The sun shines down from the sky with no sign of dark clouds in sight. Another beautiful day too. Fel, with Alice riding on his back with Sui sleeping in Alice's bag and Eevee, is taking them through the forest which had taken them three weeks to reach and enter. Over that span of three weeks, Alice and Fel's bond seemed to have deepened significantly. Especially that one night after they had left the area where Sui had first managed to talk and it was something that embarrassed both Fel and Alice so much.
Flashback, three weeks ago;
They were getting ready for bed and like the day before, Fel didn't let Alice take out the futon for her to sleep on so she ended sleeping against Fel with Sui and Dratini after she recalled Lucario and Altaria back into their Poke balls.
"Mama, mama! You know, Sui really loves mama. Does mama love Sui and Sissy Dratini?" Sui asked innocently one time and Alice couldn't help but smile fondly as she petted Sui's head.
"Of course, I do, Sui. I love you all very much." Alice said sweetly as Fel opened one eye to see what they were up to when Sui's next question made both of them freeze.
"Then... does mama love Uncle Fel too?" Sui asked and both of them froze in disbelief. A blushed creeper on Alice's face while Fel's face was just as red but his fur hid it.
"Uh, S-Sui, where did you get that idea from?" Alice asked him nervously, hoping that Fel was asleep already.
"Well, because your smile is different whenever Uncle Fel is around and Uncle Fel is more careful and protective like back at the cave when the big furry one was gonna bully you and Uncle Fel jumped in front of Mama. Then when you put your heads together, your hearts were fluttering too. And the way you two look at each other when nobody is watching, mama's eyes go soft along with Uncle Fel's." Sui explained innocently and Alice felt her heart hammer against her chest. Sui noticed that?!
"Does that mean mama loves Uncle Fel too?" Sui asked her again and Alice was silent as she glanced at Fel who pretended to be asleep but his own heart was hammering against his chest. How can Sui notice that?
"Why don't we get some sleep now, Sui? Dratini is sleeping and you need sleep too to become strong too." Alice changed the subject and Sui didn't argue as he yawned and fell asleep.
Once Sui had fallen asleep, Alice and Fel finally let their guards down and both were panicking and embarrassed. Sui's question had struck something in them. Do they?
Flashback ends;
Before they had even entered the forest, there were these subtle signs when both thought no one was watching or the other noticing like the time Alice woke up and found a singular flower by her head or the time when Fel came back from a hunt and Alice removed a twig that go stuck on his fur or the lingering stares they leave each other whenever their backs are turned or how whenever Fel seemed tense, Alice knew what to help him calm down and relax or the same with Alice when she accidentally cut her finger and Fel was by her side immediately and she had to reassure him that it was just a small cut.
They had finally entered the forest and Fel could immediately smell that they were in a territory of two monsters. Orthros and Griffons.
"Orthros and Griffons." Fel began to explain when Alice asked him when he had paused at the entrance before entering the forest.
"They each control their own territories in this forest. Humans normally have to travel around them to avoid trouble." He explained as Alice hummed before a thought crossed her mind.
"Wait, hold on. Did you say Orthros and Griffons?" Alice questioned him, already wary. For some reason, they reminded her of a Zangoose and Seviper. Having their own territory and all until they clashed or crossed paths.
"Yes." Fel said truthfully.
"Aren't they mini-boss level monsters?" Alice questioned him once more.
"Who knows." He said simply as she huffed but gripped his fur, trusting him to protect her and the others from danger.
"Then why are we cutting through their territory? You said humans go around the forest just to avoid them." She said though the idea of stumbling upon one of the two made her shudder. She can tell they won't hesitate to attack if needed.
"I did but it will take us longer if we go around. It is best if we go through to reach the other side." Fel told her as she looked at him, catching his eyes.
"They are not a threat to me by any means so you can rest assured that harm will come to you or the others. They know well they cannot defeat me in combat. Only the young and fearless ones that do not any better would ever dare to challenge me or-" He reassured her while explaining before Alice asked him an important question.
"One question though. Are there a lot of them here? Because I can sense multiple auras." She asked as Fel had stopped by a clearing as he glanced to her. Her skills with auras were impressive when it comes to sensing their surroundings,
"Creatures stake out territory to breed. Of course their numbers are plentiful." He explained and she tensed, letting out a wary sigh.
"Of course." Alice just laughed nervously.
"Please, tell me you're not gonna bring me into another training session." Alice pleaded and Fel knew what she meant.
"Preposterous. I figured that you had enough after the last one three weeks ago." Fel reassured her as she sighed in relief.
"We shall, however, continue going straight through. We are already in Orthros territory." He added and Alice tensed as she looked around immediately. Even Fel and Eevee sensed the tension in the area as Fel continued on his stride while he could feel how tense Alice was with how she was gripping onto his fur.
Growls can be heard before Fel has stopped at an open area and Fel can sense multiple presence approaching them.
"They have come." He said tensely as growls can be heard around them along with the sound of rustling flora.
"This can't be good." Alice whispered. She can sense multiple coming towards them. She knows Fel can easily overpower them but she was worried for his safety before something burst from the trees.
They were surrounded by a small pack of Orthros and Fel immediately shifted his stance, already becoming wary. He can handle them but Alice, Eevee and Sui can't. They'll be in danger if he fights with them nearby. He needs to get them somewhere to hide first.
"F-Fel?" Alice spoke shakily and wearily and Fel could sense how tense she was as some were growling and drooling with the tails hissing since they were snakes.
"It is fine. There is no need to fear." Fel reassured her, growling at the last part, daring them to take a step and harm what was his as his eyes narrowed into a dangerous glare which caused some Orthros to back immediately, sensing that he was angered but one of them wasn't backing down. Looks like this was one of the younger ones which barked and growled at Fel, clearly challenging him.
"I see then. The young and fearless fools now stand before me." Fel said sternly, understanding what the other monster canine was saying before he glanced at Alice, not taking his eyes off his opponent.
"You, Sui and Eevee need to stand back at a safe distance." He spoke softly and Alice understood immediately. This was gonna get bloody.
"No problem. Just be careful." Alice told him, getting off his back with Eevee following quickly as Alice hid them by the bushes to watch the fight as she held Sui, who was now wide awake, in her arms with Eevee on her head.
Once they were safe, Fel focused on the Orthros who probably had reached adulthood as his entire body tensed.
"Do you have any idea what it means to go against me in a fight?" He questioned the Orthros which prompted it to growl and bark at Fel, clearly mocking him that it can take him down which made him scoff.
"You are overconfident yet lack the conviction to lay down your life. You know nothing." Fel said sternly but the Orthros wasn't listening as it charged towards him.
Fel didn't even let it get near him as he infused magic with his paw and strike, beating the Orthros easily and taking it down as Alice watched, letting out a breath and eyes wide with Eevee as a sudden burst of wind came from the attack as the body of the Orthros fell to the ground while the other Orthros, seeing how one of them had been defeated so easily made them hesitate to attack Fel who stand victorious.
"What was that?" Alice whispered in disbelief and awe.
The remaining Orthros backed away immediately, realizing that challenging a legendary beast such as a Fenrir was a bad idea as Fel turned to them, teeth bared and a growl rumbling in his throat.
"Begone." He growled which was enough to scare them as they yelped and whimpered in fear loudly like the cowards they are. Fel made sure to stay still and wait until he was sure the danger had passed before turning to where Alice, Sui and Eevee are hiding.
"It is over." He called to them and Alice stood up as she went to his side as Eevee jumped on his back as he glanced at her before looking at Alice.
"Uncle Fel is so powerful!" Sui said in awe.
"Were you one of your skills?" Alice asked Fel curiously who lifted one of his claws and immediately started to boast and explain.
"Why, yes, I was indeed. I call it rending claws where I imbue magic..." He explained as Alice just nodded though she found it pretty funny how he looks so smug about it.
'He looks really smug about it too. Leave it to Fel to be very smug and confident.' Alice thought fondly before Sui's voice broke her thoughts.
"Hey. Do you think Sui could do that too one day?" Sui asked Alice hopefully as she looked down at the slime, thinking about it. Sui doesn't have claws like Fel so she doesn't know if he can. If she's being honest, Sui could probably learn strong water based attacks too.
"Um, well, I'm going to be honest with you, Sui. I'm not sure you can do the trending claws skill like Fel can because you don't have any claws." Alice explained as Sui looked up at her, a bit disappointed and sad.
"But still, you can shoot out a powerful acid and I know that you can learn a type of magic that's right for you." She added, tone reassuring and encouraging and Sui looked hopeful.
"Really?" Sui asked and Eevee nodded.
"Eev Eev vee!" Eevee agreed.
"See? Even Eevee knows." Alice said with a smile.
"Is Sui amazing?" Sui asked as Alice giggled and petted his head, catching Fel's eyes who had stopped explaining or boasting about his skills as she smiled softly
"You, Fel and everyone are amazing at the same time."
"Yay! Sui is the best with everyone!" Sui cheered while Alice laughed softly.
Fel had been watching the entire thing, felt a bit envious that Sui was getting attention from Alice but she always looks to him with a gentle smile as if saying 'I'm not favoring Sui or anyone else'.
They have stopped by an area near a lake to rest and so Alice can cook dinner but since they're still in Orthros territory, Alice was a bit tense the entire time especially the noises echoing around them. When she knelt down to get some water, a sudden noise made her flinch before getting up, trying to ignore it. She tried to focus on the task at hand but she couldn't help herself even Fel noticed her body language was tense.
"Enough." He said loudly yet calmly but it made Alice jolt as she turned to him with wide eyes and he felt bad for suddenly speaking.
"You've been behaving far too nervously tonight." He noted as she sighed nervously as she turned to him.
"Don't do that, Fel! And can you blame me? Those Orthros ambushed us earlier. Of course I'll be nervous." Alice told him honestly.
"Do not worry. They won't be bothering us again. The Orthros have learned a painful lesson this day." He reassured her and Alice relaxed even just a fraction.
"Okay, I'll take your word for it." She said as she set up the fire.
"Now, is my meal ready yet?" Fel asked even though he knew she hasn't started cooking yet but he hope a change of the subject might help ease her nerves
"I haven't even started cooking yet, okay? And we're still in the middle of their territory" She told him as she added more wood to the fire.
"You set up the barrier, right?" Alice asked him and Fel nodded. Of course he did. He's not gonna let any other beasts enter their safe space.
"Mama, Sui is very hungry too." Sui said. He and Eevee had been playing ever since they stopped at the area but now he's hungry.
"Alright, Sui. I was just about to get started on dinner." She told him as Sui hopped over to them with Eevee and she petted them before getting the table out of her item box.
'(You know, I've been noticing that you don't treat me, Sui or your Pokémon differently.)' Fel told her telepathically as she glanced at him as Sui hopped over to Fel with Eevee.
'(Of course I don't. There's no way I'm favoring Sui more than you because he's the youngest.)' She replied telepathically with a smile as she rummaged through the item box before a thought came to her as she turned to Fel who was watching Sui and Eevee play in front of him.
"Hey, Fel." Alice called as Fel looked at her, ears twitching curiously.
"How much longer until we get through this forest to reach the other side?" She asked him curiously as Sui had found his fur very fluffy and comforting and Eevee was napping between his front paws.
"We have traveled a little over halfway through it." He said and Alice did the math in her head.
"If I do the math right. I think we've been here about three weeks so far, so that means another three weeks to get through the entire forest at the pace we're going." She calculated as she hummed. They were still in Orthros territory before they reached the Griffon territory to get out of the forest but there was a problem.
"Right now, we barely have enough meat to last the rest of the way and there's still those monsters you hunted that I need a guilds butcher to process." Alice said worriedly. Their meat supply is running low.
She took out a whole part of meat from one of the monsters that was already processed from her item box.
"The black serpent." Alice muttered as she checked it. She was hesitant to try snake meat because she has a Seviper and Arbok back in her world.
"I read that in the other world, snake meat tastes like chicken. So I guess we'll try it for dinner." She said as she prepared everything before getting to it.
'This will be a good chance to cook something entirely new.' She thought. She purchased some items at the online grocery as the boxes appeared; ha-oh, potato starch, ginger and garlic paste, doubanjiang, soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil.
"I don't know if I can make it but my dad used to make this with shrimp before, but snake is gonna be a first for me." Alice said before taking the kitchen knife to start cooking.
"Okay, gotta cut the meat off the bones first." She started to cut the meat off the bone carefully which took her a few moments and she examined the meat.
"This meat looks pretty lean too, just like the rockbird and cockatrice." She noted before setting the meat in a large bowl.
'I better prep it like I'm cooking chicken breast.' She thought and started to cut each meat into bite-size pieces. She used the box it came with and put a plastic over it before putting the cut meat in it.
'Cut it into bite-sized pieces and add some sugar. Then mix it up lightly and let it sit for a bit.' She put the sugar on the meat before making sure each meat was coated before leaving it alone before grabbing some salt and the bottle of sake.
'Next, I'll add some salt and sake.' She sprinkled the salt over the meat and poured the sake over it.
'Let the meat rest and marinate.' She went back to the table and started to work on the vegetables.
'Use this time to cut up the vegetables.' She put everything in a separate container. The green onions part on a bowl and the onions on a large plate that's along with the regular onions followed by the tube paste of ginger and garlic so she can start on the next part.
'Time to make the chili sauce.' Alice grabbed an extra bowl to start making the chili cause.
'You want to start with the basic seasonings first.' She grabbed some seasonings along with the doubanjiang, mashed tamato berry before adding the ketchup.
'Dad used to add this tianmenjiang sauce when making his sauce on fried food.' She grabbed a tube of the sauce before opening the cap and added the contents to it before mixing.
'This stuff really adds such amazing depth to the flavor.' Alice smiled, a feeling of nostalgia washing over her.
She then checked on the meat and nodded before grabbing a handful of starch.
'Once the meat has sucked up the sake, you mix some potato starch in.' She sprinkled the potato starch on the meat before starting the cooking process.
'Heat up the ginger and garlic paste in the pan, and then add the meat.' She put some of the marinated black serpent meat in the pan and started to fry them.
'Stir-fry it a while before adding the sauce, onions and the whites of the green onions.' She made sure to stir everything together before adding the last part.
'Finally, add some starch mixed in cold water to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle green onions on after you plate the food and it's done.' Alice did everything right and stood back a bit, admiring her work.
The smell of the finished food woke Fel up, his nose flaring as he took in the scent, along with Eevee and Sui as they perked up immediately. The smell alone was very delicious.
{Chili Black Serpent}
"Instead of chili shrimp, here's chili black serpent." Alice took a pair of chopsticks and took one of the chili black serpent as she looked at it hesitantly.
"It's chicken like rockbird and cockatrice. Just chicken." She told herself before bringing it into her mouth and biting into it. She chewed it thoughtfully before the flavor exploded in her mouth. It was perfect!
"Wow! This is so good!" Alice remarked before she noticed Fel approaching.
"Don't be selfish! I want some of it too." He said, practically grabbing the plate from her, being mindful of her hand and started to gobble the contents.
"What? Fel!" She exclaimed in disbelief. Fel was surprised by the flavor. It was delicious!
"It tastes completely different when cooked." He said. He never imagined that a black serpent could taste this good when cooked!
"The sweet yet spicy cause that envelops the meat is absolutely tremendous!" Fel noted before lifting his head.
"Give me more!" He demanded but Alice was already way ahead of him.
"Way ahead of you, fluffball!" She said as she was already making the new batches.
"Vee vee!" Eevee yipped as Sui bounced.
"Sui wants to eat it too!" Sui agreed and Alice smiled fondly, focusing on her cooking. With how good it was, those three are gonna eat all of it for sure.
"I'll make you all a ton in a bit, you guys." She said.
"Yay!" Sui cheered happily.
For the next several moments, Alice cooked Fel, Eevee and Sui multiple servings of the chili black serpent. To say the least, she was extremely exhausted after she turned the stove off as she turned to them, full and satisfied.
"I can't believe you guys ate mine." She said in exhaustion.
"It was delicious." Fel said with Sui and Eevee agreeing.
"Sui loves it too!" Sui said as Alice sat down with Eevee coming to her and she petted her head.
"Guess I'll have to skip dinner for now. But I'm glad to hear you like it." Alice sighed but she has been through something like this before so it wasn't something new.
Fel's ears twitched at that and felt bad. Sui noticed the change in Uncle Fel and looked to Mama who looked sad yet exhausted before looking at Uncle Fel's plate and felt sad as he hopped to Alice who noticed him.
"What is it, Sui?" She asked as he hopped onto her lap.
"Mama, Sui is sorry that me and Uncle Fel ate all of the yummy food..." Sui said sadly and Alice stared at Sui in surprise before looking at Fel who was trying to rest but he was staring at them with one eye and she can see that he was apologetic too. She couldn't help but smile softly and petted Sui.
"It's alright, Sui. It's not both of your fault that the food was delicious." She reassured him as Sui nuzzled her hand while Eevee wagged her tail.
Alice happened to look at the box and was surprised to see that there was a little amount of meat left. She cooked what was left of the meat and took out slices of bread and put the meat between and made herself a sandwich.
{Chili Black Serpent Sandwich}
Looks like she doesn't have to skip dinner as she ate the sandwich happily. Even if it was just a sandwich, it was enough for her.
The next morning, Alice was freshening up by the lake with a face towel and Sui was staring at the water curiously before Fel spoke up, his snout scrunched up and his expression grumpy.
"It smells." He said as Alice turned to him in confusion, face still soaked from the water.
"Huh? Do you mean me?" She asked him in confusion as she rubbed her hair between her fingers. They feel a bit too dry and rough against her skin.
"We've been traveling for days now, a month at least and there's hardly anywhere for me to clean up fully. The best thing I can do is wipe down." She said but Fel's tail twitched. He wasn't talking about her scent. She smells amazing to him.
"No, not you. Don't you smell that?" Fel said as he looked upstream as Alice paused a bit and sniffed the air a bit. Nothing but forest and Orthros in the distance before a particular smell hit her. Maybe to Fel, it smells like rotten eggs but to her...
Her eyes widened at the prospect. There's no way... She can't mistake that smell of sulfur!
"There's no way..." She stood up as Eevee and Sui looked up at her in confusion.
"Fel, do you know the direction the smell is coming from?" She asked him, hope and excitement in her eyes which surprised him.
"The smell is likely coming from upstream." He explained and he was even more surprised as Alice started to head in the direction he told her.
"Let's check it out!" She said as Eevee finally recognized the scent and her tail wagged immediately as she followed Alice with Fel and Sui not far behind.
'I recognize this smell... There's no doubt it's that!' Alice pushed through some bushes away as the sight in front of her made her smile excitedly.
"There's a hot spring!" Alice ran to it with Sui and Eevee following her with Fel following behind. Alice knelt down and dipped her hand in the water. Nice and hot, perfect for a dip.
"There's no mistaking this for a hot spring." She told Fel and his heart leap in joy. He didn't expect her to react so strongly this way but to see how excited she was at the sight made his tail wag. Maybe going through the forest has its rewards.
Alice purchased a towel and folded it and started to take her boots off and belt and Fel jolted in shock. Is she taking her clothes off?!
"W-What on earth do you think you're doing?!" He exclaimed as she looked at him in confusion.
"Uh, taking a dip. What does it look like?" She asked as she moved behind a rock to get her clothes off and Fel had to look away. He will not look! He's above that!
"There's no way I'm passing this opportunity up. Might as well freshen up while I still have a chance." Alice said as she had taken her clothes off.
"Mama going to play in water?" Sui asked her curiously as Alice tied her hair up in a bun.
"Yup." She nodded before stepping in the water. She sighed in content and relief as she felt the hot water of the speaking soaking through her body while Fel stayed a bit away, keeping his face turned away from her and giving her privacy and letting her enjoy the moment. Sui and Eevee were enjoying the hot spring with Sui swimming around and Eevee paddling about.
"Arceus... I miss this..." Alice said in content and delight, letting out a sigh.
"Mama, hot water is fun." Sui said as he swam over as she smiled.
"It sure is, Sui." Alice agreed with Eevee agreeing before Sui noticed that Fel was watching them, trying to keep his eyes on their surroundings.
Fel was having a hard time but mainly he was telling himself not to look because it's indecent of him to look at Alice while she's not fully cloth but he did notice a Fenrir mark on her shoulder before she got into the water. A Fenrir mark with the symbol on his forehead on her shoulder.
"Uncle Fel won't play?" Sui asked in confusion which jolted Fel a bit.
"No. Why would I want to use a hot spring? It reeks and irritates my sense of smell. I can barely stand being this close." Fel said immediately but there's another reason and it's mainly Alice.
Sui splashed a bit which caused some water to fly around, hitting Fel and Alice laughing with Eevee and covering her face with her arm. Sui did it more and a bit more water splashed on Fel. Alice, Sui and Eevee noticed that he was a bit soaked and before they knew it, he shook himself that it caused the water on him to fly around and Alice blinked in disbelief with Eevee and Sui who were both surprised.
"You know, Sui is right. You should come in, Fel. The hot water is refreshing." She said and Fel stiffened. The offer was tempting but no.
"Even without a bath, my grooming is enough for me." He said, looking the other way but Alice just smiled playfully.
"Or maybe you're afraid of wate-" Alice started to tease him only to yelp when he splashed water in her direction soaking her before he lay down a bit more far from the shore.
"Tell me when you are done bathing." He told her, taking this opportunity to rest as Alice's content sighs with Sui and Eevee's splashes lulled him into a light sleep.
After the hot spring visit, the group resumed their way through the forest. The sound of something above made Alice a bit tense even after a dip in the hot spring but Fel's presence reassured her enough as he carried her, Sui and Eevee through the forest only for Fel to skid to a sudden halt which caused her face to hit his fur which made her blush lightly with how fluffy and soft it is along with his scent of rain and fresh grass.
"Fel, a little warning next time and why'd we stop?" Alice asked him in confusion, lifting her face off his fur but his eyes were glued onto something by the trees.
"This is quite a rare find." He said which made Alice and Eevee confused as she looked at what he was staring at and saw that it was blue and glowing.
"What's up with all those mushrooms?" She questioned, climbing off him with Eevee and went to the tree, Fel following behind.
"They are called healing mushrooms. I'll leave you to guess why." He said with a smile as Alice smiled, knowing what he meant by that.
"I see. This is so cool." She said, kneeling down to examine the mushrooms. They look ripe to harvest though.
"They're used as medicinal ingredients, but they can be eaten raw as well. They easily heal deep cuts and broken bones." Fel explained as Alice picked one, examining it.
"That's amazing. Full restores might be able to be made from this back home." She said before looking up, seeing a huge cluster as Eevee approached one and sniffed it curiously.
"If they're that useful here, I think we should stock up for emergencies." Alice said as she opened her item box and pulled out a basket that she had purchased made for mushroom picking.
Alice and Eevee went to different areas as Alice carefully started to harvest the mushrooms before Sui woke up, smelling something good.
"Something smells really good." Sui said, jumping out of the bag as Alice plucked the mushroom off the tree before looking at him.
"Oh, hey, Sui. You're awake. Did you sleep okay?" Alice asked him gently.
"Uh-huh. That mushroom looks yummy." Sui said.
"Mama, can Sui eat some, please?" He asked politely and Alice looked at the mushrooms. She's a bit worried about what the effects are if Sui eats them but maybe it won't have an effect on him?
"Of course, but not too much, okay? And make sure you stop if you feel weird." Alice told him which made him happy.
"Yay!" Sui cheered happily as they went around the healing mushroom cluster, picking enough. Sui ate some mushrooms that he can eat with Eevee helping Alice harvest some. Alice tried to reach one from a tree but couldn't only for Fel to give her a boost which surprised her a lot but was grateful as he helped her reach the ones that she can't reach by giving her a boost while Sui ate some more mushrooms.
Alice had picked a lot before she put them in her item box along with the ones that Eevee had managed to pick
"These will be perfect for any emergencies." She smiled as she closed the item box before a glow from Sui caught her attention which made her worry.
"Sui?!" Alice yelped in worry and Fel's ear perked at her yelp and went over to her to see what was wrong with Eevee riding his head.
"What's happening to you? Are you feeling okay?" Alice asked him worriedly as she picked him up.
"Sui doesn't know." Sui said before the light stopped but Alice was still worried.
"The shinies went away." He said in confusion.
"But, are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere?" Alice asked him. Despite seeing that Sui doesn't have any physical injuries, she was still worried for everyone and her familiars. What if Sui or Fel got hurt?
"Nothing is wrong." Sui reassured her cheerfully, jumping from her hands as he bounced happily
"Sui feels amazing!" Alice stood up as she looked at Sui. He seems okay. No negative effects on his body but she's still worried.
"I should probably check, just in case." She said, opening Sui's status and was surprised.
[Name] Sui
[Age] 35 days
[Race] Slime
[Level] 17
[Strength] 367
[Magic] 361
[Attack] 354
[Defense] 357
[Agility] 363
[Skill] Acid Bullet, Healing Potion Creation,
She saw that Sui had gained a new skill. Did he get that just from eating the mushrooms? She doesn't know what it means so she turned to Fel, hoping that he would know what it means.
"Hey, Fel, Sui gained a new skill and it says healing potion creation." She said and he looked intrigued as Eevee pawed Sui who chirped curiously.
"Interesting." Fel said as he had figured out why Sui has that skill.
"That skill may have come from consuming a lot of healing mushrooms. In the past, I witnessed a slime eating a lot of metal. It transformed into a metal slime after that. And obtained a special skill related to metal as well." He explained and Alice was in awe.
"So it seems slimes can change based on the things that they eat." She speculated as she looked at Eevee who yawned.
"It reminds me of Eevee and her evolutions. Eevee evolves into eight variants of evolution based on how Eevee species are trained or with specific stones, how high their friendships are with a trainer or depending on the environment." Alice explained when Fel looked curious.
'This new ability to make healing potions could be a real game changer too.' She thought with a smile. She went to Sui and picked him up.
"You're really amazing, Sui." She told him as Eevee jumped on her shoulder.
"Is Sui a good Sui?" Sui asked happily as she nodded with a smile. Fel doesn't show it but he was proud of Sui learning something new and useful too.
"Of course. You're probably the most unique slime ever too." Alice giggled as Sui cheered.
"Yay!" He cheered before Alice looked down at him curiously.
"Can you try using your new skill, please?" Alice asked him encouragingly.
"Not sure how. But Sui will try." He told her as Alice set him down and he hopped down and he tensed and started to strain which made Alice and Fel worry.
"Um, Sui, you can stop if it's hurting, okay?" She told him. As much as she wants to see how Sui will use the skill, she doesn't want him to hurt himself while doing it.
"It's okay." Sui grunted, determined to use the skill.
'(He's not hurting himself in using the skill, right?)' Alice asked Fel telepathically as he hummed.
'(It might take a moment but it is his first time trying out the new skill he had gained and he will tell us if it's hurting him.)' Fel told her telepathically, nuzzling the side of her head gently reassuringly which she appreciated since it helped ease up her worry.
After a moment, Sui stopped.
"Oh. Sui did it!" He said excitedly much to their relief as he hopped around to face them.
"Mama, Uncle Fel! Sui did it!" Sui told them excitedly.
"Really?" Alice asked in relief but was curious how.
"Yeah, here it is." Sui stretched out a tentacle but nothing happened which was confusing only for glowing liquid to start oozing out of the tip an Alice realized that it would be a waste if Sui let it spill.
"Whoa, hold on! Wait a second!" Alice immediately opened her item box.
"I need a bottle! Where's a bottle?!" She panicked before she found one. She took it out and hurried to Sui.
"Put it in here, Sui!" She said and Sui did so, putting his little tentacle in the bottle, letting it collect halfway and Alice held the once empty bottle now filled with the potion which seemed to be a brighter color.
"This is a healing potion?" She wondered curiously before bringing it close to her nose to sniff it.
"This smells like..." She said as she took a sniff before letting Eevee sniff it before she shook her head.
"It doesn't smell huh?" Alice said in surprise and curiosity.
"I better check it out." She then used appraisal on it to see what kind it was and she was surprised.
[Sui's Special High Quality Potion] It is possible to recover from impending death
"What is this?" She asked in surprise and disbelief before she turned to Fel who was using appraisal too.
"Fel, do you know?" She asked but Fel shook his head. He may know what the mushrooms are for but the potions made from it is entirely new to him.
"I do not." He said honestly before they looked at Sui.
"Sui, what does high quality mean here?" Alice asked him gently and Sui started to answer her as best as he could.
"Well, it means that if you have big ouchies, they hurt a lot, it will make them better, of course." He explained and Alice whistled in awe. So they're like full restore but better?
"Does that mean you can make other types of medicine?" She asked him curiously and he bobbed as he stretched out two tentacles.
"Yeah, Sui can make medicine that makes normal ouchies better and one that makes little ouchies better. So they won't hurt anymore." He explained and Alice immediately panicked and opened her item box for two more bottles.
"Whoa, don't waste it! Don't waste it!" Alice told him. They manage to fill two more bottles of the potion as Alice had appraised them to see their quality with Eevee sniffing one of them. These can be sold to other adventurers just in case too.
'That means Sui can make three types of potions right now thanks to his skill.' She thought before Fel broke her thoughts.
"I have lived a very long time. But I have never seen a slime that could produce healing potions before. Sui is also very intelligent for a slime. It is truly unique for his kind." Fel said but Alice could sense that he was impressed and proud of Sui for something entirely and uniquely his which made Sui happy as a heart appeared.
"Mama!" Sui jumped to Alice who caught him in her arms with a laugh as Fel and Eevee watched in amusement.
"Sui, you're really something else." She smiled at him as she petted his head.
"You can fight monsters and making potions is very useful and best of all, you're strong and cute too." She told him and Sui giggled happily. Fel agreed silently with Alice. Sui is really something else. Sui can fight and make potions that can heal which are useful in battles. Sui will probably surpass those of his kind.
They continued on with their journey out of Orthros territory and after stops for lunches, dinners and breakfast, they had made it out and were now in the second territory which was the only area left that took them three days to reach so they could finally leave the forest.
'Three days have passed since we entered Griffon territory. And now, we finally come across one.'
Alice, Eevee and Dratini, who she had let out, stared in shock while Fel stared down at the Griffon that they had encountered and it was descending down a few distance from Fel and Alice could immediately tell that this Griffon came for something. The Griffon was just as majestic as Fel is in appearance and it carried an aura that was suitable for a leader.
"Uh, Fel?" Alice wasn't as tense back at the Orthros territory but she was wary of this one.
"No need to panic." Fel reassured her, sensing no hostility towards the Griffon.
The Griffon finally landed and bowed its head to Fel which left Alice curious and surprised before it suddenly spoke.
"Lord Fenrir, I have humble request for you." It spoke, attention on Fel as Alice watched. This was the first time a monster didn't directly attack Fel from sight and it can talk like he can.
"Does that mean that the Griffons can talk?" Alice questioned in shock with Eevee and Dratini just as curious and shocked as she was.
"Since it can speak the human language, it must be quite intelligent." Fel noted as the Griffon raised its head.
"Speaking language of humans. Only me. To become head, I ask. With me, please fight. Strongest. Fight hard with strong Lord Fenrir. Everyone accept me. Head." The Griffon said, explaining his reason on why he's in front of them as Alice watched and listened intently.
'Does he want to fight Fel in order to prove he's worthy to lead his pride? It reminds me of Corviknight and other species who will fight for dominance or to prove they can lead.' Alice thought as the Griffon bowed its head again.
"Please, lord, I humbly ask you." The Griffon pleaded and Fel didn't know but Alice gripped his fur and he met her eyes as she nodded before climbing off his back and bringing herself, Eevee and Dratini to a safe distance.
Fel watched her for a moment before turning his attention back to his opponent. This fight should prove challenging.
"Very well then. I will not go easy on you." Fel told the Griffon as both got ready to fight.
"I understand." The Griffon understood.
"Yes, it seems you are prepared to lay down your life." Fel said, muscles tensing up, getting ready.
'(Fel, don't kill him.)' Alice told him telepathically as his ear twitched in her direction but his focus was more on the battle that was about to begin. Alice watched nervously before opening her bag.
"Sui, wake up." Alice said softly yet firmly as Sui blinked his eyes open sleepily as Eevee and Dratini watched the battle.
The Griffon was clawing the ground as Fel was watching it, analysing any weaknesses and open spots before one of them struck.
"It begins now!" Fel said, charging towards the Griffon who flew out of the way immediately, swiping his claws at it but he jumped back when the Griffon swiped sharp talons at him. He needs to watch out for that.
Fel dodged the talons that strike down from either side before he kicked the Griffon back with his back legs. Alice watched the fight nervously, her heart hammering and the familiar rush of adrenaline in a battle came back. This reminded her of her younger days when she first battled Percy or Bolt on her first day when she was 12.
The kick sent the Griffon far away from Fel in the sky but it stopped itself and flew up above as Fel watched it closely for its next move. With a strong flick of its wings, feathers started to fall down before a strong flap of its wings sent the feathers hurtling towards Fel like arrows and he dodged them quickly before they can hit but it also caused a dust storm and a large cloud of dust to obscure the battle as Alice covered her face as Eevee and Dratini held onto her when the wind picked up as the Griffon watched from above and Fel knew he was blinded with the dust obscuring his vision but he has other senses like his hearing and smell.
He scanned the area vigilantly for any sign of the Griffon, feeling something akin to worry and concern coming from Alice. His ear flicked and narrowly dodged when the Griffon suddenly came at him to his right before it struck its talons down on his leg, gritting his teeth when a sting came from his shoulder but he can't focus on that now as their eyes met.
Alice gripped her bag tightly and Sui can sense the worry Mama has for Fel. Uncle Fel is fighting someone strong from what Mama told him and that he can't join in because he might get hurt.
"I can't see anything! What's happening?" She said in frustration and worry, squinting her eyes at the dust cloud. Just what is going on over there?
Alice watched as the Griffon burst out of the dust cloud, having a tactical advantage over Fel who couldn't reach it before it dived back down in the dust cloud but Fel was already planning something. If he can't have a tactical advantage against an opponent in the sky, he needs to be smart.
He dodged when it came down at him, striking him but it missed. Fel kept dodging until he had put enough distance between them. It soon charged at him but Fel already summoned his wind magic which trapped it inside a massive tornado. Alice stared in awe, shock and disbelief with Eevee, Dratini and Sui and Alice can feel how powerful Fel is just by this attack.
But the twister soon started to turn red and Alice flinched when something wet and warm hit her cheek. Her eyes widened as she realized that the Griffon was injured enough.
"Fel! That's enough!" Alice shouted and Fel looked back at her. He wanted to finish this fight but the worry, fear and concern in her eyes made him reconsider and stopped using his wind magic and the Griffon fell to the ground and Alice could see the injuries it had. They were deep and life threatening.
"I said I would not go easy on him." Fel reminded her as she stood up and hurried to the Griffon, heart hammering in fear and worry.
"But you didn't have to go this far!" She told him as Eevee and Dratini stopped beside Fel with Sui still in Alice's bag.
"Hey!" Alice called to the Griffon who opened its eyes at Alice, seeing genuine concern from a young human directed at him.
"It is alright." He reassured her weakly.
"Lord Fenrir, serious fight. Best way end. I thank you much." The Griffon said, acknowledging that this was it for him.
Alice stiffened, her body freezing and Fel caught the scent of fear radiating from her as he hurried to her side, alarmed by her sudden distress as Eevee and Dratini became worried. Even Sui became scared and worried for Alice as she was breathing heavily slightly before she remembered. The potion!
"Sui! The one that heals lots!" Alice said immediately as she took out two bottles of the high quality potion.
"Got it here!" Sui came out of the bag, grabbing one of the bottles and Alice and Sui poured it all over the wounds on the Griffon, watching in awe as the wounds closed up miraculously and she sighed shakily, finding Fel's fur as he let her lean against him.
"Are you okay?" She asked the Griffon in concern as his breathing stabilized.
"Yes." He said weakly and Alice opened her item box once more and took out a health feather that has a golden center and fed it to the Griffon who consumed it without thinking and felt strength coming back as Alice finally relaxed.
"My injuries..." He opened his eyes, seeing the human being close to the Fenrir.
"I have lost. Unable to do anything." The Griffon said in defeat as Alice checked Fel for any injuries. He was mostly okay until she spotted an injury on his right shoulder before an idea came to mind.
"Hey, that's not quite true." She told him as the Griffon slowly got up in confusion.
"Just look at him." Alice told him and the Griffon stared at Fel closely and his heart leapt in hope as his eyes widened. There was an injury on Fel. It was deep but it was visible.
"It's not much, but look, you manage to hurt the Legendary Beast Fenrir." She told the Griffon, hoping the sight would help cheer him up.
"Isn't that right, Fel?" Alice asked Fel teasingly who flushed slightly and he looked away but his tail wagged.
"Hmph. I am reluctant to say." Fel admitted.
'(Don't worry, Fel, I'll fix that up later.)' She reassured him telepathically which he appreciated as the Griffon was getting back up.
"I hurt Great Lord Fenrir." The Griffon spoke, disbelief and bubbling joy in his voice before he let out a loud sudden call which scared Sui who jumped Alice's arms from fright even Eevee and Dratini hid behind Fel's front forelegs from that.
"W-Whoa, what's this now?!" Alice asked, startled and shocked and more Griffons soon started to approach from the sky as Alice watched in awe. That call must've been something to call for the entire flock.
"Wow..." Alice breathed as the Griffon that Fel fought, flew up after strength had returned. The Griffons perched on the cliff sides of the mountain, looking down at them.
"As leader, I am accepted." The Griffon said before addressing Fel.
"Lord Fenrir, thank you very much." He thanked Fel gratefully who just nodded, acknowledging that the Griffon had given him a bit of trouble.
The Griffon soon turned to Alice, addressing her next.
"Young human, take this." He said, plucking one of his feathers, tossing it down to Alice who caught it as she looked at it before she looked back at the Griffon.
"Thank you." She said softly.
"Descendants, pass through here. Will not eat." He reassured her and Alice tensed, letting out a nervous laugh.
'Of course they eat humans. I shouldn't be surprised anymore.' She thought wryly as they watched the flock disappear into the distance as Alice smiled.
They found a lake to stop by for the moment since Fel's injury needs to be treated and Fel lay down on the ground wincing as the injury stung a bit. Alice went to the shore and scooped some water with the small barrel and brought it to him. For some reason, the water in this lake was more...cleaner and pure for some reason as if nothing had disturbed it and it was a bit cold too.
"Hold still." She said softly as Sui, Eevee and Dratini played nearby as she cleaned his injury. She could have used the potion but she wanted to clean his injury first before she did.
Fel stayed still as he was told, ears flicking at their surroundings. They were granted safe passage through Griffon territory yet he couldn't stop thinking back how Alice was scared for the safety and life of his opponent and he stopped when Alice told him to. He had never seen her that distressed before and it alarmed him in worry.
"That was an amazing fight though." Alice said, acknowledging the fight as he huffed softly.
"My foes always fall by might but this is the first time I'll spare a life from death." He told her as she hummed. Both not noticing how gentle mist slowly appeared or how the forest had suddenly gotten quiet, the surface of the lake had become still, ripples of the lake had stopped.
"I know, but that was a bit harsh on my part." She admitted as she made sure his wound was clean before pouring some of the high quality potion over it and closed up.
"I know and I apologize if it frightened you." Fel said softly as she looked up at him, sensing the softness of his tone. They stared at each other, amethyst colored eyes meeting green eyes that had softened. It was a small yet gentle moment, the two getting lost in each other's eyes.
"Vee!"
"Mama! Uncle Fel!"
Sui's, Eevee's and Dratini's cries snap them out of it and they had finally noticed their surroundings was eerily calm and silent and Eevee, Dratini and Sui were hurrying to them as Alice and Fel stood up, alarmed by the sudden change of atmosphere.
"What is this?" Fel questioned, entire body tense as he positioned himself in front of Alice who put a hand on his neck as Eevee and Dratini got on her shoulders and Sui jumped into her arms.
"I-I don't know, Fel." Alice admitted as they scanned the area for any threat.
"Mama, Uncle Fel, there's something glowing over there." Sui pointed out, pointing to the other side of the lake and they turned to where Sui was pointing.
Fel felt Alice's entire body going still but he didn't sense any fear. Just awe and surprise as her eyes widened at what she was seeing. Fel can see what she was seeing as well and its power was close to his.
It is a leopard-like creature, light blue in color, with white rhombuses around the body and a white belly, it has a dark blue crest on its head which is in the shape of a hexagram. Behind its crest is a cerulean blue mane with supposedly thick, smooth fur. Two white, ribbon-like tails sprout out from its back and In reverse.
Fel knew he shouldn't attack as it seemed to be watching, observing them with wise eyes before it leapt onto the water, causing it to ripple gently and purifying it before disappearing into the darkness of the forest.
"Suicune..." Alice whispered in awe as Fel looked to her in curiosity but their eyes remained on the spot where Suicune had been standing before they decided to leave.
They had reached another clearing by sun down and Alice was prepping up their dinner. They were all silent from what they had witnessed but Fel broke the silence as soon as his stomach growled.
"I use much more strength than I normally do. Feed me lots of meat." He said, breaking the silence and his tone was playful from when they had spotted Suicune. It made her laugh since she was using the blunt part of the knife to pound the meat a bit.
"Like you don't eat a ton every day, Fel." Alice joked back as she smiled. Eevee, Dratini with Sui were resting against Fel, all of them were waiting for dinner.
'Well then, looks like we'll be able to get through Griffon territory thanks to Fel.' Alice thought happily as she caught Fel's eyes with Sui watching them curiously with Eevee and Dratini as she went back to their dinner.
'I guess I'll use up the meat we have as a small celebration.' She thought.
'First, take the tenderized orc meat and cover it with flour, whisked egg and panko crumbs.' Alice took the meat and covered it with the flour before dipping it fully in the eggs and covered it with the panko crumbs.
'To ensure maximum crispiness, add another layer of panko and gently push down.' Alice does so, covering it a bit more with panko crumbs, pressing down gently before moving it to the pot that has steaming boiling oil.
'Then add it to a pot of very hot oil.' She soon put it carefully in the pot and it started to sizzle and boil as she waited for it to become a golden brown color which was perfect as Fel's ears twitched curiously as the smell of fried meat made his nose twitch.
She took it out of the pot as she repeated the process again before slicing the first two with the clean knife.
'Afterwards, slice it up with a sharp knife.' She soon moved to the plates, putting the right amount of bed cabbage.
'All that's left is putting it on a bed of cabbage and drizzling it with tasty sauce.' Alice put the cooked meat on the bed of cabbage before drizzling it with sauce before she added pecha berry slices next to it as a treat.
"It's done!" She announced happily.
"Finally, some food!"
"Yay!"
{Piping Hot Orc Tonkatsu with a side of Pecha Berry slices}
"Be careful, it's still hot!" Alice warned them as she served everyone their plates and they dug in immediately.
Fel took a bite of his and it was really good but also still too hot as he had to bounce it in his mouth to avoid getting his tongue burn.
"So tasty." Fel said as he managed to cool it down enough for him to chew and swallow safely.
"So tasty!" Sui said happily as Dratini and Eevee ate theirs with much gusto as Alice watched them eat happily.
"I like this very much." Fel said which made Alice giggle before looking down at her share.
"All right. Finally, time for me to eat." She said excitedly. She took a piece of the orc tonkatsu with her chopsticks but hesitated once more.
"We haven't eaten orc meat in a while now, I can't stop thinking about what they looked like before they were processed." She lamented before looking at the still steaming meat.
'Luckily, this looks like normal tonkatsu.' She thought in relief before taking a bite and the flavor came right back.
"This is so good! Orc meat is just too delicious!" Alice exclaimed in delight as they all ate together, happily enjoying the orc tonkatsu for dinner.
Alice sighed in content after she finished her soup as she smiled.
"Every single bite is so perfect." She said happily.
"Hey, make more." Fel said, already out of the food along with the Pecha berry slices, even the bed of cabbage.
"Sui too!" Sui agreed with Eevee and Dratini agreed.
Alice chuckled and shook her head but she got up and went to the stove to make seconds for all of them.
"Alright, alright, hold on." She told them.
She started to make the next batch, watching it carefully.
"Geez, I think you guys could keep eating forever." She told them before she looked up at the sky.
'Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?' Alice thought curiously.
Fel looked up at the sky as well before a thought occurred to him.
"Come to think of it, have you been diligently sending offerings to the goddess Ninrir?" Fel asked her before her entire body froze, eyes wide and lightning seemed to strike her entire body. Oh Arceus! She almost forgot!
"I, uh, may have forgotten and it slipped my mind." She said sheepishly before she jumped but stood her ground when Fel suddenly stood over her.
"Utterly blasphemous! Do so, quickly!" He said but he couldn't blame her. Weeks in this forest must've made her forget since there were dangers around.
"I will do that as soon as I'm done cooking! It's not my fault for forgetting that important detail!" She exclaimed as Eevee, Sui and Dratini laughed as the two had a banter while Alice was cooking.
It took them another couple of days before they finally had exited the forest. The sight of the clear sky, the sun shining down warmly and the gentle breeze was a warm welcome. Sylveon, who Alice had let out after recalling Dratini and Eevee, sat in front of her with Sui as she agreed as Alice took in a deep breath.
"Sunny blue skies and sunny breezy meadows." Alice said softly in relief.
"We finally made it out of the forest!" Alice cheered, unable to hold in her relief and joy.
"It's so wide open!" Sui said in awe, never having seen such a wide open space before so he was in awe as Alice petted him.
"It took us a month and a half to get this far but it was so worth it." She told him as Fel huffed in amusement but he had to agree. The sight of the meadow along with the gentle breeze was a welcome he would show before he started to walk as Alice took out the map to see where they were.
"We should be close to the Kingdom of Leonhardt." She noted.
"I wonder if there are any man-made roads nearby. That would certainly help us find a town or city." She lowered the map as she looked ahead.
"We're also almost out of meat, so we need to go to-" She said but the part that they were almost out of meat even though Alice can get somewhere from the online grocery made Fel freeze. They were running out of food?! He needs to get Alice somewhere with someone who can process them immediately!
"What do you mean we're almost out of meat? That's a truly serious matter!" He said though he was exasperating which Alice found funny but she agreed with him.
"I'd figure you'd say that and I know. That's why we need to get to a guild to have the monsters you hunted last time processed." Alice told him as she put the map back in her bag.
"Man-made roads?" Fel asked her and she nodded.
"Let us find one immediately!" He soon took off and Alice held on.
They wouldn't admit it but Fel and Alice enjoyed each other's company especially if Alice was riding on his back. She wasn't heavy, especially the first time he let her ride on his back and she always enjoyed it whenever he went really fast.
Sylveon's ears twitched and she looked up curiously just as Fel came to a stop.
"Look ahead." He said as Alice put a hand over her eyes. They finally found a road but Alice could sense that something wasn't right. There was a carriage and people but something was wrong.
"There's a caravan but... something's wrong. There's also people there too." Alice said worriedly and Fel's nose caught the scent of bandits which made him growl slightly in distaste.
"They're being attacked by bandits." He informed her which made her gasp in shock. They need to help!
"Fel, you have to go and save them! I'll make tonight's dinner extra special as a reward!" Alice told him and Fel glanced at her. The idea of that promise sits well with him but if helping people makes her feel relief, he'll do so.
"I accept. Do not forget your words!" He said and immediately dashed in the direction of where the caravan and bandits were.
"I won't!" She promised as she held on quickly before addressing Sylveon.
"Sylveon, when we get close, use Fairy Wind!" Alice said and Sylveon nodded.
At the fallen caravan, a merchant nervously peeked out of the caravan as his escorts known as the Phoenix were battling against the bandits but it was proving to be difficult as the bandits have outnumbered the adventurers.
"Get back inside!" One of them shouted at the merchant who immediately retreated back inside the caravan.
The merchant was hidden inside the caravan but he gasped in fright when an axe blade hit the floor of the caravan. When the blade was pulled back, the merchant looked out through the hole and his eyes widened in fear but the leader of Phoenix managed to get the bandit to focus on him instead but it was two against one and one of Phoenix's party members got injured which worried him but he can't focus as he dodged a sword strike before blocking it with his own sword.
Fel had just arrived and Sylveon jumped in the air and unleashed a powerful fairy wind which caught everyone off guard with how strong it was.
"Sui, take cover and cover your ears." Fel told Sui and Alice softly, not wanting to harm her hearing and she did so quickly with Silver and Sui before Fel let out a very loud roar which shook the earth and made everyone cover their ears, freeze in fear and shock and cower at the immense pressure from that.
Fel soon stopped as Alice stood up next to Fel, glaring angrily at the bandits, Sui on her shoulder and Sylveon by her side. She can tell most were okay with injuries though.
"Hear me, brigands. I will bite you to death if you move even a single step. Toss your weapons aside if you understand." Fel warned them as Alice put a hand on his neck.
'(Would you really?)' Alice asked him telepathically but it was more of a tease.
'(Hmph. I will not unless you want me to.)' Fel teased back and she flushed and shoved him playfully which made him smirk.
The sight of such a powerful beast was enough to scare the bandits who dropped their weapons and surrendered but they were all shocked that a young teen was standing close to it with no ounce of fear whatsoever.
The Phoenix tied and restrained all of the bandits with rope after making sure that they were tight enough as Alice with Fel's help managed to flip the caravan back on the right position much to the merchant's gratitude.
"You saved us! I employ this caravan. My name is Lambert." The merchant, Lambert, introduced himself to Alice, eyes beaming with tears of gratitude and Alice sensed that he was good and trustworthy as she smiled in return.
"Thank you so much. We're forever grateful." Lambert said gratefully as he let Alice's hands go as Fel came to her side, his head almost draping over her shoulder as Sui was riding on Fel with Sylveon sitting beside him before the guy from earlier introduced himself.
"I'm the leader of the Phoenix Adventurer Party he hired. Name's Lars. Thanks for all your help." Lars introduced himself and Alice could see that they have matching attires which made her smile more. She was glad they made it before anything bad happened.
"My name is Alice. Nice to meet you all." Alice introduced herself before Lambert eyed Fel who was eyeing the Phoenix party warily with Sylveon having one of her ribbon feelers wrapped around Alice's arm.
"By the way, behind you, is that your familiar as well as the other one?" Lambert asked her curiously as she looked at Sylveon and Fel.
"Oh, yes." She reassured them, even showing them that Fel won't harm them as she put a hand on his neck and he found himself leaning to her touch which has been happening more often.
This made Lambert and the Phoenix party sigh in relief.
"I've been hearing rumors that someone has contracted a Fenrir as their familiar along with strange creatures." Lars revealed which made Alice laugh nervously. Just how do they know so fast?
"If you don't mind, where are you all going?" Alice asked them, hoping they could tag along.
"Yes, of course. We're on our way to the city of Karelina." Lambert answered her honestly which made Alice curious.
"Karelina?" She asked curiously as she glanced at Fel who glanced at her before she looked sheepish.
"Actually, we're new and very unfamiliar with the area." Alice told them but Lambert reassured her warmly like a grandfather.
"Never you worry. It's the name of a northwestern city in the Kingdom of Leonhardt." He said which made Alice hopeful as she looked at Fel who nodded as she smiled gratefully before turning back to Lambert. He can sense they can be trusted and they desperately need to reach a guild to get some monsters processed.
"Thank you. If it's alright with you, may we tag along on the way to the city?" Alice asked him as Lars turned to Lambert for his answer. Alice and her Familiars seemed to be a nice and welcoming bunch.
"What do you think?" He asked Lambert who smiled.
"I think it's great. The more the merrier on this trip, I say. Please feel free. You're welcome to join." Lambert agreed, offering a handshake and Alice felt her heart soar. Lambert is so nice and he reminded her of Professor Willow too.
Alice looked to Fel again with a hopeful smile as he nodded once more, his tail wagging behind him. If it makes her happy, then he doesn't mind.
"We look forward to it, Lambert." She said, tone grateful. She can feel that this meeting will make her feel more at home now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another World Theater: Second Serving
After Alice realized that she had forgotten to send Ninrir the weekly offerings before they made it out of the forest...
Meanwhile in the divine realm, Ninrir was sulking by the viewing pool. It has been weeks since Alice had last sent her offerings and she was ready to give her a piece of her mind.
"What a silly otherworlder." Ninrir sulked.
"It's been over a week, and you haven't sent any prayers or offerings... Are you looking down on me?" She lamented before the viewing poll rippled which made her gasp and stand up immediately and she can see Alice preparing to send the offerings she had forgotten that Fel thankfully reminded her.
"Hail Ninrir, Goddess of Wind. Forgive me for being a little late." Alice prayed but Ninrir won't take any excuses.
"More than a little late!" Ninrir exploded and Alice can be seen flinching slightly.
"I'm very sorry, Goddess. It's just that I've been quite busy lately." Alice tried to reason but Ninrir won't take that as an excuse.
"Don't you lie to me! I've been watching you! You just got careless and forgot about me!" Ninrir scolded her, arms crossed but Alice can tell she was being childish but she reel in her temper. Now is not the time to lose her cool.
"It's not my fault, Goddess Ninrir. Everything has been a bit chaotic lately and I'll try to be more careful from now on." Alice reasoned with her.
"You better make sure this does not happen ever again, you hear?" Ninrir said angrily.
"I was so close to sending another divine message, you don't even know!"
"I am so sorry, alright? As a humble apology, I am offering you these late offerings of delicious Western desserts today. I'm sure you'll enjoy them very much." Alice said as Ninrir scoffed and looked away.
A glow at the viewing pool made Ninrir look back before she gasped in delight. They look so tasty! The sight made her squeal in delight.
"I take it that it's good?" Alice asked in relief.
"These are called Western desserts? They each look so delicious!" Ninrir said in delight and joy.
She knelt by the sweets, drooling. She can't wait to try them all!
"And there's also many of them here!" She said, looking at each one and not knowing which ones to start with.
"Maybe I might have prepared too many desserts." Alice told her but Ninrir waved her off, already holding a slice of strawberry shortcake.
"No, it's fine, it's fine." She said before taking a bite the sweetness exploded along with the creaminess of the milk and strawberries.
"Oh, what is this?" She questioned, shocked with how delicious it was before she addressed Alice.
"You have to prepare the same amount for me next time! That is an order!" Ninrir told Alice immediately, starting on the strawberry shortcake slice.
"They're so delicious!"
When Ninrir told Alice it was an order to have the same amount of sweets to be sent like today, it didn't sit well with her as she glanced away.
"As you wish, goddess." She said softly while Ninrir continued to eat at the desserts, not noticing how her words affected Alice.