too mad at me cause I won. Anyway, Soon and I were thinking of playing a little game to pass the time, what do you say ice kid? Are you down for it?”- Mai told him with a deviant smile.

“Does it involve drinking?” Arthur eyed the beer in his hand carefully. “Because I’m not much a drinker.”

“Only does if you are a chicken! We are playing truth or dare, drunk edition.”- Mai said as she downed the entire beer and set the empty bottle in the middle of the table.

“Now where’s Ann? She still flirting with Dan or something?”

Ann in the meantime greeted Dan with a big smile, damn, up close he looked bigger.

"Looks like my little sister gave you quite the spankin', it was pretty cool tho, I like your style"

Dan unsuccessfully hid a proud smile when Ann complimented him. "Hm? Oh, thank you! Nice to get some praise after being chewed out by my coach. I mean, he was right about what he said but it's still no fun to be yelled at."

"We are gonna go ahead and start ordering rounds, now where the fuck is Laura?!"-Mai interrupted their conversation.

"Laura's coming?" Dan asked..

“She said she was! Gonna have to wait for her, now you two gather around, I wanna get this started.” -Mai dragged both Ann and Dan back to the table, then she moved towards Akane

“You are coming, too.”

“What?!!”- Akane could only reply before Mai dragged her as well.

“Alright, I guess Arthur can spin first, given he didn’t have such a great day!”-Musashi told out loud as she handed over the bottle for him to spin.

"Wait, what's going on? Is this a party thing? I don't go to many parties…" Dan protested as he was drug over.

"Oh, it seems the party got interesting before I even arrived." Laura spoke from the door, quickly joining them at the table. "Oh, hello Drake, Cromwell. I didn't know you were coming."

"I didn't know you were coming. It's fun to surprise one another, eh?" Dan was briefly distracted from the game.

“Oh, Laura. I didn’t know we allowed people who had an easy fight. Have a seat, grab a drink, and let me spin my bottle.” After everyone was ready, he licked the bottle with an ice shard to make it spin. And spin. And spin. Until it finally landed on… Mai!

“Well, this backfired earlier than expected...Truth”- Mai said as she leaned back

"That's karma for disrespecting my opponent." Laura smirked.

“Alright… Well, let’s start with something easy. Hm… What’s the compliment you hear most often?”

“Hah, way easy. People like my eyes, I find that weird as fuck. Now, MY turn”

Mai spun the bottle, and after a while, it pointed towards...Dan.

“Alright, truth or dare big boy?!”

"What!? I, uh, dare." Dan quickly fumbled out his answer.

“I dare you...Kiss Ann!”

“What! Oh man…”- Ann simply replied, looking at Dan as she closed her eye

“Do it, Oonash Dan!” Arthur cheered, his fake mustache bobbing up and down while he suppressed his grin.

"Wait, hold on, she didn't- Ann, if you say no I won't do it." Dan mumbled, bright red.

“Boo, no weaseling out of it,” Arthur taunted.

“D-don’t chicken out of it!” Ann told dan as she held him by the arms only to close her eyes again

"Well alright!" Dan took her arms in turn and kissed her, a light peck on the lips that lingered a moment longer than absolutely necessary. "I certainly wouldn't have said no myself."

Ann simply looked away completely blushed as the kiss ended and grabbed her beer. That last bit was too much information for her.

"That's the spirit, Drake." Laura winked, making him wriggle uncomfortably in his seat.

"I'm just gonna spin it." He mumbled.

He grabbed the bottle and gave it a violent spin. It went for a while before settling right on Mai.

"Oh, would you look at that. Time for revenge."

“Ah hell, me again? Dare, do your worst”- Mai said as she took a sip of her beer

"Fine." He grabbed the bottle of salt in the middle of the table and unscrewed the lid. "Whole thing, one gulp."

“Hell no, Yui will kill me she notices I had too much salt, plus it would ruin my beautiful shape”-Mai replied as she showed her bicep, picking up a brand new beer and downing the thing entirely.

“She’s gonna kill you for too much salt, but beer’s fine?” Arthur asked.

“Shhhhhhh”- Mai told Arthur as she spun the bottle, which promptly pointed towards Arthur.

“Hah, truth or dare?!”

Arthur was tempted to go with dare, but he figured he was too easy a target in his condition. Plus, there were already two dares in a row. “Truth! I’m an open book!”

“Alright kiddo, If you had to make out with one of us, who would you pick?!”- Mai told him already feeling like laughing. Akane simply looked away as she fiddled with her untouched beer.

“Oof, good one.” Arthur looked around the table. Dan was stricken off almost instantly. Mai was hot, but perhaps a bit too large. He looked at Akane. Well, maybe if he didn’t mind Callis cutting him in half. That left him looking at Soon, Laura, and Ann, going from one to the other and back again. “It would probably have to be… Your girlfriend.”

Soon lifted her fist stoically as a sign of victory, she wasn’t into men, but god it still felt good.

“Can’t say I blame ya on that, you got good taste”- Mai told Arthur as she reached for Soon.

“I’m gay, sorry.”- Soon replied while hugging Mai

“No, that’s not a confession, you don’t have to reply”- Mai told as she looked down to meet her eyes.

“You’re also taken, so yeah, don’t worry about it. My turn again!” Another shard flicked at the bottle spun it toward Akane. “Oh, this should be fun. Truth or Dare?”

Akane was blushing already, why her?!

“...Truth?”- She finally replied.

“A nice choice. Tell us, what’s Callis like in bed?”

Dan and Laura both snorted mid drink, Laura coughing and giggling while Dan looked up in shock.

"Arthur, that's private…" He insisted.

"Oh, it's really not, not with some people." Laura smiled, wiping beer off her face. "When you like casual, it's good to share… perhaps not as much for the monogamous among us?"

“It’s all in good fun, right? Besides, all she has to do is drink and we forget the question,” Arthur said.

Akane looked at her drink. She despised beer so much. But Arthur had cornered her. After a second of silence she downed the entire beer and set the empty bottle on Arthur’s face.

“How’s that for an answer?!”- She replied with a grin in her face. Unfortunately for Akane, she was incredibly weak when it came to alcohol, so that was quite probably the only time she would manage to do that.

“An excellent answer as far as I’m concerned,” Arthur replied, smiling ominously.

"And certainly an honest one." Laura added, finishing her own drink.

Ann and Mai sighed in disappointment, they really thought she was about to disclose that one.

Akane spun the bottle, this time pointing towards Arthur!
“Yes!” She said as she lifted both arms in the air

“Now, Truth or Dare, Cromwell-san?!”

“I’m fine with either, but I feel like you want to fire back. Truth!”

Clearly Akane was already slightly drunk, but if it really came to that, she would ask!

“Answer truthfully, you say you are an adult, but you are still equipped like a kid down there, am I right?!”

Arthur paused. “Shit.” He looked at the untouched beer in his hand, swirling the disgusting liquid while pondering his options.

"I suppose now would be a good time to say I can tell lies from truth." Laura winked. "So let us all be honest here."

“...Shit. I guess you’re a great addition to this party then...”

"It beats forcing you to prove your answer through display, does it not?" Laura said.

Mai laughed out loud, who knew Akane would ever say anything of the sort!

“What’s wrong, Arthur? Cat got your tongue?!”- Mai taunted

Arthur cleared his throat and summoned all the truthfulness he could. “I… Have never seen a male kid’s parts so I don’t know what kids are equipped like.”

“But you were a kid once, so you definitely should know!”- Akane replied, using the empty beer bottle as if it were a sword, pointed directly at him.

Mai and Ann began chanting

“Drink, Drink, Drink, Drink, Drink!”

“Dammit, it’s not worth fighting over this. The whole thing?” He shook the bottle.

“You saw me”- Akane replied as she swiveled the empty bottle she had just downed.

Arthur sighed and brought the bottle to his lips. He started with small sips, hating every second of it. Then, realizing he was only prolonging his torture, he swung it back and chugged, nearly choking. “Blergh. How can you guys drink this stuff regularly?” He asked, starting to feel a bit warmer.

“Looks like he is a kid alright”- Ann whispered at Soon while both chuckled

Akane laughed out loud, that was such a rare sight, and it was because she had a terribly loud laughter. She composed herself as she sat down to let Arthur have his turn.

“Yeah, keep laughing girls, you’re gonna have your time in the limelight…” Arthur said, spinning the bottle. Back to Akane! “Really, again? Well, I suppose it’s fine. Truth or Dare?”

Akane’s excitement was killed almost immediately.

“Dare, I’m not telling you guys anything”

“Heh, figured you’d chicken out. Let’s see… Oh, I know! I want you to put on Mai’s gi. And only the gi.” Arthur said. Perhaps the beer was already influencing him, too.

"This grew fun quickly." Laura said.

“A depraved soul if I’ve ever seen one. I’ll drink!”- Akane said decided

“Keep in mind you’re the one who turned this into a war!”

“A Musashi never regrets the things done!”- Akane replied at him as she slowly but surely chugged down the beer. Now she definitely was RED.

Akane spun the bottle and landed on Ann! Parker just facepalmed

“Alright, Ann, Truth or Dare?!”

“...Dare”- Ann replied, there was no way Akane was gonna expose her like she did Arthur

“Are you sure? Alright! I dare you make out with Dan for 20 seconds!”

“Absolutely not!”- Ann grabbed the beer and smashed it easily.

Arthur burst out laughing at Ann’s reaction. “Oof, sorry, Dan.” Arthur quickly started feeling bad, watching Dan’s reaction.

"Oh, I…" Dan just turned red.

“You are going to pay for that one, Akane...N-nothing personal Dan, but that’s a bit too much, don’t you agree? Hehe...”

"Uh, no, nothing personal! I get it!" Dan raised his hands.

Ann spun the bottle and it landed on Laura!

“Oh this should be interesting, Truth or Dare?!”

"Normally, I consider truth most interesting, but the dates are getting particularly… daring. I will take dare!" The demigod declared.

“Well alright, hmm...I want you to give Arthur a lap dance!”- Ann finally said!

"Ahah! I figured you to be the restrained one here! Well, the deed I am willing to do, but the subject… he resembles a child." Laura awkwardly stood, eying Arthur.

“If it helps, I can show you my ID. Or illusion myself into my business form.”

“He is a man! They don’t let kids in here!”- Ann replied, slapping the table.

“Or drink,” Arthur added.

"The illusion would be wonderful." Laura set her drink down.

"Illusion up, you are about to have a grand time." Laura walked over to Arthur, tapping his chair with her foot to indicate he should back up. He followed her instructions, naturally, although now he was starting to get a bit embarrassed in front of all these people. Still, backing out at this point would also feel weird.

Laura didn't exactly dance like an expert, and her skirt was not conducive to the movements she made, but it was certainly hot enough to somebody at the table that he looked away, redder even than when he kissed Ann. Laura twirled away and blew a kiss to them, making a stop at the bar for more beer.

When everything was over, Arthur fanned himself. “Well then. I can’t exactly compare it to any previous experience, but that was certainly… Fun.” He looked at Dan, wanting to ask him if Caroline did something he could compare to this, but seeing him even redder than Arthur made the ice mage think he should give him a bit of a break.

"Damn, ok alright, that was pretty good"- Ann said, giving Laura the room to post now.

“Oh, you’ve got experience with this, Ann?” Arthur asked.

"She must, if she can judge my performance." Laura returned to the table.

"Not me, Soon. She's pretty good!" Ann stated before being stabbed in the ribs by Soon's elbow.

“Wait, Soon gave you a lap dance?”

"Not me! Mai!"- Ann replied as the elbow stabbing continued

“And you watched?”

"THEY ARE THE ONES DOING IT IN THE DAMN KITCHEN! STOP STABBING ME YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE"-Ann told Soon as she held her by the shoulders. At this point, Arthur was in stitches, unable to even say anything to continue the line of questioning.

“A-anyway, it's Laura's turn!!"- Ann replied in an attempt to change topic.

"Oh, I already spun." Laura tapped the bottle. "I just wanted to let you have your fun. Dan is next."

"...fuck." Dan took a swig. "Truth."

"That was a quick decision." Laura chuckled.

"I wasn't giving Mai a lap dance or whatever you had in mind." Dan said.

"A shame, that. Well I had a question anyway. What happened to your old powers? Are you simply suppressing them? Or are they gone?"

"What, that's it? Not asking if I'm a virgin or something?"

"Are you?"

"No. Hey! Okay, whatever, easy enough. My old powers are gone. The shard of the ancient evil being that granted them to me was torn out and is now either dead or trapped in an endless space between realities or something." Dan took a long drink. "...can we get back to the weird stuff?"

"The good kind of weird"-Mai replied.

"So that's why your powers look different? Good. You were weak and helpless back then"-Soon told Dan without making any expressions.

"Oh well, good for ya i Guess, having evil powers is probably not very fitting for ya given you are such a nice guy. Mr. I won't Kiss You if You Say no"- Mai just laughed and Sat back, waiting for him to spin the bottle.

"That's not nice, that's the default. One should hope." Dan gave the bottle a flick and it went right back to Laura. "Well now…"

"Oh, and now I am at your mercy." Laura leaned back in her chair.

"Let's see… handstand! Keep it up for… three rounds!" Dan said.

"In my skirt?" Laura raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, right, uh-" Before Dan could change it, she was upside down, standing in her chair so she could still see everybody.

“Great idea, Dan! Wasn’t really expecting it from you, but I’m impressed,” Arthur commented. “Question is, can she spin the bottle while upside down?”

"Hope she can, else She's gonna have to drink!"- Mai said while having her full attention set on Laura.

"What a shameless individual You are, Dan"- Akane commented, both elbows set on the table. The Alcohol was truly breaking Musashi at this point.

"I completely forgot she was in a skirt!" Dan protested. "But hey, if she doesn't mind, who cares?"

"Now you have the right attitude! Arthur, however, is a doubter. Observe." Easily, Laura lifted one arm and struck the bottle into a spin. It turned and turned and finally landed on Arthur.

“I guess that’s fate conspiring to prove me wrong. Fine, I think it’s time for me to take a Dare. Do try to keep in mind my current condition though.” As he said that, his bandaged arm showed up through the illusion for a second.

"Well that limits our options significantly. You are in rather poor shape." Laura mused.

“Maybe that was my plan all along.”

"To lose? Oh, that's it. Call the woman who defeated you and ask her out! Dan has her number!" Laura said.

“Really? Just need to call her and ask her out? Easy. Dan?” Arthur looked at Dan expectantly.

"Good luck." Dan gave him Alexis' number with a shrug.

"Yello?" When Alexis responded, she was dangling upside down on the couch, something violent and stupid on the TV before her.

“Hey, is this Alexis? I’m the guy whose ass you kicked today.”

"Really? Cool! Uh, sorry, I didn't blow you up too hard, did I?" Alexis mumbled, petting the huge red dog that pushed into her side. "Hey, did Dan give you my number?"

“Wow, got it in one. I hope that’s not something he does often. Yeah, turns out you two know each other better than Dan let on during training. Anyway, I actually never got to shake your hand or congratulate you on your victory. I was wondering if you’d like to meet up and share experiences. I’d love to get some tips from you over coffee. Loser’s treat, of course.”

"Oh, he's gonna need his butt kicked for this later… but that sounds fun. Just don't expect more than coffee, Frosty." Alexis said.

“Frosty, eh? Heh, well don’t worry about that. Hope you don’t mind me drinking tea instead of coffee though. I live in Britain after all. How about next Friday then? Or Saturday?”

"Saturday's my only cheat day, so see you then!"

“Awesome. See ya then.” And it was done. “Bam.” He dropped the phone. “EZ.”

"Hey, good for you." Dan gave him a thumbs up.

"Yeah, that went well!" Laura said. "You made the best of it."

“Wasn’t that too fast?!”- Akane said, just thinking how long it took Callis to reply back to her.

“Depends on who the people are, I suppose,” Arthur told Akane. “Considering Callis’s issues, the real surprise is you two ended up together at all.”

"Gotta admit, I was pretty surprised when I heard Callis was dating you." Dan nodded. "I assumed he'd be single longer than me."

Akane looked at Dan funny for a second

“Now you are just being a little silly”- She told Dan still trying not to laugh

“Hey now, he might be single, but he still slept with a real hottie. I wouldn’t discount him just like that,” Arthur said

"Hey!" Dan blushed again.

"Who?" Laura asked.

"Between me and her." Dan mumbled quickly.

“I’m not! Just saying, anyone who knows Callis knows…He’s just dreamy”- Akane told Arthur while deeply sighing.

“Right… I’ll leave that to those of you attracted to men to decide. Now, it’s spinning time.” The bottle came to a stop pointing to Dan. Arthur suddenly realized how perfect that was for his idea. Especially since he was unlikely to pick Truth after dropping an important secret like that. “So, Dan, Truth or Dare?”

"An, again? ...dare. Wait, no, truth!" He rapidly backpedaled.

"No, you don't! You can't change it after you choose!" Laura called.

"Ah hell." Dan grumbled. "I didn't want to talk about…" He trailed off, taking a drink.

“Oh, it’s nothing too hard. I’m just thinking, since you did dare Laura into doing a handstand for a few round, I think you should join her upside down. In a make-out session. I’ll let her decide how long it should last.”

"What is with you guys and making me kiss people?" Dan couldn't hide his growing smile.

"They just all agree you're cute it appears. As for time, well, just do your best." Laura only got right side up long enough to get on the ground before upturning herself once more.

"Cute!?" Dan gasped. "Well, that's an invitation if I've ever heard one."

He did a half-cartwheel, stopping with his feet straight up in the air. A few careful hand-steps took him almost all the way to Laura, where he hesitated a moment.

"Now everybody don't stare too hard, the man's shy." Laura said, grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him to her lips. They kissed hard for nearly a minute before Dan lost his balance, toppling into Laura and bringing them down in a heap.

"Uh, sor-" He couldn't finish his apology before she landed another kiss on his lips.

"All forgiven. Your turn." Laura helped him off and he helped her up. He collapsed back in his seat with a tilted grin and she hopped back into hers with total nonchalance.

Having starred softly, Arthur looked at Laura when she sat back in her chair. “Now now, Laura, you’ve still got one more round of handstands!”

"Hah! True!" She rolled back onto her hands, Dan taking much less sneaky glances at her legs now.

Ann looked at the scene rather anemically

“Wow...she really did it”

Mai began to slide her hand on Soon’s leg as it happened only to be swatted away by the esper.

“Later”- She told her in a quiet voice.

“Well, I certainly did not know that was a thing...I guess Dan can spin now?”- Akane said somewhat impressed by the weird scene that just happened.

"Huh? Oh, right!" The distracted Dan sat up, batting at the bottle. It barely went, stopping nearly immediately on Soon. "Oh hey, first round for you. What'll it be?"

Soon looked up, staring at the ceiling for a moment, only to be slapped by Mai in the nape

“No you don’t. Looking at the future is cheating”

Soon simply grabbed her head with both hands as she answered

“Tch, fine... Dare.”

"Alright, uh swap your sweater with Akane's shirt. She's the only one who fits you." He mumbled.

“Uh, Dan? Wouldn’t it be more of a dare if it didn’t fit?” Arthur pointed out.

“If you think I fit there you haven’t been paying attention…”

Soon removed her hoodie, leaving herself in just a bra.

“Now, your shirt”- Soon told Akane.

“Of course not! Go to the bathroom first you weirdo!”

Akane dragged Soon into the women’s restroom and swapped there. The hoodie looked silly on Akane, but it was way better than Soon, whose shirt looked like it was about to explode.
The esper smiled. Easy win!

"I honestly thought you were going to go there to change in the first place honestly." Dan pointedly only looked at Laura during the change.

“Everyone but Laura and Arthur have seen me naked so…I suppose Arthur’s got a better mental image of me now.”

Soon went for the bottle and clumsily spun it pointing at Laura.

“Hmm, Truth or Dare?”

"Well I am already in the midst of a dare. Truth!"

"Very well, who's the better kisser, Dan or Mai?"- she replied at Laura without Even stuttering.

"Sorry Dan, but experience counts in many tasks. Mai is superior, as of the current date." Laura blushed slightly, but like Soon, she did not hesitate. "Dan needs practice. Agreed, Ann?" She winked at the woman in camo.

Ann blushed, barely knowing how to respond.

"I um...It was ok to me... he doesn’t need any practice or anything…"- Laura could tell Ann was being honest, though she could probably guess it was because she didn’t have experience either.

"Uh, thanks Ann." Dan mumbled into his drink. "And, uh, Laura too. Honesty is best."

“Well, I suppose that’s an accurate answer. Very well, you may spin”- Soon told Laura, handing over the bottle through TK.

"All things that pass my lips are accurate to my best knowledge. Lying is something I cannot do." Laura reached out for the bottle, still upside-down. One spin and Arthur was selected. "Well now! Pick your poison!"

“While I am curious what kind of fun dares you have in store, I’ll give you Truth. Oh, you can sit down again now.”

"I'm aware that I can. I am enjoying myself. As for you, since you seem quite precocious, I must ask who your first love was and if you still know them." Laura smiled from her position. "Not all things tonight must be filthy."

Arthur was a bit surprised by the question. It was something he never expected to be asked, really. Thinking back on it, it was perhaps even a bit painful. But…

“My first love was my first crush. I was 14 or 13, training in swordsmanship with this very cute half-kitsune girl. I called her Bushy Tail Princess because her tail was so fluffy. She was also my first kiss.” He remembered rolling down the grassy hill with her, or perhaps tumbling down was more accurate. Her laugh. Her touch... “But if I still know her… Well, I had to leave before I turned 15. I think our teacher thought we were distracting each other too much. I’ve not heard from her since. A bit of a depressing ending, I suppose. Maybe I should see if I can find her now.”

Perhaps surprisingly, all the Musashi were touched by Arthur’s story.

“That was very cute...maybe you should find her!”- Ann told Arthur, it was a little bit shocking she had yet to have a first love, requited at least…

Akane just gently smiled, she didn’t have an actual first love when she was young, but she did have a crush when she was young.

Mai literally shed a tear but wiped it away, she knew about getting separated from someone dear to you, and she couldn’t imagine losing Soon back then.

“Well that’s a shame. It is fortunate that teenage crushes are not so important. Mine were never fruitful.” Laura offered as much consolation as she could. “It may be hard to believe now, but I was an ugly duckling.”

“You!?” Dan raised an eyebrow.

“If you want more, you will have to get it out of me through another round.” Laura shook her head. “Thank you Arthur. That was a fantastic story.”

“You’re welcome,” Arthur said. “Although the answer was only as good as the question. So… Let me spin again!” And the lucky winner was… Akane, once more! “Feeling lucky this time?”

“Truth, I can’t do weird stuff, no matter what”- Akane said as she opened a bottle of water she had ordered a while ago.

“So you’re getting ready to drink again? Let’s see then… No time for wholesome questions here. Have you ever sexted or sent sexy photos to anyone, and was it someone other than Callis?”

Akane blushed almost too much, but the sight of beer was already making her gag.

“God why...I...I might have sent a pic or two to Callis…but you can’t absolutely tell this to anyone!”

Akane was telling the truth, as long as she didn’t have to describe them it would probably be ok. Still, that was extremely embarrassing!

“Absolutely truthful. If it makes you feel any better… no, it would not.” Laura said. “What will make you feel better is that I promise not to tell a soul. Of anything that happens here.”

“Don’t worry. What happens here, stays here. Besides, nothing wrong with making people you love happy in whatever way you think they’d like.” Arthur said.

“I’m gonna spin this thing now…”- Akane replied, still blushing.

The bottle spun crazily fast, landing on Dan

“Okay...good. Truth or Dare?!”

“Truth.” Dan was finally beginning to feel a bit confident. He had made out with Laura and had a bit of drink in him. He doubted anything she dared would be interesting, so how about truth?

“Alright, Arthur mentioned you slept with a very good looking woman, why don’t you tell us how that happened from start to finish?”- Akane finally said, confident in the challenge.

“I… didn’t expect that from you.” Dan was flustered more than usual. “Maybe I should just drink.”

“Wait, are you looking for inspiration, or did you mean how the two got together?” Arthur chimed in, not sure Dan would understand the right meaning. Heck, he himself wasn’t really sure.

Akane slightly gagged when Arthur suggested it could be for inspiration, she composed herself and elaborated on it

“Just tell us about her, how a “hottie” ended up with you that day, details about her are also needed!”- Akane finally clarified.

“So incredulous of Dan bedding attractive women. I should be insulted.” Laura said, making Dan even more flustered.

“It- okay, alright! That much is fine! Let me collect my thoughts, you guys are killing me here.” He raised his hands as if pleading. “We met on Christmas last year. Uh, we were saving it.”

“It needed saving again?” Laura sounded incredulous.

“My turn, please.” Dan asked and she nodded, miming zipping her lips. “Thank you. Uh, so we met while saving Christmas and she flirted with Arthur, me, and a woman I don’t think you know, I’ll keep her name to myself for her privacy. I got a little competitive, I admit, and she ended up going home with the woman at the end of the day.

What kind of woman flirts with 3 people at the same time? Akane thought to herself.

"So...she did not end up with You…"- She ultimately replied.

"Not on the first day we met, no. She gave me her number and I called her the next week. With encouragement from Arthur, thank you Arthur."

“Hey, it’s all your doing. I’m just the moral support.”

"Very necessary moral support! She agreed to meet me at a sushi place, can't remember the name. Great place though. We chatted about all sorts of stuff, and I guess I passed cause she asked if I wanted to come to her place afterwards. Paid for dinner too. I tried, but it turned out she handed the waiter a 50 already. Also she ate an entire slice of salmon in one bite, which isn't important but it was impressive!"

“Sounds impressive.” Arthur said. Then he got an idea. He excused himself and went to the toilet.

"Very. I imagine that's a useful skill in bed as well." Laura said.

"Whether it was or not you won't know!"

Akane sighed in relief.

"Well, her eating habits aside, it seems everything checks. Good. I was worried you resorted to an escort,"

Musashi went for another bottle of water, looking to dilute the feeling of drunkness in her body.

"Nothing would be wrong if he did choose to do so. Presuming other matters were above board of course." Laura had finally righted herself so she could drink again.

"We have different standards, dear"- Akane replied at Laura, not paying much attention, as the rest of it was focused on opening the bottle, why was it so tight?!

In the meantime, Arthur got back from the toilet, putting his phone back into his pocket.

"You know, I would be insulted that you thought that, but Laura's proving you wrong right now. Some women just like me!" Dan declared and gave the bottle a spin. It landed on Ann.

"Truth, I am feeling lucky" Ann replied as she waved to the guy at the bar for another beer. If anyone looked near Ann's feet, they would realize she had already downed a six by herself.

"Alright then. ...was I your first kiss just now?" Dan asked.

"Pff, not really...but if it makes you feel better it's the first one I don't regret...remember that asshole in College?"

Ann said to Akane, who just looked away, damn that had been embarrassing.

“An asshole in college?” Arthur asked. “I hope he got payback for his assholishness.”

"Damn right he did! Got rejected by Akane in front of everyone"

“Uh, embarrassing though it may be, it doesn’t sound like much of a payback. Mind telling us what he did, or is that a Truth?”

"You bet it is, i'm not gonna share that one for free"- Ann told him slightly red.

"Next round then I hope. Your turn." Laura tapped the bottle.

Ann grabbed the bottle but suddenly paused for a second.

"Hold on...cute and ate an entire piece of salmon in one bite...It wasn’t a girl named Osechi, right?!"

Akane spat the water she was drinking

“Oh, Osechi was totally there when we all met, but she’s not the one Dan’s talking about. Osechi and some other guy. Kind of an asshole, but also nice?”

"Gan?"- Ann said

"Gan"- Akane confirmed, that was the most accurate description She's ever heard of him.

"Well, it's good you didn’t do it with her, she has the mind of like, a kid You know? Well all good, you'll have to tell us about that later. Spinning now!"

Ann spun the bottle, finally pointing at Arthur!

“Oh, fun. I’ve been taking a lot of truths. Give me a fun dare.”

"Yes! I dare you Kiss Dan!"-Ann replied

“Oh? Looking for a show? Dan, you feeling up to it?” Arthur asked.

"I'm going to kiss everybody at the table before the night's up." Dan sighed. "Make it quick."

“Don’t worry, I’m not Laura.” Arthur approached, then cleared his throat and raised one arm theatrically in the air. “Oh, Dan! Kiss me, my love! My thespian heart can’t bear this loneliness.” The kiss itself was far less dramatic. Just a smooch to fill the quota. “Ah, I can die happy now.”

He went back to his seat after that. “There. Drama makes everything less homoerotic.”

"This is how You know Akane's question at him was really good"- Soon commented.

“What? Because I didn’t drink this time? It’s just a kiss!” Arthur said, spinning the bottle. “Well, I guess luck is a cruel mistress. Soon, truth or dare?”

"I don't have to use my powers to tell what You are trying to do. Truth"

“I’m not trying to do anything. This was just luck! Let’s see. Tell me your and Mai’s favorite positions.”

Soon looked at Arthur straight in the eyes for a second, then broke contact

“I suppose you are not as innocent as you look...fine, I like sitting on her face the most. And I used to like it the other way around...but with how much she’s grown that’s not gonna happen.”

Mai had a completely defeated face at this point, she didn’t account for the downsides of her growth!

“Looks like you have managed to make my gf’s sisters incredibly uncomfortable rather fast, I look forward to punishing you for this”

Soon said as she spun the bottle, landing on Mai!

"Sitting on her face?" Dan was confused for a moment until he got the gist of it.

“Oh Dan, sweet innocent Dan. You’ll get it when you’re older,” Arthur said. “Anyway, I'm looking forward to that punishment.”

"I got it now, it just took a second!" Dan protested, Laura hopelessly giggling.

“Truth or dare?”

“Dare!”- Mai replied

"I bet I know what Soon wants her to do." Laura chuckled, losing her usual air of sophistication for a moment.

“Well I totally would, but this is punishment. I dare you make out with Arthur for 20 seconds”

"Hey, Arthur's turn. Finally." Dan smiled.

“Is that supposed to be a punishment for me? Seems more like self-flagellation,” Arthur said

“Be slightly rough,” Soon added, making Arthur slightly worried now.

Mai got up her seat and walked towards Arthur.

“Sure you wanna do this?” Mai told him before she began

“I’m starting to have second thoughts, but I’m not gonna be sabotaging your dare. Bring it on.”

“Works for me”- Mai said as she tightly gripped the back of his head, slightly pulling his hair as she kissed him, biting with just enough force to make him bleed, her other hand reached for his chest and scratched him, she picked him up and reached for his back as she bit him on the neck. As soon as 20 seconds were done, she held him by the armpits and set him back on his seat.

“Good.” - Mai said as she went on and took her seat.

After the kiss, Arthur was left nursing his chest. Honestly, the kiss wasn’t the worst thing ever, despite the taste of blood in his mouth. Heck, he might have even enjoyed the scratching if it was from a person he liked. If his physical condition was normal, at least. While they couldn’t see it through the illusion, Mai ended up ripping some of his bandages and the scratch on his burned body ached probably more than the burning itself had.

“Right. Punishment received. You’re crueler than you look, Soon.”

“I’ve been told, but I’m just a sweet little girl”- She replied at him with a cheerful smile.

"Damn, Mai can kiss." Dan whistled in appreciation. "You okay there Arthur?"

“Uh, I would’ve been before my match. Now? It hurts a bit,” he downplayed it just a bit.

"Rough. Need to redo your bandages?"

“Don’t worry about it.” Arthur froze the ripped parts together, the chill making his wound slightly more bearable. “I guess Mai can spin now.”

“Right, I’ll do that!”- Mai replied, spinning the bottle as it landed on Laura!

“Ok hot stuff, Truth or Dare?”- Mai told the greek demi-goddess.

"Well, I find it hard to choose. I believe that you… would give me a more interesting dare." Laura winked at Mai.

“Heh, I have just the thing. Swap bras with Soon!”- Mai said without hesitation.

“Just great”- Soon replied, looking at her shirt, that was already looking like it would explode.

“Mai just wants a good excuse to massage Soon’s chest afterwards,” Arthur chimed in.

“What’s your cup size Laura...I don’t think this is going to work”- Soon told her as she eyed at her chest.

"I measure a B. I believe this will not work well." Laura said, taking off her tank top regardless. There was no comparison between her and Soon.

“Wow, so small”- Soon said, already fearing the crushing grip of that bra

“Well excuse us simple mortals”- Ann added. Soon undid her bra with TK and pulled it from under her shirt.

“Here you go.” Soon handed over the pink bra, expecting Laura’s in return

"Oh, some prefer it." Laura went nowhere to change, just turning her back to the table. Within a second, she was trading, pink for black. Dan enjoyed her bare back until she put the new bra on, tightened it as much as she could, and put her shirt back on over it. "How do I look?"

"The overstuffed shirt look suits you." Dan joked, pretending he didn't notice how her nipples poked through her shirt from the bra being too big to stay on properly.

Soon struggled to close the bra, even with her powers it just wasn’t cooperating. For a second, the bra closed, giving her a massive push up style through the already tight shirt. Then, the rip sound.

“Oh...I think I owe you a bra”- Soon told Laura. She took it out torn apart in half. Now she would have to stay just with the shirt, which pressed over her body.

"Oh dear. I expected as much." Laura sadly held the two halves. "Oh well, I will accept the loss. I doubt I will have need of my bra again for the night."

“An accurate statement for us both”- Soon nodded, relaxed by the fact Laura did not get angry.

“I suppose you can spin now, hope that doesn't fall too often”- She said while pointing at her bra.

"If it does I can simply go topless. This venue is remarkably tolerant."

Yeah we are!” Arthur said. Laura mostly spoke for Dan's reaction though, then spun the bottle upon seeing him blush. "It appears you must join us once more, Musashi heir."

“Alright, I suppose you can go easy on me if i pick dare, yes?”- Akane told Laura.

"I do not see why I would." Laura said. "Juggle for me! Ann's finished alcohol… and Soon."

“What do mean and Soon?!” Akane told Laura, her eyes counting all the bottles Ann had already finished.

"Juggle Soon with the bottles! She's all small and she can fly if you drop her. It's perfect." Laura giggled.

“Alright, everyone stand back!”- Akane said as she grabbed Ann’s beers, 3 on each hand holding them by the neck in between her fingers. She then moved to Soon and picked her up with both hands. Ann set both hands on the table as she leaned in, while Mai was just grinning in the back

“Here i go!”

-Perfect warrior!- Akane muscled up and tossed Soon, who immediately took a fetal position, Akane then tossed the first bottle, juggling Soon and the beer, then the second and third. Akane was already sweating bullets. Soon was heavier than she expected.

“This is...way harder than I thought”- Musashi tossed the other two bottles in an attempt to rush the challenge, but now Soon was getting scared of the glass above and below her.

“Maybe we should stop...I don’t like the look of this…” Soon said, after a few seconds of getting tossed, her grip was escaping out of her legs, she broke the fetal position and landed straight on Akane, making her lose balance as the bottles fell towards them.

Laura moved to grab the bottles before they landed, but Dan moved faster. One massive punch blasted wind across the table, sending the bottles flying away without striking anyone. Of course, everything else got knocked over too.

"Sorry, I panicked." Dan said.

"Quick thinking is admirable, even if not all factors are considered." Laura said, patting down her skirt.

“Ow...thanks Dan, hope the owner doesn’t kick us out for this”- Soon said as she got up from Akane as if she were just part of the floor.

"Laura just flashed the room, I think we're good." Dan glanced at the bartender.

He seemed to be making a point of ignoring them, but the green-haired man at the counter was bright red, staring at everything they got up to. Dan sheepishly waved and he turned away, hiding his face with a menu.

Akane rolled and slowly got up from the ground.

"Dammit Ann, you are going way too fast…ok, hand me over the bottle"

“Now hold on there!” A voice called to the group from behind. A green-haired woman casually walked up to their table, wrapping her arms around Dan’s neck and leaning forward so she’s head-height with him. “It looks like you’re all having such a wonderful time, and didn’t think to invite me? You both have made me so sad.” Caroline faked getting teary-eyed, turning her head to look at Dan directly, then glancing at Arthur

“Hey, that’s what you get for not coming to see our fights,” Arthur replied. “At least I did call you, unlike lover boy there.”

Alright, she was hot. Akane was mildly impressed. Soon whispered something at Mai as they welcomed her.

“Oh hi! Don’t know you but feel free to join us, here, you are gonna need these if you want to catch up”- Mai said as she handed her a couple beers.

“Caroline! It’s good to see you! Uh, everybody, this is Caroline. I don’t think any of you have met her besides Arthur?” Dan said.

“Pleased to meet you, Caroline. I’m Laura, demigod and a, you could say, co-worker of Dan’s.” Laura extended her hand to shake.

“Hey, she introduces herself as a demi-god! I’m Mai, Demigod, that’s Akane, also a demigod, Ann...just regular human, and Soon”
The esper flew over and waited for her turn to shake hands with her

“You look nice”- is all she said. Caroline smiled at everyone as they introduced themselves, shaking their hands in turn. She gave Soon a nod of acknowledgement at her blunt statement. “Why thank you, Soon was it? You look pretty nice yourself. I’m liking the bold look you have going on.” She motioned to the tight shirt and bra-less nature. One glance at Laura and Akane told her all she needed. “I take it you’ve been trading clothes?”

“That we have, wouldn’t mind giving you something mine as well”- Soon replied quickly while looking back at Mai, still holding Caroline’s hands. The suggestion made Caroline’s eyes narrow with interest. “My my, I like your friends already Dan. Perhaps I could convince her to trade pants in...what are you all playing now?” The doll asked, holding Soon’s hands.

“Truth or dare. With a twist, of course. If you don’t take the dare or speak the truth, you drink.” Laura took the bottle and manually turned it to face Caroline. “I believe you should catch up to us. Only fair, no? How about one request from each of us?”

Caroline’s eyes twinkled at the suggestion. “Truth or dare? Now that does sound like fun.” Grabbing the bottle out of Laura’s hand, Caroline turned it upside down and drank half the bottle in one gulp. “And I do agree, you all can ask me one thing. You can decide the truth or dare, I don’t plan on drinking involuntarily tonight.” With a grin, Caroline continued to down the bottle.

“All right, I obviously have to go first since it was my turn to spin”- Akane demanded.

“I want a truth! Tell us the nature of your relationship with Dan!”- Akane replied, straightening herself from her chair.

“Ooooooh? Well that’s a little tricky, for I don’t know how much he’s shared. Can I speak freely?” The doll asked Dan.

“Uh, I said how we met and how I, uh… ended up with you one time.” Dan mumbled.

“You can say you bedded her, she is clearly not shy.” Laura said.

“Okay, yes, how we ended up having sex. Uh, fine, you can say more.” Dan said.

Caroline pulled out a chair and joined the group at the table, holding her head up with her hands. “Well then you know most of it! I met this strapping man on Christmas, gave him my number, he called me up, we had dinner, and had an enjoyable night. My relationship with him...I consider him a friend!” Caroline declared, finishing off her bottle and picking up another. “Sorry if you all wanted me to say he and I were deeply, romantically in love.” The doll fluttered her eyelashes to nobody in particular.

"Oh, not at all, I suppose we too can be Friends then"-Mai replied as she eyed at her from her seat. Soon nodded back at her GF, giving her a thumbs up. Caroline responded with a winning smile.

“None of us expected such from Dan’s description of events. So, how was he in bed?” Laura asked.

“Hey!” Dan reacted.

“Truth! How was Dan sex-wise!” Laura cheered, louder than before.

Caroline paused mid-drink, eyes daring toward Dan. “Weeeeell...permission?” She asked coyly.

“I…” Dan hesitated, looking at Laura. “Ah, fine.”

“Well! He was good! Took a little bit of teaching to learn how some things worked, but he got the hang of it! The strength is always nice.”

“Right, we forgot to warn you, Laura there can tell if you’re lying, so be careful about what you’re saying,” Arthur winked. Caroline looked at the demigod with renewed interest. “Hoooooh? A walking lie detector? Well, guess it won’t feel hollow when I say you look lovely.” With a wink, Caroline took her glass and began drinking once more, figuring this was enough explaining.

“She speaks the truth! In both cases!” Laura smiled at Caroline and Dan.

“Well of course she does. I’m, you know. Good with my body. I fight for a living, I’m not clumsy.” Dan said.

“You do not have to brag, Drake. She already confirmed you are a man skilled in manners of the flesh.” Laura said.

“That sounds like a new term for a gigolo,” Arthur said through laughter.

“I’m just annoyed when people act like that’s surprising!” Dan half-yelled.

“You wanna be the next one to challenge Caroline, then? Get payback somehow.”

“Alright, you know what? Laura, you want to know about that so much? Give a little taste from Caroline. 20 seconds making out.” Dan said.

“How’s that payback, Dan!? You’re giving everyone what they want!”

“Oh, a voyeur. Now you are a pervert.” Laura smiled, beckoning Caroline.

“I, uh… whatever, fuck it. I’m a pervert and want to see the hot women kiss.” Dan shrugged.

“Not afraid she will steal me? You have also grown bolder.”

Not needing the invitation, Caroline practically slunk over to Laura and swung her legs over her seat, sitting in the demigod’s lap facing her. “Well he wants to see, so let’s give him a show, right?” And with that Caroline leaned in and kissed passionately, having no hesitation like Dan before.

Ann covered her eyes as the whole thing took place, she had kissed the self admittedly pervert!

Akane sighed as she rolled her eyes.
“It seems no one is getting out of here alive” - Musashi took out her phone, maybe Callis would be available later? Was that even a good idea? She must have the smell of alcohol on her.

Soon and Mai clapped amused, that had been exceptional.

“Looks like you are going down again on the kiss scale, Danny boy”- Mai said as she gave him a thumbs down.

“Hey, I didn’t- you don’t-” Dan sputtered while Laura enjoyed herself with Caroline, finally putting a finger between their lips.

“Time’s up, my lovely serpent.” She tapped the snake tattoo wrapped around Caroline’s arm. “Do not worry Drake, I am aware of the importance of experience. You are going to require special training if you wish to catch up with her.”

“The way things are going, he’s gonna catch up tonight.”

Caroline smiled as she leaned back, swinging her leg out and getting out of Laura’s lap, taking her seat once more and blowing a kiss Laura’s way. “Must be an eventful night if Dan can catch up. Now, who wishes to ask this genie for their wish now?” The doll asked, looking around the room.

“Huh, well it seems you are having too much fun right now. Here’s my dare!”- Mai told Caroline

“I want you to swap pants with Soon!”- Mai said

The esper was wearing shorts, she looked at Caroline for a moment
“I hope you don’t get cold”

Caroline laughed at Mai’s suggestion. “And so the request is made. But...how about we spice things up a little?” Caroline motioned to her jean shorts, which were longer than Soon’s short shorts. “What about trading the entire lower half? Are you so bold?” She asked, looking at Soon with her snake-like eyes.

“...Sure. If Dan turns around.”- Soon told Caroline

“Oooh, things are getting interesting now.” Arthur tried not to show the amusement/excitement on his face too much.

After Dan turned around, Caroline folded the table cloth over her lap and slipped off her lower half, putting the jean shorts and green/black striped underwear on the table. “Your move.” She told Soon.

“Cute…”- Soon said as she looked at the undies. The esper took out her shorts and underwear.

“Hope you don’t mind G-strings” -She said as she gave her the pink colored underwear.

Caroline took the shorts and slipped them on from under the table, standing up and picking up the article. “I don’t mind them at all, actually. Though I’d rather wash them first before wearing, if that’s alright with you.” Shrugging, Caroline placed them in her pocket.The shorts fit surprisingly well, almost like Caroline’s waist got smaller. If one were particularly observant, they might notice her calves got slightly larger, as did her breast.

“Very reasonable, although I wonder if i should be worried about these? You have been with Dan after all” Soon said as she examined the undies, ultimately just putting them on her head.

“I’m not wearing yours until you do mine”

Caroline chuckled at Soon. “Well then I suppose we’re at an impasse! But I don’t believe you need to worry about them, let’s just say my body is a bit special. And my assistant just did the laundry yesterday. I just like to stay hygenic, I’m sure you’d agree.” Caroline said, winking at Soon.

“Your body is not what I’m worried about, but you don’t have to worry much yourself. I was saving those for Mai’s victory, so they are new.”

“Oh, YOU were his opponent?!” Caroline asked with surprise, looking at Mai. Then at Dan, and back at Mai. “Let me guess...Mai won?” The doll guessed.

“Damn right I did, supplexed his head into the ring. Although Soon and I aren’t the only ones celebrating, right, Akane?”- She said as she did the motion for a fist bump, which Akane actually went with.

“Yep. I suppose I can tell the people here, when Mai makes a name for herself in the HWBC, she will be able to replace me as the slayer of the Musashi. I’ve...been looking to retire for a while”

“You? Retire? Why?” Arthur asked. Caroline’s eyes narrowed with interest. This girl didn’t seem half the age where ‘retire’ should be in her vocabulary.

Akane looked at her bottle of water, the smile on her face completely disappeared.

“It’s...my body. I have damaged it too much, and the doctors have warned me, if I get injured again I won't be able to have children"

“Oh damn… Sorry to hear that.” Arthur said, not sure what more to say.

"It's okay, I am not there yet, but you get the idea...I want to have kids. Callis' kids, marry him and all that."

“Well, at least Mai will be less kill happy, I assume.” Arthur tried to switch the topic to something less depressing. “At least won’t be swinging her sword at Dan’s neck.”

"Hey, he's fine! I haven't done in anyone who didn't deserve it"

“Only because you have a magic voodoo sword! A very fancy one, I must say.”

“Kaneshige is my treasure, the slayer of the clan is supposed to wield it, but Mai doesn’t want it”

“Never had a thing for blades, yours and Katsuo’s. Plus your sword cut me when i grabbed it, what kind of shitty tool cuts the one wielding it?!”

“Your style certainly doesn’t seem to go well with a sword, at least. But we’re getting way off topic! I think I should challenge Caroline next,” Arthur said.

Caroline up to this point mostly remained silent because she didn’t know who Akane was, or what would prevent her from having children. So it was best to defer to other people’s opinions on this one. She smiled at Arthur when he tried to redirect the conversation. “Thank you, Arthur. And I do feel sorry for your plight, Akane. But I’m sure Mai will be a wonderful replacement.” With that said, Caroline finished her second bottle and opened a third.

"I'm very confident she will!"- Akane replied with joy. "Now, Arthur should definitely have his turn!" -she added.

“Well, you’re a tough one, Caroline. Not sure there’s much that could make you drink. Not that it needs to. Hm…” Arthur considered it. He did have a few interesting dares, but they seemed more uncomfortable for someone else than Caroline herself. “Well, alright. Tell us who was better. Rinrin or Danny boy?”

Caroline's eyes closed as she thought about her next move. "Now that's just unfair, Arty Farty. They are both such different, wonderful people on their first time." She mildly complained.

“I’m sure they are, though that’s not what I’m asking. Of course, you can just down a bottle,” Arthur shrugged, cheeky grin plastered on his face.

After staring for a few seconds, Caroline shrugged her own shoulders and turned the bottle upside down, downing it in no time. She wobbled a little in her chair afterwards. "Theeeere we go! You won't get me to put someone down that easily, Farty." She said, pushing the glass away.

“Don’t worry. My goal’s to make you lot drunk while I stay… As sober as I am now. But you are a big obstacle there. Be proud of that.”

Akane nearly Lost it when Caroline casually referred to Arthur like that, the second time she said it Musashi burst out in laughter as she ran away to the restroom.

“Congratulations, I think you broke Akane.” Arthur said, chuckling as well.

"So Akane's a five year old." Dan chuckled.

"I admit, she was the last I expected to laugh at that." Laura said.

"Ah yes, that's a very fitting last name you have"-Soon replied as she got the bottle, pointing it at Caroline.

"I guess i'll take my turn now"

"Truth: Dan mentioned Arthur had also flirted with You, have you two done it? If not, why?"- she stated again with her usual stoic face.

Caroline looked at Soon as she contemplated an answer. “Weeeell, I can say we have never slept together. We did have a date once though, buuuuuuut…” Caroline motioned for Arthur to speak up.

“It was a fun date, but I only want to do it with someone I really love. When I’m in a serious relationship. Call it insecurity or hopeless romanticism, but I’m saving myself for the right person.”

“And there you have your explanation! Shame I chose such a noble guardian on that one, isn’t it?” The doll joked.

“Pft, I’m a huge sinner, I just have my weirdo quirks.” Arthur laughed it off.

"How old are You again?"- Soon asked, perhaps not buying Arthur's story entirely.

“32,” Arthur said. “Sorry, I can’t share my anti-wrinkle cream. It’s a secret formula.”

"I believe we have someone with a very Big ego...keep saving yourself and you might just die a virgin...then again with how you look you might as well be immortal"

“Hah, I don’t plan on dying anytime soon. You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Don’t listen to Soon, her views are twisted because she met Mai when she was like, 10”- Ann replied, extending her hand and setting it on Arthur’s shoulder.

“I too believe in saving myself. So i don’t end up regretting it like I have regretted every single person i’ve ever kissed”- She said as she took another sip of beer

“I’d drink to that but, you know, beer’s disgusting.” Arthur raised a fist for a fist bump instead.

Ann checked the fistbump with her beer, it was definitely good to see she wasn’t the only one not sleeping around like crazy.

Akane finally returned from the restroom, she clearly washed her face, and kept a pretty straight face about it.

“Okay...I’m back, did I miss anyt-” Akane nearly exploded again in laughter as she looked at Arthur, but she managed to gather inhuman willpower to not run away this time.

“D-dont mind me! Who’s next?!!” - She said as she looked down, covering her face.

“Holy shit, Akane...Yeah i’m next, now let me think about what i should pick for you as i finish this thing”- Ann told Caroline as she downed the beer while keeping eye contact with her.

“Alright, truth, nobody is born with experience, so tell us about your first time!”-Ann finally said as she waved at the bartender for another six.

Caroline stared into space for a moment when Ann asked her question, then smiled once more. "It's been a while, buuuuut…it was a little bit after I was born. I was born like this, by the way. Anyway, he was kinda rude and an asshat, buuuuut we decided to do it anyway. Had no idea what I was doing at the time! Sooooo...kinda awkward." She said, looking up at the ceiling occasionally as she spoke.

Ann was utterly confused, and, to be fair, so were the rest. Even Laura wasn’t sure what to make of it. It was true, but it felt like there were parts missing.

“So...you were born looking in your twenties and hot? I suppose age is just a number in this case?”- Mai said, half joking, but still completely puzzled by her statement.

Arthur already knew about her being a Doll so the born remark didn’t bother him, but the actual encounter… “Wow, I had no idea. Sucks that someone like you had to go through that.”

“Wait wait wait, so how old are you then?”- Ann told her completely baffled by her story.

Caroline shrugged her shoulders. "Uuuuuuh...if I would have to guess...3?" She guessed.

“Oh, I see, maybe she is just one of those people with special needs”- Soon commented openly.

“Unless you really are 3 in which case you really shouldn’t drink any more of that, shame on you Dan by the way.”- She added. Akane just looked at him completely disgusted while Ann slightly moved her chair away.

“Hey, she has the mind, experiences, and body of an adult. Besides, I didn’t even know about all that until just now. I knew the dolls weren’t as old as they looked, but I didn’t know it could be that… extreme.” Dan said.

A frown appeared on Caroline's face as they began to dogpile Dan. "I think my maturity is well established. And I don't appreciate you all getting on Dan's case for inviting me." She said, uncharacteristically serious.

Akane dragged her hand across her face.

“You know what? You are right, that’s none of my business”- She said as she actually opened up a beer.

“To be fair you did not let us reply to his explanation, by the way, we want to talk with you in private later.”- Soon added.

“I propose you punish them, Caroline. Here.” He pushed the bottle closer to her. “Now you can finally spin.”

“I’d just like to mention I am completely innocent, as I don’t know what this whole deal of “Dolls” is”- Ann corrected.

“I live in the company of immortals. Actual ages are often only fuzzily related to maturity. I will not judge Dan for this.” Laura said. She seemed to be lost in thought. Her reading on that was fuzzy. Elements of truth. But not total reality.

“Thanks guys.” Dan smiled and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Don’t worry about it, as much as I enjoy antagonizing you, I still think of you as a friend”- Akane told him, signaling a cheers with her beer at him.

“Oh, uh. Good.” Dan clinked drinks with her.

“Are we all finished catching me up? Wonderful. My turn~” Caroline reached for the bottle and spun it, pointing at Arthur. The doll looked at him with her snake-like eyes, a smile forming. “And so we meet again, Farty.” She joked.

“Oof, starting with me? Give me a dare.” Arthur responded. Caroline puffed out her cheek thoughtfully. “What to do with you...you know what, I’m feeling nice right now. Call 3 people and give them compliments. Can you do that?” She asked, leaning back in her chair. Her eyes then perk up. “And no cheating by calling any of us, you crafty boy.” She added.

“Your lack of faith wounds me,” Arthur put a hand to his chest, faking pain. Well, maybe not entirely faking, Mai’s claws still stung. “Well, alright.”

The first person he called was Haruko. “Hey, Ruko,” he said after she picked up. “I just want to tell you you’re a wonderful friend and I love your hair.” Haruko paused, then began speaking. “Frosty, I appreciate the compliment...but who’s holding you hostage?” She asked.

“What? I can’t just tell a friend I appreciate them? Well fine… Super long story short is I drank a bottle of beer. That’s all I can tell you. I think.” He covered the phone receiver and turned to Caroline. “Am I allowed to tell them it’s a dare?”

Instantly, Caroline shook her head no. “What’s the fun in that?”

Arthur went back to the phone. “Nope, that’s all I can tell you. And as they say, in vino veritas.” Rolling her eyes, Haruko began speaking again. “Well tell her I said hi at least. See you later, Frosty.”

“Bye!” He ended the call. “She says hi. Though I don’t think she knows who she’s saying it to. Anyway, next person… Um… Do my daughters count as a single person? Or should I not call them at all?”

Caroline shrugged her shoulders. “It’s up to you. If they have separate phones, I’d say it counts as two people.” She stated.

Akane looked excited when Arthur mentioned his daughters, that would be cute!

“Sounds like a good idea, they might want to know you are ok since it is late”- She told the ice mage.

“Well, alright.” He dialed Hazel’s number first. If they were together, he’d count it as a single call.

“Hi, Dad.” Hazel picked up after a few rings. “How’s the party?”

“Oh, the party’s great, princess. Is Love with you?”

“Yeah, she’s right here. We’re playing Enginesports Turbo Grand Prix Racing.”

“Hey, Arty,” Love chimed in.

“Awesome. I’m just calling to check up on you and to tell you I love you both. You’re the most precious things in the world to me.”

There was silence on the other line for a few moments. “Oh, Arty, are you drunk!?” Love asked all excited.

“No, no. I just had one beer. So far. Even I’m not that much of a lightweight. I hope.”

“If you’re being held hostage, just say ‘eggplant dinner’ and we’ll chjsh isth ssje.” The last part turned to muffled gibberish as Hazel covered Loveline’s mouth.

“Don’t worry, dad, we know you love us.” Haze said. “We love you, too. Keep enjoying the party and don’t drive back drunk.”

“Thanks, girls. Bye!” And that was two down. “One more then. Let’s see...” Arthur thought about it for a bit, before settling on who to call.

“Hey, Ariana. How are you?”

“Arthur! Hi! I’m great now that you’re calling! What’s up?” Her voice came back, bright and chipper as always.
“The sky,” Arthur said, completely serious. Then broke down into a chuckle. “Sorry, dad jokes got the better of me. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“That was dumb.” The table could practically hear her eyes rolling over the phone. “I’m doing fine. Tell Love that she needs to help me with my math homework again though! This is awfullllll!”

“Uh, can’t right now. I’m a bit busy. You can call her yourself though. I’m sure she’s not doing anything important right now.”

“Aw, but she’ll just say I need to learn how to do long division on my own again… I can convince her! See you!”

“Hey, just smile at her. You’re always so chipper and bright, I’m sure she won’t be able to resist,” He said, forgetting smiles can’t be seen over the phone… Eh, maybe it’s gonna be a video call. “Anyway, see ya. Good luck with your math!”

“I’ll need it! Thanks Arthur!” She said, hanging up.

“Phew. There we go. 3+1 down!” Arthur exclaimed. Caroline clapped her hands a few times when the call ended. “Wonderful. I’ll have to ask you who the first and third people were later. I believe it’s your turn now?” Caroline asked, using one finger to push the bottle toward him.

“Darn you, Caroline!” Arthur said instead of spinning right away. “Spreading niceness and positivity during this drinking war we’re having! How dare you!”

Caroline leaned back and sipped on her drink casually, face a little more red than before. “What can I say, I am only here to spread joy to all the good little boys and girls. You did meet me on Christmas, no?” She asked, faking playing with an invisible santa hat.

“Oh my god, you were the true Santa all along!? That explains the outfit you got… It was a hint…”

Caroline laughed in response. “Perhaps it was? My jolly little elf also got an outfit, so perhaps that was also a hint? We shall never know.” She mused, taking another sip.

“Hah, you two spread more than joy that night, I’m sure!” Arthur laughed, finally spinning the bottle.

“An elf? Small and colorful or tall and effete?” asked Laura.

“Tall and adorable, I’d say,” Arthur commented. The bottle came to a stop, pointing at Dan. “Though colorful also fits. Dan, Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.” Dan decided. “No dares when Caroline’s here.”

“Really?” Arthur was a bit surprised by that decision. “Why?”

“One of you is going to make me do something weird with her.” He said.

“You were not worried about this with me?” Laura asked.

“Well I… I worried you would be upset, given your signals tonight, if I did anything with Caroline.”

“Oh, Dan. Nothing about that would bother me. I have already kissed her, no?” Laura shrugged.

“Plus, I have better uses for you than embarrassing things with Caroline,” Arthur glanced at Soon. “Still, too late to change now. Let’s find a good truth… Dammit Caroline, I can only think of cute things now. Dan, what’s the cutest moment you had with Qiang?”

“Okay, so this was just last month. There was a Mozart concert at the park by our local orchestra and he insisted on going. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited. He was talking about it all week. But the really cute thing is at the end, he drug me up to the stage and tried to get autographs from all the players! Luckily, they were all really cool about it and made them.” Dan said.

“Daaaaaaaw.” Arthur couldn’t contain it. “He’s too precious…”

Soon fiddled with her fingers as she heard Dan’s story, the esper had the biggest smile Mai had seen in a while. Mai sighed and looked at the ceiling, somewhat lost in her thoughts. The esper slightly pulled Mai's shirt in order to get her attention.

"You know...I think we should have one."

"One what?"- Mai replied snapping out of her trance

"You know, maybe adopt a kid."

Mai's beer exploded in her hand. She was hearing what Soon said, but it wasn’t registering properly, it was almost as if she were speaking a foreign language.

"Whoa...what are you talking about? We absolutely cannot!"- Mai replied

Soon's smile faded into nothing

"Of course...what was I thinking…"- she replied.

"Mhm, first we need to get married"- Mai added.

Soon's jaw dropped. What!? She never once mentioned it!

"Well, I suppose now is a good time considering my sisters are here, it is not often we all get together so...what do you Say? Will you marry me?!" - Mai said as she got on one knee.

Ann dropped her beer on the spot as she made Akane look at what was going on. Musashi gasped but immediately took her hands to her mouth

"... That's not funny"- Soon replied. Her heart had skipped for a second but that was definitely a prank

"It's not a joke! Go, yes or no?! You have 3 seconds, 3..."

"Y-yes ok! Yes! I swear if you-"- Soon was interrupted in the spot as Mai picked her up and kissed her.

Arthur had been listening intently, originally drawn in by the talk of adopting a kid but then waited with bated breath for Soon’s answer, and instantly shouted out: “Barman, bring your best champagne! Or wine! Whatever you celebrate with! Heck, bring both!”

Laura smiled watching the display, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She glanced across the table to Dan, who was displaying equal confusion and joy. Without a word, she got up and walked over, whispering in his ear. Both expressions were amplified as she half-dragged him away. He half-waved to Arthur and Caroline before he was far too distracted by Laura pulling him out the door.

The green-haired man came over in the bartender’s place with a bucket of champagne and bottle of wine, prepared to talk to Laura. He blinked a few times when he realized she was gone and placed the bottles on the table with a sigh.

“Fuck it, Everyone here is invited to the wedding, girls! I’m getting married!”- Mai told her sisters as Soon just kept hugging and smooching Mai, this was easily the best day of her life.

Caroline's jaw was agape, just watching what just happened before her. These two were a couple? And they just proposed like that?! Her jaw slowly closed, forming into a smile. "I don't know what to say, besides congratulations!" She exclaimed, eyes shifting slightly to watch Laura drag Dan away. What an interesting turn of events.

Positioning her chair nearer to Arthur, Caroline raised her glass. "I believe this calls for a toast. To our newly engaged couple, and the many years of happiness that should follow!"

Akane and Ann immediately jumped to hug and congratulate Mai and Soon, Akane reached for her glass as Caroline called for a toast. Even Arthur grabbed a glass. Raising them in unison, they all exclaimed:

“CHEERS!”