Episode 3: The Healing Flower
-Monster Village-
Yuu had made her way down to the village to search for the Fox cub she saw yesterday.
Yuu: I wonder if Mr. Fox is here today?
She didn't know where to start to search, but she nonetheless began looking for the cub.
She began searching the center of the village, where the magical tree with small waterfalls pouring from the branches is, and near its feet was the Fox cub she was looking for.
The Fox cub was small and had zig-zag white and golden patterns on his thick fur.
Yuu approached the Fox as she noticed the cub was on the verge of crying.
Yuu: Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox. What's the matter?
Yuu called out to the cub, offering her help.
The Fox noticed Yuu approaching him. Despite knowing she was Human, and was told to keep his distance from them, he was desperate for help.
The cub let out a cry with pleading eyes.
Mr. Fox: (Whines)...
Since Yuu has lived around Monsters, she was taught their ways and languages, so she was able to understand what the cub was saying to her.
Yuu: Huh? Your family is in danger because they got sick?
The cub nodded before explaining.
The Fox cub and his family were part of the Sno Fox Tribe living on Crystal Moon Hill. One day, the youngest cub suddenly came down with a debilitating fever, and the family was at a loss.
The disease then quickly spread to the rest of the family, even to the cub speaking with Yuu.
It was then a single flower petal gently floated by, illuminating a light pink hue from its veins.
The petal landed on the sick cub, and the cub was cured. In a frenzy, the cub placed the petal on the rest of his family, but the petak glow had worn off, its cure ineffective.
The cub realized he needed more petals, and decided to come to the village in search of clues leading to the mysterious flowers.
And so, the cub set about asking the Monsters around town, but no one had heard of the shiny flowers. However, one villager knew of a mysterious forest nearby.
It was called the blooming forest. It was said that, despite it being located in Crystal Moon Hill, it was bathed in warmth, allowing all kinds of flowers to flourish.
If the mystical healing flower could be found, it would be there. The Fox recalled that the miracle petal had drifted from that direction. That was enough to verify the villager's claims.
Yuu: I see, I see… That's a very good point, right?
Mr. Fox: Bark! Bark!
The cub then asked Yuu to help search for the Blooming Forest together, to which Yuu happily agreed.
Yuu: Of course! Your family will be in big trouble if we don't hurry. Let 's go!
Mr. Fox: Bark! Bark!
The cub replied with a cry of joy.
Yuu: Oh, right. I don't know your name, Mr. Fox.
Mr. Fox: Bark!
The cub introduced himself to Yuu.
Yuu: Rocky, huh? It's nice to meet you! I'm Yuu.
With their introductions out of the way, they began their journey to the Blooming Forest for the mythical pink flower.
-Cave-
Yuu had taken a different road that goes north from the Monster Village. She and Rocky then enter another cave that will lead them to Crystal Moon Hill.
As they traveled through the cave, Yuu was having a conversation with Rocky.
Yuu: Hey Rocky? What is your family like?
Rocky: Bark, bark, bark!
Rocky told Yuu that he lives with his Mom along with his brother and a younger sister.
Yuu: I see… It's nice to have a brother sister.
Rocky: Bark! Bark!
Rocky then told Yuu that he's training himself to protect his family.
Yuu: Huh? I know I'm training to become a Hero. So you train to protect your Mom and brother and sister?
As they were talking, they were approaching a boulder. Just when Rocky was going to reply at Yuu's question, the rock suddenly stood up in front of them.
Yuu: AAAH!
Rocky: YIP!?
Both Yuu and Rocky jumped back and saw that standing before them was a Rock Crab of the Krab Tribe.
A spherical Monster made of rock, as well as its legs and pincers. It also has only one red eye in the middle of the body.
Yuu: That's Rock Crab! They have a hard body as rock!
Yuu took her wooden sword just as the Rock Crab attacked with his pincers. Yuu and Rocky dodged in time.
Rocky: Grrrrr…
Rocky's hair stand on end as he growled at the Rock Crab before jumping at it, jaws open to bite. When it landed however, Rocky winced as the Rock Crab's body was indeed hard as a rock.
The Rock Crab then retaliated by punching Rocky with his pincers.
Rocky: (Whines)...!
Yuu: Rocky!
Yuu charged at the Rock Crab with her Wooden Sword, but the Crab blocked it with its arm before attacking with his other one. Yuu managed to jump back before the attack could land.
Rocky: Bark! Bark!
Yuu looked at Rocky who seemed to got back up and now is charging at the Rock Crab to tackle it. But then, the Crab tucked back itself into a boulder, and Yuu knows what that means.
Yuu: Rocky! Stop!
But it was too late as Rocky tackled the Crab, and got hurt because of some of the spikes on the Rock Crab's body.
Rocky: (Whines)...!
Rocky fell on the ground, but the Rock Crab grabbed behind his scruff and lifted him off the ground, ready to attack with his other pincer. But just before the pincer hit Rocky…
Yuu: Haaa!
Yuu made a leap and slashed hard with her Wooden Sword, causing the Rock Crab to release Rocky.
The Dragon King was watching this as he saw Yuu made that move.
Dragon King: Her training is paying off. I think she called it Gale Slash.
Yuu turned to Rocky as he got up.
Yuu: Are you okay, Rocky?!
Rocky: Bark!
Rocky replied back that he was okay.
Yuu: Okay! We have to hit it on the eye! It 's its weak spot.
Yuu attacked again with her sword and hit the eye, causing the Rock Crab to stumble. Rocky saw this and charged again. Yuu made way for Rocky and he hit the Rock Crab eye next. This time the Rock Crab fell with a swirl in its eye.
Yuu motioned for Rocky to leave and together they left the unconscious Rock Crab alone.
-Crystal Moon Hill-
Yuu and Rocky managed to find the exit of the cave, and once outside, Yuu's eyes turned to wonder at the wonderful sight.
The cold terrain was always covered in snow and ice every day of the year. In the midst of the severe weather, small Monsters lived their daily lives huddled close together.
Riding on the cold wind were Sno Bug of the Beastie Tribe. They're small cotton ball creatures with a long tail and a cotton ball at the end, and small bug wings.
The icicles that had formed at the top of the large, crescent-shaped hill emitted a particular sound from being battered by the wind, earning it its name: Crystal Moon Hill.
Yuu: Oooh, so this is Crystal Moon Hill. It's so pretty… But also way too cold! Brrr!
Crystal Moon Hill was covered in snow. Even the courageous Yuu found it chilly.
Yuu: Th-This is nothing! I-I got this!
Rocky was worried for her, so he pressed himself on Yuu to share the warmth on his fur, which she was grateful for.
Yuu: B-B-Brrr… So, where do we go from here?
Rocky: Bark, bark.
Rocky mentioned that Grandfather Owl might know something about the Blooming Forest.
Yuu: Grandfather Owl?
The elder of the Sno Owls living deep within Crystal Moon Hill, Rocky explained that Grandfather Owl was known for his wisdom.
Yuu: Great! He sounds like he'll know something. Let's go see him.
Yuu and Rocky began their trek through Crystal Moon Hill to meet the fabled Grandfather Owl.
Meanwhile, the Dragon King secretly excited from the Cave and was concerned at seeing Yuu traversing through the frozen wonderland.
Dragon King: (I never taught Yuu how to deal with the freezing temperatures of a frozen land. I hope she doesn't get a cold from this.)
Yuu and Rocky continued their trek towards the snow. Rocky pressing himself on Yuu to keep her from freezing. The two then stopped near another path on the road. Rocky looked there with sad eyes.
Rocky: Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!
Yuu: Your house is up ahead, huh?
Rocky nodded sadly as he continued looking at the path to his home.
Rocky: Bark, bark, bark.
Yuu agreed with what Rocky said.
Yuu: We might get sick if we go in now. Let's return after we get the flower!
However, they were suddenly stopped by a pack of…
Sno Raccoon of the Raccoon Tribe. They look the same as the Raccoon Monsters Yuu met at the forest, only they have icy blue zig-zag fur instead of black.
Rocky: Grrrr!
Rocky's hair was standing on end as he growled at the Sno Raccoons. The Raccoons and Fox's Tribe don't get along very well.
The enemy were approaching as Rocky was about to attack, until Yuu stepped in the way.
Rocky: Bark?
Yuu: Don't worry, Rocky. I know how to make the Sno Raccoons to leave us alone.
She then took out her wooden sword and raised it in the air.
The Dragon King understood what Yuu was planning to do and breathed fire on the sword, setting it on fire.
Rocky: Bark!?
The Sno Raccoon reacted in fear at the fire since they're afraid of it, and immediately they ran away.
Yuu: It's like Papa said; Sno Raccoons are afraid of fire!
Rocky: Bark! Bark!
Rocky wondered how Yuu was able to do that.
Yuu: Papa said true Heroes can do that. Also, I feel a little toasty thanks to the fire. Let's go, Rocky!
With that, Yuu and Rocky continued their search for Grandfather Owl, with the Dragon King following them far behind.
The dou walked around Crystal Moon Hill as they took in the view of the place.
…
Yuu and Rocky saw beautiful giant snowflakes lithered on the snowy ground, giving the place a pretty view of sparkles.
…
Rocky was currently running away from a Sno ball Hootie of the Hootie Tribe.
They are Owls made of snow white feathers and a black face almost devoid of expression.
Yuu was currently chasing after the Owl as they ran around in circles. The Dragon King watched this as he shook his head.
…
Yuu and Rocky suddenly crash on a wall of snow that's blocking a cave entrance, leaving their legs sticking out. The Dragon King tried not to laugh or go help them get out of the situation.
…
After a while of exhausting traveling, Yuu and Rocky had arrived deep in the hillside.
Yuu: Is he here somewhere?
Rocky: He should be, but…
Rocky looked restlessly for any signs of the old Owl.
Just then, the two heard a hoot from the sky high above them.
?: (Hoot)...!
Raising their heads, they saw an old Owl perched atop a Tree branch.
He was bigger than the Sno Owl that chased Rocky, and has a white mustache.
Yuu: Oh, are you the Grandfather Owl?
Grandfather Owl: Aye… But you are a new face to me, young one.
Grandfather Owl gazed at Yuu, a curious look on his face.
Yuu: I'm Yuu! It's nice to meet you, Grandfather Owl!
Grandfather Owl: Hm… The pleasure is mine, Yuu.
Rocky then stepped forward, which Grandfather Owl now noticed.
Grandfather Owl: And you are Rocky of the Sno Fox Tribe, are you not? It appears your family is in dire straits… And you?
Rocky let out a yelp, explaining his current predicament to Grandfather Owl.
Grandfather Owl: I see… You seek Blooming Forest.
Yuu nodded as she stood at Rocky's side.
Yuu: You know where it is!?
Grandfather Owl: Alas, I do not. These eyes have not laid upon such a sight. It is but a place of rumors… And yet, I cannot deny Rocky's tale of the glowing petal that cured his ailment. If such a place did exist, there is only one place it may be found…
Yuu: Where, where!?
Yuu leaned forward excitedly as Grandfather Owl continued his explanation.
Grandfather Owl: It's a place not even Birds flying above Crystal Moon Hill are able to see the mythical Blooming Forest. Therefore, the only place it could be is the center of Crystal Moon Hill, a tundra with never-ending blizzards.
Yuu: The Center of Crystal Moon Hill?
Rocky: Bark, bark, bark!
Rocky explained to Yuu that the center of the hill constantly has a blizzard, giving it the name the Blizzard Forest.
Grandfather Owl: Yes, it was a part of the hill that was impossible to even fly in, let alone glimpse through its icy veil. No one had stepped foot on its snowy pastures, thus making it the perfect enclosure for something as mysterious as the Blooming Forest.
Yuu: It will be even colder if I go there. Btrr!
Rocky pressed himself on the freezing Yuu again to warm her up.
Grandfather Owl: Be sure to take this with you.
Finished with his explanation, Grandfather Owl handed Yuu a coarse rock full of holes.
Yuu: Huh? What's this? It's so warm…
Grandfather Owl: Your clothing is not suited for the frost of this land. That rock contains the power to keep you warm. Take it with you.
Yuu was surprised that this rock had such power.
Yuu: Are you sure!? Thank you!
Yuu decided to put the rock in her bag, and suddenly her body started to feel warm, as if she was back in the warm forest and not the freezing hill.
Grandfather Owl: It is the least I can do for Rocky's family. Moreover, there has been an influx of dangerous Monsters nearby. You would do well to take great caution on your journey.
Yuu: O-Okay… W-We'll be careful!
With their newfound knowledge of Crystal Moon Hill, Yuu and Rocky set out once more.
-Blizzard Forest, Crystal Moon Hill-
A powerful blizzard was blowing through the center of this forest, just as its namesake says. Yuu and Rocky traversed the freezing winds. Thankfully, Rocky is protected from it thanks to his fur, and the rock Grandfather Owl gave Yuu also helped her as well.
Yuu: Are you okay, Rocky!?
Rocky: Bark!
Rocky responded back through the howling blizzards, trying not to get blown back by it. Unfortunately, the wind was so strong that both Yuu and Rocky lost their footing.
Yuu: Whaaa!
The blizzard wind blew Yuu and Rocky as they rolled on the snowy ground, until they stopped as they collided with something.
Yuu: Huh?
Yuu was confused as the wall behind them was kinda soft. That is until a soft female voice speaked to them.
?: Are you alright, children?
Yuu and Rocky looked up and saw they landed on the soft hair of an Icicle Stagg of the Stagg Tribe.
Unlike Gren this Stagg is covered in white fur and his uncovered body is light brown. It has icicles on its back and two icicles as horns.
Yuu: Um… Thank you… Miss…
Isolde: My name is Isolde. What are you two doing here? This is no place kids.
Yuu and Rocky then explain everything to Isolde as to why they're here.
Isolde: I see. Then I'll bring you two darlings to the Blooming Forest.
Yuu: You know where the Blooming Forest is?
Isolde nodded at her.
Isolde: Of course. It's our safe haven, where we have all the nourishment we need. But then a Monster suddenly invaded it.
Yuu remembered what Grandfather Owl told her about the Mysterious Monster's sudden appearance.
Yuu: Can you bring us there, Ms. Isolde?
Isolde: Of course darling. You and your friend can hop on.
With that Yuu and Rocky climbed on Isolde's back, and with her help they traveled through the blizzards with ease.
…
Thanks to Isolde, they arrived at a Cave entrance. Yuu and Rocky got off Isolde as they turned to her.
Isolde: Be careful, darlings. The Monster may still be lurking around.
Yuu: Don't worry, Ms. Isolde. We will!
Rocky: Bark, bark!
With that, Yuu and Rocky entered the Cave as Isolde watched.
Isolde: Good luck, you two.
-Blooming Forest-
After traversing the cavern, Yuu and Rocky found the cave's exit, and what they found at the other side was something truly marvelous.
The mythical land rumored to lay in the heart of Crystal Moon Hill was made real, not a snowflake inside to conceal its unnatural calm. Flowers of all kinds carpeted the ground, a garden of flowers amid a winter wonderland. This was the storied Blooming Forest.
Yuu: Whoa! Amazing!
Yuu and Rocky's eyes were transfixed by the field of flowers that had appeared before them.
Yuu: The Blooming Forest… it really does exist! We did it, Rocky!
Rocky: Yip, yip!
Rocky yelped out in cheer.
The glowing pink flower the two had been searching for was somewhere here. The two quickly recomposed themselves as they began searching the forest.
…
The Dragon King excited the cave once Yuu and Rocky were far enough. He too was awed at this beautiful forest. He never even knew this place existed. The Dragon King then turned his attention back to Yuu and Rocky as he continued following them in secret.
…
Yuu and Rocky continued on their path, looking around for the glowing flowers that will cure Rocky's family. But then, the nearby bushes started to shake.
Rustle, rustle…
Suddenly, a fierce Monster they've never seen before leapt from a nearby ticket.
It was a large, flying Monster with a green serpentine body that curls in a C formation, its tail ends like a Dragonfly and has two pincers on it. Its head is Snake-like and has two orange sickles for hands and for Dragonfly wings.
?: Hiss!
Yuu immediately took out her Wooden Sword as she and Rocky were ready to defend themselves.
Yuu: I-Is this one of those scary Monsters Grandfather Owl told us about?
The Dragon King was shocked to see the Monster as he knew what it was.
Dragon King: A Dragonalike?! What is it doing here of all places!?
The beast scowled at Yuu and Rocky, its eyes filled with hostility.
Yuu: Be careful, Rocky! It 's coming at us!
The Dragonalike attacked Yuu and Rocky, the two separated to dodge the swipe of its sickles. The Dragonalike then went after Yuu. The young girl tried her best to block the attacks with her Wooden Sword.
When it was attacking Yuu, the Dragonalike completely ignored Rocky, which allowed the Sno Fox to tackle the Dragonalike from behind, stopping it from attacking Yuu.
Dragonalike: Hissss!
As Yuu distanced herself from the Monster, the Dragonalike turned to Rocky and swiped him with its sickles, hurting the Sno Fox and sending him tumbling on the ground.
Rocky: Yelp!
Yuu: Rocky!
Yuu was horrified that Rocky got hurt saving her from the Monster. She got upset at that as she raised her sword in the air as she faced the Monster.
The Dragon King was worried if he should step in or not, as a Dragonalike was too much for Yuu to handle. However, seeing her standing up against the Monster made him change his mind. He saw Yuu raised her Wooden Sword so he breathed fire on it.
Yuu's was lit on fire, and she wasted no time jumping at the Monster with it.
Yuu: Haaa!
Yuu hit the Monster hard with her Flame Slash, causing the Monster to let out a pained hiss.
However, Yuu noticed that the Monster was still standing!
Yuu: Eh!?
Before Yuu could snap out of her shock, the Monster attacked her while she was distracted.
Yuu: AAAAH!
Yuu was hit hard by the Monster's attack, sending her down on the ground. The Dragon was worried once he saw Yuu got hurt by the Dragonalike. And he wasn't the only one.
Despite being seriously hurt by the Monster's attack, Rocky opened his eyes when he heard Yuu screaming. He saw the Monster approaching the slowly struggling Yuu. Seeing that made Rocky remember something.
-Flashback-
In Yuu's place was an old male Sno Fox, who was struggling as hovering above him was a shadowed Monster. Rocky was young and trembling as he couldn't help but watch the shadowed Monster lunge at the other Sno Fox.
Dragon King: I've got no choice. Yuu needs help!
The Dragon King was about to step out of hiding, right when the Dragonalike was about to lunge at Yuu. But at that moment.
Rocky: (HHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWLLLL!)
Both the Dragon King and the Dragonalike turned around in surprise, even Yuu as her eyes widened at Rocky, who let out a very strong howl in the air despite his age.
Yuu: Rocky?
The Dragonalike was now facing Rocky, who stopped howling. The young Sno Fox immediately made a mad charge and jumped, tackling at the Monster's chest very hard that sent it flying to the ground.
Yuu got up as she saw the Monster trying to get back up.
Yuu: I need to use it… one more time!
Yuu raised her Wooden Sword in the air to use Flame Slash again, but the fire wasn't appearing.
Yuu: Please… Work!
The Dragon King saw Yuu raised her sword again. He wanted to out to deal with the Dragonalike himself, but seeing the young Sno Fox standing up against a Monster that's stronger than him, and Yuu doing the same, he decided to let them have their victory as he breathed fire on Yuu's sword.
With her Wooden Sword on fire again, Yuu dove at the Monster that now managed to fly off the ground, and attacked with a loud shout.
Yuu: HAAAAAAAA!
Yuu hit the fire sword as hard as she could, which was enough to seriously hurt the Monster.
Dragonalike: HIIIISSSS!
Knowing it could no longer fight with a wound like that, the Dragonalike decided to turn tail and go back to where it came from.
Seeing the Monster leaving, Yuu and Rocky finally relaxed after they drove the beast away.
Yuu: Huff… Huff… Are you okay, Rocky?
Rocky affirms Yuu with a small cry
Rocky: Bark…
Yuu: Thank goodness…
Yuu then took a look at her Wooden Sword. It had a few cuts from the Monster's attack, and it looked a little charred because she used Flame Slash twice. Yuu then looked back at where the Monster flew off.
Yuu: Why was such a frightening Monster here in the first place…?
Yuu mulled to no avail.
Yuu: It bothers me… But that's not important right now. We need to find that shiny flower.
Yuu saved her concern for another time. She took 2 Power Fruits and gave one to Rocky while she ate the other one.
Yuu: Alright, Rocky, let's go.
The pair continued their trek into the forest. The Dragon King watched them go as he was proud that Yuu and her friend managed to drive the Dragonalike away.
After a while of walking, Yuu and Rocky finally found what they were looking for.
Yuu: Rocky, look! Those flowers are super shiny!
Planted by the side of a fountain were the pink flowers the two had been searching for.
Ever so carefully, Yuu picked one of them.
Yuu: Good… it's still shining. Alright, let's get back to your family, Rocky.
Just then, the fountain began glowing the same shade as the flower Yuu had just plucked.
A figure appeared from within– Something that wasn't quite Human.
She stood taller than Yuu, maybe taller than a Human. She was white and pink and her body and neck seemed to be made from the same fluids as the fountain. Her eyes are closed and she has pink floppy ears and symmetrical antlers with a few pink flowers on it. She has two long transparent green fins behind her head and a pink fin behind her back. She has large soft white hands with three fingertips, and she wears an open white gown that ends as a sideway tailfin behind with pink at the tips.
Fountain Spirit: I welcome you to the Fountain of Wishes… I am its Guardian Spirit.
The Fountain Spirit introduced herself to Yuu.
Yuu: Ah… Um… Hello there!
Yuu was thrown off by the Spirit's unexpected emergence. Despite this, the Spirit continued.
Fountain Spirit: This fountain grants any wish to those with strong will… Now, state your wish.
Yuu: M-My wish…?
The Fountain Spirit nodded slowly in response.
Yuu: Um… I wanna become a great Hero, but…
Yuu breaks out of her bewilderment to consider her answer carefully.
Yuu: It wouldn't be fair for my wish to be granted…
The Fountain Spirit understood why Yuu meant by not being fair, and couldn't let out a soft laugh at that.
Fountain Spirit: Haha… How admirable.
Yuu giggled in response to the praise. The Fountain Spirit reached out and gently touched Yuu's blushing cheeks. The girl froze at the gentle touch.
Fountain Spirit: Then I shall grant you a small blessing.
Images then appeared on Yuu's mind. About fountains similar to the one the Fountain Spirit appeared. One is at Crystal Moon Hill as well.
Fountain Spirit: Around the world, you will find similar fountains to mine. They will offer you repose whenever you are in need of it. They will be a great aid to your adventure.
The Fountain Spirit concluded with a motherly smile on her face.
Fountain Spirit: May the fountains be your guiding light…
She let go of Yuu's cheek before disappearing in the same light.
Yuu: She 's gone…
Yuu touched the cheek where the Fountain Spirit touched.
Yuu: What was all that about, I wonder…? Something about her felt… familiar.
Yuu fell into a daze. When the Fountain Spirit touched her, Yuu felt very warm and fuzzy inside, but also with a sense of calmness and safety. She couldn't understand why the thought of the Fountain Spirit makes her feel like this.
Rocky: Bark, bark.
Rocky urged Yuu to return to his family.
Yuu: Ah, right, we've gotta hurry and deliver these flowers!
Yuu and Rocky sped off into the winter beyond the forest. They met with Isolde again, who gave them a ride all the way to Rocky's home.
-Rocky's Home, Crystal Moon Hill-
Isodle, Rocky and Yuu arrived at Rocky's home, and laying down on the ground were the young Sno Fox's family.
Rocky's family are like him, but they were all white and light blue. The larger one is clearly Rocky's Mom.
They got off Isolde and quickly went to Rocky's family. Plucking a single petal from the flower, Yuu and Rocky first handed it to the youngest cub. The cub was enveloped by the soft pink glow… before long, its fever had died down. The Cub 's eyes opened.
Yuu: We did it! It worked!
Rocky: Bark, bark!
The two each cured the remaining family members.
…
In no time, Rocky's family had been healed. Rocky's eyes were teary as he was glad his family was healed.
Rocky's Mother: You helped us, even though we're complete strangers… You have my greatest thanks.
The Vixen expressed her gratitude.
Yuu: Aw, don't thank me. I was just helping out Rocky is all. He worked really hard to get you all better again.
Rocky's family all had tears streaming down their faces as they celebrated their recovery.
Yuu became a little teary-eyed herself as they nuzzled a crying Rocky.
Yuu: I'm happy for you, Rocky.
Yuu was genuinely glad she was able to help Rocky's family. She then turned towards Isolde.
Yuu: Thanks for helping us, Ms. Isolde.
Isolde: You're welcome dear. I'm just glad to see this family okay.
Before Yuu had realized it, the sun was about to set. It was time for her to return home.
Rocky called to Yuu as she left, promising that he'd help her whenever she was in trouble.
Yuu: Thanks, Rocky! See you later!
Parting with those words, she ran back to the Dragon King who was awaiting her return.
Rocky was sad to see Yuu go, but cried out his goodbyes until she disappeared from sight.
Isolde then approached Rocky as she comforted him.
Isolde: Don't worry, Rocky. I'm sure you'll see Yuu again very soon.
Rocky hoped so.
-Crystal Moon Hill-
Yuu stepped outside Rocky's home and was immediately surprised at seeing the Dragon King there.
Yuu: Dad? What are you doing here?
Dragon King: I heard that you went to Crystal Moon Hill, even though you have no protection against the harsh cold.
(The Dragon King made that story up so Yuu wouldn't suspect that he was following her.)
Yuu: Sorry, Dad. But look! I got this rock that protects me from the cold!
Yuu showed the Dragon King the rock she got from Grandfather Owl.
Dragon King: A Heat Stone? Hmm… You can tell me all about it once we're back at the den.
Yuu then got on the Dragon King's back and they started to fly away with the frozen wonderland behind them.
But as Yuu and the Dragon King returned to their mountain den, a suspicious figure lurked in the shadows of a tree…
?: Drat… I went through all that trouble to get that Monster to the hill, but I didn't expect it to succumb to Yuu…
The suspicious figure was also at Bloom Forest as he watched the fight of Yuu and Rocky against the Dragonalike(without the Dragon King noticing him).
?: Oh, this is bad. This is vey, very bad… I must do something soon…
The figure looked at where Yuu and the Dragon King flew.
?: I've no choice. I've planned this for too long. It's time I put the wheels in motion…
The figure started to leave as he laughed at what he was planning.
?: Kekeke, everything will go just as planned! Yuu will surely yield next time!
The figure then disappeared in the snowstorm, preparing to strike another day.
-Mountain King Den, Hillside Mountain-
The day had come to an end, as they always did. Yuu and the Dragon King lay comfy in their bed, Yuu regaling the Dragon King of her adventures in the day.
The Dragon King was pleased that Yuu had helped someone in need.
Dragon King: If you continue as you are, Yuu, the day someone calls you a hero is sure to come soon.
That made Yuu very happy.
Yuu: Hehehe, you think so? I can't wait!
Dragon King: Now, Yuu, let's get some sleep. How about a tale of the Great Hero?
Yuu pulled her grass blanket as she's eager to hear another story of her Papa.
Yuu: Yes please! What does he do this time?
Dragon King: Today, I will recount the time the Hero defeated a terrible Monster in White Tread Valley…
He began to tell the story as Yuu listened.
…
The young Hero was clashing against the Monster that terrorized the village with his sword, until he finally defeated it.
Dragon King: After the battle, the young man had the Monster cornered.
The Hero stood in front of the defeated Monster with his sword aimed at it.
He was one strike away from victory, but he didn't deliver the finishing blow.
Dragon King: The Hero sheathed his sword back in his scabbard as he looked at the defeated Monster.
Hero: I believe you merely followed the Demon King's orders. For that, I will spare your life. Instead, I ask that you consider the error of your ways.
With that, the Hero left, leaving a bewildered Monster as it watched him leave.
Dragon King: The young man left, the village now freed from the Demon King's tyranny. It is said that the villagers came to commend him for his deeds.
…
Dragon King: But that's all for tonight…
Having finished his story, the Dragon King turned to look at Yuu.
Yuu: Zzz… Papa… He helped so many people, and he became a hero because of it…
Dragon King: Yes. That's why, Yuu, in order for you to…
Yuu: Zzz…
Before he could finish, Yuu had fallen fast asleep.
Dragon King: Huh. She 's fast asleep.
The Dragon King gently stroked Yuu's head, finishing his thoughts to himself.
Dragon King: (That's why, in order to be recognized as a hero, you must defeat a very cruel Monster, one feared by many…)
With that, the Dragon King then prepared to go to sleep as well, the night stars shining on them from the cavern in the hole.
Dragon King: ACHOO!
Yuu: AAH! Papa! Are you okay!?
Dragon King: (Sniff)...! I think I caught a cold…
Short Episode 1
Yuu took a walk in the forest, until suddenly she was surrounded by Raccoons.
Yuu took out her stick sword and attacked.
But one Raccoon jumped above Yuu using her pot helmet as a platform.
The other ran underneath her.
Then another one was pulling her cape.
The Dragon King watched Yuu's fight behind the shrub as he facepalmed in embarrassment.
He then decided to help by breathing fire on Yuu's stick, which she immediately swung around to send the fire-scared Raccoons fleeing
Yuu celebrated her victory as the Dragon King smiled.
Isolde is my Oc of the Icicle Stagg Tribe. I always thought that Tribe is more gentle than aggresive. We'll see more of her later