As we stepped out into the cold crisp air, snow whirled lightly around us from the ground and then settled down. I felt an almost giddy smile spreading across my face, because standing there on the docks, across from us, was a small group of people, and front and center were catgirls!

Soriya turned and gave me a severe quelling look. I had to forcibly restrain myself from breaking into a manic grin and a little dance.

Focus, Lily. Focus. Elven supremacy. Grace. … Eeeeee, real catgirls, real catgirls! Oh my gawd, they’re so sexycute I could just die!

There were also several male catkin behind. They were quite handsome too, I noted! But the majority of the welcoming party were in fact catgirls.

They were all wearing the archetypical barbarian style. Fur bikinis and loin cloths, thick leather boots and gloves trimmed in fur and wearing bone and claw jewelry. One thing they all had in common, a uniform scowling expression that looked like they wanted to rip up everything in your house.

I loved it.

“Alright, and what’s your story? Got some new terrifying monster that you need to invade our city for as well?!” The catgirl in the lead demanded, striding towards us.

I blinked, and opened my mouth, then closed it as Soriya stepped forward.

“Funny you should mention that…” she said. “But I assume not. We’re just here as simple traders and merchants. Have you heard about what happened in the Capitol, or Akionantes?”

The catgirl sniffed. “Something terrible to do with the Avatar and your dead gods, most like.” She held out her hand. Paw? “Docking fees. Nothing more, nothing less.” She tapped her palm imperiously. “The treaty says, and I won’t take no for an answer. Don’t care about your gods, don’t care about your fairytales.”

She paused, and gave us a severe glance. “If you’re bringing yet more soldiers into the city, you’ll have to clear it with the mayor!” She looked behind us, where Eshaan and the others waited quietly. I could see her clearly taken aback. “Humans? You’re traveling with humans?”

“Yes, they’re our trading crew. Is that a problem?” Soriya asked smoothly

The catgirl sniffed dismissively, looked back at her small group, then turned back to Soriya. “No. Not as long as you pay the entry fee. Trading goods? We’ll have to verify you’re not shipping anything hazardous, dangerous, or otherwise illegal.”

I looked behind her, and saw the backup shifting nervously.

This is a dangerous game you’re playing Soriya… just how well loved are the sylvani here? I wondered.

Given the regal nature of it… well, we’d decided against Lakshmi, because Lakshmi had decided she didn’t want to play the part of a snooty elven… sylvani… lady. A role that Soriya positively relished, frankly.

And honestly, she’s got the bustline for it. I thought, feeling a brief stab of jealousy.

“Of course, darlings, of course!” Soriya said, pulled out a wad of zeni bills from her cleavage. I had to bite my tongue to avoid rolling my eyes. The backup catkin behind were suitably distracted, and I could see from the way the catgirl harbor master’s eyes widened that she was as fixated on the bundle of glittering zeni bills as her backups were fixated on Soriya.

Well. A stealth mission this is not. I thought. We’re sure to be remembered, if anyone asks. Which they will, given we’re stealing an Arcanum. I pressed my lips together firmly. Not stealing. I reminded myself. Avatar. System repair. I am supposed to have them to fix up the sylvani sabotage.

Soriya pressed the wad of zeni into the catgirl’s outstretched paw and smiled. “I assume that will be enough?”

The catgirl glared up at her, and then meticulously counted the bills, sorting them in her paws. When she was done, she passed half the wad of bills back.

“You don’t need to flaunt your wealth. We’re well aware of the treaty terms.” She huffed at us.

She spun and beckoned sharply to the group of catkin behind her. I breathed a prayer of thanks to any gods or spirits that might be listening that we’d emptied the Sparrowhawk of anything but trade goods.

And… hum… if she handed some of the money back… I wonder… have we met an actually honest portmaster?!

We all moved out of the group’s way as the catkin entered the ship, and started to root through it. I took a moment to admire the rear view of the catkin, and the cute little sway of their tails as they vanished into the hatchway.

The inspection was over quickly, but extremely professional and thorough. I was amused at the contrast between the ‘thug barbarian’ outfits and the clearly professional and experienced behavior they displayed. I also noted that the catgirl portmaster was slightly disappointed that she couldn’t find anything illegal.

She stomped out of the ship, and nodded sharply, then scribbled something into a form and used her claw to slice it cleanly off the pad of paper she’d been holding. She thrust it sharply at Soriya.

“Here. Pass is good for three days. You stay longer, you pay more. Clear?!”

Soriya nodded gracefully, taking the paper from the portmaster’s hands smoothly. “Crystal. Where do we find your office if we need to pay more?”

The catgirl shook her head, and muttered something under her breath about educated fools and sylvani, then said “Down the stairs, to the right. Big building, says Harbor Authority on it. You can read catkinthy, right?!”

Soriya nodded smoothly. “Of course.” I could see a momentary calculation flash in Soriya’s eyes, but she simply said “Will there be anything else?”

“No.” The catgirl spat at us. “Welcome to Malazar, noble lady.” She said with clear disdain, and then stomped off with her retinue, down the stairs to the lower city.

We stood there for a moment, a swirl of snow whispering past us as the rest of our group gathered behind us, huddling into winter cloaks and clothing.

“Well. They don’t seem to have very good relations with the sylvani, now do they?” Lakshmi said, then grabbed at her hat to stop it from blowing away. “I wonder how we can use that?” She added thoughtfully.

“Presumably, by asking around.” Daniyel said calmly. “Shall we investigate the city?”

“Well, I mean we were going to do that anyway, right Lily?” Said Eshaan. “New city shopping and everything!” He nudged Camaxtli “Aren’t you excited to see what’s here?”

Camaxtli blinked and then nodded. “Apologies. I was… processing. Yes. Gathering information in a new location is always advantageous.”

Eshaan frowned slightly but shrugged. “Well.” He clapped gloved hands together. “Lily, why don’t you try looking for new ingredients! I bet they have-“

“Things like snowberries and ice elk, yes.” I said, smiling at him.

“Wow.” Eshaan said. “That’s… those sound way cooler than I was thinking! I thought they’d just have stuff like seal and whale meat!”

I blinked, and then laughed. “Eshaan, never change.” I nodded. “Yes, I’ll try and have something special cooked for all of you. Maybe I can make a special investigation meal platter.”

“Is that a thing?” Lakshmi asked in confusion.

“I don’t know!” I said, spreading my hands. “But it might be! Let’s go exploring!”

Daniyel nodded, and said “I suggest that we form two groups. Given how the locals seem to feel about the sylvani, it would be best if Lily and Soriya were accompanied at all times.” He frowned, clearly conflicted, looking back and forth between Lakshmi and Soriya. Lakshmi laughed and made a shooing motion. “How many times?!” She scooted over and grabbed Camaxtli by the arm. “I’ve got the guardian spirit of an ancient city to watch over me! Nobody here even cares about the Maung Empire.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Actually, If we’re going to do that then Eshaan you should go spend time with Lily.

Eshaan grinned. “Does that mean you’re spending time with your boyfriend?”

Lakshmi glared at him. “I will throw you out of the airship!”

Camaxtli tipped his head to the side and then said quietly “Does that mean you do not desire me as your boyfriend?”

Lakshmi turned purple red in embarrassment and stammered. “That’s not-! I mean I’m not-! We’re not-!”

The group burst into laughter, which only made Lakshmi even madder. She grabbed Camaxtli by the arm and stalked off towards the stairs leading to the city entrance, fuming.

“She’s mad enough to melt the snow.” Daniyel observed mildly. “You really should restrain yourself.” He added to Eshaan.

“I know, but she’s too easy!” Eshaan said.

I tapped Eshaan lightly on the shoulder. “She’s just going to bring it back around to you. And she’s had a lot of practice being mean.”

Eshaan grinned. “She wouldn’t dare, you’re too nice!”

I frowned and stomped a foot. “Eshaan, Lakshmi is our friend! It’s mean to tease her about Camaxtli. Even if it’s obvious she’s interested!”

Eshaan shook his head. “Then she should stop teasing me about you.” He said.

“What?” I asked in confusion. “She doesn’t do that!” I protested.

“Not when you’re around, no. Otherwise?” He grinned at me.

Soriya nodded sagely. “All the time.” She said with assurance.

I felt a blush spreading across my cheeks again. “That’s so mean.” I muttered, looking down at the snow.

Daniyel reached out and laid a hand on my head. “She does not mean ill, lady Lily. Please do not judge our ‘captain’ too harshly. If anything, she is jealous of you and your willingness to share your heart so openly.” His gaze darkened as he added. “She has had very little time and freedom to be so open with her emotions.” He paused then nodded sagely. “You are good for her, as is this ‘captain’ adventure she’s taken a fancy to.” He looked into my eyes and said “Please continue to look after her. I am in your debt.” And placed his fist over his heart, and bowed deeply to me.

I blushed even more deeply, and stammered out an awkward promise to continue aiding Lakshmi.

Daniyel bowed deeply to me. “Then, if that is settled, it seems Lakshmi has altered the plan.” He pointed to where she was vanishing out of sight in the swirling blizzard. “And I find I do not think this at all bad.” He offered his arm to Soriya. “Would you accompany me on this fine day, Lady Soriya?”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Soriya latched onto his arm with a bright smile, then turned her smirk on me and wiggled her fingers farewell. “You and Eshaan have fun~” She trilled. “Daniyel and I are going to go do unspeakable things to each other.”

My mouth fell open as I saw the faintest hint of a blush flicker around Daniyel’s dark cheeks.

Eshaan smiled at me, and then took my hand in his and tugged me along behind him. “Come on Lily. Let’s go see what a town full of beastkin is like!” He said with enthusiasm, dragging me towards the stairs and down into the city.

The stairway down into the city revealed a surprising sight. The city was cut into a canyon that plunged and twisted deep into the land, buildings and streets wending their way downwards into the depths. Deep at the bottom far below me I caught sight of a smoldering red glow and gasped.

Is that… Lava?! Could the whole city be built…?

“Eshaan is that lava?!” I pointed excitedly.

Eshaan blinked in surprise and then sniffed the air.

“Huh!” He snorted in surprise. “You know, I think it might be! Wow, that’s actually pretty clever, the hot and cold must be why they chose to make their home here!”

I giggled with excitement. “Oh that’s so cool! Or… hot, rather! I bet there’s hot and cold ingredients to cook with!”

Eshaan laughed in startled surprise. “Are you telling me you want to cook with a salamander, Lily?!”

I looked up at him in surprise. “Why, is that a thing? Do you think they’ll sell salamander meat?”

Eshaan just shook his head. “Lily, you are insane.” He grinned. “Lets go find the market!”

We wandered into the depths of the city, and promptly got lost. As the city descended towards the lower levels, the red-orange glow from the crack in the earth grew brighter, and the streets and buildings grew much wealthier. In the upper levels, the population of the city was entirely catkin, all in various barbarian outfits, but as we descended a few sylvani faces started to appear here and there on the streets, all wearing extremely ornate and elaborate garb.

Regardless of status, the jewelry and ornamentation on display did indeed seem to have blue and red colored materials, both gems and creature parts.

I guess that fits, we’ve got an ice and fire dungeon coming up, have to have both… I wonder if I can make a elemental resistance potion that combines both of those?! Is that even possible?!

The looks that the catkin gave us… or rather, me, were so hostile I shrank against Eshaan feeling the weight of their anger.

“Eshaan, what on earth do you think the sylvani did to these people?! It feels like they want to skin me!”

Eshaan squeezed my hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I won’t let them!” He paused, then said thoughtfully “Though… if the power and corruption theme is going to hold true, won’t there be a wrong to right here? Maybe the sylvani are holding power over the catkin? That would explain why they’re so angry.”

I blinked up at him in surprise. “That… is not a bad idea at all. What on earth made you think of it?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Just seemed like an obvious thing. A wrong to right. Something clear and simple. I like this adventure I’m on with you Lily. Things… things feel clearer. Simpler. We can make changes, and they don’t explode or go wrong… we’re not the bad guys by mistake.” He paused, looking down at the ground, then said grimly “We don’t blow up villages to get what we want.”

I reached over and hugged him tight, and held him for a long moment.

“I’m glad you like this, but it’s important to note… we’re not exactly reforming the world here.” I said seriously. “We mostly thumb our nose at authority, make it look foolish, and then run away very fast. That’s not exactly… freedom fighters you know.”

Eshaan rubbed the back of his head. “Well yeah, I know that, I suppose. But it still feels good not to be the bad guy.”

I sighed and squeezed his hand. “Everybody’s the bad guy to someone Eshaan. Don’t give up thinking just because it feels good.”

He looked confused, as I knew he would. Possibly because he so rarely thought.

“Come on.” I said, tugging his hand. “I think I saw some food stalls and a general market further up. I saw some interesting items for sale.”

We started looking about for stairs upwards, and eventually found ourselves back in the colder sections of the city. There was indeed a market here, and I immediately darted over to examines the goods on display.

The catkin manning the stalls were less than enthusiastic I noted, and the prices they quoted me… when they didn’t just tell me that the item in front of them was ‘sold out’ that is… were obviously inflated.

Hm. If I’m willing to wait, I suppose… assuming we really are heroes… the price will go down once we do our good deed. But… I really want to try to cook with these ingredients! And we’re already OP with the amount of cash we can generate on our trade runs… thanks Gate!

“You are welcome, Child of Æther.” Gate responded in my mind.

I flushed, realizing that they could easily hear me. I really should learn to keep a better grip on my thoughts.

There was indeed ice elk for sale, as well as snowberries, blizzard thyme, sleet whale, flake radish, and crystal seal. I was about to roll my eyes when I spotted another stall that was selling similar ‘fire’ themed goods.

Well, at least they’re consistent. Oh?! Oh!! Salamander meat?! They really sell it?!

I immediately dashed over and paid the asking price, uncaring that I’d obviously paid far more than market price for it.

“Come on Eshaan, let’s go try this!” I said, cradling the meat and giggling like a loon.

Eshaan blinked in surprise. “Wow, you really are interested in this stuff. You haven’t even bought a single weapon or upgrade the market will sell us!”

I grinned a little wildly. “If I’m right…” I looked down at the overly hot salamander meat glowing in its package. “If I’m right, we won’t need to!”

The trip up to the air docks was slower than the trip down, which was expected, with the amount of packages we were carrying.

To my relief, the Sparrowhawk hadn’t exploded, turned into a flock of doves, or vanished into thin air. As we entered the main ship, I was surprised to find that we were the last ones there. And we had a visitor.

A waifish looking catgirl child sat huddled miserably in the corner of the lounge, her tail tucked nervously between her legs, it’s tip twitching faintly as she clutched a cup of something steaming in her hands.

I blinked in surprise, looking around at the group. Soriya grinned and said “I’d be tempted to say she followed us home, but…” she jerked a thumb at Lakshmi. “It’s her story to tell.”

“Lakshmi?” I queried, turning to her.

“Lily, meet Zanna. And as to why she’s here, well, it’s a funny story, actually…”

Lakshmi proceeded to run us through the story of how a catgirl beggar had offered to run a few chores for the “new traders”. Only, it turned out…

“Wait, there was an actual gang of thieves holding her sister hostage?! Seriously?!” I asked in disbelief.

Lakshmi nodded with a proud grin on her face. “Mhm! Not anymore though, once Captain Lakshmi the Red arrived on scene! Only…” She poked her fingers together. “It turns out things got a little more complicated.”

I shook my head in disbelief. What is even going on?! I thought. Am I even the main character anymore?! We’ve got shady cabals coming out of our ears, and… and… I looked over at Zanna, huddled into a miserable ball. I pressed my lips together firmly. And these are still real people, even if they’re acting out a game script, Lily.

I knelt down in front of Zanna and said “Of course we’ll help. It’s the sylvani, isn’t it? They were holding your sister hostage to get you to do ‘a few favors’ for them? And now they’re after you both?”

Zanna jerked in shock, her eyes wide.

“H-how do you know that?!” She squeaked. “Please, I won’t tell anyone! I promise I won’t say anything, I didn’t mean any harm-”

I reached up and plucked off one of my prosthetic sylvani ears, grinning at her. Her eyes got huge and her mouth formed a small soundless ‘o’ of shock.

I gave her a wink. “It’s ok.” I said. “We’re not what we appear to be either.”

I heard Soriya give a little sigh of frustration, and quietly murmur “Really? I worked on those for an hour!”

Lakshmi sank down next to me and held out her hand to the little catgirl. “You see?” she said softly. “I told you she would know. She’s a hero. It’s what heroes do.”

I flushed pink and looked down at the deck. Well, I was worrying about not being the protagonist, and then she goes and says something like that… wait, do I even want to be the protagonist? Or… I looked over at Lakshmi thoughtfully.

Or just maybe… are we all protagonists in this world? I shook my head to clear it. Ok, focus Lily, focus. People. Not plots, not props, not actors. People. Start thinking anyone is the chosen one, and you’re going to wind up like Deacon!

“So, who’s the one we need to talk to?” I asked Zanna.

“Uhm… well, the one who talked to me said he was going to report to the temple priest… but we’re supposed to bring what we’ve…” her eyes darted around the room, then swallowed and said in an even quieter voice “Stolen. What we had to steal. To the temple.”

Lakshmi snorted. “That figures. Same as the last place, why are religions always like this?”

Eshaan said confidently “Lily said it’s because of power. Nobody accumulates power like someone who can speak to gods, right?”

I ignored them and focused on Zanna. “And where is the temple, Zanna?”

“It’s… it’s in the central level. Part of the administration complex. The knife ears don’t let catkin inside except for special festival days.”

“Oh? And when you’re supposed to go is a festival day?” I asked.

“No. He said… he said he was going to make an exception.”

I shivered all over. There was really only one way that ever worked out for the underdog. I squeezed Zanna’s hand and stood up.

“Alright, Zanna. A few more questions. The administration complex. Is there perhaps a very deep network of tunnels? Reaching into the canyon?”

Zanna nodded. “Uh huh. That’s where the knife ears get all their money from. The tunnels have a god in them, and the god makes stuff for them.”

My eyebrows jumped up. But Forge is the only Arcanum that can make things! And isn’t this one Fire…?

“Like… what kinds of things?” I asked.

“Crystals. Magic crystals that hold fire and ice.” Zanna answered.

“Aaaah.” I said in understanding. That was a lot easier to understand. I clapped my hands and turned to the others. “So, we’ve got our plan then. We break up the meeting, bust up the administration, and do a dungeon delve to find our Arcanum.”

“That’s a surprisingly direct plan for you.” Said Lakshmi. I scowled at her, and she held up her hands in defense. “What? It’s true, and it’s nice to see you drop all this subterfuge!”

I rolled my eyes. “Maybe I’m just tired of sneaking around and then having to do a big fight anyway once the plan inevitably falls apart?”

Lakshmi nodded emphatically. “Exactly my point! Right Camaxtli?!” She added.

Camaxtli looked between us, and then shrugged. “I am willing to go along with whatever plan we come up with, but may I suggest a compromise? We can enter this church quietly, and then wait for the designated meeting time.”

“Tempting.” I said. “But also exactly the same approach that we’ve tried before.”

Daniyel said calmly “I do not believe it would be wise to discard stealth so quickly. Did we not succeed in quietly entering the Monain capital? Was our entrance to Spyre met with much fuss? An option to lower our profile and dissuade conflict is to be desired. I have no doubt we will feast our fill on battle within these ‘dungeon’ tunnels that Lady Zanna describes.”

I grumped. How frustrating to be proven wrong by inconvenient facts!

Eshaan said “Still, it’s strange. Weren’t they supposed to be on the lookout for us? Worried? What happened to the sylvani armada that was heading north to stop us?”

Zanna blinked and said “Wait? Was that the huge big pile of ships that showed up?”

We all slowly turned to her. “That sounds important…” I said seriously. “Perhaps you could tell us what’s… no. You know what, I’m going to make you a meal. And then we can all share it, and you can tell us all about the big pile of ships that isn’t here anymore.”

I headed into the galley and deposited my market purchases, then made a platter of sandwiches with ice elk slices and Breezewood bread and cheese.

Returning to the lounge, I set down the plate and handed everyone a sandwich. Zanna looked at me as though I had descended from the heavens.

“Is it… really ok?” She asked hesitantly.

“Of course! I’ll make some for your sister too when we take you home.” I felt a guilty surge of glee that I could make a catgirl’s eyes glow like that.

She didn’t waste anymore time, and shortly the sandwich had vanished into her mouth and another was in her hands as she spilled out the strange order of events.

Apparently a few weeks ago, a whole lot of sylvani ships had shown up along with -

“Some really important sounding people.” Zanna said -

Sylvani guard patrols had been increased –

“It was really really hard to sneak by them too!” -

But then, just before we’d arrived –

“A whole bunch more ships showed up, and there was a few flashes of light and booms, and then most of the knife ears in the city got into their ships here and flew off, along with all the other ships.”

She shrugged, finishing cramming the sandwich into her mouth and nodded. “And so things have been a lot easier, but everyone’s wondering when the knife ears will be back.”

I shared a look of shock with the rest of the group, then gravely said to Zanna “Thank you, Zanna. That is very informative and… I think we can say that we’ll be able to get into the temple fairly easily now.”

“Oh, is that so? Ok.” She grabbed another sandwich and started eating. I quashed a small glow of pride at how much she liked those sandwiches. “Let me make you some more food to take back to your place, and we’ll get that to you.”

“Actually, I believe it would be best for the ‘humans’ should go.” Said Daniyel. “Fear not. We will return shortly.”

I bit my lip, unsure.

“Don’t worry Lily, we got this!” Said Eshaan brightly. Needless to say, this did not encourage me!

“We will be fine. I estimate a 0.003% chance of any lasting damage being inflicted on us during this action.” Said Camaxtli.

Well! If Camaxtli says so… ok! I nodded agreement.

Shortly thereafter, Daniyel, Eshaan and Camaxtli headed off with Zanna, a basket full of sandwiches in her arms.

I flung myself down on the couch and laid my head back on the cushions when they had left.

“It worked?!” I said, disbelief coloring my tone. “I mean… it actually worked?! We got to dodge a whole battle scene?!”

Soriya gave a little ‘tch’ of annoyance. “I was hoping to have an aerial battle.”

My head popped up and I glared at her. “We already had two of those, Soriya!”

Her eyes sparkled as she nodded. “I know, right?! They were awesome!”

I glared at her. “I would not describe being in constant mortal terror as being ‘awesome’, Soriya!”

She shrugged. “You say mortal terror, I say pixie fight.” She grinned. “Relax. I think it was the right call too. Like Daniyel said… sometimes not fighting is the better choice.”

Lakshmi shrugged. “We’d have gotten through it. Lakshmi the Red is undefeated in ariel combat!” she declaimed.

Soriya and I gave her a level stare, before Soriya announced “Is that because Lakshmi ‘the Red’ has only recently taken her name?”

Lakshmi was silent for a moment before pursing her lips and nodding sharply. She announced “Still counts.” with a tone of finality.