Spreading the word

You spread the news among the girls, and they seem mostly excited to get this over with. The only exception is Lynn, who is worried for you as usual. You reassure her by reminding her that your group will include Kali, who can heal most wounds you would take, and Uzume, who is an army unto herself.

However, Yura pulls you aside, and you’re surprised to see a worried look in her purple eyes. “Josh, something is coming. Tonight. I can not see it, only a void. I do not know what it is, but I want you to know. Be careful, please.”

You nod, knowing by now to take care when Yura warns you of something. “Thank you, Yura. I’ll be careful, and stay nearby tonight.”

Yura hugs you, then gives you a small smile. “Also be careful at the battle. We all want you to come back…I want to talk to you after, it is important.”

You chuckle, and the little selkie blushes, her black hair falling across her eyes. You pat her head affectionately. “Of course, I look forward to it.”

Still blushing, Yura just nods, then quickly walks away. You smile at the adorable young woman as you watch her leave, then head towards the dining room, where Maya and Clarissa are chatting. You join them, listening in on Clarissa describing life under the mountain. Maya seems interested, but often remarks about how she prefers the forest. They both look at you expectantly, and you laugh. “I’m not going to pick favorites, you two! Besides, I’m happy in either, but I’d be happy anywhere you are.”

Both Maya and Clarissa laugh at your ambivalent response. Maya sticks her tongue out at you, and Clarissa shakes her head.

Maya grins. “I guess that’s what happens when you become a king, you get scared of offending anyone!”

You roll your eyes. “Keep it up and I’ll go live in the sea with Yura. At least she’s nice to me!”

Maya giggles. “Says the guy who knocked me up!”

You and Maya both laugh, but Clarissa looks a bit pensive. You look at her questioningly, but the metallic dwarf just blushes and shakes her head. “A-anyway! I should go…get ready or something…”

She gets up and quickly walks out. As soon as she leaves, Maya hops up and walks over to sit in your lap, wrapping her arms around your neck. “There! Got you all to myself now!”

You chuckle. “Indeed you do. And what do you intend to do now that you have me alone?”

There’s a sparkle in Maya’s red eyes as she winks. “I’m sure we can figure out something!”

You smile. “Oh I might have an…”

A strange feeling makes you stop. It’s as if you have a null collar on again, your magic is cut off. Maya notices you tense, and looks up. Suddenly she leaps to her feet. “Who are you?”

You jump up and look at the door behind you. A hooded man stands in the doorway, bearing a longsword in his fist. “I have been sent for you, Josh. The Protector sends his regards. Let’s see how strong you are without your magic, boy!”