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.

35. A Day Filled With Pride

A chill in the air makes the one side of your body shiver slightly, prompting you to open your eyes and try to roll closer to the dwindling warmth of the nearby fire. Watame's soft and beautiful body still lays on top of you, blissfully resting under your arm. The intimacy you both shared was unlike anything you ever felt before. You had always assumed sex would feel great, but that, that blew all your preconceptions out of the water, nothing you've ever read or heard could do it justice. The images still fresh in your mind of Watame and you sharing your bodies with one another begins to reinvigorate you in a way that makes you want to repeat the act, but unfortunately, you can't entertain such thoughts…at least for now, and at least not in a cave.

The reminder of why you are even in this cave in the first place forces itself to the forefront of your thoughts, and your chest leaps with a slight panic that you have no idea how long you've been asleep. Within this brisk cave within a mountain, it was impossible to tell how far the moon might have traveled, or how close the sun was to rising…if it hadn't already. The thought raises you to a full alert, and you gently jostle your lover to wake her up.

Watame slowly opens her eyes and looks up at you from her spot where she uses your chest as a pillow. Her ears flick as she turns to rest her chin on you, and her smile widens at the sight of you. You both must have conked out for a bit, which is more than understandable.

"Hey sleepy sheep." You greet her softly. "Ready to get outta here and head back to our real beds."

"Mhmm!" The sheep hums happily.

After Watame gets off of you, she stands up and walks to the entryway not too far from the fire that leads to another room within the mountain. You prop yourself up by your elbow, and just let yourself be mesmerized by the landscape of her womanly body that shifts with every step she takes. Only when the sheep disappears behind the corner, does your mind reluctantly go back to more pressing matters, like how to best get back to camp.

Forcing yourself to stand, you give your limbs a much needed stretching. While you feel great emotionally, your body is sore beyond measure. Walking all the way back across the sand that will likely start to heat up the instant the sun begins to rise, is not an idea you are too fond of right now. As you mull over your situation, Watame returns holding her bundled clothes within her arms, she gives you another bright, but slightly intrigued smile as she gazes upon your naked body once more. You stand proudly with your knuckles resting on your hips as you give your sheep a full eyeful. Her clear approval of what she sees makes you feel incredible. Maybe you can push yourself to traverse the desert after all, you might even offer to carry Watame the entire way.

Watame rewards your confidence with a kiss on your cheek, which only widens your grin. Even while you would prefer to let her enjoy you longer, the breeze between your knees is getting hard to ignore. You better get dressed. The two of you get dressed in comfortable silence, exchanging glances at the other while they slowly begin to cover more of their body. When you are fully assembled and your sword comfortably strapped to your side again, you notice Watame fully garbed in her normal sheepy stylings.

Now that you're presentable again, you ponder over your current predicament. You were only able to get to this mountain as fast as you did in the first place thanks to a spirit resonance with Undine. Sylph might be able to just carry you both across the sands, but summoning her isn't possible right now…or is it? You give your hand a few flexes as you look down at it in astonishment. Your mana reserves should be almost tapped out without more rest, but you feel like you're almost on a full tank now…a possible additional perk of what you and Watame just did together? Well that's one part of the solution, you COULD summon Sylph, but how could she best help with a hastened trip back to camp? You promised your first resonance together would be grand and have a captive audience. It would feel a little disrespectful to go: "Hey Sylph! Let's resonate so I can fly across the desert because Watame and I were making love for too long." Maybe there is a better way for her to help.

Around the chamber you stand in, there is only the fire that is slowly going out, the filled cauldron that Watame was almost cooked in, the two wooden planks it was carried on, and the two towels Polka left you…that definitely need to be soaked and washed before you return them. A potentially really fun idea begins to form in your head involving the planks and the towels. This might just work, but you'll need a certain wind fairy's help, but first.

Walking up to your sheep, you take her by the waist and give her a long, loving kiss. She places one of her hands on the top of your shoulder as she smooches you back. After a few more seconds, you part and look at her affectionately. There isn't anything you have to say with words. What your eyes and actions say is loud and clear. The love you both have for one another has evolved to something even greater, and it can only grow stronger and more passionate from here.

"I thought of a way for us to get back to camp, fast, in style, and in a way that won't tire us out." You say to Watame confidently, who looks up at you with childlike curiosity. "We will just need a little help first."

Separating from the hug with the fluffy sheep, you take a few steps back and begin to channel your own magic. You focus on the binding pact you have with the wind spirit, and the mana around your body begins to glow with the signature light green that fuels the magic of wind. You call out to the wind spirit with your mind, and in a flash of bright magic, followed by a gentle breeze, Sylph appears in front of you and Watame, on her side, apparently asleep. A dark green nightcap covers most of her blond hair, while an eye mask of the same color is strapped comfortably to her face.

"Summoner?" She asks as she lifts the mask slightly up to one side to allow her to confirm that it is you, and take in her surroundings. "Is it morning already?"

"Hey Sylph." You say as you give her a greeting wave. "No, not yet…hopefully. Sorry if I woke you…I didn't know I could do that while you were in your own realm."

"Me either!" Sylph chirps as she sits herself upright seemingly on nothing but thin air. She then snaps her fingers and the sleepwear she brandished disappears in a sparkle of magic. "But then again, when Big Sis and I are in our own realms, we're just as solid as you are now, so I was taking a nap since I knew we'd be busy tomorrow. Guess tomorrow came sooner than I thought!" The wind fairy's sleepy eyes blink a few more times and take in the shape of your companion. "Oh! Hey Watame!"

"Hi Sylph!" Watame waves to the wind fairy. "Anon said you might be able to help us get back to camp."

"I did notice that we aren't quite where I left you earlier." Sylph muses as she flutters her wings and spins around slowly to look around the mountain's inner chamber. "And from the look of you, summoner, you got into another tussle didn't cha? Well! Whatever happened, I bet it was exciting! I mean, you both are absolutely glowing right now!"

"Is it that obvious?" You ask while scratching your cheek slightly in mild bashfulness.

"The dirt and scuffs on your face are a dead giveaway that you were in a fight." The wind fairy answers with a cheery grin. "There's also the ya know, tied together at the soul thing. I've never felt this kind of thing from you before, summoner. Besides, the way Watame looks right now, I can just tell. It's a girl thing. By the way, it's a very beautiful look on you, Watame."

Thanks, Sylph!" Watame chirps at the compliment, not at all embarrassed to admit to what had transpired, and why should you be either?

"I just calls em like I sees em! Now! You said something about needing my help? Well I'm all ears. What can the orchestrator of the winds do for her summoner and his lovely maiden this fine night…" Sylph makes an exaggerated bow along with a waving of her hand toward you. Something then clicks in her head as she bends her body back up straight and holds a thumb and forefinger to her chin. "Unless it's actually morning…Crud, this is hard when I don't know what time it is. Can we take this conversation outside so I can deliver my lines properly?"

"Sure." You chuckle lightly at the wind spirit's antics and gather the things you will need for this plan of yours to possibly work; two planks of wood that once held the cast iron cauldron, and both towels. After securing the materials under your arms, you lead your sheep and wind fairy out of the large mountain cave. The air begins to warm as you head towards the exit, and you can see the light of the moon shining down on the sand up ahead. A wave of relief washes over you to know that you hadn't let the rest of the night pass you by. You want to get back to Polka and help her with your newest guests.

"Alright." You begin as you drop the planks of wood onto the soft sand, the study lumber making a clear indentation upon its surface. "We're going to make our own improvised sand-surfers. Kinda like the ones the Talonclaw people use to cross the plains."

"That's a great idea, Anon!" Watame beams. "We're going to use the towels like sails, aren't we?"

"We're sure gonna try! I can't be certain how well this will work though. We both will need to stand on one of the planks, and hold the towel open between us so Sylph can blow air into it." You explain your potentially dangerous idea for traversing the desert.

"No problem!" Watame cheers as she has full confidence in you. "This sounds like fun."

"Look at you~" Sylph teases as she gives you a slight jab with her elbow. "Thinking how to solve your problems using the very air around you. I can already tell our first resonance is gonna blow the roof off the place! Assuming we are in a place with a roof when that happens. If not, find me a roof to blow off."

"I'd be lying if I said that didn't sound fun." You mildly entertain the wind spirit's request. "Alright, Watame. Are you ready?"

"Sure am!"

After tying one of the towels to your waist and setting up both planks to sit about a foot apart, you step onto one and test its sturdiness. Thankfully it doesn't sink into the sand much under your weight, which makes the idea that it will slide along the sand promising. Watame steps onto the plank beside yours and you give her a second to find her footing before handing one side of the towel you hold in your hands to her. With you both spreading the plush fabric wide between you, you nod for the wind spirit to work her magic.

Starting off gentle, Sylph brings her upwards facing palm to in front of her lips, and blows. Immediately you feel a gentle breeze roll over your hair, and your makeshift sail pushes forward as it catches the wind. The planks you and Watame stand on begin to slowly slide along the sand, and confidence in your plan rises. Your legs rock slightly back and forth to maintain their balance on top of the moving lumber, but you are quickly feeling the exhilaration start to overtake you. The sound of the sand moving underneath you, the sight of the ocean of stars overhead, and the energetic smile of the sheep next to you that you can bask in thanks to the bright moonlight, are all making this ride you share more magical by the second.

Noticing both yours and Watame's enjoyment, Sylph flutters her wings as she flies to keep up with you both to propel a little more wind into your sail. Your speed suddenly picks up, and you and Watame fumble to keep the towel gripped tightly so that it doesn't fly away. Even with the potential risk of falling, you both let out joyous laughs as you are both ferried forward thanks to the magic of the wind spirit.

Subtle bumps in the sand add a little extra excitement to your ride, but with the increasing speed, your leg muscles are having a harder time keeping you stable. One foot trips and dangles off the edge of the rectangular wooden plank after a small jump along the sand. You can feel yourself lose your balance and begin to fall, your instinct commands you to let go of your end of the towel, if you're going down for a tumble, you're not going to take Watame with you. Your eyes close reflexively as the tan ground gets closer, but you never feel its grainy touch.

A sturdy hand grabs your wrist and quickly yanks you upward. When you are nearly upright again, Watame's arm hooks around your waist and backs you into her more. While still traveling along your wooden sand surfer, you look over your shoulder and see the fluffy sheep smiling proudly at you. That amazing girl actually jumped from her own plank onto yours while rescuing you.

"Thanks Watame!" You say as you focus quickly on planting your feet sideways along the lumber to steady your board, even without the towel unfurled, you seem to have built up enough speed to coast for a bit. "Sorry I almost fell there, I guess I didn't realize how tired my legs were."

"No need to be sorry!" Watame shakes her head happily. "I'll always be there to catch you when you fall!"

"You're always there right when I need you." You let the sheep know as you place your hand over hers that holds you along your stomach.

"Whoopsie! Sorry summoner!" Sylph chirps as she flies alongside you both. "Guess I got a teeny bit carried away there. Can't say I ever used my winds to help something across the desert before. Sand doesn't look like it should be that bumpy."

"No worries, Sylph. We're alright, but I don't know how long this plan of mine will keep working without a sail. I think we're starting to slow down already." You assure the wind fairy as you can feel the speed of your surfer begin to dwindle.

"Oh that's not a problem!" Sylph waves the concern off. "You got creative before, now it's Sylph's turn! Here, watch!"

With a twirl and snap of her fingers, you feel slight turbulence from under you as the wooden board is lifted a few inches off the ground by Sylph's magic. A small whirlwind starts to swirl beneath the lumber, and creates a cresting wave of sand that rises and falls with your travel. The wind fairy then moves her upward pointing index fingers in the style of a conductor as you feel a gentle breeze tickle your face and untie the towel you had around your waist. The towel Watame holds is then taken from her, and above both your heads, the air dances and places one under the other, before gracefully having them swoop down and glide under your still moving wooden plank. A force from under your feet makes itself known next, lifting you ever so slightly into the air along with your sheep. The sudden feeling of flight makes your heart skip a beat, but you quickly know you are safe with Sylph. She lowers her hands down soft as she continues to flutter at the pace you move along the air, and the caressing winds around you help you and Watame come to a sitting position. The board underneath you is then discarded, leaving only the flowing towel matching Polka's reds and blues. The air lowers you down ever so slightly onto it, and when Sylph seems satisfied with how her passengers are now safely secured in their seats, she puts on a wide smile and claps her hands together in front of her.

Like a boat that is caught in the swell of a sudden wave, you are propelled forward as the towel you ride on begins to slowly pick up speed. You sit well rested within the arms of your sheep, and you lean back and rest your head on her squishy and comforting chest. Watame let's put a small content sigh as she begins to stroke the top of your head.

"Now this! Is a much better way to travel." Sylph remarks proudly, now flying backwards with her feet kicked up, and her hands laced behind her head. "You lovebirds just enjoy the stars, the moon, and most importantly; each other. Your pal Sylph will handle the steering, and get you where you need to go. On a night like this though, I just might leave the speed on a nice steady cruise. It just feels right."

You and Watame give the wind fairy an affirming nod and relax more into one another. It's times like that that you love being a summoner. Who knows what other scenes of romance you can create with the help of the spirits? You are bound for the ocean after all, perhaps you and Undine can create something spectacular together. There will be time to brainstorm all that later, for now, you think you'll focus more on who's behind you.

Watame's hair blows elegantly in the wind with your flight, her eyes taking in both you below her, and the beautiful night sky that blankets the desert with stars. The sheep then cranes her neck forward as you point your face straight up towards the sky, bringing you face to face with one another. An amazing, fluffy, and beautiful sheep against the backdrop of the stars above is a picture that couldn't be more perfect if you tried. You reach up and caress one of her cheeks, before moving upward and giving her a relaxing scratch under one of her sheep ears, causing her to blush.

Letting the gentle winds ferry you across the sand, you two share this magical journey in blissful silence. Your body may be aching for rest, but you want to stay awake and enjoy these moments together as much as you can.

"Attention travelers, if you take your eyes off the beautiful and loving person you're attached to and look forwards, you'll see the bright and vibrant peak of our favorite circus tent among the stunning and resilient trees of the oasis." Sylph's voice breaks you and Watame out of your own shared world while she speaks in a professional, but playful tone. "While we approach our destination, it is recommended that all passengers sit upright, face forward, and most importantly, hold on to your favorite person as we begin our landing."

The wind fairy's unique antics and showmanship makes you chuckle slightly as you pick your head up from Watame's lap. Sitting up, you look ahead and see the oasis where the group had made camp approach. You scooch yourself back so you can sit side by side with your fluffy sheep, and put an arm around her. Watame leans her head against you, the curve of one of her gnarled horns presses against your shoulder. Once you reach the edge of the life spring within the desert, the winds that carry you along slow down, and gently dissipate until the towel you and your lover sit on is flat against the sand.

"We hope you enjoyed this flight aboard Sylph's Airways. Please disembark carefully, and enjoy your stay at the Shiso Desert Oasis. Tomorrow's weather calls for lots of sun, and heat stroke inducing temperatures, but hey! There's a pool!" Sylph announces as she flutters to where you and Watame sit, and offers a helping hand to bring both of you to your feet. Watame giggles and gives the wind fairy a thankful nod before beginning to walk towards your camp as you begin to do the same.

Sylph gently flutters alongside you with a particularly proud look on her face as she gives you a thumbs up. You chuckle and return the gesture, not only thankful for her help in getting you back to everyone so quickly, but the way she did it too. The wind spirit certainly seemed like she was having a blast, you suppose that spirits thrive off of getting to flex their power over their own elements, and in someone like Sylph's case, that enjoyment is doubled if she is using it to help a friend.

The light of a campfire becomes easily visible in the night and your stomach tenses slightly. It was easy to get lost and forget the world when you were with Watame, but the reality sets in that you have a rather interesting problem to deal with now. Well, two actually. A new responsibility over the survival of a pack of lion demi-humans, and explaining to everyone not present for the event what had transpired.

"Oh there they are! Welcome back guys!" Polka greets you both with an energetic wave as you both must have come into view. You were so lost in your head that you didn't even pay attention to how you were walking straight towards the crackling beacon of the fire. "See? I told ya they wouldn't be much longer. Nothing to worry about."

"Just like how you probably thought there was nothing to worry about when you, Anon, and Undine went off to find a lion's den on your own? Without waking any of us up?" Flare scolds with her arms crossed as she sits cross legged next to the fennec. The half-elf is clearly pissed, but thankfully that isn't aimed at you…yet.

"So I guess Polka explained everything." You sigh as you nervously rub the back of your head as you walk up to the circle of bodies seated around the fire. Everyone was present and awake, including your new pack, who are now looking considerably better after having had a meal. Most of the lionesses are actually smiling, while others are gnawing at the dried meats Polka had likely provided them from your supplies.

Not saying anything, Flare gets up, and walks up to you and Watame. She stares hard at both of you for a few seconds, before wrapping the sheep in a deep hug.

"No more going out on your own at night when we're in the wilderness. Okay?" Flare sets a new rule, to which you and Watame can only nod in agreement to. The sheep returns the embrace softly and the two part. You guess you didn't consider just how important Watame is to Flare as well. She has known her almost as long as you have, and their friendship runs very deep.

"I'm uhh…sorry I didn't come to get you, or anyone else." You speak up, feeling apologetic for how you first reacted when Watame was kidnapped.

"I know." Flare sighs as she turns to you. "I…probably would have done the same thing as you. Your new friends made it sound like Watame was only minutes away from being lamb chow, so it's alright…I just worry about you. Now look at you though, Pack leader~"

"So you know that too, huh?" You chuckle slightly, eternally grateful the half-elf is empathetic to how you operated tonight.

"Hard not to when Polka comes stumbling into the tent, the bells on her shoes ringing, and then stammering something about needing some of our food." Pomu pipes up as before yawning. "I take a peek outside and there's just a group of lions! They looked at me like I was the snack! My little fairy heart must have stopped for a second ya know."

"Really? You eat fairies too?" You direct your question towards Botan who sits between two of her pack-mates with one leg crossed on the ground, and her other foot planted flatly so that her arm can rest on her knee.

"She probably would taste alright. She looked to have some good meat on her legs. It's hard not to think of everything as food when you haven't had a full meal in days." Botan answers as she shrugs. "By the way, thanks for sharing what you have. You actually saved us."

"You're all apparently my responsibility now." You sigh as you stroll up to the campfire and give everyone else a small greeting smile, before nodding your head in appreciation to Undine who floats in her spiritual state between Nene and Pomu. "Which by the way, we need to talk about that further, and we might as well do it now."

The lionesses to Botan's right look up at you and shuffle over to give you and Watame enough room to sit at the fire. The gesture is both appreciated, and slightly off putting at the same time. Being some sort of animal pack boss with subordinates doesn't fully sit right with you. All the more reason to sort this all out as soon as possible. You take a seat next to Botan while Watame sits on her knees on your other side, basking in the pleasant warmth of the fire as your hands subconsciously meet to hold one another. The alpha lioness smells the air slightly and then nods to you.

"You share your mate's scent now. I can tell she shares yours now too. I guess that makes her the prime consort…for now." Botan remarks, causing both yours and Watame's faces to go beet red.

"What kinda world do we live in where our pack leader has chosen a sheep as his prime…" One of the black-haired lionesses laments.

"Ohhhh~ So that's why Watame looks different!" Pomu chirps as the sudden reveal energizes her and paints a wide, stupid grin on her face as she looks at you.

You quickly gauge everyone's reactions as you and Watame say nothing to confirm or deny what they might be thinking. Polka and Undine look at you with happy smiles, you are still unsure just how aware the water spirit was of everything while you were in the middle of the act, which hopefully you'll never talk about. Nene is well, being Nene; all smiles and just plain happy to see you and her friends safe, she does look like she's having a little trouble keeping her eyes open though. Flare returns to her seat next to Polka and might just have a distinct tinge to her tanned cheeks. She doesn't look all that upset though, which is great. The half-elf actually looks…happy as she processes this information, and she locks eyes with Watame and they both seem to share an unspoken exchange, only indicated by a couple of firm nods to the other.

This isn't exactly how you planned to let it be known that you've had your first time, but today was chock full of unplanned events, so you might as well roll with it. You look to Watame who wears a proud, but slightly shy smile, and she gives your hand a soft squeeze. Again, she isn't embarrassed, so why should you be? You take a relaxing breath and feel your stomach begin to unknot itself.

"So I'll get right to it." You begin as you speak more directly to Botan. "I don't think I'm cut out to be a pack leader for a bunch of lions. I only fought you to get Watame back. So how about you just take over again, and we can go our separate ways."

"But you've already proven you can care for the pack." Botan argues coolly. "You not only have the strength, but you provided us with food too. You're doing a lot better than I did."

"Yeah but…" You pinch your brow in frustration. "My…our lifestyle isn't exactly suited for all of you. I plan to travel the whole world. Eventually our journey is going to take us to the far north, where there's nothing but snow and ice for miles. Do you really want to follow me to a place like that?"

"We're bound to follow you anywhere." One of the blond lionesses who lays down behind two of her sisters, voices.

"She's right. It is not like you will need to care for us as though we were cubs either." Botan adds. "We can hunt and forage for ourselves too, and even provide for you as well. Once we have our full strength back, you may use us to gather food, find safe dwellings, and even fight your enemies however you see fit."

This is going nowhere fast. You need to offer these ritual following demi-humans SOMETHING to get them off you. You are already flat broke, you can't expect to provide lodgings and food for SEVEN more bodies. You also know that these girls belong in the wild, to live how they were meant to. Your travels will undoubtedly take you to countless cities and other civilizations; not exactly their comfort zone. If only their ancestral home wasn't taken from them by pirates….

"My responsibility as pack leader is to make sure you all have what you need to survive, right?" You pose the question to no lioness in particular, to which you are answered with firm nods. "What if I get your old home back? That way, you can start over, and you should have all you need there to ensure your survival."

Hushed whispers are exchanged between the lionesses, while Botan herself just stares at you, her gray eyes pierce yours, as if challenging the resolve you have.

"You really think you can?" Botan eventually asks, promptly ending the debate the other lionesses share in secret.

"Well now that I'm not only promising a friend, but now an entire group of lions that I would do something about Shallah's pirate problem, I have to succeed." You shrug, but you put on a confident grin when you look to the sheep beside you, and then to all your friends. "Besides, I'm not doing it alone. My friends and I, we're gonna show the jerks who decided to mess with your land the door, and then you can have your own home back."

"If I didn't just learn that you can back up what you say the hard way, I might not have believed you." The gray-haired lioness lets out a small laugh as she smiles. "You also used a power unlike any I've seen before on my sisters, so maybe you can help take our island back…You're not an average human, are you?"

"Nope! But he's the best there is!" Watame chimes in. "We're all going to help you get your home back, Botan! You made it sound so pretty earlier!"

"All I said was that it was green…" The lioness scoffs, but Watame's positivity is quickly contagious and she giggles again. "You're a strange one too…wanting to help us after we tried to eat you."

"You were just hungry and I bet I'd taste great!" Watame waves off, as Flare and Polka wear exasperated expressions hidden behind polite smiles. "But now we're all part of the same pack, so it's okay!"

While there is hopefully some truth to Watame's words, you can't help but notice the still hungry gazes some of the lionesses give your sheep. While your newly elevated status as their leader keeps them from trying to take a bite of her for now, that's not to say there aren't more strange rules within their culture that would allow them to bypass your wishes. All the more reason to get this pack taken care of, and out of your hair.

"So what do you say? If I give you a safe place to live and fend for yourselves, I'll give up my position as pack leader." You propose, confident that the outcome is beneficial for all parties involved.

"If you want to go and fight to take back our lands, we will follow." Botan says simply, while the other lion-girls nod.

"Hold on now." You raise your free hand. "Weren't those pirates hunting you down before? No offense, but if we go to Shallah with a pack of lionesses behind me, that's just gonna paint a big target on our backs."

"Anon's right." Flare speaks up, feeling comfortable to contribute to a conversation about tactical planning. "We aren't going to just go in swords waving. We should assess the situation first and keep a low profile."

"Besides, we should try to find some of Nene's family first. I bet they'll be thrilled to see a distant relative." Pomu adds, which sparks the Champion of Ursol attention to the conversation as she holds her heavy head in one of her hands.

"So what should we do, pack leader?" Botan poses the question to you, one which you don't have an immediate answer for. You ponder on the different possibilities for a moment. In a fight, Botan could be a valuable asset, she's easily a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps even the other lionesses could hold their own too if they fought on full stomachs, at least against average opponents. Still, you won't be able to go around Shallah much unnoticed if you have them with you. History serves as a painful reminder that you are awful about hiding your own presence along with that of your company. Perhaps the best course of action is one that keeps the survival of the pack in mind…only a few hours in and you're already thinking for the good of the pack…

"Well first, you're all going to rest, and get your strength back." You decide. "It's too dangerous for you girls to go right into Shallah. Those pirates are probably itching to finish their hunt. Maybe we can try what Pomu said; find some people who know Nene's mom. With any luck they can help us lay low while we figure out just what we're dealing with."

"From the look of the map Lui gave us, Shallah looks to be split into four sections." Flare starts to build off your idea as she recollects the layout she studied earlier. "There's the main city that runs along most of the shoreline, I think that's where the port is. There then should be three smaller towns that make up its inland borders; one near the shore, one further north along the desert, and the last even further up, which might border some thicker green land."

"Perfect. We'll stop in the town closest to the shoreline, and make a plan from there." You nod to Flare.

"Do you really think we can pass through the borders unnoticed?" Botan respectfully asks.

"Honestly? No." You say flatly, causing snickers to come from Pomu, Nene, Sylph, and Polka. "I fully expect anyone who cares to find out I'm passing through. It's YOU that I'll make sure go unnoticed. You and the rest of the pack."

"Ohhhh! I get it!" Pomu exclaims. "If pirates are looking for lions, there's no way they're gonna guess a bunch are following a human."

"Exactly. A group like ours will get some eyes on us easily." You smile at the fae for catching on so quickly. "That way, Botan and the other lionesses can try to blend in and not draw attention. Then when the time is right, we'll bring it to those pirates and take back your lands."

"Even if you manage to slip under their noses for a while, it's still a long shot." The red-haired lioness says in a cold tone, but you can see by the downcast look on her face that looks down into her hugged together knees, that she desperately wants to believe you can do it. Gods you just want to get to sleep, but you suppose you got one more speech left in you for the night.

"I bet you thought me beating Botan was a long shot too. How did that end again?" You rhetorically ask with a hint of pride, which perks the lioness' ears slightly.

"With you shirtless and biting the girl on the ground?" Polka snickers, but you can see the satisfaction flash in her eyes as she replays the scene in her head, which more than feeds your ego.

"Shirtless?" Flare asks in astonishment. "But Anon's clothes are in one piece for once. How did he?"

"I took preemptive measures this time." You smugly say. "My chest is covered in healing cuts and bruises!"

"I did lay into him pretty hard." Botan adds. "He got me back though." She showcases her own battle scars along her arm, and moves some of her fluffy hair to the side to show the fading bite marks on her shoulder.

Pomu whistles as she gives you a congratulatory wink. Nene's eyes are practically glued to Botan's toned figure as she takes in the wounds you gave her. You suppose she would be appreciative of a more wild style of fighting. You'll have to thank her personally for it next time you're alone. You were only able to channel some of that primal aggression by watching her after all. Maybe she can teach you more as well.

"The point I'm trying to make is that, just like how Watame counted on me to win the La'Lo'Kai, you all can count on me to try and get your home back. I can't promise it'll be just like how you left it, but I'll promise on my life that I'll beat down the pirates responsible for hurting your kin, and trying to hunt you. What they are doing is just plain greedy, and disrespectful, and people like that just plain piss me off." You begin to rouse yourself with the thoughts of the battle ahead and the goals you have. "I'm not fighting alone either. I got some of the best people in the world to watch my back and help me kick ass!"

"Anon right!" Nene cheers, finally speaking up for the first time tonight. "Nene will promise to help lions too! People of Shallah are my people too! If pirates want to hurt them or lions, Nene will smash them! Then she will smash the most and win free favor from husband!"

"You'll have to defeat more than me first, Nene." Flare cockily says, seemingly catching the excitement in the air.

"Between the three of us alone, there won't be a pirate left in your way." You chuckle as you meet each lionesses' gaze, showing your best heroic smile. "Just like how you can count on the stars above to light your way through the night, you can count on me!"

This seems to give the lioness pack some hope in your mission. Their eyes that were dull and pained earlier that night, were now shining with life. It feels pretty good to inspire these girls somewhat. A good note to end on.

"Now as your packleader, I'm telling you all to get some rest. I don't know about you, but I'm about ready to fall over." You say as you slowly rise to a stand with Watame's help. With your friends following your example, they begin to head back into Polka's tent for a few more precious hours of sleep.

When it is just you, Botan, Polka, and the other lionesses still outside, you give the demi-humans an expectant look when they don't stir from their spots around the campfire.

"You can come in with us. Just don't think about snacking on anyone while I sleep. That's about the only rule I have right now for you." You attempt to prompt the lionesses up with a soft order.

"We will rest out here, if that is alright with you." Botan speaks for her sisters. "We will take turns making sure nothing tries to sneak up on us in the night."

"Suit yourselves." You shrug as you begin to walk past the head lioness, only for her to grab your wrist to stop you.

"I just want to say…thanks. Thanks for feeding my-our pack.I know you didn't have to do that, especially after all we put you through." Botan says to you, wearing a genuine smile. The sight of her smiling in the moonlight takes you off guard slightly, and you take a second to recollect yourself.

"You were all just doing what nature demands of you…it's hard to argue with that." You try to sound understanding. "And I'd be lying if I said this night didn't end kinda great for me…and Watame too! Despite all the danger. So…thanks for that?"

"So the situation prompted you both to mate?" Botan asks curiously as she lets go of your wrist. The question acts as Polka's cue to head inside next, leaving you red faced with two very smug spirits floating behind you.

"I-It's a little more complicated than that!" You stammer, hoping to squash the question entirely.

"If you say so." The lioness shrugs. "Though as pack leader, you may choose any mate you wish now. Since you were able to pin me down, you would not be denied."

"Okay! Good night!" You practically shout as you march inside. You hear Undine and Sylph bid the lionesses a good night before they follow you through the flaps of the circus tent.

Wiping off the hot flush from your face, you notice that almost everyone is fully tucked into their own sleeping spots already.

"Good night everyone. Sorry for well…bringing a pack of lions home." You apologize as you walk to your sleeping roll that Watame has already placed herself under and looks at you with an adorable smile.

"They're yours to take care of, don't apologize to us." Flare playfully remarks.

"Anon and I lead the pack now!" Watame chirps excitedly before a large sheepy yawn escapes her throat.

"And pack leaders need their sleep." You give your sheep a small ruffle of her head as you kneel down and squeeze yourself in behind her.

"Good night everybody!" Polka announces as she claps her hands twice to make the magical lights in the tent dim and go out for the second time tonight. "Maybe this time Anon won't have us wake up and leave at dawn like he usually does. Sleeping in, here I come!"

You roll your eyes at the fennec's joke and snuggle up to your sheep. Holding on tightly to Watame, you find a comfortable position and quickly feel yourself drift off to sleep as you both spoon. There might be extra stakes now involving your likely battle with pirates, but you feel more ready than ever to face Shallah's oppressors. A brand new city and people to see…now you really can't wait.

In the dead of night, Chloe walks sluggishly towards a small brick building within a dimly lit and quiet city. Her arms dangle in front of her as she takes each of the stone steps leading to the doorway one at a time, her legs barely able to fight against the force of gravity as her boots clap against the hard, smooth surface. She couldn't believe that some of the stiffs from Judsmead actually chased her when they noticed what had to be barely a spec in their eye running north of their little town. The orca even made sure to wake up and leave before dawn, and better yet, before the person she shared a camp with woke up. Even when she was being pursued, her thoughts wandered to that silly, mess of a hero. Did the guards end up finding him too? Was he alright? Did he manage to reach Shallah yet? Why did she even care? He's an enemy of HoloX. If given the word, she would break him in two. That's all there is to it.

Chloe shakes off the lingering thoughts about Anon's wellbeing, simply chalking the distraction up to pure exhaustion. It took a considerable amount of effort to outrun the guards that gave chase for what seemed like hours. Still, no one would catch her, never again. She had managed to lose her pursuers through a thicket of trees she ran through a couple hours ago, and was able to finally go at her own pace towards her destination. This small city was home to one of the many safehouses HoloX has built around the world, each one functioning as a home base depending on where the organization is currently focusing their efforts. It's here she will rest and give her latest report, both on the mission she was originally tasked with to perform, and on her unexpected encounter with one of HoloX's key people of interest.

Placing her hand on the doorknob, the orca turns the copper hardware to undo the latch that resounds a subtle click into the stillness of the night. With a heavy and strained sigh, Chloe pushes open the door and walks inside, relieved that her journey is done. After closing the door and pulling her hood back, the orca's masked white pupils narrow on the layout of this particular hideout.

The floor of the small hallway is made from dark wood, but has a glossy finish, and the walls are made of the simple red, gray, and orange bricks that make up the building's foundation. To the girl's right is the beginning of a narrow staircase leading upward, but nothing she needs is up there. Four doors are accessible from the corridor Chloe begins to walk through; the two on the left are simple living spaces, one meant for her, and the other for Iroha. The door opposite of HoloX's bodyguard that sits under the ascending staircase is meant for Koyori, which leads down to a lab of smaller stature than that of what is at the true home base. The orca shudders at the sight of the simple, pink wooden doorframe, whose excessive number of locking mechanisms serve as a bone chilling reminder that no one enters, or leaves her domain without her explicit permission. The thought of her deranged comrade brings the orca's thoughts back to the coyote's main desire; Anon. She remembers him confiding in her about the nightmares he has about Koyori, and how they only seemed to get worse and more vivid. She hopes he found his answer to beating her back…a strange thought to have, but she knows better than anyone that no one should have to suffer because of HoloX's head of R&D more than they have to.

Thankfully, Koyori should still be holed up in her prime lab in another location. The thought of interacting with her after spending time with her self-proclaimed prize is not a pleasant one. Rubbing her own arms up and down as she walks to make the chills go away, Chloe makes her way to the door that lies at the end of the hallway; the one that leads downstairs to the main meeting area. It was there that she would contact her superior and give her a full report.

"Just a little more Chloe, and you can finally get a good night's sleep." The girl says to herself as she opens the basement door, and begins descending its simple steps that are painted a dull gray. When she reaches the bottom, she is surprised to see a figure seated at the large wooden desk at the far side of the room. A feathery haired woman turns her head away from the large screen that hangs mounted on the wall in front of her, and smiles at Chloe while giving her a small wave.

"L-Lui!?" Chloe gasps as she removes her mask and throws it on the simple three cushioned beige couch she passes while on her way to get closer to the unexpected resident.

"Good evening Chloe." Lui starts off politely as stands up from her seat and turns toward the orca.

"I-I thought you were back home…" Chloe starts, suddenly a little nervous to find one of her fellow members here with her. "W-What are you doing out here?"

"Taking an opportunity." Lui says with a smile as she crosses her arms to hold her elbows. "But I'll tell you more about that later if you want, what do you have to report?"

"R-Right!" The orca brings her arms stiffly to her sides and stands perfectly straight. "I tailed the target for a few days, and it was like you thought; he is still blissfully unaware of what has transpired in his homeland recently."

"Good." HoloX's executive officer nods as she picks up the stemmed glass that sways halfway to its lip with thick, red wine. "While things seem to be going smoothly for us over in that kingdom, it could end up complicating things if he got word and hopped back to help his family reclaim the throne. I'd rather not have to intervene directly to make sure my little puppet stays in power."

"That won't be a problem." Chloe assures her boss while wearing a proud grin. "On the second day I intercepted a courier that those long eared royals must have managed to send across the sea."

"Perfect. Excellent work, Chloe." Lui coos as she walks a few steps forward and gives the orca an affectionate pat on the head, making the shorter girl smile and sway from the praise. "Is there anything else?"

Chloe looked up at her superior and froze. She knew she couldn't lie, especially not to the woman who is responsible for saving her life. Still, she felt anxious about what she would have to divulge next. Would she be reprimanded for allowing herself to be arrested? Would she be punished for working with a known enemy? The orca takes a deep breath and tries to remember what the wannabe hero told her. They had a truce that day. Hopefully Lui understands.

"Actually…there is." Chloe says nervously as her eyes trail to the corner of the basement, not wanting to meet the taller woman's piercing blue eyes. "I ran into someone yesterday…the guy who messed up our plan along the coast…Anon."

"Oh? Did you now?" Lui asks, her interest peaked beyond measure. This promises to be a potentially fruitful conversation. There is also one key person who might also want to be privy to this information. "Hold on a second."

Before the orca could continue, Lui turns around and presses a few of the lettered keys that sit upon a flat rectangular board that clack in quick succession. The mounted screen above changes from the insignia of their organization, to the visage of a person Chloe did NOT want to be included in this conversation.

"Lui-nee~" Koyori happily greets from beyond the screen, where most of her pristine and elaborate laboratory can be seen behind her. "What are you doing up at such a late hour? Oh! I see Chloe is with you too. Is there something I can help with?"

"Good evening Koyori." Lui greets back. "Chloe was just about to tell me more about someone she happened to meet on her way back from the job I gave her. I figured you would be very interested to hear about him as well."

"Him?" The pink coyote asks as her eyes widen like saucers. She brings her face closer to the screen, and places her palms flat against it, desperate to try and get closer. "You really mean it?! You saw him!? Where!? Do you have him?! Please tell me you do!"

The scientist's unrelenting desire to hear about her favorite plaything unnerves Chloe even more. Her imagination starts to run wild with the types of punishment she might receive from Koyori when she learns that the orca left Anon sleeping soundly instead of kidnapping him.

"Now now, calm down please, Koyori." Lui tries to talk the raving girl down. "He's obviously not here, so how about we let Chloe tell us what happened. Go ahead, I'm interested to find out how you met."

After meeting the supportive gaze of her superior, Chloe nods and begins to retell what had happened between her and Anon back in Judsmead. The bar fight, the arrest, the escape, all of it. The only alteration to the story was to be sure to mention how their truce was struck BEFORE teaming up to escape their prison cell. Koyori was standing in her own seat, her legs folded to allow her to still see the screen. The mention of how he had celestial mana made the coyote's mouth salivate.

As the orca continued to give details and spoke of the would-be hero, Lui's sharp eyes honed in on something. Chloe was not acting much different from when she normally gives her reports by any means, but Lui was an expert on noticing the very subtle differences in a person's tone, expression, and even body language that reveal their true nature. Her eyes flashed to become a bright orange as a dark orange cross adorns her pupils when she zeroes in on how Chloe's body sways back and forth every so slightly when she begins to talk about how Anon treated her.

"And then he ended up giving away all his money to the bar we trashed. After that, we camped out a safe distance away. He gave me some food, and then I fell asleep." Chloe ends her story, and looks away from her audience, hoping that there will be no follow up questions.

"Chloe." Koyori says in a flat, emotionless tone. "If you're done, can I ask something?"

"Y-Yes?" Chloe winces, preparing herself for what usually comes next after the coyote starts a question like that.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU BRING MY ANON BACK WITH YOU!? COULD YOU BE ANY MORE USELESS!?" Koyori screams as she rattles her side of the viewing screen.

"Poe!" The orca reflexively lets out as she turns and holds her hands over her head, afraid that somehow the coyote would reach through dimensions and punish her.

"Koyori…" Lui mutters as she gives the scientists a scolding glare. "Chloe was very clear that she and Anon had a truce that would prevent her from doing that. Unless she wanted to stick around until the next afternoon and run the risk of running into Anon's companions, there was nothing she could have done. She made the right choice choosing not to act and potentially risk another battle."

This made the orca cower a little less, and she slowly picked her head up and looked back at Lui and Koyori. The coyote was still huffing mad, but was starting to calm down a little.

"What an interesting and worthwhile diversion you had, Chloe." Lui congratulates her subordinate and turns her head to the screen to look at Koyori, who looks to have flopped to the opposite side of the emotional spectrum already, and is bursting with excitement.

"Celestial magic?! A wind spirit!? AND a new spell from his book!? All in such a short time?! Oh Anon~ You are absolutely perfect!" Koyori practically moans to herself while running her hands down her face. "Lui! I NEED him! Let me take Iroha and Chloe with me to retrieve him. Pleaseeeeee~"

"Patience." Lui wags a single finger. "Anon will be all yours in due time. I need you to focus on your current projects."

"But!"

"Why not give him more time to grow on his own? Doesn't that sound more fun?" The feather haired woman offers. "Just think about all the things he might learn while you're apart. Also remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Chloe watches somewhat dumbfounded as Lui somehow tames the rabid coyote and makes her relent in her request. Koyori thinks the idea over, and then directs her eyes at Chloe, which makes the orca tense up. "Alright, but I need to know one more thing first. Is he still a virgin?"

"Wha?!" Chloe gasps as her cheeks flush. "Ew! Why the hell would I know that?! Why do YOU need to know that?!"

"This is science Chloe! Don't argue with me!" Koyori snaps, suddenly growing angry as she slams the desk in front of her.

"Don't worry about that for now, Koyori." Lui tries to mediate and end the current exchange. "Just think of it as another topic you and Anon can talk about once you're face to face again. Now why don't you update your notes on the boy, and we can discuss how to approach having him help our organization later."

"I'm gonna do so much more than that!" Koyori squeals. "I won't be able to sleep tonight! There's so much to do, so much to think about! Thank you Lui! And even though you messed up and didn't bring him back for me, thanks for finding out more about Anon for me, Chloe! Now if you'll excuse me, there's work to do~!"

The head of R&D cuts off the communication connection on her end, and the screen goes black. Chloe exhales and walks herself over to the nearby couch and lets herself fall face first into it. As if the day wasn't stressful enough. The orca felt like her heart was going to explode. A soothing hand is then felt on the back of her head, and she begins to relax.

"You did a very good job gathering information, Chloe." Lui praises the fixer once more.

"You're not mad that I didn't capture him?" The orca turns her head to speak. "It was probably the best chance we'll ever get, and I blew it. He's also heading south to mess with things in Shallah…"

"And how do you think he found out about what's going on there?" Lui asks with a sly grin, causing Chloe to receive a burst of intrigue as she flips herself over to better look at her boss.

"Y-You told him? W-When?! W-Why!?" Chloe asks as she sits up, confused and astonished.

"HoloX has no more use for the pirates of this new regiment. In fact, they're more harm than good at this point." Lui begins to explain. "The old captain gave Shallah just enough freedom to allow just enough trade with the neighboring kingdoms to make it not worth them sticking their noses in things. Now, as we both know, their new commander has put a rather sore spotlight on that country. If any official government or army gets involved, that could end up outing us as well. If the pirate fleet won't play by our rules anymore, then they will be eliminated."

"But I could have done that!" Chloe snaps, her temper rising. "You know exactly who that son of a bitch captain is and why he doesn't deserve to live! You know I want to gut him myself!"

"Think of this as a test for Anon." Lui says, ignoring her subordinate's grievances.

"How did you even?" The orca starts, confused over how the chain of events even occurred, to which, Lui's lips curve to a confident smile.

"As you experienced first hand, our little hero has more than a few soft spots. The love he feels for others is an excellent motivator for him. All I had to do was sweet talk him a little, gain his trust, and then point him in the direction of people who are suffering. He was all too eager to do whatever I might ask of him. If he passes this test, I can use him again. He will help put all the pieces in place for my darkness to take the world, and he won't even know he's doing it."

"Don't feel bad for him." Lui coos as she takes one of Chloe's cheeks and lifts her face up towards her. "I'm sure in his heart he knows he is doing good. A world repainted by us is better for everyone after all. We're the only ones who can guide this planet to its most promising future. There, you will stay free, forever."

Chloe wants to feel skeptical of how Anon is being manipulated. She wants to question if he will really do what HoloX wishes. Even after fighting him only two times, she knows he is unrelenting in his beliefs, and somehow finds a way to shine even in full darkness. It just doesn't seem like a good idea to put their success on his actions. Still, Lui's plans are almost flawless. She has entire countries under her invisible thumb through all manner of means. If she thinks she can control Anon, Chloe will believe her, for now.

When Lui notices the doubt leave the orca's face, she gives the girl a soft pat again on her head. "And if you want, we don't have to let Koyori keep him all to herself. You can spend all the time you want with Anon. Would you like that?"

"Poe!" Chloe gasps as she jolts from her seat and out of Lui's range. "N-No way! I don't have some perverted attraction to the guy like Koyori! Plus, just because he helped me out a jam HE put me in, doesn't mean I suddenly want to get all cozy with him!"

"If you say so." Lui chuckles softly, being able to see full well that the orca's gestures contradict what her mouth is saying. "You should go get some rest, Chloe. You worked hard this week. Tomorrow we'll relax a little before heading out."

Taking that as a direct order, Chloe nods and heads back upstairs to the building's first floor. She slumps down the hallway toward the door that leads to her lodgings. Not wanting to dwell on the exhausting mixture of emotions and thoughts that spin her head like a whirlpool, Chloe opens the door and throws herself onto the plaid blanketed bed within the room. Why was she even worried about Anon anyway? As long as he plays the role Lui gives him, he will be fine. If he doesn't he will suffer the consequences. As Chloe falls fast asleep one question shines brightly within her mind; Why does she care?

The rising ache in your legs and arms, along with a steady pounding in your head wake you from your peaceful slumber. You lazily wipe the sleep from your eyes as you become conscious of how sore you feel right now. Still, you can't be all that sympathetic to your body's own plight when your eyes focus on the sheepy shape snuggled against you. You may have pushed your body past old limits last night, but it also got one hell of a reward for its efforts. As Watame still sleeps soundly, you carefully roll over and look around the interior of Polka's tent.

It wasn't a big surprise to find that almost everyone was still fast asleep in their respective areas. You entertain the idea of just laying down with your sheep and enjoying her touch a little more, but your growling stomach alerts you to some other bodily needs you have. After giving Watame a small kiss on her head, which makes her sigh happily as she cuddles further into her blankets, you get up and walk yourself towards the tent's exit.

The second you step outside, the sun's powerful rays blanket over you and almost convince you to turn right around and go back to the shady safety of your shelter.

"Morning." Botan's voice comes from straight ahead to strike down any ideas you had about running away from the morning heat. Her and her fellow lionesses are seated comfortably around where your campfire stood last night. They all give you polite glances in greeting. It is still a little strange to think that you are regarded as their leader. It might feel strange, but that doesn't mean you can't be polite, or maybe even friends. Yes, "friends" sounds a lot better than subordinates.

"Morning Botan. Girls." You greet back with an almost forced enthusiasm. "Did you all sleep well out here?"

"The night stayed cool enough for us. The full meal you gave us helped too." Botan answers, and you notice the alpha lioness is a lot more put together than she was after your battle last night. It seems a night of rest did wonders for the pride, most of them were still dirty and disheveled, but they were in considerably brighter spirits. You're interested to see what they look like all cleaned up. Speaking of getting cleaned.

"That's great to hear. I'm going to clean myself off real quick in the oasis, and then I'll see what we got to make breakfast with. Just relax meanwhile." You wave to the group of lion-girls as you make your way to the indigo pool that helps make this harsh landscape habitable.

Once you are a little further down along the oasis waters, you find a small spot along its edge that has some mild cover thanks to some of the growing brush. After stripping down to just your underwear, you test the waters with one of your feet; it's still a bit cold thanks to the night, but the sun was already beginning to warm it slightly. You let yourself fall into the azure pool and enjoy the feeling of its waters soothing the muscles of your lower half. Wanting to give your entire body a dose of natural revitalization, you dive forward and submerge your entire body with a loud splash. Being underwater feels great, the weightlessness, the way it caresses your hair and body, and just the general comfort you feel being fully enveloped in its embrace.

When you come up for air, you immediately notice Undine's presence closeby. You look to see the incorporeal water spirit sitting with her incorporeal legs submerged in the water next to where all your clothing was left. She gives you a somber smile to greet you.

"Morning, Undine." You say as you wipe some of the excess water off your face. While Undine looks happy to see you, you can't help but feel like something is bothering her. That's new. Usually she is the one finding out there is something off about you first. Now, you can't help but feel a degree of apprehension and anxiousness coming from the water spirit's soul. "Is something the matter?"

Undine blinks a few times at you, her pale blue eyes search you, potentially for answers as to what prompted the sudden question. The water spirit soon realizes that your link has likely become strong enough to allow the sharing of feelings to be more of a two-way street now, which puts a small smile on her face, but then her amphibian ears droop slightly with her expression.

"I just wanted to apologize again for what happened last night…for what I almost made you do." She says as she holds one of her hands to her bosom, looking completely torn up over how your combined emotions and rage led you to almost taking a life in cold blood.

"It's not like I needed much convincing at the time." You shake your head as you sigh.

"But I pushed you to do something that is not in your nature." Undine argues, still wanting to take the brunt of the blame. "I was so furious at those lions for what they wanted to do with my little sheep…I didn't care how many we would have to wash away to get her back."

"Likewise, but you know, how I felt, how we felt. It wasn't wrong. At least, I don't think it was." You say as you work through the remnants of the swelling and crashing rage you both felt last night towards Watame's kidnappers.

"It was as though we were swept away by the roaring tides. Once you are caught, it is hard to break free or even see the horizon beyond the waves." Undine says as she begins to work through the emotions you both felt as well. "All I could see were adversaries that wanted to keep us from Watame. All I could think about was punishing them for their transgressions. I…I do not think that was wrong to want, and that concerns me."

"I've often heard that love can make us do crazy things." You remark as you let yourself float on your back in the water and look up at the clear blue sky.

"You believe it was our love for Watame that drove us to want to kill?" Undine asks next.

"Easily. We both know how powerful of an emotion it is."

"That is very true. I have seen first hand how your love for others has pushed you to new heights. Perhaps I have begun to experience its power for myself, even though it revealed a rather ugly side of myself…"

"Don't ever call yourself that." You scold the water spirit as you swim back to the pool's edge and lift yourself up onto dry land to sit with her. "You taught me that the waters are to be respected and admired, both in their calm, and their storms. We did almost go too far yesterday, but we didn't. Polka brought us back to our senses."

"She is a fantastic fit for you, summoner." Undine says with a warm smile, her mood starting to brighten. "And thank you. I admit that I was afraid that you might fear or resent what we were like when we were joined, but you ended up reminding me of an important aspect of the water."

"Whatever we were, whatever we'll be, that's us. I still got a lot to learn about being a summoner and the powers we share, but I'm more than willing to traverse waters both rough and calm with you." You affectionately say as you give the water spirit a firm hug, breaking the laws of physics to actually touch something intangible thanks to your bond.

"And I have a lot to learn as well, but as you say, I am happy to make the journey with you, Anon. Thank you." Undine says back as she turns her body toward you and touches her forehead to yours softly. The bond and trust you feel from the water spirit has only grown stronger from your ordeal together. You also feel a slight twinge of pain from where your foreheads connect…how many times did you headbutt Botan yesterday?

"And in the spirit of speaking from the heart." Undine starts as she pulls back and sports a small smirk. "I am thrilled that you and Watame have shared a most wondrous experience together."

"Geez…" You groan as you feel yourself instantly heat up with embarrassment. "I guess I couldn't avoid SOMEONE bringing that up again."

"I do not see why you are so embarrassed, summoner. Asking my sister's aid to help you and Watame sail across the desert was a stroke of practical, and romantic genius. After you went to sleep, she would not stop telling me about it." The water spirit remarks playfully, the look on her face tells you that she knows full well how thick she is laying on the fake innocence. "Perhaps you and I can work together on your next romantic venture? I bet we could create a scene that will make Flare weak at the knees."

"You know what? I think I'll take you up on that." You chuckle, happy to divert the conversation somewhat. "Since I'm broke now, I won't have any way to pay for a proper date with Flare, so we might have to get creative with what's around us."

"I think she will be thrilled with whatever you tailor specifically for her." Undine says confidently, which makes you further look forward to your personal time with the half-elf. "There may be just one detail you want to sort out first however." The water spirit then says as she points a finger in front of her, prompting you to look over your shoulder to see the Botan and the rest of the lionesses approach your semi-secluded spot.

"Yo, pack leader. Is it alright if we bathe with you?" Botan asks as she steps over one of the bladed bushes, causing you to let yourself slip back into the oasis pool to at least have your waist downward out of sight…which doesn't actually accomplish anything because your underwear is very visible in the clear waters.

"Well…uhhh, I guess so?" You struggle with the choice to plain turn them away, but also not wanting to come off as a prude. They all already watched you getting fully bloody and personal with Botan last night, what's the big deal with sharing a pool in your underwear?

The alpha lioness gives a thankful nod and the other lion-girls line up to the edge of the water…and begin taking their clothing. Most of the other lionesses wore torn leggings, which came off, or tight fitting black shirts and shorts, which also look to be coming off…alright this is becoming a bigger deal.

"Woah hold on!" You splash in the water as more than a few of the girls, Botan included, begin lifting their shirts up over their breasts, exposing a more dangerous amount of underboob that makes you thankful you are waist deep in cool water. "If you all want to get fully naked, I can leave. I should be clean enough by now anyway."

"If you aren't finished, you don't need to leave." Botan says as she begins to pull on the hems of her shirt again.

"If you all are taking off ALL your clothes, I probably should." You remark sternly which prompts the pride to halt their movements. "We only just met, and I don't even know the rest of your names yet."

"Well I'm Bransha." One of the black-haired lionesses speaks up. She was on the shorter side of her pack-mates, but seemed to compensate for it with long messy hair that trailed down past her tailbone where an especially long tail given her height can be seen ending near her ankles.

"And I'm Bree. Me and Bransha are from the same litter." The lioness next to Bransha continues, sporting the same length black hair as her sister, but hers is smooth and straight, and she is a noticeable inch or two taller, but smaller in other areas. Where Bransha was a very pleasant size for her height, Bree was much leaner in the chest area.

"You can call me Frala." A dark-red haired one goes next. Her hair only reaches past her cheeks, but it furls out widely like an actual lion's mane would. She was tall, but not as tall as Botan is, but her muscle tone is possibly even more impressive than the alpha's. Her face bore a few faded scars along her cheek, and under one of her eyes. She has clearly seen her share of hunts and scrapes.

"Riki." One of the dirty blond haired ones says with a simple thumb pointed at herself. The dark yellow hair that cascaded down to her shoulders was curly and bouncy. Her face was more fair than the others, but her fangs are sharp and pristine. She looked to be about the absolute middleground heightwise of the pack.

"My name's Nula." The lioness with silver-white hair that is tied into a messy short ponytail that sticks upward at an angle from the back of her head. She was about the same height as Bree, but even a little skinnier than both dark haired lionesses.

"I guess that just leaves me. I'm Korla." The last lioness chimes in. Her golden blond hair is full, and almost as wild looking as Botan's as it cascades around her face and down half her back. Her arms and legs were a little meatier than the other five, but she stood almost as tall as the alpha. She also looked a little older than some of the other lionesses, but something tells you that Botan was still their senior, call it a hunch. Korla was certainly the most…voluptuous of the pack, but she still bore some of the signs of a fighter; muscles and a few small battle scars here and there, which you have to admit are an attractive look on her.

"I looked after the pack before Botan showed up and bailed us out." Korla continues with no disrespect or arrogance in her voice that you might expect from someone who was demoted from their station. "So that makes me your second…or third I guess…I keep forgetting that damn sheep is first…"

"That sheep's name is Watame." You feel the need to remind the pack that she is a person, and not a meal. "Is her being around going to make things difficult for anyone?"

"N-No pack leader…" The six mutter.

"And just call me Anon, please." You sigh. It still feels so strange to lay out ground rules like this, but it has to be done if you are going to make it through this with your sanity and more importantly, your sheep in one piece.

"It is a strong name." Frala nods. "And he is not afraid to use it. Eh? Bota?"

All eyes narrowed towards Botan, yours included. You can't even begin to guess where a comment like that came from.

"Bota? Is that a nickname or something?" You ask the lead lioness who meets your eyes with her own. Like usual so far, you can't get a clear read on what she's thinking or feeling, so you just wait for her to speak.

"In our culture, if your name ends with an "N" you are marked as a leader, or someone who will accomplish great things." Botan answers you, and you can hear the slight resentment she has for the tradition in her voice. "I didn't want to be bothered with any of that, so I went by 'Bota'. It was the easiest way for me to just do things on my own. Of course…I got a little carried away when I found the pack cornered by pirates, and used my full name."

"Of course my name would coincide with something like that." Your eyebrow twitches at the fact the universe seems to be having a fair bit of fun playing these sorts of pranks on you. What on earth could be next? Will you be required to take the hand of a dragon just because of your height? There are many different cultures and beliefs out there, Anon. You'd think after your near engagement in Bjornholm you would be more careful by now. Oh well, not like you can't do anything about it now.

"You should take pride in the fact that your name has a positive meaning in another culture, summoner." Undine encourages you when she notices your exasperated expression. "I remember how happy you were to hear that the people and Bjornholm and the elves would start having healthy relations. It suits you to be the spark that unifies different peoples."

"I guess that's a good way to look at it." You say, the idea of being a unifier of sorts sits rather well with you. One of your favorite parts about the trips to the trade posts with your dad was seeing all the different kinds of people conversing and enjoying each other's company. The world could certainly use more of that.

"So now you know everyone's names. Can we finish undressing now?" Botan asks plainly, as if being formally introduced suddenly made the idea okay.

"If you really have to, then I'm leaving." You argue.

"I guess we can't expect a human to act exactly like a lion would." Bransha seems to pick up on the mild discomfort and the situation you are trying desperately to avoid. "What if we just keep the important bits covered? Then can we come wash off with you?"

"Is it really that important that I'm here too? I can just go work on breakfast while the rest of you clean up." You offer, not really sure why the pack is so adamant about sharing more skinship with you.

"You're our pack leader now. This is normal for us." Bree responds.

"And the rest want to try and get on your good side." Botan adds, which earns her a few accusatory gazes, but the sparks in the other lionesses' eyes quickly go out as they turn focus back on you to gauge your reaction. Okay Anon, time to flex those diplomatic chops of yours again.

"Fine, come on in, just…make sure your chest and bottoms are covered, please, for my sake." You set a simple ground rule, which isn't met with too much reluctance.

Clad in only their shirts and black underwear, the lionesses all step down into the oasis waters and begin to rinse their bodies off of who knows how many days of sweat, blood, and fatigue. You look at Undine for some sort of guidance or even help, who only just smiles at you from her ringside seat. Her encouraging demeanor is clearly urging you to fall into your new role and try to get to know the girls you are now responsible for a little better. From her point of view, there is no better place to bond than in the water.

"The fox told us more about you when you were having your post victory mating." Bree says as she flips her long black hair, now fully wet after submerging herself, behind her. "Do you have those strange powers you fought us with because you're a 'summoner'?"

"Yes and no." You answer the question while doing your best to ignore the lion-girl's first comment. "I can do water magic on my own, and so can Undine of course when she's physically in our world. I guess that's another nuance of it. I'm a summoner because I can summon her and Sylph to our world. What we fought you with back in the cave, was called a spirit resonance. It basically makes us become one, and we have a huge power boost."

"Botan is the only one of us that can do anything real with their mana." Korla remarks. "It's part of why she was able to help us escape those pirates."

"Like that walking bomb thing you blindsided me with?" You snidely ask the alpha lioness, who smirks at the memory.

"That's a speciality of mine. It costs a fair bit of energy, but they get the job done. You shouldn't have been walking after taking the explosion from so close." Botan says with a hint of pride, both towards her own ability, and your resilience.

"I would have crawled to your den if I had to." You fire back. "And still have fought you, and won."

"If you ever want to wrestle again, I'm game. Let's see what happens when we both fight on a full stomach." The gray-haired lioness challenges you playfully.

"Not before we get another shot at him!" Frayla yells gleefully as she splashes Botan with water. "We had almost nothing left when we got to fight him. He needs to see that we're strong too!"

"I can see that just fine, thanks." You hold your hands in mock surrender, trying to not let it show where your eyes are wandering to the various lionesses' favorable features within the water. "B-Besides! We're all friends now, right? Why would we need to fight more?"

"The fox told us that you fight with the pointy-eared girl…" Bransha starts as she lowers herself down to chin level in the water before rising back up, and her mind seems to be working as she realizes that her description still didn't narrow down the girl in question. "The one without wings! That one. You fight her every day don't you?"

"That's different. That's training. We help each other practice and grow stronger. It's not a competition." You argue as you try to focus your eyes on someone else, like Bransha's sister who is thankfully less…bouncy.

"She sure made it sound like one though." Bree argues back. "If it's training you want, I can help. I'm not as strong as Botan is yet, but I'm easily the quickest one of the pack. I can show you how to snatch your prey before they even know you're there. We can even start today! I'm just fine after the fight we had yesterday."

And just like that, the less endowed of the lioness sisters got a little more attractive in your eyes. That fiery spirit and determination definitely deserves respect. Still, you were barely able to keep up just training daily with Flare. You'll likely break if a pack of lionesses try to have their turn with you as well.

"I'm afraid today we need to focus on crossing the desert." You chuckle lightly to make it not sound like you are flat out refusing them. "We probably won't have time to train while we're in Shallah either, and then, if everything goes well, you'll have your island back."

"Then let's get a quick session in now!" Bransha almost growls as she takes a few wading steps through the water towards you. "I won't be a pushover like yesterday, and I'm a bit stronger than my sister, so you should fight me when you're at your best."

"How do you expect to not get knocked away like a cub if you can't dodge Anon's attacks?" Bree steps in front of her sister's path and flicks her forehead with one of her fingers. "You're way too slow, especially in the water. You wouldn't even be worth his time."

Bransha bared her fangs at her sister, seemingly ready to fight her instead of you. What should you do? Are you supposed to stop situations like this? Is this normal? What does Undine think? She's just over there smiling…enjoying every second of this…typical.

"Would you both cool it?" Riki snaps as she kicks her leg along the surface of the water, creating a covering splash that douses both black-haired lionesses. "We all know Anon wouldn't even break a sweat with the two of you. Even without that strange water magic, he beat Botan."

"It's not like that was easy." You say as you try to downplay your own strength slightly, feeling the need to respect Botan's own fighting prowess. "Botan is also incredibly strong. I just had some…extra motivation."

"Don't bother, Anon." Riki continues as she moves some of her blond hair that still retains a slight wave to it despite being fully wet, out of the way of her face. "It's just an act. All to prove which one of them is the better mate for you, and in turn prove yourself to be a good mate for them. I don't need to waste our time with all that. If you really get our home back for us, you'll be the most suitable mate for any of us, particularly me. You have a thing for blondes don't ya?"

"Are you all normally like this with new pack leaders? Was it like this for you?" You direct the second question at Botan, who seems to have lowered herself down past her chin into the water, simply relaxing and blowing bubbles to respond to you.

"We haven't had a capable male around in a while." Korla decides to answer your question. "When a new pack leader is chosen, or made, it's normal for those of the pride to show how they can prove useful."

"And we must test the new leader of the pack's willingness to perform for the good of the pride." Frayla adds on with an enthusiasm that makes you feel as though you are suddenly in danger for some strange reason.

"W-Well I'm not going to be your leader for that much longer hopefully." You try to wave off the notion of whatever it was the red-haired muscular lioness truly meant by her statement. "With any luck, we'll find some of the guys of your old pride still alive and well, and then you can sort out which of them can be your new pack leader."

"Why would we want one of them?" Bransha spits. "They're obviously weak. They can't care for us, or help create a stronger generation for our pride."

"Well they're also lions like you, first off." You quickly try to form a logical rebuttal to help get these hungry lionesses off your scent. "Second…I don't even know if we can…do? That? Would that even work?"

"I'd be willing to find out." Bree volunteers brazenly, earning herself another kick, this time directly to her leg from Riki to assert her dominance. Not willing to let the blond lioness' action go unanswered, Bransha kicks in retribution for her sister, quickly causing a three way cat fight between them in the water. You exhale, this bunch is going to be more trouble than you thought. The only one who doesn't seem to be entertaining ideas of getting personal with their new pack leader, is the silver-white haired white; Nula, who is meekly standing in the water behind everyone else. You give her a small wave when your eyes meet, and she immediately averts her gaze as a slight flush comes to her face…nevermind.

"Of course it would work." Botan then answers as she rises to her full height out of the water. "We're called demi-human for a reason."

A lot of cogs begin to click and turn within your head. I guess I never really gave it any thought to HOW demi-humans came to be, just that I always wanted to meet some. So I'm really compatible in that way…what else are I compatible with? Demons? Monsters? Dragons? Beings made by the spirits…ew. That just feels wrong. Wait…if I'm able to make babies with demi-humans, and me and Watame just…and she said she wanted me to…oh…oh no.

Even with the desert sun beating down on you, you can feel some of the color leave your face as you realize what you had done last night in a love and lust filled frenzy.

"Did you really not know that?" Botan snickers as she notices your head begin to work faster and faster, before letting out a snorting laugh. "Does the sheep know that?"

"I don't know!" You exclaim. "I don't even know what I don't know!"

You aren't ready for babies yet! Oh gods! Calm down, Anon. Calm down. It's alright. Maybe it's not a sure thing! Yeah! That's it! There's a good chance you're just worried about nothing. But then again…raising a child with Watame, doesn't sound all that bad. The thought of making a family with the fluffy sheep actually seems to calm you down. Would your children have little sheep horns and ears? Now you are more than a little curious to find out. You begin to wonder what other traits get passed down from other races…it could be fun to find out. An entire big family of people of all different backgrounds. Best of all, those kids would never have to feel alone like you did growing up, and they would be able to meet all the different kinds of fun and interesting people this world has to offer. That sounds pretty great actually. After your journey is over that is. It might be hard to protect the world from evil while bottle feeding an infant.

"Well how many times did you and the sheep do it?" Frayla asks.

"Just once…so far." You say almost sheepishly.

"Oh you're fine then!" Korla waves off. "When we have our mating seasons, we try to shoot for twenty times a day, just to be sure."

"T-Twenty?!" You gulp, suddenly the color leaving your face for an entirely different reason now. Suddenly you are filled with the sort of dread that prey might feel when a predator sets their sights on them in the wild.

These lions want to kill me. There are certainly worse ways to go, but I'll be dead all the same. I gotta get out of here before this escalates, and make sure I have a chaperone from now on…one that will actually do something.

"W-Well! Good to know! I think I'm all washed up now, so if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna dry off and get dressed.

"But you haven't been groomed yet." Botan says as she places a firm hand on your shoulder as you begin to wade out of the oasis, stopping you cold.

"I just kinda let my hair fall where it does. It's just gonna get all sweaty today when we get moving anyway. So it's alright. I'm fine." You try to assure the lioness that your hygiene is up to snuff.

"You're still dirty though." The gray-haired lioness states, her grip on your shoulder tightening slightly as her nails tickle your skin. "You are part of our pride now. You should let me help clean you up, I caused some of those wounds after all."

Before you can decline her offer, Botan reaches down and takes hold of one of your wrists. Slightly frozen by morbid curiosity, and the pure appeal of the feral woman who stands close to you; completely wet and only wearing her tight black shirt, and black string underwear that concaves to cover only her precious area. The next thing you know, you feel the skin of your arm that is still stained with dried blood being pulled and scraping against the lioness' tongue. The sensation sends an involuntary shiver down your entire spine, and Botan continues to lap your arm that she holds closer to her face. It feels like your arm is being shaved down with sandpaper, even the moisture thanks to the water isn't doing much to dull or smoothen the discomfort you have.

"There. That arm's done." Botan suddenly says as you exhale in relief that your "treatment" was over. You look down at your arm and see that it is actually pretty clean; it's a little tender in some spots, but there are no blood spots or dirt to be seen. The lioness licks her lips subtly when you lift your head up to thank her, despite the slightly painful method she used.

"I'm going to do this arm for Anon then!" Bransha announces as she had swam stealthily under the water to emerge at your side. She wraps both her arms around your bicep and hugs traps you within her embrace, almost causing you to topple over into the small, spunky lioness if Botan hadn't kept you steady.

"Hold on! I think I'm good!" You plea, but the black-haired lion-girl was already helping herself to your skin, eager to engage in what probably is a sort of bonding ritual for these demi-humans. Being younger and generally more brash, Bransha's licks were even more painful than Botan's. She was quick, sharp, and even a little clumsy with how she laps at your arm. You conceal a yelp of pain in your breath as your cheeks puff out. A sudden pain jolts through your arm as you can feel a couple of the girl's pointed fangs sink into you ever so slightly. Your head snaps downward to see Bransha look up at you somewhat annoyed with her front fangs poking into your flesh.

"Quit movin'!" She hisses. "Ah can't clean with ya squirmin'!"

"You're being too rough with him, Bransha!" Bree scolds as she grabs the top of her sister's head. "Get off, I'll do the rest."

"Both of you whelps shouldn't get to groom him yet." Frala remarks as she steps forward through the water and takes both younger lionesses by the scruff of their neck and tosses them behind her with ease, causing them to yelp as they reenter the water.

While you are relieved that your arm is free from punishment, even though some of the marks from yesterday are gone, and replaced with reddened skin, you're forced to deal with the ever approaching problem that the red-haired lioness looks eager to take her turn next. You need an excuse to leave, now.

"H-Hey Undine!" You call over to the water spirit who has been ever so content to watch your interactions unfold. "I think we need to get back to the tent now don't we?"

"We do?" The water spirit tilts her head slightly at your question, but when she notices your furrowing brow, her face lights up with mock remembrance. "Oh! Oh yes…Sylph needs us. We need to make sure that the winds will be favorable for today's travels."

"Yup. That's exactly right!" You play along and begin to cautiously make your way to the pool's edge. "If all three of us aren't working together, we won't be able to get a clear feel for what way the wind is going to blow today. It's pretty nifty summoner stuff. So I'll need to clean myself later. Oh well, what can you do? After I make sure the winds will be good today, I'll get some food going so we're nice and fed before crossing the rest of the desert. Take your time here though girls."

The hasty and magical nature of your explanation seems to perplex the lioness pack just long enough for you to successfully escape the water and bring yourself back onto dry land. The sun was only getting stronger by the minute, and you can already feel your underwear begin to dry. Although you can feel the pack's eyes watching you curiously, you dress yourself as quickly as you can before letting yourself relax. Demi-humans of the predatory variety are a scary bunch to be sure, and you're not even in danger of being eaten yourself by them anymore…at least not in a traditional sense.

"Well, I'm glad I got to know you all a little better, and I even learned some good things. Now make sure you all keep relaxing and getting your strength up, we got a hard journey ahead of us today." You say to the pack with an air that is polite, but also slightly commanding to ensure that the lionesses actually do recuperate and can make the trip that you'll set out on shortly.

The girls give you all pleasant goodbyes and you begin to head back towards the circus tent, but not before yours and Botan's eyes lock onto each other to engage you in an unspoken conversation with the alpha. Her gray globes that have not given you a real read on what Botan was feeling up till now, shine with a clear respect and appreciation for you. She had already thanked you for taking in her pack and helping ensure their survival, but you can't help but feel that isn't all that fuels the lioness' gratitude. The fact that she apparently bore a name that marked her for great things, but never sought them to be handed to her, spoke a lot to her character. You can sympathize with not wanting to resign yourself to the vague station thrust upon you by myth or legend. Botan is probably more than thankful you're in charge.

After waving your brief goodbye, you hurry back to the tent with Undine floating beside you, and let out a heavy exhale when the lionesses are no longer within earshot.

"You just HAD to let that keep going, didn't you?" You sarcastically say to the water spirit as you walk.

"You did not seem all that displeased with the attention you were receiving." Undine fires back playfully. "It seems that being a pack leader comes with all sorts of benefits."

"Benefits that could end up killing me. Do you see how irritated the arm Bransha was licking is? And there's even teeth marks! I already had teeth marks from Botan." You whine as you hold your slightly injured arm up for Undine to see more clearly. "And before you even try to mention it, I am NOT getting frisky with any of them. Pack leader or not."

"Not even with Botan? She was a little more gentle with you than the others." Undine presses on, seemingly growing quite fond of pushing these particular buttons of yours. You bet it's Sylph rubbing off on her.

"I'm not talking about this any more." You snap. "We need to focus on our trip today. We need to eat, pack up, and make sure Watame is properly clothed and covered so she won't get heat exhaustion again. Last thing I need is Korla or Bree asking me if they can eat her the second she starts to cook a little in the sun."

"Speaking of cooking…" You say as your nose catches the aroma of sizzling meat in the air. When you reach the front side of the tent, you come across Flare, and Nene tending to the lit cooking fire and getting some of the last provisions you have ready for consumption. "And here I thought I would have seen every single secret that hides in this world before I would get to see Flare cooking."

"Good morning to you too." Flare scoffs as she uses a simple wooden spatula to poke the sizzling strip of beef within the pan she holds over the flame. "Well SOMEONE has to get things moving if we hope to make it to Shallah at a reasonable hour."

"Flare also thought you could use a break. Fighting lions and keeping them under control is probably hard work." Nene says with a happy smile as she sees you.

"They're certainly a handful, but I think they mean well. Giving them food seems to go a long way with them. Overall though, they seem nice. Polka was right. They're just hungry people trying to survive." You chuckle as you look behind you to make sure none of the pack had hastily cut their bath short and followed you.

"To be run out of your home like that, it's gotta be awful." Flare says downcast.

"That's exactly why we need to help them. We can't bring back those they lost, but at least we can help them start over again." You say with strengthened resolve to help your pack. "Are you both gonna help me be a shining light for them and all the good people of Shallah?"

"You bet! Nene will be great hero for her people!" Nene cheers with a fierce look in her eyes.

"That goes double for me. I'm itching to see how strong my magic has gotten. Let's make some fireworks so bright, our dads will see them from all the way across the sea!" Flare resounds.

With your hearts igniting one another, the three of you feel even more determination to see your next quest through. Flare stacks enough cooked meat to feed the pack onto a plate, and Nene volunteers to find the lionesses to deliver their food. You can only imagine that Nene has been keeping her eagerness towards getting to know the strong looking alpha in check so far. Now, with a tribute that will more than earn her the answers to any questions she has, she hurries off towards the watering hole.

Undine offers to go inside the tent and rouse the others from sleep, leaving you and the half-elf alone. You have to admit that this is a welcome situation. While Watame will always be your number one sheep, Flare is equally as important to you. You should make sure she knows that hasn't changed.

"You know, there's something else I'm looking forward to in Shallah." You start off innocently as Flare hands the pan off to you to allow you to work some of your culinary magic with the remaining potatoes and meat you have left.

"Let me guess, the ocean?" Flare plays along. "Oh! I bet you want to see what their boats look like. Or you're going to get a jar of sand for yourself. Or maybe even-"

"You're almost there with the guess about the ocean." You cut her off as you gaze intensely at the half-elf. "There will be sand too, but that's just part of it. What I'm looking forward to is, you, me, and a moonlit beach for just the two of us."

"A-And where is this coming from?" Flare tries to keep her defenses up through tinged cheeks.

"From days of planning of course. You said you were next for a date, remember? I want to make sure you enjoy it, so I've been mulling over different options. A few traders that used to come to the posts my dad and I would make deliveries to once told me about a less well known spot along the Shallah shores that's to die for. I want you to be the first one I see it with." You lay the charm on thick. It's almost strange but you feel much more confident and sure of your flirting, which is not unfounded either. Flare rewards your confidence with a flustered smile that looks too damn adorable right now.

"So, is it a date?" You coolly press for an answer, while nonchalantly mixing around the ingredients that fry in your pan.

"I'd…really like that, Anon." Flare manages to answer, while trying to keep her voice from spiking. "Will we…have to wait until after the inevitable battle?"

"We don't have to." You offer. "This isn't a one time offer either. No reason we can't get some time to ourselves multiple times during our stay. There's a lot of beach to cover. We might even find a perfect secret spot that's all our own. As a man who has a sixth sense for water, I can probably make that happen."

"Well now that you hyped it up, I'm going to have some high expectations for our date." The half-elf snickers with some of her usual sass back in her tone.

"Raise them as high as you want. I'll blow them right out of the water." You dish the sass right back, already looking forward to how you'll make the half-elf weak at the knees with the romantic display you'll put on for her, and what that might earn you besides the smug satisfaction of it all.

"I'll just ask for the moon then. Think you can pull that off?" Flare says as she leans in and brings your faces closer to one another. Gods how you missed bickering with this pointy-eared, tanned goddess.

"I just might know someone who can help me with that." You chuckle at how you are secretly only half-joking.

"Then I'll eagerly await the date of a lifetime." The half-elf smugly declares as she holds an empty serving plate up for you to scrape the finished potatoes and meat onto it. "So let's get everyone fed, packed, and across this desert. I want to see if you're all talk."

"A new city and people, a fight with pirates, helping the lion pack get their home back AND a date with my favorite half-elf? Please miss, you are already making Shallah sound like the perfect getaway. If you pile one more good thing on me, I just might think it's too good to be true." Your playful remark makes Flare giggle slightly before scoffing at your antics.

"Don't tempt me~ " Flare whispers in your ear as she struts past you, flipping the tables almost instantly as you feel the heat rise to your cheeks. Always needs to have the final blow. Fine. Enjoy that for today, Flare, but soon, it'll be your time.

Undine then comes out with a very refreshed looking pair of fairies, your sheep, and the circus fennec. Polka's ear twitches as her nose catches the scent of freshly heated food, and Watame instantly begins to drool slightly.

While you share a peaceful breakfast with your friends, you go over today's travel plans. Watame would remove her signature cape, and arm warmers in an attempt to not have her overheat. Polka would provide the same overhead umbrella to keep you all shielded from the sun, and Sylph would provide a steady breeze. After you finish your hearty meal, you feel fueled and ready to take on the harsh mistress that is Mother Nature. You make a quick trip inside the tent to grab your sword and spell book, and after fastening them to your waist, you come back out with an arm full of empty water skins that you'll refill using the oasis waters.

When you go to fill your containers, you notice Nene and the lioness pack happily conversing with each other on the other side of the watering hole. It makes you smile to see them hitting it off so soon. You already find yourself getting strangely attached to the homeless felines for some reason. Try to temper that a little bit, Anon. The goal is to get them their ancestral grounds back so you can resign from being their pack leader.

"Yo! Nene! Botan! Girls!" You shout with a hand next to your mouth after you fill the last water skin. "We're about to head out! Let's go!"

"Okay!" Nene waves excitedly at you and rises from her seat along the water's edge.

The lion pride begins to move as well, most were already dry and out of the water, but you noticed Frala and Bree being the last to leave the refreshing azure pool. You'll just leave them to get dressed in privacy, not that any of them seemed to mind your presence.

Once everyone is gathered, Polka makes a last call for anyone to get something they need from the tent. When everyone is all set for the journey, the circus magician snaps her fingers, and the colorful tent shrinks and flies into her held out hat, earning a few impressed gasps from the pack. Botan actually smiles at the simple magic trick as well. Perhaps lions have an innate interest in the circus? That's a nice way to imagine how they became a running staple in a traveling entertainment troupe.

With the sun blazing down on you, and a colorful red and white striped umbrella attempting to shield you from its rays, you leave the oasis after giving your silent thanks to it for existing and providing the respite you so desperately needed yesterday. You offer to hold the comically large umbrella for Polka who accepts your offer graciously. Pomu again decided to shrink down and travel along your shoulder, which you don't really mind since she weighs practically nothing like this.

Your walk is thankfully uneventful for a while. Watame is hot and sweating like the rest of you, but is doing much better than she was yesterday. The simple breeze that Sylph provides every couple minutes or so is like the breath of life that reinvigorates your movements and makes this scorching landscape tolerable. As your travels continue you begin to notice how the lioness pack appears to have created a perimeter around you; Bransha and Bree are almost walking outside the edge of the umbrella's shadow.

"You guys should try to stay under the shade. You're not used to this heat any more than I am." You suggest as you all continue to walk through the sand, even through your boots you can feel your feet start to roast.

"That would be too risky." Bree says from her position as she continues to keep her eyes pointed out towards the side horizon.

"The only thing you're risking is getting a heat stroke." You argue.

"She means it would be too risky for you." Botan says from her place beside you. "When our pride travels, we make sure our pack leader is well protected. No one will get to you without a fight from us first."

"I'm pretty sure we're the only ones walking through this desert right now…" You sigh. You have half a mind to remind these girls that you can hold your own better than any of them can, especially now that you're armed, but you remember that they are merely acting on their beliefs and instinct. It's hard to shut all that down. "Fine…just get more in the shade."

When the lionesses half in the sunlight only move a mere inch inward, you run your hand down your face.

"Anon likes girls who want to be closer to him!" Nene calls, making all the surrounding lionesses quickly tighten their guard around you. You marvel at how Nene came up with a way to wrangle the stubborn demi-humans, her brief time with them must have clued her in on their obsession with favoritism from their leader.

As Bransha and Riki trot closer and closer to you, you reach forward and take Watame's hand in yours. The lionesses around you let out low growls when they are reminded of Watame's place above them. Even though you are both sweaty, the sheep's palm fits so well in yours. You can't wait to show her the ocean again. You can hardly wait to see the vast azure horizons yourself. Come to think of it, Pomu has never even seen the ocean. She's gonna love it.

After another few harsh hours of hiking through the flat desert, the shapes of buildings start to sprout on the horizon. The first outlying town of Shallah. The country's borders have come into view not a moment too soon. After having to feed the pack, you had to ration what little food was left in your stores. To say you're hungry right now is an understatement.

A whole new place to see with new foods to try, and people to meet; Nene's people. It's time to show the world who we are, and how hard we've been working. Look out pirates, a group of shining stars are coming to knock you down a peg.

There is currently a gathering taking place high above the heavens, a viewing party of sorts. Today's meeting is hosted by the watcher of cosmos, who sits at the semi-circular table that shines with the light of the moon with two of her fellow council members. They watch a projection that replays the scenes of their person of interest's latest challenges and triumphs.

"Look at Anon bloody go!" Sana cheers from her seat as she watches the young man go blow for blow with a lioness demi-human who fights to feed her pack. "He's biting her again! Ha ha! I don't know what the little guy did, but he's fighting like a beast out there."

"Grab her tail! Pull her ears! Make her bleed!" Mumei pounds the table with her fist in savage excitement.

"You bet against him too, Mumei…" Fauna sighs as she watches a human, armed with nothing but his fists and determination, overpower a beast within nature that should have no parallel.

"Too late to take it back now, girls." Sana snickers as everyone watches the lioness get slammed into the ground, marking the end of the battle. "Wooo! Not even a lion could keep him from his sheep! Pay up!"

The guardian of civilization reaches into her pouch and slides a stack of five gold coins over to Sana. The keeper of nature, with an annoyed frown on her face, reaches into her cleavage and pulls out a small brown drawstring pouch that clinks with the sound of gold. She tosses it bitterly at Sana who catches it with a bright grin on her face.

"You were right, Fauna, that made the show MUCH more interesting." Sana chirps as she counts her winnings. "Thanks for the idea."

"No problem…" The woman of nature says bitterly as she turns her attention back on the events of the mortal her compatriot had convinced her to take an interest in. Yup, there it is. The boy just earned himself the responsibility of watching over the entire pack of lionesses. At least the fact that he seemed to underestimate the rules nature tends to weave for itself in the name of survival puts a small smile on her face. Have fun with that, Anon.

"Uhh…what is he doing with the sheep?" Mumei asks as the scene in front of them quickly escalates the minute Anon and Watame are alone.

"What? He's happy she's alive. Were you not listening to how he said he was gonna win that fight for her sake? Of course they're gonna snog a little." Sana shrugs, not too bothered by the display of affection playing out in front of them.

"She took off his pants! Why did she do that?!" The brunette gasps, her hand over her mouth, but a glint of fascination shone in her eyes.

"Oh…oh crikey." The cosmic woman remarks as something that had been long awaited between the human and the sheep-girl begins to play out in full force. "Let's just uhh…fast forward a little."

Using the powers of a much higher being, Sana has the projection move faster, almost like a blur. When it stops again, Anon is seen grabbing Watame's horns from behind.

"Ewww. I forgot mortals reproduce like that!" Mumei whines.

"What do you mean 'Ewww'?" Fauna asks, a little offended. "What they are doing is a beautiful part of nature. Civilization can't flourish without it, Mumei."

"I know I know, but just…wow…right in a cave? They're really going at it too." Mumei concedes somewhat, and is clearly conflicted between being intrigued and uncomfortable.

"Let's just skip ahead some more." Sana nervously laughs as she wills a later scene to be shown. Anon is thankfully clothed now, for the most part anyway at least. Him and the water spirit apparently just had a small heart to heart.

"Aww. Now that's sweet." Fauna coos as she watches the boy give the soul bound ruler of the waters a loving hug.

"Should he be able to do that while she's all see through?" The guardian of civilization asks. "That seems like it breaks some rules."

"Oh you bet it does!" A voice not belonging to the three utters as if she was directly included in the conversation. Everyone's eyes widen as they slowly turn to look towards the far end of the table where the tip of its crescent moon shape ends, and their expressions falter when they are met with the sight of their surprise guest.

"Sup girls? Who ya watchin'?"