…
A Lost Hero's Fairytale
Chapter 4: A Shelter in the Woods
Part IV
…
Over the next two days, when Ben wasn't assisting around Cait Shelter, he focused on mastering the Ultimatrix and reacquainting himself with its transformations. To his surprise—and to the amazement of the guild—he rediscovered many different forms. One of those XLR8 (whose names along with the others came to Ben when he transformed like with Terraspin) possessed incredible speed which allowed him to help the guild finish their textile order a full day ahead of schedule, giving everyone an unexpected break before the merchant's arrival.
Eager to make the most of his free time, Ben spent much of it training alongside Wendy with Carla watching closely and occasionally offering advice. By midday, the trio was taking a brief lunch break seated on tree stumps beneath the cool shade of nearby trees, recovering before resuming their training.
"This is quite nice," Carla commented as she was delicately nibbling on her lunch. "Pepel may be a flirt but she certainly knows how to prepare a meal."
"Yeah," Ben agreed though inwardly he couldn't shake the fact that Pepel had kept her distance from him over the past two days. He didn't take it personally, figuring it was just her way of coping. After all, saying goodbye wasn't easy. He had no memories of ever saying goodbye to someone and yet still felt some sadness. If he felt like this with what was technically his first goodbye with someone he cared about, then he could only imagine how those who've experienced it before felt like.
Carla turned her attention to Wendy, her tone taking a sharper edge. "Wendy, you need to eat. You've barely touched your food."
Wendy glanced at her lunch then winced slightly, placing a hand over her stomach. "I'm trying... but I'm still feeling a bit queasy. The smell from Ben's last transformation really upset my stomach."
Sitting on a stump across from them Ben paused mid-bite and gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry Wendy. I didn't know Swampfire's smell would hit you that hard."
"It's not your fault," Carla chimed in. "Dragon Slayers have enhanced senses. Scents in particular can be overwhelming to them."
Ben nodded thoughtfully. "I'll keep that in mind for next time." He shifted slightly, glancing down at his food before his attention was pulled away by a familiar beeping noise.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
The Ultimatrix on his wrist began to glow with a soft green light, signaling that the recharge was complete.
Wendy looked over at him, curiosity in her eyes. "That beeping... does that mean your Ulti-uh... Ulti-thing is ready?"
"Ultimatrix," Ben corrected while chuckling as he stood up. "And yeah, it's recharged. Guess I'm back in business."
"That didn't take long." Carla noted. "Your magic recharges fast."
Ben glanced down at the green gauntlet. "Yeah… Only takes ten minutes. Makes things convenient though."
Finishing his lunch, Ben dusted off his hands and moved back toward the open training area.
"Uh, could you avoid changing into anything that smells please?" Wendy asked sheepishly.
"I'll try my best," Ben said with a playful grin. "But remember, I'm still figuring these forms out."
He activated the Ultimatrix, scrolling through the playlist of transformations. "Let's see... who's next on the roster? Wait—" His eyes widened as the hologram of a familiar creature appeared above the dial. "Is that what I think it is? How did that get in there?"
He glanced back at Wendy and Carla who were watching him with anticipation. Turning his attention back to the Ultimatrix, Ben took a deep breath. "Might as well give it a try... I guess. Hopefully they don't freak out."
Pressing down on the dial, the training area was bathed in a bright emerald light as Ben's transformation took hold.
As the glow dimmed, standing in Ben's place was an enormous anthropomorphic primate-like creature. Its face was elongated, with a prominent chin, prolonged ears, and a pointed head, all framed by a thick tuft of hair that resembled a beard. The creature's sharp emerald eyes gleamed with intensity. Its massive muscular body was covered in vibrant green fur, with darker fur accentuating the broad expanse of its chest and torso. Towering arms, far larger than its legs, sported three distinctive white hourglass symbols on each, and a long green monkey-like tail swayed behind it. Positioned proudly in the center of its chest was the Ultimatrix symbol, glowing faintly.
The beast pounded its chest with a thunderous roar, hooting loudly as it bellowed in a deep voice, "Vulkong!"
As the echo of Vulkong's deep voice faded, Wendy and Carla stood frozen, wide-eyed, their initial shock apparent.
"B-Ben?" Wendy stammered while taking a small step back and gripping her staff tightly. Carla's fur bristled a bit and she raised her guard.
Seeing their reactions Vulkong quickly raised both of his large hands in a placating gesture, his voice rumbling. "Relax, its me Ben. Just… bigger and…uh, furrier."
Wendy blinked, her wide-eyed expression softening as she studied Vulkong's appearance more closely. Her gaze locked on the familiar Ultimatrix symbol on his chest and her tense posture gradually relaxed. "Oh… it really is you."
Vulkong gave a playful grin, his long tail swaying behind him. "Told you."
Carla narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You're not going to start throwing things around, are you?"
Vulkong let out a deep, amused hoot, his large form shaking with laughter. Despite his size and the primal instincts now tugging at his mind, Ben was still in control—for the most part. "No... although I think I might be getting a strange urge to scratch my butt for some reason." He then laughed when he saw the face Carla made after hearing that. "Kidding! Hahahahaha you should see your face Carla, hilarious!"
Carla glared at him for that distasteful joke.
Wendy, once past the initial shock, released a sigh of relief. "Alright if you're still you then that's good." She shifted into a ready stance, preparing herself for the next round. "So, same as before?"
"Yes, attack me." Vulkong responded, his deep voice reverberating through the training grounds. He adjusted to the bulk and weight of his new body, though something felt off—a primal, unsettling urge tugged at the back of his mind. It was an instinctual pull, urging him to find a mate.
But Ben, even in this form, was strong enough to shake it off. He steeled himself while focusing on the task at hand. "Stay focused." he muttered to himself under his breath, keeping his gaze on Wendy as she prepared to attack.
Wendy, though still cautious, readied her magic. Taking a deep breath, she gathered the swirling air around her and leaped into action. "Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!" she cried out with her voice ringing with determination. Crescent shaped blades of wind flew from her arms, slicing through the air toward Vulkong.
With surprising agility Vulkong lunged to the side, dodging the attack and swinging into the trees with his powerful arms. His massive body weaved between the branches with ease as his tail swayed for balance. His instincts told him to take the high ground to outmaneuver Wendy, but the primal urges of the Vulcan form tugged at him, distracting him slightly.
"Focus Ben." he reminded himself, shaking off the strange pull.
Grinning, he ripped off a large branch and hurled it at Wendy. The branch flew through the air with alarming speed. Wendy's eyes widened but she didn't falter. "Sky Dragon's Crushing Fang!" she called out, her arm slashing through the air. A blade of wind shot from her hand, splitting the wood cleanly in two. The halves crashed down on either side of her, leaving her unharmed.
Vulkong grunted in slight frustration. He swung down from the trees, landing with a heavy thud. Dirt flew up as his giant fists hit the ground, his green fur rippling with the force. Wendy was already moving and gathering more wind magic for her next strike.
"Sky Dragon's Claw!" Wendy leaped forward as her feet became surrounded by a whirlwind of energy. She aimed her kick at Vulkong's broad chest, her attack infused with the power of the wind.
Vulkong raised his massive arms to block the attack but even with his size and strength the impact made him wince. The wind energy coursed through his body, pushing him back several feet. His feet dug into the ground as he absorbed the blow.
"Not bad Wendy." Vulkong growled, shaking off the sting. But before he could recover, Wendy pressed the attack. She inhaled deeply, gathering all her magical power for one final strike.
"Sky Dragon's Roar!" At point-blank range, Wendy unleashed a fierce whirlwind directly into Vulkong's chest. The force of the attack sent him flying backward, spinning through the air. He crashed through several trees, splintering them as he tumbled across the ground. When he finally landed his knee scraped painfully against a sharp rock.
Vulkong groaned, rubbing his knee as he sat up. "Ow... Was not expecting that."
Despite the pain, a chuckle rumbled in his throat but as Wendy rushed over, concern etched across her face, something shifted inside him.
"Ben, are you okay?" Wendy asked, kneeling beside him, her worried gaze searching his.
It was in that moment as Wendy came closer that the primal urges of the Vulcan form began to surface. A strong, instinctual drive to seek out a mate started to take hold and Vulkong could feel it growing. His mind, still clouded by the transformation's beastly nature, began to view Wendy differently—no longer as a companion but as the target of those perverse desires.
Ben's heart raced as he struggled to keep control. "No! Not her. Focus!"
The beastly instincts clawed at his sanity, pushing him closer to a dangerous line but Ben's will was stronger than the Vulcan's impulses. He clenched his teeth, forcing those thoughts away and battling back the overwhelming need. He couldn't let these urges dictate his actions.
With a deep breath, Vulkong's eyes flickered with recognition and he pressed his massive hands to the ground. "That's enough. I'm done."
Vulkong's hand hovered over the Ultimatrix dial and with a quick press the familiar green light enveloped him, transforming him back into his human form. He was panting slightly from the effort of fighting off the Vulcan's urges. He may have to consider putting extra training to tame those beastly desires for good. Otherwise, this is one form he'll have to avoid using for the sake of other females.
Wendy, now relieved to see him return to normal, blinked, her concern shifting back to curiosity. "Ben… what happened?"
Ben sighed, shaking his head. There was no way he could tell her what the actual problem was. He would not give the sweet girl something else to worry about when he was leaving soon. "N-nothing… Don't worry about it." He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away as his mind still reeled from the battle with his inner Vulcan.
He then found that his knee was still bleeding. He winced slightly, touching the injury. "Weird… I got hurt while I was Vulkong, and now that I'm back to normal, my knee is still scraped."
Wendy's worry deepened. "That's not good… If you get severely hurt while in your Take-Over form, it could carry over to your human body."
Without hesitation Wendy knelt beside him and gently placed her hands over the scrape, the faint glow of her healing magic illuminating the wound. Within moments the injury began to close and the pain subsided.
"Thanks Wendy." Ben said gratefully, standing up and flexing his knee. "I'll keep that in mind for the future."
Carla chimed in, folding her arms. "Well, you do have that Swampfire form that can regenerate, so it's not too big of an issue. Just be cautious."
Ben nodded. "True, Swampfire's got some serious self healing power of his own."
"Although his smell is pretty bad." Wendy blanched a bit. She then looked back at Wendy, worry still lingering. "So, do you still want to keep training with Vulkong?"
Ben shook his head. "No, I don't think it's necessary. Honestly… I'm not sure how much I'll use Vulkong going forward."
Wendy blinked, surprised. "Why not? Isn't he strong?"
Ben scratched the back of his head, thinking. "He is but his skills aren't that unique. I've got forms that are stronger, can climb better and do all that without the... you know, Vulcan mindset."
"Vulcan mindset?" Wendy asked, confused.
"Uh," Ben felt awkward, "I'll…tell you in a few years."
Carla raised an eyebrow, catching onto what Ben was implying. "Then why would you bother with a Vulcan form in the first place?"
Ben frowned, recalling the moment in the cave. "It wasn't really my choice. The Ultimatrix scanned both the Vulcan and... you too Carla, back in that cave. Not sure how that even happened."
Carla's eyes widened for a moment, then she shook her head with a sigh. "Well, at least you showed exceptional control over the form."
Ben was very grateful for that.
Wendy chuckled softly but still looked at Ben with curiosity. "So, no more Vulkong for now?"
"Not unless I need a backup plan," Ben replied. "But I think we can wrap it up for today. I've got a decent understanding of what he can do."
Carla smiled looking relieved. "Good. You're leaving tomorrow so maybe it's time to spend the rest of the day with the guild. Wouldn't want to leave without a proper farewell after all, that'd be quite rude."
Ben nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think you're right." His mind briefly drifted to Pepel, knowing he had to make things right with her before he left. "I've got a few things to take care of before tomorrow."
…
The atmosphere around Cait Shelter was light and celebratory as the guild gathered in the village square. The air was filled with laughter and relief and for good reason. Thanks to Ben and his super-speed form XLR8, they had finished their large textile order a full day before the merchant was due to arrive, granting everyone a much-needed day off. The villagers smiled, clapped and patted Ben on the back while offering their gratitude.
"We owe you big time Ben!" Maguna said, clapping a hand on Ben's shoulder. "You gave everyone here a day to relax and unwind."
Ben chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Just glad I could help out."
A few of the guild members chuckled, offering their thanks once more before dispersing to enjoy their free day. As the group thinned out, Ben found himself standing on the outskirts of the celebration, his mind wandering. The praise and camaraderie from the guild felt great, but there was something else weighing on his mind.
"Pepel."
He hadn't been able to shake the awkwardness between them since he had made his announcement to leave. There was a lot left unsaid and if he was leaving tomorrow, he couldn't leave things hanging like this.
Ben made his way through the village until he reached Pepel's small house on the outskirts of Cait Shelter. Pausing briefly, he took a breath before knocking gently on the wooden door.
"Pepel? It's Ben. You in there?"
There was a moment of silence before a soft voice responded from within. "Come in."
Ben opened the door and stepped inside. Her modest home was cluttered with fabrics, sewing tools, and unfinished garments, scattered across the small living area. In the center of it all, Pepel sat at her work table, focused on repairing his green leather jacket. She glanced up briefly as he entered but her expression was unreadable, she quickly returned to her work not a moment later.
"Hey," Ben began a little awkwardly, "I uh… noticed you've been avoiding me the last couple of days."
Pepel didn't lift her gaze. "I've been busy repairing your jacket. There's still a lot of damage left to fix."
Ben gave her a small sheepish smile. "I appreciate that, really I do… but do you think we could talk for a minute?"
For a moment, there was silence as Pepel hesitated, her gaze lingering on the fabric before her. Finally, she sighed and set down her needle before gesturing toward a cushioned stool nearby. "Alright."
As Ben took a seat Pepel gently placed the jacket aside, resting it on the table though her posture remained tense.
"I know things have been… weird, with me leaving and all," Ben began, his voice soft and uncertain. "And I didn't want to leave without making sure you were okay. I don't want there to be any awkwardness between us."
Pepel's fingers absentmindedly traced the seam of his jacket as she responded, her voice quieter than usual. "It's not that I'm not okay Ben. I've just been… thinking." She hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly. "It's not easy… knowing that you're leaving so soon. I didn't expect to feel this… strongly about it."
Ben's frown deepened as he listened, his heart sinking. He stood from the stool and walked toward her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Pepel, I care about you. I don't want to leave you feeling like this. You've been so kind to me and the last thing I want is for things to end on a bad note."
For the first time since he arrived, Pepel looked up and met his eyes, her expression conflicted. "It's not about a bad note, Ben. It's just… you have a whole life to get back to. How can anything between us last when you'll be so far away?"
Ben let out a long breath, his eyes soft with understanding. "I don't have all the answers Pepel. Honestly, I don't even know what I'll find when I get back to Bellwood or if I'll ever get there. But one thing I do know is that the people I've met along the way—people like you—they're not just part of my journey. They're a part of me."
Pepel's fingers stilled on the fabric as she listened. "But what happens after you leave?" she asked softly, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Ben gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're not just part of my past, Pepel. You're part of my present, and you'll always have a place in my life, no matter where I go." He offered her a gentle smile. "I don't want to lose that connection."
For a moment Pepel was silent, processing his words. Slowly her expression softened before she gave him a faint smile in return. "You really know how to say the right things, don't you?"
Ben chuckled lightly. "I've had some practice."
The tension between them finally eased as they shared a brief but understanding look. Pepel stood from her chair.
"Your jacket still needs some repairs," she said softly, "so one day you'll need to come back and reclaim it."
A grateful smile played on Ben's lips. "Just another reason to come back."
Pepel chuckled softly, though there was still a hint of sadness in her eyes. "When you do, I want to know all about the adventures you've had."
"I'll definitely have stories to tell," Ben promised. "And who knows? Maybe I'll bring you back a little something from Bellwood."
Pepel laughed softly, her light chuckle easing the tension between them. "I'll hold you to that. And make sure you especially bring Wendy something. That girl thinks the world of you."
Ben grinned warmly. "I will. I'm sure she's going to ask me a hundred questions before I even leave tomorrow."
Pepel's expression softened at the mention of Wendy, a knowing smile spreading across her lips. "She'll miss you, Ben. We all will."
Ben nodded, a more serious look crossing his face for a moment. "I'll miss you guys too."
Suddenly, Pepel stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Ben felt a surge of surprise as she moved closer, standing just inches away. Her soft violet eyes locked onto his emerald ones, her raven hair framing her smooth flawless face. She pursed her pink lips slightly, and Ben couldn't help but become sheepish under her intense gaze.
"You truly are something Ben. The girls out there are going to love you."
"I—I, uh," Ben stammered caught off guard and starting to feel flustered as he looked at her violet eyes. Were they always that pretty to look at? "I don't know about that."
Pepel chuckled quietly to herself. "I do."
With a subtle smile she pulled back and sat back down at her work table, picking up her needle again. "I've still got a lot of work to do here. Go spend some time with the others. I'll see you at dinner tonight."
"Okay." Ben said as he turned toward the door. But just as he reached for the handle Pepel called out to him.
"Ben?"
He glanced back over his shoulder while raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"Thank you for caring enough to make things right with me." She said while having her back turned to him.
Ben blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. "Of course."
With that he stepped out of the house, though her words lingered in his mind. "That sounded… odd. What did she mean by that?" he wondered as he walked away.
Inside the house Pepel sat quietly at her table, her needle stitching through the jacket's leather. As she worked, small tear droplets fell onto the green material, vanishing as quickly as they had appeared. Her hand trembled slightly as she sniffled softly, her voice barely a whisper.
"Why… Why do I feel so alive right now when I'm not?"
The seamstress wiped her eyes and continued sewing, her heart heavier than it had been ever before.
…
Later that night, the farewell dinner for Ben was filled with laughter, food and heartfelt farewells. The guild hall brimmed with warmth as members shared various stories with each other. Pepel and the other cooks had outdone themselves with a delicious spread and even Roubaul joined in the merriment with a special toast to Ben's adventures ahead.
After dinner the festivities moved outdoors where fires burned brightly, casting flickering shadows against the trees as the rhythmic beats of drums filled the night air. Unlike the last dance two nights ago, Ben was much more in sync with the music this time. He had learned the steps well, thanks to practice and his impressive reflexes. He danced several rounds with Wendy, who giggled as they spun in circles. Her admiration for Ben was evident and it was a cute sight as she tried to match his energetic movements.
The last dance he had shared with Pepel. As they moved together under the starry sky, their steps harmonized with the music and there was an undeniable chemistry between them. Wendy who was watching from a distance squealed inwardly at how perfect they looked together. Though she loved Ben like a big brother, she couldn't help but root for Pepel, secretly hoping the two would become something more one day.
As the night came to its conclusion and the fires began to dwindle, the guild members slowly trickled back to their homes, leaving behind only the glowing embers and the sounds of the night.
In the quiet aftermath of the party Carla sat perched on a high tree branch, gazing up at the full moon. Its silvery glow reflected off the shimmering stars scattered across the sky, creating a peaceful moment of solitude. Her thoughts drifted, contemplating the days ahead and the bonds she'd formed. But her quiet reverie was abruptly interrupted by a voice calling her name.
"Carla!"
She blinked, confused and turned her head toward the source. Her eyes then widened in surprise when she saw what was unmistakably another of her kind. Who was climbing the tree toward her, his movements swift and agile.
"Huh? Who—" Carla began, but her words trailed off as the figure reached her branch. She froze when she got a good look at him.
The feline approaching her had sleek grey fur dotted with darker spots, his appearance strongly resembling that of a snow leopard cub. He wore simple green trousers held in place by a black band, his demeanor casual yet focused. What caught Carla's attention most was the familiar symbol on his chest—the Ultimatrix.
"Ben?!" Carla exclaimed in shock and even disbelief as her eyes widened.
"Yep!" the miniature bipedal snow-leopard replied, grinning broadly as he hopped onto the branch next to her. "Told you the watch scanned you, didn't I?"
Carla blinked, still processing the sight before her. Her tail flicked with confusion. "I… didn't think…"
"Crazy, right?" He gave her a playful nudge, his tail swaying behind him with ease. "Oh, and by the way call me Attacat while I'm like this."
Carla cocked an eyebrow, looking both amused and incredulous. "Attacat?"
"Yeah, I thought it was clever." he replied with a wink, stretching his new feline limbs in an exaggerated manner. "Just look at these spots—pretty stylish, huh?"
Carla narrowed her eyes, still trying to wrap her head around the situation. "Well… I suppose it's… impressive. But why did you climb all the way up here when you could've just used your wings?"
At that Attacat became sheepish, scratching behind his ear awkwardly. "Uh… yeah, about that... I have no clue how to use 'em. I was actually hoping you could give me some pointers. Please?"
Carla side-eyed Attacat for several tense moments before letting out a long, resigned sigh. "Very well… I suppose it's only fair considering everything you've done for us."
Attacat beamed at her. "Thanks Carla!"
"Yes, yes…" she muttered, her typical no-nonsense demeanor slipping just a bit as she stood up on the branch and turned to face him.
"Alright, now relax." Carla instructed, her usual no-nonsense tone softening slightly. She stood firmly on the branch, facing Attacat as he prepared himself. Her arms crossed as she watched him intently. "If you truly are of my kind, you should be able to feel a power in your core."
Attacat gave a nod, taking a deep breath before closing his eyes. He concentrated, his focus turning inward as he sought that power she spoke of. It didn't take long before he felt it—a cool, tingling sensation within him, a strange but familiar source of energy.
"I think I feel it," Attacat said, his voice calm but with a hint of excitement.
Carla gave a small nod, seeming satisfied. "That's your Magic Container. Your Aerial Magic is stored there."
Attacat nodded again, though he could sense there was more within him than just that. The magic inside him felt vast, layered–he wasn't sure why–but he focused on the task at hand.
"Now," Carla continued, "draw out that power and let it flow naturally to the middle of your back. Don't force it."
Attacat took another deep breath, concentrating as he tried to guide the energy up his spine. The cool sensation spread through his body and suddenly he felt something shift. A glowing green magical seal appeared behind him, floating in the air. Then with a burst of energy a pair of large white angelic wings sprouted from his back, stretching wide as they shimmered in the moonlight.
Attacat's eyes opened before he glanced over his shoulder, marveling at the wings now attached to him. He gave them a gentle flap, feeling the air lift him slightly from the branch. He grinned broadly. "Whoa! This is awesome!"
Carla shook her head with a small smile as she watched him zip through the air. "You have other forms that can fly, Ben." She called out. "Why are you so excited about flying in this one?"
Attacat returned and gracefully landed back on the branch. He shut his eyes for a moment, and the wings disappeared into sparkles. "I don't know why, but I feel like this form has some real potential. Learning how to fly is just the start—I think."
Carla quirked an eyebrow, skeptical but intrigued. "My kind aren't exactly known for strength or special abilities as far as I know. I wouldn't advise getting your hopes up about some hidden power."
Attacat chuckled, glancing down at his arms and then flexing them. "We'll see about that."
Carla sighed, folding her arms again. "Is that all you wanted from me? Or is there something else?"
Attacat's playful demeanor faded as he became more serious. "Actually, there is something else. It's about Wendy."
Carla's expression softened. "What about her?"
He glanced toward the small house where Wendy was fast asleep. The warmth in his eyes was unmistakable. "How do you think she'll handle me leaving Carla? I mean really. Be honest—will she be okay?"
Carla followed his gaze, her expression contemplative. "Wendy is stronger than she appears, but…" Her tail flicked slightly as she hesitated, searching for the right words. "Before you came along she was timid, unsure of herself. She hesitated when it came to using her power and often second-guessed herself. But over the past month with you here she's changed. She's become more assertive, more confident. I can't deny it—your influence has done wonders for her."
Attacat's ears flattened as his face showed a mix of guilt and concern. "I don't want her to feel abandoned."
Carla nodded softly, her tone thoughtful. "Wendy is resilient. She's found a family here in Cait Shelter and she'll find her way even with you gone. She has me and she has the guild." Her voice was firm, a silent promise that Wendy would be taken care of.
Attacat sighed, the weight of her words sitting heavily on him. "You're right… I just hope…" He trailed off, his thoughts returning to Wendy's smiling face. He didn't want her to lose that newfound confidence.
Carla's usual stern demeanor softened as she gave him a rare smile. "Ben, you've done more for her than you realize. Wendy will be alright. She'll miss you but she'll keep growing. And… you can always come back to visit."
Attacat nodded, a determined glint in his emerald eyes. "I'll definitely visit. What's the point in having guys like Jetray and XLR8 if I don't use them to go where I want?" he teased, giving his wings a playful flap for emphasis.
Carla's lips curved into a small smile as she looked out over the village. "Wendy would love that," she said quietly, a softness in her voice.
Attacat glanced sideways at her, his grin widening. "And what about you? I think you'd like me to come back too."
Carla didn't react to the playful teasing, remaining composed as she turned her back on him. "Don't make such presumptions," she replied coolly.
Attacat chuckled, enjoying the banter. But as the laughter subsided, he paused as his gaze lifted to the night sky. The full moon hung high above, casting its silver light across the village and illuminating the stars that twinkled in the vast expanse.
He sighed as his eyes filled with a strange longing. "I feel… such a pull toward the stars." he murmured almost to himself. "Like I belong up there somehow." His voice grew softer and contemplative. "I don't know why but the night sky… it makes me feel like something's missing, like I'm searching for something I can't quite remember."
Carla looked over her shoulder, observing him thoughtfully. For all of Ben's strength and confidence, there was still so much he didn't know about himself. The longing in his voice was a reminder of that mystery—one she wasn't sure even he could fully grasp yet.
Breaking the quiet between them she spoke, her voice gentler than before. "Thank you, Ben. For everything you've done."
Attacat blinked, surprised by the sincerity in her tone. He hadn't thought much about how his presence had affected those around him, especially Wendy. But hearing Carla say it made him realize how much the young Sky Dragon Slayer had changed over the past month.
"I'm just glad I could help." he replied, his voice genuine.
Carla offered him a rare, soft smile. "You've helped her grow into the strong person I've always hoped she would become." She turned back to the moonlit horizon. "You'll always have a place here Ben. Not just for Wendy… but for all of us."
Attacat's grin returned, though this time it was softer and more introspective. "Thanks. That means a lot, Carla."
With that the two fell into a comfortable silence once more, watching as the night sky shimmered with stars.
…
Hours later Ben lay fast asleep inside his teepee, the cool breeze rustling the fabric lightly. His breathing was steady but as the night deepened, a vivid dream overtook him.
Ben found himself floating in an otherworldly realm—an endless pink backdrop stretching across the sky, filled with strange floating mountains and twisting winding roads that seemed to defy gravity. The air was thick with a sense of mystery and despite the bizarre surroundings it felt oddly familiar as though he'd been here before, though the memory of it remained elusive.
Suddenly, ten gems came into view, forming a decagon shape in front of him.
The gem on top glowed brightly with a dark, black hue.
The other nine gems were grayed out as if waiting for something to activate them.
The black gem seemed to pulse with energy, drawing his attention.
Ben instinctively reached toward the black gem, feeling a deep connection to it. But before his hand could make contact with the glowing black gem, the entire scene shimmered and began to dissolve. His pulse quickened, and the world around him became blurry as the dreamscape shattered into fragments of light and color.
He woke up with a start blinking rapidly as he stared up at the ceiling of his teepee, the dream fading quickly from his mind. But that image—the decagon of gems with the single black one glowing—remained burned into his memory, leaving him with an unsettling feeling as the first light of dawn began creeping into the village.
"What was that about?" Ben muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair.
He wasn't sure how or why, but the vividness of that dream made it hard to dismiss.
…
The early morning sun cast a warm glow over Cait Shelter's central plaza as the merchant arrived with a large covered wagon that was being pulled by a giant purple boar-like creature.
Ben only smiled wryly to himself at the sight. "I feel like I've seen weirder." he mused though the specifics still eluded his memory.
The wagon came to a stop and the men were already hard at work loading up the textiles and clothing that they had spent weeks preparing. Standing by the wagon, Ben observed the scene quietly as his mind drifted.
Murphy Kale the merchant, climbed onto the chaise of the wagon. He was a rugged-looking man, middle-aged with icy blue eyes, a short grayish-black beard and a well-worn flat cap resting atop his head. His purple jacket with gold trim stood out against the simplicity of his brown work boots and pants, making him seem like a man who'd traveled a long way and seen a lot.
"Hey kid," Murphy called out to Ben as he adjusted his position. "I'll need to leave soon if I'm going to make it to Hargeon by the deadline. If you're coming, try to keep the farewells short alright?"
Ben nodded, shifting his attention from the loading crew to the gathered guild members. He was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, tan pants and brown sandals—but now slung over his shoulder was a single-strap olive-green backpack, adorned with tribal patterns along the straps and hems. It was packed full of supplies the guild had gifted him for his journey: clothes, food and other essentials.
While he knew he had to leave, saying goodbye wasn't easy.
"Well guys," Ben said, giving them a wave, "I guess this is it."
The guild members looked at him with a mixture of fondness and sadness.
"It was nice having a guest in the village." one guild member said.
"Especially one that wasn't afraid to work." another chimed in with a grin.
"It's a shame to see you go, young one." an elderly member added, nodding.
Maguna smiling widely gave Ben a hearty clap on the shoulder. "Yeah, no slouch at all. You really blended in well here! We're gonna miss having yah around."
Ben laughed at Maguna's typical high energy. "I'll miss you guys too. It's been great."
Wendy stepped forward, her big brown eyes looking up at him with hope. "B-Ben…will I see you again? You're coming back one day, right?" She spoke quietly, her voice filled with the innocence of someone who didn't want to say goodbye.
Ben met her gaze, her eyes pulling at his heart. Kneeling down to meet her eye level, he smiled softly. "Wendy, I promise you'll see me again." He held her gaze, making sure she could see the sincerity in his words. "I can't say exactly when…but I will return one day." He then smiled cheerfully. "After all I have to tell you all about what I've learned about myself. Who knows what awesome stories I'll come back with."
Wendy's face brightened, a smile stretching from ear to ear as she held out her pinky. "Pinky promise?"
Without hesitation Ben wrapped his pinky finger around hers. "Pinky promise."
Her smile was so radiant that Ben half expected to be blinded by it. "Keep training, okay?" he said while giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You're a Dragon Slayer, Wendy. Never doubt how strong you are."
"I won't!" Wendy said, her voice brimming with determination. "I'll keep getting stronger! No more doubting myself!"
Ben's smirk turned into a proud smile. "She's come a long way."
Suddenly Wendy jumped onto him as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Ben responded in kind and returned the gesture, giving her a minor bear hug. The two just stayed like that for a long moment as Ben could feel her body trembling with what he knew was sadness. He gently rubbed her back reassuringly, not knowing what else to do to comfort her. When they finally separated, he saw tears forming in her eyes but she held strong and kept them from falling as she stepped back.
Standing up Ben glanced over at Carla, who had her arms crossed and her head turned away. "I suppose," she said nonchalantly, "it'll be a little emptier without you here."
Ben rolled his eyes, amused. "Is that your way of saying you'll miss me too?"
Carla huffed, still looking away but a small smile played on her lips. "Hardly."
"She's totally going to miss him," everyone thought simultaneously.
"In any case," Carla continued, finally meeting his eyes, "I sincerely hope you regain your memories soon."
Ben nodded, appreciating her well-wishes. "Thanks Carla."
Roubaul, standing behind the others, stepped forward, his old wise eyes gleaming with warmth. "Though your time here was short Ben, you've left an impact on all of us. You'll always have a place here in Cait Shelter."
Ben nodded, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "I only wish I could repay you guys for everything you've done for me."
Pepel stepped forward from the group, her voice soft yet firm. "There's no need for repayment. We're happy to help someone in need. That's enough for us."
Ben mulled over her words, his smile deepening. "Helping people, not for a reward but because it's the right thing to do…" The thought resonated with him, sparking a vague yet comforting familiarity.
"Speaking of repayment," Roubaul added with a twinkle in his eye, pulling a small burlap pouch from behind him, "this is for you Ben." The weight of the pouch and the familiar sound of clinking coins made Ben's eyes widen in surprise.
"Chief, I can't accept this." Ben immediately tried to return the bag.
Roubaul raised his hand, gently refusing the gesture. "You must. You'll need it for your journey ahead. And besides, you worked hard this past month doing jobs no one asked you to do."
Ben looked at him taken aback. "But… you saved my life, gave me food, shelter. It was only fair that I help out."
Roubaul smiled and shook his head. "Be that as it may, it would be dishonorable of us to not repay your hard work. Please, take it. If not for your sake, then for ours."
Ben hesitated but Roubaul's words carried the weight of sincerity. With a soft sigh Ben relented, tucking the moneybag into his backpack. "Alright, Chief. You win this one."
Pepel stepped forward with a green and black cloth in her hands, gesturing for Ben to lean forward. As he complied, she unfolded the cloth, revealing a short circular mantle with alternating green and black triangles. She gently placed it over his shoulders, the finely crafted fabric hanging down, a symbolic gift to remember Cait Shelter by.
Ben admired the craftsmanship briefly, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric. "Thank you. I'll treasure this."
Pepel's eyes softened as her gaze lingered on him, a quiet intensity in her expression. Then unexpectedly she pulled back her cloak and removed her veil, revealing her face to the open air. Ben's eyes widened in surprise, realizing the significance of this act.
Before Ben could fully process what this meant, Pepel cupped his cheek with one hand and then leaned forward as she pressed her lips against his in a passionate and unexpected kiss. His eyes shot open in shock but soon he relaxed and returned the kiss, closing his eyes as the warmth of the moment washed over him.
The gathered crowd reacted immediately with murmurs of surprise and delight, many of them offering encouraging cheers. The merchant Kale, who was watching from the wagon, raised an eyebrow with mild amusement. Wendy on the other hand was blushing while having stars in her eyes, cheering inwardly for Pepel's boldness.
"I knew there was something between them!" Wendy thought in excitement as she saw Ben wrap an arm around Pepel's waist and brought her closer as they continued their light lip lock.
When Pepel finally pulled away, her lips left his with feather-like softness and grace. Ben stood there blushing slightly as his heart was still pounding from the unexpected show of affection. Pepel's gaze was gentle yet firm. "Take care of yourself out there, Ben. And remember—you've got a family here in Cait Shelter."
Ben's grin softened into a warm, genuine smile. "I won't forget," he promised with his voice steady as he took in the moment, cherishing it wholeheartedly. He definitely had another reason to come back here now.
Roubaul, observing the scene, frowned slightly at Pepel's public display of affection but chose not to address it at the moment. Instead, he spoke with the reverence of a leader. "Until fate brings us together again. May the Great Spirits guide your path." He bowed his head and the rest of Cait Shelter followed suit. "Nabara."
Ben returned the gesture, bowing respectfully. "Nabara."
With that Ben loaded his belongings onto the merchant's wagon and took a seat beside Mr. Kale. With one last look shared between them, Ben knew he was leaving behind more than just friends. But in his heart, he knew that this wouldn't be the last time he'd see them.
The merchant tipped his hat to the gathered guild members. "Pleasure doing business with you, Cait Shelter." He cracked his whip, and the giant purple boar-like creature began to pull the wagon down the road.
"Safe travels, my friend!" Maguna called out.
"Try not to die out there." Carla added in her dry, sarcastic tone.
Wendy, filled with determination, shouted with all her heart, "I will get stronger Ben! I promise! I won't be a crybaby anymore!"
Carla, standing beside her, smiled warmly at Wendy's growth. "Thank you, Ben." she whispered softly to herself.
Ben leaned over the side of the wagon and shot a thumbs-up to the guild. His confident smirk was infectious. "I know you will, Wendy! Heck, I'm sure I'll read about you in the papers!"
Meanwhile Roubaul approached Pepel with a disapproving glance. "You know nothing can ever truly happen between you and him," he admonished quietly. "Why risk breaking the young man's heart?"
Pepel sighed as her smile was tinged with sadness. "I couldn't help myself… I am based on the original Pepel's personality am I not? Would she not have fallen for someone like him in your time?"
Roubaul closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. "Yes… she would have. He was her type." His voice was heavy with the weight of old memories.
"If it's any consolation Ben will have other opportunities, real ones out there." Pepel said, her voice laced with resignation.
"Perhaps." Roubaul mused, his tone softening. "Just don't forget why we're here."
"Of course, Master." Pepel nodded in understanding.
Unbeknownst to them, Wendy's sharp Dragon Slayer hearing picked up bits of their conversation. A bemused expression crossed her face. "What are they talking about?" she wondered.
As the wagon continued down the path, Mr. Kale turned to Ben with a curious expression. "Those folk back there they really do like you, don't they?"
Ben chuckled bashfully. "Yeah, I guess they do. It's mutual."
The merchant arched an eyebrow, sensing more behind Ben's words. "Why leave then? Cait Shelter's a nice place… though it is pretty remote. Can't blame you if you're looking for bigger things."
Ben's smile faded into a more serious expression. "I have a home out there somewhere. I have to find it."
Mr. Kale gave a slight nod of understanding. "Makes sense. HI-YAH!" He snapped the reins, urging the boar to pick up speed.
As the wagon rolled away, Ben's gaze drifted down the winding dirt road, lined with towering trees on either side. "I'm on my way." he thought. "Whoever's out there waiting for me… I'm coming home. Wherever that may be."
…
A/N: And that's a wrap for the "Shelter in the Woods" arc. From here, we will start Ben's journey into Fiore. I plan to upload the same chapters as before, though there will be some edits and rewrites in each one. So I wouldn't recommend just skipping them.
I also intend to add a new chapter before Ben makes it to Hargeon. I'll keep you fine readers in suspense for that one.
Credit to Masamune X23 for beta reading and his input into Vulkong and Attacat's names and designs.
Next chapter: Ben arrives in a small town where he saves a little girl from a flood and then comes face-to-face with Phantom Lord's rain woman, forming a unique bond with her.
As always, I do appreciate the support I've received. Please leave any comments or critique in the review box. Until next time!
