E-01 it turns out, was not that far away.

"What a big city!" Ilie's young voice rang out.

"It's about six times bigger than our tiny district 05 and it's got twenty-four hour running water and electricity. Basically, it's a city right out of your dreams. The central hub of the E numbered districts, and a renowned megalopolis in the eastern hemisphere." Jin explained easily, "There was another megalopolis in district E, but it was attacked by bugs ten years ago and it's become a nest... completely overtaken by Cagasters."

"I see... And here I thought 05 was big..."

"Makes sense," Kidou signed and said, "You're from the boonies, so you'd probably mistake a pile of old shacks for a gigantic city." Ilie huffed and puffed but said nothing. As you looked out the window you thought about the last time you had been here-- more than five years ago. It was a brief stay, as Kidou trained, but it was certainly an interesting place. "Both of you, stay close to me, please." He emphasized the last word, implying that neither of you could follow directions well. Annoyed at the implication, you stood obnoxiously close to him.

As everyone exited the car, a take man with an impressive mustache and flowing robes came to greet you. "I see," he said after a moment of pause. "You're the one they summoned for that incident... We thank you for coming from such a great distance. I am the inspector general of district E, Lieutenant General Harb Adham. Rest assured, the military will cover any cost incurred by this trip. Once you've settled in, come to us and we shall begin our interview." The man swished his robes around and spoke to the man next to him, who then began leading your group.

"The inspector general of district E!" Jin exclaimed quietly and with some nervousness, "It's my first time seeing him!"

"He must be pretty bored, taking a walk around with his subordinates."

You must be pretty bored to notice such trivial things. You giggled and then blushed as Kidou threaded his arm discreetly around your waist. Behind you, Ilie glowered.

"What's an inspector general?" she chirped directly to Kidou, "Or lieutenant general, or whatever."

"He's in charge of all of district E--Hey! My car!" Jin was gone in a flash, leaving the three of you alone. And for the next thirty minutes, it felt like only the two of you. Despite Ilie's attempt to engage Kidou in conversation, he was enraptured in one with you already.

Do you remember when we lived here? He asked clumsily with one hand.

Yes! You were gone so often, it's almost as if I lived alone.

I know... I'm sorry... It wasn't really avoidable.

I know that! I'm not angry about it. Do you remember that candy shop there? You pointed excitedly. I wanted to get something from there so badly, but we never had money and I wasn't any good at stealing.

I saved and saved and saved--

Only to get me the only candy in the whole world I don't like! You giggled again and Kidou pulled you closer, grazing his lips to your forehead.

This time, I will do better. Boyfriends are supposed to be good at that kind of stuff.

Oh? Is that what you are? I wouldn't have guessed.

Bad girl. Have you been cheating on me? He teased. Because bad girls don't get candy.