Author's Note: This story is brought to you by the literal angry sun above our heads and the horrendous heatwave it decided to blast us with over the past couple weeks or so. Who knew avoiding heatstroke could be a source of inspiration?

In all seriousness, though, I hope you all stay safe and properly hydrated wherever you all are this week if you have to go outside. Enjoy this surprise entry, and stay cool. You got this!

Half-beastdragonsoul2013: That sick flip of hers is a good reason in my book to attempt to break the mold and make a specialized skillset for A!Fjorm. And, if "The Sworn Oath" forging bonds event is any indication, the Nifl family has pretty much already accepted Kiran as a member of the family (especially Gunnthra since she goes as far as dream-bonding with Kiran).

Special Cooldown

"Phew! It's SO hot today!"

Fjorm nodded wearily as she wiped the sweat from her brow for what possibly could have been the dozenth time within a matter of minutes. "Y-yes, it certainly is…" The princess of Nifl managed to wearily mumble as she looked to her companion. "Aren't y-you…uncomfortable in that bodysuit of yours, Reginn?"

Reginn gave a weak smile as she responded, "Actually, this bodysuit is very breathable. It gets pretty hot performing maintenance on my gullinbursti, especially after a battle, so its handy to have on! Although…" She chuckled sheepishly. "Even I'm starting to feel a little woozy from this heat. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now, Fjorm!"

Currently, the pair of princesses were lounging within one of the castle ground's garden on a bench near a fountain. An unexpected heat wave had come upon Askr, driving mostly everyone inside to seek shelter from the sun's oppressive rays. However, with all of the warm bodies in one location, inside soon became just as uncomfortable as outside, as many Heroes had come to realize, Fjorm and Reginn being among them. And so, the duo had agreed to try their luck with being in a less populated area to attempt to relax.

Needless to say, it wasn't going well.

Fjorm pressed a hand to her forehead, willing some of her power into her hand in an attempt to cool herself, to little effect. "I…I believe I can manage…"

Reginn frowned in blatant worry. "Are you sure? Your face is all red; you look like you could faint at any moment!" Slowly, the dvergar princess got to her feet. "Maybe we should take you to the infirmary to let you rest."

"N-no, that's not…necessary." Fjorm insisted as she attempted to stand as well, only to buckle slightly and sit back down again. This only solidified Reginn's worries.

"You don't look fine! Hang on, I'm gonna get you something cold to drink. Oh, and me as well! Maybe a cold towel, too? A-and a bucket of cold water or something…" Rambling to herself, Reginn made her way inside the castle to procure the list of items she spoke of, leaving Fjorm alone with her heat-addled thoughts.

"Haa…haa…" Fjorm panted softly, pressing a hand to her head as she once again attempted to stand. This time she managed to steady herself upright, turning around to gaze longingly at the fountain behind her, and the softly gurgling water pouring from it. In a moment of weakness, Fjorm dipped her hands into the fountain, cupping some cool water in her hands before splashing her face with it, eliciting a relieved sigh. She was sure this was hardly dignified behavior for a princess, but she was desperate. Besides, in these dire circumstances, Fjorm reasoned that Queen Henriette surely wouldn't mind someone using her fountain in such a way.

"Gahh…I really miss air conditioning…"

"H-hm?!" Fjorm started just as she was about to splash another handful of water on her face. Perhaps it was the heat further playing tricks on her weakened mind, but she thought that she had heard someone?

Sure enough, from within the castle, Fjorm noticed a familiar, white-cloaked individual staggering through open entryway to the garden. "K-Kiran…?" The princess tentatively called out, catching the summoner's attention.

"Oh, hey Fjorm." Kiran greeted in a subdued voice with a slight wave of his hand as he began to make his way into the garden. "What are you doing out in the heat? Are you ok?"

Fjorm shook her head incredulously in response from where she stood. "I s-should be asking you that! What…are you thinking, still wearing that heavy cloak of yours?!"

Kiran chuckled meekly as he drew closer. "W-well, I mean, I…like wearing it? It's my uniform, my look." He offered weakly with a shrug. "Besides, I'm not THAT hot. I've, um, felt worse."

Fjorm couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Don't b-be ridiculous, Kiran!" She berated, startling the summoner with her sudden intensity. "You…must take care of yourself! You can't be…wearing something like that in…this weather!" In her fervor, Fjorm took a step forward so that she could remove that heavy cloak from Kiran before he collapsed from heatstroke, only to stumble when she attempted to do so.

"Fjorm!?"

Rushing forward, Kiran managed to catch the weary princess before she could collide with the ground, holding her tightly in his arms. "Jeez, that was close." Kiran sighed in relief before he noticed how flushed Fjorm's face was. "Hey, Fjorm? Are you alright? Come on!"

Fjorm was stunned into silence, both from the shock of nearly pitching forward into the dirt and from being held in such close proximity to the summoner. "Ah…u-um…" She mumbled feebly.

Lifting her up to a standing position, Kiran continued to keep a steady hand on Fjorm's shoulder as he led her back to the bench. Once there, the two sat heavily on the furniture, both softly panting from the exertion. "Well, looks like we're both a walking mess," Kiran joked, earning a quiet chuckle from Fjorm. "Is there, um, anything I can get you? You don't look so good."

"No, no, there's no need," Fjorm assured. "Reginn was with me before you arrived. She left not long ago to get some things to cool us down. She…should be back shortly."

"O-oh, ok. That's good," Kiran murmured as the pair fell silent, the only sound being the flowing water from the fountain behind them.

Sparing a glance at the summoner, Fjorm felt her cheeks redden even further as she recalled how Kiran had held her so tightly earlier, his form looming over and providing a temporary shade from the sun. Putting aside those thought to avoid fainting on the spot, Fjorm scanned the summoner as he sat beside her, gazing up at the sky and causing his hood to slide back slightly from his head, revealing a portion of his face. It wasn't much, but the Nifl princess saw that Kiran's cheeks were just as flushed as hers, no doubt suffering from the excess clothing he was wearing in this oppressive heat.

Suddenly, an idea crossed Fjorm's mind, one that caused her heart to speed up a couple beats. It was crazy, bold, and entirely embarrassing to even consider. But if it were to provide Kiran with even a modicum of relief…. even just a little…

"K-Kiran?"

"Hm?" Kiran mumbled absentmindedly, turning his attention to Fjorm. "Yeah?"

Fjorm couldn't believe what she was about to suggest as she took a deep breath. "Would…would you like me to…c-cool you down?"

Kiran cocked his head to the side slightly in confusion. "Huh? How would you do that?"

Steeling herself, Fjorm shifted slightly so that she faced the summoner, doing her best to hide her nerves. "L-like…this."

Raising both of her arms (and willing with all of her might for them not to tremble in nervousness), Fjorm slowly brought her hands to Kiran's face, cupping it gently in her palms. The summoner went wide-eyed at the unexpected contact, not saying a word.

Like she had done earlier, Fjorm willed her power to flow into her hands, causing them both to be imbued with a subdued coolness. Kiran let out a surprised gasp that quickly turned into a refreshed sigh, his flushed cheeks welcoming the cool embrace.

"W-wow…" Kiran could only manage, his mouth shifting into a grateful smile. "This feels nice. Thanks, Fjorm." His smile then dipped into a slight frown of concern, similar in Fjorm's eyes to Reginn's earlier expression. "But, what about you?"

Fjorm shook her head with a small smile. "Don't worry. As I said, Reginn will be here soon with drinks and, hopefully, some cold towels. In the meantime," she said with a pointed look. "Let me help you. If you will not take off that ridiculous coat, this is the o-only alternative."

"Hmph," Kiran huffed with a faux pout. "It's not ridiculous," he lightly protested as he crossed his arms. Fjorm giggled at his behavior, and she was soon joined by Kiran as well. Their mirth dying down, the two fell silent once again, simply enjoying this moment. As Fjorm continued to expend her power, she focused on Kiran's smile, all thoughts of the heat seeming to melt away. This moment was all that mattered right now.

She wouldn't begrudge it if Reginn took her time on returning.

"Well, well, what have we here~!"

Sharena sang quietly, all complaints about the annoying heat instantly vanishing upon witnessing the adorable sight taking place in the garden. Beside her, Reginn watched on with equal glee, doing her best not to drop the small basin of cold water in her hands as she craned her neck alongside Sharena to eavesdrop on Kiran and Fjorm from behind the castle wall leading to the garden's entrance.

"Yeah, they look so cute!" Reginn gushed with a smile, nearly losing her grip on the water-filled basin. "U-um, shouldn't we…bring these to them before one of them passes out? Or before WE pass out?"

"In a minute," Sharena assured as she adjusted her own grip on the flasks of water in her hands. "Let's let them have this moment for a little longer~!"