The next morning, Alistair and Yukino set off for Mount Peak-Crest.
"Yukino, how high is this place? These stairs are endless. Can't we just fly?" Alistair asked, looking at the thousands of stone steps winding up into the clouds.
"Oh, walking is nice. The scenery is beautiful," Yukino said, squeezing his hand. She clearly just wanted more one-on-one time with him.
"Alistair! Alistair!"
A familiar, boisterous voice called out from behind them. Alistair turned to see Hikari Hyakkiya and the cat-spirit Tamagane.
"Hikari? Tamagane? What are you two doing here?"
"Good morning! I didn't expect to see you here! Wait... is this your girlfriend?" Hikari asked, beaming.
"Meow, Hikari, slow down," Tamagane trotted up, looking elegant as ever.
"We're going to the shrine to see a friend. This is Yukino Midwinter. And yes, she's... with me," Alistair said. "Are you two heading up too?"
"We're investigating a 'Life-Drain' case," Hikari said, striking a heroic pose. "Someone was found shriveled up on the mountain. I, Hikari Hyakkiya, will not let any evil creature go unpunished! Heh heh!"
Alistair cringed slightly at her chuunibyou energy. "Right... well, since we're going the same way, let's walk together."
"Yay! Race you to the top!" Hikari bolted up the stairs.
"You have your work cut out for you, Tamagane," Alistair sighed to the cat.
"I'm used to it, meow," Tamagane said calmly. Then, she leaped through the air, landing on Alistair's back and climbing up until she was perched on his head.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Alistair reached up to steady the fluffy black-and-white cat.
"I don't want to walk, meow. Carry me, meow," Tamagane purred in her sultry, mature voice.
"Fine, fine. Just don't use that tone. It's... distracting," Alistair muttered, his fingers stroking her soft fur as they began the long climb.