Back at the inn which is conveniently attached to the town's bookshop, you find Pomu, Nene, Undine and Sylph just as you expected to. Bosco, who apparently doubles as an innkeeper and a merchant librarian, keeps a pretty impressive looking storefront. Shelves are built into the very walls that extend all the way to the front counter where tomes of all sizes and colors create a vibrant invitation to satisfy one's thirst for knowledge or to ignite their imagination. You spot the forest fairy sitting with her back to one of the walls of books while her nose is buried in one with a dark brown cover that she holds open with both her hands. Nene sits comfortably next to her in the same position with her eyes glued to a noticeably thinner book. Both girls seem completely oblivious to the fact that you're here. At least Undine gives you a pleasant wave from her seat on one of the chairs that is tucked into the corner next to the store's front window. Sylph floats motionlessly beside her sister as they both seem to be interested in whatever book Undine is holding.
"Good afternoon, summoner, little sheep." Undine warmly says to both of you, her eyes lock on to Watame, likely noticing her new look. She goes to say something but then notices Polka and Flare behind you. "Oh. I see you ran into Flare and Polka as well. Hello girls."
"Anon here?" Nene says as her attention is yanked away from her reading. She looks at you with a big smile; one of her top fangs shines on display ever so slightly. Nene then looks at Watame and her smile grows even wider. "Watame has pretty new clothes!"
"I see you were able to find something more suitable for yourself than I could have imagined, my little sheep. You look simply magnificent." The water spirit compliments.
"Thanks Undine." Watame returns softly. "I'm glad you like it too."
"I'm pretty impressed to see that our summoner has such superb taste in clothing." Sylph joins in with a wide smirk as she raises her eyebrows up and down at you.
"Lady Sylph is right, you look awesome, Watame!" Pomu offers her own compliments next. "I'm a little surprised you're here though, Anon. I wasn't expecting you to come find us in the middle of your date. Something up?"
"Kinda, but I got something I want to give Undine first." You say as you let go of Watame's hand and reach into the simple shopping bag you received from the tailor. You gently pull out the Aquos Florere, and hand it to the water spirit. "We found two of these in the flower shop we went to. It reminded me of you, so I thought you should have it. Maybe you can take it back with you to your personal realm?"
"This is…" Undine whispers as she reaches forward and takes the azure flower from your fingertips. She brings it closer to her face to further inspect its petals, before turning it to look it over from every possible angle. "Aquos Florere? I…I remember this."
The water spirit's eyes flicker with the revelation of finding something that had been long missing. Her lips curve to a small smile as she brings the delicate aqua flower closer to her chest. She sighs heavily while a single tear rolls down her cheek.
"I created this…as a playful challenge issued to me by our sister who watches over the ground and earth; Gnome." She begins to explain. "During an argument I declared I could create a wondrous plant that could rival any of hers in beauty. It was…difficult at first. I could only manage making several variations of coral for a while…I imagine one corner of the world might very well have a reef that stretches for miles because of that."
"That's right! You even asked me for help!" Sylph exclaims, the memories seeming to come back in an instant to her as well. "It took us a bit, but you finally made a little patch of dirt at the bottom of some pond somewhere bloom with flowers! I gotta admit, even I didn't think it was possible to make a flower that could survive underwater. I think Gnome decided to shape a few mountains into big waterfalls after that too…she never could handle not being on equal ground with someone."
"This is a wonderful gift, summoner. Thank you." Undine says affectionately. She didn't have to say a thing for you to know how happy this made her. While your link with your spirits gives them a full access view to whatever you're feeling, you've noticed that you've been able to do the same with them whenever their emotions are heightened or on the same exact wavelength as yours. "I will bring this back to my realm shortly. It has not changed much since you last saw it, but the area is a tiny bit more illuminated. The area is easily twice as big as it was from when we first met."
"I bet it will get bigger as Anon becomes a better summoner too." Flare proposes.
"Indeed. As our bond to one another has increased, so have the perimeters of my own realm. Summoner? You mentioned you found two of these flowers? Where is the other?"
You give a proud point of your thumb toward the sheep next to you. Watame tenses up and looks at the water spirit with a nervous, scrunched up face. You have to imagine she is suddenly hesitant to tell Undine that she ate what could be considered a memento of one of the great spirits. It was your idea after all, you should own up to it.
"I got Watame a bouquet of the tastiest looking flowers I could find." You say proudly. "It only seemed right that the final piece would be a reminder of you. You're the reason either of us are even standing here today, Undine."
"I must say I am curious now. How did it taste, my little sheep?" Undine asks with a gentle smile, to help show Watame she is in no way offended or upset over one of her creations being an herbivore's treat.
"It was really good!" Watame chirps. "I never ate anything that felt like it was giving me, omph!"
"So it was like…energizing?" Polka asks, trying to make sense of what the sheep meant.
"Hmmmm no I don't think so." Watame thinks on the question hard. "It's hard to explain…wait! Maybe it's like when you snack on Anon's soul? That gives you a giant omph doesn't it!?"
"I-I'm not getting into that right now!" Polka says nervously with a hard shake of her head. "S-Speaking of Anon, he has something important to share with everyone!"
"But it is like that isn't it!?" Watame presses again.
"Polka can eat souls?" Nene asks in a surprised tone as she looks at her reading partner next to her.
"Don't look at me. Polka is the first fox I've ever met." Pomu shrugs. "Sounds spicy though. What's that about, Anon?"
"We have cooler things to talk about." You say to stamp out the question. "Like where we're going next. Nene, has your mom ever talked about where she's from?"
"Only a few times." Nene replies, her focus easily swayed. "Ne-I hope we get to go someday. Mama said nice things about there."
"It sounds like maybe she hasn't heard from anyone there in a while." You say as you walk over to the bubbly blond and take a seat next to her. Like you, Nene is incredibly sensitive to the suffering of others, be they nature or people. What comes next might not be easy to hear. "That's where we're heading next though. The people, YOUR people. THEY NEED us, Nene."
"Nene's people?" She repeats back. You can tell that she has only ever thought of the people of Bjornholm as her own. Only recently did she ever give any real thought to going out and seeing what the world has to offer her. Only a few more seconds pass and the look in her eyes tells you she knows what you say to be true. "Are they in trouble, Anon?"
"I'm afraid so." You sigh. "My friend from last night found us and told me about how the pirates that have the run of Shallah now are making things really hard for the people who live there. She asked me to go help. What do you say? Are you game to come help me free your people? And what about you, Pomu? I think helping liberate an entire country is gonna be some pretty big publicity for this world's up and rising fairy hero."
"Nene will help Anon wherever he goes!" Nene declares resolutely. "I will use power of Ursol to smash anyone who wants to make people suffer. ESPECIALLY people mama knew."
"Do I want to live out a childhood dream of getting to fight real life pirates!? Anon, I'm surprised you even had to ask." Pomu answers playfully. "Let's make them walk the plank!"
"So that settles it." You say, satisfied as you stand back up again. "We're going to start for Shallah first thing tomorrow. I guess we should put a rush order on getting the travel supplies we still need, huh?"
"We'll need extra water too if we're going to be crossing a desert." Flare suggests, and continues as soon as she sees your mouth open to form a likely rebuttal. "And no, we can't just count on yours and Undine's magic to supply us with water. What if you pass out, Anon?"
"Flare does have a good point." Polka agrees. "But we can probably wait to get extra until we get closer to the actual desert anyway. I bet Lui marked a few pit stops along the way for us. She seems like the kind of girl who would do that."
"So we'll get enough to help us along for three or four days, and then grab some extra supplies before we get to the Shiso Desert. Should we get on that, Polka?" You announce your plan and invite the girl with your limitless supply closet to join you.
"Yeah, and I suppose I can cover most of the costs, seeing as you spent a lot already today." Polka says happily before making a sly glance at Flare. "I'd never hear the end of it either if I let your wallet go dry before this one got to have you spoil her."
"And maybe you'd like to be the first one that gets to practice against my new sword!?" Flare snaps as she glares at the giggling fennec.
"By the way, can I check out that rapier of yours, Flare?" You ask, not able to keep your curiosity contained any longer. "It looks pretty solidly made, so I just want to see. It's been a while since I've held another kind of sword before."
"You really want to?" The half-elf asks back, her anger extinguished. "I guess it would be nice to see what someone who grew up with a blacksmith thinks of it." Carefully, Flare pulls her rapier out of its holding place on her hip and walks over to hand it to you. It gleams with a brilliant silver-steel, and the knuckle guard curves downwards elegantly from its domed guard that looks to be etched with a pattern depicting a pair of birds in flight. You hold the length of the blade at eye level and inspect its edge; it looks to be flawless. It feels incredibly lightweight in your hands too, but you can also tell its point could pierce boulders if used by the right master.
"Did someone from here make this, Flare?" You ask a little excitedly. "It almost looks like the craftsmanship from some of the weapons I noticed back in the elven kingdom. Something this good should have cost a fair amount of coin, and you were giving me grief just the other day that I don't know how to spend my own money."
"For your information, I got that sword for a bargain." Flare huffs. "It was just sitting in some barrel full of discount blades. The shopkeeper even forgot he still had the thing because it was pawned off to him so long ago. We might have completely missed this little find if it wasn't for Lui."
"Yeah, she's got sharp eyes! And that means something coming from me." Polka joins in. "We were just kinda looking at all the weapons the place had on display, and she just glances in the corner and says 'I think I see something that would fit you just perfectly, Flare'. And what do ya know? That new sword fits Flare better than those gloves she wears. I think it even has-"
"Oh wait!" Pomu gasps as she rockets upwards and flutters over to stand between you and Flare. "Don't say anything yet, Polka. I got this new little thing I want to try out, since I think I know what you're about to say next."
Pomu then reaches into her strapped satchel and takes out a small circular lens with a thick green frame. She squints one eye closed as she holds the glass looking piece to her open eye and leans forward to look at the blade you hold in your hands up and down.
"Hot dog! It really works!" The forest fairy exclaims as she straightens up and removes the lens from her vision.
"What works? That reading monocle?" You ask confused.
"It's more than that, silly! Mr. Bosco sold it to me today. He said it would come in handy on our adventures. This thing can actually show you the hidden properties and any magical enchantments placed on whatever you look at." Pomu explains with enthusiasm. "Here! I'll help you try it."
Pomu then places her fingertips on the top of your head and tilts it downwards to look directly at the rapier. She then holds the glass lens over your one eye, inclining you to close the opposite so that you can better focus. Through the layer of glass, words begin to appear as if they were written with ink on the very air itself. "Durability Enchantment", "Pristine Edge", "Elemental Resistance", all appear in front of your eye.
"That's awesome!" You exclaim. "Are those all magical enchantments that were done on this?"
"You betcha!" Pomu answers as she lifts the magical tool away from you. "Flare's sword even has a name! It's called Soul Quill."
"Soul Quill, huh?" The half-elf says as she takes her sword back from you and looks at its edge more fondly. "What decides a sword's name anyway? You can just name it whatever you want can't you?"
"Sure you could do that, but you're supposed to respect the name a weapon has been given. Either the smith who made it can name it, or it can earn its name." You say with a light air of smugness. "My dad used to say that even a sword itself can decide on its name. I never had any clue how you were supposed to know what it was, but I guess that's what magical objects like the thing Bosco had are for."
"Still…why is it called Quill? It's kinda contradictory for a sword isn't it?" Flare goes on, as she looks at her blade for some sort of answer.
"Swords can have all sorts of names. What a sword can do and accomplish is all up to its wielder. I'm sure you'll figure out why it has that name after you've had a chance to get more acquainted. Now! Let's take a look at my sword." You say as you unsheathe your own blade and hold its blade flat atop your one hand. "Mind taking a look for me, Pomu?"
"Sure thing!" Pomu chirps as she holds her revealing lens to her eye and peers down at your sword. "Looks like it has some of the same stuff Flare's does. Enchantments to keep it sturdy, sharp, resistant to magic…Ooo! Here's one Flare doesn't have; a nonlethal enchantment?"
"Like the ones the warden gave us!" Polka proudly remembers. "Come to think of it, yours is the only weapon we got that still has that spell cast on it, Anon. Both mine and Flare's got shattered to pieces. Oh well!"
You look at your shining blade proudly with the reminder that you carry a piece of the mutual respect and friendship you formed with Captain Aldren back in the elven kingdom. A soul that only wishes to see justice done, and his people safe. You can't help but wonder what the stuffy captain is up to right now, maybe you'll write to him soon. Maybe after your next adventure. You can picture his exasperated face now when he reads how you potentially upturned another government.
"With the way you sliced through demons back at the castle, you could have fooled me with that one, Anon!" Pomu chirps.
"It'll only cut someone when I really want it to. That way I can fight people without holding back, and not kill them either. It'll still hurt like hell though. You didn't see a name though?"
"Nope! No Name! Your sword doesn't have a name, sorry Anon." Pomu shrugs as she straightens up and tucks her new lens back into her pouch.
"Your pop's a blacksmith isn't he?" Polka asks. "Are you sure he didn't name the sword he made for you?"
"My dad mainly just smithed basic weapons in bulk orders. It wouldn't be like him to name one of the swords he made. Besides, he made this way before either of us could have known what I could be, or even when I was going to use it. A sword's name needs to proudly announce its purpose." You explain, but admittedly a little disappointed your sword hasn't given itself a name yet.
"That's probably because your dad wanted you to name it, Anon." Watame says to you brightly. "Go on! Give it a name!"
"Hold on!" You blurt as attentive eyes and ears focus on you. "This isn't something I can just do without thinking about it. It might also be too soon for my sword to have a name yet."
"I don't see what the problem is." Flare scoffs. "That sword has helped you fight demons, dark wizards, secret society members, and even the head of the strongest knight order in our homeland. It's done a lot already."
"And there's even more it will help me do." You add on as you quickly sheathe your blade. "It just might be too soon…I'd also like to know what it might choose for itself too."
"I think you just want to know if that part is real or not." Pomu giggles, causing your composure to break slightly to tell the fairy that she is right.
"I gotta admit that I'm curious about that part too." Polka says slowly makes her way back towards the shop's front door. "Now come on, we need to go stock up on supplies. You want to come with us, Watame?"
"More shopping!" The sheep squeals as she skips to join the circus fennec at the door.
Pomu then visibly picks up the bag that held Watame's regular clothes and gives you a pleasant smile. "I'll bring this back up to our rooms. Oh and Watame! I got that book I told you about. I'll just leave it with your stuff."
"Thanks Pomu!" Watame waves off as she follows Polka outside, prompting you to leave as well, but not before giving the fae a suspicious look.
"And what is the title of this undoubtedly upstanding piece of literature?" You ask. Pomu looks back pensively at you, knowing very well she can't lie to you. She turns her back to you and walks back to where she was sitting earlier to pick up a book at the top of the stack that rests on the ground. The forest fairy then turns to step towards you again and lets you look at the hard bound cover of the book before she lets it fall into the bag in her hands. Your brow furrows when you read the words: "A Sizzling Summer With My Shepard".
"What?!" Pomu demands, upset at your silence. "I-It's just a cute story about a sheep-girl and her man! H-Hey!"
Before the fae can stop you, you snatch the tome and flip it to read its synopsis that lies on the back side.
"A girl is herded into an adventure like no other when she heeds nature's call and seeks to win the attention of a human she has admired for years. The two will find a pasture greener than either could have imagined by crossing the borders into adulthood." You say the lines with a dull tone.
Pomu fidgets in front of you nervously, unsure how to argue that this is NOT the kind of book you very well know it to be now. You do have to admit that you are rather curious about…certain potential scenes that could be painted across its pages. Instead of a scolding like the fairy might be expecting, you simply sigh and drop the book back in the bag she holds.
"Just…make sure you're not reading this stuff in public." You remark.
"Are we in public now?" Nene asks genuinely. "Nene has been reading very pretty book that Pomu showed her. Big strong girl that protects a prince just went into his tent, pushed him down, and-"
"Alright! Going to get supplies now!" You exclaim as you quickly march out of the shop. You can hear both Flare's and Sylph's slight giggling at your flustered state. Let them have their laughs. You did NOT need to hear about the kind of stuff in those books Pomu has been recommending in detail right now.
The trip to find basic supplies like more food, extra water skins, and even a few for making campsites was actually pretty relaxing. Getting a few more stops with Watame was more than welcome, and you don't even mind the fact that Polka was a third wheel of sorts. As a matter of fact, it felt so natural for the circus magician to be there too, which makes more sense the more you think about it. You do love her too after all.
Anons wallet: 45 Gold coins, 45 Silver, and 13 copper
With your newest purchases safely tucked within Polka's magical hat, the three of you walk back to the inn together. Immediately you are greeted by the smiling faces and waves of your friends sitting at the same table as you all did last night. Tomorrow you'll set out on the next part of your journey, so you should use this chance to relax a bit more.
After You and Polka join everyone else, Watame hurries upstairs to change back into her normal clothes. Her more casual outfit is an eye catcher to be sure, but you don't think you'll ever get tired of that attire which showcases all her sheepy glory. The rest of the evening is spent in close proximity to her and Undine. You ate, drank, and watched your friends sing and dance again. All this along with the noble goal of helping free an oppressed people which burns in your mind, makes you feel completely content.
Your sloshed trip back upstairs when the night had winded down was also quite fluffy. You and Watame traversed those wooden steps slowly, your arm wrapped around her shoulder to keep her steady as she leaned on you for support. Both yours and the sheep's legs stumble when they reach the flat of the next floor, causing you both to giggle slightly. Undine's firm and comforting hands then press against yours and Watame's backs to help you down the now seemingly endless hallway.
The next part of the walk is a blur, and the next thing you become conscious of is you and your beloved sheep tucked into the same bed. You cuddle closer and rest your chin on Watame's soft head.
"Thank you, Anon." Watame whispers below you as she tilts her head up; your eyes lock on one another in the darkness. "Today was perfect…"
Before you can return the compliment, Watame shuffles upward and gives you a clumsy, but affectionate kiss on your lips. Your arms wrap around the sheep tightly to interlock you both further. Your drunken mind along with countless other signals your body is bombarding you with, urge you to try and take things further. However, another signal your body has; your link that tells you the water spirit is only a mere ten feet away in her own bed, tempers your desires for now.
When your lips part softly, you snuggle into one another's embrace and swiftly drift off to sleep.
"Oh? You accepted a task to free a land from pirates? How brave of you, Anon. Even when you've been told that I might have had a hand in helping those very pirates take power. I wonder what one of my ingenious inventions you'll encounter? Or maybeeeee this is all a flawlessly put together plan to get you back into my arms once more." Koyori's voice comes from nowhere. You can't see anything or move for that matter, all you can do is listen.
"Although I'd love to have some fun with you tonight, I'll let you sleep. I want you nice and energized so you can make the trip to Shallah. I might just meet you there~ Don't worry about trying to find me. Let me come to you…and I'll be sure to let you know when I'm coming. Awooooooooooooooo!"
Koyori's malicious cackle bolts you awake. A bead of sweat rolls down your forehead and over your nose, causing you to wipe the excess moisture away with a hand. You can feel your chest tighten as the coyote's words resound in your mind and you feel an almost uncomfortable warmth beneath your clothes. Have these night terrors really progressed into drenching your entire body with sweat? You bring what is in front of you into focus and see the back of Watame's blond head slowly moving as she breathes. Your other arm is firmly coiled around her waist, as you two are spooning as close as you can be.
Or I'm just sweating after a night of drinking and then being wrapped under blankets with a girl who is wearing a full cotton outfit…that's a relief at least. I can't believe that even after I went to bed drunk and with one of the prettiest girls I've ever known, that damn deranged scientist still finds a way inside my head! I'm so sick of this. I can't even enjoy the position I'm in right now because of her! That's it. Starting tonight, I'm going to beat that nutjob out of my brain for good. I will NOT have her making me second guess my decision to help the people of Shallah. I can't risk this getting any worse.
Eager to wash some of the stress and dried up moisture from your person, you carefully slide yourself out of the bed you and Watame share. You can scarcely remember how you got here last night…or why Polka isn't here for that matter. Shrugging off the question for now and placing a hand on your pounding head, you let your feet plant against the solid wooden floor of the inn guestroom. The touch of solid ground calms your nerves slightly, a firm indicator that you are awake and in control of your own destiny again.
Across the room, Undine almost mirrors your actions as she comes to a full stand as well. You know that she can feel that you are troubled, but her concern quickly vanishes when she sees the determination you must hold in your eyes. In that moment, you share an unspoken vow that you will fight even harder to beat the ghosts of your past. The two of you have seen first hand very recently how much such specters can shackle you down and cause you to make the wrong choices.
Today is a new day after all, a day where you'll become even stronger than you were yesterday, and even closer to one of your goals. Not only are you bound for the coastal kingdom of Shallah, you'll no doubt start more intense training with Flare today, which presents the opportunity to show that smug half-elf just how good you are. She can sling spells better than you can, but you won't lose to her in swordplay!
With renewed energy, you call the wind spirit to appear before you, and make the summoning swap for the day. After Sylph is now solid, and Undine incorporeal, you leave your still sleeping sheep with them and make for the downstairs washroom. A quick rinse and dry later, you are ready for the day…as soon as your moderate hangover diminishes. Some food should help with that.
A hearty breakfast was indeed part of the cure, but that didn't stop the rest of the girls from asking for a special spot treatment from your water based healing spell. Flare was particularly insistent on you using it again on her because "the more you practice using it, the less mana and focus you'll need to use later". While a good point, on the back of summoning Sylph again, using that spell on five different people was tiring to say the least, you didn't have enough in reserve right away to use it on yourself either…you knew you should have done that while you washed up.
Anons wallet: 37 Gold coins, 45 Silver, and 13 copper
With full bellies, a lighter coin purse, and the pull of new horizons, you all bid a fond farewell to your hospitable innkeeper and continue your journey. Clear skies and warm weather grace your travels as you walk leisurely along the worn dirt road that runs for untold miles south of the town. You can't help but notice that Pomu is slowly trailing behind the pack as you all walk. You look over your shoulder to see her trying to focus between walking and writing down something in a hand sized book of hers. Curiosity commands you to slow down and let yourself fall to the forest fairy's pace.
"What ya doing there, Pomu?" You ask as you try to crane your neck to see what the fae might be writing down.
"Cataloging our journey!" Pomu chirps. "I want to make sure I don't forget any of the cool things we do or see. Besides, when we're both famous heroes someday, people can look at my journal to know just what went on when we aren't in the middle of epic fights with bad guys. I also use this to sketch cool buildings I've seen or thought up, or just scribble down some cute ideas I have. It's healthy to just get those things out of your head and onto paper, right?"
"You know, that's a great idea!" You say with growing enthusiasm. "We're going to see all kinds of places and things as we keep going. It'll be great if you can read your journal to future generations of fairies someday."
"That's part of what I'm thinkin'! Same goes for any future generations you have of your own at some point." Pomu snickers as she winks at you.
"Okay, that's not happening for a long while." You scoff lightly as you pick up the pace to rejoin Polka and Nene in the middle of the walking pack.
The forest fairy then would note the most important events from her point of view over the next few days. What could the world look like to a mischievous fae who has just set out on her first true adventure?
Three days. Three whole days of pushing yourself to your limits on all fronts. Flare was not joking when she said she was going to make your training more intense. You were so confident on that first day that YOU would be the one showing her a thing or two about swords…but she is much better than you thought possible. Okay that is a slight lie, you know Flare can do anything she sets her mind to. That's part of what makes her so amazing, but you for sure thought you would at least land a solid win against her once. Still, you didn't let that deter you. If you needed to get stronger and faster, you would just do that. Sylph mentioned off-handedly while you traveled that a strong body can help your magical reflexes, so you started with some steady exercise in the morning. That seemed to help; you were getting better, faster, and stronger with your own magical spells combined with your martial skills. You have even felt a stronger connection to the waters and winds the harder you trained with them. Still, there is one battle you've been spectacularly losing three nights in a row.
The first night was strange, but not completely horrifying. Koyori appeared in person this time within your dreams. She spat some of the same venomous words meant to scare you into believing there is no escape from her. You argue back, she laughs, and then you try your hardest to conjure the defenses you have formed to push her away. When nothing was working, when you felt like running, Nene appeared beside you. She gave you the courage to not run away, to face Koyori down until this whole dream was over. So, that is what you did.
The second night, Koyori got more impatient with you, annoyed with your constant resistance. When you thought you had drowned out her barking with the memory of Watame's music, the coyote slapped you across the face and brought her eyes mere inches from yours and growled: "I was talking to YOU, Anon!" Again, you couldn't run away. You endured every messed up thing Koyori said that night, from descriptions of her experiments, to comparisons between you and herself.
The third night was probably the hardest by far. This time you actually tried to fight the mad scientist. Although you are left disarmed in your dreams for some unknown reason, you charged her with only your fists. It was going well enough for a while, you were able to dodge most of the swipes she made at you with those claws of hers, and even managed to conjure a worthwhile wind spell that blew away whatever noxious gas she had hoped you would inhale that came from one of those vials she has strapped to her leg. Still, she made sure to remind her that just like you were her prisoner, you were in HER world now.
You could take being beaten. Hell, Flare had beaten you multiple times over the past few days, and even took what she considered to be her "prize" from you in the process. Being beaten by Koyori however, is not an outcome you can accept. You remember the mad scientist hunched over you as you laid motionless on the ground within your dreamspace. A flash of hunger and lust streaks across her eyes. Pinned down and helpless, Koyori took her time. She licked your cheek, breathed in your ear, even pressed her knee against your crotch. All while she giggled darkly. To your surprise though, she suddenly let you go, but not without a few parting words.
"That was mind-blowingly exciting, Anon. I don't want to spoil myself just yet~ Let's do this again tomorrow, and then I'll give us what we both have been dying for. Ta ta~"
After your last unsuccessful battle with Koyori, it was morning again. You quickly but quietly pick yourself up from your sleeping spot next to Flare, and make for the flap of Polka's circus tent. You look at the sky that is clear as you take in the fresh morning air. That at least calms your nerves somewhat. The mental exhaustion you feel is immense, but you refuse to give up. Then, right on cue, Undine steps out of the tent with Sylph hovering beside her. You give both spirits a weary smile and prepare to exchange their places for the day. The summoning spells are becoming much less of a strain on you, and it probably helps that you haven't had to do them while hungover lately.
Pomu then comes out of the tent a moment later, seemingly following a cue of her own now, and greets you all with a small smile and wave. The fae has been surprising you with how she's taken to her own training the past couple of days. Maybe another sparring match with her will help get you ready for the day.
"Morning, Pomu. Up for helping me train again?" You ask as you bring your hand down by your sword to possibly lend to the forest fairy once more.
"Actually, can we talk first?" Pomu asks with a hint of concern.
"Sure thing. What about?" You ask back.
"You." The fae says as her fingertips nervously press together from her arms held down past her front. "Are you okay?"
"If this is about taking it easy with training again, I'm fine." You remark, slightly annoyed.
"It's not that. It's just…I know you're trying to push through a lot right now, and I'm your wingfairy, so I want to look out for you, but I can't help you best if I don't know what's wrong." The fae fires back, her tone slightly reprimanding.
Undine and Sylph just say nothing and observe your exchange. You know both spirits would prefer that you open up to your friends. That's not a conversation you need to have again…
"Last night's attempt to get rid of Koyori ended pretty badly." You begin after a deep sigh. "Instead of things getting easier like I thought they would, they just got harder. It doesn't make sense, Pomu. I'm getting better at all the ways I fight, but how is Koyori still out doing me in my dreams?"
"Maybe because you're burning yourself out?" Pomu offers. "I mean look at you. Sure you're fine physically. You can fight well enough, and make the spells you need to, but your heart is worn out, Anon. You need a break."
"I need something a little more than that…" You mutter under your breath.
"You are reasonably stressed in both body and mind." Undine suddenly interjects.
"So just take a day to relax and not train so hard." Pomu suggests.
"Nah. That alone won't do it." Sylph shakes her head as she flutters to be next to her distant offspring. "Our summoner kinda has a problem that needs…an uhh…how am I supposed to be subtle about this? Oh! A woman's touch."
"Really subtle…." You groan as you pull your hand down your face.
Pomu looks to be processing what the wind fairy had told her, and then looks back to you, and then back at her, and her eyes widen when she makes the connection. "OH! You mean you haven't done that lately!? Gee. No wonder you're so strung out, Anon. You should really fix that."
"That's what I think too!" Sylph adds. "All four of those girls in that tent are crazy for ya, summoner! Just pick one and get that motion moving like the ocean."
"First off." You hold up a silencing finger to the wind spirit. "If you think trying to get that going will be LESS stress right now, you're out of your mind. Second, I'm not letting my first time just be some stress reliever. That's final."
"I think our summoner could just use a slight reprieve from everyone for a short while." Undine suggests to hopefully quell her younger sister's proposals. "I believe I remember seeing a fork in the road on the map that should be coming up soon. Summoner, perhaps we should look at how we might plan a route for you to take on your own, and then meet back up with the others back where they converge?"
Now there's an idea. You aren't exactly thrilled about being away from the girls for extended periods of time, but you are undeniably pent up, worn out, and just plain tired. Maybe a little time to yourself is just what you need to sort things out too. There's just one problem though. Watame and the others will probably not be comfortable with you going out on your own. Especially if there is even a hint of HoloX being in the area, which you haven't ruled out the closer you get to the desert that you'll cross to get to Shallah.
"It's worth a shot. I think the map is inside next to some of my things." You say as you motion to walk back into the tent, but Pomu beats you there and flies herself inside. The forest fairy comes back not a few seconds later with the rolled up parchment in hand. She lands next to you and rolls it open where everyone can see.
"Oh! This might be perfect, Anon!" Pomu says as she uses her finger to trail where you think you are now, to the supposed fork in the road that Undine had mentioned. "This is one of the last stops we can make before we hit the desert. You just need to take the path on the left, and you'll reach a town within an hour or so! You can pick up some supplies for us, have a little 'you' time, and then meet us all back on the other side."
"Well that's one thing solved, but what about-"
"Good morning everyone." Flare yawns as she exits the tent and stretches her limbs. She is immediately followed by Watame, Polka, and Nene, all wearing slightly sleepy faces still.
"Sleep okay, Anon?" Watame asks as she rubs her eyes.
"Okay enough." You reply, which has become your short answer for not having beaten your sleep demons just yet. "Listen, the last place we can stop for supplies before the desert is coming up, and I think I'm gonna go myself."
"Wha?" Flare does a double take at you, now fully alert and awake. "You mean, alone?"
"About as alone as I can be." You say as you motion to the two great spirits who orbit you. "Look, my battles with Koyori haven't been going any better, so I'm hoping a little detour will help refresh me. It's not really a detour though, the roads meet back up after the town I'll be going to anyway."
"We'll all go together then. No more training today." Watame tries to argue.
"Afraid it won't be that easy, Watame." Pomu begins. "The place Anon would be going to is super rigid. Like really strict and proper. Anon and Nene would be able to walk about without being asked too many questions, but the rest of us…it would just be a waste of time for us to go. If it makes you feel better though! There's no safer town for Anon to be in! There's no way any weird HoloX people would be there and not locked up."
"I'll feel better if Nene is with the rest of you guys too." You add in. "If you're all together, I know I won't have to worry about anything getting the better of you. From the look of things on the map, we can meet back up where the roads join back together in a day and a half. We need those supplies anyway. I'll be fine, I promise."
Everyone is still apprehensive, despite the logic making sense, Watame especially. The sheep thinks hard on things, and seems to grasp onto something she can accept. Her smile shows ever so slightly and she walks up to you.
"You promise you'll come back to us safely?" She asks, her eyes pleading and wide.
"Promise." You nod back.
"Okay. You can go then." The sheep says as she wraps you up in a big hug.
"Just because you'll be slacking off for a day, doesn't mean I'll be doing the same." Flare remarks with her fiery smugness returning to her. "Just be aware of that."
"It's been a while since we had a little true girl time anyway." Polka looks on the bright side. "It's just a shame that Sylph and Undine will have to miss out."
"Nene does like girl time….but she like Anon too…but Anon stay with Nene after this, so it's okay!" The bubbly blond works through her words and rebounds herself.
"You got a fairy's promise that we'll make sure our summoner stays safe, sound, and relaxed." Sylph declares to the group.
"Here you go, Flare. You can hang onto the map. I pretty much know where to go from here. The fork is just a little bit up ahead." You then say as you separate from your sheep and walk to the half-elf to hand her the navigational parchment. She takes it and then without saying another thing, traps you in her tight embrace. You want to just stay here with them, but you know this is the right thing to try.
After your hug with Flare ends, one with Polka begins, and then Nene, and finally Pomu. The rest of the group would stay to pack up camp while you continued onward. It would be easier for all of you if you didn't have to watch each other take separate paths.
Once looking over your shoulder no longer allows you to see the speckled forms of your friends, you finally focus on the road in front of you that winds and bends through the narrowing countryside. Just when your feet were starting to feel sluggish, you feel Sylph's arms worm their way under your own to lock you in place with her as she begins to lift you both off the ground.
"Figured those legs of yours could use a break!" The wind spirit chirps as she reaches a comfortable soaring height. "You'll be relaxing even sooner now that you're flying with Sylph!"
"If you are also concerned with our presence, we will retire to our realms until tomorrow morning while you explore the town at your leisure." Undine adds as she floats alongside you.
"Yeah, we get that you just need to be your own man every once in a while. It might be hard to do that with a couple of knockouts like us always at your side." The wind spirit goes on to compliment herself.
"Thanks you two." You say with full gratitude. You might get to do EXACTLY what you need to in this case. Thank the gods.
Being ferried through the air by Sylph is its own form of relaxation. From up here, you can simply feel the warm air brush against your face, and take in the splendor of the world below you. There is still a heavy burden that weighs on your mind at the moment, but you at least almost feel like a real person again.
Straight ahead you can see the outlines of buildings coming into view. Sylph takes this as a sign to lower you both down and land you safely back on the clean dirt road that divides fields of greenland.
"Looks like you're just a few miles out, so we'll leave you to it!" Sylph chirps as she and Undine look at you with supportive smiles.
"While we are in our own realms, we will not be privy to any signals or intense feelings you might be giving off. Should you need either of us however, you need only perform the summoning and we shall heed your call." Undine explains.
"Thanks Undine, Sylph." You nod to both spirits. "I'll be just fine. I'll grab the extra supplies we need, find a place to chill, and just take my mind off things for a bit. If this place is hard on crime like Pomu says, everything should be perfectly safe."
"Try not to visit too many places while you're there though." Sylph says with a little uncharacteristic seriousness. "I haven't known ya for that long yet, but I can already tell you're the type of guy who will drop everything to help someone they just met off the street. This is about recharging your batteries, so just get the stuff we need, find the bar, and just relax. No training. No heroics. No more quests. We already got a big one on our hands."
"My sister raises a good point, summoner. It would also be wise to keep in mind that if you were to get into trouble, it would make the girls that much more reluctant to let you have this type of freedom in the future." Undine adds next with an air of motherly scolding.
"Don't worry, I'll be on my best behavior. I won't even talk to anyone besides the people I need to sell me stuff. This day will be all about me, and my own thoughts." You try to assure both spirits, hopeful that this will end the conversation so you can finally be off on your own for a little while. The pull of independence feels stronger with each passing second.
"That's about all we can ask for, sis." Sylph says as she flutters closer to you. "Enjoy yourself, summoner. We need you refreshed and feeling as free as the winds for what's coming next!"
The wind fairy then gives you a quick, but firm hug and hovers backwards to allow the water spirit a turn with you.
"If you see any sign of trouble, or just need one of us, you can always summon us back. We will be right there." Undine says as she motions to give you a hug herself. You smile at the gesture thinking she will pass right through you, but to your shock, you can feel Undine's hands and arms touching you as if they were solid. Before you can even question this strange occurrence, the water spirit parts from you and gives you a warm smile. You return the affectionate gazes from both spirits as they both disappear in flashes of light of their corresponding colors. You are actually fully alone now.
With the question of how exactly you were able to physically touch Undine while she was in her spiritual state occupying your mind as you walk, you make your way towards the town of Judsmead. It's a surprisingly calming feeling; walking on your own. No one to talk to, no one to tease you, either with words or just their presence. It's been increasingly harder to keep your thoughts in check these past few days. You were hoping that the latest bite Polka took of your soul last night would have given you SOME form of release, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to cover the type of release you need. It almost seemed like you and the fennec were about to go a little further during your little evening sneak-away. If only Pomu and Nene could have minded their own business, you could have been in fluffy fox bliss and not even need to go off on your own for a whole day…
The brick archway that marks the entrance to your destination takes your mind off your pent up frustrations. The thrill of wanderlust takes the forefront as you are about to experience a brand new town and group of people. Speaking of people, you see two men standing at attention at each side of the arch; brandishing light iron armor, helmets, and spears.
"Halt!" One guard gruffly demands as you approach. "State your business in Judsmead."
"I'm a traveler." You start off rather vaguely. "I'm making my way to the Shiso desert and am just passing through for supplies and a little rest."
"He looks more like a spell sword than a simple traveler." The opposite guard remarks, his voice a little more nasiley than his partner's.
"I wouldn't have been able to get this far if I didn't know how to defend myself." You argue with a little snark in your tone. "I'm not looking for trouble. I just want to get the things I need, and take a load off the night. You won't even notice I'm here."
"I assure you, we of the local guard notice everyone that passes through here." The older of the two guards retorts back as a thinly veiled threat. "You may enter, but we'll have our eyes on you, 'traveler'."
Apparently satisfied to deliver the message that you will more than likely be watched, the two guards retract their crossed spears from your path, and allow you entry into the town. They might be even more stuffy than the elves who manned the watchtower between yours and the elven kingdom. You have to think to yourself that this might have been how things were supposed to work out. If you alone arose this much suspicion from the guards, who knows what they might have done if you arrived with your entire entourage.
You decide to let your mild irritation toward the town's security go for now as you take in the impressively built town you have just walked into. A bustling and impressively built collection of shops comes immediately after the entrance. Judsmead seems to be primarily built using stone and brick. Not so dissimilar to the capital city back in the human kingdom. It's rather interesting to find something close to a vibrant metropolis practically on its own with no surrounding settlements for miles. The roaming populace looks to be entirely human, also a trademark of your once home capital. As you look around for a shop or sidewalk stand that might have what you need, you notice yourself getting a fair amount of weary looks from the occasional passerby. Maybe because you're clearly armed? That can't be too unusual. Can it?
Before you can dwell more on the question, you spot a wooden cart parked near one of the street corners selling a variety of dried meats, fruit, vegetables, and even water skins. A one stop shop, perfect. With a drawstring bag now filled with enough to hopefully sustain your group through your hike across the desert, and a much lighter wallet, it was time to find a place to just do nothing for the rest of the day. Fortunately, the proprietor of the stand did not take much offense to your comment about the prices being almost highway robbery. The older and kinder-faced man happily explained that the diligence and size of the local guard was part of the reason for the higher cost of living. You followed up with questions about if such a place even needs that much protection, and the man went into the history of the town for you.
Anons wallet: 27 Gold coins, 15 Silver, and 13 copper
Being so close to a desert where laws can easily be disregarded, Judsmead was a prime target for traveling marauders and bandits. There aren't many that would risk their lives chasing thieves into the desert, especially if they didn't know how to properly survive there, so the local townspeople formed a strict regimented guard that would tolerate no nonsense or breaking of the town's laws that are made to protect the welfare of the people. That you can respect, but it doesn't make the loss of more of your precious life savings any easier…oh well, time to go spend more of it.
You ask the old man to direct you to someplace you might be able to get a drink and find a room for the night, and he considerately points you in the direction of a bar that should have all you need. He had a slight chuckle at the fact that you are the second new face today that asked him the same thing. While you are not exactly opposed to meeting a new face that is apparently a fish out of water like yourself, you would really prefer just to be alone with your thoughts today. You bid the old man a thanks and fond farewell and walk through the cobblestone streets towards the south side of town.
You consider heading straight to the bar, but even with how high strung you are, you don't think you can bring yourself to hit the booze before it's even the afternoon. While you aimlessly walk around and take in your surroundings, you mule over your current problem. Which proves more difficult than you anticipated. Whenever you try to picture strategies or things you can do to push that pink coyote from your heart, your mind focuses on things like how the white fluff coming out of her ears is cute, or how it felt to be wrapped around that poofy pink tail of hers. You even found yourself having much less savory thoughts about Koyori, and how next time, you would be the one in control.
Good joke Anon. You can't even stop a dream version of her. What are you going to do against the real thing?
And there was possibly the most troubling question of all. You knew you would have to meet face to face again some day. Who knows what surprises she has already created just for you since you last met. The idea that you are shirking your own growth and training gives you an anxious twinge in your chest, and you find the nearest comfortable spot out of the way from the native townspeople that you can. A rogue patch of grass with a singular tree acts as an oasis within this stone jungle, and you sit yourself under the comforting shade of nature.
You spend the next hour or so absently practicing starlight magic; creating small stars of various shapes and points within your palms and letting them shimmer into dust. It's not exactly strenuous, but it is a small comfort. This magic also reminds you of Sana, and you think back on the advice she gave you when you were having a similar mental breakdown. You take a deep breath, and just try to let it all go. Koyori isn't here now, so you don't have to solve this problem just yet. It doesn't make sense to try and think of a strategy to fight her dream version either. You'll just be spinning your wheels.
Satisfied with the amount of time that passed, you leave your resting spot to find the bar the old man told you about earlier. You come across a small one story building with a small wooden sign hanging above its double doorway that reads "The Rusty Faucet". You push one of its doors to the side and walk inside. This bar has a considerably more rustic feel to it. Five or six circular wooden tables, each with their own set of simple chairs, are scattered throughout the main room. You spot the bar that runs in front of the wall on the far side of the room and giddily make your way over to take a seat on one of the tall wooden stools.
"New face, huh?" A black haired woman with a fair complexion directs her statement towards you from the other side of the bar as she looks to eye you up and down. "What can I get ya? It's a few before happy hour, but hey, despite the town's name, I don't judge here."
"Something strong." You reply as you use all your mental capacity to keep your eyes where the barkeep's are. Just the mere glance of her chest that looked to be perfectly snug within her tunic was enough to start brewing all sorts of outlandish fantasies in your head. If you weren't going to entertain the idea of one of your friends helping you to relieve this certain buildup you have, you sure as hell aren't going to let a stranger do it. Stay strong Anon. Once the drinks start coming, you can relax, find a nice room all to yourself for the night, and get the poison out, so to speak.
"Oh! And cheap too!" You immediately follow up with.
"I see you are already familiar with how prices tend to be here." The woman chuckles as she lifts a stout shaped bottle onto the countertop. She brings out a small glass filled halfway with ice and starts to pour the bronze liquid into it until it just reaches its lip. "So tell me. How does a traveler with a look like yours find his way here? It can't be for the food."
Before you begin to answer, you graciously accept the glass and drink down about half its contents. The burning down your throat is intense, and the taste is…not great; flavorless, but somehow a little tar-like. Once the alcohol hits your stomach though, you instantly feel that relieving slowdown of your mental cogs.
"I'm just passing through." You finally reply after a needed breath. "I'm on my way to the desert, and I'm pretty sure this is the last place I could stop in for supplies until I get there. I'm also trying to sort through a few things before I get there…"
Anon…Why are you already spilling your guts? Are you going to just give up your life story to any pretty girl who hands you a drink? Even the ones you are PAYING to do that?
"Plenty people come here to do that. Should I leave the bottle then?" The barmaid asks genuinely, to which you meekly nod. "I also won't pry for details. Some things people want to stay private, but if you just need an ear, I got two of them, so just holler."
"Thanks…I'll keep that in mind." You return as you take another strong gulp of your drink. Yup, it still tastes just as bad as the first time, but it's hitting you strangely right.
After the woman leaves you to attend to whatever else may need her attention, you look into your glass and let out a deep sigh. While you may not have an answer for how to deal with Koyori, this day so far has already lifted some of the stress from your shoulders. Just being by yourself, getting to do what you want, how you want, and when you want, is extremely liberating. As a matter of fact, this is the first time you got to be out and doing normal things on your own since well, ever. This sudden revelation brings a small smile to your face as you fill your glass halfway with the bottle that was left with you.
You let your mind wander to happier things, like your date with your beloved sheep, and the dates you might go on in the future. Flare wants to be next, but where should you take her? You remember back when you talked to the traders from Shallah that would come to the trade posts that said they had beaches to die for. That could be a nice romantic spot to take your half-elf. Maybe time it with the sunset too? Or would walking the beach under the stars be better?
The opening of the woodens doors and boots walking heavily along the ground barely registers to your ears as you daydream. Only when the sound of the stool at the opposite end of the bar grinding against the floor hits your senses do you realize that someone else had actually came for a little bit of early drinking like you have.
"What'll be miss?" The barmaid asks her.
"Sake." A girl's voice, cute but strangely familiar, answers her. "Plain. Sake."
"Another traveler I see? And what brought you here?" The woman makes light conversation as the sound of the bottle and glass hitting the counter can be heard.
"Just stopped for a break. I need to leave tomorrow anyway, so I won't be here long." The girl responds. Where do you know that voice? Simple courtesy keeps you from breaking your neck to look in her direction and gawking like some sort of bird, so you continue to try and wrack your brain on who you could possibly know that would be traveling this far. It's simply not possible. Everyone you know is either traveling with you, or staying in their respective homes. Are you imagining the familiarity of this voice?
"Leave the bottle. Please." The girl then says.
Taking a small risk, you glance over down the length of the bar, and see the side profile of a girl with silver hair that flows just barely to her shoulders. You turn your head back downwards towards your glass before she can feel you looking at her, and all you manage to catch was that she was wearing a black jacket of some sort over a white blouse. Definitely couldn't be anyone you know. The only girl you've met with silver hair is Noel, and hers falls just a bit differently. Besides, Noel can't leave her kingdom anyway…which you are inclined to think is a good thing for now. You resign to the fact that maybe your worn mind is just playing tricks on you and give your attention back to your drink, as well as your daydreams.
You and the mystery girl share a comfortable silence for a short while, the only sounds filling the air are that of your throats taking in the debilitating liquids, your glasses clinking against the countertop, and the sound of refilling them afterward.
She's really knocking those back. She said she was traveling too. I wonder where she's heading, or where she's from. Maybe I should talk to-No. Anon. Stop. Talk to another girl over drinks and the next thing you know, you might get roped into some crazy battle to help her. With my luck the guard in this town is corrupt or something. But if they are…could I really walk away if the people are in trouble? None of them seem to be unhappy anyway. I'm just being dramatic. Still, it would be a good idea to keep my interactions to a minimum so I don't end up getting into trouble.
Without you noticing, the barmaid must have left to take care of other matters, likely for the groups of people that slowly have been funneling in and sitting at the various tables. You and your silent drinking partner continue to make heavy progress into both your respective bottles. After the fourth or fifth glass, your vow of silence ends.
"Smug half-elf." You mutter to yourself. "Always acting like she knows what's best for me. Just once I wanted to show her up…now she thinks she can tell me how to do everything."
"Tell me about it…*hic*" The girl joins in. "I'm always being pushed around by my teammates…'go clean this up, Chloe', 'Make sure I can see my face in these floors, intern'. Oh and my favorite 'Hey Chloe, drink this, it won't kill you, probably!'. BAH!"
Chloe? For some reason that name is raising alarm bells, but you can't bring yourself to pay them much mind. There's no way THAT Chloe can be here. You barely got through the gates of this town. They would turn anyone away from HoloX right away.
"You think that's rough? Try being somebody's soul snack…it feels like you're falling upwards into a ceiling sometimes. She was way too greedy yesterday and I could barely feel my legs for over ten minutes! *burp* Ah geez, thinking about it turned my stomach a little bit…better not do that again."
"That's kinda weird, but I guess I've been forced to do weirder stuff…everyone picks on me because I'm the newest member, but I'm just as good as anyone else. I don't deserve to do all the grunt work. They also like to bully me a lot…" The girl says playfully before she talks in a much more somber tone.
"I'm the target of a bunch of teasing too." You offer as you take another drink. "Being the only guy in the bunch isn't exactly a paradise most of the time. It's part of why I had to get away. I was going nuts being around them every day while training. To top it all off, I can barely ever get a real moment alone! I got two spirits living inside me who also get their laughs at my expense sometimes!"
Your venting partner had gone silent after that last bit. It sounded like she choked on her drink the second you mentioned spirits. You turn to look at her to see if she's alright, and you are met with eyes that shone with a deep red you have only seen once before, and from only one eye no less.
At the other end of the bar, looking at you with shock and drunken calculation, was HoloX's self-proclaimed cleaner and fixer; Chloe Sakamata.
Your body freezes as your mind races through the burst of sobriety you are hit with. How is she here? Why is she here? How did you not recognize her without her hood over her head?! Crap! What do you do now?! What is she going to do?!
"You!" She points an accusatory finger at you. "What the hell are you doing here?!"
"That's what I should be asking you!" You point back. "Have you been stalking me or something?!"
"Eww! You wish!" Chloe snaps. "I was just trying to kill some time on my way back from a job."
"Yeah right! I already know your sick little organization is up to no good again. I'm gonna put a stop to all of it too!" You fire back, courage somehow finding its way through your belly. "I bet Koyori sent you to kidnap me again! Well, just try it!"
"Not like I have a choice anymore…" The girl growls as she takes a big swig of sake straight from the bottle. "If Koyori hears I ran into her precious plaything without bringing him back to her, she would really let me have it. At least I can have fun punching your lights out this time."
With your threats declared, you two stare each other down while still in your stools. Your explosive exchange has deafened the lively conversations that were happening among the various groups of people who sat at tables, and now all eyes were on the two of you. Your eyes didn't leave Chloe's however. You would be ready the second she makes a move, and you can tell she's thinking the same for you.
Your hand twitches as it slowly slides off the bar counter to hover your sword's hilt and in a flash, Chloe pulls her hood over her head, and throws the glass she was drinking from straight at your head.
A reflexive duck of your head has the flying drinkware just barely miss you and shatter against the wall behind you. You decide to return the favor in kind and throw your own glass on her…after finishing the last of what's in it. Chloe easily catches the cup before it can reach her. The black leather of her fingerless glove tightens and shatters the glass with a mere flex. She lets its shards fall to the ground like rain and curls her fingers to cause her knuckles to crack. Those blood red eyes look at yours with such intense purpose. She thinks she can intimidate you. Fine, Chloe. Let's dance.
You leap from your seat and charge the orca patterned brawler. Chloe is clumsy to leave from her own stool as her legs hang much higher off the ground than yours did, and ends up wobbling to the side and falling over, accidentally dodging your attempt to slug her.
"Poe!" She yelps as she hits the ground. You look down as you feel her strong hands grip your ankles. She yanks towards her to take your balance away, landing you on equal ground with her on the dirty barroom floor. You scramble to sit yourself upright and once you can freely move your arm again, you swing for Chloe's cheek. Your fist is caught within her palm, as you try to push forward with all your strength while trying your best to stay balanced. You throw your other fist toward Chloe which is caught as well.
Your hands now interlocked, you both rise to a kneel, and then to a full stand. All the while trying to overpower the other. Frustrated at your stalemate, Chloe looks dead in your eyes and inhales deeply. Your stomach drops from recognizing the tactical error you made already.
Chloe blows hard and a jet stream of water erupts from her mouth that throws you over the bar counter and into the shelf of bottles behind it.
"I got you that time!" Chloe slurs as she begins to laugh gleefully at your groans. "Not so tough on your own are you? Punk!"
"I was just thinking the same thing about you!" You shout back as you rise to your feet to pop up behind the counter, with one hand primed with a spell, and the other with a special surprise for your opponent. "Eat this, Chloe!"
From your open palm, a faster stream of water fires forth, and your other upturns what is left of the bottle you drank from earlier to give your spell a special little additive. Like you expected, Chloe stands firm and breathes in your entire attack, alcohol and all. Chloe puts on a dopey smile as she hiccups.
"Not even a wretch?!" You gasp as your attack did not fully work as planned. "Come on! That stuff is nasty!"
"Koyori has made me drink worse things. Much worse things." Chloe stumbles to regain her balance as she wipes her mouth with her sleeve.
"Does she really just do such awful things to you?" You ask, taken aback by your would-be kidnapper's explanation.
"Why do you care, hero-boy?!" Chloe barks as she flings herself towards you, arms outstretched to hopefully grab you.
Her drunken tackle brings you both to the ground again. More glasses and bottles fall onto the floor following your crash. A full bottle of red wine drops on your forehead, the pain is sharp, and you can't even put your hand over it because SOMEONE is laying on top of you. Gritting your teeth through the pain throbbing in your head, you lift your head up to see your assailant rubbing the back of her own head while she whimpers a soft "ow ow ow". Your eyes register one another and her grip on your shirt tightens as she pushes more of her weight onto you. From the inner lining of her jacket, she pulls a sharpened dagger from its holding place, and brings it down towards you.
You manage to roll your body from under Chloe so that the small blade stabs into the wooden flooring. Bending your leg toward your stomach, you manage to bump Chloe upward, just enough to dislodge yourself from her pin.
If she's going to go for blood, you won't hold back either. It's time she's tasted just how much stronger your spells have gotten since you last met. After you rise and arm yourself, your spell book shines and roars on your grip. It yearns to help thwart the efforts of your greatest adversaries. You hold open a palm at Chloe as you both rise to a stand, both her hands now grip daggers.
"Stellar!" You shout, firing a beam of starlight that whizzes past Chloe's hooded head and into the far wall behind her. She responds by flinging both her bladed weapons at you, only for one to fly into the wall behind you, and the other soars straight into a full bottle of vodka that still miraculously stayed on the shelf, shattering it instantly.
"How did I miss?!" You both exclaim in unison.
Chloe grunts and kicks one of her heavy booted feet at you. Magical reflexes take over, you urge a powerful wind spell from your person meant to repel the girl's attack, but you overshoot your mana. The resulting spell creates a blast of air from below both of you that sends you both twirling through the air and onto one of the nearby tables; breaking it in half with your fall.
"Are you…are you drunk or something?!" Chloe barks at you.
"Yes! So are you!" You spit back as you roll off the collapsed table and stumble to a half stand.
"But I can actually fight when I'm drunk! You're a mess!" Chloe snaps as she stands tall and her hands glow with a deep blue mana.
"Bullshit! Stellar!" You shout as you fire another blast of starlight at your opponent. Chloe brings the back of her fist against your attack, swatting it off course and through the glass window of the bar. In the wake of the light caused by your spell, Chloe charges you. You quickly jump backwards to create some more distance, but your drunken feet slip on one another, and you fall to your side.
"Poe!" Chloe gasps as her right hook meant for your face only catches the air, and she stumbles into a chair.
With your spell book out of your grasp, you fuel both your hands with wind mana and unleash a mighty gale at your opponent who is slowly regaining her balance. Chloe holds strong against your magical force, and breathes a torrent of water to combat it. The collision of magic topples the surrounding furniture and drenches the area, as if a torrential storm suddenly localized itself within the rustic bar.
When your spells fizzle out, the two of you look at each other with haggard breath. You pick up your spell book and prepare a spell, your strongest. To respond to your book's light, Chloe's arms radiate with her own magic. Your visions narrow on one another, waiting for the other to make the first move. Then, you are both surprised by actions done by neither of you.
Two sets of arms grab yours from your blind spots, and a pair of handcuffs made from a strange glossy metal close around your wrists.
"Eh?!" Chloe utters as her wrists are cuffed as well.
You look up to see no less than four armored guards flanking the hooded member of HoloX. Chloe turns to retaliate, but one brings a curdgel down hard over the back of her head, and her body falls.
"Hey!" You shout, your anger building. Wait. Why are you angry? Chloe was just trying to kidnap you. You then feel a sharp impact on the back of your own head, and your world goes black.