Chapter 2: A Shelter in the Woods, Part II
…
A Lost Hero's Fairytale
Chapter 2: A Shelter in the Woods
Part II
…
Ben inhaled deeply, savoring the cool, crisp morning air. The sun was just beginning to peek over the nearby mountain range, casting golden rays over the vast expanse of land. As he followed Wendy and Carla through the cotton field, he carried three large and empty baskets stacked together, their woven frames pressing lightly against his arms. Several members of the village walked behind him, each carrying baskets of their own.
With his old clothes beyond repair, Ben had been given a new set that matched the Cait Shelter tribe's distinct, Native American-inspired style. He wore a loose short-sleeved white shirt with black rims on the sleeves, a black band tied snugly around his waist, and knee-length tan pants. His brown sandals crunched softly against the earth as he walked, the simplicity of the outfit making it ideal for the summer heat. Though, he knew he'd need something warmer when winter rolled around—but that was a worry for another day.
For now, he had a task to focus on.
"Although we do use animal skins to make clothing, most of our weaving material comes from this cotton field," Wendy explained as they walked.
"Right. I've noticed you guys are pretty conservative when it comes to hunting and fishing," Ben replied.
Wendy smiled, nodding. "We only take what we need. And when we do kill something, it's our village's custom to use every part of the animal—for food, clothing, or building material."
Ben nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense, I can respect that."
Over a month had passed since Ben had found himself in the Cait Shelter community. His first day had been spent recovering his strength, lying in bed and regaining his stamina. But after some good meals and much-needed rest, he was back on his feet. Since then, he had thrown himself into helping wherever he could, whether it was fishing in the river, tilling the soil in the gardens, or chopping firewood.
The work was tough, and at times he struggled—his body still adjusting to the physical demands. But the villagers were patient and understanding, their tight-knit nature making it feel less like a chore and more like a communal effort.
Cait Shelter, as Ben learned, was more than just a village—it was a magical guild. Guilds, as Wendy had explained, were places where wizards and magic users could take on jobs, earning wages while helping others. Cait Shelter, however, was unique in that its focus wasn't on mercenary work or outside contracts. Instead, they specialized in textiles and clothing, bringing in most of their income through trade.
Recently, one of the town's merchants had requested a larger shipment of cotton and fabrics, offering more Jewels—the currency of the Fiore kingdom—in exchange. Chief Roubaul had accepted the deal immediately, explaining that the extra money would be useful for trading more goods and equipment. Though Ben had a sneaking suspicion the old man might splurge a little on extra booze, too.
Still, it was all hands-on deck to fulfill the merchant's order. That's why Ben found himself picking cotton early in the morning, following Wendy's lead. The merchant was expected to arrive in a few days, and they needed to have everything ready by then.
As the hours passed, Ben found himself lost in the monotony of the work. His fingers ached from plucking cotton and tossing it into the baskets, but the repetitive nature of the task allowed his mind to wander.
"Let's recap." He thought, his mind running over the last week. "I woke up in a creepy marsh with no memory of who I am or how I got there. Got thrown into a river by an overgrown monkey. Now I'm living in a tiny, remote village that's apparently a wizard guild… one that makes clothes."
He sighed inwardly, "And aside from my name and that weird dream... I still can't remember anything about myself."
That dream had lingered in his mind ever since. Was it just a dream? It had felt too vivid, too detailed. "Was it a memory?" he wondered. "And if it was… of what?" The watch that had clamped onto his arm in the dream—what was that? It looked sort of similar to the green gauntlet currently wrapped around his left arm.
Ben glanced down at the device. The hourglass dial and tubes still glowed with that faint yellow-green light. He had fiddled with it for days, twisting the dial, pressing buttons, trying to make sense of the beeps and whirrs it emitted. But it was useless, no answers came. Even showing it to the villagers including Roubaul hadn't helped. They had never seen anything like it before, leaving Ben just as baffled as when he first woke up.
"I won't get any answers here." He thought, frustrated. "But what should I do?"
A few hours later, the group had finished filling their baskets and started the trek back to the village. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting long shadows as they walked.
"Hey Ben!" Wendy's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts. She rushed up beside him, holding a smaller basket of cotton in both hands.
"Hi Wendy." Ben greeted her with a smile. "Good work today."
"Thanks!" She blushed slightly, her shy demeanor peeking through. "How're you feeling? You're not straining yourself, are you?"
Ben chuckled. "I'm fine. My muscles are still a little sore from all the work, but I'm adjusting."
"Do you need me to use my healing spell on you?" Wendy asked, her tone laced with concern.
He shook his head, smiling at her kindness. "Nah, I'll live. No pain no gain, right?"
"I suppose." Wendy smiled back, though she still seemed hesitant. She glanced down at the path for a moment before speaking again. "Um… I know we're all busy today, but… I was wondering if you'd like to come see me train my magic this evening?"
Ben blinked, caught off guard by the invitation. "Train her magic?" He smiled, feeling genuinely pleased by the request. "Sure, I'd love to. I don't have anything else going on, so why not?"
Since his arrival, Ben and Wendy had become good friends. She was always eager to help and share her knowledge about the village, magic, and the world beyond. Ben suspected that part of her excitement came from having someone closer to her age around, even though he was six years older. Maybe it was just her naturally kind personality, despite her shyness. Whatever the reason, Ben had grown to care for her deeply, admiring her compassionate nature. If he ever wanted a little sister—or if he had one, he couldn't remember—he'd hope she'd be like Wendy. She was so pure-hearted and thoughtful. There was something about those soft brown eyes, full of curiosity and warmth, that always lifted his spirits. To Ben, Wendy was like the closest thing to a little angel he could imagine.
"Child, you really don't need the distraction," Carla's sharp voice interjected, cutting through the moment.
Ben glanced at Wendy's companion. Carla the flying feline had been more aloof than anything. She wasn't hostile, but she kept her distance, always watching with a wary eye. Ben couldn't blame her—he was still a stranger with no memories. She had every right to be cautious.
"Don't be rude, Carla. Ben's not a distraction." Wendy's tone was soft but firm, standing up for him.
"I'm confused, though." Ben looked between them, curious. "How exactly do you train Healing Magic?"
"Healing is only one aspect of Wendy's magical capabilities," Carla explained, a hint pf pride creeping into her voice. "In fact, she's a Sky Dragon Slayer."
Ben arched a brow, the term unfamiliar to him. "Sky Dragon Slayer?" he repeated, his confusion evident.
…
Later that evening about half a mile outside the village Ben, Wendy, and Carla stood in a small clearing. Uprooted trees lay scattered across the ground, evidence of past training sessions.
"So, this is where you train?" Ben asked while glancing around.
"Mhmm," Wendy nodded. "Master Roubaul suggested I practice here. If I can blow these old trees out of the ground, they can be harvested and new trees can be planted."
"I get it. Training with a purpose."
Ben took a seat on a stump at the edge of the clearing as Wendy stepped forward, positioning herself. Carla stood a few meters away, her arms crossed, watching with her usual sharp gaze.
"So," Ben turned to Carla, trying to strike up a conversation with her. "What exactly does Sky Dragon Slayer magic do? I mean, aside from killing dragons?"
"In addition to healing, her magic allows her to control the air," Carla explained. "She can manipulate it into various spells for both offense and support."
"Seriously? That's pretty amazing."
Wendy widened her stance, taking a deep breath as her cheeks puffed out comically. "Sky Dragon's… ROAR!"
A powerful, tornado-like blast shot from her mouth, whipping through the clearing. The trees in its path bent under the force, and those closest to her were blown to the ground.
Ben's jaw dropped. "Whoa…" He stared at Wendy in awe. "That much power from someone so small…"
Carla huffed proudly. "Wendy may be young, but she's a very capable wizard."
"I'll say."
Wendy caught her breath, wiped sweat from her forehead and muttered. "Okay… again."
She inhaled deeply and unleashed another Roar spell, toppling more trees. She repeated the process several times, and by the time she was done, she had cleared nearly half an acre. Sweat dripped down her face as she panted, visibly tired but satisfied with the results.
"Uh…" Ben glanced at Carla with concern. "She's not going to push herself too hard, is she?"
Carla shook her head. "Dragon Slayers don't exhaust their magic reserves the same way as other wizards. They can restore their power by consuming their respective elements."
Ben's eyes widened. "Wait—so Wendy can just breathe in air and refill her magic?"
"More or less, yes," Carla said, sounding slightly annoyed by his outburst.
"That's… so awesome," Ben muttered, marveling at the idea.
Wendy continued demonstrating her various spells, her control over the wind impressive as she cleared more trees with ease. Ben watched her with admiration, occasionally asking Carla questions about Dragon slayer magic. Throughout it all, his mind kept drifting back to an odd image of a bipedal tortoise creature.
"That's… strange. Why would I think of that?" he wondered.
As the sun began to set, Wendy stopped and sighed. "I'm pooped. I just want to collapse into bed…"
"Absolutely not," Carla scolded, crossing her arms. "You need to clean up before you even think about lying down. You don't want to dirty your bed, do you?"
"Okay…" Wendy sighed, too tired to argue.
"Wendy." Ben spoke up, catching her attention. "Thanks for inviting me, your magic is incredible."
"Oh, c'mon," Wendy said, looking away shyly. "It's nothing special."
"Are you kidding?" Ben raised an eyebrow. "You can heal people and shoot tornadoes from your mouth! That's amazing!"
"I don't know…" Wendy mumbled, still looking uncertain. "I feel like I'm far behind everyone else."
Ben frowned, thinking of how to encourage her. "You should have more confidence in yourself, Wendy. It goes a long way."
"I agree," Carla chimed in. "You'll never grow if you keep doubting yourself."
"I know…" Wendy sighed, her voice soft.
Ben's expression brightened as an idea hit him. "Wendy, you told me only ten percent of people in this kingdom can use magic naturally, right?"
"Y-yeah…" Wendy nodded, unsure where he was going with this.
"And only a few of those can use Dragon Slayer magic?"
Carla nodded. "That's correct."
Ben grinned. "So, not many people can do what you do. Look at what you just did here." He pointed back to the training ground. "You're only twelve, and you can blow down entire trees with just your breath. Imagine how much stronger you'll get as you grow."
Wendy's lips curled into a small smile. "Y-yeah, maybe…"
"No 'maybe'." Ben said, his voice confident. "You will get stronger. You just have to believe it. I know I do."
Wendy gasped softly, her blue eyes widening in surprise.
"For what it's worth, coming from a guy with amnesia," Ben added with a grin, before glancing at Carla. "And I bet Carla feels the same way. That's why she nags you so much."
"I do not nag!" Carla snapped, a tick mark forming on her forehead.
Wendy looked at Ben for a moment, her expression softening. Then, without warning, she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you, Ben!" she said, beaming up at him.
Ben blinked in surprise, but gently returned the hug, resting his hands on her shoulders. "No need to thank me. I'm just happy to help."
As he glanced up, he caught Carla giving him a small smile—her first expression that wasn't a scowl or a neutral frown. She mouthed "thank you" and Ben nodded in acknowledgment. He didn't think he had done much, but if it helped, that was enough for him.
...
Ben sees himself standing in the middle of a small clearing in the woods. Wish a stick in hand, he was shoving it under the bulky watch trying to get it off. His attempts, however, proved fruitless when the stick broke off.
Groaning in aggravation, the young boy fell to his knees. Turning his attention on the peculiar device, he unknowingly pressed a green button on the side. He was caught off guard by an electronic beep and the dial popping up. Looking around to see no one around, he turned back to the watch as the hourglass symbol shifted into a diamond shape that had a black silhouette of a humanoid.
"Cool!" Intrigued, Ben pressed the faceplate back down.
Green light filled his vision as a surge of power coursed through him. He almost wanted to scream as he felt hot lava pour over him… but it didn't hurt. When the light died away, Ben was shocked to find that his hands had turned into flaming rocks. Taking one glance at himself, he was horrified that his entire body was literally made of rocks… and on fire!
"AAHHHH!"
…
Ben's emerald eyes shot open, and he immediately bolted upright from his sleeping bag. His heart raced as his frantic gaze swept over his hands, then down the rest of his body. He exhaled sharply when he saw that he was still flesh-and-blood—not fire and magma.
His breathing was erratic, sweat trickling down his face as the vivid memory of the dream lingered. He let out a shaky sigh and flopped back down, arms sprawled out against the sleeping bag. For several moments he just lay there, staring up at the teepee's roof and trying to calm his racing heart. The sounds of nocturnal wildlife filled the quiet night, grounding him a little.
After a few deep breaths, Ben lifted his left arm over his head, eyeing the striped sleeve he wore. Pepel had sewn it for him after he'd complained once about the gauntlet's glow keeping him awake. The sleeve patterned with green, white and black tribal designs stretched from his wrist to his elbow.
"Pepel's pretty nice," he thought.
Carefully, he pulled back the fabric, revealing the green gauntlet beneath. The hourglass dial and the four tubes were still glowing faintly yellow-green. Ben furrowed his brows. "It used to be bright green," he remembered. "It said something about rebooting and now it's stuck like this. What's the deal?"
He fiddled with the dial, hoping for answers, but all he got were more of those incomprehensible beeps and mechanical whirs.
"Ugh!" He groaned in frustration, pulling the sleeve back down to cover it again. "Seriously…Wish I could remember." His voice dropped to a mutter as his eyes fell shut again, the weight of his fragmented memories gnawing at him.
"That dream though…" Ben's thought circled back to it. "Was it a memory? When I touched that watch, I turned into some kind of fire creature." He bit his lip. "Could this gauntlet do the same thing?"
He lay there, considering the possibility. The questions swirled in his head, but answers eluded him and eventually he sighed heavily, closing his eyes tight. He decided he'd deal with it in the morning. Sleep tugged at him again and this time he let it win.
As Ben drifted off, the gauntlet on his arm beeped softly three times.
"System reboot progress… 80 percent complete."
…
Early the next morning, Ben stepped out of his teepee and began a series of stretches and light exercises. Weeks ago, the village had offered him a small teepee-like hut at the edge of town to stay in. Wendy and Pepel had both kindly offered space in their homes, but Ben had politely declined.
With Wendy, it was because Carla's glare had said everything: Don't even think about it. Ben wasn't in the mood to deal with the prissy feline.
As for Pepel, well… even with his amnesia, he knew he was still a hot-blooded eighteen-year-old. Staying with a beautiful, single woman who seemed close to his age? Best not to tempt fate.
After finishing his exercises, Ben headed to the village bathhouse to wash up before making his way to the guild hall.
Cait Shelter's guild hall was unlike anything he'd seen—it took the form of a large pavilion shaped like a cat's head. Stepping inside through the entrance, which resembled the cat's open mouth, Ben was greeted by wooden floors, fabric walls, and intricate decorations with patterns that celebrated the guild's connection to felines. Cat-shaped statues and ornaments were scattered around the hall.
A large spread of food lay on an ornamental rug in the center, with members of the guild sitting around it. Ben's eyes scanned the room and spotted Wendy, Maguna, and Pepel waving him over. Smiling, he walked over and took a seat between Wendy and Pepel.
He was a bit surprised to see that Pepel had removed her hood and mask, revealing her pretty face and long raven hair braided down her back. He wondered why she covered up at all—she was undeniably beautiful.
As the guild members exchanged friendly chatter, Ben glanced at the front of the hall. There was Roubaul, seated in his designated spot, taking generous swigs from a large jug of booze. Ben sweat-dropped at the sight. "Does that old man ever not drink?"
"Is something troubling you Ben?" Pepel's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Huh?" Ben turned his attention back to the group. "Oh, no, not really." But his gaze drifted to his left arm, and his thoughts returned to the strange dream from the night before. "Well, actually…there is something on my mind."
Wendy tilted her head, curious. "What is it? Did you remember something?"
"I think so." Ben replied slowly. "I had this really vivid dream last night. It felt so real."
Maguna leaned forward. "Why don't you tell us about it?"
Ben took a deep breath and did his best to explain the dream—how he touched a strange watch and transformed into a creature made of fire. By the time he finished, the group was left in stunned silence.
"That's… quite the dream," Maguna said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Yeah," Ben agreed while running a hand through his hair. "I can't make sense of it either."
"Perhaps it wasn't just a dream," Roubaul chimed in, capturing the group's attention. He took a long gulp from his drink before continuing, "It could be a vision."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "A vison? Like a memory?"
Roubaul nodded. "From the way you described it, the details seem too specific to be a regular dream."
Wendy's eyes widened. "So, it could be real? What do you think, Ben? Did any of it feel familiar?"
"I don't know," Ben sighed. "It's hard to tell what's real and what's just my mind playing tricks on me."
"Don't worry," Roubaul said, lifting his jug again. "Every journey begins with a single step. You might not reach your destination as quickly as you'd like, but you may find the journey itself is more meaningful."
Ben blinked. "… Wow. That was…actually kind of deep. Thanks, chief."
Roubaul nodded sagely, though the moment was quickly undercut by him taking another swig of booze, leaving Ben rolling his eyes in mild exasperation.
"If your dream is a memory," Pepel added, "then it could mean you have the ability to transform."
The word "transform" sent a spark through Ben's mind. "Transform?" he echoed as his curiosity was piqued.
"Ah, I get it. Maguna said with a grin. "Like that She-Devil from Fairy Tail we've heard about."
"She-Devil?" Ben frowned. "That doesn't sound good…"
"She's not evil." Pepel clarified his confusion. "At least from what we've heard from the rumors. She was a renowned mage who could transform into a demon. You might possess a magic similar to hers-Take-Over."
"Take-Over?" Ben repeated, now even more confused.
"It's a type of Caster Magic," Carla explained, delicately slicing through a piece of smoked fish. "It allows the user to 'take over' the abilities of another entity. In your case, it sounds like you might be able to take on the form and powers of a fire creature."
"Wow!" Wendy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That would be so cool! Ben, you'd be just like the Salamander from Fairy Tail! Maybe we can test it out later today?"
"I guess it's worth a try." Ben shrugged.
…
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the village as Ben walked alongside Maguna and a few other men, helping them carry nets full of fish caught from the river. The cool evening air mingled with the scent of fresh fish, and the chatter of the group filled the quiet space between them as they made their way to the open preparation area.
Maguna hefted his net onto the wooden counter, giving Ben a nod. "You're picking this up pretty fast, Ben. Ever scaled a fish before?"
Ben grinned, shaking his head. "Not until I came here, but it's not too hard once you get the hang of it."
The older man laughed and handed Ben a sheathed stone knife. "Here. Everyone should have a good knife. You can keep this one."
Ben blinked, taking the sheathed knife in his hand. "Seriously? Thanks man."
Maguna waved it off. "No problem. Just make sure you know how to use it." His tone was light but held a certain sense of responsibility, something Ben respected.
As Ben was about to get started, preparing to descale the fish, Wendy appeared, hurrying toward him with a smile on her face. "Hey, Ben!"
He looked up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hey Wendy."
She approached with a slight bounce in her step. "Are you free now? I was hoping we could head to the training grounds and work on your magic."
Ben hesitated, glancing at the men around him. "I don't know Wendy. We've still got all this fish to prepare—"
"Don't worry about it," Maguna interrupted, flashing Ben a grin. "We've got this covered. Go spend time with Wendy. You've been working hard all day."
Ben scratched the back of his neck, grateful but feeling slightly awkward. "You sure?"
"Absolutely." Maguna gave him a hearty clap on the back. "Go on. The fish will still be here when you get back. Hopefully, you won't have to transform into a fish creature after tonight, huh?"
Ben chuckled, sliding the sheathed knife into his pants pocket. "Alright, alright. Thanks man."
As Wendy led Ben away from the group, Carla appeared in her usual fashion, floating at head height. "I hope you're not having second thoughts." The feline said, arms crossed as her wings flapped lightly.
Ben sighed with a small grin. "I guess it doesn't hurt to try, but I still don't know how I'm supposed to transform."
"You won't know until you give it a shot." Wendy encouraged as they made their way toward the training grounds. The trees around them grew denser, the sounds of the village fading behind them as the clearing came into view. "We're going to help you rediscover your magic, Ben!"
He appreciated her enthusiasm, even if he still felt unsure. He thought back to the dream again, the vivid image of his body engulfed in flames. It still felt unreal.
When they reached the training grounds, the same open space where Wendy had demonstrated her Dragon Slayer magic, Ben took a deep breath. The clearing was quiet, the soft rustling of leaves the only sound in the still evening air. He glanced at Wendy, who stood with her hands clasped in front of her, eyes wide with anticipation.
"Alright." Ben said, rolling his shoulders. "What's the plan?"
Wendy stepped forward, her face lighting up with determination. "First, you need to focus on that feeling from your dream—the moment you transformed. It's all about finding that connection inside you."
"Right…" Ben muttered. He closed his eyes, trying to visualize the moment. He remembered the strange watch snapping onto his wrist, the surge of energy, the intense heat. It was there, but distant—like trying to grab smoke.
"You've got this, Ben!" Wendy encouraged, her voice full of optimism.
He tensed, concentrating harder, willing the transformation to happen. But nothing—no warmth, no change. He opened his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "Nothing. I don't feel anything."
Carla floated nearby, her expression serious. "Don't force it. Magic isn't something you can make happen through sheer will. It has to flow naturally."
"She's right," Wendy said, her tone gentle. "Try to relax. Don't overthink it."
Ben nodded, shutting his eyes again, this time focusing on calming his mind instead of forcing the transformation. He took a deep breath, remembering the warmth from his dream, the fire coursing through him.
This time, he felt something—faint, but there—stirring in his core.
"I… I think I feel something," Ben said, his voice hesitant.
Wendy's eyes lit up. "Really? That's great!"
Carla, too, was watching with growing interest, her sharp gaze fixed on Ben.
"What do I do now?" Ben asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"Don't push it!" Wendy cut in quickly, her voice firm but encouraging. "Just let it happen naturally."
Ben followed her advice, keeping himself calm as the sensation in his core traveled upward. It moved from his stomach and began rising toward his throat, until—
BBUUUUUUURP!
A long, loud burp escaped Ben's mouth, echoing across the clearing.
A brief, stunned silence fell over the group. Ben awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, an embarrassed laugh slipping out. "Uh… false alarm."
Wendy stifled a giggle, while Carla sighed in exasperation, folding her arms. "Boys."
…
After many more failed attempts, the group finally decided to call it quits for the evening. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The soft evening light filtered through the trees, and the air was cool as the trio made their way back toward the village.
"Don't be too hard on yourself Ben." Wendy said, glancing over at him with a smile. "You did your best today."
"Yeah, I guess…" Ben mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. He appreciated Wendy's optimism, but he couldn't help feeling frustrated. "Sorry, I feel like I wasted your time though."
Wendy shook her head, smiling brightly. "You didn't!" Her expression turned thoughtful. "You just need more time. Magic isn't something you can always master right away. It takes practice."
"Or." Carla interjected as her tone was its usual sharp but not unkind. "It's possible you don't have Take-Over magic at all. Perhaps your abilities lie elsewhere."
Ben fell silent, his eyes drifting down to the gauntlet attached to his wrist. The green hourglass dial stared back at him, glowing faintly. It looked so much like the watch from his dream—yet it wasn't the same.
"Could this be the key?" he wondered.
Before he could dwell on it further, his thoughts were interrupted as they reached the village. The warm glow of lanterns welcomed them back and standing at the entrance was Pepel, waiting patiently. She waved at them with a soft smile.
"How did the training go?" she asked as they approached.
Wendy's expression brightened slightly, though she shot a glance at Ben. "Well, we trained but nothing happened today. Maybe next time."
Pepel nodded, her gaze shifting to Ben. "That's alright. Sometimes these things take time." Her expression softened as she looked at him. "Ben, do you think you could follow me to my house? There's something I need to show you."
Ben blinked, caught off guard by the request. "Uh… sure," he replied, sounding confused but curios. "I guess."
Wendy looked at them both, her curiosity piqued. "What for?" she asked, but Pepel only smiled.
"It's a private matter," Pepel replied calmly. "But don't worry. We won't be long."
Ben shrugged, giving Wendy and Carla a small wave. "Good night, Wendy, Carla. I'll catch up with you tomorrow."
Wendy waved back with a smile. "Good night, Ben! See you tomorrow!"
As Ben followed Pepel down the main stone pathway, Wendy's brows furrowed with curiosity. "I wonder what Pepel wants with Ben?" She murmured to herself, her eyes lingering on the two as they walked further away.
Carla, ever watchful, narrowed her gaze at Pepel. "I have my suspicions," she said sharply, her voice filled with a note a skepticism.
Before Wendy could ask Carla what she meant, the sound of laughter caught their attention. Maguna and a few of the men from the village, freshly cleaned up after descaling the fish, approached with wide grins. Maguna, still carrying a towel slung over his shoulder, raised an eyebrow as he noticed Ben walking off with Pepel.
"Hey there, how'd the training go with Ben?" Maguna asked with a chuckle, glancing at Wendy and Carla.
"It could have gone better," Carla answered bluntly, her arms crossed.
Wendy added, "Ben just needs to learn what it means to draw out one's magic. That's all."
Maguna nodded in understanding. Noticing Ben and Pepel walking together down the road, a knowing grin crossed his face. "Heh. Wonder where those two are headed together?"
"Pepel's been spending a lot of time with the new guy," another man chimed in, stepping up beside Maguna. He was dressed in maroon pants and a dark green vest, open at the front, with a small tree sprouting from the top of his head like a strange hat.
From a nearby hut, an old, hunched-back woman stepped out, her voice raspy with age. "I heard she offered to let him stay at her house," she muttered, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Hmph… the shame!"
"Ah, let 'em be," another middle-aged woman said, dismissing the gossip with a wave of her hand. She was sitting on the steps of her home, watching the scene with a tired but amused expression. "They're not hurting anyone. Besides, he's a nice young man."
Wendy listened carefully to the conversation unfolding around her, her eyes widening with each comment. She glanced back at Ben and Pepel walking together, their figures disappearing down the main street. A thought struck her like lighting, and her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Wait… Are Ben and Pepel… dating?!"
Her brown eyes sparkled with delight as the idea took root.
Carla, catching the excitement radiating off Wendy, sighed and shook her head. "Child, let's get a move on. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow, and I won't have you wasting time on silly gossip."
But Wendy was already too caught up in her imagination. Her curiosity overwhelmed her, and before she could stop herself, she took off running down the street after Ben and Pepel.
"Wendy!" Carla's voice called out, but the bluenette was too far gone to listen. Carla let out a frustrated sigh before activating her wings. With a single flap she was airborne and flying after Wendy with a scowl on her face. The girl was too young to be taking an interest in things such as romance. The last thing she wanted was Wendy catching the sight of those two doing anything far too mature for her innocent eyes to beheld.
Wendy ran as fast as her legs could carry her, her heart pounding with excitement. "I have to know!" she thought, a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm propelling her forward. Her eyes were glued to the pair in the distance, who were casually walking and talking, oblivious to her approach.
Carla, catching up quickly, flew down to Wendy's side. "Honestly, child, what do you think you're doing?" she huffed, struggling to keep pace with Wendy's stubborn determination.
"I just need to check something, Carla!" Wendy said breathlessly, her focus unwavering. "Just a peek… that's all!"
…
As Ben and Pepel continued down the path, the quiet between them was broken only by the soft sounds of their footsteps. Ben glanced over at Pepel, her hood and veil gently swaying with her movements. Something that had been on his mind for a while finally bubbled up to the surface, and decided to ask.
"Can I ask you something, Pepel?"
She turned to him, her violet eyes peeking out from beneath her veil. "What's on your mind?"
Ben hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Why do you wear that hood and veil? I've noticed that not many other women in the guild wear one. Does it have some special meaning?"
Pepel's gaze softened, and she smiled gently. "Oh, that? It's traditional for women—especially single women—to publicly wear headcovers in our village. Of course, it's not mandatory, which is why you see some women choosing not to."
Ben didn't miss the way she emphasized the word single, and he felt his heart skip a beat. "I-I see," he stammered. "But if that's the case, how come you decide to wear it?"
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Why do you wish to know?"
Ben shrugged, tying to sound casual despite the nervousness creeping up on him. "I just think you look better without it. That's all. Your face is… well, it's pretty."
From her hiding spot behind a hanging rug nearby, Wendy overheard Ben's comment with her sharp hearing. Her brown eyes lit up, and she squealed softly to herself. "Oh wow! That was so romantic, Ben!"
Even Carla, crouched next to Wendy with her arms crossed, had to admit—albeit silently—it was a smooth line. "Hmph, not bad."
Pepel's smile turned sly, a playful spark in her eyes. "Oh? Is that so?" she teased, placing a hand lightly on her cheek.
Ben looked away, feeling his face heat up. "Um… y-yeah, well… yeah," he muttered, completely flustered.
"And just like that, not so smooth." Carla remarked inwardly, shaking her head.
Pepel giggled, clearly enjoying Ben's awkwardness. "You're adorable, Ben." His blush deepened, his eyes darting anywhere but at her. "To answer your question though," she continued, her tone softening. "I wear my headcover publicly for one reason." Her violet eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, the air felt heavy between them. "I'd like to reveal my face fully when I find my special someone." She gave him a playful wink.
"Oh…" Ben slowed his pace as her words sank in, his blush intensifying. "I… get it."
Pepel took a few more steps ahead, her veil fluttering in the breeze. She turned and smiled back at him. "Coming?"
"Y-yeah," Ben mumbled, trying to shake off his flustered state as he caught up.
Unbeknownst to them, Wendy and Carla were trailing closely behind, their curiosity keeping them glued to the scene. Wendy's face was alight with excitement as she and Carla sneakily walked around Pepel's house. They crouched down beneath an open window, peeking in from just below the sill.
"I can't believe this!" Wendy whispered, practically vibrating with excitement, "Ben and Pepel… is this really happening?" Her mind was running with many possible thoughts on the two. Did they have feelings for each other? Have they gone on dates in secret? Were they going to get married? Was Ben going to join the guild through marriage with Pepel? Could she be the flower girl of said wedding? Would she be the one to catch the bouquet when Pepel threw it? So many questions she didn't know where to start.
Carla, more skeptical but still intrigued, rolled her eyes. "Child, you really shouldn't be snooping on- "
Wendy hushed Carla with a wave of her hand, her attention fixed entirely on the unfolding scene inside the house. Carla was actually a bit surprised by Wendy's sudden unyieldingness. Usually, the girl is so compliant with others but not right now apparently. If only the girl could implore this same thing with her confidence.
As Pepel and Ben stepped inside her cozy home, now shielded from the public eye, she pulled down her hood and veil, revealing her smooth porcelain face and the cascade of onyx-black hair that framed it. In the soft glow of the lanterns, her features seemed to radiate a quite elegance. Ben gulped, feeling a sudden warmth spread across his cheeks as he admired her mature beauty.
"Seriously, how is she still single?" he wondered, his thoughts racing as he tried to keep his composure.
Ben followed her into a small room adorned with ornamental rugs, clothing, and fabric-making supplies neatly arranged along the walls. The room smelled faintly of lavender and fresh cotton.
"So, what did you want to show me?" Ben asked, curiosity piqued.
Pepel stepped over to a table covered in various supplies and carefully pulled out something familiar. "This." She said unfolding his green leather jacket and holding it up for him to see. The grime and dirt had been cleaned off, and some of the smaller tears had been stitched up. While the jacket was still for from fully restored, it looked significantly better than it had before.
"It's still in rough shape. Progress has been slow. Truthfully, it may take some time before I finish. The stitching is quite… unique." Pepel admitted. "I've never worked with anything like it before."
Ben felt a pang of disappointment but quickly shook it off. He knew the jacket was important, though the reasons were still shrouded in mystery. "I understand," he said, his voice soft but appreciative. "I'm just grateful you're taking the time to try and fix it."
Pepel studied his expression for a moment, then nodded. "This jacket holds special meaning to you, doesn't it?"
Ben's gaze lingered on the jacket, his thoughts swirling. "Yeah," he admitted, a wistful tone in his voice. "I don't know why, but it does. I just… feel it."
A determined glint flickered in Pepel's eyes as she clenched her fist. "Then I will do everything in my power to bring it back to life!"
Ben blinked, surprised by her sudden burst of enthusiasm, but her sincerity made him smile. "Thank you, Pepel. That means a lot to me."
Pepel's beaming smile softened, her lavender eyes practically glowing with warmth. A comfortable silence settled between them, each taking a quiet moment to reflect.
Outside Wendy who was crouched beneath the window could barely contain her giddy excitement, biting her lip to keep from squealing out loud. Carla on the other hand stood next to her rolling her eyes in silent exasperation.
Ben cleared his throat, breaking the silence inside the house. "So, um… was there anything else?" he asked sheepishly, a slight flush creeping across his cheeks.
Pepel's cheeks reddened faintly as she handed over two small items, previously hidden beneath folded fabric. "I found these tucked inside an interior pocket of your jacket." She offered the items to Ben with a soft smile. "Apologies for not giving them to you sooner."
Unfolding the cloth, Ben saw a peculiar green rectangular device that fit snugly in his hand, along with a black wallet. Both items felt oddly familiar. He tapped the green device a few times, but it remained unresponsive. "Maybe being submerged in water ruined it?" he mused. With a sigh, he stuffed the device into his pants pocket and shifted his attention to the wallet.
Wait… wallets usually have ID in them, right?
"Did you… look inside this?" Ben asked, holding up the wallet with curiosity in his voice.
Pepel shook her head, her eyes soft with sincerity. "No, I wanted to respect your privacy."
Ben gave a small nod of appreciation before unfolding the wallet. Inside, he found a few crumpled green pieces of paper. His eyes quickly scanned the intricate designs and large-front words: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR. The number 1 appeared in each corner of the bill, and in the center was the head of an old man with the name "Washington" in a small banner beneath.
"Hold on…" Ben furrowed his brows. "I think I recognize this… it's money."
"Hey," he said, pulling out one of the bills, "have you ever seen currency like this before?"
Pepel took the bill and examined it closely, her brow creased in thought. "No. I've never seen money like this."
"The United States of America…" Ben read aloud; the words unfamiliar yet stirring something deep in his memory. "Is that the country I'm from?"
"I've never heard of it." Pepel replied, handing the bill back to him with a thoughtful look.
Ben rummaged through the wallet and pulled out several rectangular cards. They all seemed familiar, but the meaning behind them eluded him. One card however caught his eye. It had his headshot on one side, accompanied by a signature he assumed was his own. The words NEW YORK STATE and Diver License were printed at the top.
Before he could fully process what a driver's license meant, his eyes locked onto a specific line of text beneath his picture:
1051 Roswell Lane Bellwood, NY XXXXX
"Bellwood… Bellwood… Bellwood…" Ben repeated the name under his breath, his heart pounding as something deep within his mind clicked. His eyes shot wide open in shock as fragments of his memory started to surface.
Images of towering buildings, houses, and cars flickered through Ben's mind. He could even picture a building with a sign out front—an anthropomorphic grey cup with a red straw. It all felt strangely vivid, like pieces of a puzzle snapping into place.
"Ben? Is something wrong?" Pepel's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone filled with concern.
"I… I remember," Ben murmured, his voice soft but full of awe.
Pepel blinked in confusion. "Pardon?"
"I remember where I'm from." he clarified, his voice growing steadier. "My village, or… I guess it's more like a city. Bellwood, in a place called New York, in a country called the United States."
Pepel's eyes lit up with excitement as she clasped her hands together. "That's wonderful, Ben! Do you remember anything else? Maybe your family or friends?"
Ben shook his head, a touch of frustration in his expression. "No, nothing specific yet. But…" He smiled, the weight of uncertainty lifting from his shoulders. "… I finally have a starting point." He looked down at his driver's license again, the address standing out like a beacon of hope. "When I leave here, I'll know what to look for."
Pepel's face faltered, her excitement dimming. "When you leave?" she echoed, her voice softer now.
Ben looked at her, raising an eyebrow as if it were obvious. "Yeah. Now that I know where my home is, I can start trying to find it."
Pepel's gaze dropped, her hands fidgeting slightly. "Of course… That makes sense. When do you plan on leaving?"
"As soon as I can," Ben replied, the decision sounding final. "The merchant's coming in three days, right? Maybe I can hitch a ride with them to the nearest town. From there, I'll figure out a way to get back home."
"I see…" Her voice trailed off, a quiet sadness creeping in. She tried to mask it, but Ben noticed her frown.
He hesitated, unsure of why she seemed so down. Before he could ask, she looked back up at him, forcing a soft smile. "I'm happy for you, Ben. Maybe once your home, more of your memories will come back."
"That's the hope," he agreed, though the excitement of his discovery was tempered by the shift in her mood.
Pepel smiled again, though it didn't reach her eyes. "We'll… I'll miss you around here. The guild won't by the same without you."
Ben gave her a small, grateful nod. "I'll miss you guys too." He paused before adding, "I'll let the others know at breakfast tomorrow. Might as well get it out there and rip the band aid-off."
Outside Pepel's house, beneath the open window, Wendy and Carla had been eavesdropping intently on the conversation inside. The soft glow from the lanterns inside cast long shadows around the house as the last light of day faded into the deep hues of night.
"So, he'll be leaving soon?" Carla remarked, closing her eyes thoughtfully. "Well… at least he remembered where his home is. Hopefully, he finds his friends and family too. Come now Wendy, we need to get to—"
The white feline stopped mid-sentence when she noticed Wendy's expression. The young Sky Dragon Slayer's eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her lower lip trembling as she sniffled softly.
"W-Wendy?" Carla's voice softened with concern.
But Wendy couldn't hold back anymore. The realization that Ben was leaving and likely for good, hit her all at once. Without a word, she stood up abruptly, her heart pounding and bolted away from the house, sprinting down the village path.
"Wendy!" Carla exclaimed, alarmed. Her wings flared out as she summoned her angelic wings and quickly flew after her. "Wendy stop!"
But Wendy didn't listen. She ran through the village, her legs pumping as fast as they could carry her and ignoring Carla's shouts. She dashed past homes and guild members until she crossed the village boundary and disappeared into the dark forest beyond.
Realizing that Wendy wasn't going to stop, Carla swooped down, catching up with her in a blur. She grasped the back of Wendy's work dress, lifting her off the ground with a determined scowl.
"C-Carla?! Let me go!" Wendy screamed while kicking her legs in the air, her voice strained with raw emotion.
"Not until you listen to me child!" Carla shouted angrily, her voice sharp and commanding. "What has gotten into you!?"
Wendy stubbornly turned her face away, trying to hide the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Just… just leave me alone Carla." she muttered, her voice quivering with sadness.
Carla hovered in the air, her grip on Wendy loosening slightly as realization dawned on her. The pieces clicked into place in her mind, and she softened her approach, lowering Wendy gently to the ground. "Wendy…" her tone became quieter. "Are you upset that Ben is leaving?"
Wendy didn't respond, the silence stretching between them like a heavy weight.
"Ah, so that is the reason." Carla thought to herself, understanding now.
Carla sighed, her wings folding as she took a moment to choose her next words. "I see. Tell me Wendy,' she began, her vice tinged with gentle reason, "did you really believe he was going to settle down and join the guild?"
"…Maybe?" Wendy replied weakly, her voice barely a whisper.
"Wendy…" Carla's voice softened even more, but before she could say anything further, Wendy cut her off.
"I know it sounds silly," Wendy said, her voice trembling. "But Ben's the first friend I've made with someone close to my age since I've been here. And… he really reminds me of him."
"Him?" Carla asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Wendy hesitated, her eyes distant as she stared at the ground. "It's… a long story. I'd rather not talk about it right now." She was already feeling sad and didn't want to revisit another unhappy memory.
Carla studied her for a long moment, respecting her privacy. "Fine," she said quietly. "But we need to talk about Ben. Yes, he's a nice boy and I understand you've grown attached to him. But you heard what he said—he's a foreigner. He has his own country, his own village and presumably his own family and friends waiting for him. Don't you think it would be selfish to expect him to stay here?"
Wendy's shoulders slumped, the weight of Carla's words sinking in. She sniffled, tears spilling down her cheeks as she lowered her head. "I… I know you're right, Carla. I know he needs to go home, but… I can't help how I feel."
Carla's heart softened, a pang of empathy rising in her chest as she watched Wendy struggle with her emotions. "Oh, Wendy…" she thought, feeling for the young girl who was still so new to friendship and connections.
As the two stood in the quiet of the forest, the moon cast a faint silver glow over the trees, the air still and heavy with the silence of the night. They remained unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Hidden behind a thick tree, a large, hairy figure watched them carefully, its eyes gleaming with malicious intent. The creature's lips curled into a wicked grin as it peeked out from behind the trunk, watching the two girls with predatory focus.
Before Carla could offer more comfort to Wendy, a sudden rustling in the trees behind them made her ears twitch. She barely had time to react before a massive, furry hand swung out from the shadows, catching a brief glimpse of the beast before being backhanded with terrifying force.
Carla let out a sharp yelp, before being flung through the air, crashing into the underbrush. Her small body lay motionless on the forest floor, unmoving.
"Carla!?" Wendy gasped. Her heart pounding in her chest as she froze in place, wide-eyed with fear. Her tear-filled gaze locked onto the massive figure looming above her. It was a Vulcan—the same one from the day before—its thick green fur bristling in the moonlight, the pink hearts on its arms standing out. Its eyes gleamed with savage intent as it towered over her, casting a long shadow across the forest floor.
Wendy trembled, her entire body paralyzed as terror took hold. She wanted to scream, to run but her legs refused to move and her voice was caught in her throat. She stared up at the Vulcan helplessly.
The Beast's mouth twisted into a grotesque grin, its jagged teeth glinting in the dim light. "Woman." it grumbled, its deep gravelly voice sending a shiver down Wendy's spine.
Her heart pounded wildly in her ears as she struggled to move, to cry out, but her body wouldn't obey. Her breath came in shallow, panicked gasps as the Vulcan's massive had reached out toward her.
The world around her blurred as the creature's hand closed in. Wendy's vision darkened and the last thing she saw was the Vulcan's terrifying grin before everything faded into blackness.
…
The next morning, Ben walked through the village's stone plaza, the early sunlight filtering through the trees and casting long shadows on the ground. His thoughts were heavy as he prepared for the difficult conversation he would soon have with the guild—telling them he'd be leaving in three days with the merchant. Sleep had eluded him the night before, his mind racing as he tried to figure out the right words. He was especially concerned with how Wendy may take the news.
Suddenly, his musings were interrupted by a frantic cry from above.
"HELP! HELP! Oh please, help!"
Ben's heart lurched in his chest. That sounds like Carla? He followed the voice, looking up to see Carla flying toward the village, her white wings beating frantically.
The sight of her panicked expression and disheveled appearance made his stomach drop. Her fur was ruffled, and her clothes were torn in places, clear signs of a struggle.
"Everyone, we have an emergency!" she shouted, hovering above the plaza, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"Carla!" Ben called out, worry tightening in his chest as he ran toward her. "What's going on?"
Carla's voice trembled as she cried out, "It's Wendy! She's been kidnapped by a Vulcan!"
Ben felt the breath leave his lungs as he dropped the basket he had been carrying, his eyes widening in shook. "Wendy… kidnapped?" The words echoed in his head, almost too terrible to process.
The plaza erupted into concerned murmurs and angry shouts as the gathered guild members reacted to the news. Fear and fury mingled in their expressions as they turned toward the source of the announcement.
"What's this about Wendy being kidnapped?" A stern voice cut through the chaos. All eyes turned toward the guild hall as Roubaul stepped out, his face grave.
Carla pointed behind her, her wings flapping restlessly. "Last night, we were in the forest… and a Vulcan ambushed us! It knocked me out and when I woke up, Wendy was gone!"
Roubaul stepped forward with authority. "Everyone, stop what you're doing and head to the forest! Spread out and search for Wendy! A few of you stay behind in case she manages to escape and return to the village!"
The guild members didn't hesitate. Weapons in hand—mostly spears—they rushed toward the forest, their expressions set with determination.
Ben immediately ran to Roubaul. "Look, I know I'm not a guild member, but please let me help. Wendy's my friend!"
Roubaul studied Ben for a moment, the fire in Ben's eyes clear. He didn't need to think twice. "Very well! Every set of eyes is needed."
Nodding, Ben turned toward Carla, who was on the ground, sobbing in shame. He knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Carla! Hey, listen—"
"What do you want?!" Carla snapped, her voice full of anger and guilt.
Ben flinched at her hostility but pressed on. "Look, I know you're upset, but we need to work together—"
"Of course I'm upset!" Carla shouted, her eyes red and puffy. "Wendy was kidnapped because of you!"
Ben's face twisted in confusion and shock. "Me? How is this my fault?"
Carla's voice cracked as she glared at him. "She ran off after she heard you were planning to leave!"
The accusation hit Ben like a punch. It took him a moment to process what Carla had said, but then anger flashed in his eyes. "Wait… Were you spying on me and Pepel last night?"
Carla opened her mouth to retort but hesitated, realizing Ben had a point. She stammered, "I-I tried to tell Wendy she shouldn't be snooping, but—"
Ben's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "We can talk about that later. Right now, we need to focus on saving Wendy. What did the Vulcan look like?"
Carla sniffled, still trying to regain her composure. "I-I didn't get a good look at it before it knocked me out," she admitted, her voice trembling. "But… I remember it had green fur, and…" She hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing as she recalled a bizarre detail. "… pink hearts on its arms."
Ben's eyes widened as he immediately connected the dots. "Green fur… pink hearts?" he muttered, his mind racing. The image of the creature that had attacked him flashed vividly in his memory—the same Vulcan that had tossed him into the river. It's him.
"It's the same one," Ben said with a grim tone, his fists clenching. "The same Vulcan that attacked me. It must've taken Wendy."
Carla's eyes widened in shook. "The same one? Are you sure?"
Ben nodded, his face set with determination. "There's no doubt. That sick monkeys got her. But that also means I know where it might have taken her," he said, his voice steady, masking the growing sense of urgency inside him.
Carla wiped her tear-streaked face, her wings fluttering in agitation. "We need to go search for her right now!"
"Wait," Ben stopped her, his hand gently gripping her arm. "Flying around without a plan won't help. If it's the same Vulcan, I think I know where its territory is—or at least where it's headed."
Carla's brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?" Her voice still trembled, but she was listening closely now, clinging to Ben's calm.
"Before it threw me into the river," Ben explained, "it said I was trespassing on its territory. My guess is it's taken Wendy back there."
Carla's expression twisted with uncertainty. "How can you be so sure? We don't have time to make assumptions—we need facts!"
Ben's eyes blazed with determination as he met her gaze. "Do you have a better plan? Everyone else is searching blindly, but this is something concrete. We need to start somewhere and this is our best shot."
Carla bit her lip, her mind racing. The forest stretched endlessly around them, vast and indistinct—finding Wendy quickly seemed almost impossible. But Ben had a point. Without a better plan, searching the massive expanse of the Worth Woodsea was a fool's errand.
"But how will you recognize the Vulcan's territory?" she asked, her voice softening. "Everything looks the same out there."
"I'll know it when I see it," Ben said, the confidence in his voice unshakable. He took a step closer to Carla, his tone firm but imploring. "I know you don't trust me right now, but we can't waste time. I need your help to get there. Please, Carla… let's save Wendy together."
Carla hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Ben's resolve was clear and though she still harbored doubts, his determination was enough to move her. The odds were against them, but doing nothing wasn't an option. She exhaled deeply and folded her wings momentarily, giving him a nod.
"Fine." she said at last, her voice steadying. "We'll do it your way."
A wave of relief washed over Ben, and he gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Carla."
Summoning her wings once more, Carla grabbed the back of Ben's shirt, her grip firm as she ascended into the sky. She struggled a bit under his weight, muttering, "You're… heavier than I expected."
"Geez, thanks," Ben muttered while sweat-dropping as he held on tightly.
Once they were high enough, Carla banked toward the river, flying upstream, her wings beating powerfully as they followed Ben's directions. Below them, the trees blurred into a green sea, the river gleaming faintly in the morning light.
From the guild hall, Roubaul stood watching them disappear into the distance, his expression somber. His thoughts drifted back to the day Wendy had arrived in the village, brought by a mysterious blue-haired boy—a day that had changed everything. He whispered under his breath, a prayer carried in the wind. "Please, bring Wendy back safely…"
As they flew higher, the wind whipping through his hair, Ben narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding with determination. "Just hang on Wendy. We're coming."
…
A/N: Phew, finally got this one out. Sorry about the wait everyone. I would have had this out sooner, but work has been keeping me busy. Then, I had to go back to the last chapter to fix a couple of spelling and grammar mistakes (thank you again Dooder765 for bringing that up). When I finally got started with this chapter, I ended up catching a cold, so I had to spend some time getting better.
But enough about that, I want to thank everyone who liked and reviewed this story. I was a little nervous at first, but I am happy that you are all giving me a chance. Currently, I am rewriting all of this manually to get a better idea on how I want this story to go. So, it might take me a little bit of time.
Anyway, on the next chapter, I do plan on revealing a few things to expect in the future. I'll try and get that out a little faster this time. Until then, I hope you all have a fantastic day.
This is MatManoftheUniverse, over and out.