Chapter 18: A Filolial in Girl's Clothing

After everything from the race was settled the villagers said they would make us a wagon, but in the mean time we managed to get a cart for Blake to transport wood from the forest. On the way there we managed to learn something. High speed + dirt road + no suspension = bumpy ride.

"I don't feel so good." Talia was lying down, trying not to regurgitate.

"It is certainly, more difficult than, I am used to, though we are, making good time." Seb was sitting and holding onto the side of the cart and having trouble speaking consistently.

"Try thinking about it as training to be able to fight when someone uses earth magic to shake the ground." I was sitting at the front, holding onto Blake's reins.

"I doubt we, will ever be in, such a situation, as to fight a mage, powerful enough to do so, to this degree." (Seb)

"Then try to find a way to deal with it. We are going to be traveling like this a lot. I'll be better if you can get over this now."

"How are you not affected?" (Talia)

"I've had to fight while running up walls and standing on ceilings. It'll take more than a bumpy road to make me nauseous. Hmm… maybe try standing and letting your legs absorb some of the shaking." They did and seemed a little better.

We reached the forest and met with the lumberjack. Talia was able to rest for a while, while the lumberjack loaded the cart and rest of us went hunting. There weren't many monsters around, just a few Usapil that Blake caught and ate whole. I did find a few patches of herbs that I could use for making medicines though. We got back as the lumberjack was finishing loading the cart. The trip back wasn't much easier on them than the first, but more weight meant the cart didn't rattle as much and Blake seemed happy.

Speaking of Blake, she has continued to grow throughout the day. She's now over nine feet tall and getting fluffier as well. At first I thought she had a large frame, but when I was helping her grooming my arm went up to my elbow in feathers. That night Blake finished off the Chimera meat, very little of which was able to be sold to anyone, and her odd changes continued. Basically, she now looks like an oversized cartoonish young owl and pulls the cart by lifting the sides like a wheelbarrow. We checked with the rancher to see if he knew anything but he was too shocked to be of much help. So after another trip transporting lumber, we headed back to the capitol.

We went to see the slave merchant to find out if he had any idea what was going on with Blake. He ended up asking a lot of questions about how she got how she was and wasn't able to answer any of ours. The best answers we could think of were that it was either my shield or the chimera meat. He also asked if he could study her overnight. I agreed as long as it didn't hurt her and he kept her fed for the night.

"Blake, we're going to be back in the morning, you need to behave yourself. Got it?"

"Gweh?"

"He shouldn't do anything that will hurt you. If he does… treat him like Motoyasu."

"Gweh?"

"The spear guy."

"Gweh!" I'm not sure how I could tell, but her expression seemed to be daring the slave trader to try something.

"Um… Sir Hero, what does that mean?"

"It means you'd lose an ear, or whatever else she decides to go after." The expression he made was a mix of fear and curiosity but mostly fear.

One of the slave merchant's servants put a collar on Blake and led her to a cage.

"Remember Blake, behave."

"Gweeh"

We went to an inn for the night and continued to study magic. I think Seb may be close to learning his first spell, but Talia is still having a bit of trouble with some of the words. Interestingly even though I can't form a spell, or even a coherent message, from magic writing I don't have an affinity for, I can still tell what individual words say. It must be due to [Language Comprehension] acting weird with the magic writing of this world.

We ended up going to sleep late. Talia was worried that the slave merchant would hurt Blake, but Seb assured her that he wasn't likely to do anything that would lose me as a customer. I'm not sure I agree with his reasoning, but I doubt the slave trader will try anything; he doesn't want to lose an ear.

The next morning, after eating, we went back to the slave tent and found the trader looking rather nervous.

"Did something happen?"

"Er… well, sort of." (Slave trader)

"And that means?"

"You'll have to see for yourself." He led us over to the cage Blake was put in last night, but inside there was a small girl with short black hair and wings. She looked a bit like a younger version of an Apostle but with very short hair and black rather than silver. Her expression was rather sullen, but her face lit up when she saw me.

"Master Kousuke!" I blinked. Seb was able to put it together and asked before I could recover from having a young naked girl call me master.

"Is that girl… Blake?"

"Yes, she first transformed a few hours ago. I'm still getting over the shock myself." The fact that he was answering a slave's question was evidence of that.

"And, uh, did you manage to find anything out?" Talia asked just as confused as the rest of us.

"I found some old adventurer's tales about Filolial Queens that are rumored rule over their flocks. Supposedly they have transformation abilities that let them blend in with other filolials, so their existence is hard to confirm. There was also a story about a past hero raising a powerful filolial, but not a description on what made this filolial so powerful or about them taking on humanoid forms."

"Why is she naked?" And why are we all just staring at her while she is naked?

"I did give her a spare garment, but it was destroyed when she transformed back into her filolial form."

"So she can change forms at will?"

"That seems to be the case."

"Sure I can," Blake said as she turned back into a giant bird, "see?" She can talk as a bird now?

"Is there clothing that can transform with her?" Seb asked the question we needed.

"I've heard that such items are common in demi-human countries, but I don't have any or know the process of their creation."

The best plan I could come up with was to ask Erhard if he knew anything about transforming clothes. So we went to the weapon shop, with Blake still in her bird form. After making sure no one was looking I had her change to human and quickly covered her with my old cloak before going in.

"Hey, I'm guessing Shield Bro is with you too?" Seems most people I deal with now assume I'm usually with them. "Don't tell me you got a new slave."

"No, I bought a filolial that gained the ability to transform into a little girl."

"No need to be sarcastic now."

"I wasn't, truth is stranger than fiction." The way he looked at me said he didn't believe me. I took Blake's cloak and had her transform.

"Wow. You sure she's a filolial?"

"Well she hatched from a filolial egg and looked like a normal filolial for a few days. Do you know anything about clothes or armor that would be able to transform with her, or at least not be destroyed?"

"Do I really need it?" (Blake)

"Yes." (Talia)

"There are clothes made for transforming demi-humans, but this is a weapon shop not a clothing store." (Erhard)

"Yeah, but it's easier to ask someone I know if they have any ideas before walking into a random store and trying to explain."

"Fine kid, there's a tailor down the road; she's the one that helped with your armored coat. If anyone knows something about transforming outfits it'd be her or the old lady at the magic shop."

I thought about it and figured if the witch could tell us about magic clothes, then we could find out what we needed and also check Blake's magic affinity.

"Ah, the party of the Shield Hero. What can I do for you today?"

"We heard that you could tell us about clothes for people that can transform. Well in this case a monster than can become humanoid."

"Yes, well I can help with making the magic thread for such clothing, but it would be better to have a tailor actually make the clothes."

"Magic thread?"

"You see transforming clothes needs to be made out of thread spun from the wearer's mana. That way, when they transform it will be absorbed then it will be turned back into clothes when returning to human. So, is this little one the one that needs transforming clothes?" She indicated to Blake.

"Yes and my name is Blake." Seems like she doesn't like being referred to as "little one".

"Oh, and are you really a transforming monster?"

"According to that creepy old man, I'm a filolial queen." At least she's a good judge of character.

"So I suppose she hatched from the egg you had last time we spoke, Sir Hero?" She went to get something.

"Yeah, she's grown a lot in just a few days."

The witch came back with a spinning wheel that had a gemstone sitting on it. "This is a machine used to make the magic thread for transforming clothes. So, Blake, you're going to have to turn the handle and it will make thread out of your magic power."

"Do I have to?" (Blake)

"It's that or stay in filolial form 24/7"

"Fine." Blake started turning the handle. After a while it looked like she was going to start nodding off. "It's starting to make me sleepy."

"You have to keep going for a bit longer, we don't have enough thread yet." (witch)

Unfortunately, less than a minute later the gem cracked. Blake spun the wheel a few more times slumping over and falling asleep. She actually looked sort of cute the way she had her head on the table.

"Oh no. That jewel may have been getting old but I had hoped it had a few more sets left in it."

"Let me guess, whatever we need to replace it is either expensive or hard to find?"

"That's right. I only know of one place nearby where we may be able to find a replacement. It's in a cave under some abandoned ruins. If we could find it, we should be able to finish making the thread for Blake's clothes."

"Sounds like a plan."

And so, we set off for the cave to find a gem. It turns out there were several caves in the area and we had to check each one. The first turned out to be a backdoor to the ruins where some alchemist set up shop experimenting with some sort of plant. There was an empty chest next to an inscription warning not to use the seed, so I guess someone already stole it. I have to wonder why people don't just destroy things that are dangerous enough to seal away like this. Cave number 2 was the one we were looking for. As we walked I felt monsters moving around us and we started hearing each other's voices coming from further in.

"I will make Master Endou mine. With the power he has given me I will kill anyone who stands in my way, even that rabbit-girl from his old world."

"Sir Endou is such a fool for trusting us. It would be easy to poison him in his sleep and earn the favor of the county."

"Master Kousuke looks tasty. I want to eat."

"The monsters here use voices to confuse you. Don't let yourself be fooled by them." (witch)

I remember hearing about how the Haltina labyrinth tried to test bonds by planting fakes within the party and turning others into monsters, maybe this is something like that. But why would wild monsters have attacks that only work against intelligent beings capable of verbal communication? The logic of this world keeps getting weirder.

"Master Endou, you wouldn't really sell us, would you?" I can easily imagine what the voices told Talia.

"Of course not."

We got closer to the source and Seb took it out with a throwing knife. It looked like someone tried to merge a bat with a megaphone. The shield it gave even had a megaphone effect. As we continued the passage got darker, even though we had a torch, and it became harder for me to sense anything.

"I think the monsters are using some sort of sensory inhibiting effect."

"It seems you're right. I'll start on a counter-spell. I am the source of all power, hear me and understand my reasons. Restore our vision. [Erst Anti-Bind]!"

Things returned to normal and we could see some rat-like monsters scurrying on the floor. They were killed easily enough. We eventually made it to an area of the cave that had crystals in the walls, but they weren't of a high enough quality for the witch to make use of for making thread. As we continued we heard something coming from deeper in the cave. When it was close enough to make out I saw it was called a Nue. It looked a bit like a chimera with a monkey head and tiger legs, of course it still had a snake for a tail. What mishmash monster would be complete without a snake tail?

"I'm going" (Talia)

"Right behind you." (Seb)

"Me too!" (Blake)

Why did these three have to be so eager to rush into battle without making a plan? Well I better make sure they don't get themselves killed. "The Abyss is the source of all power, heed my words and grant them its protection. [All Zweit Guard]!" I cast defense boosting magic on us as a precaution and prepared to intercept any attacks they couldn't avoid. I could have summoned a clone, but I didn't want the witch to see. It's not that I think she would blab to the crown, but I'd rather not risk it. Malty already knows that I know the witch and the witch might tell someone she trusts while a shadow is listening.

The Nue tried to go after Talia with its claws, I blocked them allowing her to make a sizable cut in its front leg. At the same time Seb looked like he was going for the neck but had to fall back due to the snake tail. Blake jumped over me and clawed at the Nue's face, causing it to roar in anger. Then its body started to glow, crackly with sparks of electricity.

"It's charging up for something, get back. [Shield Prison]!" We watched as the prison encasing the Nue suddenly released bolts of lightning all around it. Not the kind of AoE field you want to be in, probably has a paralyzing effect too.

"I am the source of all power. Hear my words and understand them. Burn him! [Zweit Fire Blast]!" The witch shot fire magic as soon as the prison ended, engulfing the Nue in flames.

"I don't think that is going to be enough." (Seb)

"If I grab the tail, think you can cut it off?" I am starting to find snake tails to be really annoying.

"Easily." (Talia)

"Blake, you and Seb keep it distracted and attack if it turns after us."

"Got it." (Blake)

"Understood, Sir."

Now that we had an actual plan we just had to execute it. Talia and I circled to the left while Seb and Blake went forwards and to the right. As expected it went for the closer targets and lunged at them, but it wasn't a match for their speed as they evaded and got in a few counterstrikes of their own. As it lunged its tail was extended, giving me the chance to immobilize it for Talia to attack. This time, its roar was more pain than anger. As it turned to us it was in for a surprise.

"I am the source of thy power. Hear my words and comprehend. Freeze him! [Erst Icicle Prison]!" Looks like Seb managed to pull off that spell, it only froze the Nue's good front leg, but it was enough to immobilize it. He then went in for a swift strike to the jugular and cut most of the creature's throat before falling back again. It continued to thrash about for a few seconds before collapsing from rapid blood loss.

After using the Nue's remains to get a new shield, unfortunately just one, and letting Blake eat the rest, we mined some of the gemstones needed for the magic thread and returned to the capitol. The next day, we were able to have the gem prepared for the spinning wheel and finish making the thread. She agreed that getting the new gem was worth the effort and started making fabric from the thread. We also got Blake's Affinities checked; she can use wind and shadow magic.

After the witch turned the thread into fabric we went to the tailor that Erhard suggested. I can see why he called her crazy. As soon as we walked in the door, "Oh, you're the one Erhard had me make that coat for. Does it fit right? It looks incredible on you. How's the flexibility? I wasn't sure about the metal weave, but it seems to be holding up well." She was firing off so many questions I couldn't answer any of them. From the way she looked and acted, I could easily picture her helping Hajime's mother make manga while discussing random things like the style maid uniforms to drawn. Eventually she slowed down and asked why we came.

"We came to get clothes made for Blake that won't get destroyed when she transforms. We already have the magic thread and fabric." I indicated towards Blake, who was so taken aback by the tailor's personality that she was hiding behind Seb.

"Ooh! What a cute little angel. Wait she has wings could she really be an angel? They're black; does that make her a fallen angel?" Seems once she starts talking it's hard to stop her, she was also crouched down trying to inspect every part of Blake. Eventually Blake had enough and put her finger to the Tailor's mouth.

"Why ask so many questions if you aren't even going to listen for an answer? We are just here to have clothes made." I suppose that is one way to get her to focus, and it was a rather sound argument for a week old bird. Unfortunately it didn't quite have the desired effect.

"Oh my, so adorable, trying to act so mature. Let's see what you have for me to work with. Hmmm… Oh I know, a one piece dress would just look darling. Add a few accents and it will be incredible."

"No."

"What?"

"No dress."

"Why not?"

"Too girly."

This managed to stop the crazed tailor. She thought for a few moments then looked at me. "How could you raise such a precious thing into a tomboy?"

"Don't look at me like that, she's been alive for all of a week and only been able to turn into a human for a few days. It's not like I have any idea what I'm doing here."

"Sigh. What kind of outfit will you wear then?" The tailor just seemed depressed now.

"Something cool like Master's."

"Hmmm… a coat would be difficult with the wings. The shirt and pants? Not enough fabric for a full replica. Maybe… I've got it. I'll just need to measure you alright?" She led Blake to the back to take her measurements.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" (Talia)

"Because people like that tend to go overboard on everything they do."

"You know other people like her?" (Seb)

"I have met some. Let's just say that there are jobs in which that kind of personality can thrive."

There were some odd noises coming from the back room, which I chose to ignore. They came back several minutes later and the tailor said she would have it done by morning. The look on her face suggested that she wanted to make something else but was going to do what Blake asked anyways. Afterwards I talked to a blacksmith about making some springs that I planned to use as suspension for the wagon, I may not get motion sickness from it, but it is still a bumpy ride. We left and gathered herbs in the forest for the rest of the day. Blake ran around hunting anything edible and brought back the pelts, some in better condition than others.

The next day we returned to the tailor's shop.

"It took all night, but I managed it." She brought out Blake's new clothes. There were three pieces: a black sleeveless t-shirt, a pair of dark grey shorts, and a black duster. I'm surprised this world even had the concept of a t-shirt let alone that the tailor would think of it. Both the t-shirt and duster had slits for her wings. Blake slipped on the shorts and t-shirt under the cloak she had managed not to shred then replaced said cloak with the duster. If she were an adult, she wouldn't have looked out of place in an action or spy movie. But as a little girl, it looked more like she was dressed for Halloween or cosplaying. "So, is it 'cool' enough for you?"

"It'll do" (Blake)

"Don't be rude." (Seb)

"She worked all night making that for you, don't be so picky." (Talia)

"So, how much do I owe you for it?"

"Well I don't get to work with magic thread very often, let's say 50 silver."

I paid the tailor and we were on our way. I later learned that when in her queen form Blake's clothes turns into straps similar to bandoliers and can be held onto when riding her.

AN: It seems that text glitch has to do with creating Docs with copy paste turning format information into extra text.