>>5193961The collection of "Explosive Resolutions." You had expected the salesman to leave you alone, but he resurfaced. A thick and aged tome in hand he apologized for not having it in Eskarrian but still you moved, taking it from him you strolled through the pages. The very first piece of yellow paper caught your eyes and wouldn't let them go. Like a bear trap it crushed down tightly around your attention. A simple hand drawn mountain sat there, underneath it read written in aged ink. A language alien to your eyes but one you still managed to read.
<span class="mu-r">"Oh to all you Monsters of the Empire."</span> you nodded your thanks to the man and settled on purchasing the book. Haruki appeared, finding her way to your side in the line for the cashier she grinned broadly.
Showing off her own haul with excited satisfaction that made her eyes shine. She had a collection of foreign cartoon books in her hand. They had characters in action poses on the front pages, you notice the similarities between the style of it and that monster on Kat's shirt when you had first met her. You couldn't help being excited, the girl's grin was contagious and so you offered to buy it for her. She was hesitant but gladly accepted the offer. Tony had gotten himself a cookbook, however you didn't pay for that. Your single collection of water stained pages eclipsed the price of Ruki's Manga but you didn't mind. Money was a construct you understood, but it had been kept from you for so long. You decide to splurge on yourself and the book promises knowledge and at least a snippet of understanding.
With bags in hand you make your way to the next destination, this time clothes. Unsure of what style suited you the others took the reins. Alex brought back a vast collection of tee-shirts lined with fancy and cool artwork. Some were from cartoons or games you didn't know while others were for bands you had never heard of either way you liked them. Tony brought the essentials so often forgotten, socks. Ankle high for relaxing, and sport for comfort while hoofing it on some run or march. Dimitri found you another leather jacket, this time a rich copper brown and an ushanka. Haruki had the best eye, picking out a few fancy shirts and trousers, less than a dress uniform and yet still pleasantly formal. Along with a black and white striped tracksuit.
