We can look around.

“We can walk around,” you say to the table. Mikko finally smiles, happy to hear your two cents about what you should do.

“Then I’ll come with,” Arabella decides.

“That’s fine by me,” you tell her, reassuringly glancing at Mikko to affirm your decision.

“And, of course, I’m going,” Mikko quickly adds. “It was my idea to go exploring anyway.”

“And what about you, Gwen?”

Gwendolion shakes her head and yawns. “I’m still tuckered after last night,” she says, nearly bragging. “If you three are going out, you can leave me here. I don’t mind.”

You rub your head again, the dull throb a constant reminder of last night's indulgence. The hangover, though not as brutal as when you first woke up, still lingers, threatening to worsen with every step. Was venturing out really a wise idea? Perhaps not, but the thought of entertaining the foxes outweighs your physical discomfort.

Gwendolion stretches as she rises from the table, bidding your group farewell. Arabella and Mikko follow suit, leaving you momentarily alone. The anticipation of the adventure ahead fills you, even before you step outside into the warm embrace of the day. Despite the discomfort, the world beckons.

Mikko and Arabella are outside waiting. Unlike you, they are dressed in shorts and short-sleeve shirts—probably an addition they got for themselves when arriving in the prewar State. The best you can do is wear jeans and a white shirt. As expected, the clear weather outside stung your eyes and irritated your throbbing head. You considered sunglasses, but they were quick to scoop you up.

The place you’ve traveled to is smaller than you thought. But the people that makeup town are friendly enough. People greet you with smiles and small talk; overall, it’s a welcoming experience. This is the first town you’ve been to where you’ve been able to walk around with Arabella and the others without being treated differently. Even when going into stores, no one says anything either, and not even their expressions shift. You aren’t sure why this is, but you figure it probably has to do with the people being used to seeing so many obscure things with travelers cutting through that it makes them indifferent to whoever comes by.

As you surveyed the area open for commercial purposes, you led Arabella and Mikko to a ridge that offered a breathtaking view of the little town. The sight was equally awe-inspiring from above as it was from within. The silhouette of the next town, seemingly more developed yet potentially abandoned, was visible from this vantage point. Aware of the temporary nature of your stay, you were grateful for the current respite from hostility.

Arabella, her shoulder brushing against yours, let out a dramatic sigh. “This heat is unbearable,” she complained.”Master, could we perch here for a while and unwind?”

There was a tree on this overlook that was thriving with life. Birds sang from the branches, and the leaves rustled as the cool breeze went through them. Mikko was already leaning against it, but she didn’t look tired. Looking at Arabella, you didn’t think she looked all that tired, either.

You shrugged, rubbing the back of your neck. It felt warm, hot even as your hand pressed against it. “Sure,” you told her. “We’re in no rush, so you two can lounge for however long you want.”

“Thank God!” Arabella gasped and then removed her shirt in one swift motion. Beneath her shirt was a white bra that complimented her pale skin. You briefly appreciated this until you wondered if she would be prone to sunburn. You voiced this concern, and it made her blush. “That’s your concern after seeing me take off my shirt?”

It was your turn to blush. “I mean– well…yeah?”

Arabella rubbed her forehead with her head as Mikko joined your circle. Her shirt was still on. “We’re very tolerant against heat, Master.”

“I should have figured as much,” you smiled, realizing you were feeling hotter than you thought. “However, I’ve seen you 2 when you’ve been in another type of heat, and you’re difficult to handle.”

“We’re not,” Mikko giggles but starts to unbutton her shorts. “But we’re a little jealous you’ve been showing my sister so much attention, especially after spending so much time with that contractor girl.”

“You guys have nothing to worry about,” you promised, watching Mikko slowly strip-tease as you spoke. Arabella was grinning, her eyes still glancing at your face and crotch. “Was this your sole purpose for exploring?”

“Yes,” Mikko says.

“No,” Arabella replies.

You believe Mikko. “Listen, girls… I’d love to do this, but we really shouldn’t just start stripping down and playing with each other in a new place. I don’t even know if anyone comes out here that often. Let’s tone this back and wait another time to…unwind.”

“No,” Mikko says with Arabella. “We want you here and now.”