The descent was just as easy as the ascent. It was almost too easy, but the two souls didn't tempt fate. Disembarking, she walked out of the airport, and checked a map of nearby hotels... and sure enough, Izuku was right. There were boats, water taxis, heading to and from the islands on a constant basis. Booking the tickets was easy, and so was paying for the hotel. The hardest part was actually understanding anyone. But... Life was true to his word. Understanding languages became much easier, and English was as fluent as Japanese now. I'm still in awe about this body... it's so strong, in many ways!
So am I, Izu!
He stopped, or did the mental equivalent. Wait... why call me that!?
Careful to avoid showing her confusion at his question, she replied in kind. Because we're best friends, at the very, very least? And you've saved my life multiple times at this point. You can call me anything you want.
O-Okay... um... I'll think about that...
They took the day to explore Athens. Never having been there, they wanted to see the sights before they would go to the hotel. She decided that her first goal would be to go see the Parthenon. It towered over every part of the city, and was glowing white as the sunshine beamed down onto it.
Climbing the ascent, they wondered about its purpose. After all, this structure was built far before the advent of quirks. Every stone was placed intentionally, with purpose, by human hands. This was a marvel of ancient engineering.
What do you think they built this place for?
Izuku was just as stumped. His fascination with heroes and quirks just didn't apply to this place. I don't know... this isn't related to heroics at all...
I thought you'd know about this, since the Greeks were famous for their heroes.
Wait, really? I never found anything about ancient heroes when I did my research... although... that may be due to my... sources... How do you know about them?
Glad to have a chance to get into her hobbies, the half brunette explained, Constellations were all inspired by them. Myths, heroes, and legends. Orion the giant. Sagittarius the Centaur. The Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, was named after Callisto, a huntress of Artemis. So much history in the stars...
Space fascinates you, doesn't it?
Yeah... She shielded her eyes against the sun as they arrived at the top. Her wings came in handy with that, providing a lot of shade to take advantage of. There wasn't any way to go inside the ruins, only a circular path around the outside with a few signs, many of whom were written in English. Reading them, the two of them were in awe at the backstory. Of the contest between gods, and how Athens got its name, after the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, and the shrine that was built in both of their honor.
Amazing... there is so much history before quirks... and these ancient parts of the world still remember it...
I still need to find out about their heroes...
Plenty of time for that... It was then that she checked the time. Check in time was almost over, and they'd need to get there beforehand. We need to get to the hotel!
Right... She quickly headed to the exit, and eventually found it. A high class hotel. Still not really thinking she was deserving, the angel approached the receptionist desk. Immediately, the differences between Athens and Heifi were apparent, as the receptionist was much friendlier. The receptionist was clearly Greek, but with Speaking in English as a default, she started: "Welcome to the Hyatt, Athens. How can I help you?"
"Yes..." Ochako started, having dealt with... less than hospitable people before. She didn't want to make the same mistakes again. "I would like to book a room."
She nodded immediately, typing away on her computer to start the process. "Of course. What kind of room would you like? Besides Wing Accommodation, of course?"
"Um... what are the options...?" The brunette asked nervously.
"We have the basic suite, usually for 1 or two people. We have the business class style suits which are larger, and then the first class style rooms. Accommodation has a 4 Euro tax in addition to accommodation costs, and gives access to the pool on the top floor."
Still not feeling great about spending other people's money... she made her choice. "Uh... just the basic suite."
"Alright, one suite, Wing Quirk Accommodation..." She clacked away, before asking, "How many days will you be staying?"
Checking the schedule Izuku had written down in a journal... she stated, "Just the night. Have a... boat taxi in the morning."
"Very well." She finished typing it up before handing them a plastic card. "This is your room key. Breakfast is 10 Euros for an all you can eat buffet, and there is complimentary wifi access with smart TVs. Air conditioning is complimentary. Checkout is at noon, tomorrow. That comes to a total of 259 Euros for the night. Will you be paying with cash or card?"
"Card." Ochako pulled the black card out of her pocket and tapped the payment machine. It dinged with success, and the receptionist smiled, just as warm as before, "Have a great stay."
Getting to her room, she looked over the accommodations. The bed was massive, big enough to accommodate her massive wingspan, the door being just as large. The room was cozy, and the view... it had a straight view of the Parthenon they just visited. Going to it, Ochako basically flopped down onto the bed. It was now that the warm clothes from Nepal really weren't helping, and she was sweating up a storm, even with the AC on. I need some better clothes... maybe something Greek!
Yeah... that would be nice. The weather is certainly warmer than in Japan. It's going into winter right now, right?
And there's free wifi... let's see if my phone survived... And when she pulled it out... finding it battered with a cracked screen. The power button didn't respond, and she had long since lost the cable.
You need a new phone. And to check in with Hagakure and the others.
You're right... I don't think the ambassador would object to that...
Taking off the sweater, Ochako relaxed with the T shirt before deciding to go out. When passing by reception, the two of them agreed that this receptionist was way better than the one at the Chinese hotel. It was clear due to her attitude, and decided that she'd be the perfect person to offer the guidance they wanted for the area. After asking for a good restaurant, and she received the answer of the Xenious Zeus.
It was Greek cuisine, but with an incredible view from the foot of the Parthenon, being close to the foot of the famous ruins. But... it was expensive. She knew she had the money, but Ochako hated using it for things that were too much. Especially food. That was already a difficult habit to break. So, Ochako asked for other options. And there were plenty. Eventually, she settled on a less expensive option: Restaurant Scholarhio. It was well reviewed, and had table seating for specific quirks. Including her wings. So, she worked with the receptionist to call ahead and set aside a table for one, at 8:00. With that confirmed, she went shopping for a new phone. It was a necessity at this point. And she wanted to contact Tooru before it was too late for her to do so.
Begrudgingly, Izuku's insistence on a newer model won out over Ochako's desire for a cheaper phone. Removing the sim card from the old phone, she was relieved to see that it was intact for her to transfer over. Since it had all of the phone numbers stored on there, of Toru and her friends in class B, it was crucial she still had it. Putting it into the phone, she plugged her new phone's cable into an outlet, charging it enough for a single phone call. Taking everything, she put it into her pocket before ringing Toru. She waited a few moments before the call was answered.
She was excited to hear from her absent friend. "Hey! Ochako, how are you?"
"I'm good! Better than I was a week ago." She confidently stated. "You wouldn't've wanted to hear about me then..."
"So I hear you need more treatment? It's the whole..." She lowered her voice, "Soul thing, right?"
The two agreed in the same volume. "Yeah. Have to literally go to Hell to get it."
Disbelief laced her voice. "Wha... really?!"
"Yep."
This time the invisible girl continued to keep her voice low to ask... "Speaking of going to hell... did you break into China? That exclusion zone thing on the news? There was a photograph, but it was hard to make you out... and... on top of that... your wings are kind of distinctive."
Ochako sighed, responding with a: "Yes. I did. It was... necessary."
"You'll have to tell me later. It's good to hear from you. Class B was worried too."
Ochako smiled, not that they could see it, given "Yeah, well... had to get a new phone. Old one broke. Just... good luck with your studies!"
"Thanks. Good luck with that trip!"
There was a click as the call disconnected. Happy, she left to go explore the area.
Hours later, she returned to the hotel, now with a backpack and a few sets of new clothes. After getting freshened up, she was choosing between two sets, and asked Izuku for his opinion.
Hey Izu, what do you think. This top... She held up a white colored dress accented by blue designs. The sleeves and the bottom of the dress was highlighted by a blue Greek key design.
Or this one? She changed it to a more casual look, with a T-Shirt and set of shorts.
Izuku, meanwhile, was, for a lack of a better word, broken. Wh-wh-what... Why ask me?
Because I trust you! Kinda have to, given the situation... She giggled to herself.
But I'm a guy! I can't...
Can't what, Izu? You've been a core part of me for a year now. You can be honest. The brunette asked innocently, clearly teasing him with her words. Even if she couldn't see him, she could imagine his expression...
You're too pretty in both! It's not a fair question!
They both stopped for a moment, her face flushing red, before she asked him, You really think so?
Y-yeah! You're beautiful... no matter what... I've felt that I'm the one who really lucked out... I could have been stuck with anyone... like Mineta... but I am with you. I feel incredibly lucky. Even now, after so long. It's hard to get used to...
Aww... thank you! She paused, before continuing, But you still didn't answer my question...
She smiled as he nearly screamed in embarrassment. However, he eventually settled on the dress... and he promptly fainted after seeing her get changed in the mirror.