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.

27. A Departure Carried By Fairy Winds

The morning sunlight creeping into the living room of Pomu's treehome blankets over your eyelids and causes you to to stir from your slumber. Your eyes open slowly, and bring the naturally made bark ceiling above you into focus. With consciousness slowly returning to your body, a mix of sensations begin to make themselves known. A soft, but fluffy weight holds the right side of your body down; Watame sleeps peacefully with both her arms wrapped around your own as her head rests against your shoulder and her one leg hooks around yours to keep you locked with her. On your left, your arm is draped behind Flare; holding her close to you with your hand comfortably pressed against the small of her back. The half-elf breathes steadily into your chest, her face pleasantly snuggled into the soft silk of the sleeping robe Pomu lent you. You find that your other leg is contained between Flare's mighty and ample thighs; your knee mere centimeters away from a rather special area of the girl's.

After your impromptu bath in the pond with Nene yesterday, it is incredibly difficult to stave off thoughts about more than a couple urges you are feeling right now in the position you are currently in. Your current sleepwear is also going to have no chance of concealing a certain type of wardrobe malfunction. Luckily, the smooth fabric makes it possible for you to slip out of your entanglement of beautiful women, although with no shortage of reluctance on your part. There will be more chances, you tell yourself; preferably somewhere without the chance of attracting an audience.

Now that you are free, and standing behind Flare and Watame's still sleeping heads, you can feel how devoid your stomach is of any sustenance. How hungry you are practically hurts, and you remember that you never ate anything when you arrived back here last night. You look towards the kitchen and spot a big uneaten muffin resting peacefully on one of the couch seat cushions. It must have been one Flare or Watame got too tired to eat. You happily walk over to take the cupped pastry and turn to make for the stairs to go to Pomu's room. The muscles of your legs and glutes drum with a dull pain as they stretch with every step you climb. Three? Technically Four back-to-back battles definitely pushed your body past its limits. Unfortunately it still pales in comparison to what you went through when you were in Koyori's clutches.

The reminder of the deranged pink scientist makes you realize the fact that you might have just had a night of dreamless sleep. It's almost hard to believe. You suppose with how much you exerted yourself yesterday, and the particularly ideal sleeping arrangement, you were too tired and too content to even dream. It would have been nice to talk to Sana again and let her know that her advice helped you find the level head you needed to help save Pomu's forest, but there will be other nights you suppose. You half wonder if she already knows everything that transpired. What exactly IS Sana anyway?

As you ponder the cosmic woman's existence, you find yourself already at Pomu's closed bedroom door. Your hand hovers over the wooden doorknob, but you pull it back. The little fairy likely stayed awake longer than you did if she spent time fixing your clothes, you shouldn't disturb her. All the girls deserve a nice long rest, which begs the question; how are you emotionally awake and chipper? Your muscles are sore for sure, but you feel mentally refreshed and ready to take on the world. The sudden introspection brings you attention to a particularly bright feeling deep inside yourself that doesn't quite belong to you, well ONLY you might be more accurate.

From higher up in the tree you can feel Undine's and Sylph's presence. A second elemental spirit sharing a direct link to your soul. You haven't even had time to fully process it yet. You actually awoke and made a pact with another elemental spirit. Perhaps more important than the pact itself, is the fact that you reunited Undine with a member of her family. You can somehow feel how much joy this has brought the water spirit, as if you yourself were experiencing it. Perhaps now is a good opportunity for some quality time with your soul-linked family.

Climbing up the ladder that traverses the floors of the treehouse, you head towards where your internal compass points you. At the very top floor, you find Sylph and Undine looking out the viewing room that looks to be increasing in popularity. They must sense you drawing near, since both twist their bodies to greet you with beaming smiles.

"Good morning, summoner." Undine says warmly.

"Hiya summoner! How'd ya sleep?!" Sylph chirps.

Morning, Undine, Sylph." You greet back as you walk to the windowsill and take the open spot between both spirits. "I must have slept pretty good. All I had to do was close my eyes, and the next thing I know, it's morning."

"That is most wonderful to hear." The water spirit presses her two hands softly together as her smile brightens even more.

"Big sis told me all about your sleep troubles, summoner. I'm glad it sounds like you found a good solution, and what a solution it is! Way to go tiger!" Sylph remarks as she makes a joking growl to go with her clawed hand pawing forward.

"I-It's not like that!" You say flustered, the heat in your cheeks rising.

"Aww, I'm just foolin' around with ya! You're amazing for what you did and what you went through." The wind spirit relents and talks with a more appreciative tone. "You gladly put your butt on the line for my niece! As well as my Pomu! That means a lot to us. I could tell you were a good guy when we met, but you've blown way past just being good! You're the best!"

The genuine praise from the ancient spirit makes your cheeks flush from a different source this time. You can only shrug your shoulders as you try to regain your composure.

"I just did what I knew was right." You say truthfully. "I didn't do any of those things alone either though. My friends deserve a lot of the recognition too."

"And I can't wait to get to know the special girls to my summoner even better!" Sylph exclaims. "I can tell already that you got yourself a fantastic squad of cuties. I like the feel of the half-elf, especially. She's got an understanding of wind magic truly is, just like you!"

"Flare is pretty great, huh?" You reply dreamily as you take yourself back to that night on the mountain top, and then the scene of her body snuggled close to yours this morning. Your fantasies about the half-elf are grinded to a halt when you overhear the two spirits giggling softly at you, which heats up your embarrassment again. You switch your thoughts around, but still focus on your favorite tanned blond.

"I was thinking of asking her to teach me ice magic next. That way I can be ready when we find something connected to another one of your sisters." You swiftly recover.

"I think ice will come quite naturally to you, summoner. Especially with the influence of my sister and myself." Undine nods her head.

"What's ice besides some water with cold air blown over it anyway?" Sylph shrugs while wearing a sly grin. "You didn't hear that from me though."

"Well I think I can already tell it's going to be just a little more complicated than that for me. I seem to only be able to truly be able to form my mana into a certain element once I figure out the true nature of it for myself. It may take me longer than just picturing it like Flare can, but I'm kinda alright with that. It makes me feel more connected with nature when I really understand how parts of it behave." You say with a hint of pride.

"Are you sure you're brand new to being a summoner?" Sylph asks playfully. "Cause that's something a seasoned pro might say."

"I told you he has the makings of a grand summoner." Undine reminds her sister.

"I don't know about grand, but I'm working on it." You admit. "I've got to get better at least for your sakes. Not just go find your sisters, but to protect everything you all worked so hard to create. Now that I know Hector's wasn't the only one, there might be more black castles like the one we just took down all over the world. Not to mention HoloX is probably trying to figure out some ways to use spirits in their crazy schemes."

"Sounds like we got our work cut out for us." Sylph muses as she looks up at the clear morning sky with her hands behind her head. "Should be a fun time though! I had a blast fighting alongside you and Pomu. Being solid again was a huge plus too!"

"Now that you mention it, how do we handle that from now on?" You ask. "Am I able to summon you both back to physical form at the same time?"

"As you are now, I am afraid not." Undine answers first. "Only one of us may be physical at a time with you as our anchor, but with training of your mana, physical body, and understanding of our respective elements, you may be able to achieve what is known as a 'dual summoning', someday."

"Well that's something to shoot for at least." You sigh, your main question for the moment is still left unanswered.

"I believe it would be fair to allow my sister to be summoned back for now. I have spent a lot of time alongside you and our friends in physical form already. Sylph should get to experience that as well." The water spirit then proposes.

"Awww you're the best big sis!" Sylph chirps and gives her sister a big hug around her shoulders.

"Makes sense to me. How about we alternate each day too? That way I'm not only getting more practice, but we make sure no one misses out on too much fun. Sound good?"

"That's good with me!" The wind fairy gives you a thumbs up.

"I think that is a fine solution as well." Undine smiles.

"Oh! Can we wait to summon me until we gather everyone together? I think it would be fun to do an official first summoning with an audience." Sylph then asks, her expression unable to contain her excitement.

"Polka is going to adore you." You scoff. "Yeah. We can summon you back once everyone is up. I surprisingly feel pretty refreshed today. I should have the mana to do the summoning, no problem."

As you watch the swaying treetops of the forest beyond from the highest point of Pomu's home, a tickling breeze then blows past your face. You are instantly filled with your powerful sense of wanderlust again. There is still so much of the world to explore, and new people to meet, spirits and mortals alike. It might be hard to wait for everyone else to wake up and get ready to leave.

"I got some big news to share with everyone too." You then say with a twinge of excitement. "I think everyone is going to be pretty happy with it, maybe you especially, Sylph."

"Ohhhhh! Can't wait!" The wind spirit squeals as she does a backwards flip in the air. "Can I go try to wake the others up!? Can I, summoner!? Pleaaaaasseeee?"

"Better you than me." You chuckle. "Go for it. I'll check on Pomu though, she should have my clothes after all."

"Thanks summoner!" Sylph chirps, and having received your blessing, flies herself out the open window, to then dive towards the first floor of the treehouse.

"She's going to have no trouble fitting in, huh?" You laugh a little as you watch her go down and pass through the closed front door. "I think I'll like having her around myself."

"I am so glad you think so. She is a little excitable, but she is very kind and supportive. Even so, I should probably make sure she is not disturbing the girls too much with her eagerness." Undine says warmly before bringing her own intangible body out of the viewing room window. "And summoner?"

You look up at the water spirit to show she has your divided attention, the curve of her smile shoots straight up for the heavens, and her eyes sparkle with life that you have not seen in her before.

"Thank you. Thank you for bringing my sister back to me. If not for you, she and I may still be stuck in an endless slumber, unable to return or watch over the world we are a part of. You have my word that we both shall do all in our power to help you realize your own dreams as well."

"Of course, Undine. I'd do anything to help you." You say, Undine's genuine gratitude makes you feel more proud and sure of your own goals than ever before. "That's not just because of our pact either. You're my family, Undine, and I'm gonna help make sure our family keeps getting bigger."

"A bigger family…" Undine repeats to you as she looks up at the clear blue sky in thought. "I think I very much like the sound of that. Let us go see our family then!"

With giddy excitement, Undine flies herself out the window and down to possibly temper her windy sister's excitement. Seeing the water spirit so free flowing and outgoing puts an even bigger smile on your face. She is very composed and collected most of the time. You suppose having her sister around is already having an effect on her.

With the two spirits going to rouse everyone up, you close the wooden shutters of the window and head back down to the second floor. Without hesitation this time, you place a hand on the doorknob and turn it until it clicks. You walk into Pomu's bedroom and immediately see the forest fairy face first into her still made bed. While you would like to let her rest more, she might get mad if you let her sleep in too much, especially after all that talk last night about wanting to start her journey with everyone as soon as possible.

Walking over to her bedside, you grab one of her shoulders and give her a light shake.

"Hey Pomu. Time to wake up." You say softly. "You're starting your adventure today right?"

"Just….Just five more minutes, Grandma." Pomu mumbles sleepily into her pillow.

"Fine. Five minutes should be all I need to get changed anyway." You chuckle as you give her blond hair a gentle ruffle. "Where are my clothes anyway?"

Pomu grumbles something inaudible and points toward her closet. You can't help but notice the utter mess that looked like a tornado flew past her room was nowhere to be found. Instead there are several large drawstring sacks propped against the wall next to the open closet door. It looks like Pomu was able to pack after all, but how she plans to carry all those things is a mystery to you. Well, it's a good thing you know a certain circus magician with a seemingly bottomless hat.

You walk into Pomu's closet and see your entire outfit; completely stitched up and almost looking brand new! While the robe you wear is comfortable in its own way, you've become just too accustomed to your normal clothes to want to stay out of them for long. You close the closet door behind you so you may have some privacy to change.

You know, changing in a pitch black closet would have been a challenge for me a while back, but now! You think to yourself as you utter a simple thought to create a small orb of starlight that now flows up from your palm, and hangs suspended in the air of the small storage room. I love magic.

Particularly proud of your spell suspending itself above you with only a mere flex of your will, you begin to untie the sash that holds your robe in place. A quick change of wardrobe later, and you are back in your normal adventuring attire. You leave the confines of Pomu's closet and collect your sword and spell book that lean against the doorframe.

With the fae nowhere in sight, you are left to assume she actually got up and went downstairs, but not without leaving a collection of three large sacks by her bedroom door. You walk up to the drawstring containers and give them a light tap with your foot. It's likely all of the girl's belongings she's planning to bring with her. How does she expect to carry all of this? Well it's a good thing you know a certain circus magician with a magical hat.

You decide to do the little forest fairy a favor and grab her packed belongings. All three are a little heavy with your still sore muscles, but you manage to walk downstairs to behold the energetic chaos that was taking place.

Flare, Polka and Nene are devouring an entire platter of baked carbs from their seats at the small wooden table that rests just outside the walk-in kitchen. Everyone really gave more than they ever had before in a battle yesterday. Just looking at them eat is making you hungry.

Pomu and Watame are both hard at work emptying the rest of the forest fairy's food stocks, all the while conversing quickly and excitedly with both Undine and Sylph.

"Morning everyone!" You announce yourself as you set the bags down and walk to the kitchen to see if there's anything you can do to help. You also keep your eyes peeled for any stray morsels of food that are not within arms reach of the trio at the table.

"Morning Anon!" Watame beams at you brightly as she practically shoves a plate full of bread and fresh berries into you. "Eat up! Sylph said you have some big news to share with everyone!"

"That's right Watame!" You confirm as you pop a couple blueberries into your mouth. They are surprisingly sweet and refreshing. How did Pomu keep all this food she's been storing so well kept? "How about we go outside and take in the warm sunlight after we're done eating and I'll tell everyone."

"Who wants to wait when we can do both!?" Pomu exclaims from behind the sheep. Before you can argue for an extension, Pomu twirls one of her pointer fingers in the air, and you can instantly feel the brush of wind magic making its appearance.

Taking your plate right from your hands, a gentle unseen force floats the eatware across the living room and out the door that is conveniently opened by a steady gust from outside. A swaying line of plates, cups, breads, and fruits float from the interior of Pomu's woodland home to the fresh morning that awaits just beyond its front door.

Guided by the food they all desperately desire, Polka, Nene and Flare are herded out of the house like horses following a carrot on stick. You can't help but laugh to yourself at the picture of all three of them being wrangled by the energetic fae.

"Let's go let's go!" Pomu cheers as she and Watame both start to push you forward. It's hard to not get caught up in their excitement, and you're the one who already knows what the surprise is!

After you are practically shoved out of the treehouse by the two happy blondes behind you, Undine and Sylph come floating out themselves. Pomu had commanded her spell to place everything neatly on the grass woven outdoor table, where the three girls who had preceded you are already back to scarfing down breakfast.

You are momentarily distracted by the soothing warmth of the sun, and the gentle touch of the naturally blowing wind. This is exactly what this forest should feel like. This is nature when it is allowed to live and thrive as it was meant to. To think that spiteful sorceress was willing to rot this entire place to death just because her prejudices made her only see what she wanted to. You know in your heart that that demon Grendel is perhaps more to blame for how he fed that hatred, but that doesn't excuse that witch of her cruel actions.

Shaking off the images of that deplorable pair, you focus back on happier things. Like your continuing journey, and who you get to announce will be joining you on it. As Polka would say, it's showtime.

"Everyone! I got something great to show and tell you all." You say loud enough to cut through the noise and garner everyone's attention. "Which do you want first?"

"Letting us choose, huh?!" Polka remarks with a glint of pride. "You're becoming a better showman every day, Anon." The fennec then pretends to wipe a single fake tear from her eye. "I couldn't be more proud."

"Show!" Watame decides, and then her face suddenly turns unsure of herself. "No wait! Tell! Tell us the news, then show us the news. Or should you…"

"I think I'll go with Watame's gut on this." You wink at your sheep. "Alright. Show it is!"

You take a deep breath and widen your stance. Calming your inner soul, you begin to let your mana gather and rise to the surface of your being. You feel the spark of yours and Sylph's souls reaching one another, and urge your spell to emerge. With your body emitting a light green glow from your mana, you can feel that it's time.

"I call upon the orchestrator of the winds. I summon thee, Sylph!" You chant proudly into the skies as you let your magic unleash.

In a bright green burst of magic, the great wind fairy appears in the flesh in front of you; proudly fluttering her wings as she strikes an overdramatic pose.

"That feels so awesome! Even the second time!" The wind spirit marvels as she lowers her bare feet onto the grass and just focuses on the physical sensations rushing into her. "Not bad at all, summoner! You even remembered my title."

"Thanks Sylph." You say between catching your breath. Summoning Undine back at the shrine of Uisce certainly spoiled you. You almost forgot how taxing a summoning was using your own mana like that. Everyone else is giving you a small round of applause for your theatrics and the show of magical strength you just displayed.

"Well I know that much probably wasn't a huge surprise, but you'll be seeing a lot more of that from now on." You continue. "I'm going to be taking my role as a summoner even more seriously now, so that means I need to get a lot better than I am. To help with that, and to make things fair to both Undine and Sylph, I'll be summoning the other info physical form every day. That way no one is spending more time than the other in physical form."

"You really can't just summon both at once?" Flare asks the obvious question, one you yourself had earlier.

"Not yet. But I will someday!" You confidently say. "So we will just stick with a schedule for now unless we face an enemy or obstacle the other would be more suited for helping us with."

"And he thinks with strategy too!" Sylph chirps with her hands presenting you to your audience. "Is he a catch or what?"

"Down Sylph." You say flatly as you lower the wind spirits outstretched arms with a single finger. "I guess before I move on to the news I want to share, are there any questions?"

After met with a series of smiles and shaking heads, you take that as a sign to continue.

"Now for the big news." You start with joy slowly starting to flutter within your stomach. "Pomu asked me last night if she could come along with us on our travels. It's more than alright with me, because together we can help spread the word about the fairies and help them return to this forest. And I know-"

Before you can make your case which you had a feeling you didn't even have to make in the first place, you are interrupted by the excited and gleeful noises coming from your friends as they each give the blushing fairy a big hug one at a time.

"Yay! Pomu's coming with us!" Watame cheers.

"I was going to try and smuggle you along for the ride." Polka snickers. "Guess I won't need to hide you in my hat after all."

"Nene is happy pretty fairy friend coming with us now. She brave and strong. She surprise Nene."

"After all we went through together yesterday, it would be kinda weird to just part ways here." Flare adds.

"My Pomu?! My Pomu is coming with us?!" Sylph asks you before flying over to her distant offspring and wrapping her in a strong hug. "This is so great! You're easily the best Rainpuff ever! Demon slayer, Prophet of the Rainpuffs, AND adventurer!? You're gonna be more famous than me one day, girl!"

"Aww shucks guys…" Pomu shyly says amidst the warm reception she is receiving. "You're all so fun, I didn't want our time together to end just yet."

"Stick with us, and you'll have the whole world remembering that fairies are amazing in no time!" Polka beams as the group hug disperses.

"Anon has a special knack for attracting trouble, so we're all just bound to be in someone's spotlight eventually." Flare adds. "Speaking of, where are we going to find you some trouble next, Anon?"

"Hopefully somewhere without trouble." You scoff. "I don't have a preference for what direction we go either. I'll go anywhere if I'm with you guys anyway."

"It might be a good idea to stop someplace and stock up on supplies soon." Polka offers. "Maybe grab some things Anon can cook with for us again."

"I know a place!" Pomu exclaims. "It's just half a day of flying away! Maybe a little longer if we walk. It's a cute little town. It's got a nice inn, a few shops, and a great bookstore too."

"Sounds perfect to me. Who's ready to put their boots to the ground again?" You ask giddily.

"Me! Me!" Pomu raises her hand and jumps up and down. "I just need to get my stuff…and then carry it the whole way…uh oh."

As the forest fairy contemplates her situation, she looks over everyone curiously.

"Wait a sec! Where do you all keep your own stuff? Where are your travel packs, extra clothes, sleeping bags?!" The forest fairy asks wide eyed.

To answer her question, Polka flicks the stars on the tips of her hat with a proud grin. "Anon, would you mind grabbing the girl's things so we can give her a proper demonstration?"

"You got it boss." You say with a happy salute to the ring mistress and head back inside Pomu's home to grab the three heavy sacks of her belongings.

After packing the beige bags filled with who knows what, in front of the circus fennec, who nods her head graciously to you before beginning her small performance. Polka takes off her hat and makes sure to showcase to the curious fairy how it appears to be just a normal piece of headwear. She then plunges her arm deep into its hole and purposely digs around for something. Having kept Pomu in suspense enough, Polka pulls out her festive baton, and begins the main part of her act.

Holding her hat upside down in front of her, she brings the head of her baton over one of the tied sacks. A flicker of purple magic glows around her staff's tip, as it taps against the drawstring container. A thin layer of purple mana begins to shine around the object of Polka's focus, and in the blink of an eye, its shape blurs into the air and funnels into the jester's hat.

Pomu's eyes widen and sparkle in astonishment to see the solid object completely change its form and disappear from sight within Polka's seemingly normal hat. "Do it again!" She pleads.

The way Polka smirks at this doesn't make it hard to see that she's found a new best friend at this moment. You have always found it almost heart stoppingly cute how the fennec's spirits rise to untold heights when she is giving someone a smile in the best way she knows how. The way she confidently twirls her baton in her hand before giving the next bag an energetic smack to its side, to then cast the spell to send it into her magic storage dimension, is simply eye catching. You used to brush off the idea of being a performing assistant for Polka, but you are slowly becoming more and more attracted to the idea…well at least to the idea of giving it a try. What kind of act could the two of you put on? She probably has an idea or two in that fun head of hers already, maybe you'll ask her soon.

By the time you are done daydreaming of putting on an impressive magical act with your favorite fox and the applause it would bring, you notice that your favorite circus magician had whisked the last of Pomu's things into her hat. She then places it back on her fluffy pointy ear, and gives Pomu a courteous bow.

"And just like that, all your traveling burdens are lifted." Polka says to a completely enthralled Pomu.

"You're so awesome, Polka! So whenever I need something I can just ask you!?" The forest fairy inquires excitedly.

"Sure can. We can sort out your own little section of the tent later. I think I'll leave how that works a surprise for later." Polka replies.

"Are you really ready to leave though, Pomu?" Watame asks. "Yesterday was pretty crazy, we can still rest for a bit if you want. We're all kinda used to getting up and going after something like that, but it was your first time doing that sort of stuff."

"Thanks Watame." Pomu starts as she turns to face the sheep beside her. "But I feel like I gotta go now, or I'll never get started. If I stay home today, tomorrow will be like 'Okay Pomu, just ONE more re-read of your favorite book series', then it'll be 'Oh Pomu, you need to clean all your socks before you go!', and my favorite procrastination technique, 'It's just one more idea for the work in progress pile, it can't hurt! Once you get through them all, you can really get back to what you wanted to do in the first place!'. It'll never end."

"I've been there." You chuckle, instantly being brought back to years of giving yourself excuses not to set out on your own journey. It's really an interesting feeling to find yourself relating so much to this winged prankster. Although, you hope you never find yourself sharing tastes in reading material.

"It also took meeting a couple of very special people to help me take those first steps." You follow up, making no effort to hide who this statement alludes to as you look at Watame and Undine fondly. "Ever since then, my life has never been better. Sure there's been a few times where things got really tough."

"LIke being tossed in jail?" Polka chimes in.

"Or being thrown down a waterfall?" Flare adds.

"You were also kidnapped by an evil organization that wants to take over the world." Watame says.

"Okay I didn't say it was easy!" You argue. "But that doesn't mean-"

"Oh! You were also thrown off the top of a really tall castle!" Pomu decides to join in too.

"I know! So were you…" You growl through your teeth as you cross your arms. After a deep breath through your nose you recompose yourself. "Look! Even though all that stuff happened, I can easily say that traveling and being with everyone here has made me the happiest I've ever been. Every day is like a brand new adventure."

"That's right! Together we're going to see all sorts of things!" Watame chirps. "I can't wait to see what kind of places we end up in next!"

"I think the rest of us are ready if you two are." Flare says with a smile looking to you and Pomu. "Which way is this place you said we can stop in for some supplies?"

"A bit to the southeast." Pomu says pointing in the direction you'll soon be heading for. "I just gotta do a few quick things around the house real quick. I'll meet you all at the edge of the trees over there?"

Everyone happily nods at the forest fairy's request and begins to head towards the thickening woodland on the far side of the clearing. You watch as the girls follow Sylph's happy lead, as she flutters ahead of everyone else alongside her floating sister. Your head turns toward Pomu who had walked to her front door, she looks up somberly at the tall tree that has been her home for quite some time.

Leaving your home, unsure when you might return, is not easy. Having been through what Pomu is probably going through yourself, and watching Flare and Nene do the same, you approach the forest fairy who might be in need of some support.

"Hey. You alright?" You feel the need to ask.

"Yeah. I'm okay." Pomu says as she looks through the doorway at her living room; still in the state to accommodate a full sleepover. The scene puts a small smile on her face as she slowly pulls the door shut in front of her. "I've left my home before, just for little trips here and there. Not knowing how long I'll be gone for though…is kinda new."

"It was the same for me too. Although, my dad and uncle were practically shoving me out the door when I finally decided to leave…if there was a door. I kinda blasted it with the first spell from my book…"

"You exploded the door to your own house!?" Pomu snorts. "Did you get into an argument or something?"

"Nah. It happened by complete accident." You shrug. "It was the first time I ever held my spell book before. It was apparently the only thing found with me when I was a baby. I read the only part I could, and the next thing I know, there's wood chips all on the floor and a brand new remodeling job for my dad."

"What a sendoff." The fae giggles. "No one can ever accuse you of not leaving an impression, that's for sure. I kinda wish there was someone to give me a sendoff…"

The tips of Pomu's teal bow droop downward along with her translucent wings. Seeing this fairy sad just threatens to rip your heartstrings right out of your chest. You wish you really could just make everything better with words, but maybe there is something you can say that can help, even just a little. Just let what your heart says what it wants to, right?

"You may not be getting a sendoff, but I can promise you that you'll be getting the biggest welcome back party this world has ever seen when you return." You begin to say, just letting your feelings form themselves into words as they roll off your tongue. "Everyone is going to be cheering for Pomu; the hero of the Rainpuffs, when you come back. It sounds more fun the more I think about it actually. I might tag along with you for that."

"You really think so?" Pomu says a little brighter toned, as she wipes her eyes with her sleeved arm.

"You bet. The next time we see this place, it'll be covered with all the fairies you knew, and maybe a few you haven't even met yet."

"You'll really want to come to a real fairy party too? They can be a little crazy for humans."

"It's a good thing I have a couple of fairies hanging around with me for a while that can help get me a little more used to 'crazy'." You grin.

"Oh you haven't even begun to see crazy yet. I'll try to break you in slowly though." Pomu says with her normal cheer back in her voice as her bow and wings straighten back up to their normal heights. "I think I'm ready now though. Thank you Anon. I'm glad I'll have you nearby in case I need any more pep talks. You kinda got a knack for them."

"I'm slowly getting the hang of it." You smile. "Anything else you need to do before we leave? Is it alright to just leave your house as it is?"

"Yup! I just need to change one tiny thing in the backyard. Come on!" The fairy waves you on gleefully as her wings begin to flutter and take her off the ground.

You jog to keep up with the flying fae as she circles around the base of her treehouse. Pomu then stops and lands softly in front of the wooden sign that first invited you into her home. She looks at it with firm focus as she places her hands under the wooden rectangle that contains her handwritten message, and lifts the stake that holds it out of the ground. Pomu looks at her old greeting message and places it flat on the ground. She then grabs another sign that happens to be leaning against the trunk of her treehome.

After placing its wooden steak deep in the ground, Pomu takes out a black marker from her strapped satchel and begins to write something on its blank canvas. When she finishes, she takes a step back and admires her scripture. You step next to her curiously and read her newest message.

Hi! You have reached the home of Pomu! If you are reading this, I am out exploring the world with my new friends and working hard to spread the world of fairies to everyone. Which by the way, this forest is the home to the Rainpuff fairies. A lot of them are gone at the moment, but they should be back real soon! If you want, please come inside the tree behind this sign and make yourself at home.

"Perfect!" Pomu congratulates herself.

"Not bad at all. Much better than that foreboding stuff about disappearing." You add.

"Hey I didn't know if I really was going to disappear or not!" Pomu shrugs as she picks up the old sign from the ground. She then looks at you with a playful grin. "Wanna show me how you blew up your dad's door?"

Normally you wouldn't be for using your mysterious powers for something so…juvenile, but for Pomu, you think you can make an exception. You smile and unstrap your spell book from your side and hold it open to the page of the first spell.

"Alright Pomu! Pull!" You signal the fae, who then performs a spinning throw of her wooden sign high into the air. You aim your open palm while fueling your spell book with a very small amount of power. "Stellar."

A thin beam of starlight shoots from your hand and strikes the plaque right at its center. A loud crack echoes within the peaceful clearing as the wooden shards of the sign's remains fall to the ground like snowflakes.

"That was cool." Pomu chuckles with a dopey look on her face.

"Yeah." You find yourself amused by the needless destruction as you place your book back within its straps.

"Hey! What are you two doing over there!?" Flare shrieks from across the clearing, causing you and Pomu to look at each like children who just caught reaching into a snack jar before dinner.

"Oooo. Someone's in trouble now." Pomu teases.

"Me!? It was your idea." You retort.

"I'm not the one with the magic spell book who blew apart my old worthless greeting sign. It was definitely one hundred percent your fault, Anon." Pomu says innocently as she slowly walks backwards towards Flare and the others while not breaking eye contact with you. "I better go clear the air with everyone about that. I don't want them thinking I'm some sort of bad influence on you."

"Pomu. Don't you dare." You say sternly, taking a firm step and pointing your finger at the girl who is struggling to keep a straight face.

The forest fairy then erupts in laughter as she turns and begins to fly towards all your friends.

"Pomu!" You yell as you begin a full sprint to catch up with her. When she reaches earshot of everyone else you begin to experience an almost child-like panic. "Don't listen to her, Flare! I wasn't doing anything wrong, honest!"

By the time you reach the group and stop to catch your breath as you hunch forward with your hands on your knees, you can feel everyone's confused eyes on you.

"It was her idea!" You whine as you crane your head up towards everyone. All eyes look back at you questioningly. "I told her about when I left home, I blew apart the front door of my house, and she…the sign was junk anyway! I didn't do anything wrong! Really!"

"Anon? What are you talking about?" Flare asks, a little concerned.

"Didn't Pomu say? Didn't she tell you?" You ask, now taking your own turn to be confused.

"She told us how you helped her get rid of her old sign after she got a new one set up." Polka says from her leaning spot against one of the nearby trees. "I didn't think you'd use your spell book for that, but I've blown bigger stuff up with lesser cause, so who am I to judge?"

You stare dumbfounded and embarrassed at how you must look right now. The forest fairy looks back at you and stifles a giggle with her hand to her mouth. That little tricksy fae…

"Dammit Pomu! You tricked me! You promised me no more tricks!" You say accusingly at the fae.

"You only had me promise not to play any tricks on you until you summoned Lady Sylph back." Pomu says smugly as she gestures to the wind spirit happily fluttering next to Flare. "She is clearly here now, so you're fair game again dude! I gotcha good!"

"You really had my summoner going." Sylph snickers. "He was in a full blown panic for some reason."

"I think you're gonna fit in with us just fine, Pomu." Flare says with a wide grin, undoubtedly in on the fairy's scheme since she flew over here.

"Whatever…" You sigh as you try to shift back to the more upbeat thought of setting out once more into the world. "Let's just get going."

With many giggles at your own expense, you begin to make your way through the thickening trees of Pomu's forest that thrives with life once more. The trek through the woodland is much more pleasant than the previous two. With no lonely forest fairy desperate for friends or strange hallucinogenic fog to interfere, everyone can just enjoy the lush tranquility of nature.

Along your walk, Pomu enthusiastically points out every little spot that was special to her in some way; be it someplace that was the site of a fond memory, or a particularly good spot in which to play pranks. After a while you slink to the back of the pack to let Polka, Nene, and Sylph be Pomu's primary audience for a bit. Watame welcomes your presence next to her, Undine, and Flare with a big fluffy smile.

"So Flare, I was thinking, can I take you up on that offer to have you teach me ice magic soon?" You strike up a conversation as you walk.

"Already thinking about the next spirit you want to meet, huh?" Flare replies. "Of course I'll help you. We can start today if you want."

"Thanks Flare! I can't wait to be able to do ice magic! There's already been a few jams I've been in where it would have come in handy." You say, looking forward to your next magical training session with the half-elf.

"I bet you'll figure it out in no time!" Watame cheers for you. "You're getting so good with your magic, Anon. It makes me want to get better too!"

"You have been too, Watame!" You praise the sheep back. "The magic song you learned with your flute is so awesome! And how your horns look with those mana coats on them is really cool!"

"It's hard to believe both of you barely knew how to make a working spell on your own before we started traveling together." Flare says nostalgically.

"That's because we didn't have you and Polka to teach us yet!" Watame beams. "No one's better at making spells than you two!"

"Watame's right. You're easily the best person around when it comes to elemental spells, and Polka is the best when it comes to uhhh, 'Polka' magic." You add. "I'm lucky I've had both of you around, or I wouldn't be half as good as I am now."

"The magical mentor of the great elemental summoner; Anon. I kinda like the sound of that." The half-elf chuckles.

"And I'm his combat sheep!" Watame chirps as she playfully nudges herself into you, perhaps purposely grazing the tops of your fingers with her own.

"I think the title 'Wandering Bard' would also suit you quite nicely, my little sheep." Undine adds warmly as she floats right behind you.

"You are going to make the world a better place with your songs, so I think that works." You agree happily.

"Then I'm your wandering bard too!" The fluffy sheep exclaims with a big smile. "I'm gonna sing my heart out at the next inn we stay at! We're not stopping till the sun comes up!"

"After the last few days, I can definitely use a night like that." You say cheerily.

Your journey through the rest of Pomu's forest continues pleasantly and after a few hours, the high noon sun shine's its warmth over you through the cracks in the trees overhead. Everyone takes a break for lunch to give their legs and feet a chance to rest. You and Flare decide to find a quiet spot just out of earshot from the rest of the group to do your daily magic practice.

The half-elf sits crossed legged in front of you atop the plush sunlite grass; the tips of your knees just touching one another. You start your normal warm up exercises; creating a simple spell to float within your palm to let linger for a few seconds. Flare suspends a flickering ball of fire within her hand, she looks pridefully at her creation and begins to mold its shape; having it stretch and shrink in the direction of her choosing. Maybe it was time to show her your own mastery over shaping magic.

Bringing a variant of mana that is quickly becoming more second nature to you to your hands, you focus on a bright and wonderful shape. While this display will be about showing your magical rival how far you've come, it's also about showing something beautiful to a creature that is even more beautiful than what you will create. A firm push from your thoughts and mana creates a five pronged star of pure silver-white light that spins ever so slowly above your open palm. The sudden bright glow distracts Flare from her own magic workings as she takes in what you've done.

"Anon? Is that a real shape made with your magic?" The half-elf gasps quietly.

"Sure is! I can make stars almost any time I want now! It's actually really easy for me." You say proudly.

"That's amazing! What can you do with it?" Flare inquires.

"Huh?" You utter, caught completely by surprise. "I-It looks pretty. It doesn't need to do anything. It's a star. All it has to do is right here."

"This is more about that spark of hope thing, than it is about practical magic?"

"Well I hadn't really thought about it. I just kinda figured out I could make stars with my magic. They don't stick around like real ones, but they are pretty cool." You say, your pride in your own ability helps you rebound.

"Have you tried making a star shape with water yet?" Flare then asks.

"I have not." You answer instantly. You can feel your face awash with both embarrassment and eagerness. Flare then lets her own spell snuff out to give you a motioning gesture to get on with it.

Letting your own spell dissipate; its light sparkling upward just above your head before vanishing completely, you switch your thoughts and feelings to that of water. Your mana builds quickly around your hands as water begins to appear. The small azure sphere churns and spasms as you try to will its shape to resemble a star. For a second you manage to make several sharp points spread out from its center, but the strain to maintain it is too great, and your spell shatters to a sad puddle, leaving you wet with shame and failure.

"I think you're trying too hard." Flare comments after she thinks on what she observed from your spell work. "Don't try to make it exactly like the one you make from starlight. Try making one with less points. A simpler star will do."

Taking Flare's advice, you center yourself and try your spell once more. As the blue liquid magically appears within your hands, you picture a less complicated celestial shape in your mind. If a typical five-pronged star was too complicated to make, why not try just four prongs?

The water begins to flatten and shape itself according to your will, and after a brief collapse, the water suddenly stretches out and forms the shape of a perfect four pointed star; each edge sits evenly spaced from the other as it spins horizontally over your palm.

Flare gives you a small and soft round of applause for your success, which makes you come to realize what you actually just accomplished. You hold the rotating azure object closer up to face to more closely examine it. A deep blue to match the color of your water fueling mana, and almost transparent. Its edges look almost solid like they would be if this were a throwing weapon made of metal.

"See? I knew you could do it!" Flare says happily. "That little star you made looks like it could maybe do some damage if you really let it fly into something. I bet Undine will be proud."

"It wasn't what I was expecting to learn today, but I'll take it!"

"You're not through learning yet, hot shot. Let's take that new spell of yours for a spin."

"But what about teaching me ice magic?"

"I know you're eager to start learning a new element, but you should really focus on getting a lot better at the ones you know already. Won't that help your own powers and bond with Undine and Sylph get stronger too?"

"I guess you're right." You feel inclined to agree. "The more I increase my connection to water, the stronger Undine and I become together."

"Exactly. I don't think you've even begun to tap into the true powers of a summoner." Flare says with growing excitement. "Haven't you wondered if there's things you can do besides your resonance?"

"I just always assumed Undine would tell me about those things when she knows I'm ready." You shrug, but then a concerning thought invades your mind. "But then again, Sylph didn't know how to do a possession, but she does know about resonance. I have to wonder how many of their memories are fragmented."

"It can be pretty scary." Flare says with a more serious tone as she looks downward. "I know it's not exactly the same, but back when Gildmoore tried to lock the memories of everything that made me, me away, it was almost like walking around in an empty space, not knowing which way was up or down."

Flare looks to be battling hard with the bitter memories of experiencing that twisted magic, and the reminder of the lengths a corrupt group of mages went through to secure the power of a myth. You let your spell drop to shapeless liquid that spills downward, as you lean forward and place your still dry hand over Flare's own that clutches her skirt over her leg. The half-elf looks up at you and the few tears she begins to shed, stop. She looks deep into your eyes, her shimmering amber pools begin to blaze with a new resolve.

"I've decided on something Anon." She suddenly says. "I'm going to help Undine, Sylph, and all the other spirits you'll meet reclaim their lost memories. I'll start by helping you become the best damn summoner you can be. I won't let you stop at just your best either. You're going to become the best there ever was."

"You really think I can be that good?" You ask, wanting to believe that you are truly capable of what the half-elf thinks.

"Of course you can! When we work together, there's nothing we can't do. We've taken down master mages, evil organizations, and even demons together." Flare answers you confidently, her smile radiates with something that begins to make your own confidence rise.

"You know something? You're right! Nothing stops us when we work as a team, and getting better with magic will be no different! Let's make this official then." You say as you rise to a full stand and hold out your hand to Flare.

The half-elf takes your hand and you help her up to stand in front of you. You focus completely on hers, the burning determination felt between the both of you could spark a mighty fire.

"Flare, will you help train me to be the best summoner ever? Will you help me help the great spirits find their lost memories?" You ask from the bottom of your heart.

"I'll have my work cut out for me, but you have my word that I, Flare Shiranui, will help make you the best summoner this world has ever seen." Flare answers back, her grin sporting a mix of playfulness, and fierce resolve.

You give the half-elf's hand in yours a firm shake. You feel better than ever about your own magical progress. With you and Flare not only working to better yourselves, but to do so for the sake of those close to your very soul, there is no mountain you cannot overcome together.

"Now, do you promise me you'll listen to everything I say when it comes to our magic training from now on?" Flare then asks, still gripping your hand.

"If it actually has to do with magic." You make a small amending to the half-elf's terms. "Then yes. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Alright! Let's see what that newest spell of yours can do!" The half-elf exclaims as she lets go of your hand and walks about twenty paces from you. "Okay! Try to hit me!"

"Wha!? Are you sure, Flare!?" You shout back. "It might be sharp enough to hurt you if I actually throw it!"

"Trust me! You're nowhere near good enough to beat one of my spells yet! Just make another water star and throw it! I'll be fine!" Flare says with a certainty that irks you somewhat. Fine. If she thinks your spells can be handled so easily, you'll show her just what you're made of.

Concentrating your mana, fueled by your drive to put the smug half-elf in her place, you bring another water spell above your palm and will its shape into a four-pronged star. It is considerably easier to shape your magic the second time around, but it still requires your undivided attention to keep its structure intact.

Once your watery throwing weapon is ready, you turn your gaze back to Flare who looks at you expectantly. With your palm held upward, you flick your wrist across your body to send the azure star spinning towards your target; it rotates quickly through the air as speckles of water from its form trail behind it.

Flare smiles, likely happy to see that your spell is actually performing the way you intend it to, and she holds one of her arms straight out, pointing a single finger; its tip glowing with bright orange mana towards your oncoming projectile. Seemingly effortless, Flare shoots a small ball of fire from her extended digit that collides with your throwing star just as it reaches the halfway point between you and the half-elf. The two elements cancel each other out and create a hissing steam that quickly dissipates into the air.

Having snuffed your spell out with ease, Flare looks at you smugly with one of her hands on her hips, as she blows the faint glow of mana off of the finger that launched her spell.

Just a finger!? Not only did she prevent my own spell from reaching her with just a single finger, she somehow made sure it was only enough to evaporate the water completely! She controls her mana so easily…I thought after we learned wind at the same time, I was catching up faster than this…but Flare is still on a whole nother level than I am. Just try again Anon! Remember that this training is for Undine and Sylph's sakes too!

Without saying anything, you bring your hands a few inches apart and begin to create another star of water. This time you would use more mana, harder focus, more of your feelings of what water means to you. A thicker, larger azure shiraken spins between your two palms.

"Ready or not, Flare! Here it comes!" You shout confidently as you wind your arm back overhead; you can feel your invisible connection to the spell that spins above your palm like it was a solid object. Bringing your arm down across your body, you pitch your magical projectile towards Flare, it flies over the gently swaying grass with even greater speed than before.

"Not bad Anon!" Flare remarks as she brings a light green glow to life within with her two hands. "But you still won't be able to hit me with that!"

Flare then slashes both her arms upward towards the sky, ejecting a clear crescent of magical wind from each of them. The sharpened force cuts right through the middle of your spell; splitting the star into thirds that come apart and drip onto the grass underneath with a sad splash.

You stare dumbfounded at the half-elf who grins at you in triumph once more. She then extends one of her hands facing up and bends all her fingers toward her, inviting you to try and make it past her magical defenses again. The mix of excitement and irritation you feel is confusing, but you know exactly how to quell that unpleasant frustration; knocking this half-elf on her butt and soaking her with your magic.

Spell after spell you launch at Flare, and each time they are neutralized by a perfectly calculated and potent spell of her own. Be it by fire, wind, ice, or even a hard mana coat, all your star shaped watery weapons are kept from landing a clean hit on the half-elf. Eventually, you feel completely drained as you fall on your back along the plush grass.

"Dammit! I couldn't even hit you once." You whine between pants of breath, your hands clench the dirt and grass between your sore fingers.

"Don't forget, you did just summon Sylph a couple hours ago. I think you actually did pretty well today, considering you probably only had about half your usual mana when we started." Flare tries to console you as she walks up and squats down beside you.

"I guess you and I have a very different definition. Of 'pretty well' when it comes to battle." You scoff, trying to still be a little disgruntled, but Flare's praise does make your soul feel a little lighter.

"If it were someone besides me, you definitely would have hit them." Flare continues her compliments as she gives your sweating head a light pat. "I've watched you do magic since you started. I can see where you're going to throw your spells even before you do. You're always very straightforward with them."

"I guess I could try getting a little more creative…" You sigh. "I really have a long way to go huh?"

"Sure do, but don't worry. I'm already starting to think of new ways we can practice. I think tomorrow we'll do some close combat training." The half-elf says as she gives your perspiring forehead a gentle caress with her hand that washes you ever so slightly with magically created water.

"Really now?" You are certainly intrigued by the idea.

"You got hurt pretty bad during our last battles, Anon." Flare says, suddenly more serious. "You're strong and skilled with your sword, but you need to get better. I need to get better too. There might be times I can't rely solely on my magic."

"We can probably get you a new bow, ya know?" You offer, the touch of Flare's hand on your forehead fills you with a content bliss.

"Nah." Flare shakes her head. "I was getting a little tired of it to be honest. Everyone probably expects me to use a bow because I'm part elf. Wouldn't it be cooler if I surprised them with a sword?! Or maybe I can get a big battle ax! That would really turn heads."

You turn and study your friend for a moment; her bright and playful expression makes you forget all the frustration you felt just moments ago. Memories of your own childhood also come flooding back. Your dad and uncle once argued with one another about what weapon suited you best. You had trained with all sorts of weapons under their instruction; swords, bows, axes, maces, spears, all of various lengths, weights, and makes. In the end, a simple broadsword felt best in your hands, which is probably why your dad had one specifically made for when you would finally set out on your own. Maybe you can help Flare decide on her next weapon of choice.

"You know what I think?" You ask as you meet the amber eyes of your favorite half-elf. "I think your next weapon needs to be something sleek, flexible, and dangerously to the point. Oh! It should also be something as beautiful as you are."

"Noel had said something similar once. Yes, even the beautiful part." Flare muses nostalgically. "Sorry, she beat you to that one, Anon, but I'll gladly take the compliment again. Alright, since you both think so, then that's what I'll try to find!"

"How do you think she's doing?" You ask as you sit up, genuinely curious how the head of the Shirogane knight order is doing back in the country that used to be your home.

"Getting stronger every day, I bet." Flare says simply. "I bet my letters about the mage masters and HoloX only made her want to train even harder."

"Well hopefully we put a stop to HoloX for good before she has to get involved." You say back.

"You really think they're serious? About that world domination thing?" The half-elf asks as you both rise to your feet.

"From the lengths Koyori was willing to go for magical knowledge, you better believe they're serious." You clench your fists at the memories. "I think what scares me more than meeting Koyori again, is thinking about who is above her. What kind of sick and deranged people give orders to people like her? They might make that sorceress we just met look completely tame by comparison."

"That's true, we don't even know how big of an organization HoloX is, or where they've been already." Flare adds, clearly as offput with the idea as you are. "How have the dreams been? By the way."

"Past two nights have been okay actually." You open up. You wrestle with the idea of bringing up Sana, but now does not seem like the time. Even after meeting with Fauna face to face, you can't even be absolutely certain she and Sana are actually real or not. The idea that what Koyori did to you is somehow making these interactions occur is not one you've completely dismissed yet. "I want to believe that the nightmares are done with, but I know deep down that isn't true…"

Flare then puts a calming hand on your shoulder, and smiles.

"One step at a time." Is all she says, and you are instantly reminded of the world changing advice she gave you only a short while ago. "Speaking of steps, are you ready to join back up with the others? I'd like to try and reach this town Pomu talked about before nightfall."

"Yeah, I'm good." You nod and follow the half-elf's lead back towards where the rest of your friends stopped to rest while you had your magic practice.

Arriving back at the cozy spot near the edge of Pomu's forest, everyone welcomes you and Flare back with warm smiles. Watame looked to have spent the hour talking with Pomu and Sylph. You have to imagine that it will be pretty hard to separate the two fairies for a while. Polka looks half listening to a conversation between…Undine and Nene? You can't say you expected to see that today.

"Welcome back summoner." Undine greets you before turning back to Nene who gets up from the seat sized rock that rests next to the floating water spirit. "Shall we continue our lessons tomorrow then, Nene?"

"Mhmm!" Nene nods happily. "Thanks for helping Nen-….me?"

As if to confirm the girl's answer, Undine happily nods which earns an even wider smile from the bubbly girl. Before you can even ask what exactly that was, Polka walks up to you and Flare and looks you both over.

"That had to be some lesson today." The circus fox says teasingly. "What did you put Anon through today, Flare? He's practically bushed."

"Don't blame me." Flare says defensively. "Anon is the one who decided he needs to be the best summoner ever, and that's not going to happen unless he gets a lot better with his magic."

"Hey, you were more into it than I was." You protest. "And I'm also fine, Polka. I just used a lot of my mana today is all. Nothing some good drinks and rest won't cure."

"Today is nothing compared to what we got ahead of us." Flare then adds with an unsettling certainty.

"Ohh~ Are you gonna Anon through the ringer?" Pomu asks from her seat on top of an overhead branch. "Can I help?"

"I was hoping you'd ask." Flare grins. "Watame, we are gonna need your help too if we have any hope of whipping Anon into real magical shape. I'll tell you what your job will be later, okay?"

"Yeah! You both can count on me!" Watame cheers, clearly over the moon to be involved somehow with your own self-improvement.

"You just turned this into something huge on purpose, didn't you?" You ask Flare unamused.

"Maybeee." The half-elf hums. "I just like to have all my options covered. Trust me, you're gonna be making spells you never even dreamed of soon."

You let Flare's optimism infect you as you become increasingly sure of your shared goal to increase your elemental proficiency in the hopes it will help you become a better summoner. With everyone having had a chance to rest their legs, it is time to continue towards your next destination.

Once you leave the perimeter of Pomu's forest, you are met with the landscape of a simple countryside. Lush green fields that shine under the afternoon sun stretch alongside a worn dirt road. Pomu flutters in front of the pack and shields her eyes slightly from the direct sunlight as she scans the area. She quickly turns back to you and points enthusiastically towards the pathway that rolls over the horizon.

Before anyone can vocally confirm what you all already assume is the way to your next destination, you are suddenly listed up from under your arms by someone as your feet leave the ground. You look over your shoulder to see Sylph, who gives you a perky smile before focusing her eyes back in front of her as she works her translucent wings faster. You watch the ground quickly get further and further away as you are carried through the air by the wind spirit.

"S-Sylph?" You ask nervously when it becomes apparent that the wind fairy is giving you a full ride instead of just a quick startle for laughs. "What are you doing?"

"You were getting a little sluggish back there, summoner. I might be a teensy bit to blame for that since you spent the mana to summon me AND all that intense training you were doing with Flare earlier. So it's only fair I help you take a load off!" Sylph answers, the logic so simple and clean in her own head.

"Okay, but…we're getting pretty high off the ground now." You argue as you try to not let a small panic swell within your friends down below get slightly smaller by the second.

"That's how you fly, silly!" The wind spirit chirps to seemingly address your concerns.

"Sister!" Undine calls from down below. "Don't fly too far ahead of us! I told you the girls get nervous if our summoner leaves their view for too long!"

"Don't worry sis! We're just gonna go a little bit up the road! We'll be fiiine! Right, summoner!?" Sylph brushes off the water spirit's warning and continues her flight with you in tow.

"As long as you don't drop me." You gulp. "I've had enough falls for one week, thank you."

"You're always safe with me! Now you just try to relax, and take in all that you see! My summoner should know what it's like to see the world from up here." The wind spirit says cheerily as your trip through the air begins to smooth out.

You take a deep breath and try to do as your friend says. The fear of falling diminishes greatly when you really focus on the view in front of you. From higher in the skies, you can see verdant fields, pockets of healthy foliage, and even what very well might be the shapes of small houses far in the distance. It's truly breathtaking; watching so much land and nature just pass by below you. You feel as though you are simply part of the wind itself, passing from place to place, seeing all there is to see from above. Is this what Sylph meant for you to experience?

"I sense a little spark in the soul of my summoner that tells me he gets it!" The wind spirit says, grabbing your attention.

"This was more than just about giving me an express trip closer to where we're heading huh?" You chuckle.

"Mayyyybeee. I DID want to help you out a little, but the chance to help you connect a little more with my own element is not one I'm gonna pass up. Your connection with water is pretty strong, and I want to help you feel just as comfortable with the winds."

"It does feel pretty amazing up here." You admit as you look further into the horizon; the tips of houses bundled together can just barely be seen. "We should probably head back down though and give everyone else a chance to catch up."

The wind spirit nods and gently begins to descend towards the light brown dirt path that traverses through the land. Your feet touchdown with a soft pat on the grainy earth, and you give the wind spirit who flutters next to you a warm smile. Sylph is certainly more free spirited, for lack of a better term, but you are quickly starting to appreciate that part of her, and can see how it reflects the very nature of the winds themselves.

"So quick! While it's still just the two of us! Am I close to being the new favorite? Flying you around like that is no trouble at all for me! I'll be able to do it even easier too once our bond gets even stronger. We don't have to tell Big Sis if I'm already beating her. It can be our little secret~" Sylph begins to say with boundless energy as she brings her face closer to yours, her eyes getting particularly wide in an attempt to be adorable.

"Sylph" You can't help but laugh at the question. "I don't have favorites. That wouldn't be fair to you or Undine now would it?"

"But you DO have a favorite in another category!" Sylph teases. "I've only been around that little soul of yours for not even a day, and I can see as clear as day who holds that trophy."

"Hey! That's not fair to go peeking around like that." You half scold the wind spirit. "Who I think about in my free time is a very personal matter."

"Kinda hard not to notice when the air around your soul turns into fluffy clouds just at the thought of a certain little sheep." Sylph shrugs with a smug smile on her face. "I don't even have to go lookin' to find that out. Do you think she has a wild side? I bet there's a caged animal locked within that fluffy girl that's just waiting to get out! You might just have the key to that cage, ya know?"

"Would you stop?" You huff, growing more flustered the more you think about Watame somehow getting aggressive and pouncing on you to do whatever pleases her. "You and Pomu are both relentless when it comes to this stuff…and WHY are you so interested anyway!? Undine is barely any better. You're both getting worryingly focused on the types of the things that are just for ME to be thinking about."

"We're just lookin' out for ya, summoner." Sylph giggles as she slaps your back two times. "If you're going to be a big hero for the world, you need to be tip top shape! Physically, magically, mentally, and sexually!"

"Okay, you had me until that last bit." You say with growing heat as your hand covers your reddening face.

"Undine was right, you are SHY about these things. Okay okay, I'll rephrase." The wind spirit sighs as she paces in a small circle on the patchy dirt road. "Romantically, you need to be at your very best romantically too. I'd never push you into something you don't want to do, but I don't think that's the case here, right? You can be honest with your pal, Sylph!"

While you don't think this is the type of conversation you should be having right now, it is hard to deny the wind fairy's words. The minor fooling around you have just begun to explore with Flare, Watame, and Nene, has made desires for more even stronger than they have been before. Even how Polka snacks on your very soul fuels a similar urge. You would be honest with Undine, right? Sylph deserves the same degree of trust from you. It would also be a good idea to get this out of the way before the others have a chance to get within earshot.

"Okay, so maybe I have been thinking about how I want to experience those types of things with Watame. All the girls make me feel a little bit that way to be honest…So far I've been taking Undine's advice and letting things flow as they are meant to. It has been working for me so far, so you don't need to worry about me."

"Letting the waters flow the way they want is great and all, but sometimes they need a tiny push from the winds to get them where they need to be." Sylph then says with a proud smile. "Just make sure to take that leap of faith when you feel the winds at your back, summoner. Hopefully you should feel that guiding breeze soon!"

"And hopefully that breeze isn't being orchestrated by a couple of overeager fairies I know…" You sigh. "But if it'll make you happy and end this conversation for now, I promise to try and make sure I'm at peak form with all those things you said. Even the last one…"

"Atta boy! You should also try to remember that this isn't a one way road either. It's very possible Watame is considering the same things you are right now…or maybe something that's even more intense too." Sylph grins as she cranes her head to look past your body. She gives a hearty wave and your body twists to find that your friends are fast approaching.

A brief wave of panic washes over you as you try to recompose yourself in the aftermath of this previous conversation and the implications the wind spirit left you with. Your attempts at pushing such thoughts to the wayside are entirely in vain when the main target of your desires happily skips up to you. Watame's smile along with her golden hair that shines from the bright sunlight, makes you feel as though your feet have left the ground once more. You stupidly look down to confirm that you are still indeed obeying the laws of gravity. You are also finding yourself privy to some of the minor details that make this sheep the more beautiful to you, like the way her adorable ears make their way through her blond locks, and how her nose is perfectly placed on that smooth face of hers. Watame's proud curled horns are also another thing that makes this girl so much more attractive. An idea crosses your mind on how you would like to pamper your beloved sheep by giving those horns a nice sharpening, or maybe brush that cute little tail that hides under her cape. Your eyes then trail to the silky smooth skin of her bare shoulders, and quickly find their way to the just so revealed area between where her armpits end and the slope of her breasts begin.

"What was it like to fly like that, Anon!?" Watame asks, breaking you out of your instinctual fantasies, and focusing back on your friend that now stands in front of you.

"Oh! It was pretty cool." You say without thinking. "I think I even saw the tops of a town in the distance. That's where we're heading, right Pomu?"

"Yup! We might even get there before sunset at this rate!" The forest fairy happily answers. "Most of the shops will probably be closed by then, but there's always tomorrow! I'm gonna check out if they got any new books in."

"Do you think they will have any places to buy weapons?" Flare asks.

"You betcha! There's even a few places to get some new clothes. That might be a good idea for you, Anon. Since it sounds like your clothes getting wrecked is becoming a habit." Pomu replies.

"I've never gotten to go shopping before!" Watame beams, her eyes sparkling with the prospect of an entire new experience.

As you mull over the idea of finding yourself a second set of traveling clothes, or even some new battlewear, you feel a light prod from Sylph's finger against one of your shoulder blades. You turn your head to see the wind spirit give you an adamant nod. You immediately get the gist of her silent request, and decide to indulge her.

"I'll take you shopping, Watame!" You then say seizing your opportunity before anyone else can claim the sheep's time. "We can go to all the shops you want, it'll be my treat too."

"That's good! I still don't have my own money yet! I'd love to go shopping with you!" Watame exclaims, her cheeks and eyes abright with happiness.

"Since Anon and Watame apparently have a date now, I'll tag along with you to find yourself a new weapon, Flare." Polka says with an air of satisfaction.

"Nene wants to go with Pomu to find more funny books like the one she showed at sleepover. Water and wind lady come too?" Nene chimes in next.

"My sister and I would love to join you both." Undine answers. "I think finding yourself a good book to read will do wonders for your lessons, Nene."

The bubbly blond nods proudly at the water spirit while your brain begins to process exactly what she meant by "lessons". Could that change in Nene's speech earlier be what this is about? You'll have to ask Undine about it later.

"Looks like we got some plans all set for tomorrow then!" You say. "I'm getting pretty excited for this."

"Don't get too excited, Anon." Flare says smugly. "You still need to manage your money carefully. Have you ever been shopping without your dad before?"

"Have you?" You fire back, more than willing to meet the half-elf's challenge.

"Noel and I have been shopping on our own countless times back in the capital." Flare retorts.

"Yeah, I'm sure tons of people tried to pull a fast one over the daughter of the Shirogane knight order leader, and the daughter of a high ranking military official…" You scoff.

"I don't think I heard you right, Anon." The half-elf remarks as she brushes some of her hair away from her pointy ears. "I think you just implied I don't know how to handle myself with a purchase, but that can't be right. That would sure be something coming from the boy who barely bought anything for himself growing up."

Just like that, another petty exchange of bickering ignites between you and Flare. Everyone seems pretty content to just watch you two go at it, Sylph seems the most intrigued as she listens intently to how your argument suddenly devolved into how you could be duped into buying special soil that was said not to be native to the area, or a jar of water from the northern sea.

"Man she's feisty." Sylph comments from her spot between Polka and Pomu. "I like her!"

"They could go on like this for hours if we let them though…" Polka shrugs.

"Oh! Can I get this one, Polka?" Pomu asks hopefully. When the fennec grins and gives her an affirming nod, the forest fairy puts on a determined smile and looks back at you and Flare, still locked in your verbal battle. "Watch this Lady Sylph. Hey you two! If you want, I can make sure you can have your own private room at the inn! They have a couple's suite that I THINK has a bathtub big enough for two~ You can debate all you want with each other there."

The fairy's interjection silences both you and Flare as both your eyes widen and look up and down the other's figure. The half-elf's face reddens as you can only imagine she is picturing the scenario in her own head, which causes the heat in your cheeks to rise as your mind also wanders to the same place. Before you or her can even come up with a response or agree to end your argument, Polka steps forward and takes Flare's hand in hers, while Watame does the same with yours.

"Daylight's burning guys." Polka says as she begins to lead the way along the simple dirt road.

"Mhmm! We're gonna sing tonight!" Watame chirps as she gently guides you along behind her. The fluffy sheep's hand around yours somehow quells all your heated feelings in an instant. You crack a smile and pick up your pace so that you walk side by side with her. You are also very much looking forward to a good drink tonight, or two, or three.

The walk through the quaint countryside is relaxingly pleasant for the next few hours. The roads were spacious and empty for the most part. There was an older man upon a horse driven carriage at one point who could not keep himself from gawking as your group passed by the horse's leisurely pace. You had half a mind to say something to him, but Pomu was actually the one who stole your attention and ushered you to just move along. Once you were out of earshot however, Pomu explained how this part of the country is mostly inhabited by humans, and the few elves here and there who migrated from across the sea. Even so, none of the humans in Bjornholm or the Talonclaw tribe so much as batted an eye at your group's unique composition. This seemed to surprise the forest fairy a little.

"You mean you guys go around without any disguises or anything?" She asks as you continue your walk.

"Watame and I tried that once." You shrug. "Turns out we still got nothing but stares anyway…Flare's dad was actually the only one who could tell Watame was a demi-human at a glance. I don't really get what the big deal is."

"Most people have never seen girls like Watame, Polka, or even myself." Pomu continues. "Every time I've been to this town I've had to hide my wings. It just makes things easier."

"You know it can't be like that anymore, Pomu." You say a little sternly.

"Yeah…can't expect people to believe in fairies if I don't show them I am one." The fae sighs.

"Don't worry Pomu! Even if we get weird looks from people, they come around eventually!" Watame beams.

"Watame has a good point." Flare chimes in. "When we first arrived in the elven kingdom, people were pretty weary of all of us, but after they got to know Watame a little better, they warmed right up to us."

"We haven't met a crowd yet we couldn't win over." Polka says proudly. "Plus, the more bad guys and people we save, the more popular we'll get anyway. I bet eventually, they're gonna roll out the red carpet whenever we come to town!"

The positive attitudes of your friends infect yours and Pomu's own. You can tell from her curved smile that she is feeling better about letting the world know she's Pomu by the second. People are mostly just curious about things they don't see a lot of, or don't understand. You can deal with awkward curiosity, but if anyone tries or says anything hurtful to your friends, they'll be in a mess of trouble.

Over a small hill in the road, the view of a moderately sized town is awash with the orange of the declining sun. The view of another example of civilization again makes you giddy as your steps begin to quicken towards it.

"Come on everyone! We're almost there!" You say as you dash ahead of the pack. "Warm food and beds here I come!"

After keeping up with your eager pace, you all soon arrive in what looks to be a modestly built human settlement. Buildings ranging from one to three stories; made from combinations of brick and wood, line the cobblestone streets. It is certainly a lot bigger than you were expecting, it might even be as big as Alurdine, and that had at least two separate districts to it!

"The buildings are so cute!" Watame squeals. "Where's the inn, Pomu!? We need to have welcome drinks for you and Sylph!"

"You waste no time, do ya!? Alright follow me! If the old innkeeper is still there, I bet he'll be surprised to see me after a while!" Pomu chirps as she leads the way down the town's main street; the lanterns that line them slowly illuminating as the sun continues to set.

With the streets mostly empty, you are all free to hustle through the settlement without so much as a questioning glance. You soon arrive at a long wooden building with a sign that reads: The Languid Lizard. Most inns you've been to have been named after some animal, but this is the first you've seen one named after a reptile. Are they perhaps indigenous to this region? You hope you get a chance to see if it's true.

Pomu places a hand on the door before taking a deep breath. She looks back at everyone who gives her supportive smiles, which fuel her own confidence as she pushes open the simple wooden door.

The simple aesthetic of a wooden furnished tavern is always one you think you will find immense comfort in seeing. Like most inns you've been to so far, there is a room littered with tables and seating for patrons, as well as a line of stools at the bar that lies straight ahead. It seems you have beat the rush crowd somehow, as most of the tables are not occupied yet, and only a handful of people sit together at tables conversing with one another. If any did offer a questioning look at your group's arrival, that moment already seems to have passed.

Pomu scans the rooms diligently. Her search seems to end when her expression begins to liven.

"Hey! Mister Bosco!" Pomu shouts as she waves at a bald middle aged man placing a few plates of cooked steaks to a pair of grateful dinner patrons. The portly fellow looks over in Pomu's direction, his ears telling him that someone familiar is calling to him, but his eyes look to be unsure. He walks towards you all and takes a small pair of spectacles out of his apron's front pocket.

"Is that?" He asks himself in a deep but lighthearted voice. You can see the man's eyebrows descend downward as he quints at the forest fairy. "You certainly have the right hair and face of one of my favorite customers, but are those actually wings behind you? Is that really you, Pomu?"

"Sure is Mister Bosco! I'm actually a fairy! I'm Pomu!" The fae confirms with great enthusiasm, as she lets her wings proudly flutter behind her.

"So all those times you talked about bringing books back home to your tree…that was serious?" Bosco asks, his mind slowly putting pieces of apparent conversations with Pomu together.

"Books?" You speak out of turn, a little confused why the local innkeeper would be giving books to the forest fairy.

"Bosco not only runs the inn, but he also runs the bookstore. It's actually what makes up the backside of this building!" Pomu presents proudly. "He's helped me find some of my favorite titles too!"

"It's a mixture of my passions." The man says with pride as he places his glasses back into his front pocket. "I've always loved reading a thrilling tale alongside a comforting fire with good food and drink, so I thought, why not combine the two? I do have to say though, Pomu. I was starting to think you might never show up at my storefront again. It has been quite a while since your last visit."

"A lot of stuff has happened…" Pomu tries to laugh it off. "Do you got rooms for me and all my friends tonight? We are in desperate need of a breather."

"A group of interesting people like yourselves must have come a long way to get here, so I can believe it." Bosco chuckles. "I can't help but notice the SECOND fairy standing behind you. Is she a relative?"

"Sure am!" Sylph chirps as she flutters off the ground and wedges herself between you and Pomu to give the innkeeper a firm handshake. "Pomu is basically one of my own, so thanks for being a good friend to her! My name's Sylph! I'm a wind spirit! You know about those right!?"

You quickly place your hands on the wind fairy's shoulders and separate her gently from your newest confused acquaintance. The realization that someone he knew is actually not what he thought was probably enough to process without Sylph adding her own unique and special type of existence on top of that.

"One thing at a time, Sylph." You say before offering the still befuddled innkeeper an apologetic smile.

"Today is certainly a day of firsts." Bosco says while rubbing the top of his bald head. "Are you all hungry by any chance? I still have a little time before the after dinner rush comes in. You all looked a little hungry."

"That would be amazing!" Flare blurts out. "Let's go get a table everyone!"

"Thanks Mister Bosco!" Pomu chirps as she begins to usher the girls toward the seating area of the establishment. "We'll catch up later and I'll be sure to tell you everything!"

You let the girls race off along with Undine and Sylph to find a table big enough to accommodate you all. With a slightly smaller crowd to deal with, you offer your hand to the innkeeper.

"My name's Anon by the way." You introduce yourself as the older man takes your hand gingerly around his wide palm. "Thanks for just kinda going with things. I bet this isn't how you planned today would go huh?"

"I've read some pretty fantastical stories, but it's a completely different feeling seeing something like that in person." Bosco laughs lightly as he gives your hand a firm shake before letting go. "I'll get an order into my cook that should be enough to fill those empty stomachs of yours. Would you like anything to drink?"

"I have been thinking about it all day." You laugh as you follow Bosco up to the front bar. Standing in between two empty bar stools, you rest your arms in front of you along the smooth glossy brown countertop.

"What can I get you?" The innkeeper asks from behind the bar.

"Give me whatever is special to the area." You say, anticipating when the sweet elixir that can lower your inhibitions and relax your nerves can finally hit your lips.. "Get ready to keep it coming too."

"Rough week?" Bosco asks in jest as he prepares a mixture of spirits in a tall glass in front of you topped with ice.

"I'm sure Pomu will want to fill you in on the details, but let's just say she was in a bit of a jam when I found her, and getting her out of it has probably earned a story in the history books." You let yourself say proudly.

"You can put that on my tab then." A soft, but also mature woman's voice comes from the end of the bar. You look over and are met with deep blue eyes that brim with intense interest. She pats the seat of the empty stool next to her and gives you an inviting smile. "Won't you join me? I'd LOVE to hear what kind of adventure that was. That should be an appropriate payment for the drink right, handsome?"

The way she calls you handsome sends a small flutter through your belly, forcing you to take a quick swig of your drink to calm your nerves. The alcohol burns pleasantly down your throat, and has a powerful kick to boot. You suppose it would be rude to deny the woman her request after graciously offering to pay for the drink that should easily help you get the buzz you've been yearning for. You give a slight nod of your head to her as you walk and take the pulled out seat next to hers.

"What makes you so certain it wasn't anything boring like, fixing a door frame, or carrying logs?" You ask a preliminary question to possibly reveal more about this generous stranger. "I'd hate to drink this whole thing down just for you to be disappointed."

"The sword and book around your waist suggest it was something a little more entertaining than that." The woman giggles. "There's also been word of a young man shaking things up quite a bit that matches your description, but here I am leaving you at a disadvantage. Allow me to introduce myself. You may call me Lui. Lui Takane."