"Come on! Come on! Come on!" Larishazza excitedly chanted while she also bounced about with no restraint. Not even her sister did anything to impede her so this must've been quite the something.

"Alright, calm down." I tell her as I step away from the table after putting down the tablet I was reading.

"What's all this noise about!?" Vadei asks us with a clear display of irritation. All I could was shrug at her as Larishazza just kept on hopping about.

"They coming or not?" Einervaene then surprisingly asks as she comes in shortly after.

"Okay, now I am most certainly coming." I chuff before putting on my mask and hat.

"If you are going, I suppose I am too." Rose sighs as she gets up and then sits on the table. Her pointed tips gestured at me while she also dangled her tubes. She clearly wanted me to put them on. Yet, I was not held back if I didn't.

"Come on, then." I snicker as I walk out the door without so much as stepping near her.

"My love!" I heard her strop before she then came stomping out with them all secured.

"So what is it you wanted to show us?" I ask before a bundle of metal things were shown off.

"We got invites to the Victor's Party!" Larishazza answers as she dances about with our tickets.

"Even me...?" I ask slowly before I am then given the answer. These metal tickets all had our names on and I did indeed have one. Which, surprised me quite a bit. This felt like a dream...

Even if I wasn't one for parties. It just felt so unreal to actually get something like this. So, now I was quite curious as to how I was even given this. Did a machine make these or something...?

"Why do we need these?" Quinshuu asks as he played with its reflection. Something he used to great effect once he turned it on Larishazza's noisy direction.

"To take the tram to the site." Tiyanat answers before she starts to giggle at Larishazza's suffering. And, eventually, I blocked the light with my claw just so there would be some peace and quiet.

"An off-site party?" Vadei says as the strokes her tail in a ponderous manner.

"Any idea where it is?" I ask as I have never actually taken the strange trains they have going into this place.

"Very far south." Einervaene vaguely answers before she suddenly rushes off upstairs.

"What was that about...?" I ask in confusion before my ticket is suddenly shoved into my face.

"THE DEPARTURE TIME IS SOON! WE NEED TO GET READY!" Larishazza screams in my face like a child in the final moments of a sweet shop.

"WHY DO YOU TELL US NOW!?" I ask back with equal force. And, I was only met by an embarrassed smile.

"I forgot." she giggles before she and everyone else suddenly vanished.

"I guess I am fine, then." I shrug before I decide to go for a walk to where ever this train station was. Rather thankfully as well, the academy was now plastered with directions. And many were clearly on their way. Yet, the more I saw, the more I felt my confusion go away.

Our house did not win the Inter-House, yet, there were quite a few people dressed and ready for a party. So, that could only mean it was an event where everyone got an invitation regardless of if they won or not. Which, went a long way in explaining my ticket. There was no way I was getting in if a person was handing them out...

Actually, they might still try to stop me at the entrance... Wherever it is given we need to take a train. Suppose that could be amusing, having them throw me off of a high-speed vehicle. I'd certainly like to see them try!

"Ah! My friend, walking on our own, are we?" Omb says as he quickly catches up with me after chatting away with some blushing girls.

"Hello again, Muscleman." I greet as I look at his puffy trousers and chest-exposing vest.

"Not got anything to wear?" he asks me after he finishes laughing at his nickname.

"Never had the encouragement too." I shrug before he suddenly stops me.

"That simply won't do, come, back to our place of rest. The nervous beauty will make you something." he says to me as he starts to pat me back to the dorm.

"It's a bit late to ask Einervaene to make me something, no?" I ask him, to which he only laughed.

"My friend, you do not grasp how long our journey will be." he chuckles before we walk into a hectic mess full of panicking women. Surprisingly, as well, Quinshuu was going all over the place too. Yet, he seemed to be preparing for an excursion into the wilderness more than anything.

"Move." he hastily demanded before he loudly sang into the open air. Then, all of a sudden, the sound of hooves filled my ears and something skidded to a halt before our dorm.

"What is that...?" I ask as I stare at the creature that looked like a cloud.

"Luhki." Quinshuu answers as he starts to dress up this creature.

"Lucky?" I repeat as I realise it is his pet or something. Which, made me interested. Always did want a pet. But I could never have one back at Tobaballe due to my low status.

"Yes, now, I must head out before you. Save me the strongest liquor you have!" he says before he flawlessly mounts the creature. A prideful neigh then is simply roared out of the creature before he suddenly gallops away.

"I think he just wants an excuse to ride her." Omb comments before he brings me back into the dorm.

"Will he even make it?" I question as I had trouble believing an animal could match the speed of a train. Then again, once upon a time, I would've had trouble believing a lot of things I see now all the time...

"Trust in his ability and her strength. Those two have travelled far together."

"Bit surprised he is even willing to come."

"He enjoys revelry. He just is passionate about his distaste for our friend's excitable nature." Omb explains before he guides me out of the way as Larishazza comes running past. Her arms full of decorative bras and panties and all the other stuff she normally wears.

"I am going to guess she is upstairs." I then say when I hear the gentle crackle of lightning. Somehow, given how noisy this place had suddenly become. Yet, the moment we made it upstairs...

"My love, which do you prefer?" Rose asks as she steps out into the hallway with nary a single thing on her. I looked away slightly, but, I was never going to get out of this unless I made a clear descision. I couldn't just wave her off.

"Alright," I sigh as I cross my arms and at least put on an interested facade, "sway 'em in front."

"I like this one, but I feel like it has too many pieces of amber..." she says first as she dangles what might as well have been chains of gems and other shinies.

"How about this one, then?" I ask her as I move to bring forward a mostly white outfit with a reddish metal rim. Some gemstones were also fitted into the fabric as well. The style also reminded me of a flower, so I guess the gems were meant to be morning dew?

"Are you sure?" she asks me as she brings it up to give me an idea as to what it looked like. And I regretted my decision as it left her chest completely exposed. Like, I was aware of her culture's details, but come on!

"And about this...?" I ask as a claw lingers around an exposed nipple.

She then brings it forward so my claw gently pressed into it, "What about them?" she asks with a sly smile.

"Get something else or cover it up." I breathe out humorously while shaking my head.

"Of course, this isn't the whole outfit. It has some bits that get attached afterwards." she explains before she moves to kiss my cheek. Then, I was beholden to her running off with a schoolgirl's giggle.

"Hard to believe she stopped coming here for a while." Omb comments as we turn towards where Einervaene should've been. And I waved at her as she jealously peered out from her room.

"C-Can I have some advice..." she whispers against her doorframe.

"Pardon?" I ask with a smile as I lean in closer. Smiling even more as she backs away with a red face.

"I-I would l-like some advice... Please..." she stutters out while she anxiously gestures to various pieces of clothing. I was not familiar with most of it, so she must've made it in her free time. And long before we left the hospital, clearly.

"What sort of style you looking for?" I ask her slowly before I pick up a familiar summer dress. Only to put it back down when I remembered the why it was familiar.

"I d-don't know..." she moans while her gloved fingers drum her legs.

"Well, for starters, let's move you out of this." I say with a shrug before I close the door on the bemused Omb. Starting off slowly until Einervaene was naked enough to slap me for my actions.

"S-Sorry!" she eeps while I breathe out a chuckle.

"Always so quick to take the violent route." I tut, much to her embarrassment. And, when she was done being stripped, she hid under her bed covers.

"W-Well?" she asked me impatiently as she burned up.

"I've bathed with you, Woman." I complain as she continues to hide herself.

"That's different..." she mumbles into her quilt before I hop onto her bed. Pulling down on it with enough force that she would have to tear it to cover herself again.

"Go on, pick one." I say with a knowing smirk as she starts to panic and flail about. And, it was a challenge not to watch her chest as it jiggled so openly in front of me.

"THAT ONE!" she screams before a pillow is slammed into my face and held there.

"You won't kill me like that." I joke while making sure she could hear my breathing. Then, the pillow dropped.

"You know that is not what I am trying to do!" she sobs with a pout.

"And I know what I am trying to do." I say as my eyes stare intently at those milk dispensers of hers. But, I would not get close to them, as instead, I got to see her lightning dispensers.

"S-Sorry..." she lets out as I flop to the side after having been shot at.

"Just choose!" I say through the pain and laughter before she finally picks something up.

"Well!?" she asks as she hold a short dress in front of her body. It was a tight-fitting thing that went down as far as her upper thigh. At least, most of it did. As there was a V-shaped cut in the fabric on the right side.

It had long sleeves that went all the way down her arm until it reached a pair of vambraces. But one of many metal parts with jewels set into their body. The other major metal part was around where her chest would go. With a metal frame for her breasts likely pushing them up and making them appear fuller.

Not that she needed it, "Yeah, that will do." I say with a nod as I make sure to slide the deep pink fabric between my carapace. It was the only way I could reliably feel the fabric. And, I liked what I felt.

"W-What about down here?" she points out as her bare legs start to gently kick at mine.

"Pair of stockings and heels?" I answer with a shrug before she starts to nod. Then, she completely contradicts herself by happily putting it all on in front of me.

"So, when you are done, can I perhaps have some help myself?" I ask as she seemingly starts to struggle getting one of the stockings on. And, I was left smiling as she started to lose the smirk and turn red.

"C-Can you stop l-looking, please?" she nervously asks as her attempt to dress seductively falls apart. I hold back the urge to laugh and comply, turning back around moments later.

"And my question?" I remind her as she finishes getting changed. Now, while I was waiting for an answer. I instead got to watch her sort her hair out and flatten out any creases.

"What do you need help with?" she asks slowly as she slowly twirls one of her braids. A light blush on her face as her arms also pressed her breasts closer together.

"Omb, who is on the other side of the door there, wants me to change my attire for the party. Not that..."

"Of course! The journey there is going to take a while so I can do it there." she excitedly answers, interrupting me. But, I easily let it slide as I was just going to ramble at the end.

"I guess that gives me time to think of something." I laugh as I stand up, intent on finding Larishazza so I can see how she is preparing for the party. Maybe I could even get some advice from her! Parties were definitely more her thing than mine. Especially given my current skin condition!

"I can help with that if you want?" she offers with the same excitement prior before I turned her down. Much to her disappointment.

"Well, okay, using what I have. Which is just this, offer one upgrade as it were." I tell her, clearly clarifying what she had to work with. She probably would just use her own supplies, but I did not want to be a bother. Besides, bandages was all I really wore nowadays. That and the jacket thing Einervaene here made prior for me.

"Well, let's see," she began to say as she started to pace around me, "your cape could be repositioned and trimmed an-"

"Much obliged." I say with a grin as I interrupt her in revenge. A cute little pout was my response, but, she was happy enough with that. And, as I left her room and came face-to-face with a smiling Omb once again. I found Larishazza latched onto him with her hand going under his vest.

It made me angry, seeing this, but, it ended quickly when Larishazza pulled something out, "Found it!" she giggled before she flicked it into the air and caught it on the way down.

"You're looking, peculiar." was all I could think to say as I saw what she had chosen to dress up in. Rather than her usual decorative bra and other things, she was wearing a simple yellow top and black shorts. A pair of heeled black sandals further down. I had to admit, it was surprising to see her dressed like this.

"So you like it?" she giggles as she starts to prod around my jaw. Yet, the spot she prodded made me think she had found something. So, I started to look at my hideous bug face in the window to see what. However, I could not find it.

"What were you poking...?" I ask her as I run a claw across my features. Had she found my equivalent of a blush or something.

"Is there something else besides your handsome face?" she asks, and when she did, I started to chitter rapidly. And she started to poke my face, again and again, like just now. It made me happy, if I was to be honest. She helped me find things that at least helped draw further connections to my lost humanity.

"S-So you are all set?" I ask her just because I needed to get my mind back on track. Couldn't lose myself in her beauty just yet...

"Mmmmhmm! Just waiting for Tiy-Tiy!"

"That one is new." her sister then comments as she comes walking down the hall in a grey sweater and a short, black skirt. A pair of pantyhose of the same colour under that with, once again, the same colour for her simple footwear.

"Well, uh, anyway, Lari, can I have your ear for a moment?"

"No!" she chirps with a giggle.

"W-Why...?" I asked in confusion while she kept on giggling. Yet, I did not let the answer get me down as knowing her...

"I need my ears!" she then says as her laughter bursts out with great force.

"Hilarious." her sister sarcastically comments before she snatches Omb and takes him away from me.

"So, to get to the point as we don't have long, is there anything you think I could do to look nicer?" I nervously ask. Stepping back slowly with a painful gulp when she slowly started to swing towards me. Her great strides came to a halt once she had me against the wall and her body against mine. And, for some reason, it was very easy to feel her body.

It almost seemed to burn!

"Maybe if we open up this a little, got rid of these, and, slanted this a bit." she quietly whispers as she starts to modify my clothes. With her magic pressing down on it every now and then to get it to the right shape. Then, when she was done, she took my claw into her hand and pulled me towards a mirror.

"Hello." I said to myself once we got to that accursed object that reminded me so easily of what I was. Yet, this time, I did not see myself entirely as a bug. I was joking to myself inside my head that I was a handsome lad with a beautiful girl. I was making light of it all as she continued to alter my dress.

"There, all done!" she declares as she uses her magic to clear away the shower steam. And, clearly, I could see what she had done. Her magic had polished my shell and made it shine, my bandages had been cleaned and braided and knotted. And, most obviously, she had opened up my jacket and given it a fine fold.

"Thank you..." I quietly said before her hands took hold of my face. Yet, I resisted the urge to take her hand into my claw. I did not want to scare her off...

"I heard you talking about the cape inside Einervaene's room, so I have left it alone." she tells me with a giggle before she dances off once she had taken a grand bounty of whatever was arrayed in here.

"Well, I guess we can head back to the thing, then." I quietly chuckle as I leave the bathroom and make my way to leave the dorm again. Only to have a mischievous thought cross my mind when I see Vadei's tail lingering just outside her door. So, I slowly approached it, hoping the noise everyone was making would silence my heavy footsteps.

Yet, before I could grab her tail, it swirled into the room, "Come in!" Vadei eagerly said. And, I obliged and went in. Smiling at the sight before me while she herself blushed like crazy.

"Isn't that Einervaene's?" I ask with a smile, taking pride in the way she aggressively reacted.

"SO WHAT!?" she screams before she crosses her arms. And, it did not take long for her to start swirling about in it again.

"You look very nice." I tell her as she regains her blush while she dances about in the borrowed yukata.

"You know it!" she declares, full of confidence before her boob nearly slips out of the modified top half.

"Maybe don't do that?" I ask with a laugh while she just smirks and moves closer.

"Or, I could do it closer to you?" she asks me with a sly blush as her mouth opens slightly near my cheek.

"Yeah, true." I calmly say before getting up to my feet and walking away. A smirk on my face as she started to throw out incoherent insults before she started to follow me.

"I see it fits you well." Einervaene comments as she leans around me to see the attention-hungry oxfuine.

"Yeah..." she quietly mutters before she does her best to cuddle up next to me.

"Not walking you down the stairs." I tell Vadei before I take a couple of steps down. Bringing one of my legs back up and leaning on it while she continued to look at me nervously.

"Please...?" she asks quietly as everyone starts to look at her.

"Sure." I chuckle as I hold out my hand. Only for Larishazza to steal it so she could swing me down the stairs.

"Whee!" she lets out while I froze up at the sudden burst of athleticism.

"Up again..." I let out slowly once I had registered for sure that I was staying on the ground.

"Thank you..." Vadei squeaks as she enters my grip while Einervaene jealously latches onto the other arm.

"Congestion imminent." I comment before we reached the bottom of the stairs with no issue at all. Yet, when I got to the bottom of the stairs, I realised we were missing someone. So, I left the others be and looked about for a tail. And soon, I was greeted by the one I was looking for.

"So you're going with them?" Liada asks me with a disappointed sigh while she assembles a pile of pots, pans and other cooking devices.

"You don't want to go?" I ask as I quickly catch onto what she was probably up to.

"Not even if you came with me..." she mutters as she brushes her tail on the floor in disappointment.

"I thought we went over this, Liada?" I ask her as I reach out for her talisman. Letting her rest her forehead on mine while I held it up. And, while I did that, she let her hands go across my body until I pulled away slightly.

"I know... But, I just..." she fails to answer before I bring her in for a comforting hug. One she is quite happy to return. Albeit, rather slowly.

"Well, would you like me to try and bring back anything, then?" I ask her so I can at least offer her some closure for the missed experience. She did take part in the tournament after all. Besides, she was safe if she went. She had me and the limitless power of a god to keep her safe.

Nothing would ever happen to her again.

"There's a thing called cake that I would like to try..." she answers with muffled words as she kept her face buried between my neck and shoulder. Then, when she finally moved it away, she slowly moved in for a kiss that I did not interrupt. Yet, I did not return it. So long as I did not return it, I kept my first kiss...?

"Just a slice or a whole one?"

"Whatever, so long as you give it to me." she says with a small smile before she moves to get back to whatever it was she was doing.

"I take it you will be fine while we are gone?"

"Yes, I'm going to be doing some cooking!" she answers with some embarrassed joy before her eyes glance over at Omb.

"Well, try not to burn the dorm down." I joke as I wave goodbye before joining back up with the others.

"My love? Where'd you go!?" I then heard Rose call out from upstairs. Which, meant only one thing. Stupid woman had been so enthralled with her imagination she did not catch the memo.

"We're all downstairs!" I call back before I turn to Vadei and roll my eyes. A reaction that elicited a giggle from her until Rose finally made it down the stairs. And, thankfully, the prior flaw I had with this outfit was solved. Because now she had a decorative, metal plate covering her chest.

At least, just enough of it.

.

.

.

And that was that, for what it was worth, I was now on my own as Nin and them lot left. So, the first order of business was making sure this building was locked down nice and tight. I would not tolerate anyone sneaking in. Yet, if they did, I knew I could hold them off.

The event that Nin was being rewarded for had taught me that I could fight. So long as I kept faith in the power of this talisman, gifted to me by God. His strength would keep me safe and I would make it through the horrors of my position. Yet, as much as I trusted my god's power, I did not trust wooden doors and metal padlocks.

So, I grasped the talisman tight and walked around near the windows. Leaning out against the glass in order to get an idea of the dimensions. Then, once I felt like I had a great enough understanding of the building's scale. I summoned forth the power of the talisman.

Smiling to myself as I had now secured peace and quiet for the foreseeable future. Now, I did not know when they would be back, but I could only assume they'd be back in the morning. A party was something you got drunk at, no? As exceptionally rare as they were back at home, I was familiar with them.

Even if ours were never as casual as this. They were often solemn affairs, after all. What was, at the time, anyway, a vain attempt to call for help. Now, I know we don't need to pray like that anymore.

I could only hope, however, that my lowly, close-knit people knew this. I only found out through speaking to the Holy One himself with this very talisman. But, if he could speak to me through this. He could make a grand entrance in our modest temple aboard the ship I formerly called home.

And, thinking about it made me both angry and sad. I don't remember how I ended up in the clutches of those humans. I don't even remember much about the days prior either. I just remember that cage and that device.

"Even if the signs are gone..." I muttered as my hand moved to my chest. The scars in my mind were all still there, even if my body had been healed. I hated how that was the case, as I wanted Nin's affection to heal me. Just like how his bravery and wit saved me.

Yet, I could not complain about my circumstances now. No more restless nights because my special areas were suddenly throbbing with sore pain. No more did I have to potentially annoy Nin with my need to be healed. I could live my life somewhat properly now.

However, I guess, it was humorous how I still lived in fear despite not being caged. It would be something if I managed to step up and face my fears. While I was completely on my own... But, I knew for a fact that, that would never happen.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

For now, I just had to show Nin that I could be fine on my own. I could also show that now muscular human that I could cook his food. Human, clearly. Yet, he offered me something not even Nin could give me.

A chance to relive comfortable memories from before I was a prisoner. But, all of a sudden, a noise. Rapid tapping and cooing? Whatever it was, it had me on edge.

I could've sworn I had made sure this place was secured...!?

"Spruce, no!" a raspy voice called just as heavier taps began to fill the air. Eventually, however, a small, deformed creature came waddling into the kitchen. Its head things lit up with the same curiosity its black eyes showed.

"Ah!" it cooed happily as it fell down near my tail. A chorus of joyous laughter then came out of it as it began to play with its tip.

"Hello there!" I cooed back to this creature. A smile on my face as I moved to pick it up. Whatever it was, it was clearly a baby. And, going by how that Rose'lhia looked, it must've been a child one of her. But, its appearance made me concerned.

"Oh, uh, c-can I have my son back?" his mother asked me as she nervously walked into the room.

"Go on then!" I quietly giggled to the young boy as I passed him back to his mother. And she made it clear that they were the same species as Rose'lhia.

"Thank you." his mother said as she began to bounce him up and down in her arms. Her thin, tendril-like tail whirled about as she brought it forth for him to play with.

"So his name is Spruce?" I asked her as her gaze returned to me.

"Spruce'endoor." she corrected before she sat down. And, when she did, I got a much better view of all her scars and injuries. Unlike Rose'lhia, her bulb things were crushed and her mouth and neck looked like they had been shredded. Which, confused me to some extent, had they not healed her as they did me? My scars were all gone, yet, hers remained.

"Is his dad somewhere in the buidling?" I then decided to ask given how these two proved my incompetence at making sure buildings were empty.

But, she shook her head with great sadness, "His father is lost to us." she said quietly.

"I'm sorry for your loss..." I quietly muttered in response as I was familiar with lost family. News of deaths spread quickly back home. Our circumstances basically make it paramount to doomsaying.

"He's not dead. He's just somewhere out there, and we have no way of ever finding him again." she clarified, which, made me laugh nervously.

"I see, well, that is good, no? It means you have a chance of getting back to it!" I pointed out. I was hoping it would encourage her to try and go find her lover and his dad.

"That day won't come for a long time... I don't have the strength to cross such distances. And neither does my precious little sapling..." she said as she protectively clutched the confused child. One moment he was allowed to play, the next he was being hidden behind stronger arms.

"I suppose that could be true..." I mutter as I think about my home.

.

.

.

"It was very nice of them to give us all this space." I joke, hoping making light of it would ease Nin's concerns. Everyone else but those from our dorm were avoiding this tram car, after all. Even our fellow Oddity House students who were normally not bothered by Nin. Of course, it was easy to tell that what Nin was had long since spread into everyone's minds.

Easiness they had around him had turned into caution, subtle or otherwise. Yet, for now, it did not matter, what mattered was that I finished making adjustments to Nin's cape! Thankfully, these tram cars had very lovely tables for me to keep stuff on. And, somehow, despite how they twirled about these great stone lines, it was all stable.

"Is there much point in filling ourselves up with spiral-tram service?" Tiyanat asks as her sister happily wafts a menu back and forth like a fan.

"She has a point, Larishazza, I'm sure there will be plenty of food at the party."

"A party that won't happen for hours! We skipped breakfast dammit!" she swears before she slams the menu down with a pout. A smile came back in short order, though. And I smiled myself at her continued upbeatness. Despite her fidgeting and other pestering gestures born of boredom and anticipation.

I then turned my attention to Vadei, "Is it holding up alright?" I ask her while putting emphasis on what I was doing. She was fully aware of my skill at sewing, so all she had to do was ask. Or, in this case, accept it.

"Y-Yeah, it's fine." she mumbles before once again, for what was the dozenth time this minute, pulling it up.

"Stop pulling at it, then, you'll undo the obi." I tell her while carefully watching how she behaved. She was looking at Nin a lot who was mostly looking out the windows. The mountains we once trekked through and flew over were just zooming past us. And, I had to admit, it was an entrancing sight, seeing the light from above break through the gaps in mountainsides and low-hanging peaks.

"So... Where do you think we are going?" Vadei asks as she carefully moves over to the seat in front of me. Yet, once she was done doing that, the door to our tram car opened.

"Baltanthan!" I call out happily as I get up to go meet our friend. And, when I saw him, I couldn't help but gasp in awe at how well dressed he was. It was like he had someone weave gold and bronze into an ornate robe and cloak. One that was just covered with images that conveyed pride and strength.

"Greetings Loser House." he jokes confidently before he puffs out his chest. And, behind him, was a whole tram car's worth of people curiously watching him.

"You're certainly popular." I laugh out as he became the centre of attention for those in this tram car as well.

"Hey, cheer up, shiny shell! Party is in honour of my house!" he then says to Nin once he made his way over there. Yet, Nin kept his gaze facing the window. He even kept it up long enough for Baltanthan to start getting annoyed.

Which is when I got involved again, "So, what's it like being in the winning House?" I ask him. Quite happy to nurture his pride just this once as he most certainly earned it from what I had learned.

"Great, especially when it was you who took the treasure we were all fighting over!" he guffaws loudly before he dusts his knuckle on his chest.

"So you've been having fun?" I rhetorically ask before giggling.

"Indeed, the strangest thing has happened too..." he started to say before there was a loud commotion coming from the other tram car.

"What're they all doing?" Larishazza asks before her mouth drops open when everything around us seemingly disappeared.

"WHAT IS THAT!?" Vadei asked in excitement as the suddenly see-through tram car revealed to us a grand statue that dwarfed the nearby mountains.

"Segaansalis..." Baltanthan mutters as we speed towards the silent giant with a sword-shaped head. Another, greater one in his mighty arms that plunged deep into the earth below to rest. A great support for a greater work of art.

"Now that is impressive." I mutter as I lose myself in all the ancient detail this giant statue had. Which somehow could all still be seen despite how old it clearly was.

"What did you say its name was...?" Nin then asks as he gets up. His expression serious while his posture showed signs of curiosity.

"Segannsalis, my roommate said that was its name. One of seven ancient constructs that, in theory, dating all the way back to the Dietic Age." he explains with clear awe. Which, made him fit in quite well.

"That's one of the names for Undwote's hounds, though?" Nin reminds us all.

"Yes, apparently, they all take their names from one of those things. Yet, their names do not translate the same way, somehow."

"What does this giant's name mean, then?" Nin asks as we all start to turn around as we speed away.

"Sword-Faced Giant, I recall." Baltanthan answers.

"Well, it is straight to the point!" I quip as that piece of art really did have a sword for a head. Yet, our tram seemed to be slowing down. At least, until we suddenly whipped around and started to ride up a mountain.

"Hey, look! It's Quinshuu!" Larishazza lets out excitedly as she points down at the ground just before the spiral-tram goes back to normal. And, she was right, Quinshuu was indeed riding under us.

"We're this close to the party!?" I then blurt out before suddenly rushing to the table again to finish up with Nin's cape. I had no idea we were travelling that fast nor did I think we would be this close!

"No, I looked at the route beforehand, we're going into a junction." Tiyanat explains as we enter the mountain and start spiralling up it. Then, as if nothing had happened, we popped right out the mountain again. A flash of light then appeared at our window.

"HELLO QUINSHUU!" Larishazza screams through the window she just opened. One that I quickly slammed shut as all that wind was blowing my stuff all over the place.

"Help me pick this up!" I demand from her as she starts to groan. And, while she was picking up all the finer things with her magic. I decided to look at our friend on the outside as he enjoyed himself. Whatever that creature was, it was fast and its ethereal nature allowed it to avoid so much which might have otherwise slowed it.

"He's quite good on that." Rose comments as she watches the animal with interest.

"It probably helps that Lucky is a strong animal as well." Nin adds in as he comes on over and watches as well.

"That's a cute name." I say as Larishazza dumps my stuff onto the table. A layer of water still on most of it. But, Omb was kind enough to dry off the spiteful wetness.

"Thank you." I tell him before I get back to what I was doing before Baltanthan came in.

"So, uh, can I have some help, you two?" Baltanthan then asks me and Nin after he grabs our attention with nervous taps.

"With what?" Nin asks as I carry on modifying his cape.

"Well, since I grabbed the treasure and that... I've, gotten very popular. And, well, as you two are well, I was hoping I could get advice on how to deal with it."

"We're what...?" I ask slowly as a blush forms.

"Dating, you two are doing that, right?" he asks in confusion before Nin scoffs in amusement.

"No." and the feeling that goes through me is anger. Yet, I somehow manage to hold it in, despite his thoughtlessness.

"Oh, in that case, you have experience dealing with lots of attention, how did you get around it?"

"I found someone who was always there for me." Nin says with a clear, open intent as his soft gaze turns to Larishazza. And, that made me angry, even if she wasn't paying attention as she was playing some game with her sister.

"Ow!" I then let out after intentionally prickling myself with the needle.

"You alright?" Nin asks as his attention turns to me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a bit distracted and pricked my finger." I tell him as I clutch it in a way as to force more blood out.

"There, sorted." Baltanthan then says after he applies some of his magic to seal the tiny wound.

"Thanks..." I say with an out-of-it tone as I then get up to go clean my finger. I even made a point of ignoring Larishazza's offer to have her magic wash the blood away. Then, when I was on my own in the small little washroom. I just started to cry quietly...

Even when she made it clear that she was not interested in him. Even when I have been trying my hardest and have made it abundantly clear to Nin... He still only has eyes for her... I tried my hardest yet apparently that wasn't enough...

Then, a knock on the door, "Einervaene?" Rose called out before she realised I had left the door unlocked. And, we ended up pressed against each other in this small room.

"W-What!?" I ask her as I fail to wipe my eyes dry due to the crampedness she had created.

"I was worried for you, I know what you're doing."

"Don't be absurd... Just pricked my finger is all..." I lied, nearly choking on my words as the tears continued to flow. And, unexpectedly, she was able to get her arms up and around me to hug me.

"No, no you didn't." she correctly points out as she sighs against my chest.

"I don't know what to do..." I tell her as I start to weep more openly.

"As much as it pains me to say it, Einervaene. But, you just have to learn to accept it, the man you love might not always have his eyes on you." she explains as she starts to frown. And, I guess it made sense... Now that I remembered it, she did act odd on our first journey together. Maybe she was me back then, and I her Larishazza...

But, I could only wish I was her Larishazza, because then Nin might've actually... We might actually... That vision I had in the temple might actually already be a reality... But I wasn't Larishazza, I was Einervaene Bosphama...

"B-But, how can I get him to look at me like he does with her!?" I beg.

Yet, she shakes her head and the comforting hug changes in how it feels, "You know I could never tell you that, not when I have had my heart out for him for much longer..."

"Then just leave me alone..." I bitterly remark as I try to force my way around towards the mirror.

"No, trust me, you will need to listen to me, Einervaene. The experiences I have will give you the wisdom you need to navigate the emotional turmoil you are in." she quietly tells me.

"I don't need to listen to someone who started chasing after someone else when things got bad..." I spit out.

"We both turned our backs on him, back then. Do not act like you are above me in that regard. I might've taken longer to come back into his embrace, but you also helped pry open the way for his heart to be so tightly clasped by that beautiful woman." she reminds me before she finishes it off with a compliment towards her...

"Go away..." was all I could say as I started to slump in defeat at how, yes, this was my fault. I left Nin to fend for himself when he needed help. And, despite thinking we had gotten over that rough patch. The truth is, we hadn't.

Nin had completely surrendered his heart to the woman who made him want to carry on living... It was all a problem of my own making. I could perhaps try to slide some of the blame away. But, it always came back to that...

I would never be happy because I got scared once. I let myself be influenced by the people around me more so than my friend. One who was willing to help me get back home. To bring this exile of mine to an end...

And, Rose was indeed right. I had to learn to put up with it and make the best of what I had given myself. Yet, I did not know if I was humble enough to accept such a meagre amount. Could I even hold myself back enough to allow Nin to make his own choice...?

Or was I just going to force my own preferences upon him and shut him away even more?

.

.

.

"Well, this isn't too bad." I comment with welcome surprise as I look around at the vast plateau we had been dropped off at. Then, as we started to walk away from the tram station, we were exposed to a familiar sight.

"Why is one of those here...?" Vadei asks in confusion as we and a lot more people stopped to gaze at the warship hovering right by us.

"I want to say it is here for security, but everyone here is already a capable witch..." I answer with a raised brow before we start to make our way around the place. Tables were set up with food and drink as far as the eye could see. Music was already blaring and people were crowding together to dance. Some even showed off by flying as they did so.

"LET ME IN!" Larishazza cheered before she quickly disappeared into the mass of people.

"I intend to join in." Omb adds before he snatches up Tiyanat and drags her into it as well. Her screams only being briefly heard before the party seemed to reach critical mass. Well, except by the table we chose. The reasons being so very clearly foreign to me.

"So, what do we do?" Vadei asks as she taps her feet to the beat of the music.

"I assume we enjoy ourselves." I joke as I get up. Quickly finding my arm occupied by Rose before she seems to lead me elsewhere.

"Come on, my love, let's go find a spot where everyone can see us!" Rose whispers with excited lust.

"All ways the centre of attention." I quietly comment with a roll of my eyes. And, I also gulped louder than I spoke as she was indeed insistent that we got somewhere that stood out. I also did not know why I was letting her pull me around like this. One step and I could stop her with no effort at all.

So why was I letting her drag me about like this...?

"There, this should do." Rose tells me as she starts to dance with sharp, striking moves and swivelling hips. Like Larishazza, she did not let anyone forget that as a woman she was built differently. Only, unlike my good friend, she used me as part of her dance. Be it either posing up against me or swinging about my limbs.

I couldn't even get into the rhythm to dance myself as she just kept moving about me. One moment she would be grinding against me with obvious intent and another moment she was gone. And, perhaps, maybe I was too embarrassed to dance as I obviously got quite a few stink eyes. Except from the few other aelenvari here.

They all seemed to look at us with curiosity, at least, when they weren't adding to the mood of the party. Their bulbs fitting in very well with all the lights and flashes. It was as if their kind was built to party. However, their heads weren't the only things adding light to this dark night.

Spells were being shot off into the sky and a great skyscape of green, blue, yellow, red, white and blackish purple formed. But, it was here that I realised that I had a moment to show off. So, when Rose's dancing took her away from my front. I prepared my spell and took advantage of the open space my body granted us.

And I shot my fist into the sky! A gargantuan fireball made of pure magic soaring straight from the tip of my fist. For a moment, it blocked out all the other spells. And, the cheering grew even louder as a result.

I even made sure not to let the circumstances of why bother me. I was just happy to be enjoying the party as much as I could.

.

.

.

"Hey, Vapooliar, care for a dance?" one of my fellows asked as I sat at a table. A straight, unamused expression on my face.

"No, thank you." I told him, much to his brief disappointment before he snatched someone else up. Yet, as it all went on, I did grow curious. This was my first ever party. Back when I was a Valkinvar, we never did this kind of thing.

Ever since I became a member, it was always war. But, maybe now was the time that I learned to stop acting like one? Yet, I felt a peculiar uncertainty fill me as I watched it all. Would people think less of me because I had no idea how to dance?

I mean, I did not really think much of what others thought of me to begin with. But, it felt different here. Maybe it was because of how many were here? I did not know...

"I see you are still here, perhaps I can take your hand to the dance floor?" a contradictory voice said to me. I felt like I should know it...?

"Very we-" I started to say as I might as well use this as a means to get involved. Yet, when I stood up to face them, I came face-to-face with someone I could never forget.

"Yes, I know, quite ghastly, aren't I?" the tired-looking man asked me before he gently brushed at his perfect emerald hair. It was him... The one who defeated me during the battle outside of Giant's Victory...

"U-Uh..." I struggled to get out as fear started to fill me. I had no weapon or armour. Yet, this man, was fully decked out with a ceremonial sword and set of armour made for the Union's royal family... Something I only knew because we Valkinvar had seized one set a long time ago. Before the war became a stalemate.

"It's fine, no need to be nervous. Come, we can find my younger brother while we are at it." he tells me with a smooth voice that quivered with discomfort. And, as much as being near him terrified me, I could not muster the will to leave.

"Look! Look! Vapooliar is dancing with the Chosen-Heir of Jherikra!" I heard someone excitedly whisper before we suddenly became the centre of attention.

"I apologize, I try not to let my family's history influence the world around me." he jokes as his armour clanks as he teaches me to dance. Its finely polished steel and jewelled exterior shining ever so brightly under all the lights.

"R-Right." I gulp as he uses his weight of presence to gently slide us through the crowds. Then, he spun me around into a seat effortlessly before he then placed his free hands on a younger man.

"Eugh." they let out as they tinkered with something under the watchful eye of a...

"Valkinvar..." I let out in disbelief as I stared at the armoured man. Someone who would've been my protector on the path to becoming a Maiden of Waionr once I died in battle. But, why was he here!? Why was he so casual around Union royalty!?

WHY WASN'T HE TRYING TO KILL THEM OR CAPTURE THEM!?

"Oh, you are familiar with this armour?" he asks me as my fear-filled eyes catch sight of his own as they widen slightly. Did he remember me...? The weapon he carried was that of a Valkinvar from the Ordoar Imdavarce. The same one that I was sworn into...

"Galanmarck, despite your attempts to sand it all away, you still have the clear outline of it." the tinkering young man comments.

"Ah, forgive me, hearing my brother's Personal Guard of Royalty name spoken reminds me. We haven't been introduced yet, have we?"

"I-It's fine..." I start to say before he comes over and keeps me still with a light grip.

"Please, it would be rude if I didn't. I'm Chosen Heir Under the Mighty Jhrartur. And this here is the armyless War Prince, and, my younger brother, Lathmetahlarn."

"Still bitter about that appointment?" Lathmetahlarn jokes as he smiles up at his older brother.

"Of course." he remarks with a smirk before he sits down next to me.

"Great, now I can repay that bitterness with my own." the younger brother then moves onto complaining.

The man who enabled my fall from grace then shook his head, "You built a room using freshly developed technology during Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding's Inter-House Talent Display. This party is for those who fought in it and those who were key to the event happening to begin with!"

"I don't want to be here."

"Yes, well, suck it up. Next time don't make such a genius design and build it all on your own for a tournament second only to the Tournament of Talent in fame."

"Which room did you build?" I decide to ask, hoping that showing some interest would throw off my fear. Or, maybe it was too late. This arm wrapped around me was practically a chain in an invisible cell!

"The one you fought in against those Oddity House students." Lathmetahlarn answers as he puts down whatever it was he was tinkering with to look me in the eye.

"Y-Yes...?" I ask him nervously as if he knew that, then he most certainly knew.

"I still don't know your name."

"V-Vapooliar..." I say quietly while keeping my fearful gaze locked on the battle-ready Valkinvar in front of me. There was no denying it, he at the very least knew who I was.

"Cute name, one destined to go out of fashion should this war end."

"There is no should, little brother." Jhrartur corrects before he lets go of me.

"I-I'm sorry, but, I think I hear someone calling me." I lie in hopes it would at least let me get out of here.

"Apologies, don't let us keep you." Jhrartur says to me before I race out the chair with surprising restraint. I could only feel the urge to fly away in the hopes I would never be found. Yet, that would just reveal what I was!

"She's Valkinvar, Chosen-Heir, is it wise to let her go?" I heard the traitor say as I moved into the crowd with desperate, held-back strength. Yet, hearing that made me stop and a cold sweat drenched me.

"No, it is fine, I believe I broke her resolve just fine back when I broke their lines at the ancient gatehouse."

.

.

.

"Odd smell..." Vadei comments as I try to sort out her yukata. Her constant fidgeting and insistence that I alter it to be like Rose's was causing it to slip a lot. And, if I did nothing, she would be showing off her chest for everyone to see.

"Odd thing to say." I joke before I take another sip from my drink. Since we arrived here, I have done a lot of that... Yet, I was still able to keep my hands steady as I modified the yukata while it was being worn.

"Never mind, guess I am surprised to smell that Vapooliar is here." Vadei says.

"She's the woman we lost to, right?" I ask just to make sure I was thinking of the right person. But, I don't think it was possible to ever forget that kind of power. To see it was memorable itself, but I fought against it!

"Yes, Vapooliar was the one who caused us to be in the hospital for so long..."

"I'm surprised you can smell her through all that."

"I've been getting better at dealing with lots of people." Vadei snaps before pouting.

"And I am doing such a bad job at keeping this yukata up." I tease before she suddenly curls in on herself.

"Don't you dare!" she barks as I laugh before I let go completely.

"Okay, now, dance a little and tell me how it goes." I tell her before I look enviously on into the distance. Nin's magic had burst to life at some point in that direction and it has been ages since Rose took him...

"Wew! I'm nearly beat..." Larishazza jokes as she reappears and slumps into a chair with a bright blush on her face. Her magic was all over her skin for a brief moment at well. So it was like she was sparkling in the night.

"As much energy as ever." I say with a cold tone as she started to gulp down drink after drink before she shivered back to life.

"Okay, I'm done having fun by myself, so, now, come with!" she tells me as she starts to pull me to my feet.

"H-Hey!" I let out as she uses her superior strength to get me involved with the dancing. At least, until we reached the stage where several groups had been playing.

"This is the one I was on about!" Larishazza says as she introduces me to a small band of people.

"Hello..." I greet with some uncertainty as this was quite unexpected.

"Ah, hello, you must be Einervaene! In case you haven't been told, we're the band that Larishazza here fought against before she went on to even greater heights!" the lead woman says as she steps forward to bow a little. A courtesy I somewhat returned before my gaze turned back towards the dancing mass so very close to us.

"She looks like she is looking for someone!" one of the band members teased gleefully while they also played their instrument.

"I guess that is true, we haven't had a song like that get played yet!" the lead excitedly said before they all started to rush back out onto the stage.

"Aw... I wanted to introduce them all in a really funny way..." Larishazza complains before she just looks at me with a bright smile. One I somehow returned despite how envious I was of her.

"NOW EVERYONE! WE KNOW THIS MIGHT NOT WORK! BUT, IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE SPECIAL! BRING THEM TO THE DANCE FLOOR!" the lead from just now shouted over the crowd once they had interrupted the music.

"G-Grab someone special!?" I let out in shock as a mad scramble seemed to fill the dance floor. All to the backdrop of a more comedic sounding tune.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Now's your chance! Now's your chance to say it!" Larishazza nearly screamed as she suddenly looked like she was about to blow.

"EH!?" I squeaked as she started to push me around once again.

.

.

.

"My love, are you sure you can't go on for just a little longer? Please?" Rose begged as I tried to leave the dance floor. That just yelled rule was something I did not want to violate.

"No, I'm going to eat something now." I told her as I did my best to make my way through the crowd without issues arising. Yet, I soon came face-to-face with someone I did not think would take to me kindly.

"Roseli." he said after he recovers from me accidentally running into him.

"Oh, hello." she says apathetically while clutching onto me tightly. In a way that made her thoughts on any likely matters clear.

"...Nin." he then struggled to say.

"Yes." I said with a very slight nod as I wasn't sure what to say. He kicked me bloody once upon a time. I returned the favour later down the line.

But, his actions surprised me, "Congratulations on your win." he said to me as he held out his hand. A clear sense of discomfort on his face while his group of friends seemingly turned their backs on him.

"Uh, thank you." I say with continued uncertainty as I grab his hand and shake it. And, to my surprise, he put in the effort and made sure it was a firm one. All before he then gave me a nod of respect before he tried to ignore me completely.

"So, you have made your choice?" he asks Rose with a tone that seemed to remind me of a father for some reason. Which, made things a little weird given what he and Rose likely got up to.

"I made that choice long ago... Disappointing as it might sound to you, I am glad I made sure to keep my virginity for the one I love." Rose says. Something that makes me grow heated and made my chitters come out with greater force and speed. She then giggled at my reaction.

"Then I wish you all the best, then." he tells her before he walks away sighing.

"D-Did you really have to say that?" I ask with a shocked gulp as somehow, her ability to talk about sex still surprised me. She was so damn forward about it!

"Yes, now dance with me."

"No!" I remind her before I groan with all my might as we reach the food. Then, I just start picking piece after piece up and eating it. Going back for another when I was done with the last.

"Nin! Nin! Can you dance with me please!?" Vadei suddenly asks as she comes out of nowhere.

"Pffft, as if he'd choose you over me." Rose snorts snobbily as I start to get grouchy while eating.

"And why would he choose you exactly? I've certainly gotten to know him better than you ever could!" Vadei growls out as the pair clearly start getting confrontational behind my back.

"See, over there!" Lari declares as she pushes a nervous Einervaene towards us.

"N-No it's fine!"

"No, ask him!" Lari barks sternly as she suddenly takes my hand and puts it in Einervaene's. But, when my gaze suddenly snapped towards them and showed my anger, she quickly backed off.

"Enough!" I spit out before I walk away in frustration. Just dropping whatever food I didn't finish over everything else. All before making my way to a quiet spot away from the party. From which I then punched the mountain in frustration.

"Eugh, dammit." I growl as I pull my numb fist back away from the deceptively magic dense stone.

"Nin, are you alright?" Larishazza asks me as she slowly walks up to me from behind.

"N-No..." I struggle to get out as I realise that we are on our own. I could clearly see that the other three were all waiting back at the party as well.

"Want to talk about it?" she asks me with that same, lovely and sweet smile she always seemed to have.

"I don't think I could..." I say as I start to hear the music change to something sweeter and softer. Whatever was going on beyond on the dance floor. It was something more magical than even spells themselves...

"You want to dance, don't you?" she asks me with a frown.

"Y-Yes... With you..." I answer loudly at first before I nervously squeak out the last bit. And, I tried my best, but, I don't think I could hide the terror that I was letting out. I know she probably didn't have feelings for me. It's what I gathered from an unforgettable test on my way back to Tobaballe...

"But... You are meant to dance with someone special..." she says slowly before she suddenly turns pink. Her posture even starts to break a little and she seems to get uncomfortable.

"It is probably best if you leave..." I say to her. After all, who could ever love an ugly bug like me? Why would the most beautiful woman in the world ever want to be with me? To dance with me in front of all those people...?

"T-Then, come on!" she says with an unstable smile as she offers me a shaking hand. And, when I saw that hand, I seemed to come alive.

"Okay!" I nearly roar before I take her hand and leap back into the party with her in my grip. Crashing down in the middle of the ongoing dance and interrupting it completely. At first, I seemed to cause alarm, but, everyone calms down when they see Lari in my grip.

The most beautiful smile on her soft lips...

"Sorry!" she says with a giggle before the music starts to come back with uncertainty at first. But, it eventually gave way and returned to the air. The magic I saw from the distance now involved me! It involved me and Larishazza!

"I-I'll be h-honest. I don't know how to dance..." I nervously chuckle. Seemingly on the verge of tears as my shaking body tried to move. And, I could not keep my gaze on the woman I cared so much for...!?

"Hey, eyes on me. Just like before. Just like we used to." she says with a smile as she brings my head down to hers. And while she was clearly nervous too, seeing her in this way helped me stay calm. It helped me move about with courage and strength.

"Like this?" I ask, knowing that she was probably a good authority on how well someone danced.

"Yep, just like that, now, give me a twirl." she tells me as she telegraphs everything she is about to do with grace. And, as she said, I gave her a twirl and brought her down onto one of my forward-facing knees. Of course, that was more her doing than my own as I was still struggling to keep up.

"N-Now what?" I ask her as the music seemed to take hold in a different kind of way.

"Shush now." she quietly whispers before she gives me a quick peck on the nose while everyone else seemingly went for proper kisses. Yet, I was happy enough to take that. So happy that I had no issue interrupting the music once again to leap us out of the party.

"So, uh, Lari, I..." I begin to say, my body shaking with excitement as the chitters I was normally ashamed of showed off how happy I was.

"Nin..." she then said with a sudden change in mood and expression.

"No, I need to say this. I need to at least get it out..." I say as I shake my head. Yet, despite what her posture might suggest, she instead chose to stay. She was willing to at least hear me out.

"Okay..." she let out nervously as I started to wave my claws in front of me. For some reason, it helped me to breathe.

"Lari... For a... A very long time now... Uh... Look, what I'm trying to say is... So... I just wanted to say..."

"Yes?" she asks me with a soft smile as she takes hold of my head and keeps me still.

"I love you..." I tell her finally. And, she seemed to completely expect it, yet, she was shocked to hear it anyway.

"Right..."

"I've loved you since... I don't know... But, I was in a very bad place once and I am only able to put up with it all because..." I try to explain through the tears before she comes up and hugs me tightly.

"I know." she says before she then moves away and suddenly becomes distant. Much to my growing terror as I did not want to hear anything but...

"So, will you be my girlfriend? I know it's a bit weird given what I am but..."

"Don't focus too much on that, Vadei doesn't care and she likes you despite what happened at her home. Rose'lhia doesn't care and she really likes you. Einervaene once said these same words to you not long ago. Liadanann also really, really-"

"I don't care what they think, I'm asking you." I tell her firmly as I take her hand into mine.

"Nin... I..." she stutters. And, the tears I was shedding started coming out for a different reason.

"But you don't..."

"No! That is not it, Nin! Don't be so stupid!" she suddenly snaps out before she flinches at what she had done.

"You don't need to say sorry." I tell her.

"Okay, uh, Nin, I just need some space to think about this, okay? Now, listen to me very carefully." she says. Which, confused me, I was... I had been since she approached me just now.

"Go on?" I say as I was confused further by her suddenly going quiet.

"I need to make sure you are listening, okay?" she says as she starts to cry herself.

"H-Hey, I'm listening!" I tell her as I do everything I can to make it clear that I was.

"Okay, I'm not saying no. Okay? I'm not saying no. I just, need a moment. I promise you, I will give you an answer in a week at most. Okay? I'm not saying no... But please do not assume it is a yes either, okay!?"

"Okay..." I quietly say as I let go of her hand. Making a quick gesture of prayer before her eyes. Something that only seemed to make it worse as she went redder with embarassment.

"I-I'm sorry..." she says before she runs off towards a boulder. And, for a moment, I did not know if I should've chased after her. But, I eventually came to the decision that it was the right thing to do. My friend was upset about something, so it was only fair I made sure she was okay.

"Yes, I know, I didn't listen." I joke in reference to how she said she needed space. Yet, I got a response that I loved to hear. Her laughter.

"I thought I told you to listen..." she laughs in between letting out what remained of her tears.

"Want to go back to the party?" I ask her as she was clearly enjoying it.

"Actually, no, I want to stay here." she says with a smile as she moves closer to the plateau's edge.

"LARI!?" I practically screamed when she suddenly dropped off the edge. And, my heart nearly burst out my chest when she suddenly started to rise on little droplets of glowing water. Her laughter calming music as she did so.

"So, I heard that at parties here, especially ones with lots of witches, they have these things at the end. Where you show off your ability to fly and how good you are at it. So, I thought, maybe we should get a little practice in before it happens!" she explains as she does whatever it was she was doing. It wasn't flying, but, it might as well have been.

"I... Hate to break it to you, but, I can't fly." I nervously chuckle as she starts to dance in the open air.

"Don't worry, then, I will catch you all the way until you can!" she tells me as her magic lights up her beautiful body.

"Okay..." I utter quietly before I look at my hands. My magic made giant fireballs and I have been practising with making it more like a flamethrower. So, maybe I could convert its use? I think that could work!

Well, I did anyway, because I was soon falling down a dark mountainside. Dull grunts left me each time I hit the stone until Lari suddenly grabbed my hand and threw me up. And, on the way down, she caught me again. The sudden snap of force nearly made her grip break, however.

"See, told you!" she reminded me as she laughed while I just dangled hopelessly under her. A deep dark abyss below me while above me was the lit-up sky. And, I chose to believe it was mostly her magic that did it.

"So you did!" I laugh myself as she slowly moved us back to the mountain. To which I was then thrown at.

"Rude." I joked as I got back up. Preparing to give it another go as she lined up with wherever I might leap to.

"Going for gold, Nin!" she cheers before I give it another go. Positioning my spell awkwardly behind my body but failing to generate any thrust with it. And, once again, I ended up in her grip and was seemingly close to a perilous fall.

"A participation trophy will do me just fine." I snicker before she swings me at a different mountain.

"Come on, plenty of time to practise!" she cheers as she holds out her arms for me to leap into should I fail once again.