HoloJourneys

by vanderblast

A fateful encounter with a fluffy sheep inside a castle dungeon, begins a journey that will change the world. In a world of magic, swords, magical spirits and endless possibilities, Anon, sets forth on a journey with his friend Watame to see everything this world has to offer and to find their origins. The journey won't always be easy, but together, they can always make it through.

26. A Castle In Ruins, and A Forest Reborn

Everyone watches your spell send Grendel plummeting through the air just outside the castle. Through its great strength and the force of gravity, the golden demon crashes into the ground with a loud bang. A bright flash of starlight comes next, as your spell fully erupts and engulfs Grendel in its powerful destructive energy.

"We did it, Anon!" Watame's cheers, breaking you out of the momentary out of body experience the fifth spell seems to give you. She then wraps her arms around your neck to pull you into a hug, but her shoulders immediately slump as she seems to lose most of her muscle control.

Knowing the instant fatigue the fifth spell can leave a reader in after the first time they cast it, you cradle your arms under the sheep's legs and move her so that she's comfortably supported. You give her a bright smile as you begin to fall downward. Even though you both are falling, there is nothing to fear. Together, and with a very special new friend, you'll both be just fine.

Then, right on her own self appointed cue, Sylph creates a gentle current of wind that slows your descent until you and Watame are safely back down on the castle floor. Not content to let go of your beloved sheep just yet, you continue to carry her princess style as you walk over to the broken wall that leads back to the outside world. You reluctantly set Watame back down while making sure she can stand firmly on her own again, before leaning over the castle's edge to investigate Grendel's state.

Even from the top most floor, you can see Grendel's beaten and broken form; flat on his back within a large crater he and the fifth spell caused. The demon's body then begins to flicker, which you can only assume marks the beginning of him fading away, like other demons before him had done. Also, with the life of its master flattering, the castle begins to shake under your feet.

"Anon? Watame? Didn't you say these castles fall apart once the wizard who helped make them dies?" Polka asks shakily, now back to her normal fennec appearance.

"And we're on the very top floor…" Flare sighs.

"Then it's a good thing you got the orchestrator of wind at your side!" Sylph then chirps, beaming with pride. "All we gotta do is jump."

"Sylph is one hundred percent right." You chuckle. "Who's ready to blindly jump out of a castle?"

"I am!" Watame raises her hand, eager and matching your own excitement.

"Nene too!" Nene, now back in her normal state, claps.

"I guess I need to practice my high dives at some point." Polka jokes.

"What choice do I have?" Flare sighs again.

"Aww come on, you know it'll be okay." You say, grabbing one of the half-elf's hands along with one of Watame's as you walk both of them to the edge. "Will just holding my hand be enough this time? Or would you prefer-"

Before you can bring up how you had to hold the frightened half-elf all the way down your quickened descent from the mountain just a few days ago, Flare closes her eyes and jumps, taking Watame and you with her.

The utter freedom of free falling through the sky rushes through your whole body. From above you can hear Polka and Nene's excited yells as they dive after you all. You turn your head to both sides to see both Flare's forced shut eyes, and Watame's own laughter mixed with excited fear. Next to the half-elf, Sylph comes diving downward and smiles at you.

"I don't know you guys all that well yet, so what's your normal comfort level with skydiving? Do you live for danger and wait for the last possible moment to be lifted to safety? Or do you prefer a slow and steady fall?" The wind spirit then asks genuinely.

"Better make it a smooth and soft landing." You say, trying to keep everyone else's comfort levels in mind.

Sylph nods cheerily and accelerates her dive. Once she nearly reaches the ground, she pulls up so that she's fluttering a few inches from the softened earth. She looks up, and snaps her fingers.

A gust of wind starts to push you from your underside, slowly reducing the speed of your fall. The gentle caress from Sylph's magic makes you feel so calm and free. You can't let yourself relax just yet, there's still work to do at the bottom.

Your feet touch the ground with a soft press of your feet, as Sylph's unseen net lets you go. You give both girls whose hands you hold a firm squeeze to let them know the trip is over. Flare opens a single eye, and once she seems to confirm she is in fact on solid ground, she lets out a relieved sigh and lets you go. Watame does something similar, but seems to marvel in the wonder of landing so safely and softly, like she can hardly believe it happened that way.

The sound of Polka and Nene giggling as they land comes next, and you turn to be greeted by theirs and Pomu's bright expressions. You also notice the stones of the dark castle beginning to crumble and collapse, telling you the battle must really be over.

Sylph's gaze then meets your own, as you turn back to look towards your defeated enemy. You give the wind spirit a firm nod and start to walk. When you both reach Grendel's shaking and fading body, you make sure you and Sylph are right where he can see you both.

"At least I can take solace in the fact that my pawn wiped out almost all your children." Grendel says in a haggard breath before letting out a small dark laugh. His body then fades away completely, the magic of his very being evaporating into the air with an audible hiss.

In the middle of the smooth dirt crater, you can see the fallen body of the sorceress. Without thinking, you slide down the small incline and briskly approach the witch. You keep your hand steady over your sword's hilt, while you are pretty sure that she is at death's door, you've been wrong about a few things involving dark castles today, no need to keep adding to that list.

The sorceress coughs as you kneel down next to her head. She rolls and looks at you with disinterest.

"I can't believe that blowhard couldn't even kill the last fairy for me." She spits. "And to make matters worse, the accursed fairy mother herself is back in our world."

"Was it really all worth it?" You ask in a low voice. "Was all this death and hatred really worth it all?"

"Don't lecture me…boy." The sorceress snaps, her voice growing weaker. "You have…no right to judge me. Not until, not until you've had your only light taken away from you. Then we can fight about who is in the right or wrong all day. Thank the gods I won't be around for that though. Your little hero speeches are insufferable."

"So this is the one who decided to team up with Grendel?" Sylph asks you as she and Pomu float down into the crater. The wind spirit then looks at the swiftly declining woman with…pity?

"Pomu filled me in on why you hate fairies so much." Sylph starts. "You have my sincerest apologies that you thought you had been deceived."

"Don't patronize me, fae." The sorceress then snarls with more bite than before. "If I could move, I would be wringing your neck right now."

"Is that any way to treat someone who can help you?" The wind spirit scolds.

"The last time I accepted 'help' from your kind, I faced a despair like no other. So no, I don't want your help." The witch says before turning away, clearly disgusted with even having to look at Sylph or Pomu.

"I tried to explain earlier, but you don't know what the spell cast on your daughter was meant to do." Pomu speaks up. "It was never meant to heal her. When the time eventually came for her, she would be reborn."

"What do you mean?" The sorceress turns back. "I've had all I can stand of your lies, you wretch."

"It's really true." Pomu says as she kneels on both her knees next to you. "When the elder fairy said your daughter would wake up and live out lifetimes of fun in nature, that meant she would eventually be reborn as a fairy."

"My little Rainpuff is telling the truth." Sylph chimes in. "It's a type of mercy fairies can give the afflicted who also have good souls. Fortunately for you, it sounds like no new fairies have been born since your daughter passed. So you didn't end up feeding her to Grendel."

"So, what? Is that supposed to make me feel better? Make me feel remorse for what I did and could have done without knowing it? Or are you just gloating?" The witch remarks, seemingly bored with the information.

"You were deceived not by my children, but by a scornful demon who was not content to stay in his cage where he belonged. He sought you out because of his hatred for me, so I may be partially to blame for your hardships." Sylph begins sternly. "So I'm going to try and make things right. I can cast the same spell on you as was cast on your daughter. You'll both get to live out new lives together someday. Sounds good, right?"

"I'd rather become a demon." The sorceress remarks as she coughs up a little blood. "So what if Grendel took advantage of me? I was taking advantage of him the entire time. The fae are horrid creatures who do not deserve a place in our world. Even if I failed in the end, at least I managed to leave only two standing."

"But!" Pomu starts, you can tell she wants to somehow convince this spiteful woman that holding onto such scorn is not the answer. You rise to your feet and place a hand on the forest fairy's shoulder.

"Come on, Pomu. She's made up her mind. We should just leave her." You say, almost coldly. You can't say you understand how Sylph or Pomu can offer any mercy to this woman. After everything she's done, all because of prejudice and misunderstandings, you don't think she deserves any comforts.

"So he can say something that makes sense after all." The sorceress chuckles through harsh coughs. "So tell me, hero. Did you learn a harsh lesson about how you can't always save everything? I did tell you that you could only save either the forest or the fairies."

The witch's venomous taunt makes you stop in your tracks as you start to lead Pomu away. The thought makes your blood boil. You did in fact fail. The fairies are all gone, their energy used to bring back that gruesome beast. Part of you wants to lash out, and stab the foul woman through the chest.

Sylph notices you begin to shake with rage and floats in front of you to shine a particularly bright smile. Somehow most of your anger just melts away. Does the wind spirit possibly know something you don't? If she's happy, why shouldn't you be?

"Just so you know." You start. "This forest is going to be healed. I promise you that. The fairies won't be gone forever either. So take that with you to hell."

Having spent enough time on the sorceress, you leave her to die. The view of the dark castle that crumbles down to its first few floors comes as you climb out of the crater.

Sylph seems to kneel down and say one last thing to the spiteful witch. You can't be sure what exactly she might have said or did, but you do see the human woman's feet spasm for a split second before going completely limp.

As its master's life leaves her mortal coil, the magic that has had its hold over this land begins to lift. The gray clouds that cover the skies start to part to reveal the deep orange of the setting sun. The fog that used to hang thickly over the surrounding forest also starts to dissipate into nothing. Now this is starting to feel like the victory you fought so hard for.

"So summoner, I think we got one last thing to do before we can call our first time teaming up a wrap!" Sylph exclaims as she beams at you.

Before you can ask her what exactly she means, she takes you by the wrist and swiftly flutters towards where the castle rubble begins. Everyone else curiously follows, unsure what you could possibly need from the ruins. She then lands softly in the ground, and takes your other hand in hers.

"Healing this much damage to the forest is going to take both of us working together." Sylph then tells you. "I used a lot of my mana beating up Grendel, so I'm just gonna need some help from my summoner, if that's alright with you, of course."

"It's more than alright." You smile. "Just tell me what I got to do, and it's done."

"That's the can-do attitude I like in a summoner. Alright, this is really easy. All you need to do is sync your mana with mine, and I'll do the rest."

"Kinda like with a resonance?"

"Exactly!" Sylph beams. It comforts you to know that at least the spirit resonance technique is known by the wind spirit. It will probably be really useful to have once you two have time to grow closer. "Alright, let's do it, summoner!"

Closing your eyes, you try to align your feelings and mana with the wind spirit. Her soul feels so bubbly and free next to your own. You can feel her love for nature, and her love for her children. Her burning passion to see all those things happy and healthy coincides with your own, and you can feel your spirits spark with one another. You allow Sylph to have all you have left to give. You'll gladly go unconscious if it means the forest can recover.

Sylph's green hair begins to flow from the buildup of magical energy around her. Her eyes look straight into your own before going a full white. From the center of her being, a light green sphere forms and begins to expand.

Everything Sylph's magic washes over, seems to spring with brand new life. The once dead grass of her favorite field shines with a brilliant verdant green. From the corner of your eye you can see your friends smile and gasp with wonder as the world changes before their very eyes.

You can feel Sylph's spell die down, and you feel her hands let go of yours, or rather, they pass through yours. Sylph now floats in front of you, completely intangible.

"Phew! I forgot how much of a doozy that one is." Sylph comments as she wipes her brow. "You did a great job, summoner. Couldn't have done it without ya."

"That's really it then?" You ask. "What about the fairies? Did you bring them back too?"

The wind spirit looks at you and then your audience, who wait on her response with bated breath. Sylph then sighs heavily and begins to speak.

"Yes and no. Even though fairies are a part of nature, they can't be healed or brought back the same way, like I can for a tree or flower." Sylph starts to explain, her eyes trailing towards Pomu.

"So, all my friends, my family, they're all really gone?" Pomu asks, the hurt clear on her face as she tries to hold back the tears that may likely come next.

That hurts to accept. You promised this poor lonely girl you would save her family. Even after trying your hardest, fighting against impossible odds and enemies, you weren't able to keep your word. Is there really nothing that can be done?

"Only for now." Sylph then answers confidently. "They will come back, but there is a lot less fairy magic in the world to pull from than the last time I was awake. Without a good supply in the air, new fairies can't even be born."

"I'm not sure I get it." Flare says. "Wouldn't fairy magic need to come from other fairies?"

"But where do you think fairies get their magic from?" The wind spirit answers a question with a question, which only leads to further confusion for everyone, until Pomu's face lights up.

"Oh! I know!" Pomu exclaims, having to hold herself back from jumping up and down. "Fairies get more magic, the more people believe in them."

"Bingo!" Sylph winks. "So you know what we gotta do to help all the Rainpuffs find their way back right?"

"Get the world to believe that fairies exist again?" You venture a guess.

"Hey you catch on quick!" The wind spirit praises you. "Once more people start believing, the forest will be able to use that energy to bring every fairy that was used to make Grendel whole again, back."

That certainly comes as a relief. The fact that all the fairies who once lived here can in theory come back some day is good news. How exactly you'll increase fairy awareness throughout the entire world is a problem you'll have to figure out along the way.

You look at Pomu to see how she is processing this information. The simple forest fairy was almost on the verge of tears a few seconds ago, but now her eyes are filled with hope, confidence and determination. You can tell that every single cog in her head must be turning at full speed, and threatening to break the entire framework down. Pomu's face then flashes with shock.

"Ohmygosh! I gotta get home! There's so much I gotta do!" Pomu then slaps her own cheeks, as she begins to enter a frenzy. "All the Rainpuffs need me to do this right! Lady Sylph, Anon, everyone. I'm gonna fly ahead and get back home to my treehouse! You're all going to stay the night again right?"

After everything you've just been through today, you almost forgot how excitable and high energy this forest fairy truly is. The sudden question of if you are going to stay as her invited guests makes your head spin for a moment, but then you look at your very weathered friends and decide that you are definitely ready for a good night's rest.

"Sure thing, Pomu." You reply. "We still have a round of introductions to do anyhow along the way. We'll meet you back at your place."

Seemingly unable to contain herself any longer, Pomu gives the wind spirit next to you a deep bow, before giving everyone a hearty wave and flying off in the direction of her home. What could she be up to, you wonder. You shrug off the thought for now, she will be sure to tell you when the time comes you suppose. For now, there is a long awaited reunion to get underway.

"How about we start heading back that way." You suggest. "With that weird fog finally gone, we shouldn't have nearly as much trouble getting through the forest, and I think we put off a certain something else long enough."

"Oh! Is this where you introduce me to all your lovely companions?" Sylph asks, taking you aback.

"Wha? I mean, yeah sure, but that wasn't who I-" You start to say. While you would like to introduce your newest friend to the girls you love, you were trying to get the wind spirit and her sister of the water face to face first.

"I'm Watame!" Your sheep starts off as she skips in front of the hovering fairy spirit. "Thank you so much for rescuing Anon and Pomu earlier! I was so scared they were going to be pancakes on the ground from that fall!"

"And I'm Flare. It's an honor to meet another one of the great spirits." Flare says respectfully.

"My name's Polka! I can't believe I'm meeting another great spirit already!"

"I am Nene, champion of Ursol. It's nice to have another pretty floaty lady to help Anon."

"A human, a kitsune, a half-elf if I'm not mistaken, and a sheep! Oh summoner! You got yourself some quite the band here. This is going to be even more fun than I thought!" Sylph says ecstatically.

"I hope you'll grow to love them as much as I do." Undine's voice comes from thin air.

In a flash of blue light, Undine's spirit appears and prevents you from coordinating a grand introduction like you had wanted. You are a slight bit miffed from your thunder being stolen, but the look of pure happiness on Undine's face washes all that away.

"Big Sis Deenee!" Sylph cries as she dives into the water's spirit's arms and the two embrace each other in a strong hug. The fairy spirit stands almost a head shorter than her elder sister, which allows her head to nestle snugly on Undine's blue shoulder.

"My sister." Undine says softly as a single tear rolls down her cheek. "It is so good to hear your voice again."

"When our summoner said he already had a pact with you, I couldn't believe it. I was so happy. I could tell I've been asleep for a really long time…when I couldn't hear anyone else's voices within my realm, I got worried that everyone was gone, or still sleeping like I was." The wind spirit says as she looks up at her sister.

"I am afraid the rest of our sisters are still sleeping, but do not worry." The water spirit says in a soothing, nurturing tone. "A summoner has found us and has promised to help reunite us all."

The tender moment between the spirits makes you feel pure serenity and pride. Your own soul is almost overwhelmed with their powerful feelings of happiness and completion. With everything finally slowing down, your body is quickly catching up with you. The stress of today's battle practically makes you fall onto your butt upon the now soft grass.

"Speaking of our summoner." Sylph says in a brighter tone, separating herself from her sister and looking over at you. "You look like you're about to fall apart over there. Or is that look normal for you? Not judging!"

The wind spirit's comment makes you raise an eyebrow and look yourself over. From your sitting position with your hands firmly on the ground behind you to keep your back somewhat straight, you look down and see your clothes that are in complete disarray. Across your entire outfit, are tears, rips, and even bloodstains. Most of the bandages that Flare and Watame wrapped you in earlier have started to come apart and have been cut through to expose the skin and wounds underneath. While the pain and soreness you feel is immense, you might be even more upset about how you will DEFINITELY need a tailor….again.

"This is not preferred, but it's quickly becoming normal…not that I'm proud of that." You scoff.

"At least you're not the only one in need of a good clean this time." Polka remarks as she allows herself to fall onto her backside. The fennec is probably just as worn out as you are. She is not nearly as battle scarred as you are; her hat sits in her lap to show both her ears drooping forward, but the fatigue on her face shows she is barely keeping herself awake.

"I'm gonna need a tailor to fix my sleeve." Flare whines taking a seat next to the fennec. The half-elf was certainly worn out as well, her long ponytail is on the verge of coming undone, and her hair is darkened thanks to a mix of sweat, dust, and dirt.

"You both still have an extra set of clothes you know~" Watame giggles as she lowers herself to kneel next to you.

You are about to reply with how you would rather stay in tatters instead of continuing your journey wearing the ceremonial warriors clothes from Bjornholm, but then you observe Nene fall onto her back in the space next to you. Her chest heaves up and down heavily as she lets her exhaustion come to the surface. This bubbly girl worked incredibly hard today, and was at your back practically the entire way. Her hair was just as misshapen and dirty as everyone else's; one of the buns on the top of her head was even coming undone. Her orange dress has its share of small rips, but the most noticeable thing is the splatters of green demon's blood across her person. The dried stain covers some of the skin along her bare arms and legs, and even a small blotting marks one of her cheeks.

Nene catches you looking in her direction and gives you a bright smug smile. Her adorable face looking at you proudly amidst being coated with the blood of her enemies makes your heart skip a beat. Perhaps you'll give Nene her awaited turn to help you sleep tonight, and maybe entertain some other desires you are having right now, preferably with the blood stains still on both of you. Should you be concerned that you find that attractive? Maybe, but you are far too tired to care. Leave worrying about that to future Anon, after you've had your fantasies.

"I just might want to stay in my current clothes for the night, thank you." You finally respond to Watame. "I think I'll enjoy the physical reminder of our victory just a little longer."

"Not like you're keeping much else hidden with your current getup anyway." Polka remarks as she forces herself up with a heavy groan. "While I'd love to just pass out here, I think the castle coming down crushed all the food that witch had stashed, so we'll need to get back to Pomu's if we don't want to starve."

"You and Nene should also get cleaned up." Flare adds, taking the fennec's helping hand to bring herself up. "We don't want either of you getting some weird demon infection."

"I sometimes hate how you're right all the time." You groan as you lean forward onto your hands and knees to then push yourself up.

"With my sister's magic healing the forest, I have already sensed a couple streams regaining their life and flowing freely." Undine then chimes in. "You and Nene may wash in one of them."

"Well, I guess we can't walk into Pomu's house like this. It would be kinda rude if I got blood on any of her furniture." You concede and offer Nene a hand to help her up. "Guess we got to get some of this stuff off of us, Nene. Even though it looks pretty cool on you."

The compliment makes Nene's smile go even wider as she giggles almost bashfully. "Nene thinks Anon after battle is very cool too!" She then says while clasping your hand in yours, and letting you lift her up to her feet.

With weary bodies, but brightened spirits, you all begin to walk through the grassy field back towards the forest. The way the grass gives and cushions your steps already tells you that Sylph's magic is doing its job; giving life back to nature after the sorceress and Grendel tried to take it away. Even the bark from the trees has begun to regain its proud dark brown hue. You are even more grateful that you were able to awaken the wind spirit, because without her, this much change would not have been possible so quickly.

"Breathe in that fresh forest air everyone!" Sylph chirps as she floats beside her elder sister. "This is how it's meant to be!"

"You got that right, Sylph!" You say happily while one of your arms is locked within Watame's, who has Nene secured on her other side as she helps keep you both steady as you walk. "Thanks again for healing the forest."

"Thank you for waking me up!" The wind spirit chirps. "Easily the most exciting pact making I've ever done…probably."

"You know, back when I said all we had to do was push you off a cliff to help you connect with Sylph, I didn't mean that literally." Polka shrugs from the front of the pack alongside Flare, who can't help but giggle at the fennec's comment.

"Does this mean we'll have to do it again when you want to meet the next great spirit?" Watame then asks.

"We are NOT doing that." You grumble, but you are forced to come to grips with the facts that so far, you have only formed that starting connection with the great spirits by being forced into a situation where your body and mind are both pushed to their limits. You really hope you can become better at being a summoner by the time you can meet the next one of Undine's and Sylph's sisters. Being pushed to near death is not something you want to keep experiencing.

"This group seems fun~" Sylph remarks to her sister, who gives her a warm smile back. "I think I'm gonna like it here."

You loudly exhale to vent your own frustration over how you might have just invited another source of teasing into your life, and try to just focus on the more enjoyable parts of the moment you are in. The sunset peaks through slightly from beyond the lush green treetops, and the comfort of your favorite sheep close to you makes your heart sing.

Undine soon leads you all to a gently flowing stream a little off the beaten path. The clear waters peacefully moving along on their own journey puts a big smile on your face. You kneel down to the stream's edge and cup a small pool of its waters into your hands before bringing it up to your face for a big slurping sip. The cool liquid rolling down your throat sends content shivers down your spine, and truly awakens your thirst. You are about to just let yourself fall right into the slowly moving waters, before a plush blue cloth is placed over your head and obscures the top of your vision slightly. Over your shoulder stands Polka, with a red towel over her shoulder.

"Sorry Anon. You gotta find your own spot to wash up." The fennec says to you.

You give the circus fox a frown as she hands you what appears to be a bar of soap, likely also courtesy of that magic hat of hers. While you are certainly too tired to care about having to remove some of your clothing to clean in front of others, you are also too tired to argue over something that Polka is ultimately right about.

"Yeah. Yeah." You remark as you take the soapbar and reluctantly stand up to begin to walk downstream. "Just come find me when you're done, and don't take too long, we only got so much sunlight left. Make sure you let me know you're coming too. Wouldn't want you walking in on me while I was still 'indecent', or something."

"We'll look after our summoner." Undine then says to the rest of the girls. The way she put a little emphasis when she said "our", made it sound like she was tickled pink over the idea. You suppose finally having one of her sisters back with her has put her over the moon, and that notion eliminates some of the mild annoyance you feel over having to find your own private spot to wash up and relax.

"Give me a little time first." You say back to the water spirit. "At least until after I've had a chance to find a spot and do what I gotta do."

"Summoner is a shy one ain't he?" Sylph giggles smugly.

"You have no idea." Flare remarks with an even more smug grin on her face.

"Alright! I'm gone!" You blurt out while you stomp away. "I'll let Undine and Sylph know when it's okay to come find me."

After following the steam to its end, you find a small pond, somehow already filled to its brim with the stream's azure purity.

"They can have that little stream, I got a whole pond to myself now!" You chuckle as you begin to make a pile of your belongings near the water's edge. The surrounding area is the picture of a hidden sanctuary within nature. The small body of water is surrounded by an edge of lush green grass, and enclosed by the many tall and proud trees that now brim with life once more. After stripping down, you carefully remove some of the bandages that cover some of your wounds. You're pleased to see that after you used some of your healing magic on yourself while you and Undine resonated, your wounds look to be completely closed. There are still some minor bloodstains along your skin, but those should wash out easily.

You then slowly dip your toes into the cool pond, and let yourself fall into it with a soft splash. The calm waters feel like they're seeping into your very soul; your body and mind are already feeling more relaxed. You let yourself sink further until your feet touch the soft bottom of the pond's bed, and your toes curl into the dirt to create a small puff around them. At your full height, the water comes up to your chin as your body enjoys not having to support its entire weight. It certainly can't hold a candle to the waters within Uisce's shrine, but it is still a very welcome sensation.

"Man…I could fall asleep here." You yawn. "Might be alright if I rest my eyes for just a few minutes…"

As your eyes begin to blink slowly with the drowsiness of sleep, you let out a content sigh into the water. You let your legs float upward as the water's surface begins to cover the bottom half of your face. The sounds of nature begin to flood your ears like a glorious symphony. The sound of the trickling water of the stream, the gently swaying of leaves from the treetops, and even the flapping of wings. Could the animals already know it's safe to come back here? That would be amazing if that is truly the case, but that seems a little TOO fast. Through your closed eyelids that are tinted with the orange of the setting sun in the sky, your brow twitches when you detect a shape beyond them that wasn't there before. You open an eye expecting to see some animal, a flowing leaf, or more likely, Undine's or Sylph's spiritual forms coming to check on you, but there, on the opposite edge of the pond from you, sits a woman with her legs dangling in the water.

"Greetings brave adventurer." The vine haired woman who had been mysteriously appearing before you since you entered Pomu's forest says with a warm smile at you.

The sudden arrival of an unexpected guest makes you gasp; the waters muffling any sound you made. Your arms splash, as you spasm slightly and try to get control of your breathing. With your back against the pond's edge, you grip the grass behind you in an attempt to ground yourself. You want to think that this is somehow another illusion, or that you're just tired and your mind is just playing tricks on you, but no matter how many times you blink, the woman still sits there, smiling at you.

A long and elegant white dress, whose meticulously tailored front stops just short of her waist connects together at the woman's neck by buttons covered by an azure bow that sports a diamond shaped sapphire. The front dress flaps that begin around her collar drape casually over her breasts, which are covered by a more simple, but regal navy blue dress whose pale green frills fall right at her hips. The rest of the white dress clasps together below her breasts with three simple diamond shaped buttons. The hems of her dress, sleeves, and even her skirt are trimmed with a pure golden color, and are accented with symbols you do not recognize; your best guess is that they are floral in design.

"How did-Who are-WHAT are you!?" You babble in quick succession.

"Now now, no need to be scared. I won't hurt you." The twig horned woman then says after a soft giggle, likely because of your slight hysterics. For some reason, the way she speaks, and the gentle gaze she gives from those golden eyes of hers, tells you she's telling the truth. You can feel your chest loosen up, and your breathing slow down.

"Even if I somehow know you mean that, why did you sneak up on me while I'm trying to wash off?" You retort with some snark.

"Washing? It looked to me like you were sleeping." The woman says back as she gives one of her slender legs a small kick in the water; the ripples slowly make their way over to you which forces you to look down at them, and quickly realize something that brings your own heart rate back up.

"I-I can do both!" You yelp as you sink back down into the water, remembering you are completely naked in front of a total stranger. Is she a stranger though? You've somehow met her twice, and you don't even know her name, but something about her just feels…familiar.

"Is there a reason you're here again!?" You then snap. "Or do you and that owl just want to keep showing up just to disappear before anyone else can see you? Who are you anyway?"

"Wellll, since you helped save this forest, I guess I can tell you~" The vine haired girl says playfully. "My name is Fauna, and you can think of me as an observer of sorts."

"If you ask me, you're observing too much." You mutter under your breath as you keep your hands close and down below.

"You're the one who is naked in the middle of a forest, mister." Fauna says in a light tone.

"And you decided to barge in on me anyway." You retort. "So why the sudden intrusion?"

"I merely wish to thank you." The woman says warmly. "This forest and all of nature means a lot to me, so to see it in such a sad state was heartbreaking. So thank you again for helping restore it to its full splendor."

"You'll want to thank Sylph for that part." You remark. "She is the real hero of that story. I only helped take down the people messing with nature in the first place. Which by the way…thanks for helping me find my friends earlier today…I didn't actually thank you for that."

"My my, heroic, AND humble. Mhmm, you are quite the catch mister." Fauna hums. "I look forward to watching what else you'll do from here on. My friend was certainly telling the truth when she said you were interesting."

"What friend is that?" You ask, the curiosity of who exactly this strange woman is and who she apparently knows feels like it's burning a hole in your chest.

"Maybe I'll tell you the next time we meet." The woman of nature smirks, she then lowers her voice down to a whisper that could be for your ears only. "It seems you have a visitor, so I better get going. Thank you again, Anon."

"Wait, stop, not before!" You reach out with an arm, and in the instance the splash made by your sudden movements causes you to blink, Fauna is completely gone. You look around hoping to find any trace of the mysterious woman, but when your search concludes that you are actually alone again, you slap the water in front of you in frustration. Wait, did she say you have a visitor?

While you want to hope that Fauna only meant that Sylph or Undine are coming your way, you don't want to take any chances of showing someone else a little more of yourself than you want them to see today. You quickly lift yourself up out of the pond, pat your crotch down a little, and place your legs through the holes of your underwear before pulling them up to your waist. Paranoia then takes hold as you hear rustling within the trees.

Crap! It's probably that weird owl that might also be a girl? Back in the water then. At least I still have my underwear on…it dries easily enough anyway.

Quickly jumping back into the pond, you fall to the bottom as you become completely submerged. You had almost forgotten how mystical it feels to be fully under the water. It somehow pushes all the stress of your previous conversation to the wayside. After a few more seconds, you do need some air and you force yourself back to the surface and inhale with a loud gasp once you break water. You take another look around to find no one. Perhaps Fauna was just playing with you? The fact that she didn't talk to you with that strange and over dramatic speech that she used earlier today leaves you to believe she isn't a stranger to having a little fun at another's expense. You sigh in relief and begin to look your body over. Some of the bloodstains are almost gone, perhaps you should actually try to scrub yourself a little. Flare would never let you hear the end of it if you emerged from your bath within nature and still had signs of your previous battle all over your body. Maybe after a little more rest, you still kinda like how cool your battle paint looks on your muscles.

"Do you even know how to clean yourself?" You say as you imitate Flare's smug voice before letting yourself lean your head back onto the grass along the pond's edge. "Well maybe I like being dirty sometimes. Nothing wrong with that."

A few moments after having closed your eyes, you feel the touch of a soft palm against your cheeks as slender fingers crawl over your eyelids.

"Can Anon guess who?" Clearly Nene's voice rings in your ears, which causes you to jump further into the pond and out of her grasp.

"Nene!" You gasp as you catch your breath. "You scared the hell out of me! What are you-"

Your words get caught in your throat as you look at the girl kneeling down upon the pond's edge. Covered from breast to thighs in a bright orange towel, was Nene. The lower half of her normally wavy blond hair is perfectly straight, and sleek after being freshly wet. Her emerald eyes look at you with such affection and mischief that makes your stomach feel like an entire flock of butterflies all took off in flight at once.

"What are you doing here, Nene?" You whisper, not sure if she is your only surprise guest or not, but your heart feels like a banging drum in your chest.

"Nene wanted to help Anon get clean, so she said she had to use bathroom." Nene whispers back with an immensely proud smile. "Anon's back get really hurt today, so Nene will clean for him."

Without waiting for any sort of argument, Nene takes a seat on the pond's edge and lowers her legs into the water.

"Y-You really don't need to do that." You stutter.

"Anon does not need to be shy." Nene says as she pats the top of her knee. "Anon come closer and let Nene wash him."

While your face is probably heated enough to make this small body of water begin to steam, you nod meekly and slowly walk yourself backward towards Nene. Your body shivers when you feel the sudden touch of the soap bar against your back. Nene then puts a gentle hand on your shoulder to keep you place as she goes to work. The tension in your back and shoulders melts away while you let this wonderful girl spoil you.

"Anon still has lots of blood on him." Nene remarks as she brings the small rectangular cleaning bar over your shoulder and onto one of your arms, causing her to lean closer to you, almost coming cheek to cheek with you.

"I hadn't actually started cleaning yet…I was about to when you showed up." You say almost ashamed, worried that the girl whose ample bosom presses against you would judge you .

"Anon is proud of battle scars, just like Nene." Nene whispers into your ear. "Nene really likes how Anon looks with them~"

The sultry way that Nene tells you this, reveals that Nene may not be the bubbly girl you have been taking her for, but in fact, a bubbly woman. Your body feels like a bolt of lighting just surged down from your ears all the way to your toes. This entire situation also feels strangely comfortable for you. Maybe it's the fact you still have underwear on, or how Nene is a supposably only in a towel, but you don't feel vulnerable or anxious around her. The two of you have really been on similar wavelengths today, starting with your own passions to see the forest returned to life, and then the preference on a frontal assault on the castle. Even in battle, you two were of the same mind. Perhaps she already secured a special place in your heart.

"Thanks a lot, Nene." You say after a content sigh, which causes the girl to giggle and stop washing you for a moment. "For everything you did today. You were awesome. I hope we get to fight and win a lot more battles together."

"Nene knows we will win many battles. Then we clean each other afterwards." Nene declares proudly. "It Nene's turn!"

Again, without any warning, Nene moves again, lowering herself into the pond, her towel still covering her front. She turns her back to you and looks over her shoulder almost longfully. You swallow hard as you take in the almost naked form of the girl in front of you. Shakily, you take the bar of soap from the patch of grass Nene left it on, and take a step closer to your friend. Running the dwindling square up and down, you begin to clean Nene's back, allowing the soap to build and lather across her smooth skin. Nene coos and leans further into your touch, basking in the pampering.

"Nene does not want to leave…but Omarun will get mad if she's not back soon…" Nene whines softly.

"Polka is pretty perceptive, so she might know that you're up to something." You reluctantly agree. Although it was a surprise, you find yourself wanting to spend more time alone with this girl. "But hey, there will be more battles, and when we win those battles, we can do this again."

"Anon promises?" Nene looks over her shoulder at you, starry eyed.

"I promise." You smile.

"Can Anon…do one last thing for Nene, before she goes back to friends?" Nene asks almost sheepishly as she takes a step forward, to then turn to face you. It's extremely difficult to keep your eyes from wandering to where her towel perfectly prompts her chest up, but you just keep focusing on those deep emeralds of hers.

"Of course, Nene. Anything."

"Can Nene…taste, Anon?"

The question makes it feel like glass just shattered within your mind. You don't even know where to begin with processing Nene's question. What does she even mean by this!? What's the point in spinning your wheels over this? You are way too tired and riled up to want to make sense of it right now.

"Sure." You say decidedly, not wanting to use what little mental capacity you have left for the day, and just let the girl do as she pleases.

The sound of wading water echoes in the serene forest-scape as Nene brings herself right against you to then land a strong kiss against your lips. Her lips press flatly against your own for a few seconds, as you feel yourself lean deeper into Nene. You instinctually bring your hands around Nene's powerful frame and pull her further into you; her breasts covered by only her towel press against your own bare chest.

Then, making full use of her request, you feel Nene's tongue part your lips and begin to feel around your mouth. It's an odd and slimy feeling, but it's also surprisingly pleasant. Nene's tongue flicks and slides off the tip of your own, before retreating out of your mouth. Your kiss ends with a wet smack and you both lock eyes.

Nene's eyes are hooded as she looks at you with pure attraction. Her breathing begins to steady and she breaks the silence.

"Omarun and Watame were right. Anon tastes nice."

So they are what put the idea in Nene's head. You have to assume Polka must have mentioned how she fed off you earlier today, and Nene somehow interpreted her wording as kissing. Oh well, after the day you've had, you've both earned this.

"Does Anon…want to taste Nene too?" Nene asks you in a low inviting tone. Before you can weigh the options and their consequences, the towel clad girl in front of you brings her fingers up to the exposed part of her breast that peeks out from the damp cloth. "Nene did not wash this spot yet, because she thought Anon liked how Nene looked…dirty~"

Right there, on the top curve of Nene's right globe, is the almost faded stain of demon's blood. You can feel your eyes practically bulge out from their sockets as you are invited to look down at Nene's very perky and full breasts. Should you be concerned that the thought of how Nene earned that blood splatter makes her even more sexually appealing? Probably. Should you just let your feelings flow however they are meant to? Yes. You like that notion much better.

"It…it makes you look strong, powerful, undefeatable." You start letting your thoughts just pour out from your lips. "All those things, along with everything that makes up who you are, I find stunning."

Your sudden declaration makes Nene smile like she's brighter than the sun. She places her wet hands on your pectorals, and gives them a soft rub. While you would love to spend more time letting her explore your body with her touch, your time is fleeting, there will be other chances down the road.

Taking Nene by her shoulders, you pull yourself close and connect your lips with her once more. She moans happily in your mouth as her one leg splashes in the water and hikes up behind her. You invade her mouth this time with your tongue, feeling around and taking in everything there is to experience. Her own tongue gently wraps around your own, wanting nothing more but to be intertwined with you in a way unlike anything either of you have experienced before.

After a blissful and electrifying moment, you part once more. Nene's cheeks are flush with a shade of red you've never seen on her before; it's dangerously adorable. She then beams at you before planting one more quick peck on your lips and rushing out of the pond.

"Nene will get back to friends now! Nene wants to taste Anon more from now on. So we do that more soon!" She quickly states as she secures her towel around her and skips back off into the forest.

"Y-Yeah…soon…" You say back as you watch Nene's figure disappear, leaving you alone, in your underwear, in a pond in the middle of a forest. You let out a small frustrated grunt as you force yourself to submerge under the water. There are certainly worse places to to be left hot and bothered at least. Also on the bright side, you're actually clean now, so no one can accuse you of poor hygiene.

As you rest again and try to stave off the hormonal thoughts your mind is cluttered with, you feel someone's presence grow closer; two someones in fact.

"Now when you see him, try to be subtle about the situation. He is still very shy about such matters." Undine's voice says in a hushed tone just upstream. You can't help but chuckle at the statement. Undine telling someone else to be subtle? That's kinda rich.

Sylph nods her head as she and Undine come floating to the pond's clearing and wave to you happily when you acknowledge their arrival with a wave of your own.

"Hiya summoner! I'd ask how you are doing, but if a few minutes ago was any indication, you're doing great!" Sylph chirps as she points at you with her fingers extended and her thumbs upward as she quickly moves her hands forward and backward.

"Sister." Undine says in mild disappointment. "I said to be subtle."

"I was being subtle." The wind spirit argues. "Isn't it possible that he's just feeling great after an amazing victory over an amazing evil?"

"That happened more than a few minutes ago." The water spirit sighs. "My apologies, summoner. Sylph will need some time to get adjusted to the manners mortals practice in this age like I have."

"It's really okay." You can't help but laugh at how two ancient elemental spirits can have an authentic sibling spat. "We all got things to learn and adjust too. We can just do it together."

"See? I knew he was cool." Sylph remarks in triumph. "So can I ask how it went down? What did you say? Who made the first move? Why did you stop?"

"You cannot ask me any of that." You shut the wind spirit down immediately.

"I must say, I am rather pleased with Nene's boldness to come find you on her own." Undine feels the need to say. "I am even more pleased by your acceptance of her, summoner."

"She's grown a lot on me, what else can I say?" You shrug as you bring yourself out of the water and begin to dry off. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to her either."

"Stilllll, going from almost married because of tradition, to potential lovers sharing a moment of passion within nature. It's almost like something out of a story book." Sylph sighs happily.

"I'm guessing you were filling Sylph in on what's happened so far, huh?" You direct your question to the water spirit.

"Indeed. Everyone else chipped in too of course." Undine answers.

"And now I get to be part of the story. I can't wait to see what we do next! We should find more of our sisters too! Some of them are gonna love this summoner." The wind spirit says excitedly.

"This summoner is focusing on resting next." You yawn as you finish putting your clothes back on. "It's been a hell of a day. I'm ready to just fall into bed."

"The girls should be getting dried off and dressed by now. We should be able to make it back to Pomu's by nightfall." Undine says to offer you some promise of a coming reprieve.

"It's still kinda crazy to think about. After who knows how long, Grendel came back and almost ate all the little Rainpuffs I put my heart and soul into giving life." Sylph says downcast.

"Well that's kinda thing is exactly why I need your help." You begin as you secure your sword and spell book to your hips. "There's a lot of power hungry, maniacal, and just plain awful people out there. People who try to take the light away from others. I want to be a light they can always count on to shine and protect them. Will you help me be that shining star for this world? Sylph?"

"I don't think I could refuse after you put it that way!" The wind spirit replies, considerably more chipper now. "And besides, my big sis loves ya, so that means you're stuck with me too."

Sylph's answer makes you smile. You can already tell how radically different her and Undine are personality wise, but you think you'll find yourself growing just as attached to the hyperactive orchestrator of the wind, as you have the ruler of the waters. Your family just got a little bigger and that feels amazing.

"Hey Anon!" Watame's voice then comes from a little upstream to make you smile even more.

"Hey guys!" You happily wave back as the rest for the girls approach, all looking much cleaner and put together than earlier. To your slight dismay, Nene's skin is free of any signs of battle, but it might be better this way, just for tonight. The bubbly blond gives you a sly smile and waves her fingers from behind the group, which you return with a goofy, sheepish smile.

"I gotta say Anon, I'm a little impressed how well you clean up." Flare teases with a hint of genuine praise. "Without magic springs or Undine to help you, I half expected you to still be covered in dried blood."

"Well, a certain someone seemed very concerned about my physical well being, so I wanted to do an extra good job. For her." You retort with a mischievous wink at the half-elf, that seems to hit just right and fluster her just enough to get her back for that comment of hers.

"I'm way too tired to watch you two go at it…" Polka yawns. "Can we go back to Pomu's now? I'm going to crash on the first thing that's even remotely soft. The floor will do."

Seeing the circus fennec completely drained of her usual enthusiastic energy makes you crack a small smile. You also share the exhaustion Polka feels, and are reminded of how insanely hard she worked today. From having to face something or someone from her past when the strange fog used you to create that illusion, to going way beyond her own magical and physical limits through harsh fights against demons. The girl deserves an award.

Placing a hand on the closed spell book strapped to your side, you pour as little energy as you can to make the second spell activate and give you a very thin veil of starlight around your body. The sudden light causes everyone else to pause and look at you, but you have already moved to scoop Polka up in your arms.

"A-Anon! Wha?! What are you!?" The fennec stammers as you adjust her body so that the crook of her legs rest comfortably atop your one arm, and one of her shoulders leans into your chest as you hold her close by the other.

"A star performer deserves to take a load off after a big show, doesn't she?" You look down at the slightly flushed clown. "Don't worry about me. This spell makes you feel as light as a feather."

"I'm already light…" Polka pouts as she crosses her arms and puffs out her cheeks at you.

Flare and Watame giggle behind you, seemingly in the know about why Polka is particularly touchy on the subject. You just shrug it off and start to lead your group through the forest back towards Pomu's home.

Your enhanced body allows you to walk a little more briskly through the forest as the sunset quickly sweeps over the overhanging skyscape. Without noticing, you and Polka are a good ten feet ahead of everyone else. The feeling of calm and peace that hangs in the air of the once foreboding forest fills you with immense satisfaction. That, and the fact that you are carrying a very cute clown in your arms as you enjoy the return of nature.

"Hey." Polka says softly to get your attention away from all the minor details that make this forest unique from other places you've been; the shape of the branches, the amount of offshoots they have, the kinds of flowers and fauna surrounding their bases.

"Thanks for carrying me." The fennec continues. "And for earlier today…if you hadn't been there, I might be miles away by now."

"Just like how you told me you'll always be there to make me smile, I'll always be there to shine a light on anything that frightens you. We don't have to face the ghosts of our past alone anymore." You say comfortingly.

"Yeah…" Polka sighs as she leans her head more into your body. "You'll be patient with me, right? I promise I'll talk about who I saw earlier, just not yet."

"You take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere. Well, we'll all be going SOMEWHERE soon, but you know what I mean."

"Good. We're stuck with each other for the long haul now. If we weren't already." Polka lets out a small chuckle. "Your magic is so warm…I could just fall asleep."

As Polka mutters those words, her eyes close and her chest peacefully rises and falls in the rhythm of sleep. You then try to slow and control your pace so that you lower the risk of jostling the resting fennec too much, and stirring her from her slumber.

A break in the trees soon comes into view to indicate that you are close to the clearing that contains a place you can lay your head down. Everyone regains a little more spring in their step at the prospect of finally resting after such a long day. The sky above past the parted trees is clear and speckled with stars. The rising moon shines a pleasant light over the grass around Pomu's treehouse. Now in the home stretch, you let your spell fade from your body and carry your adorable fennec through the grassy knoll and to the front door of the forest fairy's home. Watame politely opens the wooden entry for you, and allows you to enter first.

Pomu's living room is exactly how it was when you left it this morning; sleeping blankets and pillows laid in a circle, and the furniture still out of its original place to accommodate them. You walk to where Polka and you slept last night, and gently place the still sleeping fennec down before covering her in a blanket.

"Take a good long rest, you earned it." You whisper to her before giving your arms a much needed stretch overhead.

Everyone else begins to pour into the woodland abode. Nene practically falls face first into the first pillow she can find on the ground, and immediately begins snoring. As you watch Undine and Sylph float through, you can tell there's a million things the wind spirit wants to exclaim and ask about, but a shushing gesture from her older sister seems to put those urges on hold for now. Flare plops hard on the couch and rests both her arms along its backframe, and Watame heads straight to the kitchen to possibly find a before-bed snack. You don't see a hair nor wing of Pomu however. You look at Flare and point up towards the higher floors of the tree home, and she gives you an understanding nod.

You quickly climb the wooden steps upward and stand outside Pomu's bedroom. You place an ear to the slightly cracked door and hear the fae rustling through some things. Knowing that she is still awake, you give the wooden door a light tap with your knuckle before letting yourself in.

There Pomu was, just like the day before, in the middle of a pile of clothes, trinkets, books, and other objects. The fae definitely made sure to clean herself up a little after she got home; her face still wears the stress of the battles she took part in today, but any traces of dirt or dust are gone. She looks at you with surprise but then her expression suddenly softens when she realizes it's only you.

"Am I the only one having a little deja vu here?" You say lightly. "What are you up to now?"

"Hey Anon." Pomu says warmly. "I'm just packing. I got a lot to do ya know, and I can't really decide what I should bring."

"Packing?" You repeat.

"Mhmm." Pomu nods. "Come with me upstairs. I'll explain once we're up there."

Nodding, you leave Pomu's bedroom and lead the way to a ladder that rises up through the treehome at the end of the hallway. Once at the top floor, Pomu steps in front of you and opens the door to her viewing room. She walks slowly up to the circular window and opens its wooden shutters, revealing the starlit night sky that sparkles and shines over the forest's treetops. Pomu then steps up and takes a seat upon the wooden framed opening, letting her wings fold downward and her legs dangle over the edge. The fairy pats the spot next to her to invite you to join her, which you happily accept.

Positioning yourself in the same manner as Pomu, you bask in the view and the crisp night air as it hits your face. You may still be exhausted, but being awake for this moment might be worth putting sleep off just a little more.

"So what's up?" You break the comfortable silence between you and the fae. "I know you didn't bring me up here just to enjoy the view with you."

"And why couldn't I have?" Pomu playfully retorts. "I bet anyone would kill for the chance to share such a pretty view with such a pretty fairy like myself."

"Well it's a good thing I fulfilled those requirements more than once today." You let yourself utter a bit of dark humor. While you can't be sure if demons really die in the traditional sense, the sorceress did in fact breathe her last because of your actions, and you are surprisingly okay with that.

"You got me there." Pomu chuckles softly. "I'm going to have to really up my game if I'm going to pull fast ones on you."

As you wait for Pomu to continue, you look over and see the fairy lost in thought as she looks up at the stars. A gentle breeze blows and brushes her blond hair gently past her face. Sylph did mention the first time she saw Pomu that she was the picture perfect fairy, and you are quickly finding yourself agreeing with that sentiment.

"There's a lot….there's a lot I wanna say, Anon." Pomu then turns to you and looks directly into your eyes. Her pale rubies shine with so many different things right now; gratitude, anxiousness, and even decisiveness. "I'm not even sure where to begin."

"Hey, I've been in your shoes once before. I practically had my world turned upside down by stepping into a magical dark castle." You offer an attempt to pinpoint what the pensive fairy might be going through right now. "And if you ask me, you kicked a lot more ass your first go around than I did."

"Yeah but, I wouldn't have been able to get through any of that without you…Without you and everyone else…I might even be Grendel food right now. You almost became Grendel food too…I'm-"

"If you're going to apologize to me, I will push you right off this ledge." You say half jokingly.

"But I am-"

"I mean it." You say more sternly, as you put a hand on the back of Pomu's head and force her to lean forward slightly, earning a frightened yelp from her. You then let her free and she leans back to catch her breath for a few seconds. She gives you a firm pout, but you merely return it with a wide smirk.

"Okay okay. No sorries." Pomu breathes out.

"Good. If I'm not sorry about putting myself in danger to help you out, you shouldn't be either. That's just kinda how things go for me when I want to protect someone." You explain matter of factly.

"I kinda get that now too. When I was fighting those imposters, the sorceress, or Grendel, I wasn't thinking about what could happen to me, or how badly I might get hurt. I was only thinking about helping everyone, and that just kept my wings moving, and my heart strong. It's just like that for you too, isn't it?" Pomu says as she directs her gaze to the moonlit night.

"Pretty much. In a battle, it's all about what will be, not what might. Though looking back, I probably should have tried to protect my clothes a little better…"

"You're kinda a mess right now, Anon." Pomu holds a hand to her mouth and giggles. "You're practically coming apart at the seams. I can fix them for you, if you want."

"Oh yeah? You sew?"

"Sure can! Everything in my closet is a one hundred percent Pomu original! Well…except for my sneaking suit that's in the back. That one really shows off my great butt!"

"Of course it does…" You scoff.

"In return for fixing your clothes, I'd like to ask you for something too." Pomu then says with a suddenly more serious tone. After resolving herself, she takes a deep breath and looks right into your eyes. "I want to come with you on your journey, Anon."

You look at Pomu with a hint of surprise as you raise your eyebrow. This was certainly a development you were not expecting from the forest fairy. Before you can utter a response she continues on.

"There's a lot I need to do; spreading the word about fairies, getting people to believe in them again, all so all the other fairies can come back and be happy. I thought about it really hard after I got home. I'm going to make sure the entire world knows about us, and then there will be so much fairy magic in the air, we won't even know what to do with it all!" Pomu says brightly, her own conviction in her goals makes her look simply radiant.

"But I'm just one little Pomu, and there's a lot a single person just can't do on their own. I learned all about that and then some today. When we work together though, not even gravity can hold us down!" The forest fairy resolves, making you beam with a hint of strange pride for how far she's grown in just a single day. Or perhaps, this confidence and strength was within her the entire time.

"You know, I was planning on helping spread some fairy awareness anyway as I travel." You say with a grin as you cross your arms. "But you're absolutely right. If we work together on this, we can make sure there will be enough fairy magic in the air to give life to countless generations of Rainpuffs to come, and you'll be the Pomu who helped make it all happen. They'll probably write stories about you too."

"Fairies tend to…embellish things a little bit." Pomu giggles at the thought. "Just don't be mad when their version of the story says I merely pointed my finger at Grendel, and zapped him to smithereens with lightning!"

"Hey, who's to say you won't be able to do that by the time those stories get told?" You laugh as you entertain the idea of Pomu harnessing the power of lightning and just ending Grendel with a stoic stare and flex of her will. "I wouldn't mind playing backup to a girl like that."

"Oh oh! Maybe I wouldn't even zap him. I would just float in front of him, puff out my chest, look him right in the eyes and say; 'Grendel, you should just end yourself. Now!'. Pshhhahaha. That would be awesome."

"Hey, as long as I'm not in a dress or something in this version of the story, they can hype you up all they want. You definitely earned it. I'm really glad we met, ya know?" You say, bringing the conversation back to a more serious tone.

"Me too, Anon. I like being around you, and not just because you're the summoner or anything. I mean, that is super cool, but it's not the only reason you're cool." Pomu smiles at you while she tries to sort out her words.

"Just like how you're one of Sylph's children isn't the only reason you're cool." You smile back. "I'd be thrilled to have you join us in our travels. I think everyone else will be stoked about it too."

"Thanks Anon! I'll be the best Pomu traveling friend you'll ever have! And speaking of everyone else, are they all sleeping already?"

"I carried Polka back part of the way, and she was out like a light, and Nene passed out as soon as she found something to fall on. Flare looked about ready to sleep as well, and Watame won't be far behind if she's finished with whatever she found to snack on. Undine and Sylph don't need to sleep while they're just in their spiritual states too, so they might be up the whole night." You list off as a yawn escapes your throat.

"You should get some shut eye too, since if it's okay with you, I'd like to leave first thing tomorrow." Pomu says.

"Are you sure? We could take it easy for a few days." You propose, not wanting the fairy to push herself too hard so soon.

"Yeah. I'm sure. Now that I know the other fairies can't come back without my help, it will be kinda hard to stick around. I got a real need to start moving towards that goal. Almost like a fire burning deep in my chest."

"I know how you feel. Even though I just made a pact with Sylph, I'm already kinda thinking about working towards connecting with the next spirit. If I think about it too much, I might even have trouble sleeping." You say fondly, the prospect of already beginning to create an understanding of a new magical element brings some light back to your eyes.

"We should see if a friend of mine can help you then! I think she's a servant of the sun spirit! She's really fun. She's a bit of a wanderer though, so I don't know where she might be, but I'll know her when I see her! Then, I'll introduce you both!" Pomu chirps.

"The sun huh? Yeah I might need some direction from her to even just get started. I didn't even know sun magic was a thing. For now I think I'll try learning ice. Flare already knows a few ice spells, so she can help me with that." You say after thinking the offer over for a moment.

"Oh yeah, do you want me helping you both with your magic lessons all the time? Or should I give you two your privacy sometimes? I can kinda tell you like your alone time with Flare." Pomu then says with a quick wink.

"That would be appreciated every now and again." You say truthfully. There won't be much beating around the bush with Pomu, she will just end up being relentless to get you to be truthful with your feelings anyway, so it will be easier in the long run if you are just upfront with her about these matters.

"Understood." Pomu says as she swings her legs around and hops off the windowsill to land back onto the wooden floor of the viewing room. "And as your official wingfairy from here on out, I need to get those clothes of yours all fixed. I know the girls kinda like the battleworn look, but how are we going to get people to respect and believe in the fairies if one of their prophets is in tatters?"

"You'll hear no argument from me on that." You agree as you lower yourself down and walk towards the room's doorway. "You wouldn't happen to have anything for me to wear while you fix them though, do you? All of my other clothes are currently in Polka's magic hat."

"Oh just sleep in your underwear you doofus." Pomu chortles, to which you just stare back at her unamused. "Oh come on! Watame and Flare worked their butts off today. Give them a little treat."

You stand in front of the open doorway and turn to the forest fairy, who looks to be trying to hold in laughter as she looks at your stern expression. You cross your arms and tap your foot, waiting for her to give you a better answer to your previous question.

"Okay okay! Fine!" Pomu concedes. "I think I got a robe you can wear."

"That's better." You say wearily. "Can you really have my clothes fixed before the morning?"

"You got it! I'll get that out of the way, then I'll finish packing!" Pomu chirps, as she strolls past you and begins to head back down through her treehouse.

Once you both arrive back to Pomu's bedroom, the fairy finds the robe she mentioned in one of the piles of clothing she had laid across the floor. A colorful green silk robe patterned with strange looking pear-like cartoonish creatures with tiny stubs for arms and legs, two green leaves at their tops that slightly imitate Pomu's bow, and tiny little black eyes accompanied by a happy smile. You take the garment questioningly and shrug, it was certainly better than being in just your underwear. The fairy leaves the room for a moment to give you privacy to change, and once you are done, you exit her bedroom, clothed in your borrowed robe for the night. The soft material is surprisingly pleasant against your skin, maybe you should consider sleeping in a robe more often.

"I left my tatters over on the bed." You tell the fairy as you begin to head downstairs. "Thanks a lot by the way, Pomu. And good night."

Before you take that first step down, Pomu's arms circle around your chest, and pull you into her for a big hug.

"Thank you again, Anon. For everything." The muffles into your back. "I don't think I can ever repay you for what you did for me today."

"It's a good thing you don't have to then." You happily say. "Let's show the world just how cool the fairies are."

Yeah!" Pomu cheers as she lets you go and gives you a soft slap on the back. "Now get down there, tiger. You got two lovely ladies who are probably keeping themselves awake for ya!"

You scoff at the fairy's teasing and begin to carefully step down the wooden staircase. When you reach the bottom the first thing you see is both Undine's and Sylph's intangible forms floating just above the couch's seat cushions, conversing with each other in low whispers as to not wake any of your sleeping companions. Nene and Polka are still fast asleep, while Flare and Watame both have nestled into their own blankets along the floor, leaving the space in between them open. When both spirits notice you, you give them both a small wave and smile before carefully tip-toeing to the set of pillows and blankets left empty.

Before you can fully cover yourself after laying down, both Watame and Flare roll over onto you at the same time; a tender arm from each draping over your stomach, while their heads rest upon your chest. You can't help but smile at the blissful closeness you now share with both girls. You move your hands so that you can stroke the tops of both girls' heads, which earns happy sighs from both of them.

While the enemies you faced today were crippled by the ghosts of their past, you are reminded of the power they can have over one's mind. You have your own ghost that only appears while you sleep, but unlike Grendel or the sorceress, you won't let that specter hold you back. There are probably many people and creatures like Pomu out there that will need someone to count on to get them out of trouble. You need to keep moving forward, for their sake, and for the sake of this world that has been giving more and more reasons to protect it.

The idea that there could be more dark castles popping up in the world gives you a moment of unrest. Even so, you and your friends will rise up to the challenge every time. This, you know for sure, and with two new energetic and very eccentric friends coming along with you, you can overcome even greater challenges together.

Your mind starts to race towards what new places or people you might find next in your travels. It feels as though your imagination might threaten to keep you awake, but the fatigue of the day is enough to overpower even your wanderlust, as you quickly fall into a peaceful sleep with your favorite sheep and half-elf in your arms.

Back deeper within the Rainpuff forest, moonlight shines through the trees to form a spotlight over a raised stump. A set of three smaller tree stumps fashioned into chairs sit even apart around the natural table. Fauna sits prim and proper, as she takes a sip from the porcelain tea cup that she holds ever so slightly above its matching saucer held between her gentle thumb and forefinger. The call of an owl alerts her to the arrival of one of her guests for the evening.

A deep brown owl with streaks of black plumage lands on the seat directly across from Fauna. The woman of nature smiles as the nocturnal avian shakes its entirely entire body. Then, the owl's form shimmers in a dim beige light. When the illuminance recedes, it is no longer a simple bird that sits at the table, but a girl, human-like in appearance.

Free flowing light brown hair covers her forehead and curves inward along her cheeks and neck. Two plumes stick out from the base of her tied ponytail, that splits off at the nape of her neck into two luxurious strands of hair that cascade down her back like a waterfall.

A dark beige cloak that rests on the girl's shoulders is clasped together under a neatly tied dark brown bow. A white button up shirt can just be seen from under the draping traveling garment. Her white sleeves end just after her elbow, and black leather gloves with pointed cuffs that do not cover forefingers and pinkies, cover her hands. A dark brown leather corset with golden accents looks only partially tightened around her slim frame, along with a belt of the same material and color resting just above her waist. From that belt hands a small lantern, and at its opposite end, sits a golden hilted dagger plunged within a dark red sheath; tied to the girl's person by thick blue thread.

A brown frilled dark red skirt falls a little past the girl's hips, presenting stockings of alternate lengths that cover both her legs. One starts all the way from her thigh, the other, at her shin. Her feet sit snugly in golden heeled, brown leather boots. Her innocent face that smiles brightly at her host, does well to slightly contradict her adventurous appearance.

The two girls exchange pleasant glances with one another as both their eyes turn to another one of the empty seats, where a shimmer of celestial lights begins to emerge from thin air. Then, in a sudden flash of bright light, Sana appears, her form perfectly proportioned to that of her company.

"Hi mates!" Sane chirps. "It's been a spell since we've last met like this eh? So! Don't keep a girl in suspense. What did ya think?"

"He is certainly an interesting one like you said." Fauna starts off. "A little headstrong, but his heart is in the right place. It was kinda cute to watch him charging around like nothing could stop him."

"Yeah but if he didn't stop and let us help him, he would have never found his friends earlier." The girl in brown pipes up. "It was pretty funny to watch him freak out when I turned back into me."

"Ya got that right, Mumei, he tends to freak out a bit. It's a bit charmin' though, ya know? He came through with shining colors though didn't he?" Sana adds with a bit of pride in her voice. "I mean, look at this place, Fauna! It's so green, full of life, and green!"

"The arrival of the great spirit is not an outcome I could have predicted." Fauna says as she takes another sip from her cup. "Without my own intervention, this forest would have needed decades to regain some of its original splendor."

"You know we can't do that a whole lot." Mumei reminds the woman of nature with a hint of reprimand. "It would upset the natural order, and stuff."

"I don't see how me helping the defenseless trees and plants is any different from what you sometimes get up to." Fauna fires back. "You interfere with mortals more than any of us."

"That's because I watch over civilization?! Hello!? How can I watch civilization if I'm not a PART of it. Besides, I haven't done that much…lately." Mumei retorts.

"Girls girls!" The cosmic woman cries while holding up both her hands in mediation. "We're not here to talk about what Mumei DID or DID NOT do in various points in history that MAY or MAY NOT have led to catastrophic or incredibly influential events. We're here to talk about what my newest friend did. He's also done some other stuff already to help you both out, yeah?"

"It is nice to see that he helped the two governments from the land he comes from start talking again." Mumei offers apologetically. "And he managed to get two groups of people that never traded before to start. That actually made me pretty happy."

"See?! The little guy is already doing tons of good out there! And I know he's gonna do more." Sana beams, her own smile approaching supernova levels. "So what do ya say? Think he's worth telling the others about?"

"Perhaps. Defeating a monster like Grendel certainly has earned him some notoriety." Fauna muses. "Through my interactions with him, I can tell he has a bright and righteous soul. He will likely run into whatever dangers await him if it's for the sake of something he cares about."

"I know right! That's just how a person gifted with celestial magic should be! Brave and kind." Sana gushes. "I can't wait to talk to the little guy again. He's definitely earned another astrology lesson."

"Well now I kinda wanna try talking to him too." Mumei sulks somewhat. "I wanted to earlier, but he was all naked when I flew by."

"Good call. Boy deserves a bit of privacy now and again."

"I don't know. It was rather fun watching him desperately try to cover himself." Fauna giggles.

"This is why I'm not so sure if it's a good idea to tell the others about him yet. What do you think a certain someone will do once they find out how shy he is?" Mumei shrugs her shoulders.

"Not to mention she might find certain parts of his personality…attractive." Fauna adds, setting down her saucer and cup. "When that girl gets her eye on someone, it usually turns into pure chaos."

"You girls are worrying too much! It'll be fine!" Sana assures her friends. "Anon handled you two just fine, yeah? He can handle the others. Come on! We haven't had something to really talk about with each other for years! Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get together again like old times?"

"You really think this guy is interesting enough for that?" The observer of civilization asks.

"You bet! We'll keep our eyes on him like we've been doing and when he's about to do something really cool again, we tell the others to watch! It's perfect!" Sana beams.

"For what he's done to help nature, he has my support." Fauna says happily.

"There's a few countries I wouldn't mind him shaking things up in too. Count me in then!" Mumei smiles after thinking the proposal over.

"Then it's decided! Anon will be the council's newest person of interest. I know he won't disappoint!" Sana declares professionally.

On a balcony overlooking a thick woodland in another part of the world, stands a woman with short pink feathery hair, dressed in a black silk sleeping robe patterned with flowers. She watches the crescent moon shine its pale light over the landscape as she swirls a glass of red wine in her hands. It was clear brisk nights like this that she did her best work. Her best schemes could be concocted while simply looking across the still land that stretches out before her. This land was hers, free to use as she pleases. The rest of the world will be no different, one day.

For days she racked her brain around the surprise interference from a would-be hero. She must have read Koyori's reports a dozen times. Each sentence describing the young man's abilities intrigued her more and more. If she could steer that force to do her bidding, the world would see a brand new era before long.

Unfortunately, without more information or being able to talk to this…Anon, personally, she can only make half-baked plans that rely on too many pieces falling just right. Normally that would not deter her, for she specializes in placing each and every piece exactly where it needs to be, but for now, she does not control the board like she would prefer. So, she will wait. Wait for the young man to make a move, reveal where his pieces lie, and then, she can take them for herself.

As if to answer this desire, a short and pudgy avian glides toward her from the moonlit horizon. The woman smiles at its arrival. She takes a step back as the frogmouth bird lands on the balcony railing.

"There you are, Ganmo." The woman coos, her voice mature but affectionate for her pet. She gives the wide beaked bird a few loving scratches under its chin, causing it to let out a pleasant treble. "You brought me good news, right?"

The squatty bird then stands at attention, and points one of its short wings in the direction of the horizon. What would have looked to be an indecipherable game of charades to others, this woman knew exactly what her faithful companion was trying to tell her, and her grin spreads from ear to ear.

"You found him then? Good. Very good job, Ganmo. Let's go inside and mama will give you a treat." The woman serenades the avian before scooping him up within her free arm. She walks to the open sliding glass door that leads to her own inner sanctuary. The woman takes one more look at the night sky before eagerly closing the door behind her. Her feathered friend brought her just the lead she had been waiting for. It was time to go to work, and she is looking forward to being out in the field again after months of delegating behind the scenes.