THE MOOD

Author's Notes: Okay, here's the next part. Hopefully, this chapter will live up to your expectations. I'm hoping to put some romance that will make sense with the story. As in, it won't be too soon. Oh, I just thought of something that could work for this chapter. And it would tell a little more about my OC. Yeah, I'm doing my extreme best and hardest not to make her a Mary Sue – I don't want that after all that's happened to me. I hope I'm doing okay. Let me know if I'm doing something wrong. Okay, on with the story!

It had been almost a month since the three travelers had started their journey after leaving Mother Lastez. After each of them was given written and spoken advice, Sylvia and Wander were very intrigued and curious about the second words of advice to Lenia.

Show them what treasure? What was she hiding?

Unfortunately, when they approached her about it, she got defensive and shook his head, clutching her bag. Finally, they had no choice but to give up and let her tell them if or when she wanted to.

Soon after that, she became more secretive, staying away when they made camp for the night, eating dinner away from them. Finally, Wander had had enough.

"I'm gonna go see if she wants ta join us." He said.

"She's gonna lash out, I guarantee it. She may just be on her period or something. Just leave her alone."

Wander blinked in confused but stood up anyway and walked over to knotted mass that was Lenia. Her fur was messy, her hair was tangled, and she was shaking.

"Lenia?! Oh my—are you okay?"

The blue Star Nomad turned, tears in her eyes, shivering.

"I shouldn't have done this…I should never have left…Mother."

Wander blinked before slowly approaching her, sitting in front of her. He didn't dare touch her for fear that it would startle the poor girl.

"Why do you think that?"

"I've…I've never left Mother. I always had the chance, but I never took it. Now I know why. I was scared. Too much is unknown to me. I'll be nineteen in two days and I'm not sure…if I'll make it till then." She sobbed.

Wander was happy to now know her birthday was on April 20th, but he wasn't happy to see how upset she was.

"May I help you?" He said, holding out his arms to offer her a hug.

Her eyes glistened with tears, but she managed a shaky nod. Wander pulled her close and cradled her on his lap.

"Let me just say this, Lenia. If I can do this, so can you. Yer a beautiful, smart, courageous, interestin', and an amazin' girl who can do whatever she sets her mind to. Don't sell yerself short."

"Wander, I don't know what to say." She sniffed, smiling. "You really think I'm…beautiful?" She blushed.

Wander nodded. "I always have. I…" Should he tell her his feelings?

"Yes, Wander?" Lenia pressed.

Wander decided it was still too soon. When I feel more confident about this or when I know fer certain about how she feels, I'll tell her. Until then, I'll keep quiet.

"I was wonderin' if everythin' is all right. Sylvia mentioned a period thing. I don't know what that is, but if ya need help, I'm here for ya. Ya know that, right."

Lenia couldn't hold back her mixture of bursts of laughter and rage. The blue Star Nomad got up and stomped over to the zbornak.

"SYLVIA! WHAT DID YOU TELL HIM?!"

"Huh? What did I do?" Sylvia asked sleepily, obviously just waking up.

"You told him I was on my period!" Lenia screamed.

"Well, you could be, right?" Sylvia stated, rubbing her eyes.

"That's not something you tell a GUY, though!" Lenia fumed.

Sylvia considered this. "Hmm, I guess you're right. My fault. But are you on your period?"

"S'cuse me, ladies, but what's a period?" Wander asked.

Lenia's face was now bright red with both rage and embarrassment.

"Good luck explaining, girl." Sylvia stated with a smirk before going back to sleep.

"WHAT?!" Lenia shrieked.

Lenia turned on Wander. "Didn't anyone ever tell you about a female's time-of-the-month? Their period? Their menstrual cycle? That a-ringin' a bell?"

Wander blinked. "Maybe…can ya remind me please?"

Lenia face-palmed and then began a long, very embarrassing discussion about the female reproductive system. Then she explained about the period, which comes around month or so and lasts a few days, bringing cramps, mood swings, and whole bunch of other stuff sometimes.

The former princess folded her arms. "I didn't want to tell anyone, but yes, I'm on my period. Now, leave the subject alone!"

Wander waved his arms. "Just one question, though. If ya usually act like this durin' yer period, why didn't ya act like it before?"

Lenia shook her head at him. "I wasn't out on a journey for the first time before. This is a new experience. I'm terrified. What did you expect?"

Wander coughed. "Right, sorry. Well, we better turn in. Oh, and don't think I'm going to forget about what's happenin' in two days. We'll be sure to celebrate."

Lenia's eyes widened. "Oh no, wait! Did I tell you—?"

Wander nodded, grinning toothily. "Yup, ya sure did. Happy Almost Nineteenth Birthday, Lenia!"

Lenia grumbled. "Fine, so you know my birthday. But let's be fair. What's yours and how old will you be?"

Wander searched his damaged mind. "I think mine is August 21st and I'll be twenty one."

Lenia smiled. "Cool, I'll be sure to remember."

Sylvia chuckled. "Me too."

Wander laughed once. "Nighty night, ladies."

A/N: Okay, sorry if this is short. I originally wanted to get the treasure out there, but I think it'll be out there by the next chapter. I just wanted a chapter to make Lenia more normal and less Mary Sueish. So call this a bit of filler. Also, you read the romance between her and Wander. Also, a little comedy involving period stuff. Durrhurr! I love it! I laughed so hard as I wrote it. Read and review please!