[When Hijikata spotted Cecelia's bright hair on the trek up the volcano his heart downright skipped a beat with excitement. He's so used to places like Avalon randomly kicking out the people they drew in from across the multiverse, but not bringing them back. Yet this month seems to have returned familiar faces only, which honestly kicked his motivation into overdrive. They're being called back for the final effort!!

That said the ascent was so difficult and the path so precarious and narrow, he had no way of catching up to her, and once they finally made it to the cave he all but collapsed on the mercifully cool ground. When he looks up and sees her offering him water it's only his exhaustion that allows him to mask his joy.]

Thanks.

[He takes the waterskin and drinks for a few moments before giving it back to her.]

I owe you one. I've got my own provisions, I just wanted to catch my breath before unpacking.

...

Welcome back, Lady Ardenbury.