That night is one of the best I've had since I got to this world. We run around the Town of Beginnings, laughing and having fun. Takashi pushes me and Rin into a fountain and we're left to swim around, ignoring the stares from other players. As he holds his hand out to me, I pull him in on top of us, careful not to let him hit Rin. This ignites an all-out splash war which leaves the other players wet and screaming. But there's no authority here; we can do what we want.

Finally we drag ourselves out of the fountain and splash back to our room, water dripping from our clothes. I look at Takashi. "I've got some money," I say. "How about we change and go out for a nice dinner to celebrate our adoptions?"

Takashi looks unsure, but Rin smiles broadly. "Can we go, Takashi? Please?"

He tries to resist, but there's no way. He's been drawn in. "Aw, who could say no to that face? All right, let's go."

"Yay!" Rin and I say at the same time. She takes both my hands and we start skipping in a circle.

"But first we've gotta get back!" Takashi cuts in. "We've practically trailed the Pacific Ocean behind us already."

I look back. Sure enough, there's a 200 meter long, three person wide dark patch leading from the fountain to where we stand now. I stare at my black pants. They're absolutely soaked, shining in the light from the lampposts. Then I meet Takashi's eyes.

"Last one to the inn is a beater!" I cry, running off.

"I resent that!" Takashi calls from behind me. I look behind myself and see him hoist Rin onto his back. Pouring on the speed, I finally touch the door of the inn as he's catching up to me, panting hard.

"I win!" I shout, utterly satisfied.

Takashi looks up at me, winded. "Yeah... well... you left your sister behind. I wouldn't... call it an achievement..."

"Do you want me to pay for your dinner?"

He stands up straight and gives me puppy eyes. "Yes, please..."

Rin giggles. "Come on, let's go get dry!" she says, pushing the inn door open. We go up to the room and get dressed, then we find the best restaurant money can buy... well, the best restaurant my money can buy. Somebody figured out how to fish in the lakes on the second floor, and we order a large salmon. It's seasoned with salt and a bit of garlic, and it's certainly better than anything else I've eaten here.

Once we're all full, Takashi scoops up a sleeping Rin and carries her up to our room. I'm in no better shape, dragging my feet up the stairs behind him. He puts Rin down on one half of a bed, and I climb into the other side. Takashi goes to his own bed, and I'm left to fall asleep. My feet ache, my hair's still wet, and I'm nearly broke.

But it was all worth it for these clowns.