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.

29. A Day Softer Than Cotton

The second Sana makes her abrupt entrance within your subconscious dream space, the entire world begins to shimmer and shift around you. The ground you stand scatters into the wind bit by bit; leaving only the vast void of space underneath you. The buildings, roads, and even the watermelon forms of Watame and Koyori, fall apart and disappear from what is your reality at the moment. The surrounding landscapes are replaced with the endless frontier of the cosmos; planets, stars, asteroids, all scatter farther than the eye can see. Your body becomes weightless as you let the still current of outer space support you. In front of you appears Sana, in her full and gigantic glory. She looks particularly happy to see you; her golden eyes beam with a brightness that would probably double as sunlight for an entire galaxy worth of planets. She opens her mouth, likely to utter one of her overactive greetings, but then something flashes in her eyes; like she had just remembered something important, and that strange light purple antenna that circles slightly above her cream hair, points straight upward before collapsing down into its original shape.

Sana's body then begins to glow with a thin outline of golden light. Then, in a flash, the woman that towers above you shrinks down at a breakneck speed, until her feet stand level with yours as they float above the stars. The astro girl's eyes are now just a head higher than your own, as they look down at you only slightly with a fondness that makes you feel the bright warmth of a happy reunion.

"Told ya I'd be normal person sized next time we hung out." Sana says with a wide smile, clearly proud of the fact she remembered her own promise to you. "So someone's been pretty busy since then. How's everythin' goin' little guy?"

"Okay, calling me 'little guy' makes a bit more sense when I was barely the size of your finger, but now…do you HAVE to call me that?" You retort a bit playfully.

"Afraid I do!" Sana chirps as she proves her point by placing a flat straight hand on the top of your head, to then bring it back towards her own body where it touches only the middle of her ample chest. "You're still a lot shorter than me, mate."

"Only because you made yourself still be taller!" You scoff.

"I like being tall. It suits me." Sana shrugs her shoulders as she giggles slightly at your forced bickering.

"Can't argue with you there." You chuckle as you and your astrological tutor smile at one another. "It's good to see you again, Sana. I got a lot I want to tell you about."

"Oh, I already KNOW what you've been up to." Sana crosses her arms and winks. "I was just telling a mate of mine about how you and your mates took down that big rat, Grendel! That was so bloody cool to watch!"

"You really thought that was cool?" You say bashfully. The cosmic woman's praise and enthusiasm over your latest battle makes you avert your gaze and rub the back of your head to hopefully distract yourself. The fact that she is now a woman of similar size to you makes you take in and admire her more feminine features with a lot more appreciation; a dangerous pastime to have while dreaming, so you better put that kind of thinking away for now.

"Did the girl who watches over outer space think how ya strung your one star spell into tripwires, nets, and travel rails was cool!? Mate that was amazing! You impressed everyone with that move!" Sana beams, as she looks to be barely containing herself from saying more.

"I can't take all the credit. Without Flare and Watame's help, I can't even make the Stellberna spell work." You modestly reply, but then your mind focuses on something else Sana had said. "Who do you mean by 'them'?"

"Some friends of mine!" Sana chirps. "I told em' about ya, and how you're going around solving people's problems. After your little rabble in that castle and saving that forest, they decided they want to watch you too!"

"Great…" You can't help but sigh. "What side of the galaxy are they on? Are they going to start spooking me in my dreams too?"

"Nahhh." The cosmic woman waves your question away. "Givin' ya a scare in your dreams is my privilege only."

"You know another girl already has that spot right? Not that I wouldn't be thrilled if you just took it away from her, but I don't think it can be that simple. Can it?"

"Sorry mate. Can't do things that mess with your head like that. It's outta my reach. Which is sayin' somethin'." Sana says a little regretfully, but her expression perks up once more. "Let's not think about that mangy coyote for a while eh? Tell me about what ya got goin' on next. I'll bring us to where your next astrology lesson is meanwhile."

The celestial observer then firmly grabs your wrist with one of your gloves hands, and begins to glide forward; taking you on a pleasant cruise through the galaxy. You've had quite a few questions about her existence and who exactly she is, but the way her smile and eyes dance with the sparkling lights of the surrounding stars tells you that in this moment, in this place, she's just a girl who is enjoying your company. It would be a flat out lie if you said you weren't enjoying her presence either. A potential intense hallucination being looked at as a friend? At least this one has a special interest and understanding of one of your gifts; starlight magic. The fact that she also talks to you in a relatively straightforward manner is also a plus, unlike that forest girl; Fauna, and whoever that talking owl was…something may actually be wrong with you.

"Hey you. What cha thinking' bout over there." Sana's voice brings you out of your sudden introspection.

"Huh?!" You look over at your friend who smiles brightly, eager to hear almost anything you have to say. The backdrop of the passing planets and other celestial bodies behind her flowing cream twin tails paints a distracting picture in itself. "Oh…nothing really. I was just trying to figure out just what might be next for me. The truth is, I don't have a set near term goal like I did the last time we talked."

"Then tell me about the long term ones!" The woman beams, as your flight through space speeds up slightly.

"Well one of them is helping my friend, Pomu make the world believe in fairies again. That way her family can be brought back to life. The next is making myself a better summoner. I'm going to start training even harder to get better at elemental magic." You obliged Sana. The utterance of your goals makes you feel a little more excited to work towards them.

"Well you got a pretty bright teacher for that amazing starlight magic of yours!" Sana winks. "I haven't taught anyone quite like you before, but you're catching on quick! You've made a few more stars out in the waking world haven't you?!"

"I sure have! It even helped me make stars made out of water too! And my mana coats with starlight are getting faster and more sturdy. I also feel like the spells from my book are packing more of a punch lately too." You enthusiastically say, both thankful for Sana's guidance so far, and hopeful she will be glad to hear of your progress.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me!" Sana squeals as she takes your other wrist and begins to swing you around playfully. As she starts to spin you even faster as her laughter increases, you find yourself gripping onto her own wrists to hopefully keep yourself from being flung to some far off part of the galaxy. Still, being twirled around in space by Sana is quite a bit of fun.

"Well you helped me with more than just that!" You say between the laughs caused by your whimsical flight, which catches Sana's full attention as she stops her movement completely and lowers you gently in front of her. After catching your breath, you continue. "The way you picked me up when I was feeling anxious about helping the forest, that was a huge help in getting me in the headspace I needed to be in to get the job done. I just wanted to make sure you knew that, and to thank you for it. I'll keep getting better with all kinds of magic so I can make you proud. That way, when you're watching, it'll be a show to remember."

"Look at me. I got two little performers now that will dazzle the world." Sana sighs contently as she looks to be fighting back a small tear or two. Her bright golden eyes seem to shake off the small swell of emotion and look back at you determinedly. "That's right. You're gonna keep gettin better. Then EVERYONE is gonna be watchin' ya. Come on! I got a really good constellation that should help you both with your understanding of celestial magic, AND water!"

With renewed purpose and glee, Sana yanks you along with her and accelerates through the cosmos. You slightly ponder who she meant by this second performer of hers. Does Sana teach everyone with an affinity for celestial magic? She seems capable of almost anything, and within dreams, she can probably reach anyone, anywhere, at any time. Before you can think on this further, and thankfully before you can have time to be sick from the sudden radical increase in speed, Sana stops you both and floats happily in front of a vast ocean of stars.

You stop and appreciate the twinkling majesty of the skyscape that stretches for untold light years. The sight makes you feel extremely calm and attuned with all the lights that sparkle around you. That comfort you sought from the stars from the shores you grew up on, the shining beacons that played the role of a sought after companion for you along with the ocean, shines here in full force. Everything that fuels your own magic for starlight, can be felt right here in this moment. You could just float here all night and be satisfied, but Sana has other plans for you.

"Okay!" She exclaims as she wraps an arm around your shoulder and pulls you close to her, not seeming to mind that your head is perfectly level with what still would constitute as planetoids by your own standards. "This ones a little more complex than Aries." Sana says as raises one of her arms and points at a particularly bright star straight ahead. You follow the direction of her finger with intense focus, and nod to indicate that you have found your mark.

"Perfect! Now just follow that down and to the left, slightly at an angle, just two stars yeah? This is where it gets a little tricky; you're now gonna go two more stars to the right, and from that one you just branched from, go one down. Got it?" Your celestial teacher continues with her guiding pointer finger. It's surprisingly a lot easier to find exactly what she means for you to see when you're both a similar height. Having the same point of view can really do wonders sometimes.

"Now just go a tiny bit to the left, and from that star, go down one more, it should be right there…Yes! You got it! Now we're gonna drop down like a rock in a canyon! Slight right and we have our next part of the constellation. Now go back up from there like you were making a 'V'. Go one more to the right, and then just onnnnnee more down at an angle again going the same way. And that's Aquarius! The water bearer!"

"W-Water bearer!?" You gasp as you complete the constellation a second time in a quicker fashion to make sure you remember it. Then, something suddenly clicks within your mind as you find the exercise a lot similar to how you had to mentally place stars together for the seventh spell. A faint silver-white glow then makes its presence known at your side; your spell book shines from its normal strapped holder around your waist!

"My book?" You ask aloud as you unstrap your tome and begin to flip through its pages. "This is the first time I've ever even had this in my dreams…kinda pissed it's left me hanging each time Koyori comes prowling…"

"Ohhhh! I haven't gotten to see it up close yet!" Sana says as she lets go of you to give you more freedom to inspect your spell book. "Getting to watch it up close is a real treat!"

"Do you happen to know what exactly this book is, Sana?" You ask, almost feeling silly you haven't asked this question yet of the seemingly omnipotent observer.

"Afraid not." Sana shakes her head. "Haven't always been around your planet specifically, so I wouldn't be able to tell ya if it's really old, really new, or just plain one of a kind."

"Well it doesn't hurt to ask." You say to yourself, the realization of what you might have just discovered yourself overpowers the slight disappointment at the still looming mystery of your own origins. "I might have just thought of something I can do with the constellations you've been showing me. I'm going to try casting one of my spells now. Don't be surprised if I make a face that says my head might be splitting open, that's normal if I try to cast this spell on my own."

"Way to make a girl feel comfortable." Sana chuckles.

You roll your eyes at the cosmic woman's comment, while her eyes show only bright anticipation. Fueling your book with power, you take a deep breath and mentally prepare yourself. To do this, you'll need to work quickly and precisely. You'll only have so many seconds before the strain of the spell becomes too much.

"The seventh spell, Stellberna Ma Stellar." You utter, and in a bright flash, a collection of fifteen bright stars float in the space above you. The pressure from your spell book that demands your instruction and continued supply of energy hits you in an instant. You half hoped that because this is a dream, the effects would be lessened somehow, but they are just as sharp and painful as when you tried this spell on your own in the real world.

Quickly, you mentally tally the twelve stars you need, and you just barely are able to form coherent thoughts to mark their placements in the cosmos in front of you. Let's hope things line up just right.

"Roll!" You say through haggard breath. The dozen stars you singled out begin to roll and place themselves accordingly to your will. Once they're in place, you utter the next part of the incantation. "Connect!"

Silver-white rays connect the stars to form the vibrant and clear constellation of Aquarius, blessing this part of the galaxy with TWO portraits of the water bearer. As you observe your spellwork through strained eyes, you see the book pulse with a bright light below you. Pushed to your mental limit, you are forced to let the spell fade, taking the celestial body you worked so hard to create along with it. Panting, you look back down at your book and your eyes widen. Your theory was actually correct?

"No way…" You gasp, still trying to catch your breath. Your fingers graze over the newest line of the page that has had its light blue lettered changed to silver-white. "It's just like what happened back during the fight with Grendel, it's a new line of the spell! It's a variation!"

Right there under the first alteration of the seventh spell that gives you the protection of and strength of the Stellaruke spell along with the scattered stars, sits: Stellberna Ma Aquarius.

"Wait. Since I'm dreaming, is the spell actually real? Will it be there when I wake up?" You ponder hard over these questions. You wrestle with the notion of not getting your hopes up too much. On the other hand though, if this does actually work, you can immediately unlock another variant with Aries. You should ask Watame to do that one for you. It's only fitting after all.

"That was pretty cool to see happen in person." Sana says, a little awestruck by the sudden birth of a brand of magic she may have very well never seen before. "Do you know what it does yet, little guy?"

"No idea." You say a little too cheerfully as you close your book with a loud thud. "I only know so much about this thing. It hasn't let me down yet though, so I'll just have to try this spell for myself later once I'm awake and see if it does anything."

"Maybe it'll give ya a big boost with your water spells!" Sana suggests.

"Hopefully for both me and Undine." You muse happily. "First a sheep, then a water constellation? These sound almost TOO specific."

"Hey. These have been around way longer than you, your little sheep girlfriend, and EVEN the water spirit you're tied together with. It's just a happy little coincidence if you ask me." Sana shrugs a little.

"Good point…still, this is pretty great. Thanks Sana." You say genuinely. "I'll have to show Undine this soon."

"Aww, you're welcome! I bet she's gonna love it. I can't wait to see what other new spells you come up with! You just keep practicing with your celestial mana, and you'll come up with even more things to help you out in no time!" The cosmic woman chirps as she gives your head a small pat, making you feel unexpectedly fulfilled.

"Sana, I know my spell book is apparently pretty rare, at least in the parts of the world I've been in so far, but is an affinity for starlight magic almost just as rare?" You ask, finally acting on your curiosity over your supposed uncommon gift.

"Aw yeah mate. Only a handful of people on your world can claim to have it come naturally like it does for you. That's part of why I just HAD to come teach ya. Well, that and I think you're kinda funny."

"Do you teach others about it?" You follow up, trying not to read too much into exactly how Sana might find you "funny".

"Only one other person right now. She's pretty spectacular if I do say so myself, AND she's a human! Like you!" Sana beams as she gives your nose a soft prod, to which you playfully swat her hand around as you chuckle from the slight tickle it gives you.

"Another human with an affinity for starlight magic?" You repeat the idea to yourself. Suddenly a rush of hope starts to overpower your emotions. "Could she be where I'm from? Wait, how old is she? Could she be my mom? Or sister? Or even a cousin?"

"Woah! Slow down mate." Sana exclaims with her hands raised out in front of her. "She's definitely NOT any of those. I told her a bit about ya before comin' over here. I don't think she ever heard of ya before I started gabbin'. She was definitely hooked though! The part about how you decided to be a shining spark of hope must have really spoke to her! I think she's gonna up her game now too~"

"She was actually inspired? By what I did?" You ask next, while the idea of finding a possible relative being shut down disappointed you a little, you could still take solace in a potential connection with this girl because of your unique gifts.

"I think so! Her eyes went all wide! And then she asked me to repeat that part for her. I bet you're gonna be on her mind plenty from now on." Sana goes on, making sure to attempt to pop her own eyes out of her head to likely exaggerate what she observed from her other student.

"What's her name? Where can I find her?"

"Afraid I can't hand out those types of details just yet, Anon." Sana says with a slightly regretful smile. "She's kinda a big singer and performer, and would probably get really mad at me if I just told a guy she hasn't met yet where to find her. I'm sure you two will run into each other eventually though! I know you two are gonna be fast friends!"

"Another user of starlight magic…I bet we could learn a lot from each other too!" You let yourself be more positive. The idea that someone else having seen and talked to Sana will go miles for helping ensure your sanity. "I hope I get a chance to meet her soon. I know you can't tell me where to find her, but if she ever asks, you can tell her where to find me, okay?"

"Sounds great, Anon!" Sana gives you a thumbs up, clearly appreciative that you are willing to extend an invitation to someone else dear to her. "I think our time is about up for tonight, but I'll talk to you again soon, kay?"

"You bet! I'm gonna try to beat back my nightmares even faster next time, so we can have even more time to hang out. I'm willing to bet the next won't be anywhere near as strange as tonight's, so hopefully it'll be a little easier."

"Give it your best, little guy!" Sana encourages you by giving you a hug that causes more than a few audible cracks through your body. Although, from the rather choice position your face is in, you can live with that.

"You can always count on me for that!" You muffle into her chest.

The next time you blink, you feel your own body's weight under the force of gravity again. The comfy cushion of the mattress underneath helps tell you that you have fully awakened from your sleep. What's more, your arms are warmly wrapped around what appears to be Polka's plush, fluffy tail that takes up almost your entire view. This would be incredibly comfortable…if not for the sharp and world rendingly awful pain that now pulses in your head. You blink a few more times to sharpen your vision as you pull back one of your arms to place your hand atop your aching dome. Gods…this might be worse than the hangover you had in Bjornholm.

"Take me away from this fresh hell, oh tail of softness." You groan as you plant your face into the brush of one of Polka's prideful fennec features. Your movement causes your sleeping partner to stir and groan; her legs shift up and down alongside sides, almost to verify that you are there with her.

"Not so loud, Anon." Polka groans, her own hands emerging from under the blankets to hold down her pointed ears. "Ugggh! Why did we drink so much?"

"We might have gotten a little carried away." You answer, while trying to keep your voice lowered. "Still, can't say I regret a thing."

"And that's how we're meant to live." Polka agrees, her tone slightly brighter. "By the way…I don't know when I ever said you could hug my tail like that."

"Is this seriously not a privilege I'm allowed by being your personal soul snack?" You retort, a bit unwilling to let go of the soft comfort your face is planted against.

"Damn…you got me there." Polka grumbles. "Alright, you can have special Omaru Polka tail access, IF you use that healing magic of yours to help with this hangover."

"Hey if that actually works, you can have a big bite of me just for the idea!" You happily agree as you let go of the fennec's tail and scooch yourself forward slightly so you can reach around to place your palm on Polka's forehead.

The circus magician's body tenses slightly at both your touch, and the reward you just promised her. Between the head splitting pain you feel, and the grogginess of still not being fully awake, getting your mana to do what you want is proving extremely difficult. Should you be trying to make your spell differently? A hangover is nothing like an open wound, but then again, the tree you healed wasn't exactly suffering from an injury in the traditional sense. Maybe your healing magic can help to mend what YOU decide on. After all, water is free forming, ever flowing towards its destination, and probably most importantly of all; a source of life and renewal. You focus your thoughts on the simple desire to relieve your dear fennec of the pains that afflict her, and through greater effort, a soft blue glow appears between your palm and her forehead.

Polka breathes in deeply and unleashes a long, drawn out sigh. Her shoulders slump, her tail pulls downward in between you both, and her body just looks to relax. When it feels like your magic has done about all it can, you take back your arm and let yourself rest. That spell is easily one of your most taxing to do on your own. All the more reason to keep getting better, right?

"Thanks Anon." Polka coos. "I still got a hangover, but this is at least manageable now. I don't feel like crawling under the bed and dying."

"I'm glad it at least worked a little, now to try it on myself. This headache is probably worse than the one I had after Nene's dad said me and her were gonna be married." You say as you place your hand on your own forehead and try to urge the spell to come out once more.

"You were really knocking them back that night…not that I blame you. I kinda can't help but look back on that night and laugh a little." Polka chuckles as your spell slowly starts to work its way through your body. The soothing sensation of the cool water magic makes it feel like you are lifting a blanket of pain off of your entire body.

"Easy for you to say. I'm glad Nene ended up coming along with us, but I was terrified at the time. Me? Getting married to a girl I barely know? How else was I supposed to react? ESPECIALLY after we just got back from fighting those two nutjobs from HoloX. I would have taken two more rounds with Chloe over becoming a husband like that, any day."

"I think you'd make a wonderful arranged husband, Anon." Polka giggles. "From what I heard from Flare, you're a natural pamperer."

"Why do I get the feeling that's exactly how she worded it too." You roll your eyes and remove your hand from your forehead. Your headache is still present and making itself known, but like Polka said, it's much more manageable now. With the pain lessened, you can begin to turn your thoughts towards the oncoming day you've been looking forward to since yesterday afternoon, but first…

You practically roll out of bed and retrieve your spell book that stands resting against the wall next to the wooden bedpost. You hold the silver-white tome overhead and quickly flip through its pages until you reach the one that contains the seventh spell. Your eyes widen as your body springs to sit yourself up. It's actually here! The spell variation you discovered during your dream. Oh thank the gods. You might not be fully crazy after all…

"What ya looking at, Anon?" Polka turns over to face you, the way her hair is slightly more out of place and messy softens your expression somewhat. Even those two distinct pink strands in the front of her head droop and fall along her forehead.

"Promise you won't call me crazy?" You ask, a little apprehensive to divulge the fact that you managed to influence your spell book from within your own dreams.

"I've already watched you throw yourself in front of a meteor spell and stand in the maw of a giant snake." Polka starts to list off some of your less thought out plans you hatched in the heat of battle. "Not to mention you accepted helping me with my…unique problem without a second thought. I already think you're crazy, Anon."

"But." She starts again as her lips curl upwards and she props her head up with one of her hands. "That kinda crazy suits me. So go ahead! Try and make yourself sound crazier. I might love it."

The fennec's honesty makes you crack a smile. Even without the special bond you now share thanks to a special act specific to her own kind, you feel like you can trust Polka with anything. Even so, maybe you won't go into Sana herself just yet. That might be easier to break to your friends after you meet with the supposed girl who has also been receiving lessons from her. That way at least someone can back up your claim that the cosmic woman is actually real.

"Well, I think I just managed to reveal a new part of this spell from within my dreams. You see, I was being shown a constellation, and I had the idea to try and recreate it using the seventh spell, and the next thing I know, it showed up in the book! It's even right here after I woke up too!" You say with building excitement. You turn the face of the book to face Polka and point to the newest revealed line. The fennec's ear twitches slightly as her eyes trail over the printed lettering.

"Finding a new spell in your dreams huh?" Polka says as she seems to confirm to herself that the new alteration is indeed there and not a trick of her eyes. "That's certainly a new one, and convenient too! Why would I think you're crazy for doing that? Some of my best act ideas come to me while I'm sleeping."

"I don't know…" You say, a little embarrassed by your own apprehension. "I just wasn't sure if it was normal for that kinda stuff to come to life from dreams."

"The guy with two elemental spirits living within him is worried about what's normal." Polka grins at you.

"Fair." You say as you twist your body to look at the bed pushed against the opposing wall of the room. "Speaking of. Sylph, how ya feeling?"

The wind fairy yawns in response to your call. She rises gracefully out of bed and stretches her arms upward as she lets out a high pitched murmur. Her hair and wings look to be perfectly in place, and ready for the day. Not having to suffer bedhead must be a perk of being an ancient spirit…must be nice.

"I'm feeling fantastic!" Sylph replies as she smiles over in your direction. "Last night was a blast, summoner!"

"You're not even a little hungover?" Polka asks the question before you can.

"I'm a great spirit silly! Hangovers are for mortals." The wind fairy says matter of factly. "Besides, that's what me and my sis got our summoner for! He takes the brunt of all the less fun parts of having a physical body."

"I what now?" You are forced to do a double take towards your newest soul bound family. "What do you mean by that?"

"Didn't Big Sis Undine tell ya?" Sylph asks as she sits on the side of her bed and kicks her legs back and forth. "Through our pact and the summoning, me and her get to be here and do all the things you mortals can do, but our bodies aren't exactly equipped to handle things like hangovers, allergies, and more natural things like being hungry or thirsty. So all that gets funneled into our summoner who can actually process those things for us!"

"So you get all the benefits of drinking and having a good time, with none of the drawbacks." Polka confirms as she must be thinking to herself what she would do with such a power. "Guess you earned that after helping shape our world!"

"That's how I like to think about it!" Sylph chirps. "Are you sure Undine didn't explain that to you, summoner? It's not like her to miss a detail like that."

"She's never mentioned it to me before." You reply as you try to take in the newest caveat to being a summoner that Sylph just thrusted upon you. While you don't mind being the physical barrier that keeps Undine and Sylph safe from physical ailments, you should confirm this with the water spirit. A small call within your mind seems to stir the ruler of the waters from whatever she was doing, and in a soft flash of blue light, her intangible form floats in the middle of the room.

"Good morning, summoner. I am glad to see that you all have appeared to have rested well." She greets with a small nod of her head.

"Morning Undine." You say back, your concern over the wind spirit's words are almost washed away by Undine's presence, but you quickly refocus on the matter at hand. "Sylph was just telling me about a rather interesting part of our pact. Apparently things your own bodies are not exactly meant to experience are offloaded onto me? Which is why Sylph is apparently not hung over."

The water spirit looks a little confused about this information. She looks back to her sister who gives her a firm nod, then back to you. "Apparently it is indeed so. I am ashamed to say I did not remember those details since we have entered our pact. It has not caused you any discomfort has it, summoner?"

"No, it's fine actually." You say to try and wave off Undine's concern. "I don't actually think my hangover was any worse than it would have been normally, so I'm alright. It's also okay if you didn't know about this before. It seems you and Sylph remember different things about how our pacts might work, which is fine! We can keep learning together."

"Things just keep getting more interesting with you, Anon." Polka grins as she hops out of the bed and stretches her limbs. "We should probably start rounding everyone up and giving them a dose of your healing hands. We got a big day ahead of us. Especially you~"

"I do, don't I?" You say smugly, a little eager to meet the fennec's teasing head on. "But you know, if things go well, Watame might not want to let anyone else sleep with me tonight, so that would mean no before bed snack for you. Are you alright with that?"

"After the extra helping I took last night, I'm more than good." Polka fires back. "It should hold me over for a day or two, so give it your all today."

"Human and kitsune relationships have always been so sweet." Sylph remarks with a smile from her ringside seat to what constitutes as flirting between you and Polka.

"They are rather suited for one another, aren't they, sister? It's wonderful to see how it is as plain to see for you as it is for myself." Undine joins in.

"Suited or not, we're in this for the long haul now…" Polka says with a slight blush in her cheek as she busies herself with finding her hat that rests on the nearby dresser and places it neatly upon one of her ears. "I'm gonna go see if the innkeeper can get some breakfast going for us. You'll go wake the others right?"

"No problem." You say back, your own cheeks are tinged slightly because of both Sylph's and Undine's words.

"See you all downstairs then!" Polka waves off with a smile as she leaves the room and closes the door behind her.

"I like her too." Sylph says as she plants her feet firmly on the wooden flooring of the bedroom. "You two are good for each other. A lot like Undine and me!"

"What exactly did you mean by that part about human and kitsune relationships specifically being sweet?" You feel compelled to ask. "I obviously know how they are kinda different to begin with, but is there something else I'm missing here?"

"That will be something that Polka herself must reveal to you when she feels ready." Undine answers before her sister can. The water spirit then gives a very stern glare at the wind fairy who looks to still be trying to open her mouth to add something, causing her to promptly zip her lip.

"She did make it seem like this whole soul feeding thing was a big deal to her." You say as you turn towards the room's doorway and interlace your hands behind your head. "I meant what I told her back in the forest anyway. Nothing she could say or do could make me want to stop supporting her. That's all there is to it."

"A very good attitude to have." Undine says warmly. "That is part of why you both connect so well with each other. You both thrive off of the support you give not only to one another, but to others as well."

"A ring mistress of cheer for when the spark of hope needs a little boost. That sounds perfect to me!" Sylph joins in.

"Alright, that's enough, you two." You say taking a few steps forward and then turning around to face both spirits. "It's a new day after all, so that means it's Undine's turn to be summoned. You both ready to make the switch?"

Sylph nods and happily converts into her intangible spirit form, and you retune your focus to perform Undine's summoning. Even with your hangover lessened, the strain to complete the spell that allows the water spirit to set foot onto the earth you share is strianous. Nevertheless, you push through and now have the ruler of the waters herself standing in front of you; as solid as the wooden nightstand behind her.

"Perfect! Now let's go wake the others." You say dusting your hands off and leading everyone out of the room.

At the end of the hallway closest to the stairs that lead to the first floor of the inn, you stand in front of the door to the room Flare and Watame should be in. You try to turn the doorknob only to find that it won't budge. You faintly remember locking the door behind you after you got both girls settled into bed, which leaves you with one real option at the moment; knocking.

"Flare, Watame." You say softly, but loud enough to hopefully reach their ears as you give the wooden door a firm couple of hits with your knuckles. "Time to get up. Polka's getting breakfast ordered for us."

A groan that is distinctly Flare's answers you from beyond the wooden entryway. At least one of them is awake. You rock yourself forwards and backwards along the balls of the feet while you wait for the half-elf to open the door for you. There are no sounds of footsteps…she's not getting out of bed is she. Okay, time to bargain.

"Come on, Flare. If you come and open this door right now, I'll help you with that hangover you surely got. My healing magic can do that. This school of magic is so useful ya know." You say with a proud air, not trying to mask how superior you feel over the half-elf by knowing a brand of magic she does not.

The thuds from feet scrambling to force themselves to move answers your proposal, giving you immense satisfaction. A few seconds later, the lock of the door clicks, and the door flies open to reveal a half-elf who looks like she had a run in with the grim reaper himself.

Flare's hair is completely unbrushed, misshapen, and falls over the one side of her face and body. Her expression is tired, pained, and clearly not in the mood for any smart comments from you. Suppressing a small laugh, you simply place your hand under her falling locks to reach her forehead and let your magic do its job.

The cooling embrace from your healing pulls a small sigh from the half-elf as her headache significantly dwindles. When your spell ends, Flare straightens herself and flips her entire head of hair behind her. She smiles at you appreciatively, but when you step to go into the room to help Watame next, she blocks your path.

"Sorry Anon. I'm not gonna let you see Watame until she's cleaned up and ready for your date." She explains, as if the reasoning is clear and logical. "And besides, don't you want to make sure you're looking your best the first time she sees you today too?"

"Flare…" You cross your arms impatiently. "Watame and I have seen each other in much worse shape than this. We met in a dungeon after I just got the crap beat out of me, and she was only in rags. Not to mention the time you all found me after HoloX captured me."

"Which is exactly why you both deserve a normal date." Flare does not back down. "You'll be taking me on one next, so I'll be expecting you to know what you're doing."

Before you can form a rebuttal, Flare closes the door on you. You can't just do nothing while your sheep suffers from a killer headache.

"Come on, Flare! Just let me heal her and I'll disappear for a while!" You argue.

"No! Go get washed up!" Flare counters from beyond the door.

"Summoner? Flare? If I may." Undine interjects before the two of you can further argue. "I believe I can help my little sheep with her pain. I have watched my summoner perform his healing spell a few times already, and even contributed to it during our spirit resonance. I should be able to cast it for my little sheep, and then she and my summoner can go on unseen from one another before their date. Would this work?"

"Works for me." You happily agree.

"Me too." Flare answers.

"Then I'll just head on downstairs then." You offer. "Sylph, do you mind grabbing Pomu and Nene? You can probably just slip through the door."

"Sure can, summoner!" Sylph salutes you. "See ya in a few!"

Giving thanks to your spiritual helpers, you leave them to their tasks and walk down the stairs of the inn. The main floor is quiet and empty as you would expect after a particularly rousing night. Bosco's staff did a nice job cleaning up the place as well; the floors are spotless and all the furnishings are neatly back in their original places.

At the same table you sat last night, sits Polka who waves you down to come join her. You pull out one of the simple wooden chairs next to hers and lower yourself down onto it.

"I'm apparently not allowed to see Watame until we are both cleaned up a little." You say before Polka can ask where everyone else is. "Do I really look that rough right now?"

"Nah. Just a little disheveled like everyone else." Polka shrugs. "We do smell a little like booze and sweat though, but I don't mind that anyway."

"I guess we should get washed off at some point then. After we eat though. That's the only thing that will hopefully kill the rest of this hangover."

"I ran into Bosco when I came down, he said breakfasts on him as thanks for how we hyped up the crowd last night. He must have made a killing." The fennec then speaks, happy to take some of the credit. "I also made sure to ask if there's a shower or something we can use…separately of course!"

"Thankfully I can still do those on my own." You chuckle to shake off the awkwardness of the idea you both might have just had. "That is…unless next time I run into HoloX, Chloe manages to lock me in a shower or bathroom. Being locked up with her is a scary thought by itself."

"You outfought her once before, you could do it again." Polka says, her eyes show the true belief in you that she has, and you feel your heart lighten.

"Yeah, and next time, I'll have more than water spells I can use against her. Wind, starlight, and maybe even fire or ice will be coming at her hard the next time I see her." You start to boast.

"That's the spirit!" Polka jabs your shoulder. "Just make sure you let me get a piece of the action too! I wouldn't mind another crack at the girl with the sword who thought it was okay to grope my tail."

"Yeah, only I can do that!" You joke.

"That is NOT something you get to tell the world." The fennec wags a stern finger at you.

"Another private thing between a kitsune and their special someone?" You jokingly guess.

"It is." Polka admits, her cheeks reddening just a little.

"Oh…well don't worry. I won't go bragging in that case." You sheepishly go on.

Nene and Pomu are then heard yawning as they both stomp down the stairs and look to spot you.

"Morning Omarun." Nene greets sleepily.

"Morning Anon." Pomu follows up as both girls groggily walk to your table and take empty seats across from each other.

The forest fairy lets her cheek rest against the cold wood of the dining furnishing as she yawns again.

"Morning you two." You greet them. "How are you both doing?"

"Better thanks to Undine." Nene manages to say.

"Yeah, my head felt like it was gonna explode." Pomu whines. "I'm never drinking that much ever again."

"I remember Flare saying something similar after one of the nights we partied in the city of mages." You say a little nostalgically. "Yesterday was definitely pushing things though, but after what we went through, how could we not?"

"Big victories deserve bigger celebrations." Nene adds.

"And a big breakfast to follow." Bosco's hearty voice comes from behind as he places a large breakfast platter in the middle of the table. A freshly made assortment of scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and fresh fruits are spread across its silver surface. "And when you're finished, there's a washroom in the back just before the kitchen, you can't miss it."

"Thanks a lot mister Bosco! This looks great!" Pomu cheers as she eyes the food in front of her.

"Would it be rude of me to ask if you all were planning to stay another night here?" The innkeeper then directs his question to no one in particular .

"We don't have our next destination in mind yet, and we got a full day planned in the town, so we probably will." You shrug. "Why?"

"Well, if my tavern were to be graced with another set of performances similar to last night, there would be a generous payment of a free night's stay along with dinner for the girls involved." Bosco then lays out his trade proposal.

"Sounds like a deal to me." Polka answers as she receives adamant nods from Pomu and Nene. "We can hit the stage at sundown if you want? We'll keep the good people of your bar smiling and drinking the entire night."

"Splendid! I can arrange for a few more instruments to be brought in as well. Unless you have more hidden under that hat of yours." The innkeeper says half jokingly.

"Watame's the one with the talent for instruments, so you'll want to ask her." The fennec replies as she starts to dig into a plate of eggs in front of her.

"She's amazing with them." You feel like adding as you take a piece of lightly browned toast for yourself. "She learned a song on the flute in just a few day's practice! I bet she can learn any instrument she wants. She can also do magic with them too! I can't wait to see what other songs she comes up with."

"Anon is clearly a fan." Pomu tells Bosco to explain your sudden tirade.

"I'm her biggest one actually." You say proudly before shoveling an entire plate of eggs into your mouth. Once you struggle to swallow a portion possibly too big for your throat, you take a replenishing breath and then rise from your seat. "And if you don't mind, this fan has to get ready."

As you make your way through the inn towards where the washroom should be, the fact that you are about to go on your first real date, with a girl, finally hits you like a sack of bricks. What exactly are you supposed to do? What SHOULD you do? Everyone making such a big deal out of this for both you and Watame only adds to your building bundle of nerves. The more you think about it though, it IS a big deal, not just because it's an important romantic milestone of sorts. Watame has never had true freedom to do as she pleases before you both met. This will be her first time actually doing something completely normal like shopping for herself. It's up to you to make sure it's the best first experience of her life so far…no pressure.

The washroom you almost absent mindedly walked into, is fairly simple but serviceable; porcelain sink, toilet, and even a small curtained off corner where the shower likely is are comfortably placed within the pale gray tiled room. You walk up to the sink and begin to run the cold water. After splashing your face to try and shock some of the stress from your system. The mirror that hangs on the wall above the water basin reveals that you have certainly looked better. Your hair is an utter mess, and your face clearly shows the worn signs of a late night out. This is no way to present yourself. Watame deserves to have someone respectable looking escort her through town. She deserves the world and you're gonna give it to her.

A quick wash in the shower to get the smell of alcohol and partying off of you, a quick pat down dry with one of the nearby white bath towels, and you already feel like a new man. So you look a little better now, but why do you feel the world is about to shatter from underneath you? Getting fully dressed doesn't help either. Not even reaffirming your sword and spell book at your sides does much to squash your anxiety.

"Summoner? You okay in here?" Sylph's voice suddenly comes from behind you that makes you almost jump out of your own skin. You turn and see the intangible wind spirit floating a few feet away from you, her face a mix of her usual cheer, but also concern, likely for you.

"I was alright until you tried to give me a heart attack." You snap as you feel your pulse slow down when you repeat to yourself that your visitor is only the wind fairy who may have a slight problem with personal space.

"Do you try to act tough in front of Undine too?" Sylph then huffs, her knuckles placed softly against her hips while she leans forward to stare you down. "We both know you can't hide what you actually feel from either of us. Comes with the awesome powers we get to share."

"Okay…you got me." You sigh as you roll your hand over your face. "I might be a little nervous about today."

"A little?" Sylph repeats with a smug tone. "Summoner, the alarms you were sending off made it seem like you fell off a cliff. That normally wouldn't be a problem, but while I'm all see through like this, I can't help you fly. So talk to me. I'm here for ya."

"I don't get it, Sylph." You exhale. "I've fought insane wizards, demons, and was even tortured for hours. A walk around town with Watame should be a no-brainer for me. It's one of the best things I can think about doing right now. So why do I feel like my heart's gonna explode? Why am I so worried about every single step I take from this moment on being…being perfect?"

"That's pretty obvious ain't it?" Sylph tilts her head to the side. "Your sheep means the world to you. Think about it. You woke up a force that could move oceans just to keep her safe. You threw yourself into all those hard battles so you can make sure she can realize her dreams one day. You want to help make her life the absolute best it can be! That's why you're nervous, silly! Because you care so much!"

"But I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to this stuff!" You protest. "How am I supposed to make this a great day for her, if I don't even know what a real date is like? I've never been on one."

"I'll let you in on a little secret." Sylph whispers as she looks around the empty washroom for any eavesdroppers, a sentiment she is clearly playing up for her own fun. She floats right next to you to bring her head close to your one ear. "Watame hasn't been on a date before either. It doesn't matter what either of you have done, or haven't done. This is completely unique and special to just the two of you."

The wind spirit's words feel like a sturdy breeze that brushes the fog from your mind. This is a brand new experience for both of you. Together you have dived head first into a lot of different things. Could she be just as nervous as you are? It feels almost comforting to know you might be going into this being nervous together.

"Looks like someone is feeling a teeny bit better." Sylph chirps. Whether your own soul bound link is what clued her in, or your likely forming smile, who's to say for sure? You give the wind fairy an appreciative nod nonetheless. Even despite being so carefree, she seems to want to be just as supportive of you as her sister is.

"You know, I was starting to get a little annoyed at how closely you like to peek at what I'm feeling, but I'm glad you did this time. Thanks Sylph. That might have been just what I needed to hear. Even if I don't fully know what I'm doing, that won't stop Watame and I from having a great time together."

"That's the spirit! And you can always count on your guiding wind to help push you in the right direction! Now how about we get you out of here? I think your date is going to want to freshen up a little too. We can even go outside for a little! It's almost noon and the sun is shining."

"Crap, it's noon already!?" You gasp. "We only woke up, like not even an hour ago!"

"Hey, that's last call for ya." The wind spirit shrugs.

You briskly take your leave from the washroom with Sylph floating next to you. Back in the main area of the inn, Nene and Pomu still sit at the same table; the forest fairy sees you and gives you a hearty wave. You can only assume Polka had gone back upstairs to both bring the other girls some food.

"So you two still heading to the book shop today?" You make light conversation as you walk up to stand behind one of the empty chairs.

"Darn right we are!" Pomu says with a lot more pep, the combination of food and Undine's own healing magic must have done its job on her hangover. "Who knows what kind of things were written while I was cooped up in my forest for so long. I'm going to show Nene, Lady Sylph, and Lady Undine my favorite authors too."

"The ones who write appropriate books, right?" You ask as you cross your arms.

"Anon, I'm shocked!" Pomu exaggerates a gasp. "Are you insinuating that I would expose them to unsavory literature?"

"Yeah…now where could I have gotten such a crazy impression of you." You roll your eyes.

"But Pomu told Nene she was going to show us where Bosco keeps the 'spicy stuff'." Nene suddenly interjects, clearly a little worried that the fairy's plans may have suddenly changed.

Pomu giggles uncomfortably, knowing she had been caught red handed. You don't want to ever tell the fae what she can or can't like. If you did, she wouldn't be her anymore. Seeing her attempt at subterfuge exposed though gives you enough satisfaction to let things be as they will be.

"Just…just keep it classy at least." You soften and motion to take your leave. "Oh and I'll be keeping Watame as far away from there as possible. See you guys later."

"Well it's a good thing she asked me to pick her up something special in advance!" Pomu shouts after you as you walk towards the inn's front door. "You can't keep her from reading the good stuff!"

You don't give the fae's words any reaction as you open the simple wooden door and step out into the outside world. The sun of a new clear day is almost blinding, but you already feel invigorated and excited for what's to come.

With nothing to do but wait, you lean against the empty space between one of the inn's windows and the front entryway. You observe the roaming populace as they walk through the streets as their days likely reach their brief resting point. Mostly humans like Pomu had mentioned, and the occasional elf. Most of this continent is likely home to humans now that you think about it. You can't help but think about what an entire country predominantly inhabited by Demi-humans, kitsunes, or even spiritual servants will be like.

Daydreams of different cultures, towns, cities, and even landscapes, make the time fly by until you are suddenly jolted back to reality by one of Undine's calls within your mind. Taking that as a sign that your sheep is ready for you, you head back inside.

A few steps into the inn and you are instantly greeted by the radiant smile of your beloved sheep as she walks towards you. Her steps quicken when you both make eye contact, and your own legs begin to move on their own to bring you together sooner.

"Morning, Anon." Watame says with a bright smile. "Or, I guess it's actually the afternoon isn't it?"

"It is, but that works out better." You say back, you can feel your own cheeks stretching from the smile you must have right now. "All the shops are probably all open and ready for business by now. How are you feeling by the way?"

"A lot better than I was when I first woke up." The sheep giggles. "I'm even better now that you're here."

A brief instruction from your heart offers your arm to the beautiful sheep, who looks down at it and then back at you. "Shall we go?" you ask. Watame nods and wraps her hand around your bicep to let you lead you both out of the inn. Your stomach is still full of butterflies that fly like they are fighting against a tornado, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. Everyone, including Undine must have felt like doing you a courtesy and made themselves scarce.

When you breach the door leading to the outside world, Watame uses her free hand to shield her eyes from the sunlight, but quickly delights in its warmth along with the fresh air.

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing how a brand new place lives under the light of a new day." You say a little awestruck as you take in the scenery of the peaceful town that's completely new to you once more.

"Me either! I love when my feet get to walk through an entirely new place with you. Where should we go first, Anon?" Watame beams at you, a mix of eagerness and nerves paint her smile.

"I'm not exactly sure where everything is in this town yet, so I figured we would just explore it together. Like always." You offer.

"Like always!" The sheep says with building excitement as she suddenly steps forward to take the lead. Her hand slips from your arm and slides down to snatch your hand in hers. You are gently pulled along the cobblestone streets as you try to match Watame's giddy pace.

After a couple blocks of briskly running hand in hand, Watame slows down and begins to take in what she can see from the display windows that show the world what the oncoming shops have to offer. Your walk becomes much more leisurely, the flat of both yours and Watame's palms comfortably against one another gives you both a passive sense of security and bliss. You know that even if you bought nothing today, she would be more than happy just getting to see and experience the new sights with you, and you would feel the same. However, you want to treat and spoil this sheep like she deserves. One of these shops should be just the outlet to help you do that.

Furniture? Nah, Polka can pretty much make anything we want within her tent…even if it is circus themed. Candy? Not a terrible idea, but it doesn't last long enough. You want to get Watame something she can have for a long time. Clothing? That could work. Girls love to have options for outfits don't they? You have to admit that you wouldn't mind a real alternative to what you wear either, but what you would want likely won't be here.

Giving Watame's hand a soft squeeze to get her attention turned towards you, you point at the oncoming shop sign that hangs over an approaching doorway that reads; Tully's Textiles. Watame looks at the sign and her lights light up. She looks to you, as if to confirm your intent, to which you can't help but smile when you look into those sparkling purple pools of hers filled with excitement.

You hold the simple glass door open for your date who gives a soft "Thank you" as she walks inside. This gentlemanly stuff is coming easier to you by the second, and by the reaction it seems to get out of your favorite sheep, you hope you can keep it up. The ringing of the bell that hangs in front of the top corner of the door alerts the shop's proprietor of your arrival; a rather tall middle aged human woman with long brown curled hair that flows halfway down her back, her hazel eyes underneath her sharp framed red designer glasses look at you both curiously as you take a few more steps inside.

Immediately you are hit with the smell of unworn linens, cottons, and even leather. Racks that line the walls are filled from front to back with outfits that range from girlish, womanly, and even things that have a more adventurer look to them. Circular metal rings whose support legs bring them up to chest height are evenly spaced within the shop; each of them carrying a colorful variety of shirts and blouses. Finally, you notice a set of slanted shelves holding a variety of women's footwear; high heels, leather boots, simple walking shoes. What is probably the most interesting is that no two articles of clothing are the same. Everything looks to be uniquely designed and tailored.

"Look at all the pretty outfits, Anon!" Watame chirps as she is already cheerfully browsing through the articles of clothing on the circular rack closest to her. She spends no more than a second on each one before sliding her hand over to reveal the next one. "I don't think they have anything for you here though…"

"Don't worry at all about that." You lightly laugh as you walk to stand next to your sheep as she browses. "If there's anything you'd like to get, I'll buy it for you, okay?"

"You really mean it?!" Watame turns to you wide eyed.

"Sure do!" You grin. "We should make more of a habit to shop for things that are special or unique to the places we visit. That way we always have a piece of them with us no matter where we go."

Watame's face almost softens to tears at your gesture, but it just as quickly scrunches to pure determined focus as she begins to inspect the rack of clothing more closely.

"If it's something unique you are looking for, then look no further!" The woman who was busy writing in ledgers behind the store's front counter announces with a tone that emphasizes drama as well as elegance. "Every square of fabric, every seam, every design is hand made, sewn, and created by yours truly."

Both yours and Watame's eyes are now fixated on the tall woman who swaggers toward you both; easily a few inches taller than you and dressed in clothing that screams feminine professionalism. Simple but eye-catching, tight fitting black pants, a frilled white blouse that only ever so tastefully exposes her chest, and jet black high heeled shoes that clack against the wooden floors mark her entrance into your conversation.

"And speaking of unique." She begins as she steps sideways around Watame, looking to be taking in every tiny detail about her, which makes the sheep a tiny bit nervous. Before you can possibly come to her defense, the woman has finished inspecting your date and has moved on to you, giving you the same observational stares. Being eyed down from head to toe is giving you some unwelcome senses of deja vu, mostly involving a powerful lady knight, and a deranged coyote scientist.

"Your outfits." The woman then states. "Where did you get them?"

You and Watame look at one another past the shoulder of the tailor who stands between you. Who was she directing the question towards? Well, you're the man on this date, you should take charge.

"My dad actually arranged for this to be made for me." You speak up while motioning towards your attire. "And he helped the tailor who lives in the village I'm from make what my friend is wearing."

"Yours I care less about." The woman replies uninterested. "It's serviceable and works well with your features, but nothing too impressive. This, on the other hand. This is a work of art! Everything about it just shouts to the world 'I am sheep, hear me baa'. It's truly inspiring."

"Thanks!" Watame chirps. "I'm really happy with it. Besides my harp, it's the first thing I've ever had that was mine to keep. And-"

"Darling! Do you mean to tell me this is your only outfit?!" The woman asks, slightly panicked, she turns to bring her face mere inches from Watame's, who can only nod back; her expression concerned and apprehensive.

"Oh no. Oh no this won't do at all. You!" The woman points an accusatory finger at you. "I'm going to find the perfect outfit for your lady. I overheard you'd cover her costs right?"

"Yup! S-She's my lady." You stammer, a mild flush finds its way to your cheeks.

"Good. Don't worry darling, we are going to find something just splendid for you. Just leave everything to Tully, and you'll feel like a brand new sheep." The woman you now have to assume is the Tully of "Tully's Textiles", says to Watame with eager excitement. "And what is your name, by the way?"

"My name's Watame. I'm Anon's wandering bard and combat sheep!" Watame proudly announces her full title. It's easy to tell from her widening grin how glad she is to say that to a new face.

"I gathered by the look of your man that you two were traveling adventurers. That, and not too many people come into my shop brandishing swords and horns. Which by the way, your horns are stunning."

Watame's cheeks then sport an adorable twinge of pink, be it from her pride as a sheep being complimented, or you being called her man. You rather like the idea of the latter.

"Come, come!" Tully ushers Watame along with her towards the thin curtain that divides the front half of her shop from the back. "I've had enough time to think it over, and I have just the thing for you."

When you go to follow the pair, Tully almost shoves you with a stern palm against your chest to keep you from crossing the threshold into the back part of the shop.

"Now I know a gentleman such as yourself wouldn't think of peeking on a lady as she changes. Not only is that unsavory, but it belittles the entire transformation Watame is about to undergo! Trust me, it'll be worth the wait. In the meantime…I have some delightful accessories you might want to browse. I'm sure you catch my meaning?" The tailor scolds you, her stare as stern as the hand that keeps you from advancing. You can only shrug and nod at her question, to which she gives you a satisfied smile before disappearing behind the beige curtain.

You can't say you expected Watame to get changed right back there, but you really can't argue with Tully's logic. At least you can busy yourself by looking at some other items. Perhaps you can find something to give Watame personally. It's one thing to let someone choose their own gift, but one that has your own thought and understanding of the heart it's meant for, can be just as powerful, if not more.

You scan the various smaller displays that show off various necklaces, hair pins, broaches, and other such trinkets meant to complete a woman's ensembles. It dawns on you that you never bought a single gift for a woman in your entire life. The most you've ever done in terms of gift giving were either poor attempts at crafting something for your dad or uncle, or simply just sharpening their favorite swords for them without being asked to.

"This shouldn't be so hard." You mumble to yourself as you pass over a set of decorative hooped earrings. "There's gotta be something here that just makes sense for Watame."

Then, your eyes come across something that makes you second guess where you are. There, neatly placed within a wicker basket of other miscellaneous items, are the pink, fluffy framed sunglasses that Watame had wanted in the dream you had last night. You pick up the plastic spectacles, unsure how it's even possible that an object you've never seen before has the exact same details and appearance as something your subconscious conjured within your sleeping state.

"I guess that answers it…" You say to yourself, both happy you found something you are fairly certain will please the sheep, but also concerned over the invasive thought about what ELSE could come to pass from your dreams. You shake off the notion for now. Don't be ridiculous Anon. There's no way any of that other stuff can happen.

"Ahem! Anon?" Tully's head pokes out from the curtain she gently pushes aside. "May I present, your wandering bard when she's wandering the city; Watame."

The older woman steps out and holds the curtain open for Watame to slowly step through and into your view. The seamstress was right, this was definitely worth the wait.

An almond colored dress that sports thin white stripes trailing downward ends just past Watame's hips. White fabric is tied together in a neat and pretty bow above her chest line; the other ends form a loose fitting collar that rests atop the sheep's shoulders. The sleeves, made of a see through sheer material, only reach about halfway to Watame's elbow. What might be called a fashionable corset of seashell white covers her dress just below her breast line, to just a few inches above where the main garment ends. Five almond plastic buttons keep it closed along with a cloth belt of a matching white is tied around the middle of her stomach. Watame's legs are still pleasantly bare, and socks of a burned red reach up to the bottom end of her shins. Black toed flat shoes now cover her feet, each one decorated by a simple yellow bow. Finally, your eyes trace back up to Watame's face, where a bright red ribbon is tied around her neck like a choker, and the back of her luxurious hair is now tied behind her right side into a flowing ponytail.

"I dare say this is one of my best works yet that I've done in under twenty minutes." Tully congratulates herself as she turns her gaze back to you. "Don't keep a poor girl in suspense, Anon. Tell your lady what you think."

"Absolutely stunning." You say the first sentence you can think of when you really behold the wonderful sheep standing before you. Watame looks at you bashfully as she takes in your reaction to her new appearance, her hands clasp together behind her back as her one foot begins to trace circles along the floor.

"A dumbstruck man who looks like he's about to fall over himself. The praise doesn't get much higher than that, my dear." The seamstress directs her comment towards your sheep who gives her an appreciative smirk. "And I see he picked something out for you. Hmm…"

Watame eyes the pair of sunglasses in your one hand and forces herself to approach you to closer inspect them. "Anon…these are perfect!" She squeals. "I can have these too!?"

"Y-Yeah!" You say, quickly bringing yourself back to attention. "These just feel very…you. You really like them?"

"I love them!" The fluffy sheep cheers as she takes the tinted glasses and places them on her forehead. "I can't wait to show everyone."

"Those wouldn't have been my first choice, but no outfit is complete without something that is unique to the soul of its wearer." Tully remarks as she trots to the front counter and starts penciling something on a slip of paper. "Here you go, Anon. This will cover today's purchase."

You walk over and take the small slip from the shop owner, the amount is…high, but you expected that. Reaching into one of your pockets to retrieve your coin purse, you begin to count out the fifteen gold coins you need to pay the woman. Tully happily takes your payment and gives you a pleasant smile.

Anon's Wallet: 56 Gold coins, 67 Silver, and 25 copper

"It was truly a pleasure, darlings. And here." Tully begins to bid you farewell as she hands you a large bag. "Your clothes are right in there, Watame. I'm sure your man would be more than happy to carry them for you. Won't you, Anon?"

"Yes, ma'am." You say as you gladly take the container of clothing and turn to be on your way. "Thanks a lot for your help, miss."

"Always happy to help two lovebirds, or rather sheep, look the best they can. Toodles!" Tully waves you both off as you exit her humble shop.

"You look really great, Watame." You say, not able to keep those words inside any longer. It was hard not to show, but Tully did an incredible job picking something that suits Watame perfectly and promises to be a staple for her whenever she wants to be more casual. You however, still look like a wandering spell sword, but you think you might prefer that.

"Thanks, Anon…I kinda feel great too…Not just because of the clothes!" Watame blushes and feels the need to correct herself. She looks to be struggling to find the right words, but you can somehow feel what she's trying to say. To help her, you take one of her hands in yours and hold on tightly.

"I feel great too. You make me feel great, Watame." You say, knowing you struck the very heart of the point your sheep was trying to articulate; how you raise each other up whenever you are together. "Come on, there's plenty more town to explore, and have a brand new style to show off!"

The two of you merrily continue on your day out. Walking hand in hand down the main town roads, taking in all the sights and sounds you can. This town is a rather pleasant middle ground between a bustling city like the Lu'Shaldor, and somewhere homely and spaced out within nature like Bjornholm. Getting to enjoy all the conveniences of a diverse market alongside the serenity of nature is quite the treat.

Soon you come across a shop that promises to be another great stop; a florist. You gently pull Watame along with you and enter the small green painted building. The smell of fresh and fragrant plants wafts through your nostrils the second you step inside. Watame has always enjoyed all the different pretty plants you would find along your journey, and you also share an appreciation for seeing all the different ways nature can thrive and manifest itself. Although…Watame might appreciate it a bit more than you, in the way only an herbivore can.

As the sheep looks to be trying to contain herself, you notice a small dribble of salvia escape the corner of her mouth. You can't help but giggle at the reminder that while she is a beautiful girl, she is also very much a sheep, a sheep who very much happens to have an appetite for all things that grow from the ground. Gifting a girl flowers would be a little frivolous with the life you all lead. The poor things wouldn't stand a chance to survive more than a week, but with Watame, they can play the role of two gifts in one.

"See any flowers in particular you like?" You say to your sheep.

"They all look so pretty…and yummy." Watame mutters as she wipes her mouth, and then looks down surprised to find that her skin is now moist instead of her wooly sleeves that were part of her previous outfit.

Seeing Watame be so…her, makes your heart leap. She's so honest, cute, and sheepy. The best part is, with no prying eyes that are prone to be attached to teasing mouths, you can do everything your heart tells you to do for this wonderful woman without any side comments.

"Allow me to pick you a bouquet fit for the strongest, kindest, and most beautiful sheep I know." You say, laying your best charms on extra thick. Your compliments and gestures seem to do their job, Watame is blushing bashfully at you once more. The butterflies in your stomach feel like they could cause an explosion at any second, but you can't stop wanting to see more of this sheep's happy face.

Alright Anon, time to flex your role as a summoner. I've been feeling more connected to nature by the day. I would think things like plants and flowers would be aligned with earth magic, but Sylph is pretty in tune with this stuff. I bet my understanding of wind will help me find the best flowers they got here! It can't just be about their look either, they need to taste good too. Which I can't even begin to guess about…but I'm hoping my summoner's intuition will do the trick!

You begin to roam through the small flora shop; colorful petaled daisies soaking their stems within metal buckets, reach out toward you from the floor. A few of those seem like a good place to start, so you grab four; two white, and two pink. You continue to browse the potted plants that sit in more decorative vases along shelves that are near eye level. Red roses? That's a no brainer. You grab one carefully between the thorns that run along its stem and place it among your growing collection.

Bright yellow daffodils catch your eye next, you grab three of those. Your bundle of flowers is looking wonderfully balanced with colors that would please any eye. It feels like it just needs one more thing. One thing that somehow represents something about you both. Then, in a thin tube of glass, sits two blossoms whose petals are a deep ocean blue. Something about them makes you feel something familiar and comforting.

"Excuse me." You speak up to grab the attention of the shop's clerk; an older looking elven woman with long brown hair, dressed in a free flowing green dress with brown accents. "I've never seen this kind of flower before. What is it?"

"That would be Aquos Florere." The woman states in a calm and kind voice. "Those are a very special plant. They bloom underwater in areas with high concentrations of mana. I'm surprised you asked. To most it just looks like a blue flower. Not exactly uncommon."

"They just feel different to me." You shrug, having no real explanation for what compelled you to ask about them, and even less to explain what tipped you off that they weren't a run of the mill flower.

"I bet that's because of your pact with Undine!" Watame exclaims as she joins you to bring her face right next to the abnormal plant. "Do you think she made these?"

"It wouldn't hurt to ask. Now that I think about it. I'll get her one of these too. If they thrive underwater, I can't think of a better gift for Undine." You say as you happily add both aqua flowers to your bundle. One for Watame, the girl who helped you find your own connection to water, and one for Undine, the ruler of the waters herself.

The shop owner doesn't seem to read too much into yours and Watame's exchange. Most elves across the sea didn't think of Undine as anything more than an ancient myth. You could just as easily be talking about a regular person. You happily present the bouquet of flowers you have created and you both exchange polite smiles.

"Oh! I have one more question about the Aquos Florere. Is it safe to eat?" You suddenly have a mind to ask. The question takes the elf aback for a second, but as she seems to notice Watame's distinguishing features, she puts the pieces together.

"The petals will be perfectly safe to consume. The same can be said for everything else you have." She says in a surprisingly accommodating tone. "All of those together will come to six gold pieces."

Anon's Wallet: 50 Gold coins, 67 Silver, and 25 copper

After another smooth transaction, you hand the bundle of colorful flowers with the exception of the one meant for the water spirit, to your date. Watame clasps the fragrant bundle between both her hands and gives their buds a deep sniff. Her happy expression lights the entire room as a drop of drool begins to form along her lips. You wave goodbye to the flourist and walk your sheep out of her shop. Even though she knows what will happen to the plants she just sold you, you figure there's no need to make her watch. On the other hand, it is just a cycle of nature after all.

Watame continues to bask in the newest gift you've given her until about another block. Then, when she feels that it's safe, she takes a bite that takes the entire head off one of the yellow daffodils. Her teeth grind and crunch the plush petals as she wears a blissful smile.

You can't keep yourself from giving the girl a soft stroke atop her blond hair as she chews, which earns a content and muffled "baa" from her. You then share a seat on a nearby wooden bench that gives you the view of a small park that lies in the heart of the town.

Watame continues to admire and munch on the vibrant snack you have bought her. Her hand then finds its way on top of yours after you place it flatly on the wooden boards you sit on. You turn to your sheep who gazes at you lovingly with her mouth still full of flora; the green stem of her latest bite just barely peeking out from her lips.

You let yourself snicker slightly at the display, which causes Watame to notice the fact that her mouth was still full while she tried to initiate a tender moment. Not willing to let her efforts go unrewarded, you lean towards her and give her a soft kiss on her lips. When you separate after a fulfilling moment, your tongue notices the presence of something that you didn't expect to be there; the half eaten stem of the flower that was in Watame's mouth.

The sheep giggles when she notices the green stick hanging out of your mouth, and in a show of bravery, you inhale the floral green and eat it yourself. It's certainly not as palatable as Watame makes it seem, but maybe the stem isn't the best part. Regardless, you've eaten worse.

"You didn't have to eat that, Anon." Watame laughs. "You're not a sheep."

"But you're always saying I should get sheepy." You playfully argue. "I have to at least give it a try."

"Then let's share this one." Watame says as she holds up the red rose, and plucks one of its petals off. "Say 'ahhh'."

Feeling adventurous, you do what you are asked and lean forward slightly with your mouth open. Watame places the petal gently into your mouth. You take in the delicate leaf and begin to explore its taste. It's a lot like how it smells; slightly sweet, but with a hint of earthy bitterness too. Watame watches you with glowing curiosity, and when you swallow, you give her an approving smile.

"Not bad at all." You say. "A lot better than I was expecting. I'm not sure I could eat an entire flower's worth though."

"That's okay! We can take small steps in getting you more sheepy. You haven't been doing it as long as I have." Watame chirps as she takes a few petals for herself and begins to eat them with satisfied content.

For every two petals the sheep eats, she gives you one, which becomes a little easier to consume each time. You may actually get more sheep-like at this rate…

When Watame reaches the last part of her edible bouquet; the Aquos Florere, she hesitates. "Anon? Is it really okay to eat this? It's probably really rare and magical."

"I think that's all the more reason TO eat it." You say assuredly. "Who knows when you might get another chance to taste one like it!"

"Hey! You're right!" The fluffy sheep agrees. "It would be kinda a shame if I didn't find out what it tastes like. Okay! Here goes!" Watame then brings the azure flower up to her mouth, and takes a big bite; taking in the top halves of three or four of its pointed petals. The sheep's eyes widen as she looks to be experiencing an intense flavor or texture from her floral treat. She holds a hand to one of her cheeks as she continues to savor the taste. After she swallows, a small burp forces its way out unexpectedly to the sheep; her entire body vibrates due to its sudden force. Her cheeks tinge a slight pink at the display, but she quickly rebounds and earnestly finishes her carnation.

You watch in amused awe as Watame tears through what remains of the Aquos Florere. Each time she consumes another portion, another small suppressed escape of air finds its way out of her mouth. You couldn't be certain the first time, but after a repeat occurrence, you are able to hone in on the familiar feeling of water mana from within your friend. That's strange. Watame has never been able to form her mana into anything besides music. Could the plant be causing a reaction of some kind?

As you watch your sheep more intently, trying to figure out the strange phenomenon you just felt, she finishes her meal and wipes her mouth with a satisfied sigh. "That was really great, Anon!" She beams with a bright smile. "That last one made me feel like I was by the ocean again! Like where we first met."

Your magical intrigues are put on hold as you are reminded of the fateful night you and Watame were brought together. Your first adventure where practically nothing went right, except for your chance meeting. That cheerful sheep clad in rags picked you up after you were down for the count. She was your reason then for rising up and fighting for what's right, and she is your reason now. Forever and always.

"Let's find our way back to the ocean soon, Watame." You say as you turn your gaze up to the blue sky, a few slivers of white clouds blow through the scenery at a slow pace.

"I'd like that." Watame nods as she scooches closer so that your hips are touching. The side of her head, gnarled horn and all, gently leans against your shoulder. You wrap one of your arms to hold Watame around the shoulder, and just bask in the comforting touch of one another.

The tender moment is eventually interrupted by a soft grumbling of your stomach. You lean forward and place a hand over your midsection to hopefully mute the disruption, but Watame's smug grin marks this as a vain effort.

"Sorry." You chuckle embarrassingly. "Guess I'm hungry for something else other than flowers."

"Me too! Let's go get something sweet!" Watame chirps as she vaults from her seat on the bench, which signals you to get yourself ready for departure by grabbing the handles of the bag of Watame's other clothes that now contains your gift for the water spirit within it as well.

With a firm tug from your now interlocked hands, Watame lifts you up out of your seat after you, and whimsically takes you back towards the line of buildings that make up this town's shopping district.

"What about over there?" Watame says as she points with her free hand towards what looks like a small cafe with outdoor seating. Your stomach drops when you notice that its shape, coloring, and even the shrubs that sit behind one of its tables, is exactly the same as the one from your dream. You know that it's impossible that Koyori would be hiding in those very shrubs, hoping that she can watch you ingest some weird baked concoction of hers to submit you to her will. You KNOW that there won't be baked goods that will turn your sheepy date into a watermelon. Even so…let's try somewhere else.

"Why don't we try seeing what's a little further down? Maybe there will be ice cream or something?" You offer with a forced smile. Watame happily nods at the idea of ice cream and you both continue to walk hand in hand.

You're more than a little disappointed with yourself. Again, Koyori makes you second guess your actions. How long will you let this go on for? Fear of places you've seen in your dreams? Fear of sleeping alone? That's no way for a hero to be. That's no way for a man to be. You need to find a way to break this cycle, and soon.

"Look Anon! Ice cream!" Watame points straight ahead; a small two wheeled wagon that's been fashioned into a mobile ice box sits at the upcoming cobblestone intersection.

You know you said ice cream, but your mind was so focused on the cafe that you forgot that you also visited a stand like this in last night's dream as well. Thankfully, you quickly get a hold of yourself when you see a completely typical human manning its station as he hands two cones to a couple of small children.

This time your purchase was only a mere two silver. One cone is a delightfully dark chocolate for Watame, and one of pure vanilla for yourself. How the salesman addressed you both as a "happy couple" at the end made your both blush profusely. Still, that doesn't keep the sheep from keeping her digits laced around yours while you go find a spot out of the way of the other eager customers to enjoy your frozen treats.

Anon's Wallet: 50 Gold coins, 65 Silver, and 25 copper

In a nearby patch of grass, a mighty and proud tree stands; a perfect spot to get some shade and take your time eating. Watame sits with her legs sideways on the ground. She is still getting used to her new outfit's skirt height and not having her normal wooly vestments covering a lot of her.

You take a seat with one leg laid over the ground, and your other stands upward to support you. The soft sugar rush of your softening ice cream hits your tongue and delights your taste buds. It's easily been years since you've had something like this. Ice cream wasn't exactly easy to come by out in the middle of the country where you grew up, and trips to the human capital were almost entirely business with your dad, so there wasn't a lot of time for things like this. It's amazing how much you've missed out on by not setting out to see the world sooner, but if you weren't sharing it with your sheep, it wouldn't be nearly as special. This you know for sure.

"I'm guessing yours is pretty good too?" You say as you notice Watame already near the rim of her cone. She looks at you with cheeks full and nods a few times. After a light chuckle from your sheep's response, you both continue to eat in comfortable silence.

From your seat, you can watch the townspeople pass by, either getting their own midday snack, going about their business, or in the case of the gaggle of small children, playing. It all paints an encouraging picture of what you should keep striving to protect. Still, not even that can compare to the radiant sight of the girl who sits next to you. The way her eyes dart back and forth between the moving people and her depleting ice cream is incredibly adorable.

"Thanks a lot for this." Watame says after she finishes her cone and gives her fingers a couple quick licks to get the excess chocolate off them.

"No problem, Watame. It was just what my stomach wanted." You reply as you finish your own sweet dairy product.

"I don't just mean the ice cream either." The sheep continues, her head turning to face you, her purple eyes shimmer with pure affection. "Today. My first time shopping was amazing. Everyone was so nice. Best of all, I got to do it all with you."

"I feel the same." You say with a slight warmth coming to your cheeks. Your hand finds one of Watame's along the soft grass and you interlace your fingers together…they are still a little sticky from ice cream. "I've been able to do so many new and fun things because of you. You've changed my life, Watame. I can never thank you enough for that."

"Anon…" Watame whispers. "I should be the one saying that to you…you freed me after all. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you. You've changed my life too."

This mutual love and gratitude you both must be feeling starts to overflow your emotions. In Watame you have a partner for life; someone you can always count on to support you. For her, you will always be her shield to keep her safe, and her sword for the life you've both made together.

"Anon…" Watame says again, her tone softer and almost a little nervous. "I'm sorry I don't have money to buy you nice things yet…but I promise I will someday! Someday I'll take you on the best date ever!"

"It might be pretty hard to top this one." You chuckle softly. "And it might be cheesy to say, but just you being next to me is better than anything you could buy me."

This seems to push Watame over the edge as she hands your face and pulls you into her, locking your lips together. Your eyes close and the entire world deafens around you. The fluffy sheep sinks further into you as you both continue to exchange soft kisses. Your balance is soon too hard to maintain, as you fall slowly down onto your back, but your sheep falls along with you, not willing to let your connection be severed.

You open your eyes and gaze upon the beautiful horned creature that now lays beside you. She giggles brightly at your blissfully dazed expression and leans in again. You meet her halfway and give her another tender kiss. Your body compels you to go further, to let your hands explore the textures of Watame's new outfit, but you reign yourself in, you're both still in public after all. Still, you can settle for stealing a few more kisses from your favorite sheep, and she is all too happy to allow you to.

"Ah! There they are!" Polka's voice carries through the air, cutting your relaxed make out session short. Both yours and Watame's eyes shoot open at the sudden callout. With haste, you both sit up and plant your backs against the tree you sat under for support. Watame's hand finds its way into one of yours, and you both look around for where your fennec friend's voice came from.

Near the nearby spot where the ice cream cart once stood, walks Flare and Polka, with one additional guest alongside them; Lui.

"Hey you two! Look who we found!" Polka waves to you both. Even from this distance you can see a sly smirk on her face. You have to hope she used those sharpened eyes of hers to see you before everyone else could, allowing her to give that brief warning so EVERYONE wasn't getting a free show.

"Hey Polka! Hey Flare!" Watame waves back as her rebounded excitement takes hold. She pushes herself to her feet, taking you along with her, as she pulls you to meet back up with your friends. "Look what Anon got me!"

Polka whistles at the sheep as she twirls to show the full splendor of her newest outfit. She then points to the bright pink sunglasses that still sit comfortably on her head.

"You look great, Watame." Flare says fondly before looking at you. "I got something cool today too, but we have something else to talk about first."

"Which is entirely my fault." Lui begins with a light laugh. "I noticed Flare and Polka walking into the local weapons shop while I was out confirming a couple things today, and I couldn't stop myself from following them inside for a chance to formally introduce myself."

"Our new friend has quite the keen eyes too." Polka chimes in. "She helped us find exactly what Flare was looking for. Then she told us about that little promise she made you last night, Anon."

The feather haired woman gives you a warm smile and flips the sharp framed black sunglasses she wears to the top of her forehead. Her baby blue eyes shine brilliantly in the afternoon sunlight.

"It's great to see you again, Anon, and so soon too. Turns out that fate had wanted this to happen." Lui greets you and then locks eyes with Watame. The woman leans forward and offers the sheep her hand. "And you must be Watame. Anon has told me a lot about you. As a matter of fact, he almost couldn't stop going on about how great you are. I love the dress by the way."

"Th-Thank you!" Watame stammers as she shakes Lui's hand. "You're Anon's new friend from yesterday, right? You're very pretty!"

"Well aren't you the fluffiest little angel." Lui coos as she takes back her hand and sports a modest smile. "Yes, and while I thought I was on equal footing when it comes to competing for Anon's attention, seeing how you clean up for a day out on the town has me not so sure anymore. I hope Anon has been spoiling you. Otherwise he might not be able to keep a catch like you for long."

"Anon has gotten me so many things!" Watame beams, her initial nervousness in the face of Lui's womanly charms fading almost instantly. "He bought me this dress, my sunglasses, some flowers that were very tasty, and then some ice cream!"

"I see that being an adventurer of his caliber pays." Lui smirks. "Maybe he should be the one buying me drinks next time."

"Man, we might have gotten jipped, Flare." Polka playfully scoffs. "We could have had Anon take us all over town and get us new digs and food?"

Yeah…with all fifty coins left of my life savings….I'll need to actually find a way to make more money soon. Who knows how much Flare is going to make me buy her when it comes time for our date…Having multiple girls to love and shower with affection; very emotionally fulfilling, but very hard on the wallet.

"He's given me so much more than that too…" Watame begins to say. "He's given me a life I never thought I would have! I've gotten to see so many beautiful places, make so many great friends, and even eat so many yummy things, because of him."

"Now there's a story I'd like to hear, but perhaps another time. Over drinks maybe? I believe I have to fulfill a promise to Anon before anything else." Lui remarks, and her eyes look to pierce your own. Once the woman had arrived you were brought back to that burning drive to help her with whatever the request was she mentioned last night. She wanted to leave what happens next up to fate, and it seems fate has decided that you will offer your aid to her.

"About what you wanted to ask me for, right?" You chime in, eager to finally unravel the mystery behind what a woman so well traveled and independent could possibly need.

"That's right. Tell me, have you heard of the coastal town called Shallah?" Lui asks as she lowers herself down in front of you and Watame and sits cross legged.

"We were actually trying to go there first when we left the elven kingdom across the sea." You respond. "Apparently it's under full pirate rule now? None of the trade ships, or any boats for that matter would take us there. That's how we ended up sailing further north along the coast of this continent."

"It's true that it's been under the rule of a pirate fleet for quite a few years, but there has been a power shift as of late." Lui begins, her voice suddenly more serious and precise. "When the older regime took power, they still allowed Shallah to remain its own independent state. They only required a meager tax, or tribute you could even call it, in return for the people's safety. However, some were not content with only this small percentage."

"So someone decided to up the costs? That doesn't seem exactly surprising of pirates." Flare remarks, trying to piece together the story herself.

"For most no, but there is a slight catch to this entire arrangement." Lui continues as her expression grows much more serious. "To seize Shallah to begin with, they had backing from a secret organization. One I think you all are familiar with."

For the second time today, your stomach drops. You don't want to admit the possibility that Lui is talking about HoloX, but from that look in her eyes, she knows that you know. Your hand unconsciously tightens into a fist, in an attempt to funnel the anxiety you have somewhere else.

"Are you sure? Are you absolutely, positively sure?" Watame then asks. She must have noticed you losing your nerve and placed a comforting hand on top of yours that tries to dig into your own skin. You look over at your sheep and she gives a small smile.

"I'm afraid so." Lui crosses her arms and nods. "As for why this supposed group would choose to help a band of pirates take over a country, I can only speculate. All the outcomes are not good however."

"So you want me to go stop them? Is that it?" You ask, some of the nerve coming back into your voice as you think about wanting the chance to stop whatever twisted plots Koyori or anyone above her is cooking.

"I want you to save the people of Shallah. This new pirate warlord has been nothing short of oppressive of the normal populace. People are shut in their homes. Trade ships are not allowed to set sail anymore. Even food and water is scarce. They're suffering, Anon."

The thought of people hungry, afraid, and trapped, is not a pretty one, Not for you, and not for Watame. This bit of information hits you both hard.

"I know I'm asking for a miracle from you, and we only just met, but something just tells me that you're the hero that those people need. You said you can't ignore the suffering of others any more right? I don't think I can continue to ignore them either…but I'm not a fighter like you. All I have is information." Lui presses on, seemingly growing desperate for an answer.

Watame only looks at you with concern as you try to form your response. Flare's and Polka's eyes meet yours next; they both know that this is not a decision you can take lightly. HoloX has already proven to be very dangerous, and with your own emotional baggage involving one of its prominent members, it makes things just that much more complicated.

Koyori. Am I so hopelessly afraid of her? Does it really matter if I'm afraid? It sounds like people are in trouble…people that could be important to someone I care a lot about…Nene. Does her mom know about this? She could have relatives still living there. That's it! No more backing down.

"No. No, I can't ignore it." You start to say. "If it's as you say, Lui, and people are being kept from living freely how they want to, all because of some people who are too greedy, power hungry, or just nuts. I'll be the one to stop them."

"Me too!" Watame joins in. "We'll go and free all those nice people from those mean ol pirates!"

"Freeing Shallah will help both my homelands too!" Flare joins in. "Both elf and human kingdoms being able to trade and communicate with them again will be a big boost."

"And with HoloX making moves involving entire cities and countries, everyone needs to start sticking together!" Polka cheers. "You know I'm in for some swashbuckling."

"You guys." You say thankfully. This moment brings you all the way back to your first adventure as a team in the elven kingdom. Without a second thought, you all banded together to stop the schemes of a corrupt noble who was oppressing the commonwealth for his own personal gain. None of you could have known what you were fully up against then either, which only adds to the fact that this team is the best you could ever ask for. "Alright! Let's do it!"

"You really will go?" Lui asks, almost in disbelief as her lips begin to curl into a hopeful smile. "I almost couldn't sleep last night thinking about this. When you mentioned being captured by HoloX in the past, I wasn't sure if you would be apprehensive to my request or not…but you'll try to save all those people?"

"We WILL save all those people!" Watame corrects her, now bursting with confidence and determination. "We beat up three of those HoloX guys before, bring 'em on!"

"Damn right, Watame!" You cheer, your sheep's infectious optimism taking root within you. "We should find the others and tell them we have our next destination. I got a feeling Nene will be particularly interested in this one."

"Just like that? You'll do it?" Lui asks to confirm once more.

"I remember you like to specialize in info involving trade." You begin as your spirits continue to soar. "Well you can tell everyone you know that Shallah will be free to trade with whoever they want to after we get done with those pirates."

"Perhaps I'll wait UNTIL you get there? I wouldn't want to rob you of the element of surprise." Lui teasingly says as she offers a hand for you to shake. You take the woman's gloved hand and give it a firm grasp to seal your promise.

"I'm sure we'll find a way to let them know we're coming from a mile away some other way." You say light heartedly. "How far away is Shallah from here anyway? I know we started on the coast, but I'm a little turned around now."

"If you head directly southwest of here, you should arrive at the Shiso Desert in about five days at a relaxed pace. From there it should only be a day's walk to get to the borders of Shallah." Lui explains as she hands you a piece of rolled up parchment. "Just a small map of the surrounding areas. I always like to have one whenever I go traveling. That way you won't get lost."

"Thanks Lui!" Polka chirps. "We've just kinda been coasting on picking a direction and hopefully finding where we need to go. This should help out a bunch since our destination is a bit farther away than normal."

"And that gives us plenty of time to train along the way." Flare chimes in, making sure to brush her hand near her hip to bring your attention to the guarded hilt of a slim rapier that sits snugly under the white striped blue ribbon that wraps around her waist. "I hope you're ready, Anon. Now that I have my own weapon again, you're getting a double dose of practice each day."

"If you think you're gonna be able to push me around with swords like you do with magic, you got another thing coming!" You playfully retort, a familiar and blazing fire being lit within you.

"Better say anything else you need to soon." Polka remarks to Lui who can only watch as yours and Flare's eyes begin to glow with an adversarial shine. "There could be an earthquake and those two still won't notice after they start getting competitive."

"Then I will take my leave." Lui announces, and once she seems to have your full attention, her expression softens further. "Although I would love the chance to get to talk to you all more, I must be moving on. No rest for the wicked, you see."

"You're taking off? Where are you heading next?" You ask curiously, almost equally as disappointed that Lui is leaving as she is.

"I have some matters that will require my attention. I was able to pick up on a few leads during my stay and I can't leave them unchecked for long. I'm afraid I'll be heading the opposite direction as you, but don't worry." Lui answers as she leans forward slightly to bring herself at eye level with you. Those pure blues of hers look like they could hide entire oceans within them. "I'll be rooting for you, Anon. Make a big splash in Shallah. For me?"

Appreciative of the choice of words, you give Lui a big thumbs up. "You can count on us! We'll make sure Shallah is free once more."

"And I look forward to hearing exactly how you do it. Goodbye for now, 'Spark of Hope'." Lui gives you a fond farewell and turns to go on her way.

While she leaves, you feel relieved to have a clear destination in mind once more. This job seems right up your alley too. Not only do you get to come to the aid of people who are in dire need of it, you and Watame will get to see the ocean again soon.

"Hey. Sorry we kinda butted in." Polka apologizes to you and Watame once Lui turns a corner and disappears from sight. "We tried to take Lui around as slowly as possible while we made small talk, but we just ended up running into you anyway. Did we cut the date short?"

"A little." Watame answers truthfully. "But that's okay! I think our date went perfectly!"

"Ohhh~ That's some high bar you just set." Polka teases. "I hope Anon can live up to that when Flare and myself get a turn."

"Of course he will!" Watame chirps, as everyone seems to forget you're standing right there. "What made it even more perfect is that we were given a new mission! We're gonna go save a bunch of people like we always do. I can't wait!"

"Then let's go tell the others!" You say as you take Watame's hand in yours and begin walking back towards the inn. You may have two extra wheels now, but you're going to treat Watame like she's your date until you turn in for the night.

Although you both were diving into unknown territory when the day began, this date turned out just like Watame said; perfect. You feel silly for the minor meltdown you had this morning. It turns out Sylph was one hundred perfect right. When you and Watame go hand in hand into a new experience together, you make it all your own. You hope to share many new experiences with her too. The way her new dress hugs some of her more womanly features gives you more than a few ideas. That can all wait for another day though! Tomorrow there will be ground to cover, training to do, and eventually, pirates to fight.