Feeling motion Ekia slowly opened his eyes to see that he was sitting on the back of a creature in front of Levi. Around them the others were also riding with bags behind them or on the sides of the creatures. Patting the creature, it had dark brown fur that felt silky smooth. Feeling a hand wrap around his wrist, Ekia looked up to see that Levi was staring down at him. Smiling back Ekia turned his attention to their surroundings, there was nothing but dirt and a few shrubs and trees scattered around far into the distance.

“Feeling better Ekia?” Levi asked charmingly.

“Yes!” Ekia replied quietly. “Where are we?”

“On our way to the next mission, a small town not far away!” Levi stated charmingly, pointing out in front of them.

Leaning slightly forwards in Levi’s grip, he watched as the town began to come into view. The town looked so small with only a few buildings, the roofs were made of straw and walls of wood. There were a few fields past the town which made Ekia think they were of wheat or grain. Oddly, though there was no one, human or otherwise, outside. Pulling to a stop outside, Ekia found himself being held after Levi got off.

“Shall we set up here and head in while the boy prepares a meal for our return?” Mia said sweetly. “I’m sure he could do with the rest!”

“I agree with Mia!” William stated before he led his creature a distance away, removing the bags.

Being carried over Ekia was placed down on the ground before being handed a small book with a picture of different food on it.

“This book used pictures to explain how to make the food!” William stated. “Take your time to read it while we set things up!”

“Ok!” Ekia replied before he moved away and sat on the ground.

It seemed that the place they were settling camp up was made of mostly dirt with very little grass. ‘It's going to get really muddy when it rains’ Ash thought. Opening the book, there were a lot of images. Ekia knew some of them but others were unknown and looked really strange. Flipping through the pages Ekia stopped at one that looked delicious, it looked like a potluck that he had seen online a few times but never had a chance to try. Having the cookbook ripped from his hands, Ekia looked up to see that Cole was holding it.

“Is this what you want to try and make?” Cole asked, looking at the potluck.

Nodding his head, Ekia watched as Cole walked to William where they began to converse.

“Alright before we leave I’ll have the ingredients and cooking equipment ready for you!” William stated as he took the cookbook and began sorting through the bags.

Getting up Ekia dusted off his clothing before heading over, he wanted to see if there was anything he could do.

“Where do you think you are going?” Lucus asked, blocking Ekia’s way. “Go back and read this. It should allow you to understand the language a bit!”

Taking the book Ekia went and sat on the ground before he opened the book. The first page was empty beside some text and a line, most likely where he meant to put his name. The page after that was a context page with some symbols beside some. Flipping through a few pages Ekia stopped at one that showed a freaky looking monster. The image showed it standing on all four legs with a black outline beside it showing how it was slightly taller than a human. Its sharp teeth were in full focus with some darkest red blood falling from it, almost matching the creature’s skin. ‘I hope that something like this doesn’t live around here’ Ekia shuddered at the thought of being attacked while the others were gone. As he began to flip through more pages Ekia began to realize that this book was on different monsters and plants, he was surprised that there were still so many pages to look at despite the book’s size. Stopping at a plant that stood out to him, it looked like a venus fly trap. Only it was much bigger and had colorful flowers attached to its base.

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“What are you so focused on?” Levi asked politely as he took the book away.

“A plant!” Ekia responded before noticing that Levi was tense.

“Who gave you this?” Levi asked, looking coldly at Ekia.

“Um…Lucas!” Ekia replied looking down, worried that he might have done something wrong.

Hearing Levi’s footsteps move away Ekia looked up to see that Levi was beelined in the direction of Lucus who was sorting through some bags. When Levi arrived, it appeared that an animated argument began. Ekia was glad that he wasn’t close to hear but he still felt bad that he was causing issues. While he was starting to trust them, he still wasn’t certain after what happened to those other caged beings. Looking up at the clouded sky, it began to pour heavily. Wiping the water from his eyes, Ekia slowly got up before something warm was thrown over him, looking up it was Luna who was smiling down at him.

“Let’s get under cover!” Luna encouraged as she took Ekia’s arm and led him into the large tent which had been set up.

Entering the tent Ekia was covered by the warmth, surprised by how the tent was able to damper the sound of the rain. There was a bunch of zipped doors that had name tags on them, nearby Mia seemed to be sorting through some food items. After settling down in the blanket Ekia watched as Luna enter one of the rooms before the others quickly entered, its seemed that there was strong tension between Lucus and Levi. Looking at them Ekia remembered being told that it was best to keep your distance to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Looking away Ekia hopped that they didn’t notice him staring at them. Noticing that William had bent in front of him in a way that blocked his view of them, Ekia looked up at him.

“We will be going soon so try not to go outside unless it's necessary. Also try to leave the cooking till the weather cleared up kid!” William stated. “Do you think you would be fine alone?”

“I’m sure!” Ekia stated, before William patted him on the head.

“Well Levi show him where he is going to be resting since he's staying in your room right?” William asked.

“Right!” Levi stated before he came over and helped Ekia up, leading him towards the back door which was Levi’s room.

Once inside the place looked comfy, there was a large fluffy bed, a bunch of toys and pillows. In one corner there were a few boxes stacked.

“Alright you will be sleeping here, in those boxes are your clothes!” Levi quickly stated. “Are you fine with these arrangements?”

“Yes!” Ekia quickly stated. “How long will you all be gone?”

“Hopefully a day depending on the situation!” Levi stated charmingly.

“Ok!” Ekia said happily that he wasn’t going to be alone for long before he followed Levi back out to the others.

“Your food is here!” Mia stated as she pointed at a box holding a bunch of packed food and drinks. “These should last till we return. We will be off now!”

“Bye!” Ekia said as he watched the otters leave with their packs and creatures into the bad weather.

Looking around, Ekia headed to the box and grabbed a pack of food and drink before sitting down. Opening the bottle Ekia heard the tent door roughly open, causing him to drop it in fear. In the doorway was Levi who was staring at him in concern.

“Let’s clean this mess up!” Levi stated as he closed the bottle and picked Ekia up.

“Why did you come back so soon?” Ekia asked, slightly annoyed.

“Remembered that I didn’t show you the activity books and other things I brought for you to use so you don’t get bored!” Levi stated. “By the way only we can zip open the door so no strangers would be able to enter so don’t worry!”

“Ok!” Ekia replied relieved that the tent was safe before he watched Levi quickly clean up the spill.

Once the spill was cleaned Ekia followed Levi back into Levi’s room where he was shown a large chest hidden beneath a blanket and toys. When it opened there were a bunch of different things including books, puzzles and strange small items.

“Alright I got to go now, stay safe till we get back!” Levi stated before he once again left the tent.

“Bye!” Ekia said before he went back to enjoy his meal.

Holding up the bottle, about a third of it was gone and it's strange smell hanging around. Taking a sip, Ekia couldn’t help but shudder at how bad it tasted. Closing the bottle Ekia hoped that the chips tasted better, it had a strong bitter taste and was hard to chew. Picking up the bottle, Ekia placed the food and drink back into the box before heading back to the back room, not feeling hungry anymore. Zipping the door Ekia climbed into the soft bed before quickly falling asleep, listening to the rain. Ekia hoped that the rain would stop by the time he awoke.