Wavebourne was a decent city. But unlike Yas or the Capital, there were no city center or central area. Just a bunch of houses and buildings along the beach. The only exception was the giant Arena right in the middle. Wonder got a thrill looking at it, imaging a Gym Battle… or close enough.

They settled at an inn when a message came in. Highrise apparently was deemed with a life-threatening illness. They caught it early enough that it could be cured, but he had to go to a whole other city, and treatment would take weeks.

I apologize deeply, Wonder, I was truly looking forward to our Battle. I should be cured and recovered by the Winter Battle League, however, so we can meet on the battlefield then. I wish you the best.

Wonder sighed as he put the letter in his Inventory. “If I didn’t see him with a doctor only a few nights ago, I would be more cautious. But it would explain why he was with a doc in the first place.”

Rose nodded. “Agreed.”

A group of LIghtwraith walked in. They glared at Rose… at least until Wonder flipped the bird at them. Then it was full on retreat to another Guild counter.

Wonder said, “There is an abnormal amount of Lightwraiths here.”

Rose said, “While it is under constant dispute whether or not Taming is ‘weak’, no one can dispute the glory of battle. They are all probably fans of Highrise and was looking forward to a battle.”

Wonder said, “I almost want to find another Tamer to get them something.”

Rose smiled. “You are kindhearted, my love.”

Wonder smiled back. “We’ll dispute if that’s a flaw or strength later.”

Suddenly the doors slammed opened. A giant Lightwraith walked in. Like, seriously, imagine the father from How To Train Your Dragon. Turn him completely white and make the white hair about 50% wilder, you’d have this guy. He boomed, “AND RALTON IS HERE!!!”

The Lightwraiths and the Knights burst into applause. Wonder just had a headache, and rubbed his ears. He whispered, “Who’s that guy?”

Rose groaned, rubbing his own head. “Ralton. Head of one of the 5 Lightwraith families in Fasis. But champion of Hoseki as well. You know how you tell stories of how Heroes are brought to other worlds to stop them from being destroyed? Ralton does most of those quests. Single-handingly.”

Wonder whispered, “Great, another one who enjoys attention. Well, this explains the Lightwraith crowds better.”

Rose nodded. Ralton said, “TODAY THERE SHALL BE A COMPETITION FOR ALL THOSE WITH LIGHTWRAITH CHILDREN! IT IS TIME FOR MY SON TO TAKE A MATE!”

Rose whispered, “What?”

Wonder said, “What is it?”

A nearby Lightwraith overheard. He leaned in slightly and whispered, “It is not tradition for a Fasis Champion family to accept an official mate from a mixed family. They prefer what I think your land calls Pureblood.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Wonder gagged. “Points for the Harry Potter reference, but that’s about it. Thanks for the explanation, though.”

Wonder looked at Rose. “Also another case of arranged marriages.”

Rose nodded. “It’s not as heavily enforced as what the Light Queen was about to pull off, but pretty much the moment the child could establish a lifemate bond, the parents start looking for a worthy mate.”

Wonder said, “So the kid’s… a teen?”

“I believe the term you use is preteen. Basically, Sakura could get a mate now.”

Wonder probably looked as shocked as he felt. Rose said, “Don’t worry, legally she stays with us until 18. And the bond activates by kissing until that age too, not by adult activities, so no unexpected grandchild either.”

Wonder whispered, “That does relax me a little.”

He sighed. “I need to get out. His voice is a weapon in itself.”

Even the most serious Lightwraiths gave Wonder a sympathetic nod. Many wore earplugs. They all knew.

The couple walked out. Rose said, “So… getting a job around here out of the question?”

Wonder said, “Not quite. Benefit to being any sort of Hunter… you go out, get hides or scales or whatever, and you get a buyer in town. Quests give extra money, sure, but we can easily live off of that aspect of my Class alone I am just trying to prep for winter when most animals sleepin’.”

Rose nodded. “Fair. And I can usually get work as a Bard anywhere, so…” He shrugged.

“HEYO!!!”

Wonder’s instincts kicked in. He spun, had an arrow nocked and flying in seconds.

The one called Ralton grabbed it in midair. Instead of looking pissed, he actually looked excited. He said, “Ye the one called Wonder Hyde, correct?”

Wonder said, “Yeeeeees. Whyyyyyyy?”

“Hate to ask this of ye, but I was hopin’ yah could do a job for me.”

Wonder perked, and Rose did too. Wonder said, “What kind of job?”

Ralton said, “Have ye heard of a spinach fish?”

“Only just now, and first thought: ew.”

Ralton laughed. “Oh, we can agree on that. But apparently it just looks like spinach.”

He indicated the market. “They are out. And it be cheap’r to have a Hunter get some than wait for the next supply train.”

Wonder said, “Huh. Well, that’s fair.”

He looked at Rose. Rose said, “If I remember right, spinach fish live out in the sea.”

“So the kids can splash while we fish. Deal.”

****************

When Wonder and Rose got back to the inn, Sakura hugged Wonder tightly. Wonder said, “Whoa… everything okay, sweetie?”

Sakura whimpered/growled into his chest. Wonder said, “Is that a I need to go kill someone for touching my baby girl?”

Crisis said, “I think it’s a different kind of you want to shoot them situation.”

Rose said, “What… wait. Sweetie, did your lifemate sense go off?”

She nodded.

Wonder said, “Greeeeeeat. I’m gonna go shoot someone. And they may possibly be named Gideon.”

Sakura chuckled. She looked up. “…Daddy, it’s a Lightwraith.”

Wonder had guessed. There were just too many in town right now. Wonder pet her hair. “Did they hurt you?”

Sakura shook her head. “I… ran away when I realized what it was.”

Crisis said, “I was nearby. A boy simply was behind her in line. They were chatting about… something, I was only half paying attention. My apologies.”

Sakura whispered, “Izuku’s bunnies.”

Wonder pet her head. “Well, at least there was no nastiness. Did you get the boy’s name so I can hunt him down?”

Sakura shook her head. Crisis said, “I have his image, but I do not know how that would help.”

Wonder shook his head. “Yeah, especially with Ralton announcing he wants to find his kid’s spouse.”

Crisis said, “Ralton?”

“Think a Lightwraith and over-loud version of Hiccup’s dad. In the meantime, we got a Quest… who’s up for some fishing?”

Even Izuku appeared. “Fishing?!?”