As Eke scratched at Savra's ears, the large lupine made small noises. Animalistic noises that were very much evocative of happiness and contentment.

After about a half-hour of that, Ryker pulled into the parking lot a place, and looked at the sign on the restaurant before them.

"Looks like a breakfast buffet kinda place." he commented.

"Advertises 5 different kinds of breakfast meat." he said further. "And endless pancakes." he went on.

"Sound good?" he asked Eke.

When Eke got up, Savra moved their head, and looked at him.

"Yes." they replied.

They then shifted into their more human form, and Ryker crossed his hands over his chest.

"How long can you hold that form for?" he asked.

"8 hours at most." Savra responded. "And for each minute I spend in this form, it takes me 2 minutes to recharge it." they said further.

"Fair enough." Ryker replied.

"24 hours total then. Makes sense." he shrugged.

Ryker and Savra looked at each other, the latter having a concerned look in their eyes. He sighed and shook his head, before exiting the RV as well, hands in his pockets.

He made his way closer to Eke, and sighed once more.

"All right." he said.

"Speak up." he told him.

"I'm sure it's nothing good, given your lack of smile now."

Ryker seemed genuinely shocked when Eke said that.

"I... what?" he asked.

He then suddenly paused for a moment, before Eke saw his eyes change colour. The demon was now in full control.

"Blame me." he told him.

"I have an inherent distrust for magical beings like the Raiju. I've never liked them, and they've never liked me. But I suppose it's bleeding into Ry-guy a little." he explained.

"So if he starts acting suspicious or whatever, just say his darkness is coming through, and I'll try and tone it down." he went on.

"But don't expect me to change anytime soon. Old beliefs die hard."

The demon just shrugged.

"Jealous? No." he replied.

"He just doesn't want you to get hurt. And this Raiju is new, so he has inherent wariness towards them." he said further.

"But give it time. THAT should go away." he assured Eke.

"Bye!" he finished, as Ryker came back.

"...ow." he muttered, rubbing the side of his head.

Savra looked over towards Eke, before sighing and nodding.

They then stepped out of the RV, and noticed Ryker rubbing his head.

"Are you all right?" they asked.

"Just a headache." Ryker responded. "It'll go away momentarily." he said further.

Savra was silent, before looking at Eke, almost seeking confirmation.

Savra looked concerned, before looking at Ryker.

"Are you sure this place is safe?" they asked him.

"We'll find out." Ryker responded, still rubbing his head. "Normally places like this are notorious for salt and grease and fat, but we'll have to see." he said further.

Savra was then silent, before looking to Eke.

"I don't want anything to happen to you." they told her.

"I like sausage, but I've never had pancakes." they went on. "But I don't want to eat somewhere that will hurt you..."

Savra and Ryker looked at each other, before following Eke.

Inside, they all found themselves surrounded by an almost heavenly aroma of breakfast. Meat, pancakes, waffles, syrup, everything.

"Wow." Ryker muttered.

"Nice place." he said, as a server approached.

"Buffet for three?" they asked.

"Yeah." Ryker said.

"Take a seat anywhere, and I'll be right with you." the server responded.

Ryker and Savra sat down as well, and Ryker smirked.

"We'll have to see." he replied, as the server approached them.

"Just so you know how it works, you can go up and get food whenever you want, put the dirty plates on the designated table, and pay afterwards." she explained.

"Cool." Ryker said.

"What can I get you three to drink?" she asked.

"An OJ and some coffee." Ryker responded.

"Ah... chocolate milk, please." Savra told her.

"I'll be right back with them." the server replied. "Feel free to go up and get your food in the meantime." she added, before heading off.

"Go on, you two." Ryker said to Eke and Savra.

"I'll wait here and get my food afterwards." he added.

Savra looked at Eke, and then to the direction the smell was coming from.

"...smells so good..." they said, their stomach growling.