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.

28. A Night of Drinks, Questions, and Charms

Lui lifts her glass that is half-full of red wine to her lips and takes a small sip, prompting you to take a generous swig of the mixed concoction she generously decided to pay for on a whim. The strong spirits slide down your throat; tingling the entire trip down. This might be the fastest you've ever torn through a drink like this. You're probably just really eager to take a mental load off. Fighting demons and witches will do that to a guy after all. You've starred evil incarnate in the face, so you are definitely not nervous about sharing a drink with a mysterious woman who happened to call you handsome and seems interested in hearing about your adventures.

"So, tell me about this week you've had. Maybe just start with the past few days. Who knows? I might like your story enough to buy you another drink." Lui finishes her request with a quick wink of one of her baby blue eyes.

Everything about this woman exudes an air of elegance, experience, but possibly most alluring of all; confidence. You find yourself getting easily distracted by taking in all her features. The way her feathered hair falls and creates a pink frame to draw your attention to her smooth and entrancing face. What you find even more interesting is how she managed to style the hair above her bangs to look like two wings that close around her head like a tiara. Her upper body is covered by a basic but expertly tailored white collared button up shirt. While the quality of the shirt itself is clear, the size may be just a tad too small, as some of Lui's assets seem to be barely contained by the cloth garment. A plain black skirt only manages to reach her thighs from her seated position, giving you a full view of possibly the longest legs you've ever seen that are covered by thin pantyhose.

She sits in the bar stool next to you giving you her full attention. This really shouldn't be any different than when you were asked by some of the people back in Bjornholm to retell some of your adventure so far, but then, why does it feel so different?

"Are you really sure you want me taking up your time with my story? You might not even believe it." You ask, still a little nervous that the truthful retelling of events might be seen as utterly outlandish by someone who wasn't there.

"I did say I heard about a young man and his team of attractive companions starting to make a buzz in a few places already. Are you not the ones who managed to take down an elven conspiracy that happened across the ocean, and ignite trade between that same kingdom and a group of people that live along the coastline?" Lui responds without missing a beat, seemingly sure of the answer already.

"Well yeah, that was us…but even more has happened since then, like…"

"Like what? Slaying demons? Reversing ancient curses?" The woman ventures a not so random guess with a curved smile. Lui chuckles softly when she notices your dumbstruck expression. "Does it really matter if I think it's real in the end? Maybe I'm just a woman in need of some fun company, and you could very well be just the man I need for that."

"I suppose I could give you a quick story then, at least until our food is ready." You say, trying to play it cool when you actually feel like wanting to regale this woman with stories of all your exploits in the hopes they would impress her.

You begin to share the tale of how you came across Pomu in the forest not too far from here, and the battles that followed within a castle made of the blackest stone. Lui listened intently as you gave a very abridged version of your battle against the fairy hating sorceress and her resurrected demon; Grendel. Unlike previous retellings with strangers not in the know, you did not omit any details about your spiritual pacts, or your spell book. As a summoner, you need to be more comfortable with sharing the existence of the great spirits with others. You finished your story with how the forest was brought back to life by Sylph's magic, and that the fairies could one day return if you and Pomu work together to bring awareness of their existence throughout the world.

"I didn't think you took my comment about slaying demons seriously." Lui giggles as she takes another drink from her glass. "Are you just good at spinning up just the right story a girl wants to hear? Or are you actually more than the rumors about you are saying?"

"That depends on what the rumors say." You shrug as you down the last of your drink with vigor.

"I believe that story more than earned you that drink, and I think perhaps even another." The woman says happily as she nods down Bosco who was in the middle of cleaning a glass behind the bar.

"You don't have to really." You protest politely. "The first was already really generous of you, I couldn't possibly."

"I insist, Anon. It is alright I call you Anon, right?" Lui asks, causing you to nod in response. "Don't worry though, you can take this one back with you to your friends. You've given me a lot to think about. Your exciting story will more than hold me over for a bit…until I can think of some questions worth asking about yourself. Promise you'll come back and talk with me a bit more?"

"S-Sure." You say sheepishly as you happily accept the newly filled glass Bosco slides in front of you. Lui gives you a bright smile as she waves her fingers to see you off. Giving the innkeeper and your newest acquaintance a nod, you get up from your seat and begin to walk over to the dining area of the inn. Whatever is in this drink you are already on your second glass of, is pretty damn strong. A floaty feeling can already be felt within your legs as you have to slightly be conscious of how you walk across the worn but well kept hardwood floors.

At one of the longer wooden dining tables, sits all of your friends; cheery and ready to make this another night to remember. The butterflies you felt during your conversation with Lui vanish instantly as you take a seat between Watame and Sylph.

"So who's your new friend, Anon?" Polka asks from across the table, her elbows propping her hands that rest under her chin.

"Her name's Lui. I don't know much other than that." You say truthfully. "She just overheard me mention that our week has been kinda crazy, and the next thing I know, she's buying me some drinks in exchange for the tale."

"Just be careful what you say around complete strangers. We still don't know where a certain group could have their eyes and ears." Flare remarks, causing you to give the half-elf an unamused look. Thankfully, Bosco arrives with a tray full of glasses for everyone else at the table. Flare happily takes hers and takes a big gulp, and you can hear Watame do the same next to you.

"I can't go hiding who I am from every person we pass by, Flare." You argue as you take another big swig from your glass, the liquid somehow burns a little more the second go around, but is strangely tantalizing. "How are people supposed to know they can count on me to be their spark of hope when I don't tell them about what I can do?"

"Nene thinks Flare worry too much. Anon will smash yappy pink coyote next time." Nene chimes in after taking a big drink of her own. "But whaleface is mine."

The surprisingly sinister tone from your normally bubbly friend makes everyone completely pause and take another sip of their own beverage. Of course Nene would have some aggression towards the people who put you through so much strife, but you're not sure exactly what Chloe could have done to become the champion of Ursol's designated prey.

"I don't think it's so unusual for a pretty girl to want to hear about the adventures you and Anon have been on so far." Pomu chimes in as she looks deeply into her glass. "Everyone loves a good story after all. Plus! Anon has already told another person that fairies exist! That's a win in my book."

"Thank you, Pomu." You say smugly as you take another sip. "I also have a job as a summoner to spread the word about Undine and Sylph. There was a time where they were known by the whole world. You remember that even the elves thought they were myths at this point, Flare."

"I guess you have a point…" Flare grumbles as she crosses her arms. "Just don't get TOO chummy with your new friend. Okay?"

"I think she's just lonely or something." You wave off the half-elf's possible jealousy, but are sure to mentally log it for later. The idea that Flare is potentially worried about some mystery woman whisking you away from her is a confidence booster to say the least. "Besides, I think I have done just fine for myself getting 'chummy' with people. I haven't befriended a person who has steered me wrong yet, have I?"

"Anon's got you there, Flare." Polka lets out a hearty chuckle. "If he wasn't so open to talking and sharing his life story with me back in that jail cell we met in, who knows how things could have ended up."

"He did the same with me too!" Watame chirps.

"You were also pretty trusting of me…even though I gave you more than a few reasons not to be…" Pomu adds in while looking a little downcast, obviously feeling a little guilty still about how she let her own fears of being left alone keep her from divulging the full details of her situation to you when you first met.

"Fine fine!" Flare concedes. "I guess if I really ask you to not be as trusting as you are…you wouldn't be you…Just promise me if you talk to her again though, you'll try to get a better idea of WHO she is."

"Flare's the one with the good point now." Polka says cheerily as she points an enthusiastic finger towards the half-elf seated next to her, as if she is keeping score for some internal game she just thought up. The half-elf rolling her eyes but with a small smile causes the fennec to giggle softly before she looks to have finished formulating a thought in her head. "It can never hurt to get to know more of the people we pass by. Best case scenario; we meet someone with knowledge of the spirits, yours and Watame's homes, OR your spell book. Worst case; we meet another unhinged nutjob who wants to capture one of us for some insane reason. In that case, we just stop them like always."

"Polka's exactly right!" You agree. "We can't afford to stay out of sight all the time. We could miss the very clues we hope to find."

"Yeah, I'm so sure that's what was on your mind." Flare says in a playful, but sarcastic tone. "Just be sure you don't forget about the excuse Polka so conveniently handed you next time, okay?"

As you nod and begin to form a rebuttal for the half-elf, Bosco returns with a giant platter of food that he places down at the middle of the wooden dining table. Any thoughts or conversation everyone might have could wait until after you've answered the calls of your rumbling stomachs. Freshly cut and seared meats glisten with a particularly enticing smelling glaze, while the freshly heated corn cobs make you question what you should get your hands on first.

Watame's hand moves like lightning as it grabs a steaming baked sweet potato. Nene and Polka also waste no time getting the closest slabs of meat onto their empty white plates.

"You really went all out, Mister Bosco!" Pomu exclaims as she looks up to the jolly innkeeper.

"I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the story your friend was telling at my bar. As soon as I heard he came to the aid of one of my favorite little avid readers, I made sure my chef put together some of his best for everyone." Bosco says with a light laugh. "Which by the way, why the secrecy all this time, Pomu?"

"I just…didn't know how you might react." The fae starts. "I always came here alone, so I thought it would be safer if I just blended in."

"If you were concerned with getting your latest novels and racing back home to read them, then I completely understand." The innkeeper says with a playful tone, causing Pomu to look up at him in surprise. "If you actually told me you were a real life fairy, I would probably keep you past nightfall asking questions. I wouldn't want to be stuck here either when I could be at home learning about the newest exploits of a certain handsome stealth operative."

The fact that this man knows full well the types of books he's been selling this forest fairy, ALONG with the details of their contents, makes you cringe slightly. Still, the man makes a stiff drink, so you guess you can ignore it just this once. Hopefully after two or three more of these you just might forget this little detail about him.

"Thanks Mister Bosco…" Pomu says softly. "I feel kinda silly now that I wasn't being truthful with you from the start."

"It's something she's working on." You interject with a smile. "While we have you here, would it be too much trouble to sort out rooms for the night."

"Not at all. You'll need how many beds? Seven?" Bosco happily replies, as he counts the number of solid bodies at your table with a roaming finger.

"Six works!" Pomu chimes in.

"Six it is then." The portly innkeeper claps his hands together. "I suppose I should not be surprised that a group so well traveled knows how to keep costs down. I'll have the three rooms on the right at the end of the hallway upstairs made ready for you all. I'll be right back with your room keys and I'll collect payment for the rooms upfront. Five gold pieces a room should do. A friendly discount for friends of my favorite fellow reader."

"Not a bad deal at all." Polka remarks as Bosco leaves towards the bar. She then takes off her hat and begins to fish around its insides until she lifts her hand out to reveal a shining gold coin between each of her knuckles. "Don't worry about tonight, Anon. I got you."

"Really?" You ask. "I won't argue with that, so thanks!"

"You're gonna need to hang on to all you got for tomorrow anyway." The fennec replies with a wink.

It takes your steadily slowing mind a second to realize what Polka is talking about, but you remember how you actually have a planned date with Watame tomorrow. The thought brings a likely very stupid grin on your face as you try to focus just on the dwindling contents of your glass. You just kinda blurted out earlier that you would take your beloved sheep shopping, and hadn't actually thought about the finances potentially involved. Thankfully, like you and Polka talked about the other night, your journey so far has been fortunately easy on your wallet. Tonight might be the most any of you have spent in a while. You all deserve to live it up as much as you can though. Yesterday's battle sure as hell earned you all that.

"I'll cover yours for tonight in that case, Watame." Flare adds. "We will need to find a way to get some more money eventually though. We can't exactly travel the world on pocket change."

"That pocket change is my life savings…" You mutter under your breath, before deciding not to let yourself dwindle on the half-elf's choice of words. "Maybe we should go treasure hunting. I bet we can get to places most people can't! There's bound to be some amazing stuff just waiting for someone to find it!"

"And now he thinks he can live like some pirate." The half-elf sighs before cracking a small smile. "Finding lost treasure does sound fun though…"

"Treasure hunters aren't always pirates." You scoff. "Being a pirate might clash with the whole hero image I'm trying to build. It could also make it hard going places too…if people think we're wanted pirates, they might try to arrest us."

"Like you need any more help getting arrested when you set foot into new lands." Polka chuckles.

"Oh like you're one to talk." You fire back while laughing.

"I'll have you know I lasted three whole days in the elven kingdom before I got thrown into that jail cell." The circus fennec says proudly for some reason. "You didn't even last one."

"But if we were pirates, we could have our boat!" Watame exclaims before you can speak a rebuttal meant for Polka. "And now we have even more friends to help us sail it!"

"We don't need to be pirates to have a boat." Flare groans.

"Being a pirate sounds fun though!" Pomu joins in. "We could sail anywhere we wanted. Adventure on the high seas sounds like something we just GOT to try."

"You'll never have to worry about the winds or waters being unfavorable either. Not with us around anyway." Sylph says to you with a wink.

"I cannot wait to be near the ocean once more." Undine says as she floats next to you with a particularly bright smile on her face. "I also cannot help but feel that the idea of helping push ships along the waves is somewhat familiar to me."

"I think people used to pray to us for that kinda stuff all the time." Sylph ponders thoughtfully with her chin pointed up towards the ceiling. "It's still so fuzzy when I try to remember things from before we must have fallen asleep…Or maybe it's whatever is in this cup."

A small smile curves on your lips as you observe the wind spirit's seemingly innate ability to rebound herself. From your link you can tell she is holding back slightly, the uncertainty of how many of her memories may be lost and how long they may stay lost for, clearly troubles her. You feel like doing everything in your power to keep that innocent smile of hers protected.

"And speaking of cups." You loudly interject. "We have two new members of our group to officially welcome to the party. Isn't that right, Polka?"

"You're damn right it is!" Polka exclaims as she slams both her hands on the table and props herself forward on them. "How about we tag team this one?"

"Ladies first." You say rising from your seat with your glass raised towards the fennec.

Polka then stands up straight and brushes off the frills of her colorful skirt with her free hand. She then clears her throat a few times and looks over everyone with sparkling and excited eyes. "We left Bjornholm with the hopes of finding the help Anon and Flare would need to learn wind magic, and boy did we find that and more!"

"Even though we might have found demons and a mad sorceress, we also found a new friend. A friend that would help me bring back another friend" You begin as you take the nod from Polka as a sign to take your turn. "Pomu, you not only helped me find Sylph, but you saved our butts time and time again."

"A fairy who is strong at heart, and knows how to have fun! I'm so glad you're coming with us, Pomu!" Polka beams, her glass now directed at a blushing fae who is trying desperately to force herself to look up at those giving her so much praise.

"And that goes for you too, Sylph!" You say turning to the wind spirit beside you. "This journey won't always be easy, but I'm going to keep getting stronger and become a better summoner for everyone's sake. I'm going to become a shining spark of hope for the entire world! What about all of you!?"

"I'm going to keep getting stronger too!" Watame rises from her seat with her glass raised towards the center of the table. "Here's to finding where we both came from, and making the world a better place with my songs!"

"To helping Anon become the best summoner the world has ever known!" Flare joins in.

"To bringing smiles all across the world! And stopping those who want to take them away!" Polka extends her own glass forward next.

"To becoming the strongest Nene can be! To protect Anon, friends, and Bjornholm!" Nene proudly cheers.

"T-To showing the entire world that I'm here, and that fairies exist! To make myself so well known, that all the Rainpuffs will return to my forest better than ever!" Pomu resolves herself to say as she quickly rises from her seat and joins everyone else's glasses in the center.

"To always be the wings at my summoner's back!" Sylph says with gusto as she brings her own cup forward. "You're gonna get in on this too right, sis?"

"You will need to drink twice on my behalf then." Undine giggles with an almost blinding brightness. "But yes! To always be the tide that pulls my summoner closer to his goals."

"And to all of us working together to find even more spirits and reunite the entire family!" You end loudly and proudly as you push your glass forward to prompt everyone else to toast.

Everyone lets out a resounding cheer as they lift the mouths of their cups to their lips and quickly make their bottoms point towards the sky. As each person finishes the contents of their glass, the room is filled with the noise of their audible "ahhs", both from the refreshing liquid being down in one gulp, and the emotional high your resonating of hearts has brought you all.

In this moment, you feel everything that is good in your world. The love you feel for the people you've known and been through many trials with already, the joy of seeing them smile and laugh, and the certainty that you'll all accomplish your dreams one day. Even the odd look or two your group appears to be getting from the slowly funneling in patrons doesn't bother you all in the slightest. As long as you're all together, you're exactly where you're meant to be.

Immediately as your group toast finishes, everyone reverts to their most inner selves when they are allowed to be just as they are. You watch Polka manage to just barely keep Nene from throwing the glass that was in her hand down onto the table with all her might. The fennec, now fueled by panic, begins to explain how these cups are not as sturdy as the ones from Bjornholm, and would surely break from the champion of Ursol's strength. Flare and Watame hunch over the table as they begin to fuel themselves with even more food, likely to prepare them for the night of fun and performances ahead. Sylph and Undine look to just be happily observing mortals making merry as they converse with each other about some of the specifics. Pomu sits back in her chair gently and breathes in deeply, like she is trying to bask and burn this moment into her memory. You think you'll join her.

"So, this is what you get to roam the entire world with." You say to the fae as you place your now empty glass on the table and take the seat next to her that Sylph left unoccupied so that she could be closer to some of the foods she was more curious about.

"Everywhere is gonna be a party isn't it?" Pomu says brightly.

"I sure hope so." You chuckle. "And with us at the center of that party, the whole world will surely get a powerful reminder that fairies exist, for better, or for worse!"

"Hey! Are you guys trouble!?" Pomu asks playfully. "I got a reputation to uphold after all. I can't spread fairy awareness if I'm associated with a bunch of tavern smashers."

"Oh yeah, how could I forget the upstanding image of Pomu Rainpuff." You say sarcastically. "The fairy who definitely doesn't play all sorts of tricks and pranks on people she wants to be her friend. Let's not forget how one of those pranks involved me reading aloud a very descriptive couple of pages from an erotic novel."

"Oh come on!" Pomu huffs as she plays along with your banter. "It may not be your taste, but you gotta admit it's well written! The prose and the imagery are top notch!"

"I kinda wish they weren't…" You laugh.

Bosco then arrives back at your table with three separate key rings that each hold a single brass door key. Everyone who is paying for their stay for the night, immediately stops whatever they are doing and gives the portly innkeeper their full attention. He hands a key to Pomu first who drops the five gold coins she fished from her travel pouch into his hand, which he then places over his apron pocket to let the money fall to the bottom. Flare and Polka then reach across the table to do the same.

After securing his payment, Bosco looks at you all with a wide smile as his head slowly turns to acknowledge some of the other seated patrons who are likely waiting for service.

"That takes care of your rooms for the night. Shall I open the tab for everything else? It looks like you all might want another round of drinks." He says with professional hospitality.

"Definitely after our first number." Polka answers. "Which by the way, mind if we entertain the masses a little?"

"Supposed adventurers AND stage performers? This I will have to see for myself." Bosco chortles as he gives the circus magician a gesture to grant her the permission she asked for.

"Nenechi? Ready for your first live performance?" Polka asks the bubbly blond next to her.

"Yes! Nene is super ready, Omarun!" Nene replies with energetic focus.

"Then it's showtime girls!" Polka cheers with her arms raised up high. "I've gone too many days without performing for a crowd!"

"Me too!" Watame says as she swallows her food and unclips her harp from her belt. She gives its strings a few testing plucks, and gives her friends an affirming nod.

"You'll be cheering us on, right?" Flare says with a very graceful flutter of her eyes at you, making your heart jump to match your affirming nod. The half-elf giggles softly at your response and rises to follow Polka's lead. It still amazes you to think back on how almost reluctant Flare was at first to get up and perform for a crowd. Polka certainly does have a way of changing how you think about that sort of thing.

The four girls then make their way to an elevated platform at the far end of the dining room. Polka reaches into her hat, and to the curious onlookers' amazement, pulls a small hand drum from it. The circus fox doesn't miss a single astonished stare or gasp as she gives her audience a confident smile. She then hands the musical barrel to Nene who immediately starts to slap her hand against its top to create a rhythmic beat. Watame joins in next with an energetic crescendo of notes from her trusty harp. With no need for introduction or words to ensnare their audience, since all eyes are already upon them, the girls begin a musical act that is born from their very souls and love for each other, as well as the music.

You are completely enthralled by how fluid the girls' movements are in relation to one another, and they all look simply radiant up on that stage. Perhaps it's the small buzz you already have going, but all four of them are looking particularly beautiful today. A sudden jab to your upper chest from Pomu's elbow breaks you out entertaining fantasies about who you might retire with for the night. You look at the fae with a hint of annoyance as she looks at you with a smug grin.

"Do you get like this every time you drink?" She teases. "At least try to be a little subtle about what you're thinking about, Anon."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just enjoying the show." You try to save face.

"Oh he's enjoying it alright!" Sylph chimes in from your other side. "Although, I can't quite put my finger on who he might be enjoying the most right now. It seems like it could be anyone's game. What about you sis? You've been with our summoner longer. What do you think?"

"Hmmm." The water spirit hums as she floats herself closer to examine you, causing you to shrink down slightly in embarrassment. Your eyes unwillingly meet hers as those azure pools pierce the defenses of your own soul. She grins playfully at you to show she has seemingly found her answer. Undine then backs up and shrugs. "I am afraid I cannot say for certain, sister. All four girls hold such special places within our summoner's heart. It is far too soon to tell which he might be pining for on this particular night."

"Well one of them has to be the lucky lady to help the summoner with his sleep troubles." Pomu joins in, all too happy to play the peanut gallery to the show that is your love life. "Well your wingfairy is already ready to help! Just tell me which lovely specimen strikes your fancy today, and I'll do what I can to land you both in the sheets together. What do you do then, is all on you!"

"I'm going to get another drink now!" You shout as you slam your hands against the tabletop to help hasten your ascent. You hate to leave your prime seat that gives you a clear view of all your favorite girls, but you need a small reprieve from the teasing of your spirit tied company.

Even as you stomp off to the bar, you can hear Pomu and Sylph's shared giggles at your expense. You let out a frustrated sigh as you find an empty barstool and sit down. You look around for the inn's proprietor, only to see the man busily bringing drinks around to other patrons while others who you have to assume are part of his staff, are doing the same with food as well. As you are about to let out another sigh, this time in impatience, a small stout glass slides into your view by the way of a feminine hand wrapped within fingerless leather gloves. You trace the hand back to its owner; Lui, who smiles and gives you a fluttering wave with her other hand that hovers beside her cheek.

"I'm glad to see you're a man who keeps your promises." Lui says to greet you. "Go ahead, I ordered that one just for you. It's a different drink than what you've had so far, but I think you'll like the mature taste it has."

"I-I did say I would come back and talk to you a little more." You stammer as you try to push the flustered feelings you have downward. "You really ordered this for me?"

"Of course." The woman answers as she casually brushes some of the feathery pink hair that covers some of her cheek to the side. "I've decided that I just got to know more about you. You'll indulge me? Right?"

"Well you did buy me another drink, so I guess I owe you!" You say as you look down at the glass in front of you; four ice cubes float atop a deep brown liquid just below the circular lip. Your fingers encircle the still cold drink ware and lift it up to your face. You've never been good at telling the difference between alcohol just by smell, and this doesn't seem like one of those times you should bother trying to fake it. Lifting the chilly glass to your lips, you let a little slide through and down your throat. The burn you feel as it goes down is intense, but also strangely satisfying on the back of the strong oak-like taste of the liquor that immediately seems to start refueling the buzz you were starting to lose. You squint your eyes forcefully as your drink drops down into your stomach, but not without it leaving your mouth and throat still tingling. "Woah!" You gasp. "Not even the stuff in Bjornholm had this kinda kick AND texture to it."

"I had a feeling you would like it." Lui giggles. "Now I have quite a few questions that are just burning in my mind about you."

"I have a few for you as well." You say, somehow feeling a little braver than before. "I haven't asked anything about you yet. I'd like to get to know the girl who's been so generous with me if that's alright."

"Most men would be happy just talking about themselves, but you…you want to know about me first? You are an interesting man, Anon~." Lui coos before she breathes in deeply through her nose as her shoulders rise and fall with the motion. She takes a generous sip from the glass of red wine whose stem is gently between her thumb and forefinger, and then looks at you with a soft smile. "I probably won't seem like much compared to a brave hero like yourself, but here goes. I'm a trader of sorts. Not in a strictly traditional sense either. One of my specialities is information."

"So people buy information from you?" You feel the need to clarify as you take another burning swig of your drink. It goes down a little easier this time, and you're pretty sure you don't end up letting its strength pop out your eyeballs this time.

"For the right price, and if it has potential impacts on trade, yes." Lui says with an air of pride. "That's why I happened to know a lot about you from the start. I travel from place to place in search of information that particularly merchants or their organizations might find useful. It can be anything from the state of local governments, the invention of a new type of good, or even just, up and rising stars…like yourself."

"N-No way someone would pay actual money just to hear about me…" You say bashfully. "I've just kinda been crashing through places with my friends and causing a scene."

"And he's humble. That's quite adorable." The woman next to you says affectionately, as she places a hand on your shoulder that makes you jolt for a split second. "I'm not sure you realize just how interesting you are, Anon. I need to know more about you. Now tell me, what drives you? What pushes you to do things like battle with demons, or help unite groups of people?"

The way Lui seems to put increasing emphasis on how interesting you apparently are and how she just HAS to know more, gives you a very unsettling shock of deja vu. You quickly just focus on the latest question she gave you. It's one whose answer feels like second nature to you now. One you can proudly say takes no time at all to think about.

"That's easy. Our world is one that deserves to be protected and cherished. That not only goes for everything in nature like the waters, trees and animals, but for us too. Everyone deserves a chance to live freely and happily. I've already run into more than a few people already who would rob them of that happiness for their own gains." You begin to answer, the cheer your thoughts start to grow more serious as you recall all the enemies you've encountered. "All those things are the reason I fight. To protect the good, to punish the wicked, and to be a light of hope that people can turn to when things are at their darkest."

"I see." Lui says with a much more controlled tone than before. You also can't be certain, but you could swear you saw her eyes flash a dark orange hue, and even the shape of her pupils seemed to change for an instant. It's probably just the alcohol. You have been hitting this stuff rather fast already.

"That's the kinda goal that could make a woman follow you to the ends of the earth, Anon." The informant follows up, her voice playful and almost melodic. "Be careful with that kinda talk. You'll need to back it up when it really counts."

"That's why I'm never going to stop trying to get even stronger and better with my magic." You say to hopefully quell your drinking companion's worries. "I know I got a long way to go, but I will be someone this world can count on."

"You really do sound like a hero." Lui chuckles. "I kinda like that though. It suits you. Speaking of your magic, I'd love to hear how it works. The rumors only shed so much light on it after all…no pun intended. I already know that strange book of yours can create spells based on starlight. A very romantic speciality by the way. If I'm ever in need of protection, promise me you'll come blazing through like a bright star, okay?"

You only meekly nod as you focus back on your half-filled glass that rests on the smooth wooden countertop of the bar. Again, talking to someone who apparently knows more about your spell book than you have personally shared creates a small pit within your stomach. As if to try and distract yourself from this feeling, an idea suddenly pops in your head. You quickly twist your body and reach down to unstrap your spell book from its holding place. It might be easier to show where some of your magic comes from, rather than try to explain it. You turn towards Lui and hold your tome open to present its pages to her. She looks at the object questioningly, and then back to you.

"So I'm still slowly putting pieces together on how this works, but I can only read the words that are in silver-white lettering on the pages." You begin to explain as you point to the lines that contain your first spell. "Nobody seems to know what exactly this book is, or where it even comes from. That's part of why I'm traveling the world too. If I find out where this book came from, I might find where I come from too!"

Lui's interest looks to be captured as her eyes widen slightly while she scans the contents of the bound parchment. She learns toward and lifts a tentative hand towards one of the page corners before looking to you for approval. You give the feathered hair woman a pleasing nod and she begins to turn page after page, scanning each one up and down. It might be far too much to hope for that this supposedly well informed woman has some clue to your book's origins, but it's certainly worth a try.

"You can actually read these strange letters?" Lui asks after she reaches the page containing your newest spell. Her eyes narrow over its lines, almost like she was surprised to see them there. Perhaps she has some sort of clue to the strange writings origins? Her soft smile returns as she straightens herself back up to make eye contact with you.

"Yeah, and not just me either. Three of my friends are able to as well. We're not really sure how that happens either. It's almost like this book is alive, and responds to what I need." You say as you try to put more of the mystery surrounding your grimoire into words. "You haven't happened to see anything like it before, have you?"

"It certainly isn't your typical spell book then." Lui says as she ponders over your question with a curled finger under her chin. "I'm afraid I've never seen symbols like the ones in here before, sorry. I wish I could point you in the possible direction of your home, I really do. There are unfortunately things even I don't know yet."

"That's alright." You say, trying not to sound disappointed as you close your book and place it back within its straps. "I'll just keep searching. I'm bound to find something eventually. I also got more important things to do first anyway. I can worry about finding where I might come from later."

"You talk like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders." Lui says sympathetically.

"I don't really think of it like that." You reply while shaking your head. "Being there for and helping people, just feels right for me. I don't think I could ever look away from someone who is suffering anymore. Not when I know I have the power to try and change things for the better."

"So let's make tonight all about you then." Lui says as she raises her glass to you. "What do you say we finish our drinks in one gulp and take a breather of fresh air outside. I think the stars should just be starting to come out. I'm sure someone with magic like yourself enjoys seeing them more than others might. Although…with you around, it's like the stars themselves are keeping me company, so maybe we can save the outdoor scenery for later. The night is still young."

Being flirted with by a stranger feels so different, but also exciting. When you and Flare flirt, you are mostly skirting around your true desires and poking fun at one another, but Lui on the other hand, seems like a woman who knows exactly what she wants and how she wants to get it. That comes as an unexpected comfort when you think about it further. Yourself and all the girls around you are completely new to these experiences. To say you're nervous about how to proceed further is an understatement, but if you were in the care of someone like the woman next to you, you wouldn't need to worry about not knowing.

You happily raise your glass back to Lui and down the rest of its contents in one quick chug. The alcohol quickly feels like it rushes straight to your head as you can instantly feel yourself cross the threshold of just being buzzed. Lui downs the rest of her wine and looks at you with a very proud smirk. You turn your head back towards the dining area, and observe four of your friends still happily playing and serenading the crowd. You must have let out a very satisfied sigh as you hear Lui quietly giggle behind you.

"It appears I'll need to up my game if I hope to have a chance at keeping your attention all to myself tonight." She says seductively when you turn to face her.

"I-It's not like that!" You stammer as you catch yourself on how rude you must have seemed as you pined for your friends while in the company of a new friend you were currently in a conversation with. "We've just been traveling a while, and then there was the thing in the forest, and the castle, and I just have really been looking forward to-"

Before your prattling can continue, Lui silences you with a gentle, but commanding finger pressed against your lips. You can only look dumbly into her eyes as she purses her lips together and utters a hushed "Shhhh".

"Don't worry. I'm not the jealous type." Lui coos as she slowly retracts her finger. "I noticed that there's a line. I hope you'll be worth the wait~"

"I-I wouldn't call it a line." You babble, your face feels like it's heating to near fire-like levels.

"So you get to choose?" The woman's smile widens a little at her own inference.

"W-Well I don't think it's my choice alone." You offer nervously.

"True. That sort of experience should be a very mutual agreement. But I have to wonder if you're the type of man who prefers the woman to make the first move." Lui begins to say while she traces the lip of her empty glass with one of her slender fingers. "Perhaps you just want a guiding hand to help walk you through that door? Or maybe you want to be pulled in unexpectedly."

"I do have a small habit of just falling into intense situations." You chuckle as you stare into your empty glass, wishing it was filled to the brim with something that would help calm your nerves. "B-But maybe you'd like to hear more about one of those times? Not too long ago I kinda fell into the clutches of an evil group called HoloX."

"You? Being captured? That's a little hard to believe." Lui remarks without missing a beat. You have to admit you are a little thankful to be possibly changing the subject. This woman's charms are downright dangerous. You could feel yourself losing control, almost like when Koyori was trying to use what she believed were her charms on you.

"Oh that's happened three times now." You wave off. "It was all pretty scary at first, but hey I'm still here now! So it all worked out."

"How does one even capture someone with your unique talents? You told me about the wind spirit you fought alongside with during our previous conversation, but they say you also have done the same with another. Is that true?" Lui asks with keen interest.

"It is. Her name is Undine and she's the ruler of the waters." You say stoically. "She's one of the best friends I could ever ask for too."

"A friend you say? That now is certainly interesting to hear. I didn't even know such beings existed until I saw one walk through the front door and her 'summoner' entertained me with daring tales of his adventure alongside them."

"I think our ears are burninggggg!" Sylph's voice suddenly cuts through the air behind you as you feel what are likely her dainty arms hook around your neck, pull you back slightly. "You're talking about us, ain't cha, summoner?"

"Sylph! Be careful!" You snap as you plant both your hands on the front of your stool as it rocks back and forth along with the wind spirit's laughter.

"Awww don't worry! I'd never let ya fall!" The wind fairy chirps before freeing you from her surprise hug. She looks at your acquaintance and gives her a big bright smile. "Hi there! You're very pretty! My name's Sylph! I'm the orchestrator of the wind! Thanks a lot for showing my summoner a good time so far! He's been ultra stressed lately and you might be just what the doctor ordered!"

"My my, aren't you sweet." Lui suppresses a small laugh and offers the wind spirit her hand that she gladly shakes. "My name is Lui. I didn't mean to keep your summoner all to myself, but he is simply too hard to let go of."

"Oh she's smooooth." Sylph not so quietly whispers to you, earning another giggle from the woman in question. "Hey! You already seem to like her, so why don't we let Undine join our conversation too!"

"A summoning? Right here in the middle of the bar?" Lui asks, her tone laced with the fact that she would very much like to see such a thing transpire, despite the implied reservations.

"I'm afraid I can't do that quite yet." You admit. "But I can still let you see and talk to her. Just wait a sec, and keep your eyes on me."

"That I can certainly do." The informant purrs softly as she leans her elbow onto the bar countertop and lets her chin rest on the top of her hand.

Trying your best to brush off Lui's expert flirtation that could very well be making you feel like more the man than you could ever hope to be, you focus on your link with Undine. A mental agreement between the two of you is all it takes to make any person of your choosing be able to see the water spirit while she is in her spiritual state.

Lui's eyes widen slightly as they behold the floating woman of water behind you. She gives you a quick glance as if to ask if what she thinks she's seeing is indeed real, to which you nod your head happily.

"Undine, this is Lui. Lui, this is the great elemental spirit of water, Undine." You proudly go through the introductions.

"My lucky stars must all be in alignment tonight." Lui gives the water spirit a flattering smile. "Getting to meet two magical beings AND the handsome hero they're attached to all in one night? I'm sure glad I decided to make this town my stop."

"I will count myself lucky as well to be meeting someone who is clearly becoming quickly liked by my summoner." Undine says back with grace.

"How can you be so certain he likes me? So far all I've done is feed him drinks and get him to answer any little question that pops into my head." The informant seems to ask with a mix of genuine intrigue and confidence.

"Through our pact my sister and I can share feelings with our summoner. We can feel when he is happy, sad, angry, and even enamored." The water spirit says matter of factly.

"That gives a new meaning to the word 'close'. I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like." Lui remarks in astonishment.

"The best way I can think to describe it is that it makes me feel whole." You say with a loving smile towards both Undine and Sylph. "I was basically lost before I met Undine and Watame."

"Is Watame one of your friends on the stage? She's not the fairy is she? It looks like she joined everyone else." Lui asks as she points a finger from her propped up arm towards the small stage at the other end of the inn.

Just as she says, Pomu is up dancing merrily with the rest of your friends. You can hear the excited claps and cheers of the average patrons all the way from here. You can feel your heart lighten to see the forest fairy having such a good time and being accepted for what she is. You certainly can't take credit this time though, that belongs to Watame, Flare, Polka, and Nene. They're all so amazing.

"The fairy's name is Pomu." You begin as you correct your new friend. "Watame is the sheep. Flare is the one next to her, she's a half-elf. Then there's Polka, she's the fox, and last but certainly not least, is Nene."

"Anything particularly special about that one I should know." Lui inquires as she looks to be flagging the waitstaff that seems to have taken charge of the bar while Bosco tends to other matters.

"I'm not sure where to even begin." You sigh with a hint of lovestruck.

"That alone tells me a lot." Lui laughs as she gives the back of your arm that rests on the bar's edge a soft poke, causing you to turn halfway and see the alluring smile of this feathery haired woman holding two filled red wine glasses. "I can only ask for so much more of your time tonight, Anon. Will you join me for one last drink? Just the two of us? If that's alright with you ladies of course."

"Okiii dokie!" Sylph chirps as she flutters a few inches above the ground. "We'll see ya back at the table summoner! Don't keep the girls wiring too long though!"

With a hearty wave and not so subtle grin, the wind spirit tugs the sleeve of her older sister to pull her along back towards the dining room. You have to try to remember to ask how she is able to touch Undine when she is in her spiritual state while she herself is very much solid. You look back towards your companion who hands you your glass that is filled quite generously with red, sweet smelling liquid.

"To a hero's much needed respite." Lui toasts.

"And to meeting new friends." You say as you clink your glasses together. The thick liquor slides down your throat with an intoxicating smoothness. The radical change in harshness compared to what you were drinking earlier almost shocks your entire system. You can't seem to stop drinking. Only when you allow yourself to take in a big breath of air do you see that your glass is already half-empty.

"My my~" Lui sing songs. "I'm glad to see you're enjoying a personal favorite of mine. You have made my night, Anon."

"I'm having a pretty good time too." You return the compliment as you feel your head get significantly lighter. "It feels really good to know that other people will listen and believe some of the things my friends and I went through."

"Anon." Lui begins as she places a gentle hand on top of yours that lays flat on the bar's wooden surface. You immediately dive into those piercing blue pools of hers, as you want to hang on her every word. "Believe me when I say that the whole world is going to know your name someday."

"Because you're going to tell them?" You ask a little goofily. "I'm sure such a good and cool information dealer like yourself knows all kinds of people!"

"Nope." Lui shakes her head. Her fingers then begin to worm their way in between yours; taking your hand within hers. "They're going to know your name, because of what you'll do."

The way she says this, the way this apparent stranger seems to believe in you so fiercely, makes your heart flutter. Your mind begins to race through all the feelings your drunken mind seems to be conjuring. This woman is beautiful, mature, and evidently enjoys your company. It's almost a little too intimidating to bear at the moment.

"I-I'll try my best." Is all you can think to say as you take another generous drink from your glass. Smooth, real smooth, Anon.

"I know you will, and I can't wait to hear about what you'll accomplish next." Lui says before taking another drink of her own.

"I actually don't know what might be next." You speak as your thoughts are pulled away from the moment you are in and are set towards the future. "I kinda wish I knew where to go next. Like if I could know where someone needed my help. We could get there as fast as we could, and make things better."

"Don't let yourself worry too much about that tonight. Just focus on enjoying yourself. You earned it and then some." Your hand is given a gentle and affectionate squeeze. Lui's soft and encouraging smile somehow makes you realize how right she is. There's no sense in trying to magically find out where you should go next. Like you've been learning recently, the winds will help guide you to where you need to go.

"There's that winning smile." Lui says happily as she sees your lips curl. "Your friends sound like they're wrapping up, I wouldn't want you to miss the finale. Let's finish our glasses on three?"

While wine might not exactly be ideal for chugging, if a beautiful woman asks you to, you do it. You eagerly nod which earns you a bright smile from Lui as she lets go of your hand. The fading contact is a little regretful, but you do your best to not let that show. Instead you raise your glass once more to Lui, who returns your gesture with a bright smile.

"One." She then says with building anticipation in her voice, you slowly bring the rim of your stemmed glass closer to your face.

"Two." Her voice growing softer whispers, with both your glasses now grazing the outsides of your lips. Your eyes don't leave Lui's for a second as you await her final command. She lets you both linger in the moment, as if she can see your own desire to plunge into the moment and down this glass of wine with all your might. The thought occurs to you, that if she suddenly asked you to stop, you would obey. What a delightfully entrancing woman Lui is.

"Three!" She suddenly announces, causing you both to point the stands of both your glasses up towards the ceiling. The rush of red wine flowing over your taste buds and down your throat is overwhelming, but you have been left on the edge of this moment for what seemed like an eternity that the release you feel overpowers the shock to your senses. You gulp down the sweet alcohol and let out a relieved gasp when the final drops descend into your stomach.

As you pant slightly to get your breath back along with cooling your mouth that is awash with the strong taste of sweetened alcohol, you notice that Lui is completely composed and steady. She looks at you with a proud smile while she sets down her empty glass gently on the bar's counter. Whatever expression you must be making right now must be pretty amusing as the woman's lips curl even higher as she tries to suppress her hearty laugh.

"What?" You ask, the words almost slur out of your mouth as you can consciously feel yourself getting drunk again.

"Nothing." Lui snickers, waving a hand back and forth in front of her face. She looks back at you again and her expression looks to soften. Her eyes shimmer with a somber satisfaction. "It's…it's just that I haven't had this much fun in a while, let alone with someone who was a total stranger until a few hours ago. I'm really glad we ran into each other, Anon."

"Same here!" You exclaim as you kick both your legs forward slightly, enjoying the floaty sensation that comes with losing some of the muscle control of your body in exchange for mental bliss. You rock your body a little too hard as the legs of the stool you sit on begin to teeter back and forth, so you plant your hands firmly on the wooden countertop to ground yourself before you can fall backwards. As you focus harder and harder on your planted palms, you see one of Lui's hands cover your own once more, guiding your eyes back to hers.

"I am beginning to think our meeting might be more than pure chance." She says with unwavering certainty. "This might have been fated."

"You really think so? Just meeting me?" You ask a little dumbly, although it is incredibly flattering to think so.

"I do. So I am willing to leave what happens next up to fate as well. If I see you again, can I ask for your help with something?" Lui asks.

"You can ask me for help right now if you want!" You reply earnestly, wanting to do anything to help this enchanting woman with whatever problems she might have. "My friends and I can do anything when we work together! Nothing on this earth, no demon, wizard, or anything else that's evil can stop us! We can-"

You are silenced once more by one of Lui's slender fingers pressed against your lips. You look at her confused, but when she nods for your silence, she removes her digit and begins to speak once more.

"Let's not ruin the magic that way. Should we see each other tomorrow, I won't hold my request back. When that happens, I'll know for sure that you are the perfect person for this job. Deal?" Lui whispers with half hooded eyes.

Part of you wants to argue, part of you that knows it's silly for Lui to hold back asking for help if it truly is something you can offer some assistance on. You WANT to compel her to make her request, and that you can assure her no matter what it is, you'll find a way to fulfill it, but you only nod and accept the woman's proposal.

"Good boy." She coos as she gets up from her seat. "Hopefully I will see you tomorrow, Anon. Now go join your friends. I wouldn't want you to miss their big finale."

You turn to do just as Lui asks you while she leaves to walk towards the staircase that lies just at the other end of the tavern, opposite to the dining area. You hate to see Lui go, but upon closer inspection, you LOVE to watch her leave. The way the black cloth of her skirt hugs and showcases her ample hips with each step of her strut is practically criminal. You had only been able to view her from a seated position this entire night, but to see those long inviting legs in action is quickly putting all sorts of sultry images in your mind. The sudden reminder that the feelings associated with those types of thoughts are not exactly a secret to only you, you give yourself a quick slap in the face to replace the likely signals you are sending to your soul-linked spirits with something a little less incriminating.

Carefully, and with a little extra effort, you slide your stool away from the bar and let your feet drop to the ground. Your center of gravity has certainly shifted thanks to all the drinks you've been having, but you feel just peachy. You bravely start to put one of your feet forward, and concentrate hard on keeping yourself moving in a perfectly straight line. Okay so you didn't manage to keep your path steady the ENTIRE way, but it's a tavern and this is supposed to be a party, and it was time to spend the rest of the night with your favorite people ever.

You join Undine and Sylph back at your dining table for the evening and just let yourself be entranced by the performance of your friends. Everyone moves with energetic enthusiasm, as they finish their number with dramatic flair. You and Sylph erupt with thunderous applause as the rest of the onlooking patrons offer their own praise to their entertainers as well. The girls come rushing back to your table, exhausted but satisfied smiles cover their faces.

"Anon! Did you see me!?" Pomu practically shouts at you when she storms into the empty seat next to you. "I-I was dancing! And even singing a little! I never did anything like that before! I can hardly believe it!"

"I did!" You answer back with equal excitement. "I was kinda surprised to see you up there so soon."

"No better way to show people how cool fairies are than to get up on stage and strut your stuff!" Polka says, no doubt taking credit for the idea. You believe it's likely she dragged Pomu on stage herself, now that you think about it.

"That's one town down at least." Flare says as she sits in the chair across from yours. "So Anon, did you get to talk to your new friend again? I can tell she bought you another drink by the look on your face."

"A few actually." You start as you can already tell what the half-elf's follow up question might be. "And I made sure to ask WHO she was this time. She's a traveling information dealer. She said she mainly helps provide people with tips when it comes to trade. It seems like the things we did in the elven kingdom and Bjornholm reached her ears."

"I guess I can't be too surprised at that." Flare sighs. "I guess she's harmless enough."

"She is very nice." You snap. "She didn't seem to question a thing I told her. It's nice to run into people like that."

"She looked very pretty too." Watame adds as she munches on an ear of corn. "I hope I can talk to her next time."

"Don't look so rustled, Flare." Polka says as she puts her arm around the neck of the half-elf and pulls her close. "Anon isn't gonna get stolen by some smooth talker in a bar with a deep wallet. He's all for us! Ain't that right Anon!?"

"Right!" You agree with the circus magician instantly, without even giving any thought to how she meant for this to be interpreted.

"Besides." Polka lowers her voice slightly and layers it with a mischievous pitch. "I paid for Anon's stay tonight, so he's stuck with me."

"Wait! When was that decided!?" You question, not that you are entirely opposed to the setup, but it would be safe to make sure it was agreed upon by everyone first.

"Well you and Watame have your little date tomorrow, so she's out. Can't share a bed with the person the night before your first date." Polka answers smugly.

"And Nene is gonna bunk with me tonight." Pomu adds happily. "Which by the way, Polka, I'll need a couple books from my stash before we turn in."

"No problem Pomu!" The fennec nods before turning her proud gaze back to you. "So that leaves just me with a room and a spare bed, so that lands you and Sylph with me. Simple right?"

"You know, I think I'm just drunk enough where that makes perfect sense." You snicker. "Fine, at least the rooms are all sorted. Why don't we keep this party rolling?"

With resounding cheers, and another round of drinks brought to you all by Bosco, you all continue with your celebration. While you allow yourself to consume even more alcohol, everyone just talks about nothing very specific at all. It's actually a wonderful change of pace. While you can never deny the thrill you feel from engaging in battles and practicing magic, it is rather nice to just talk about things like your favorite foods, what you hope to find out in the market tomorrow, and even just how well kept the floors of the tavern are.

Eventually the night begins to wind down as more and more of what are likely the tavern's regulars pay their tabs and leave the inn to head home. Before long your group is the only one still standing…well half standing might be more accurate. The top half of Watame's body is sprawled over the top of the table, while Flare is fighting to keep her eyes open as she turns over her disappointingly empty mug. Pomu is practically asleep in her own chair and looks like she has no chance of making the long trip upstairs.

"Up and attem Pomu!" You shake the fae a little by the shoulder.

"I-I'm awake grandma!" She spatters in shock as she slowly remembers her surroundings. "Oh, Anon. Is it morning already?"

"Could be close." You shrug. "I couldn't let you fall asleep, you got one of the room keys. We should probably turn in for the night."

Tired heads nod in agreement as the bodies they are attached to slowly will themselves into motion. Polka helps a near passed out Nene up to her feet by her arm, and begins to walk her through the inn towards the stairs to the second floor. You've seen Watame a couple times before when she's drunk this much to know there isn't much of a chance to get her to walk on her own. Taking the initiative to do the needful, you quickly scoop her from her seat and secure her safely within your cradled arms. The shift in weight in conjunction with your still tipsy legs makes you wobble slightly, but you receive solid support from a hand pressed against your back that helps push you forward.

You walk carefully with an already sleeping sheep nestled against you. She really is such a beautiful creature. You are pretty eager to get to sleep now, just so the new day can approach even sooner and you can have your first real date. Hopefully you both won't be so hungover that you won't be able to enjoy it…do you think healing water magic can help cure hangovers like Uisce's shrine did? It'll be worth a try!

The ascent up the wooden stairs to the second floor are perilous in a sense for all of you. Through taking your time with each and every time, along with no shortage of sheer willpower, you reach the next floor that contains your lodgings for the night. You allow Flare to walk ahead of you and unlock the door to the room that would be hers and Watame's for the night. The half-elf pushes the door open to reveal a simple living space with two moderately sized beds resting against both back corners. A few other of the normal amenities that come with simple inn housing are also present; a wooden nightstand next to each bed, and a singular three tiered dresser for storing clothes or anything else a guest might have.

You tell your aching legs that there are only a few more steps to go, and then they can finally have their long awaited rest. Stepping into the room, you head to one of the beds and gently place Watame on her back upon its soft surface. Through some minor maneuvering, you manage to get her under the sheets and covered in the simple brown comforter. Her sleeping face looks up towards the ceiling blissfully as she further drifts off into dreamland. While dreamland is not exactly a place you are too fond of going to anymore, it's hard to be apprehensive when you look at this sheep's radiant smile.

"Goodnight Watame." You whisper as you give her head a soft pat, which earns a very quiet "baa".

"Tuck me in too?" Flare then asks, already seated on her bed and looking at you with a particularly smug smile.

"I guess I just can't say no to anyone tonight." You sigh while rubbing the back of your head. Flare then purposely looks at you with a childlike glee as she throws the white sheets forward and lays down. You pull the thinner blankets over Flare's body and begin to wedge it between her and the mattress. After you do the same with the comforter, you give the half-elf a quick head pat. She looks up at you with a bright smile, but you can tell from her eyes that she is still expecting something. If she wants something, she's going to have to come out and say it.

"Can I have a good night kiss?" She asks in a tone that is somehow more demanding than pleading.

To answer her, you lean down and give Flare a small, but affectionate kiss on her forehead, which causes her to sigh happily and sink further into her bed. "Goodnight Flare." You say as you make your way out of the room and turn off the small lamp that is powered by magic much like ones you encountered in the elven kingdom.

"Goodnight…Anon." Flare calls back softly as her eyes finally close.

Turning the lock on the door before you leave, you gently pull the wooden entryway closed and turn around to find Polka, Sylph, and Undine patiently waiting for you. Assuming that Pomu and Nene had already gone to their own room, you follow Polka down towards the end of the hallway where she twists her own key in the lock, and leads the way into a room that is identical to the one you were just in.

Sylph flutters past you with a heavy yawn as she floats herself onto one of the beds. She stretches her entire body with an audible groan.

"I forgot what it was like to feel sleepy…." She whines in a low voice. "And to drink…and to eat…this is a lot to take in again. Thanks a lot for it all though. Couldn't have done it without ya, summoner. Now if you don't mind. This fairy needs some shuteye."

"I will do the same. With Sylph nearby to help protect you should the need arise, I will be in my realm while you sleep. Should you need me, I am but a thought away." Undine says to you.

"Sounds good. You'll have to tell me if it's changed at all since the last time I was there. Goodnight Undine."

"Goodnight summoner. Pleasant dreams." The water spirit says before her form vanishes entirely. Even though she is gone from sight, you still feel like she is right here next to you. That's a very comforting feeling.

"Guess we should hit the hay too." Polka says with a slight flush forming on her cheeks.

"Yeah. Polka, I'm kinda surprised though. Doesn't this, make things a little harder for you…hunger wise?" You stop and ask the fennec.

"Back in the forest, I said there wouldn't be any takebacks…You said you'd be alright with helping me whenever…" Polka says, her eyes darting away from yours to stare at the dimly lit lamp on the nearby dresser.

"I'm more than happy to." You smile as you take one of Polka's slightly shaking hands within your own. Her trembling subsides almost immediately and she looks back at you. "And hey, since we don't have anywhere to be, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get feeling back in my legs!"

"That should get better…eventually." Polka says, biting her lower lip.

"So I can be a better soul snack with practice?" You say raising an eyebrow. "Color me intrigued. I've got a lot of fronts to improve on don't I?"

"I'll try not to make this an everyday thing!" Polka giggles. "Flare would kill me if we prioritize this over her training with you. Let's just get to bed already, you got nightmares to beat don't you?"

"Yeah…I suppose I do. Last time we had this arrangement I didn't see Koyori at all. I can't help but wonder if I just got lucky or something."

"You got to share a blanket with me, of course you got lucky~" Polka winks with her tongue poking out the side of her mouth.

"Okay, off to bed we go." You scoff. "You got a hunger to curb."

As Polka hobbles off to the empty bed, you take the job of turning off the light that illuminates your room. Going off the shapes of the silhouettes, you cautiously make your way towards the bed the circus fox had claimed. You carefully lower yourself onto the soft bed that gives a little under yours and Polka's weight. Two people sharing one of these beds is a little snug, but you're not complaining. You and Polka both roll on your sides to face one another, and although you cannot see much, you can still make out the pointy tops of both her fennec ears in front of you.

"So what kinda spoons are we if we face each other like this?" You jokingly ask.

"We're probably more like forks in this case." Polka giggles as scooches forward until her head rests comfortably under your chin. She then wraps her slender arms around your back and hugs you tightly. "This might tingle a bit."

As you place your own arms around Polka's shoulders, you immediately begin to feel the sensation of the unique kitsune magic that allows her to draw energy from your own soul. What was always a strange and almost invasive feeling, now feels more natural as you welcome its presence. You know deep in your heart that this is for a girl you love dearly, and that helps your body view this act as something that should be allowed and encouraged. Your body feels floaty and weightless, as the fennec attached to you lets out a deep sigh of relief.

"I love how you taste, Anon…" She mutters, causing an intense rise of heat in your cheeks.

"I'm glad you think so?" You say back. "All filled up?"

"Mhmm. I'm ready for sleep now…goodnight Anon."

"Night Polka." You say as you feel your own consciousness fade. You wonder if having your soul bitten into will have any effects on your dreams….

It's been a wonderful day of spending some one on one time with your beloved sheep, and after an intense amount of shopping, you both take a break at a local outdoor cafe. Watame looks especially gorgeous today with the yellow sunlight overhead making her hair shine so brightly that it makes you wish you bought sunglasses earlier. The sheep, on the other hand, is sporting some particularly fun eye-wear she found in one of the shops you passed through today. Pale pink circular frames that are shaped to resemble fluffy clouds, rest upon the sheep's perfect button nose. The lenses are of a deep tint that just barely keeps you from seeing the wonderful purple pools that hide behind them. Watame merely asked if she could have the festive sunglasses, when they caught her eye, and of course you obliged. This is a date after all. A man resigns to cater to all the whims of the woman he is courting, and in this case, you are all too happy to play that role.

A cute assortment of plated cookies alongside a cup of hot tea that you don't even remember ordering appears in the middle of the metal mesh table. Watame's mouth widens with excitement as she immediately takes one of the plated confections and takes a huge bite out of it.

"Itsh rearry ghood Ahnon!" Watame says with her mouth completely full. "Thry Wun!"

You reach for one of the chocolate chip cookies as you watch your sheep enjoy her sugary bliss, but then something happens that causes you to pause.

A strange green glow begins to outline Watame's entire body. Her face contorts like she had suddenly eaten something really sour, and before you can even ask if she is okay, a cloud of light green smoke erupts around her.

When the green haze clears you are frightened and shocked by what you see; a rather moderately sized watermelon, but it has a face, Watame's face! You blink a couple times and rub your eyes, convinced they are playing tricks on you. Unfortunately, the large fruit that now sports horns, sheep ears, and even four small hooves that allow it to stand, is still very much there. On top of everything else, Watame's signature smug expression looks at you as if nothing is wrong here.

"Watame?" You ask, still in shock over the sudden transformation. "Is that really you? Are you okay?"

"I'm Watamelon and I'm Watatastic!" Watame's voice clearly comes from the moving lips that belong to this sentient melon. This is easily the bizarre thing you've seen so far, and that's saying something.

"This is not 'Watatastic!'" You snap as you get up from your seat and pick up your sheep who is now a fruit. "Don't worry though. I'll find a way to fix you. I'll have you back to your old self in no time. Did those cookies somehow do this?"

You secure Watame under your arm as you more closely inspect the colorful wafers that might have caused this unwanted transformation. They look completely normal as far as you can tell. Perhaps it was something on the inside? It has to be magical in nature at least…

"No no no!" An angered shriek suddenly makes its way to your eardrums, and your stomach drops. You know that voice, you hate that you know that voice, and despite it belonging to the last person you ever want to see on this earth, her presence starts to paint a clearer picture as to what happened to your beloved sheep.

From her hiding spot within the shrubs that decorate the outside of the cafe, emerges Koyori; hopping mad for what could be any number of reasons, the girl is insane after all. Her entrance causes you to take a step backward, you can feel your free arm begin to tremble as you take in all the details about her that cement the fact that it really is her.

"I can't believe I used the wrong mixture!" Koyori chastises herself, about to enter one of her temper tantrums until she notices your gaze upon her. The hackled hairs on her fluffy pink tail smooth out as she puts on a mad smile. "Although~ This might work just fine. Hello Anon. Happy to see me?"

"What the hell did you do to Watame!?" You snap, your anger overpowering your fear for the mad coyote.

"She was SUPPOSED to be under a form of hypnosis by now." Koyori huffs as she crosses her arms in front of her. "I had created a special formula that when ingested, would have rendered her completely obedient to whatever I commanded for twenty minutes. You were supposed to be that way too…but I somehow mixed up the vials within my own lab. I bet it was Chloe messing with my things again…that worthless-"

"WHY THE HELL DO YOU MAKE STUFF LIKE THAT!?" You cry as you look down at your shape-shifted friend, who only looks back up at you with that same self-assured smile. "WHY THE FUCK DO YOU MAKE THINGS THAT DO….THIS!?"

Koyori only shrugs at both your questions. "I'm a genius. I can't keep all these ideas just locked in my head and not do anything with them.

"You're deranged is what you are. Those ideas of yours should never see the light of day. Now you're gonna tell me how to fix Watame or-"

"Or else, what?!" The scientist snaps, her glare that meets your defiant stare makes you shudder and want to back down, but you strengthen your resolve. You open your mouth to shout something back, but someone else beats you to it.

"Or else he's gonna kick your tail!" Watame declares proudly from her spot under your arm. "Anon ain't afraid of you! He could beat you up in his sleep!"

Koyori lets out a howling laugh in response. The dark glee that paints her face forces a chill to run down your spine. "You couldn't be more wrong on all THREE accounts. Since I am a woman of science, I will gladly deconstruct your theory, bit. By. Bit."

"First. The idea that Anon can 'kick my tail' has already been debunked by yours truly." Koyori says clearly and concisely as she takes an elongated step forward; the clack of her heels seems to echo across the entire town. "He wasn't able to lay a single finger on me in our last one on one experiment."

You open your mouth to refute her statement, to say that you are a lot stronger than you were back than, but your throat dries up when Koyori notices your lips begin to move and gives you a very hungry, fanged smile as her eyelids drop to half cover those orbs that glisten with something…wild.

"Not that I don't WANT him to lay his hands on me…but that's for a very different experiment." She giggles darkly as she takes another step towards you, which causes your body to reflexively shuffle backward as a panicked gasp escapes your lungs. This makes the coyote's smile stretch even more. "And I just disproved your second point. If Anon isn't afraid of me, how come he doesn't want me getting closer? Hmm?"

"Maybe because you smell!" Watame shouts back as she jostles and shakes, causing you to tighten your grip around your circular friend.

"I use a special perfume of my own invention." Koyori scoffs with her chin raised upward. "If you don't believe me, you and Anon should come smell for yourselves. I think Anon in particular will find it especially…intoxicating."

"L-Let's not and say we did." You stammer as you take another hasty step backwards, as your free hand searches for the sword that should be at your side, only to find yourself completely unarmed.

"And third." Koyori continues as she takes three more steps forward. "Anon has proven time and time again that he cannot truly beat me in his sleep, since here I am once again. I'm always here in his dreams; his faithful companion while he slumbers. Have you ever wondered why that might be, Anon?"

"It's obvious!" You bark as your anger starts to run hot along with your fear. "You're messed up, Koyori! Anyone would have nightmares about you if you put them through what you did to me. I'm still not convinced you didn't do something to me that planted you here in my brain!"

"That does sound rather ingenious, but unnecessary." Koyori shakes off the notion. "I'm still here because a part of you, so deep below the surface that you can't even control it, knows that you and I are meant for each other. We're so similar after all."

"I am NOTHING like you!" You yell. The very idea that you share anything in common with this deranged villain shocks you to your very core. You outwardly hope that this shock is enough to wake you up from what must be a horrible dream, but here you still stand; A watermelon shaped Watame under your arm, and a slowly advancing mad scientist whose smile gleams with an unsettling confidence.

"Really now?" Koyori purrs. "Let's start off with something easy then. You would say you are very unrelenting to give up on your goals, correct? Don't answer that. I already know the answer. Your recent foray into another dark castle is proof enough of that. You stopped at nothing to protect that new little friend of yours and help her forest. That reminds me. I can't wait to see what a fairy's insides are made of!"

"Don't you dare lay a hand on Pomu." You growl. Your balled fist shakes at your side, while you desperately try to form mana around it. To your dismay, nothing rises to the surface besides your growing frustration and anxiety.

"I am also unrelenting to give up towards my own goals." Koyori continues her explanation without paying your threat any heed. "We both have passions within us that could burn the entire sky!"

"You're just spouting nonsense at this point. I've met almost a dozen deranged lunatics who were plenty passionate about the messed up shit they were doing. That doesn't make us alike at all! And you know what else?" You go on to say as a thought you had might promise to be a light out of this dark tunnel. "I think I CAN beat you in my sleep. You usually like to try and change the scenery back to your creepy lab when you show up, and we're still right here in town! You're getting weaker Koyori, and I'm getting stronger."

"Prove it then." Koyori spits back as she pulls two vials from the straps attached to her leg and rolls them menacingly between her fingers. "Fight me right here!"

"M-Maybe some other time." You weakly fire back, your sudden swell of confidence seems to be falling like water down a drain as you come into contact with those eager eyes of hers. You look down at the friend you carry who looks back at you with a strange and almost distracted expression. You can't fight Koyori anyway while Watame is like this. She did mention the poison she WANTED to use earlier would only last 20 minutes. Maybe whatever Watame ate to turn her into a watermelon has a time limit too. As long as Koyori isn't changing the landscape of your dream, you can outrun her.

Without giving Koyori a chance to say something else meant to worm its way under your skin, you turn and dash away from the deranged coyote. You pivot and run down the first alleyway you come across, you don't even turn to see if Koyori is following like all your internal alarms are begging you to do.

"Hey you're pretty fast! Maybe even almost as fast as me!" Watame says from below you. You lift up the snarky melon and hold her out in front of you as you run. It is certainly still Watame's face at its smugest, like she doesn't think this situation is perilous in the slightest. Gods you wish that could be you right now.

"Just focus on getting back to your normal self, Watame." You say through a rushed breath as you lower her back to your side under your arm when you turn the corner to land you back at one of the town's main streets.

"Why don't you just punch that girl in the face?" Watame then asks very plainly. "You punch her in the nose, and I'll bite her ears. We can do it!"

"Hitting her won't solve anything! She's not even real." You argue back as you scan the area for where to go next.

"I'm pretty real. Really pretty too." The watermelon sheep says all too proudly, causing you to roll your eyes and just keep moving along the sidewalk.

You continue to run along the unsettlingly empty streets as Koyori's latest method for messing with your head comes back to the forefront. What if you two really are alike? What if there is some weird part of you that thinks you need her? What if what she said in person when she had you as her prisoner really is true? That she is the only one who can unlock your secrets? You shake off those questions. Even if they are true, you could never accept help from someone like her. You remind yourself of all the horrible lengths she went and was willing to go to just to further her own knowledge and help HoloX take over the world somehow. You can NEVER allow yourself to aid those kinds of gains.

"Ohhh! Anon! Let's get ice cream!" Watame says as she squirms a little under your arm, seemingly trying to point you in the direction of a pink and white cart; complete with a striped square umbrella overhead to help cover its freezer from the sun.

"This isn't the….fine!" You groan as you don't seem to be able to see Koyori anywhere nearby. Quickly, you approach the shop on wheels and look curiously over its counter. A figure with two distinctly pointy pink ears rockets up wearing a white folded hat between them. A lump forms in your throat as Koyori's happy gaze activates your fight or flight, but you are unable to choose either.

"Two cones for the mistake of science and her sexy handler?" She chirps as she offers two wafer cones that both contain a large perfect scoop of pink ice cream. "It's my own special recipe. Try it~"

Completely stone faced, you take the frozen treat from Koyori and immediately throw it over your shoulder without letting her leave your vision. You back away a few paces slowly, despite Watame's protests. A few more feet is all you can manage before your fear takes hold of your legs once more and sends you running as far away as you can from the giggling coyote.

Koyori was somehow waiting at the end of every block, every alleyway, and even within every building you tried to seek refuge from her in. Each time she disturbingly mentions how you can't run from her forever. You know that's true, but you're just buying time until Watame can return to normal. Aren't you?

The question makes you skid to a halt as you find yourself at the town's borders; the worn dirt road that took you here earlier today stretches towards the horizon.

"Why doesn't anything work, Watame?" You ask downcast at your held companion, who only looks up at you wide eyed. "Why don't I work?"

With a deep sigh, you gently let the strange watermelon version of Watame onto the ground, and look back towards the town. Koyori slowly strutting towards you, as if she knows she can take all the time in the world. She might very well be right when it comes to that. No matter how fast you run, you can't escape her, can you?

"I think you work great!" Watame says encouragingly. "So what if that girl makes you a little scared. Since when has that ever stopped you?"

"Well not recently." You say, a little embarrassed. "But out in the real world, I have you and everyone else at my back. I know I can do anything with you all at my side."

"And I'm right here now. So what's different?"

"No offense, Watame, but you are literally a watermelon right now. You don't even have thumbs." You can't help but chuckle.

"But I can still knock their teeth out of anyone who wants to mess with you." Watame says with aggressive gusto. "You probably wouldn't think she was so tough if she was cute and round like me! But don't let my looks fool you. I can still kick lots of ass and get super sheepy!"

Watame's smug ramblings actually give you a brilliant idea. Maybe you can't force Koyori from your dreams with just a thought, but you should be able to bring other things to you. Closing your eyes, you imagine the thing you want more than anything right now to appear. A soft clattering near your feet signals that your mental retrieval has worked! On the ground sits the same plate of cookies that started this whole mess. You pick it up and grin when you notice the small addition that sits on the top of the stack; a soft, perfectly round sugar cookie.

"More cookies!" Watame squeals as she hops up and down. "Feed me one, Anon!"

"No way." You shut her down and stare down your target; Koyori is only a short distance away from you now, looking as eager as ever to engage with you, be it with words or fists. Words will be her downfall today.

"Alright Koyori, I obviously can't get away from you." You play act being defeated. "I'll give you ONE experiment tonight. Deal?"

"If I find the results satisfactory." Koyori fires back as she stops her advance towards you.

"But I get to choose it." You continue to negotiate. "And I think we can start with what's on this plate."

"What good will that do?" The coyote looks at you suspiciously. "I already know that batch has the wrong mixture in it. You'll just turn into something like your little sheep friend."

"Will I though?" You ask with a slight grin. You watch the wheels in Koyori's head begin to turn as she processes your question. You've hooked her now, time to reel her in. "My body could very well have some immunity. Between the spirits, my spell book, and whatever I might be. We can't know without trying. Can we?"

"You're absolutely right!" Koyori brings her balled hand down on top of her open palm in front of her. "You're already thinking like a scientist Anon! That's why you're my perfect assistant."

While the "compliment" makes your skin crawl, you try your best to keep your most charming smile on. Eager to get this over with, you take the newest cookie on the stack and give your mental captor a brief nod to indicate that you are going to begin your "experiment". Koyori watches with bated breath as she shimmies closer to you; her eyes locked on the small circular sugar rush in your hand, and you.

With slight hesitation to keep up appearances, you bite down on the tip of the cookie and begin to chew. It's a wonderful mix of baked butter, flour, and sugar. You couldn't have dreamed up a better tasting snack if you tried…oh wait, you did.

Koyori continues to watch you intently after you swallow and pretend to wait for something to happen. After a moment, you simply shrug at the coyote.

"Guess it doesn't work on me." You conclude.

"I'm not quite sure." The coyote offers back, clearly thinking of the scientific factors that could be involved in your lack of transformation. "Since the change is only meant to be temporary, you shouldn't be able to resist it inherently."

"Maybe they went stale?" You propose. "It still tasted great though. Did you actually bake these? Can you be sure they've ALL got an adequate amount of whatever it is that's supposed to make me change into a fruit?"

"Nothing I make goes stale!" Koyori barks, clearly offended by your accusation.

"Then how else do you explain why I'm not currently a melon?" You fire back as you take another bite to further prove your case.

"I don't know! But it's not because of me! Here I'll show you that they definitely work!" The flustered scientist huffs as she snatches the chocolate chip cookie you had your eyes on earlier, and takes a bite that consumes more than half of it.

The second the gooey baked goods are grinded up between her sharp teeth, and sent down her throat, Koyori tenses up and utters a sharp "eep!"

A bright flash of pink light, followed by a puff of the same colored smoke covers Koyori's form. When it clears, the coyote is now a mere one foot tall, and in the very non-threatening shape of a watermelon; her signature pink ears and tail are present along with the clear representation of her face, although it is not nearly as happy to be here as Watame.

"I told you it works!" Koyori barks as she falls onto her side. Her tiny paws dangle furiously to try and find solid ground, but the melon shaped Koyori does not budge an inch.

"Yup it sure does." You remark as you throw the plate of cursed treats behind you. "Thanks for the experiment Koyori, let's not do this again for a while."

"Hey! Don't you dare leave, Anon! This isn't over yet!" Koyori barks as she watches you pick up your Watamelon before she can sink her teeth into the now dirt covered cookies.

"This is by far my weirdest dream yet." You say, looking at your very smug sheep melon.

"Crikey I'll say!" A familiar voice booms within your dreamscape.

You turn towards the voice that comes from the horizon and see a bright golden eye that's bigger than a house open up and lock on you with its gaze. Of course your night can't just be over yet so you can get to your real date tomorrow….figures.

The bluenette star and idol to thousands stares blankly from her seat within a familiar dream space she had been cordially invited to what seems like forever ago. Ever since she discovered her gift for celestial magic, a strange woman had appeared in her dreams time and time again, wanting to teach her to hone her gift. When she had first asked Sana what was in it for her, she simply brushed it off and said she just enjoys seeing what those with the gift choose to do with it. Since then she had let the cosmic woman tutor her on the stars and cosmos, and as the lessons continued, the idol's power grew.

Tonight however, was not about increasing the self proclaimed comet's knowledge, well it was, but she was being taught, no, berated with information about some…boy? When Sana appeared tonight she would not stop gushing over some other user of celestial magic she had met recently. Why does he matter? Why is she babbling on about some petty accomplishments? Dark wizards? Elves? Trade agreements? Who cares? She is a shining light for countless people. What could he possibly be in comparison to her?

"Oh so then! He's fighting some demon girls right?" Sana continues her stories about the stranger. "Him and his friend are almost down for the count, like in talkin' cuts, dripping blood, bruises, everything. And he inspires the fairy he's with to stand up and fight! I was freaking out during his speech! So then the fairy rolls up her sleeves and helps Anon give those brats a thrashin'. And that's not even the best part! When he gets up to the top of the tower-"

She's still going. The blue comet cannot believe that Sana is STILL going on about this boy. Putting yourself up against demons? And for what? Some reject fairy and her patch of dead trees? That's just ridiculous. While the idol continues to impatiently kick her leg from upon her seat along the rings of a bright blue planet, a few words from the cosmic woman reach her ears.

"A shining spark of hope!"

That specific string of words shatters the glass of the girl's thoughts. Sana now has her full attention.

"Wait! What was that last part?!" She asks worryingly.

"You wanna hear the part where Anon rides starlight made from his own spell and kicks Grendel in the face again?!" Sana beams, clearly eager to retell that part.

"No! The part about a spark!" The comet demands.

"Aw yeah! Anon's cute little self made title. I think it suits him. Don't you think? He's a pretty cool guy ain't he?"

"H-He calls himself that?" The girl questions, as dots slowly start to connect in her mind. The nightmares she's been having. The images of some boy calling himself a shining spark of hope coming to steal her fans from her. It was this boy! This…Anon!

"Sure does! I'm thinking he's got the guts to make other people think of him that way too! Well, with a little help from you and yours truly." Sana says pridefully. "Oh! And my friends are starting to give him a gander too! This is gonna be so fun! I can't wait for the next big thing he does. I mean the thing with the castle, the witch, the forest, was pretty big, but…."

Before Sana can continue, something akin to a bug taking a bite from her head jerks her attention to somewhere else, somewhere far beyond their personal cosmos.

"Looks like the little guy finally got through tonight's nightmare!" Sana says warmly before turning back to her guest. "I gotta get goin' luv. Me and the little guy haven't talked in a few days. I don't want him to think I forgot bout him. I'm thrilled to hear your concerts are going so well! Good luck with tomorrow's show! I'll be rootin' for ya!"

Speechless and dumbfounded, the bluenette watches her entire universe disappear in a flash of light. The next moment, she's awake in her own room. She wipes the cold sweat from her brow and grips the deep blue blanket that covers her tightly.

"Anon…" She grumbles into the dark room. "Who the hell are you?!"