Versatile: Alternate World

At first, she didn't understand what I meant that we are going shopping. However, because she is just following me to lose her pursuers, she decided to just let me do the thing. 

We went to the mall to buy some clothes for her. At first, the guard is hesitant to let her in due to the fact that she lacks shoes, but I quickly reasoned out that the sandals that she used is broken and she needed to buy one for replacement. Although he was hesitant to believe it at first, he decided to let us in though he gave us a strict warning that entering the establishment without any shoes or sandals will not be allowed.

After reasoning with the guard, we headed straight to the area where they displays the shoes and sandals for Rika to buy sneakers. I let her choose her own sneakers as she is the one who will use them.

"Ah, but I don't have enough money to buy sneakers since I only bought enough money to buy something in the convenience store. I left most of my cash on the hotel I was staying at."

"Don't worry, I will pay. I suggested it so I will pay for it. You don't have to pay a single yen. Don't make much fuss about it."

And with that, Rika did not reject it and started choosing her own sneakers. As for me, I keep my eyes and ears in a vigilant state. Despite being out of range from the pursuers, there is no guarantee that we won't meet any of them here. As I said earlier, better be safe than sorry.

Rika was not that choosy in her choice of sneakers and choose black and white sneakers that is fit for her. We didn't buy socks since she is wearing one and since she only used the socks from walking inside the mall, it isn't dirty much. After paying for it, she immediately wears the shoes to replace the shoes that I have to burn.

The next thing we did is to go to the shirt and pants section. Because I want her to be mobile and can run in her outfit without being bothered by it or hindered by it, I let her choose her own t-shirt and jeans for girls to allow her to freely run if needed. We also went to the underwear section and although she was embarrassed about it, we have no other choice and she has no choice. We also bought a new jacket as the cold outside is just not something anyone can 

Like the sneakers, she was quick on them and easily found her fit and items she liked. I added a cap for increasing our anonymity. I allowed her to wear it immediately and put all her old clothes inside the paper bags that should have contained the new clothes. After that, we headed outside. The guard earlier nodded when she saw that Rika is now wearing shoes and a new outfit, allowing him to nod in approval.

After we left the mall, we went to the nearest dumpster.

"Are any of these outfits inside the paper bag that important or your favorite?"

"No? Why?"

"Because we are going to get rid of them and throw them into the trash."

"We are going to get rid of them?"

"Yes. Anything that you are using today might be the possible thing that they place a tracker with. The sooner we remove that, the better."

She shook her head in response. When we arrived, I immediately ignited it to flames and burn them all, leaving only some ashes that we proceed to throw into the trash. I made sure it is no longer burning or else, it will cause a fire.

"Let's head to my house then. I will call the others too. You should leave your belongings for a while in the hotel unless you need to book out soon."

"Ah, you don't need to worry. I booked in there for 2 weeks, I can let it stay there for a week without any problem."

"Alright. That should do it. Until this matter is solved, we will have to delay getting them out of there."

Just like earlier, we went back to the neighborhood by jumping on the rooftops. On the way back home, we saw the men chasing her. They were now gathered in front of the convenience store and the leader seems to be communicating with someone through the phone. We didn't stop by to eavesdrop and continued our way back home.

"I'm home."

"Please excuse me for my intrusion."

The first to welcome us is Sora who is slowly walking without the need for a guide or a blind guide stick.

"Welcome home big brother... and welcome to our household visitor."

"Ah? That voice..." Rika was stunned when she heard the voice Sora.

"Hmmm? Is something wrong?"

"Oh, nothing."

We entered the mansion and we are welcomed by Janus who was watching television. Akira is currently washing the dishes so he didn't show up.

"I thought you are taking too long on your daily jog, who would have thought you have a plan to snag a girl while you are on your daily jogging, Manato!" Janus grinned and gives a thumbs up.

"You idiot, it's not like that. This is Harmless Sparrow, I just rescued her outside."

When Janus heard she was Harmless Sparrow, she stood up with a face filled with shock.

"What?! She is Harmless Sparrow? The same Harmless Sparrow that accompanies us in the game whenever we raid something?"

"The one and only Harmless Sparrow."

"You... you are Hagane in the game right?" Rika seems to be surprised but delighted to see familiar people she only met in the game.

"What is going on, Bladeheart? Why is she here? I know you rescued her but what is the meaning of this?"

"I will explain later. Right now, we need to call Riko here. She will be delighted to see Harmless Sparrow in the flesh."

"Riko?" Rika looked at me in confusion.

"She should be the person you know in the game named Dolly.. We will be calling her to come here."