The rest of the day was spent tending to the wounded back in the village, rejoicing in the throes of victory. In celebration of the crowning achievement, a festival was held.

Within the peaceful ambiance of the night, fireflies illuminated the sky with their gentle lights. Villagers danced around, singing and cheering, dressed in festive clothing.

Colt ran his fingers through his hair as he leaned against the gate of the village, "Man...What a ride."

Jax drew in a deep breath, "Tell me about it. I'm just thankful that you're both okay." Jax turned to Colt and Hisa, "I owe you thanks for finishing the mission without me."

Hisa rolled her eyes, "That's all cute, but Colt took two fights!"

"Yeah yeah. Colt took two fights! Isn't that messed up!?" said Hisa.

"You fought two of them on your own?" Jax grabbed Colt's shoulder, "You could've-"

Colt groaned as he dismissively waved his hand, "Chill, it wasn't exactly like that, and I'm fine anyway. Those guards we encountered in the forest had eaten Blue Apples to heal, so we had to improvise."

Playfully jabbing him with her elbow, Hisa giggled. "Colt, I'm going to challenge you to a fight someday. You're stronger than I thought!"

"I don't look forward to that day..."

"Whatever..." Jax released Colt and readjusted his glasses, "If everything turned out alright, it's not that much of a big deal. It's just a shame that we had to bring Hemiko into this."

Hisa shook her head, "No it isn't...She's a little tiger cub!" Glancing between the two of them, she pouted, "Why are you looking at me like that? She has the scent of a killer."

"She's a little girl you psychopath!" said Jax.

"Not listening." Hisa closed her eyes and covered her ears. "Oh the less I know the better..." She rocked her hips back and forth as she hummed the tune of a song to herself.

Colt laughed as Jax growled in frustration.

This was it, that feeling of adventure he was craving. The feeling of going on a quest full of hardships with a group of loyal friends. Then, when it's all said and done, you can kick back and just enjoy life with them.

Hemiko ran over to them, smiling with brimming hope shining in her eyes. "Guys! Why are you hiding over here all alone?"

Hisa lifted her into a deep hug, "Hey bestie!"

"You guys should come dance with us. You're not outsiders you know."

Colt stretched his arms out as he yawned, "We know...We were just reflecting on some stuff."

Jax grabbed a stick off of the ground and gently bopped Hemiko on the head with it, "I heard about what you did too. No more crazy business, you could've been hurt."

Hemiko stared at Jax before they both started laughing together. "Ok Mr.Jax. It won't happen again."

Lamia walked over to them, carrying a small bag weaved together with the use of several plants. "Hello everyone, I just wanted to thank you again for your incredible work. With your help, our tree can finally rest and return to its former glory."

Colt nodded his head, "We're glad to help, and if anything ever comes up again, just call out for us."

"It warms my heart to know that...but I know that you youngsters want to leave now."

"Huh? Wait-it's not like we don't like it here." said Colt.

"I have to agree with Colt on this one. I'm quite intrigued by your lifestyle here." said Jax.

"Right. I don't want to leave either..." Hisa ran her fingers through Hemiko's hair, "I won't be able to see my bestie anymore."

"Mommy...Are you kicking them out?" asked Hemiko.

"No. I just know that someone's waiting home for you all."

"You're right." Jax sighed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Although it's sad to say so, we should leave tonight."

"I guess so," said Colt.

"Wait. You guys can't leave! We won't be able to stay friends!" Hemiko held onto Hisa's arms with as much force as she could, without hurting her.

Hisa smiled, "Who said that? We can be besties from far away."

"No. You don't have to be." Lamia handed Hemiko the bag that was in her hands, "Would it be okay with you all if Hemiko came along?"

Silence fell over everyone as Lamia nodded her head.

Stuttering over her words, she clutched onto the bag. "W-Wait, I can go?"

Colt gave her a thumbs up, "I'm down. The more the merrier."

"Hemiko's already one of us in my eyes." said Jax, "She helped us defend the village too. She's earned my respect."

"Of course I'm okay with it!" Hisa lifted Hemiko off of her feet.

Hemiko's smile faded, "But...why do you want me to go Mommy?"

Lamia walked over, gently cupping her face. "Of course I don't. But I want you to get out and explore the world. We've been living in the village forever, and thanks to Hokkaido, we've been forced to live in a prison. Once these three came in and saved us, I realized that you'd benefit from experiencing the outside world. You're still young, so I want you to go out and enjoy the wonders of the world, with a group of great friends."

Hemiko began to tear up a she as she hugged Lamia, "Thank you Mommy!"

"No need to thank me. Your sister loved to travel, so I'm sure she'd be glad to see you go too."

"Well...that's that." Jax turned and started walking away, with Colt and Hisa following after him.

After running after Hisa, holding her hand, Hemiko looked at Lamia, who was also beginning to tear up. "Bye Mommy. Bye everyone!"

"Bye Hemiko!"

"Have fun!"

"You can always come back and visit us!"

"See you guys!"

"Thanks for everything!"

Everyone shared warm farewells as they walked further and further into the forest. Jax smiled and waved as Hisa and Colt shouted kind remarks back at the villagers. Hemiko joined them, with teary eyes of course. Lamia and Hemiko wouldn't stop staring at each other with smiles on their faces until they were too far apart to see each other.

"I can't believe it! I get to come with you guys!" Hemiko cheered.

"I know! It's amazing!" Hisa hoisted Hemiko onto her back and shot off into the forest, kicking up dust behind her, "C'mon guys, let's hurry up so we can surprise Dakota by morning!"

"Hell yeah!" Colt ran after Hisa and Hemiko.

"Wait! We don't even know our way b-nevermind!" Jax ran after them all.

With this...The first test of the dream team was complete. Now, what lies in store for the quartet?

Nobody knows...