A simple quest.

The four of you depart from the city and make your way out into the grassy plains. The moisture from the morning shimmers over the rolling hills ahead, and even farther in the distance are trees. This isn't the first time you've gone this general direction.

Snow speaks up. "Is that going to be bad? Punching that guy? People looked at him like he was important. And I thought you said to hold back, and he was just trying to get a rise out of us."

"Sorry. I know," you reply. "I just couldn't keep my own advice."

"I loved every minute of it," Delphi says.

Alice looks lost in thought as everyone continues onwards.

"Hey, Alice," you say, trying to grab her attention. She doesn't respond. "Alice?"

"Oh." She finally turns to face you. "I apologize. What is it you were saying?"

"Are you all right?"

"Yes. Of course."

You let out a deep exhale. "Alice... Please don't let what that guy said get to you. You're not a horrifying creature. You're super cute."

Cyan comes to her cheeks. "I--"

"Yeah. Screw that guy," Snow says as she places a hand on the golem's shoulder. "He called me a pet kitty too, and you don't see me getting worked up about it."

Her hand starts squeezing tighter--nails pushing against Alice's wood-like flesh.

"Uh. Are you sure about that?" you ask.

The glow in Alice's cheeks spreads. "Aah... Y-You're hurting me..."

"Sorry!" Snow pulls her hand back. "Damn it. He really gets under your skin, doesn't he?"

You continue on your way with your new, temporary party. They remind you a bit of your own--cute girls, but incredibly bizarre. Delphi might be tiny, but she's a sadistic domme with the magical powers to enforce it. Snow is a hot feline ninja, though you've come to discover that she has voyeuristic interests. Alice is a whole mystery to herself. She may be sweet and quiet, but her origins are shrouded in uncertainty, and you have an inkling she has desires you've yet to completely discover.

Eventually, Snow looks forward with her hand blocking the sun from her eyes, and calls out, "I think I might see it!"

"How can you tell?" Delphi floats up to peer farther ahead. "I do see a tree."

"It seems out of place, doesn't it? We should at least check it out."

You look to your party and start drawing your magic sword from its scabbard. "All right. Snow, ready your bow. You should stay behind us, Alice. And it'd probably be smart to stay in the air, Delphi, to hopefully keep out of range."

They nod in agreement.