Part 11. Self Reflection.

It was still dark out.

Vera was still sitting on the steps of the cottage.

She sat in thought, wondering how Mutsumi had some hidden power inside of him.

She didn't have time to think about it, as the demihuman came running towards her, carrying Dahlia.

Mutsumi: "Where should I put her...?"

Vera: "Bring her to her room."

He obediently walked into the cottage, setting Dahlia down on the bed.

The edges of her dress were burned, and her hair looked a mess.

Vera didn't feel like looking, so she left.

Mutsumi sat at the edge of her bed, waiting for her to wake up.

.

.

.

Vera walked out into the forest.

She needed peace and quiet for a little.

As she proceeded through the forest, the trees had burn marks.

It was unsettling.

She found the den of foxes, the entrance charred and burned, with remnants of ice covering the area.

Looking inside, the foxes were sleeping.

Some had burns, but it wasn't too bad.

She smiled and picked one up, before walking deeper into the forest.

She saw the burn marks over the trees, lightning remnants still sparking slowly.

Ice covered some of the remains.

She proceeded deeper, holding the little fox.

Then, she stopped.

Vera: "What the hell happened..?"

She looked around her.

The air felt different. It was... more dense. It was slightly harder to breathe.

She sat, and looked at the little fox, which had fallen asleep.

The sky was starting to get lighter, the moonlight slowly fading, and the sun slowly coming out.

A few rays of sunlight started to peek out from the horizon.

Then, she heard a scream.

It sounded distant.

She shot up, and rushed towards the sound.

This was her time to shine, she thought.

. . .

Mutsumi watched her sleep.

Dahlia looked like she was on the edge of consciousness.

Her eyes were half open, and her breathing was shallow.

The burns on her dress seemed more noticeable than before.

He leaned down, listening to her heartbeat.

*Ba-dump... Ba-dump...*

.

.

*Ba-dump... Ba-dump...*

It was quiet.

He sighed. At least she was okay.

He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Get better soon, okay?"

A small smile came to her face as she slept.

His hands waved around her slowly, the room getting colder as he moved just enough to keep her body cool.

. . .

Vera ran towards the sound.

It was a man, yelling.

As she got closer, she saw him.

He was sitting on the ground, surrounded by a small dome.

Vera: "What the.... Who are you..?"

He looked at her, and started banging on the glass in desperation.

He didn't say anything, but he looked desperate.

He seemed to be crying.

Every tear that fell from him that touched the ground, a flower grew.

They were a light purple, with a red center.

There was a whole field of flowers around him.

Vera: "H-hey! Stop that!"

She didn't know why she wanted him to, but she did.

He couldn't hear her.

The man looked scared.

Tears kept falling.

The field of flowers grew larger and larger.

She ran up to the man, and slammed on the glass.

He looked up at her and stopped.

He crawled up to the glass, placing his hand on where hers was.

His gaze locked onto hers, as a smile came to his face.

He faded away, and Vera felt some sort of power go through her.

Vera: "H-huh..? Where did..."

It was strange to her.

She looked down at the small fox, scooping it back up into her arms.

It fell asleep almost instantly.

"O-oh..."

She started her walk back to the cottage.

. . .

Vera: "Hey... how is she?"

Mutsumi looked up, and shrugged.

"She seems fine. Just a little tired, I think. Her heart is still beating, so I think she'll be okay."

Mutsumi's voice had a bit of relief in it.

Vera: "Ah, I see."

"What was she doing out there, anyways..?"

Mutsumi looked back at Dahlia, before turning back.

"I... don't know." :Mutsumi

They sat in silence for the night.

…

.

.

.

(End of part 11.)

Part 12. Inner Dreams.

. . . . .

Dahlia felt lost.

She didn’t know how she felt.

She woke up in a field of flowers.

Looking around in confusion, she didn’t even know what time it was.

Or, where she was, at that fact.

The sky was pink.

She had to be dreaming.

Everything looked like a dream.

She saw a window in the distance, floating around.

It floated closer.. And closer..

Until it landed.

Right beside her.

It looked like a mirror, and she stood, looking into it

It was slightly cracked and shattered, but it wasn’t hard to see through..

Her reflection didn't show anything important, yet she could see through the mirror.

The other side showed the cottage from her point of view.

Mutsumi sat beside her, staring down at her.

He whispered quietly.

"Dahlia, I really hope you're feeling okay. I don't want to worry about you, but it's been a few days and..."

His whispers went silent as he let out a small sigh.

"Nevermind... Just... get better... okay?"

He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Maybe there is hope. Something out there that could make you wake up.." He whispered.

His hand brushed over hers.

She saw this through the mirror, and smiled.

She never knew how he felt about her.

"Maybe you should kiss her, you know?" Vera called from across the room.

Mutsumi let out an embarrassed gasp.

He didn't even know she was watching.

"W-what? That's-" :Mutsumi

"Kiss her."

Dahlia watched through the mirror, staring at the deep blush on Mutsumi's face.

"I- I don't think-" :Mutsumi

"Come on!" Vera pleaded, a smug smile on her face.

"...I'll think about it..." Mutsumi backed away, looking down at Dahlia's face.

The mirror closed, and the image faded.

Dahlia was confused.

Did she want him to kiss her?

She thought for a while, falling asleep in dreamland.

. . .

(End of part 12.)

.

.

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Part 13. Caring Support.

The day had been long, and the night was coming to a close.

The sun peeked up at them through the clouds.

Mutsumi was sitting by Dahlia, as per usual.

His hand rested on her forehead, cooling it with his ice powers.

She didn't have a fever, but she seemed warm, and it was his best way of making sure she was alright.

Vera stood outside the door, getting berries from their newly-made farm.

She wanted to make a berry pie.

After she gathered enough, she headed back into the cottage.

Vera: "You should kiss her."

Mutsumi's face turned bright red.

"B-but... What if-"

He stammered, looking down.

She smirked, knowing how he felt about it.

Vera: "I'll leave the room."

*Ba-dump... Ba-dump...*

His heart beat faster.

Vera left to go back outside, tending to the garden.

He was alone in the room.

He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

*Ba-dump... Ba-dump...*

His mind wandered.

He didn't know what he was doing.

He looked down at her, blushing lightly.

Dahlia, in the dreamworld, sat watching.

A blush was on her face as she stared through the mirror.

Mutsumi started to lean down, and held her hand, his other hand brushing through her hair.

"Dahlia... I'm not sure where my mind is at right now, but... I think I'm ready for this... Just this once, okay..?"

He could feel his face heating up, and he pressed his lips to hers.

He quickly pulled away, a deep blush coming to his face.

He felt strange, but... not bad.

*Ba-dump.. Ba-dump...*

They could both feel it.

. . .

Dahlia was still in her dream world.

She blushed deeply.

He did it.

He kissed her.

She didn't think he would, but...

It was nice.

It made her feel... warm.

She reached out to touch the mirror.

Her hand went through it, and she saw her hand move slightly.

She tried to walk through it, and it worked.

She couldn't move, but her eyes opened slightly.

She saw him.

She couldn't talk.

. . .

Mutsumi looked away.

*Ba-dump...*

"I hope... you're okay, Dahlia."

“I’ll see you later.” He whispered to her softly before leaving the room.

The interaction made her smile.

He noticed.

“I’m glad you’re in there. Somewhere, you’re in there.”

Mutsumi walked out of the room, closing the door to let Dahlia rest.

(End of part 13.)

. . . . .

Part 14. Daily Life in the New World.

The sun peeked through the windows.

Mutsumi stretched out of the bed, letting out a yawn.

Vera poked her head through the door.

Vera: “Wake up, sleepyhead! We’re going out.”

“ Ugh… Five more minutes..“ :Mutsumi

“Nope, get up..”

She stepped into the cottage and dragged him out of bed.

“Stoppp…” :Mutsumi

His pleas fell on deaf ears as Vera continued to drag him somewhere.

“What are you doing…. Let me sleep..”

Being that it was quite early, and the sun was only just starting to rise, Mutsumi really wanted to get back to sleep.

Vera looked down at him, smiling.

“We’re going fishing, silly..”

He gave her a death glare.

Fishing?

That’s what she brought him out for?

At this time?

“I can’t believe you, Vera.”

“I’m just getting food for us… I know you’re tired of the berries, aren’t you?”

He didn't even realize he was hungry until now.

Vera: "I thought so."

Mutsumi sighed.

"Let's just get this over with..."

He walked out into the cold air, shivering a bit.

It was a nice day out, and the water wasn't frozen, surprisingly.

There was a small boat tied to the docks.

Vera walked over, the sunrise still setting a warm orange hue on the docks.

“After you, sleepy boy.”

Mutsumi shrugged and reluctantly followed behind, sitting down on the boat with a sigh.

He didn't look too forward to fishing.

Deep water scared him, in a way.

Vera untied the boat, pushing it off of the docks and getting in.

She started to row towards a clearing, the water flowing under the boat as it floated.

He took a fishing rod and hooked the end onto a worm.

Vera smiled.

"Ah, you already know how to fish?"

"What, are you shocked? I'm just a bit tired..."

Mutsumi's voice was a bit annoyed, but he didn't sound like it.

The boat drifted through the water, and his thoughts began to wander.

Vera didn't seem to be much of a talker.

He wasn't either.

"So..."

He didn't have much to say.

"I've been wondering..."

Vera looked up at him.

"Hm? What is it?"

Mutsumi shuffled in his seat.

"How long have you lived here?"

Vera: "I'd say a few months, give or take. Why do you ask?"

"I just want to know. This place is... just very different.. from where I lived.."

He looked away, unsure what else to say.

The boat continued to drift.

"This place... it's... calming.."

Mutsumi's voice was quiet, as he watched the sun rise.

"You seem like a nice person, Mutsumi."

He blushed.

"Well... I am. At least, I think so.."

"What was your life like before you got here, Mutsumi?"

He was caught off guard.

"My life?"

"Well, I... I don't remember, honestly. I don't remember most things.."

He looked down, trying to find the right words.

"I do remember one thing about my world..."

Vera leaned forward with interest.

"What is it? Go on..."

"Us demihumans got treated like garbage. The government ruined our lives, and..."

Mutsumi cut himself off feeling disappointed, like a rage was deep down inside of him as he said this.

"That's… all I remember.."

He looked away.

"I'm sorry, I just.."

"You don't have to explain, Mutsumi. It's alright."

She put her hand on his shoulder.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"It's okay."

She patted his shoulder.

"..And besides, We're here for you. Me, and Dahlia. Who knows, she could be waiting for you when we get back."

She smiled, watching his face turn pink.

"How cute."

She giggled.

Mutsumi blushed a little, before changing the subject.

"So.. what's your life story, Vera? You've only ever told me the basics.."

She looked up at him for a moment, then went back to staring at her reflection in the water.

"Oh- well..."

"It's only fair... I told you what I remember..."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"I've been here my whole life. My parents taught me how to survive alone in these woods. The cold isn't much of a problem for us, but a little warmth goes a long way. I found the foxes after my parents left me for... something... It's all a little hazy. I remember my mother telling me about something special hidden inside of me... I've always wondered what it could be..."

She was cut off by a splash, looking over the edge of the boat.

"Seems like you've got a bite! Get him quick!"

He looked over the side, watching the reel spin.

Mutsumi pulled up the line, and out popped a fish the length of the fishing rod itself.

"Ooh, nice!"

Vera clapped.

“Maybe we should head back, now?” She queried.

“No… let’s just.. Sit here for a while, okay?”

“You know what, Mutsumi? I think that’d be pretty nice.”

Vera sat with Mutsumi, watching the sunrise wash warm light over the both of them.

They ended up sitting there for the entire night.

. . .

(End of Part 14.)

Part 14.5 Waking Up

Dahlia opened her eyes.

The room was dark, and it was dark outside.

She didn't remember much, but she remembered her dream.

She smiled, remembering watching Mutsumi care for her.

She wanted to see him.

But, she didn't know if she was able to move yet.

Her vision was still a bit hazy.

She couldn't really make anything out.

After a bit of waiting, her vision cleared.

She was in bed.

It was quiet.

Vera and Mutsumi were nowhere to be seen.

She wondered where they were. At least they were together.

"I guess I'm by myself for now, then..."

She grabbed a nearby notebook from the dresser, and started sketching something.

. . .

Vera and Mutsumi were having a laugh outside, sitting in front of the pond with the cool night air hitting their faces.

Mutsumi was smiling.

He hadn't smiled this much in a long time.

It was nice to get to know each other a little better.

Just for a while.

The two of them had caught a total of five fish, and that would be enough for the two of them.

"So, you and Dahlia, huh?"

She had a smug look on her face.

She loved teasing him, he could tell.

Still, he looked away.

"S-stop it.."

"Come on, I was only kidding. Besides, she seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Well... maybe she does... I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"Well, isn't she still asleep? We haven't been home since this morning when you dragged me out of bed..."

"You're no fun. She's probably awake, and bored."

"We'll see when we get back, now, won't we?"

He looked over at Vera.

"What's your love life like, anyways?

Vera shrugged.

"I never really tried to date anyone. I'm pretty isolated in this forest here."

"That's fair."

"And besides, I have Dahlia and you. I don't think I'd need anything else."

He smiled, before getting up.

"Hey, what are you-"

"Let's go. It's getting dark."

"Oh. I guess we should get going.

The two of them packed up the boat and went home.

. . .

Dahlia had fallen asleep again.

As Mutsumi stepped through the doorway, the warm glow of the fireplace illuminated the room.

It was warm.

"I wonder what her backstory was."

Vera sighs.

"We won't know until she wakes up."

Mutsumi noticed the notebook laying beside her.

"Hey, what's this?"

He picked up the notebook, seeing various references and layouts of different bows and arrow types.

He had never seen them before.

"Wow, she really is a master of this."

"It's amazing what she can do, isn't it?"

Vera was standing behind him, looking over his shoulder.

"Yeah. She seems to put her heart into these designs... it's... really impressive."

"You know, you're not half bad yourself, Mutsumi."

"I'm not really a great artist, though."

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what?"

Dahlia woke up midway between their conversation.

"You're a good fighter, Mutsumi..."

Upon hearing his name, he jumped.

Mutsumi: "Eep! Don't scare me like that!"

Vera laughed.

"You should've seen the look on your face!"

Mutsumi blushed a deep red, his tail drooping down.

She smiled and leaned over onto him.

Vera: "Hey, it's alright."

She patted his head.

"Waking up now, Dahlia? How are you feeling?"

Dahlia: "I-I feel... fine..."

She seemed a bit nervous.

"Are you sure? You can tell us, Dahlia."

Mutsumi gave her a concerned look.

"I had a dream a few days ago..."

Vera: "Oh?"

"Yeah... I think I was in my own subconscious or something."

Mutsumi: "Was it bad? How did it make you feel?"

"I was dreaming about... something, I saw you. You were taking care of me.."

Dahlia's face went bright red.

Vera: "Ohohohoho, was it something dirty~?"

"W-what!? No! I wouldn't have that kind of dream!"

Dahlia blushed more.

"Mutsumi was taking care of me... I saw it through a mirror or something..."

Mutsumi's tail was wagging behind him.

M: "O-oh, uhm..."

He blushed, having the topic suddenly change to him.

M: "I just felt like helping... and uhm... y-yeah..."

The tips of his tail turned pink.

Mutsumi: "W-what else did you see?"

Dahlia: "Umm..."

She tried to remember what happened.

"You were sitting beside me... holding my hand... a-and..."

Her face was turning bright red.

"I think he kissed me... at some point.."

"Y-yeah, that's... that's what happened.."

Mutsumi covered his face in embarrassment.

Vera: "Awww, Mutsumi is soooo caring, isn't he?"

Vera laughed and gave him a teasing smirk.

M: "Y-you're embarrassing me!"

He tried to hide his blushing face with his hands, his ears twitching.

Vera: "Well, I'll leave you two to it. I've got fish to cook. I'll call you over when it's ready."

She winked at Dahlia, and left the room.

"O-okay.. Thanks, Vera." :Dahlia

"Y-yeah... thank you..."

Mutsumi looked back at Dahlia.

His tail started to wag a little faster.

"S-so, what else did you see.. in your dream? You've mentioned a mirror, so..."

"W-well... there was a mirror. I-it showed me you."

"O-oh, okay.."

He blushed.

"You were like... floating your hands around me.. What were you doing, Mutsumi..?"

"Oh, that..? I was using my new ice powers to... cool you down.. Hope it wasn't too bad...

"No, it was okay. I couldn't really feel it.."

"That's good.. I'm glad.."

They sat in silence for a bit.

"Y-you know, I..."

Mutsumi took a deep breath.

"I... I really like you, Dahlia."

His ears drooped down.

"You're one of the first people who's ever caught my eye, and... well..."

"O-oh..."

Dahlia blushed deeply, covering her face.

"I-I don't know what to say.."

"Sorry for putting this on you all of a sudden, but... I couldn't help it.."

"No, no, i-it's okay.."

"I just hope it doesn't come off as awkward..."

"I-it's not awkward... I.. I like you too, Mutsumi..."

"The dream made me realize how caring you were... And how you saved me... way back..."

She smiled.

Mutsumi couldn't help but to blush.

"Y-you're so nice, Mutsumi.."

"T-thank you, Dahlia."

He gave her a small smile.

"Y-you're welcome. It's part of my nature... I feel it.."

"That's my goal... once I-.. O-once we find a way out of this world.. I wanted to stop the government... They're the reason I'm here...."

"O-oh, I see... Well, I'll support you in any way I can."

She gave him a smile, and reached for his hand.

Mutsumi took her hand, blushing.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

"N-no problem.."

"Y-you're such a great person, Dahlia."

Dahlia blushed deeply, covering her face.

"You are too..."

"Ah, thank you..."

"You're welcome.."

Mutsumi smiled, his ears twitching a little.

He leaned forward, giving her a soft kiss on the lips.

She kissed him back, and they held each other in a warm hug.

"I hope that wasn't too bad, Dahlia..."

They both sat in bed, holding each other softly.

Vera stared through the window, giggling to herself.

“Aww, they’re already asleep…”

Eventually, nightfall approached, and Vera climbed in beside the two.

She ruffled Mutsumi's hair, falling asleep soon after.

. . .

(End of Part 14.5.)

Part 15, Girls Night

Waking up a little earlier than usual, Dahlia reached her arm over Mutsumi, poking Vera.

“M-mrm… Whaat…” :V

She pulled on Vera’s shoulder, urging her out of bed.

“W-what is it…”

She insisted she get out of bed.

“Why do you want me… to get up…”

Dahlia looked bored, constantly glancing out of the window into the darkness outside.

She had also gotten dressed before this whole ordeal.

Vera, still wrapped up in blankets, shuffled out of bed with a grumble.

“Hmm… hmph…”

“Waking me up at this time… for what…”

Dahlia giggled.

“I’ve just wanted to go out… just us.. Maybe we could catch up on some things, Vera…”

Vera yawned.

"Well, sure. That sounds nice. Let me get changed, and we can head out."

Dahlia sat in the doorway, staring into the night sky.

"It's beautiful up there..."

She let out a sigh, enamored with the long green and blue streaks of light slowly flying above them.

After a little, Dahlia heard the door open.

Vera stepped out, wearing her green kimono.

"O-kay... where we headed, girl?"

Dahlia smiled and pointed up at the sky for a moment.

"Look up at the sky..."

Vera looked up.

"Oh, wow.... I wonder what it would be like up there..."

The two stared up at the sky, watching the colors fade.

"Let's go, Vera.."

"Oh, yeah. Where are we headed?"

"I... had a dream about that place where Mutsumi had... saved me.. My mom was there... holding a red dahlia..."

"Isn't that a flower..?"

"Y-yes, I know that much... But the flower reminded me of her..."

"And she was telling me to... go back there.. So, I wanted to... check it out..."

Dahlia seemed unsure of her words being true or not.

"Ah, alright then... Well, let's go."

Vera smiled.

Dahlia grabbed Vera's hand, leading her towards the edge of the forest.

"So... what was your childhood like, Vera?"

"I'm not sure. It's all hazy..."

Vera's voice went quiet.

"Sorry if I brought up bad thoughts or anything..."

Dahlia let out a small sigh.

"I never wanted to kill the mood so quickly, you know..."

Dahlia looked at Vera, who was staring up into the sky.

"It's quite beautiful tonight. Just like how when me and my parents used to sit on the cottage roof... just staring into the sky."

Vera smiled at having reminisced a good memory.

"That sounds lovely."

"Yeah, it was..."

The two sat in silence for a bit.

"It's a shame we're not able to do the same, but..."

Vera looked down at Dahlia, then back up at the sky.

"Hey, look... there's that flower.."

"A dahlia..."

Vera tried to pick the red flower, but she got pricked by it.

"O-ow..."

Vera felt a strange feeling wash over her.

"W-woah, hey... everything's all.. hot..."

Dahlia picked the red flower up and analyzed it.

She felt a heat coming off from the flower.

"Hm... it's hot. Maybe there's a power in there..."

She poked herself with the flower, sticking it into her hair.

She looked up at Vera, who was now staring at her with a weird expression.

"W-what are you looking at?"

"What did you do?"

"I just put the flower in my hair."

"O-oh."

Vera blinked.

"S-something's not right, Dahlia."

"I can see it in your eyes, Vera."

"H-huh? W-what do you mean?"

"There's a... fire in your eyes..."

"O-oh."

"Is this what you felt, Vera?"

"W-what? When?"

"When I put the flower in my hair.."

Dahlia curiously waved her hands outward, into the sky.

A small blast of fire spewed out from her fingers.

"W-woah..."

"Wow, that's impressive.."

Vera stood behind Dahlia, her eyes wide.

"You can make fire, now..?"

"I-I guess so.."

"How did you do that?"

"I... don't know. I just wanted to see if it would happen, and..."

Dahlia looked at her hands.

"Maybe it's the flower... didn't you get pricked..?"

Vera looked down at her hands.

"I think so..."

Vera waved out her hands... and nothing happened.

"W-what? Why isn't it working..?"

Vera looked discouraged.

"H-hm, maybe it only works once?"

"Maybe.."

Dahlia picked the red dahlia from her hair, and gave it to Vera.

She tried again... and a small fire shot from her hand.

"A-ah... so the flower..?"

Vera smiled, having some sort of power.

Dahlia tried to do it again, and a blue sphere of fire sat in her hand.

"W-woah..."

"W-what is that, Dahlia?"

"I'm not sure."

She looked down at the fire ball, then at the dahlia in Vera's hands.

"M-maybe the powers are permanent for me..."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, It- it seems like I could always keep making fireballs, while you... only have it while you have the flower..."

"A-ah, that makes sense.."

"S-should we head back, Dahlia?"

"If you'd like to."

"Alright, then.."

Vera turned back towards the woods, taking Dahlia's hand.

Dahlia let out a small sigh.

"I guess the dream was... nothing, then..."

"What do you mean, Dahlia?"

"N-nothing."

Dahlia looked down.

"Let's just head home.."

"A-alright."

The two started to walk back to the cottage, talking about mutsumi, and their new powers.

(End of Part 15.)

Skip if you want, idc

Pt15. (Ext)

D: ”So… what do you think of Mutsumi, Vera?”

"Hmm, what do I think of him? Well, I'd say he's a really nice guy, and he cares about us a lot.":V

"Yeah, but what's your opinion on him?"

"What do you mean? I'm not sure what you're asking."

"I-I mean... What is your opinion of him? Like, is he your type or anything? You're always teasing him, and.."

"Ah, I get it now."

Vera giggled.

"You've fallen for him, haven't you, Dahlia?

"N-no, of course not… It’s not like that…"

Dahlia sheepishly flushes and quiets down.

"I'm just saying... you've been pretty close with him, Vera.."

"And you, too."

"Well, he's our friend. Of course we're close."

"It's more than just that, Dahlia.Admit it. You've got a thing for him."

"A-and so what if I did!? We're not dating, a-and we're not married...! You don't know if he's... single or not!"

"He is. He's told me."

"Oh."

Dahlia was taken aback.

"A-and what are you doing? Why are you asking about my feelings for Mutsumi!?"

Vera smirked.

"Just thought I'd ask. I don't have any feelings for him."

"O-okay."

"He's a nice guy, and all, but... I've never really seen him in a romantic way."

"R-right.."

"What's your relationship like with him, anyways?"

"T-that's private..."

Dahlia blushes.

"C'mon, tell me. It's not like it's anything to be ashamed of, is it?"

"No... no, I just... don't want to share the details.."

"Aw, well, alright."

Dahlia looked up at the night sky.

"You know... this world is... so empty. So calm, and... peaceful. I feel like I could really stay here, if I wanted to. The government back in my world, they controlled everything... I didn't get that… true feeling of freedom I feel here... They discriminate against our kind, treating us like... hell, animals... They take our rights, and throw them away like nothing, just because we have horns, or a tail, or any type of animalistic feature... they called us... all sorts of horrible things…”

Dahlia sighs, a small green flame spewing from her hand in hateful spite.

"The world I lived in was awful... I hated it there... And now that I'm here, I... feel like I have the freedom I always wanted..."

"You know, you're... right, actually. It feels like ever since I met you two, I've stagnated and broken from this constant path and routine that my parents taught me. It's nice to feel different, and.. Alive, like I've never felt before."

Vera looks at Dahlia with a hint of sadness.

"I know you two are probably planning to leave, and... return to your worlds, but... It'd be nice to go with you. To see what your world has to offer, even if it's horrible..."

Dahlia smiles.

"It'd be nice if you could join us, Vera. But, we don't have a way out yet, and even if we did..."

"We'd have to find a way to get you there..."

The cottage slowly started to come into view, ending the pair's somber conversation.

"We're almost home."

"Yeah. I guess we are."

The two continued to walk in silence.

"Maybe this could be our real home. Away from the real world."

"You could live here, too. There's more than enough space."

Dahlia smiles, the door opening for her.

Vera smiled back, stepping inside.

The fire in the fireplace was still lit, giving the room a warm glow.

Mutsumi was curled over in bed, hugging two pillows.

“Aw, hehe… look at him…”

“Snug like a bug.”

The girls giggled and climbed into bed beside him, happy to have a better understanding of their future dreams.

(End Ext.1).

Part 16, Glitter Road

The bright light piercing Vera’s eyes stung. She managed to open them despite the stinging sensations.

She came to a bright yellow road, sparkling like glitter.

She was dreaming, she had to be.

There was a door-like shape in the distance.

The light shone brightly in her dark hair.

Her tail whistled with the cold, golden wind.

The door opened to see a new world.

She was confused, yet intrigued.

The sounds of modern civilization could be heard in the doorway.

A train passed by in the distance, its loud horn blaring through the door.

Was it an entrance? An exit?

A portal?

She walked forward, her curiosity leading her.

The door was just out of reach.

A sudden feeling of uncertainty overcame her.

She hesitated.

Vera took a step forward.

As soon as her foot hit the ground, she was gone.

She was somewhere else, yet the same.

It was her old home.

It was all a dream. But maybe it meant' something.

Maybe she was being shown what could be.

But, how could she make her wish come true?

The thought had crossed her mind, but… there was no way.

She sat there, in her bed.

It was troubling.

What if she never got the chance to fulfill her wish?

The door was right there.

Vera sighed.

She looked over at the others, asleep in their beds.

She could only imagine what the door could've held.

She would have been abandoning her friends, but...

She would've left this world to live in a new one.

Vera sighed, lying back in her bed.

Maybe there was another way.

Another possibility.

She just had to wait.

(End of Part 16.)

Pt16 (Ext)

Mutsumi woke up, looking to see a troubled Vera.

M: “Vera..? What are you doing up this early..?”

She gave him no response.

“Hellooo..? Earth to V?”

He yawned.

"I-it's only about 7 in the morning.."

He looked back over at Vera.

"You okay?"

"Mutsumi.

"Hm..? What is it?"

"Promise me... If we ever find a way out of here... don't let me go through it."

"What do you mean, Vera? You're not making any sense... We wanted you to... to come with us..."

Mutsumi looked a bit pained at the request.

"I'm... not going with you two, Mutsumi. It's better that way."

"Better..? How could it be better if you're not coming with us?"

"Trust me."

"Did you... have a dream or something..?"

Vera stayed silent, and turned away.

"Sorry, but.. I can't tell you. I'm not sure what would happen, and..."

"You don't have to hide your feelings and thoughts from me, Vera..."

"I'm not hiding them. I just... don't know how to explain them."

"Well, that's okay. I understand."

Mutsumi's ears lowered.

"I'll always be there for you, Vera. Just let me know. I'll convince you the worth of going out. Staying cooped up in this... little... forest of sort... can't be that fun, can it? There has to be something else for you."

"Like I said, I don't know, but, I'm not sure I could convince myself...

..I could try."

“That’s the spirit, V..”

They look at each other, nodding their heads before lying down and sleeping.

(End Ext.2)

Part 17. Blinding Visions

It was just a mere bit of imagination. A fleeting vision of the future. A dream.

The gentle pitter-patter of rain hitting against his window is what woke him up.

Mutsumi sat up in bed, looking around the cold room. Dahlia sat beside him, sleeping.

There was a ring on her finger.

They weren’t in the new world anymore.

This felt too real.

His mind couldn’t handle the thought of being in the real world.

It was overwhelming…

Not yet... not now... He still had to fix the government... to escape with Vera and... Dahlia.

He didn't have time to process anything before he woke up.

The cold air brushed his skin.

It was chilly, despite the roaring fireplace.

He wondered what time it was.

It was snowing outside, as always. This particular evening it was dark outside. He felt safe in the cottage, yet... that dream had stayed locked in his mind.

He felt a slight chill down his spine.

His thoughts were interrupted by Dahlia waking up.

D: "M-Mutsumi...? What's wrong... Did you have a nightmare..?"

"Uh, no, no... it was a dream. Just a dream… Y-yeah, sure."

She leaned forward, hugging him.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm here."

Mutsumi felt a small smile tug on his lips.

"Thanks, Dahlia."

The warmth of her body comforted him.

He felt better.

But deep down, he knew they all had to leave the world someday.

"Hey, uh... Dahlia..."

D: "Yes, Mutsumi..?"

"Can you... Can we... I'm not sure. I'm a little worried about what will happen when we go back to our world."

"How so?"

"W-well, I'm... scared. What if something goes wrong? Or what if we're separated and alone again..?"

"M-Mutsumi.."

She lets out a sigh, holding onto him softly.

"I'm here for you."

She leans against him.

"We can fix the government, and... change the world. For the better."

"Yeah. That's our goal, right?"

"Right."

He gave her a small hug.

"I'll... I'll try to work hard, and... make a new government... a fair one. Where... we don't need to hide away."

"Mm... that does sound nice. ..Hey... where's Vera?"

"She went out for a walk, earlier. I don't know when she'll be back."

"Ah, okay."

Mutsumi looked down.

"Do you think she's okay..?"

"I don't know... hopefully she's back soon so we can talk about our plans..."

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.

.

Meanwhile, in the forest..

Vera was searching. Searching for a way out of this world.

She traveled deep into the dark forest, just searching.

The dome had come into view again, the back of it completely shattered.

There was a golden glow behind it.

Vera wanted to- no. She needed to see what it was.

Grabbing the dahlia from her hair, she raised her hand, a bright blue flame forming over it.

She held it against the dome, watching the glass barrier turn to mush in front of her.

Stepping over it, she stepped onto a flower. The room was full of dahlias.

She picked one up, and it pricked her finger.

“Ow! Little-”

A shard of ice flew out of her hands. As it hit the glass wall, it burst into a light green fire.

It quickly snuffed itself out, and Vera picked up the flower, stuffing it into her hair.

She smiled happily, looking down at the floor.

As she walked through the other side of the dome, she could see the glittery road again.

There was... a portal. Just like in her dream...

She wanted to go into it, but she couldn't leave Mutsumi and Dahlia behind... not after all they've added to her life. All of the excitement, fun, tough moments, it all led to where she stood.

She rushed back to the opening.

The forest path stood in front of her again.

She ran back to the cottage, eager to share her news.

(End of Part 17.)

Warning! This story will now start to differ from the version I have posted on Google Docs!

Ext. P17

Vera had burst through the cottage doors, an eager smile on her face. "Guys! I found... a way out.." The room was quiet. Mutsumi and Dahlia weren't there. Not currently.

.

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"Mutsumi, why are we out here again?" Asked Dahlia, the dark blanket of the night covering them as the boat shifted in the small lake. Mutsumi was staring into the moon, pondering the future. "I wanted to get a closer look at the sky." He replied, his gaze still fixated on the sky. "And you just decided to drag me along? It's midnight. We could've gotten some sleep and watched the sky tomorrow." Mutsumi gave a small shrug, smiling a bit. "I dunno. I felt like we should get out more. Besides, we can sleep in tomorrow. What's the harm in being out tonight, Dahlia? It seems like the perfect opportunity for something a bit more.. special, hehe.." Mutsumi looked to the side, a faint blush on his cheeks. He nervously brushed his white hair from his face, staring at his reflection in the water. "...Ahaha... So, Dahlia. I think we've had a... one-on-one conversation before, but I wanted to ask about your past... if you'd like to, of course."

. . . Silence filled the air, before Dahlia bushed out a response.

"My past, hm? Well, my past was kind of... rough. I had a mom and dad. My parents weren't exactly... supportive, but they loved me all the same. They tried their best to understand what I was, but in the end, they failed to comprehend it. My dad was... really nice. He was understanding. My mom was... distant. She never really talked to me unless I needed her. She wasn't bad, she was just... awkward. But she still cared about me. I was always bullied at school. Because I was different. People would call me a monster... a freak; the typical things, you know..? It didn't bother me. I mean, I was used to it. My parents tried their best to help, but, there wasn't much they could do. They were humans, after all...

They couldn't understand what was wrong with me. I was an adopted child, and nobody knew I was an Elf...

That was... until my ears started to grow. Nobody understood. Nobody knew why I was like this. My parents were afraid. And the bullies at school made everything worse. It was a cycle. The more it happened, the worse things got. My parents started to treat me differently. I started to get... more and more lonely. Nobody was there for me. Except for... nature." Dahlia reached down, her fingertips getting wet from the water. "The plants were there for me. The animals, too. Nature was always there, always accepting of me, no matter how strange or abnormal I was. I had no friends. Nobody cared about me. I started to reside in the forest... I made a bow, started hunting... just finding my own ways to survive. That's when I had... I was aiming at a fish that jumped out of the water... I got threw off, and... 'Fwoomp..' the arrow flew to the city, and it hit someone... I was captured, and well... you know the rest. Although it was... a bad experience... I'm actually really happy that I-... I was able to meet you.." Dahlia looked down at her hands, and then up at Mutsumi, her hair brushing in front of her face. "And Vera, of course." She added. Mutsumi nodded, smiling. "Well, I'm glad I was able to meet you, too. It's quite a shame that your life wasn't as great as it could've been, but... You're with us now. I'll be sure that we'll fix everything. That's what we came here for, right?" Dahlia smiled at Mutsumi's words, looking down at her hands. "I'm sure we'll figure something out. And... Thank you, for listening. I really appreciate it, Mutsumi." Mutsumi let out a small chuckle, leaning back on the boat. "We should head back to the cottage..." Mutsumi grabbed the oars, rowing back to the docks. When they got there, he tied the boat up, reaching out his hand to Dahlia. "Thank you." She responded, taking his hand gently. Stepping up, she slipped. "W-woah!" Right before she fell, Mutsumi held her tightly, and she didn't fall. "T-thank you..." She shivered.

. . . . .

After arriving back at the cottage, the two step inside, noticing Vera fidgeting with the flower in her hair. "Oh... hey guys... I was waiting for you two. Where exactly were you lovebirds?" She tilted her head sideways, glaring at them. M: "We were just having a small talk on the boat by the lake... nothing too special, right Dahlia?" D: "Y-yeah..." She looked up at very, noticing the flowers on her head. "Hey, where'd you get those? Did you go out? It looked like you wanted to tell us something.." Dahlia saw Vera look to the side, before her gaze returned to them. V: "Well, yes... I did want to tell you guys something. But I wanted to wait until you guys got back. I went back to that dome... you know the one full of flowers? There was like... a golden glow behind it... So I broke part of it... and, well... I saw a portal. I think it's how... that guy got here..."

She gestured towards Mutsumi, who was staring into the fire. He seemed distracted.

.

.

.

"Hey, you okay Mutsumi? You've been kind of zoned out all night." V: "You alright there, buddy?" M: "I'm fine... it's just.. that dream... I've been thinking about it..." V: "What's it about?" Dahlia chimed in. "He'd... rather not talk about it." Vera chuckled and hugged Mutsumi, before pulling back. "Well, whatever it is, I'm here for you, buddy. Let's get some rest. We'll check out the portal tomorrow..." Mutsumi yawned. "Y-yeah. Alright, Vera." He looked around the room, seeing the girls get into bed. He followed shortly, falling asleep.

(Ext 17, End.)

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Part 18. Friendly Adventures

Mutsumi woke up. It was a different morning. He felt different this time, better rested, it seems. Sunlight peeked through the windows, waking him up. The fire was almost snuffed out, the few embers keeping the cottage warm. When he had stepped outside, Dahlia and Vera were waiting for him. D: "Took you long enough, sleepyhead...." She teased him, her hands behind her back. M: "Yeah? Well, sorry. I didn't really get the chance to sleep last night, so..." He stopped himself, looking up at the sun. "How long have you two been awake? It's only, like, 7..."

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.

.

"We were waiting for you, of course. So that we can go check out that portal. You didn't forget, did you?" V: "Well, I certainly haven't forgotten... Let's get going, c'mon..." Vera already started walking down the path. M: "Hey, wait up!" Dahlia was following behind her, and Mutsumi dashed to catch up.

Not caring to pay much attention, he tripped on a stick and landed on top of Dahlia. Vera turned around at the sudden thud-like sound, laughing at the two, who were toppled over each other. M: "A-ah... haha... could you.. move?" Mutsumi had to avert his gaze before shuffling around on the ground. Looking up, Dahlia was blushing deeply. Coming to her senses, she quickly stood up, brushing off the snow from her leggings. D: "Can we just get a move on already? I want to see this portal you keep bringing up, V."

Dahlia trudged through the snow, softly crunching under her feet with each step as she caught up with Vera, her face still flushed from the embarrassing moment. M: "H-hey, wait up..." Mutsumi stumbled up, jogging over to the two. After a bit of walking, the sun went down, and the moons luminant shine washed down over the trio. Dahlia had to step up beside Vera to light a small spark of flame to continue guiding the way to the dome.

"I can feel the cold air against my face, and the crunching of snow below our feet. It's all so real. Too real, even. Is this... really happening? I can't tell if this is a dream or not anymore." Vera whispered, staring down at the ground while holding onto Dahlia, guiding the fire in front of them to see through the snow. Mutsumi cuddles up next to them for warmth, his fingers brushing through Dahlia's hair. She let out a quiet sigh, closing her eyes, the cold wind stinging her eyes. After a long walk, they had finally reached the dome, the glass completely shattered, and partially melted bits splayed across the snow. D: "Woah... What happened here?" V: "Let's... not talk about it..." Mutsumi took a look at the area, the grass charred, and a giant hole in the side of the dome. The trio walked in, looking at the dahlias. It was all so beautiful. D: "I didn't expect such a beautiful garden in the middle of a dark forest..." M: "Well, this world has its beauty hidden in places you wouldn't expect. Like the flowers, or the moon... Or even you two." He whispered, making Dahlia blush. "S-shush..." The three had continued through the dome, eventually reaching the other side. The golden glow was still there, emanating out from the broken shards of glass of the dome. When the trio stepped forward, the golden glow of space filled around them, as if they stepped into a room. Mutsumi glanced around, taking in the scenery as the portal sat in front of them. M: "What's... what's this place? It looks..." V: "It's a portal, silly... This is what I was talking about. But... we need to be sure. I... need a moment." Vera whispered, sitting down on her knees in front of the glowing portal. "I... need a bit to say goodbye. I may never see my home again, you guys..." Vera stared down at the ground, tears streaking down her face as she wiped her nose, her hands shaking. Dahlia knelt down beside her, patting her back, the two hugging each other tightly. "Don't worry, Vera... You'll be with us. You don't have to worry." She whispered. Mutsumi smiled, wrapping his arms around her. "Yeah, you're with us now. You won't have to be alone." Vera sobbed, wiping her tears away. "Thank you guys... I needed that. Let's go." Dahlia and Mutsumi stepped into the portal.

(End of Pt 18, Chapter 3.)

*No Ext this time, sorry.*