Hotaru had been listening for Archie's answer as she continued to stand there before her attention was diverted by the sound of something running toward her. Looking over as the conversation was cut off, she could see a rather large dog running her way, dragging its owner behind. Unsure of what to do she took a couple steps back, trying not to just outright run. When it had drawn close though, the dog thankfully stopped and instead sat down, wagging its tail happily. Once the owner finally recovered enough to speak, the female Quincy glanced past the dog to his outstretched hand.

"Really it's alright, though I'll admit I was scared for a moment there. I'm not used to being charged at by such large animals. And it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Shinamori-san."

She glanced at his outstretched hand for a moment before taking hold of it, figuring it was for a shake like Archie had done earlier.

"My name is Hotaru Nakano."

With a smile on her face, Hotaru soon released his hand before turning her attention to the dog. Though she was hesitant for a moment from what had just happened, she pet the dog lightly before continuing.

"You were shouting 'Zakuuuuura!' a moment ago right? Is that the dog's name?"

*Shinji nodded his head in acknowledgement to the other two and then shook the girl's hand*

Hotaru was it? Yeah, her name is Zakura, as you can see she's immensely powerful but at the heart of it all she's just a huge teddy bear who loves meeting new people. Unless you're attacking me or you're the mailman she won't do anything.

*Shinji's nose tickled for a min*

AAAAAAACHHHHHOOOOOO!!!

*He covers his mouth with his sleeve so he doesn't spew everything onto the poor girl*

Crap, I forgot about this stupid cold...

Ai looked at the other man as he kept his eye on him intently and along with the dog. Neither were of this world and it wasn't something he was willing to trust...well, he did enjoy the dog more so than the man. He sneered as he sneezed and kept his eyes glare at the man as he sneezed

"Aren't we...fortunate."

And it didn't help that Hotaru was so willing to accept friends without any sort of knowledge of them. He thought he had brought that up enough but it seemed some things needed to sink in more than others.