[Mouse Jama]
The green jacket.
That was the girl I saw flying.
Silver hair, headphones, and reddish-yellow eyes.
The girl I had been trying to find the same one who had just saved me now. Seeing her again felt almost unreal, like the timing had lined up a little too perfectly. When I first met Billy, I had already been planning to leave. I figured I'd ask him if he knew a way out of the Hollow, get whatever information I could, and then go my own way. No attachments, no unnecessary risks.
And now she had just appeared.
I let out a quick breath, caught somewhere between relief and disbelief. My parents used to say that you find things when you stop chasing them.
Guess they were right.
Nice.
The only problem was that she was pointing her sword at Billy, my partner, even if I had only known him for, what, one fight? Still, that counted for something.
Actually I did get something out of it.
A notification flickered into my view.
Meet Billy Kid 1 Random Bronze Ticket
Assist in defeating an elite Ethereal 1 Random Silver Ticket
I glanced at the screen for a brief second before looking back at the situation in front of me.
new tickets appeared on my hand now one silver and one bronze
Now's not the time for this.
.
. .
. . .
…Okay, maybe it is.
I ripped the tickets in half anyway, hoping for something useful this time.
Please… give me something good.
That was the only thought running through my head.
For now, I had to ignore those two. They were stuck in some kind of standoffI didn't know what kind, but neither of them looked like they were backing down anytime soon.
[Hygienic]
|Common Trait|
You are almost always hygienic, no bad breath or germs for you.
Sweet this would help a lot.
No more bad breath, amen. I tried it out immediately, and yeah… my mouth smelled like nothing now.
Literally nothing.
And not just that I could actually feel myself getting cleaner, like my body was shedding all the grime. Like that weirdly satisfying feeling when dead skin washes off in the shower.
Okay, that was kind of insane.
Anyway —-- onto the next one.
[Blessing of Hestia]
|Rare Trait|
You are a child blessed by Hestia, the goddess of Hearth. You have resistance to all mental effects and negative ailments. Your body is way healthier and people feel more comfortable around you due to the natural aura you have around you.
A comfortable warmth spread through my body, strengthening me from the inside out. The blessing made me feel healthier at the very least, I wasn't going to end up diabetic like the rest of my family.
that means i am safe for now
It felt like a warm fire settling deep within me, steady and reassuring.
Yeah… I'd worry about the rest later.
I looked at the, again both
The Girl Anby looked at billy then at me.
And then briefly at my Chocobos.
My expression flattened slightly as I followed the movement of her blade again. Her gaze shifted between all of us, sharp and controlled, like she was analyzing every detail at once. There was no hesitation in her posture, no visible doubt. Just calm, deliberate evaluation.
"Whoa, whoa Anby, what are you doing?" Billy said, raising his hands immediately. For someone who usually acted carefree, he sounded tense..
I glanced at him briefly, then back at her.
"Billy," I said , keeping my tone steady. "Isn't she your friend?"
"We are! We are!" he answered instantly, a little too fast. "I just don't know why she's doing this!"
That didn't inspire confidence.
Before either of us could say anything else, that girl moved calmly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small recording device, holding it up like this was completely routine.
"Anby Hollow Survival Log, Part 2," she said in a flat, even tone. "I have located my colleague, Billy Kid, along with one unidentified individual and two avian entities."
I blinked once, processing that.
" Okay, first of all," I said, raising a hand slightly, keeping things non-threatening. "Those are Chocobos. I'd appreciate it if you named them properly."
She paused. for a second.
Then she nodded.
"Correction," she said without changing tone. "I have located my colleague, Billy Kid, one unidentified individual, and two Chocobos."
She glanced at them briefly, as if verifying the update, then gave a small, satisfied nod.
Billy looked like he was about to lose it.
"Oh man…" he muttered, letting out a long groan as he dragged a hand across his faceplate, like he was trying to physically wipe away the situation.
I mean… yeah. Fair.
But arguing with her didn't seem like it would get us anywhere.
"Anby," Billy tried again, lowering one hand slightly, "why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?" she replied calmly, still holding the recorder. "I am documenting events for future investigators. If I fail to exit the Hollow, this record will provide useful data regarding my death."
" Okay, yeah, that's " Billy stopped himself, then pointed at the sword still aimed at him. "But why are you pointing that at me?"
Anby looked at him.
Then answered, completely serious.
"Precaution."
Billy stared at her.
"…Against me?"
"Yes."
"…We're teammates."
"Yes."
"…We've worked together for years."
"Yes."
"…And you're still pointing a sword at me."
"Yes."
There was a pause.
Billy slowly lowered his head.
"Ughhh."
Anby tilted her head slightly.
"In multiple documented cases, entities within Hollows have demonstrated the ability to imitate known individuals," she explained. "Trusting such entities without verification has resulted in casualties."
Billy groaned as if he can't believe it .
" That was a movie plot."
"I reviewed the names of the victims."
"That was the cast list!"
I rubbed my temple and looked at them two .
"…I feel like I walked into the middle of something."
Anby's gaze shifted to me and looked at me down on the flour.
"You," she said, her gaze locking onto me with that same steady, unreadable intensity.
"…Okay," I replied, lifting a hand slightly, more out of instinct than confidence.
"Who are you supposed to be?"
Fair question. I hadn't exactly introduced myself.
Before I could answer, Billy Kid suddenly stepped in, like he'd been waiting for his cue this whole time.
"His name is Mousa!" he announced loudly, pointing at me like I was part of some grand reveal. "He fell out of a fissure—like, straight out of the sky—landed on an Ethereal, and then we teamed up! You know, fought side by side like true Starlight Knights!"
He didn't stop there.
Billy started acting the whole thing out, throwing exaggerated punches and kicks into the air, complete with sound effects.
"Bam! Whoosh! Bang! Perfect coordination! Absolute justice!" he added, spinning dramatically before pointing back at me. "And then—right before we finished it—you swooped in and stole the final blow, Anby!"
I stared at him for a second.
"…You really had to narrate it like that?"
"It's called presentation," he shot back proudly.
Anby didn't react to the performance. Not even a little.
"Oh," Anby Demara said calmly. "From my perspective, it appeared that you required assistance. The target could have been eliminated more efficiently."
Billy blinked, clearly caught off guard by how flat that response was.
"…Okay, wow. No appreciation at all."
Then his expression shifted slightly, like he had just realized something.
"Wait hold on," he said, pointing at her again. "If you knew we could've finished it, doesn't that mean you already figured out it's me? The real Billy?"
For a brief moment, he looked almost proud of himself, like he had cracked some kind of code.
Anby tilted her head slightly.
"I still cannot confirm that," she replied without hesitation. "Entities within Hollows have demonstrated the ability to replicate individuals with high accuracy. You may be a parasitic organism that has assumed Billy Kid's appearance."
Billy froze.
"…You've gotta be kidding me."
He dragged a hand down his face with a long, exaggerated groan.
"Again with the parasite thing?!" he complained. "I am me! The one and only Billy Kid! Hero, legend, fan of the Starlight Knights ringing any bells?!"
"No," Anby answered immediately.
"…Wow."
I exhaled quietly, rubbing the back of my neck as I watched the two of them go back and forth.
Yeah, this was going to keep happening.
And sure, I had to admit it was kind of funny. The banter, the deadpan responses, Billy slowly losing his mind… It was fun.
But we really didn't have the luxury of standing around arguing in the middle of a Hollow.
Not with Ethereals roaming around.
Not with whatever weird nonsense this place had going on.
Not with the fact that I still had no clue how to get out.
I glanced between them, then let out a small breath.
"As entertaining as this is," I said, cutting in before Billy could launch into another dramatic defense of his identity, "we've got bigger problems."
Both of them turned their attention toward me.
"Like getting out of here," I added, my tone a little more serious this time.
Because I wasn't trying to stay here and get my ass cooked. If we stayed any longer, this place wasn't going to forgive it.
I tried to stand up again.
That was a bad idea.
The moment I put weight on my legs, they immediately protested. The strain from the earlier fight hit me all at once, sharp and unforgiving, and my balance slipped before I could correct it. For a split second, I was already bracing myself to hit the ground face-first.
Then something caught me.
One of the Chocobos stepped in without hesitation, gently grabbing the back of my hoodie and pulling me upright like it had done this a hundred times before.
I blinked, a little surprised at how smooth that was.
"Thanks," I muttered.
"Kwee!" it chirped proudly, puffing itself up like it had just accomplished something important.
I let out a quiet breath, steadying myself as I adjusted my footing.
Yeah.
At least someone here had my back.
"Hey Anby right" i looked at her in her face that is kinda cute looking but there are other matter to
"How o—" I started, but a cough interrupted me.
I turned slightly, clearing my throat before continuing.
"How exactly can Billy prove he's the real one?" I asked.
She didn't hesitate.
"Simple," Anby Demara replied, her tone as flat and direct as ever. "He must answer a question that only Billy Kid would know."
I glanced over at Billy Kid.
"…That's it?"
"If his answer aligns with known behavioral patterns and personal data," she continued, "then the probability of him being authentic increases significantly."
Billy crossed his arms.
"Wow. So I've been reduced to a multiple-choice test now?"
"Correct."
"…That doesn't feel very heroic."
I let out a small breath.
"Alright," I said, looking back at Anby. "So if he answers correctly… you'll stop pointing a sword at him?"
She gave a small nod.
"Yes."
Billy immediately straightened.
"Okay! Hit me with your best shot! I, Billy Kid, am ready to prove my authenticity!"
I rubbed the back of my neck.
"…This should be interesting."
Instead, Anby spoke again.
"Prove your identity," she said calmly. "Answer this: who would you most like to have dinner with?"
I frowned slightly.
…That was the test?
Billy didn't hesitate.
"Obviously the Starlight Knights!"
Yeah.
Called it.
But apparently, that wasn't enough.
Before I could react, Anby moved slightly, her sword shifting just enough to signal she was ready to strike.
"Hey what's wrong with you?" I stepped forward instinctively.
"The answer is incomplete, tell the truth," she stated.
"Incomplete?!" Billy flailed as he dodged the sword. "Wait, wait! There's more! It's actually M-Monica! From 'Oh~ Sweetie'!" he clasped his hands while a blush appeared on his face
A Pause.
Anby lowered her blade slightly.
"Yep, it's the real Billy Kid identity confirmed."
Billy froze.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
I looked between them.
"That was the real answer?"
"Yes," Anby replied calmly.
"…I'm not even gonna question it."
I exhaled slowly, then asked the only thing that actually mattered.
"Do you guys know the way out?"
Billy immediately threw an arm around my shoulder.
"Are you serious, my guy? Nobody gets out of a Hollow without a Proxy." he answered quickly when he doesnt have the sword pressed against him he becomes jolly again
I frowned.
"Cool What's a Proxy?"
Both of them looked at me like I had just said something insane. I'm sorry my knowledge extends to medical only.
"A Proxy is a navigator," Billy explained. "Someone who guides you through the Hollow safely."
"…Okay," I said slowly. "So basically, someone who knows where they're going."
"Exactly," he said.
"Great," I muttered. "And we don't have one."
Billy shrugged.
"Don't worry. Our boss, Nicole, will probably hire one for us." he talks to his boss in high regards
Anby Demara stepped closer, stopping a few feet away from him, her posture as composed as ever.
"Like we discussed earlier, that possibility cannot be ruled out," she replied calmly. "However, I have faith she will not."
Billy paused for a second.
Then, just like that, his energy snapped right back.
"You're right, Anby!" he said, straightening up. "Nicole would never abandon her most loyal employees!"
He pointed at himself proudly.
"Top-tier workforce right here!"
I raised an eyebrow slightly.
Yeah. That sounded optimistic.
"But Man," Billy continued, stretching his arms a bit, "I really hope the pay is good when we finish this commission. I'm running low on ammo, and quality bullets don't come cheap!"
"That is something to consider after we retrieve the strongbox," Anby replied, cutting straight through his excitement with her usual logic.
Billy froze.
"…Ah, shucks."
He slowly grabbed his head with both hands.
"You're right! We don't have the strongbox!" he groaned. "Where could it even be?! Don't tell me we have to go deeper into this Hollow to find it—"
A brief pause.
"…Probably," he added.
Yeah.
That didn't sound reassuring.
"We should get moving," Anby said, scanning the area carefully. "Ethereals may reappear, and we still have a strongbox to locate… at least until Nicole secures us a Proxy."
"Oh yeah…"
I let out a small breath before stepping forward slightly.
"Alright, I'm coming with you guys."
Billy immediately perked up and gave me a thumbs-up.
"Sweet! The more, the merrier!"
That was fast. I thought it would take a bit more convincing.
Anby gave a small nod in acknowledgment.
I glanced between them, then back toward the Hollow ahead.
"…You sure about this?" I asked. "If we go deeper, there's going to be more Ethereals."
"Yeah," Billy Kid said, nodding confidently. "Three's better than two."
He pointed at me.
"And hey—you had some sick moves back there. What was that spinny wind ball thing?"
My heart hurt a little hearing him call it that.
Rasengan, man. Put some respect on it.
I glanced over at Anby Demara. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, like she was processing everything, then looked back at me those red-yellow eyes sharp and focused.
"With you as support, we– "
"Kwee!"
She paused mid-sentence.
"Correction," she continued without missing a beat, "with you and two B—Chocobos…"
Her gaze shifted toward the birds. Her face stayed neutral, but there was a faint hint of annoyance in her eyes as she adjusted her wording.
"…as support, our chances of success will increase."
"Okay then," I said.
Billy gave an enthusiastic "Yes!" while Anby gave a small nod.
For a split second… it almost looked like she smiled.
…Yeah.
That was kinda cute.
as we got on the way Billy asked me
"by the way where did you find these Birds" Oh boy now have to find a new reason
We continued making our way through the Hollow, the atmosphere growing heavier with each step.
As I walked, a familiar blue notification suddenly flickered into my vision.
For meeting Anby Demara 1 Random Bronze Ticket
Of course that counted.
I let out a quiet breath and dismissed the screen, refocusing on the path ahead.
.[Nicole POV]
Nicole arrived in an empty alleyway, the narrow passage leading straight toward the unstable entrance of the Hollow.
"Alright… that settles it."
She let out a quiet breath as she crouched down, carefully placing the small Bangboo on the ground in front of her. The little machine wobbled slightly before stabilizing itself, its round eyes blinking to life.
"From now on," she said, tapping its head lightly, "you're officially our connection."
A voice came through the communicator.
"Hello, can you hear me, Nicole? You can send Eous through now."
Nicole smirked faintly. "Yeah, yeah, got it. Alright, little one off you go then~"
"Ehn-na!" the Bangboo chirped.
"Done! Bangboo's on the way!" Nicole called back.
"Ehn…! En-na nhu!" Eous responded energetically.
Nicole chuckled softly, then added under her breath, "Welcome to the job, Phaethon."
The Bangboo Eous tilted its head, as if processing the title.
"Ehn na?" it asked again, its tone curious.
"Yeah, don't overthink it," Nicole said, patting it once more. "Just do what you do best."
She straightened and gestured toward the Hollow's entrance ahead, where the air shimmered unnaturally and the space beyond warped like a broken reflection.
"Go on."
Eous hesitated for only a brief moment before stepping forward. As it crossed into the distorted boundary, something about it changed.
The glow in its eyes sharpened.
Its movements became more precise and more focused.
A small compartment shifted open at its side, revealing a compact device, a bomb, primed and ready in case things went wrong.
Nicole watched in silence.
Just quiet, concentrated focus.
"…You better find them fast," she muttered, folding her arms as her gaze lingered on the unstable entrance.
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Because I need that money back."
For a brief second, her expression tightened.
" And I already made a promise to them both to give them more of her share."
The Hollow flickered again.
Eous disappeared completely inside.
Nicole clicked her tongue and turned away with worry on her face.
"Don't mess this up, find them both."
[End of Chapter]
Author Note
After writing this chapter, I honestly feel like I need to replay the game, because what the hell, why was this so hard?
I didn't give them justice kind off
Writing interactions between Billy, Anby, and the MC was way more difficult than I expected. I also have to admit that I don't really like the way I write right now. I read other stories on this forum and sometimes catch myself comparing my work to theirs. I know that's not a good mindset, and I try to shut those thoughts down immediately, but still I know I need to improve, because this isn't where I want to be yet.
If you have any feedback, I'd really appreciate it. How is Mousa as a character so far? I know it's only the beginning, but I'd still like to hear your thoughts. Also, what do you think about the Gacha rolls? Am I giving him too many, or too few?
As for the story, I'm happy to say that we'll finally be getting out of the Hollow in the next chapter. I'll also try to increase the word count a bit for that one.
Here another picture from Nicole
Yeah I really like Nicole