Ch.24: Settling within the Oasis! Let the Fears Out!

"Put your backs into it, ladies!" Medusa barked as she slithered through the front yard. "We need that shack built by sundown. No dillydally!"

Flint and Andre, exhausted and quivering under their own weight, wiped their brows and hoisted up the final wall for Medusa's shack. Well, she called it a shack, but it resembled more of a woodland cabin. She even requested them to build a porch for it. They had the walls all built and were going to work on the roof next.

Andre paused for a moment to catch his breath. "Remind me again…what does she need this for?"

Flint groaned. "Venus kept complaining about the mess in her workstation, so Medusa wanted us to build a 'shack' for her. How do you not remember this?"

"When you listen to her crazy ramblings for long enough, you start to tune them out."

Flint sighed, then summoned his Guardian to push the wall up the rest of the way. It was a miracle he could get any work done with his bum leg, but he managed using as little magic as possible. He would've just used his Guardian to build the whole thing, but Medusa felt it would cheapen the experience if he used magic. He had to sneak some uses in or risk breaking his leg a second time.

Since Medusa generously offered a place to stay at the low, low cost of manual labor, she had been putting them to work at her leisure, from the tedious to the absurd. Gardening was one thing, as was picking plants and fruits from the forest, but building a house? She was definitely taking advantage of their services.

"Hold the wall still, Flint," Andre huffed. He picked a hammer up with his teeth and grabbed a pawful of nails, tucked comfortably between his digits. He stood on his hindlegs, put a nail in place, and hammered it in.

Flint sighed and sat down as his Guardian kept the wall in place. He looked over at Medusa, who wandered aimlessly on her lawn. "I'm assuming you want us to move your equipment in once were done."

Medusa smiled. "Huh, I was going to do it myself, but if you insist—" Flint facepalmed and suppressed a groan. "You two have been doing great work, I'm sure. I mean, I can't see what you did, but I'm sure it looks amazing! How about a break once you're done? You can finish once the sun sets."

"I thought you wanted this done by sundown."

"What? That's crazy. Why would I say that?"

Flint's left eye twitched. I can't tell if she's doing this on purpose, and that disturbs me. He sighed and fell onto his back. "Yeah, that sounds fine. A break would be nice."

Andre finished hammering the nails on one side and walked to the other. "Throw in some lunch and you have a deal."

"Oh, I'm sure we have some leftover stew sitting in the fridge." Medusa slithered to her garden and poked the dirt mounds with her staff. "My little plants are coming along nicely. Gwyn did a wonderful job taking care of them."

"She could've accelerated their growth with a spell, you know," Flint pointed out.

"There's a time and place for magic, but you get so much more from plants if you let them mature on their own time. Just because you have magic doesn't mean it should be a quick fix for all your troubles." She pointed her staff at Flint. "Only reason I'm not hitting you right now is because of your injury."

Flint laughed awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. Thanks?"

Andre stopped hammering nails in and frowned. He looked back and, once Medusa focused her attention on her garden, sat down beside Flint. "So, I've been thinking a lot about what you told me…"

Flint frowned. "About my involvement with the shadows?"

"You're seriously telling me that old legend about the Idol of Origin is real? Sorry if I sound a little skeptical."

Flint shrugged. "I don't blame you, but it's true. We came here to find one of the keys that'll lead us to its location, wherever it is. Right now, the shadows are going nuts trying to find the missing keys and the remaining ones. We know ones here, but the mage protecting it has to test us before we can take it. They took an oath to protect those things with their lives."

"And they believe you and your team are the ones to save the world?" Flint nodded. Andre inhaled through his nose and leaned his head back. "I got to say, you Ravenfields are full of surprises. I would've never expected you to be a part of some grand quest. Famous archeologist, definitely, but not a legendary hero."

Flint sighed. "I haven't even told you the crazy stuff I've learned about my family tree."

"What's going to happen when you find the idol?"

"Our main plan is using it to banish the Shadow King for good. Problem is, we don't know if any of us have the constitution or willpower to handle it. That thing can tear apart friendships if you're not careful. Apollo was the only mortal capable of wielding its power without immediately going insane from it."

"I see." Andre scratched his cheek. "What do you think your chances are?"

"Based off previous encounters, not good," Flint grumbled. "I know Gwyn and I have gotten stronger. I'm not sure how strong the others have gotten since we've split off. I rather not think about fighting the Shadow King and instead worry about using the idol."

Andre smirked. "Well, I could always use it if you're that worried. I'd say I have pretty good self-control."

Flint snorted and shoved the Thievul. "Don't kid yourself. You would use it to pick you chicks or something."

"How dare you accuse me like that? I mean, you're not wrong, but that still hurts."

"Shut up, Andre," Flint laughed.

Andre chuckled, then sighed. "You know, I'm surprised at you, pal. I thought the next time I saw you, you'd be the same meek Flareon I knew through high school. Working hard to achieve your goals, but with pretty low charisma."

"Now you're being harsh."

"And yet, here you are now. You seem more confident. Bolder. Stronger."

Flint forced a laugh, tenderly rubbing his bum leg. "There's still some parts of that me still lingering under the surface. I'll admit, the last year and a half have been pretty crazy. I'm amazed I lasted this long."

"Glad you did. We got to see each other after all, right?"

Flint smiled. "True." He sighed, then stood up. "Well, better finish this wall so we can take that break."

"Good call." Andre picked up the hammer and proceeded to insert the nails. He stopped after the first nail and asked, "By the way, where's Ambrosine and Gwyn? I haven't seen them all morning."

"Gwyn's been in the backyard for most of the day with Venus. They got up early to do some gardening."

"Who gardens from sunrise to the afternoon?"

Flint smirked. "You have not gotten to know my girlfriend for as long as I have. As for Ambrosine…actually, I don't know where she is. I think she was supposed to pick up material for Medusa in the woods, but that was hours ago."

"Eh, maybe she got sidetracked."

Flint sighed. "Yeah. Probably." Probably know why, too…

"Ooookay, let's try this again," Ambrosine muttered, pacing around a tree. Nearby was basket filled with plant material requested by Medusa, along with a bare log and a medical textbook on advanced magical surgeries. "Remember Ambrosine, be clear and concise. Don't hesitate, but don't rush it. Be natural, but not too casual. Annnd try not to work yourself up and trigger another heart attack."

She inhaled through her nose, then turned to the nearby scarecrow she made. A coconut jammed onto a log with twig arms and a stick holding it up. It had mossy hair and a crudely drawn face on it. Ambrosine pressed her hands together and gave her best smile.

"Hi, Gwyn. It's me, Ambrosine. Traveling companion these last several months. Worked for the pirates that tried to kill you and your friends a few dozen times. Oh right, you already knew that. Ahem, well…we're cool now, right? No malice between us girls, right? You and me, we're like chums. I-I'm using that right, right? Chums? Pals? Amigos? Or…amigas? P-Point is, water under the bridge. The hatchet has been buried. The grudge has been sponged out. Not sure if that one's an expression—point is, we're cool. So, hypothetically speaking, I could tell you a pretty big secret that may concern you in some way and you wouldn't try to snap my neck or cause any sort of fruit or vegetable I ate to grow and tear my insides open. I-I'm sure you wouldn't because we're friends."

The scarecrow tilted forward from a slight breeze.

"Of course! Glad you understand." Ambrosine inhaled, then forced a wide grin. "So, I kissed Flint a while ago! What's new with you?" Her left eye twitched as the scarecrow acknowledged her with silence. Ambrosine groaned and covered her face. "Maybe I can soften the blow with lemon squares…"

She trudged over to the log and textbook and fell to her knees. "Why am I terrible at confessions? I did it so naturally with Flint without thinking, but I doubt a slightly romantic setting is the best call this time around." She rubbed her face. "Flint keeps saying Gwyn won't take offense, but I don't want to chance telling her on any potential off days. And it doesn't help I'm in a heavily plant-filled area with the girl who talks to plants!" She slammed her forehead into the log. "I might as well write a will while I'm at it."

She sighed and looked down at her surgery book. Flint and Gwyn didn't know about it. During the travels, when Ambrosine was looking for new books on medical magic, she stumbled across this particular one that caught her eye. She wanted to surprise them if she could get the techniques down. Unlike regular surgery, magical based surgeries could be done without the mess and with a better recovery time. Downside, it had a higher risk of irreversible injury if don't poorly, especially by an amateur. It was literally shaping magic to perform miracles, at least in the eyes of regular doctors. There were some things normal surgery couldn't fix in one go.

"But I am no amateur," Ambrosine told herself. She flipped the book open and read the text closely. "I know I can get it right. I just need time. I don't have the resources to test on an actual body, so plants are my best bet." She rolled her eyes. "What would I give to have one of Reuben's puppets right about now? It'd be the only useful thing for them besides murder machines."

She set the book down and stood over the log. She rubbed her hands together and channeled her magic through her body. She opened her arms and created a magic circle that expanded under her feet and her 'patient'. A curtain of teal light rose from the edges, shaping into a shimmering dome resembling a waterfall.

Ambrosine grabbed the log for a moment and gave it a once over. "Okay, it's not perfect, but hopefully the fake parts I put in for organs and nerves are anatomically sound. This is just practice until I find a better test subject." She smirked darkly. "I almost wish a bandit came and attacked us. Would it be wrong to use a lowly criminal for my experiments? Probably, but this is for a good cause and they're scum, so it balances out."

She raised her hands over her subject. Tendrils of magic extended from her back and hovered over the log. Teal, vein-like markings stretched over her arms. She waved her hands in circles, causing the tendrils to mimic her. She inhaled, steadying her breathing, and carefully pierced the log with the tendrils.

Advanced healing magic can cure all sorts of ailments, even nerves that have been ruptured and torn to pieces. Unfortunately, it's a practice that requires years of dedication and experience, something most standard magicians don't have the time to learn. These kind of specialists in healing magic are sought after for combat medics who can heal the wounded on the fly. The only other specialists are families who dedicate their livelihood to medical-based magic. Those who master the art of healing magic are poised for the highest tier of healing: magic surgery.

Ambrosine closed her eyes and sensed the tendrils as they slithered through the log, detecting the false nerves weaved inside. She wiggled her arms, commanding the tendrils to weave around the nerves. Shaping the tips of these tendrils, Ambrosine began cutting through them.

If any nerves have been destroyed completely, I can boost the cellular growth of the body to create new ones. I can reconnect the electrical pathways so all feeling can return to that part of the body. Of course, I have to know where these pathways should be going, otherwise I risk redirecting the signals to the wrong part of the body. Every cell of the body is precious and must be handled with absolute care, or medical magicians like me risk harming the patient or applying some crippling weak point to the body, via an Achilles' heel situation.

The tendrils severed and attached the false nerves of the log at a slow, methodical pace. It was a lot harder without other biological factors from a live body to tell her how she was doing, but it was the best she could do. Sweat dripped over her brow. She breathed almost silently, careful not to exert more than the bare minimum of movement through her body.

She felt her nostrils crinkle to a familiar sensation.

Oh please, not now.

Ambrosine tried not to react too badly, but felt the sensation overwhelm her nasal cavities. She scrunched her face, regulating all irregular movement to that area as she kept her hands as steady as she could. She commanded one of the tendrils to return and press under her nostrils. Instantly, the sensations stopped.

She breathed a sigh of relief and focused back on her task. Thank goodness. That would've been—

Like a hangry Snorlax that didn't have its dessert, the sensation returned with a vengeance. With no time to think, Ambrosine whipped her head forward and let loose a loud, booming sneeze that rattled the forest. Her hands twitched involuntarily, causing the tendrils inserted into the log to split the upper layer of bark off, along with the grass and vines used to make the tendrils and muscle fibers.

Ambrosine blinked at the gash in her test dummy as her left eye twitched. She clapped her hands and ended the spell before collapsing onto her knees. "Annnd this is why surgeons have to practice before doing the real thing," she mumbled to herself.

She turned and rested against her test dummy, groaning into her hands. "Still, I can't let this set me back. If I can't be with Flint, the least I can do is show my appreciation for him by perfecting this surgery spell. I can repair his leg and get him back up to fighting form before his trial with the Time Mage. I just need to keep practicing…and make sure I'm not in a sneezing mood when I do so."

Seeing as she was drained from the test, she got up, retrieved the basket of goods, and started her way back to the hut.

It had been a long time since Gwyn could just sit down and garden the normal way. Nowadays, she relied heavily on her spells to replenish her plant supply. She enjoyed planting seeds, nurturing her little garden, and watching her beautiful plants blossom of their own natural pace.

Plus, it helped take her mind off the fact she was bunking with two witches and kept the horrible flashbacks at bay. Bonus!

Gwyn finished planting seeds in the flowerbed and patted the dirt mounds. "There you go, my cute little seeds. Remember to drink plenty of water so you can grow into big, beautiful saplings."

Venus, watering a pot of blue flowers, looked over her shoulder. "You treat plants like your children, don't you?"

Gwyn smiled sheepishly. "I can't help it. Each one is so precious and special. They deserve all the love and attention."

Venus blinked at her, then giggled. "You and my granny have a lot in common. She likes talking to plants, too. And chairs. And rocks. And…nothing at all. My granny's a bit crazy."

"You're so young, yet you're basically her caretaker."

Venus sighed. "You have no idea."

"Do you like living in the Oasis Zone?"

Venus set her watering can down and stroked her chin. "Well, I don't hate it. The plants are pretty cool, I guess. And I learned a lot about being a witch from my granny. Though, I wish I could meet kids my own age. I love Granny a lot, but she can be a bit overbearing to deal with every day."

Gwyn smiled sadly. "Yeah, I kind of get that. When I was really young, I thought I would be living with my mom all my life. I never hated the idea, but I'm glad it never turned out like that. I might not have gotten to know my friends so well."

"I've only been as far as Torrid Hills Town from here. What's the rest of the region like?"

Gwyn leaned back on her hands and sighed. "Where do I begin? It's just…amazing, for starters. So many different people, so many different environments, and more. The cities, towns, and people living in these radically different zones. They're all amazing. It's hard to put into words. I'm still figuring it out for myself. You'd have to experience it first hand before you can make your own judgment."

"Wow." Venus fiddled with her hands. "You must really like traveling."

"It's nice, but traveling's not my calling." Gwyn smiled. "Actually, I hope to work in the potion selling business when this is all over. My mom wanted to help people with their ailments and woes, so I wish to do the same in her honor." Her smiled fell a bit. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her. I owe everything to keep her memory alive."

"If you open your own potion shop, could I…come work with you?"

Gwyn's eyes widened in surprised. "Work for me?" Venus nodded. "How come?"

Venus smiled bashfully. "Well, you're really cool, and I feel like I could learn a lot from you."

Gwyn covered her heart and beamed with pride. "Oh…Venus, that's so sweet of you. Heh, but I'm sure your granny knows more than me. Compared to her, I must look like a novice."

Venus shook her head. "Granny's good with potions, but her heart is set on learning witchcraft."

Gwyn's fur bristled. "Y-Yeah, witchcraft."

Venus frowned. "Gwyn?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you hate Granny and me?"

Gwyn gasped. "What? No! Why would you say that?"

Venus looked down. "You said before how much you hated witches. You don't have to pretend to be nice to me if I make you uncomfortable."

"What? Venus, no, wait." Gwyn crawled over to the Espurr. "Look, I was wrong to scream at you when we first met. I just…I just…" Gwyn sighed and sat down. "I've never met a witch that could be…good. Everything I know about them, they're vile and corrupt and self-absorbed. It just seemed impossible to me that there were such things as good witches. That is, until I met you and your granny."

Venus lightly kicked at the ground. "Mean ol' purists come by our house sometimes to tell my granny she's evil. They say she practices the dark arts and that she'll curse them all. My granny and I aren't evil. Those who pretend to be witches are the evil ones. Granny said they're the reason we're hated so much."

Gwyn frowned. "Medusa said something like that to me before. What does she mean?"

"I don't know. I'm just repeating a lot of what she screams at the purists who visit."

"Ah. Of course," Gwyn laughed awkwardly. She sighed, then ruffled Venus' head. "For what it's worth, I don't hate you, Venus. I've enjoyed our gardening time together. And, if I do ever get to that potion shop, I'll be sure to hire you on the spot."

Venus looked up at her hopefully. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I can show you around to so many different places around Mysto. You'll love it, I guarantee."

Venus blinked, then grinned. "I would love that. Thank you, Gwyn."

Gwyn giggled. "You're welcome." She leaned back on her hands and smiled at the sky. "You're a good kid, Venus. I just wish…I wish I could understand what's so great about being a witch."

Around the corner of the house, Medusa listened in on them, clutching her staff tightly within her tail. She narrowed her closed eyes, then slithered away.

Flint and Andre slurped down the last of their soup and sighed with content. "That hit the spot," Andre said, patting his stomach.

"You're telling me." Flint dabbed his lips with a napkin, then smiled. "I say we did a pretty decent job with the shack so far." He sighed and scratched his ear. "Although, I wish Cicely would return already so we can complete our trial. She must be really busy with the shadows."

"A bummer you can't just take the darn key."

"Even if I wanted to, Cicely's likely the only one who can access it. Or at least without razing the Oasis Zone."

Andre grinned. "Well, since we have time, you could always do a thing of training."

"That is true. Mind helping out?"

"How can I help you?"

"My magic isn't purely for destruction. You could help me with some of my support spells."

"Ah. Yeah, I can do that."

They heard the front door open and saw Ambrosine entering the hut, carrying her basket. "I'm back," she announced in a tired voice.

"You look exhausted," Andre said. "Was picking all those plants really that hard for you?" Ambrosine shot him the stink eye.

Flint frowned. "Seriously though, have you been collecting all morning?"

Ambrosine awkwardly scratched her cheek. "Oh no, I was just…taking in the scenery."

"I thought you hated it here," Andre pointed out.

"Well, who am I to deny the internal beauty of this lovely forest complete with deadly plants? Haha…" She shook her head and dropped the basket. "Anyway, there any leftovers in the fridge?"

"There's some stew left," Flint said.

"Thanks." She shuffled quickly to the fridge and pulled the container out.

Flint narrowed his eyes, then scooted from his seat. "I'll be right back, Andre. Need to ask Ambrosine something."

"All cool, buddy. I'll go see if Gwyn and Venus need any help out back. Gardening seems less taxing than building a shack, anyway." Andre got up and headed out back.

Flint approached Ambrosine right as she started pouring her stew. He leaned against a counter and glared. "So, how's the confession coming along?" Ambrosine yelped, sloshing some stew onto the counter. "Progressing well, I see."

Ambrosine sighed and reached for a paper towel. "Look, I'm trying, alright? Part of the reason I took so long was because I've been practicing my confession/apology. I don't care how many times you say it, but Gwyn scares the hell out of me!"

Flint raised his brow. "I told you Gwyn's harmless."

"I have heard the horror stories during my time in the tribe's service! You're telling me she wouldn't try to skewer me with a tree or poison me with some experimental, toxic gas?"

"I know Gwyn can be a little excessive when she's mad, but she only gets like that when her friends are at risk. Namely me, but my point still stands."

Ambrosine laughed nervously. "Oh yes, that makes me so much better!" She turned away and started cleaning up the stew.

Flint shook his head. "Ambrosine, I can't guarantee she won't be miffed at least, but she's a good person. You know that."

Ambrosine sighed. "I know. It's just…you know I never viewed a person's kindness as anything but a façade. It's hard to break that habit of judging people, even if they're the sweetest, most innocence creature there is."

"If you really do want to be a part of Team Ravenfield, you need to start acting like it. That means being open and honest with us. More often than not, we'll understand. If you do, you'll see we're here for you, too."

Ambrosine narrowed her eyes on the counter, then sighed. "Before the Time Mage returns."

"Huh?"

"That's my deadline. I'll tell Gwyn before the Time Mage returns. If she happens to return tonight, I'll pull Gwyn to the side and tell her the truth, even if it hurts me."

Flint frowned. "You sure you want to do it then?"

"When we get the Key of Time, our priority is to head straight to the Grandmasters Magic Academy. I might not have the time to think of confessing. Besides, I'm not sure how useful I'll be during the fight if I'm fretting over it."

Flint sighed. "Not exactly the best time to bring it up, but I guess it's better than nothing. Just take it slow and you should be fine."

"Right." Ambrosine tensed up as Flint started to walk away. She gritted her teeth, then said, "Flint, wait!" He stopped and looked back at her. She shuddered nervously, then looked over her shoulder. "You…know how I feel about you, right?"

Flint blushed and looked away. "Y-Yeah."

"If…things turned out differently, if we met earlier, would you have…liked me back?"

Flint's ears drooped. He looked away a bit guiltily before sighing. "I'll admit, you're a nice girl and…very pretty. I don't know. I can't see into the past and what could've been. Still, I'm sure there's someone out there for you, Ambrosine. Someone you care about, and who cares about you."

Ambrosine frowned. "I guess. Sorry for…bringing it up."

"It's fine. Enjoy the stew." He walked off and headed outside.

Ambrosine sighed and picked up her stew bowl. She sat down at the table, then hovered over her bowl and stared at her reflection. I wish I met Team Ravenfield sooner.

Night settled over the Oasis Zone. With the longer working hours behind them, the gang prepared themselves for bed. Since Medusa didn't have any spare cots laying around, the gang decided on using blankets, pillows, and their own sleeping bags to take up space on the living room floor.

Gwyn, dressed in her pajamas, yawned as she fluffed her pillow. "I'm beat."

"I'm with you there." Gwyn giggled as Flint hobbled over to her side and sat down. He stretched out, relieving the aches in his back and limbs. "Surprisingly, my bad leg is the least aggravated part of my body right now."

"Aww, you poor thing." Gwyn leaned over and pecked him sweetly on the lips. "That better?"

Flint smiled. "A few more of those and maybe."

"Don't be greedy," she said, booping his nose.

Ambrosine sat a meter from their shared cot and groaned. Are couples always this sickeningly sweet?

Andre curled onto his cot and yawned. "I can't wait to be done with that stupid shack. I might just sleep for a week."

"I'll join you in the land of slumber," Flint added. He fell back onto his pillow and yawned. "You have it easy, Gwyn. Gardening and babysitting Venus all day."

Gwyn giggled. "I can trade places with you if you want."

"I'm good. Besides, I think Venus enjoys your company more than mine." He rubbed his droopy ear. "Speaking of which, you guys up for a bit of training tomorrow? I'm sure if we ask Medusa, she wouldn't mind."

Ambrosine sighed. "Why not? I still need to get some practice in with my throwing knives."

Gwyn nodded. "I wouldn't mind."

"Excellent. Glad we're in agreement." Flint stretched his legs, then pulled the blanket over his himself. "Goodnight."

"Night!" they exclaimed, settling into their cots.

Gwyn leaned down and kissed Flint's cheek. "Goodnight, my fluffy bookworm." She nestled into the covers and snuggled up into Flint's mane. Flint smiled and pulled his foreleg over her.

The wee minutes of the night ticked by as everyone slowly drifted off to sleep, wrapped securely in their blankets. Gwyn purred softly against Flint's chest, subconsciously nuzzling into his mane. She was still semi-conscious, but felt herself drifting closer and closer to a blissful slumber.

Right as everything started to go dark, a light jab to the back of neck startled her. She blinked her tired eyes and carefully turned herself over so not to disturb Flint. She squinted amidst the dark room, but made out the slithering figure hovering over her.

"M…Medusa?" Gwyn mumbled. She rubbed her eye and asked, "What's wrong? Do you need me for something?"

Medusa nodded her head to the backdoor. "Get up. You're coming with me."

"Why?"

"No time for questions. Get up."

Gwyn reluctantly detached herself from Flint and sat up. "Should I get changed?"

"You're fine, just hurry up." Medusa slithered to the backdoor.

Gwyn stood up, wobbled a bit, then followed the Serperior outside. She shivered as a gust of cold air blew past her. She rubbed her arms and hurried to match the grass snake's pace. "Can you at least tell me why you need me up right now? Is it some special night garden?"

Medusa shook her head. "No, my child. I believe it is time."

"Time for what?"

"Time for you to become a true witch."