Quoted By:
Seeing as how you made promises to the Heroes for Hire and Chef Ameyama, you decided to make good on them and called up the caterer from last night. She was very surprised to receive another call from you this soon, but she swore that she was up to the task.
Someone would have to do something about that blockade, though. Maybe you’d send Abe back out there again.
While you considered that possibility, Cindy and Wanda dismounted from the grizzly and approached you. Predictably, the blonde sidekick only had eyes for the Heroes for Hire, and made a b-line for them as soon as she registered their presence.
Cindy glanced over her shoulder at her, shook her head, but didn’t actually make any effort to stop her.
<span class="mu-r">“Hey, Snow White. There's someone I'd like you to meet.”</span> you said, waving over Pei.
The little Asian girl didn’t need much convincing for her to slip away while Wanda nerded out over Luke and Danny. She walked up to you, and then stared up at Cindy.
Cindy stared back for a second, before giving her a smile and a friendly wave with her one working hand.
<span class="mu-r">“Cindy, this is Pei. She’s Iron Fist’s kid.”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-r">“He is my mentor. I am not simply ‘his kid’.”</span> Pei corrected.
<span class="mu-r">“Pei, this is Cindy. She’s a good friend of mine, and one of the fiercest warriors I’ve ever met.”</span> you continued, ignoring the young girl for the time being.
Cindy blushed at that.
<span class="mu-s">“Aww, you’re just saying that.”</span> she said, sounding genuinely flattered.
<span class="mu-r">“Is that how you received those injuries? In a fierce battle?”</span> Pei asked, staring at Cindy’s arm in mild interest.
<span class="mu-s">“What, this? I got in an accident when Doctor Doom invaded the city. A bunch of rubble fell on top of me, and I almost blacked out. It was a real mess.”</span> Cindy explained, patting her bandaged arm.
A squirrel popped out of her sling at that very moment, and Cindy’s eyes widened in surprise.
<span class="mu-s">“How’d you get in there, little guy?”</span> she asked.
<span class="mu-r">“These animals seem to like you.”</span> Pei observed.
<span class="mu-s">“I'm sure it's just Nature Girl messing with me, or something.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“It’s probably a result of those antlers of hers growing into her brain.”</span> you added, pointing both index fingers up on both sides of your head.
That earned a chuckle from Cindy, but there was no dopamine rush like last time.
Pei just shook her head.
<span class="mu-r">“No, they are drawn to you. I can tell.”</span> she said, offering a hand for the squirrel to climb onto. The little rodent did so after a moment of hesitation. <span class="mu-r">“I was told that the people of this realm possess unique abilities that do not require the use of chi. Is this one of yours?”</span>
Cindy laughed and shook her head., causing the flower wreath to slip off of her head.
<span class="mu-s">“Nope. I don’t really have any powers. Not unless Khonshu blesses me, anyway.”</span>
Pei squinted in confusion.
<span class="mu-r">“Who?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“He’s Cindy’s Egyptian moon god.”</span> you added.
<span class="mu-r">“Ah.”</span>
(Cont.)
