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the final chapter for the 1k special! once again, thank you for the support in this book, i am very grateful for all the votes, comments and reads of this dungeon meshi fan fiction :)
edit: soooo i guess this is now a 2k vote special...? sorry it took so long to publish! but here it is now, i hope you enjoy! and just so you know, while i was making this special chapter, i was very into silent hill and liminal core, so if you're wondering what the vibes are then they're more on that eerie, empty feeling you'll get in certain locations!
also, i made this practically almost 10k long as an apology for leaving for so long. sorry, senior high school really takes a lot out of me :'3 (this is not proofread, and i scared myself with my own writing so i'm not about to edit this tonight so sorry for the mistakes!)
while this is special is not meant to be scary, be warned that there a few spooky elements :p i genuinely just love adding some parts that will make someone feel uneasy in the things i write nowadays! it is also recommended that this is read at night for the vibes!
third chapter: watched from afar, goodbye.
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song name: milk cassette tape.mp3 by analog_mannequin
☆-繁栄の本質
the catatonic state that the mind and the heart has been left in, it leaves me in pure reverence.
☆- 信頼と忠誠
birds of a feather, stick together until the end of time.
synopsis:
after their hunt for food, the touden party stayed in camp to do their own things. they noticed something... strange- almost bone chilling, even. but that wasn't important. they didn't have to remember. :)
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"we definitely won this challenge."
"where'd you guys even get a whole freaking cow..."
the game of hunt was fun, to say the least. everyone enjoyed helping each other out, finding and hunting their food together.
not so much for falin, as she hesitated to even hurt any animal at all, so her and marcille decided to just catch a fish together- and put a pin in that, because that'll be important later.
[name] had stopped acting strange, much to toshiro's relief. he was observing her the whole time after their conversation, unnerved by how she kept acting so skittish and paranoid and then poof-! it was gone the moment laios came back with the others.
it was like a switch has been flipped, and toshiro is aware of it. but of course, he didn't comment on it. he's just glad he got to confess his feelings to her without being turned down.
[name] was sat on the ground underneath a whole cow that was skewered over the campfire yet to be lit, gathering the animal's fat in one bottle as much as she can.
she had forgotten everything she was thinking of earlier, now focused on one task that kept her mind off of everything else, almost as if nothing has been happening in the first place.
"we found a whole herd of 'em near the bridge. apparently, they've been habituating this mountain for quite a while now, and they came from the valley right on the othe side of the bridge."
namari almost made [name] drop her bottle, startled as she suddenly started chopping the legs off.
"ahhh?! how can you do that so casually?!"
marcille shrieked, and the dwarf glanced at her with a deadpan.
"i mean... how else are we supposed to cook it? you gotta gut and chop the thing, you know. we're not barbarians."
"still..."
"just turn away if you don't wanna see a dead cow get chopped up."
namari sighed as she continues with her endeavour, meanwhile marcille just grumbled and walked away in unease.
"what about the other critters we caught?"
chilchuck gestures to the dead antelope and fish set on the ground, and laios crouched down in front of them.
"i guess we can make something out of these too. it'll be like a buffet."
he offered, and chilchuck shrugged.
"i guess so. but it's pretty obvious that we can't eat all that."
"we can just save the rest of the meat and sell it in the market tomorrow."
and so the group went their own ways, doing whatever they wanna do while the others prepared lunch.
falin and laios were both incharge of cooking, so they're both busy with their own tasks. as for the rest, they're just doing whatever the hell they want.
like toshiro for example, who's kinda just sitting around, picking random flowers from the ground and attempting to make a poorly made flower crown for a certain someone, but he's trying his best so don't be too mean.
marcille was fixing her tent, lugging her bedroll and personal things inside, and of course styling everything to her liking. she'll have people in her tent tonight after all.
and that leaves [name] and chilchuck, watching as everyone got to work. [name] had her brewing stand set up on the ground in front of her, kinda just observing as the liquid inside of the heated up glass bubbles and changed color from time to time.
chilchuck was sat next to her, sneaking glances from time to time. while there was no denying that he wasn't completely the nicest person to meet for the first time, he wasn't outrightly rude.
he did have his suspicions about the two, though. he was the one and only person who is extremely cautious about developing romance between members, and had warned everyone not to engage in such stuff, simply because of his own experience from the previous parties he had.
and from their recent experience with a loss of members from the same reason he warned everyone about, he didn't have the best views towards new members. especially female elves, considering that their previous experience with female elves are... not really pleasant.
yeah, maybe he was being narrow-minded, but that won't last for long. in fact, he felt rather comfy with the two already, despite the small tension that was still pretty evident around them.
one reminded him of a literal confused sheep, simply letting people order her around and not giving a single shit about it, and the other reminds him of a very paranoid cockatoo who can be calm and silent at first, then loud and jumpy the next few seconds.
you could probably guess who is who.
"what do you mean you wanna add bugs into the soup?! and no, falin! i will not agree with your brother!"
...yeah, you can definitely guess who's the loud cockatoo in this.
chilchuck sighed as he looked away from the three and instead, focused on [name] again.
he felt a little awkward sitting around and not saying anything, so he decided to strike up a conversation.
"everyone's pretty busy, huh?"
he rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze dropping to the ground. now he kinda felt bad for judging them both the first time they met.
"and here we are, kinda just sitting around, doing nothing."
"i am doing something."
chilchuck winced, glancing at her and sure enough, she wasn't doing anything. at least, to him.
"uh... what exactly? sitting around?"
"i am making sure the pressure created in the alembic stays the same throughout the boiling process. i cannot risk having the fluid inside exploding on us and melting through our skin. it may or may not be on the verge of explosion at the moment, that is why i am keeping a close eye on it."
"does it seriously do that-??? hey, don't just ignore me! is it gonna explode?!"
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"it is quite... foggy now, don't you think so?"
"yeah, which makes me wonder why the hell did i even volunteer to come with you..."
since they were the only two who are not preoccupied with helping around their camp, [name] and chilchuck decided to do something more "productive" than just sitting around and doing nothing.
while [name] wouldn't normally suggest this and would prefer to do her own thing in her own space, she needed to gather as much materials as she could from this unfamiliar terrain. who knows? maybe she could discover something new that would help her with her work.
chilchuck definitely didn't want to come along, he'd rather just sit around and watch everyone go on about their tasks, but of course he can't just let [name] prance around the woods, searching for whatever she needs while getting lost in the process.
so here he is, babysitting a grown woman who was picking up random things from the ground that may or may not be poisonous, her bag already full of mushrooms of all sorts along with herbs.
"hmm, this terrain seems to have been frequently visited by hikers."
[name] comments as she used a small knife to harvest a clutter of mushroom growing from the roots of a tree.
"how come?"
chilchuck asked as he looked around curiously.
"for one, these mushrooms- also known as monoxishrooms, can only be safely harvested if you possess a blade that can cut through its roots. harvest it incorrectly, and you die."
"die..? seriously? just from harvesting it wrong?"
"yes, it spurts out toxic gas that causes the temperature of your body to drop immensely, and your blood flow to stop due to clogging."
chilchuck flinched and immediately rushed to her, tensing up as he watched her harvest the rest of the mushroom.
"then what the hell are you doing, harvesting these if they're so dangerous?!"
"i know of the correct way to harvest these mushrooms, that's why."
she stuffed them in her bag once she was done, clearing her throat as she stood back up.
"ehem, as i was saying... the mushrooms in this area should have been more bigger, as it could grow up to the same size of a human, but these are freshly grown. animals do not eat these, and even if they do, there would be multiple animal carcass lying around here. therefore, these mushrooms are harvested by someone who has the knowledge of a proper collecting method. and from what i have observed, someone was here a few hours ago, doing exactly what we are doing right at this moment."
chilchuck couldn't help but rub his arms as a chill ran down his body. it shouldn't feel this... scary, imagining another person in the same place as them, but at the same time, they don't know who this person is. they don't know what they're doing out here, and they don't know if they're a good person or not. so it's safe to say that being creeped out is justified in this moment.
"geez, seriously? you got all that from looking at those mushrooms?"
"the art of observation, chilchuck."
was [name] simple response as she hands him the bag that was now full of mushrooms, much to chilchuck's annoyance.
"okay, but is it true? someone was here not too long ago?"
"that is what i have concluded from what i saw. plus, i have seen a few boot tracks from the opening we went through earlier."
"you really should've told me about that beforehand..."
after [name] was satisfied with their harvest, the two decided to head back to camp, especially now that the fog has thickened up.
"why is foggy all of a sudden? i can barely see anything."
the half-foot complained as he adjusted his hold on her bag, frowning.
"[name], don't stray too far from me, got it?"
"yes."
[name] didn't look like she was paying attention at all, as she looks around them cautiously. the trees are starting to look ominous, imitating the silhouette of a person in the fog.
"this is the path we came from. the opening should be right here-"
chilchuck's grin was wiped off of his face before he could even finish what he was saying.
the moment he blinked, they were back to where they started. the same trees with the same mushrooms growing out from it.
with the fog now thicker, chilchuck reached behind him and held [name]'s hand firmly.
"i don't know what kind of bullcrap is going on, because i could've sworn we were almost out of the forest earlier..."
chilchuck released a heavy breath he didn't know he was holding, looking around in panic.
"it says that there is no exit."
[name] muttered, one hand pointing up to a wooden sign propped up on one of the trees while the other tugged on chilchuck's hand.
"huh? what do you mean?"
the half-foot's brows were furrowed, and he began sweating. he couldn't read what was written on the wooden sign at all. it looks like it was a whole completely different language.
"we need to get out of here- quickly."
chilchuck began tugging the girl along, trying his best to see through the thick fog surrounding them. in a moment like this, it's best to not let panic settle in. he's pretty good at keeping calm when danger is present, and this situation shouldn't be any different.
but the problem is, this is different. the forest seems to be playing tricks on them. everytime they'd think they were at the exit, they'll end up exactly where they came from. it was driving chilchuck mad.
"that branch over there. can you get it for me?"
[name] suddenly stops chilchuck, pointing to a branch that was definitely far too high for them to reach.
"...do i look like i can reach that?!"
the half-foot glared at her, and [name] shrugged before lifting him up like a cat.
"okay, now get it."
"agh?! what do you think you're doing, you...!"
chilchuck didn't argue any further, choosing to just take the branch and get it over with so she'd put him down.
"ugh, here. take your stupid branch.."
he groaned, a little flushed from the humiliation of being lifted like a child by someone who he assumes is younger than him.
[name] snatched the branch from him, studying it for a few seconds before nodding to herself as she reached a conclusion.
"does this branch look a little "off" to you?"
she asked out of nowhere, holding said branch right in front of him.
"uh, i guess it does..."
chilchuck sweatdrops, rubbing his nape. he doesn't know what she's trying to say, but she's making sense for some reason.
"this branch is from the outside world. we are currently trapped in an illusion spell, chilchuck. that is why this-"
[name] swings the branch around, and chilchuck noticed the slightest detail of it having more colour and looking more realistic than what's surrounding them right now.
"-looks more alive than everything around us. we were lucky enough to spot a hole from the fabric of illusion that surrounds us right now. the "hole" being this branch that is most definitely from outside."
"so basically we can get the hell out of here now, right?!"
"not really."
chilchuck visibly deflated as [name] sat on the ground, breaking the stick and drawing symbols on the ground.
"we're gonna get bodied, [name]. stop doodling random stickman on the ground!!"
"shhh!"
[name] furrowed her brows, raising a finger up to her lips. chilchuck groaned and paced around, impatiently waiting for her to finish.
suddenly, she stood up and started walking to a random direction, much to chilchuck's confusion.
"where are you going??"
"i need to gather clay. there should be some nearby."
"i'm coming with you!"
"no, stay here. we need someone to keep watch of the manifesto."
"the what?!"
[name] walked away instead of responding, and chilchuck sat down on the ground in caution, looking around with a small frown.
he had to make sure he kept watch and guarded... whatever a "manifesto" is. he'd probably die from heart attack the moment he sees a figure from afar.
chilchuck held a... well, stick in his hand. what? it was all he could find lying around, don't judge him.
his head snaps in all directions, trying to look out for anything that could serve as a threat to him. in all honesty, he wouldn't know what to even do if he does see something. if a 6 foot tall man or woman was standing there, doing a menace pose with a weapon, he'd bolt out of there faster than ever.
he's not about to just sit there and die. actually, he might do that if he passed out. he's terrified, alright? and being alone didn't help one bit.
chilchuck waited and waited, and waited... [name] didn't come back.
'what the hell do i do?! don't tell me she got lost??'
there was a sudden movement from the corner of his eye, and he jumped in fear, pointing the stick at the direction.
"i did not sign up for this!!"
suddenly, somebody sat down next to him, and chilchuck felt like his soul left his body.
"ahhh-?!? oh wait, it's just you, [name]..."
he stopped himself from screaming like a maniac when he looked up and saw that the girl was back.
[name] wordlessly made herself comfortable on the ground again, her back turned to him as she works on the piece of wet clay she brought back.
"you really scared the crap out of me! i thought you got lost or something... don't do that again, okay?! tsk, damn kids walking off without another word... elves are so full of themselves. i knew you'd be selfish just like her."
his complaints were ignored by the focused girl, and chilchuck started to feel awkward, ranting and spewing random words without getting any kind of reaction back. he didn't even noticed he started talking about their former member.
chilchuck knew [name] barely reacts to anything, and even if she did, it would be quite... minimal. you'd miss it if you weren't paying attention. but she was never this nonchalant of his outbursts.
or maybe he just didn't know [name] as much as he thought he did. they're basically still strangers, after all.
"...sorry, my nerves are making me act up. i'm glad you got back safely, though... i wouldn't know what to do if i was just left all alone here."
the half-foot sighed, rubbing his nape in embarrassment. he wasn't used to being vulnerable. it made him wanna punch the hell out of himself.
again, [name] didn't respond and merely stood up, completely ignoring chilchuck.
that was enough to convince him that she was mad at him, and he sighed, picking up her bag and following after her without another word.
'i definitely upset her. ugh, i was panicking. i wasn't thinking of what i was saying.'
with his heart heavy with guilt, chilchuck chose to shut up to stop himself from saying anything else that could make the situation worse.
they've been walking endlessly through the foggy path, it felt like hours despite it only being a few minutes. throughout the walk, [name] was still as silent as a mouse, and chilchuck felt unnerved.
"hey, say something... you're starting to worry me, you know."
he sighed out, noticing that the girl was lagging behind just like earlier.
without looking back, chilchuck held his hand out for her to take, his cheeks dusted pink. he had only done this with his daughters, so it's a little embarrassing to treat other people like this. he didn't like showing his caring side that much.
but in situations like this, he'll have to put in some real effort.
"c'mon, i don't want you falling behind while we're walking. hold my hand so we don't get separated from each other."
chilchuck waited, feeling a little humiliated the more he had to wait for her to take his hand.
when she finally did, he couldn't help but grin victoriously. ah, finally. he's making progress.
'we're in this camping trip to get along in the first place... ugh, this is what i have to do. so i have to stop complaining!'
chilchuck shivered a little when he felt how cold her hand was, and he began walking once again, leading the way.
"geez, your hands are as cold as ice. you scared?"
he joked, before chuckling nervously.
"don't worry, no shame in being scared. to be honest, i'm a little scared too."
a few more seconds passed by as they walked the path without steering away from it, and chilchuck started to grow frustrated. he knew [name] can't last that long when it comes to walking.
"don't let them know."
this made him stop completely.
chilchuck didn't recognise that voice, and he sure damn doesn't plan on looking at whoever said that.
all he knew is it came from behind him and [name]...
chilchuck gulped, his legs shaking as he stood there, refusing to look behind the two of them as his grip on [name]'s hand tightened.
it didn't help that they were radio silent the whole time, which added to chilchuck's fear ever more.
chilchuck counted from five in his head, slowly going down and hoping that [name] gets the memo and follows after his lead immediately as his breathing got heavy.
five, four, three, two... one...
and he's out of there, trying his best not to let go of [name]'s hand while bolting away, not caring if some of the things inside the bag he was carrying was spilling out.
the half-foot ran and ran until finally, the path started to clear up. the fog was slowly going away.
much to his relief, he found himself in the same entrance he and [name] came from earlier, and he could've sworn he thanked all of the existing gods in the world despite not really being the religious type.
he survived. he's alive!
after calming down and fully catching his breath, chilchuck finally remembers that he was with someone else.
"[name]!!"
the half-foot ran towards the girl, literally throwing his arms around her and crying out pathetically. cut him some slack, he's just glad they're alive at the moment!
[name] seems to be out of breath too, her eyes closed for a short moment before she glanced around frantically.
"chilchuck..."
"i was so worried! are you okay? no injuries?? there was someone following us while we were running!!"
he panted, using his knee to prop himself upright while [name] pushed him off of her lightly, looking confused.
"huh? what do you mean? i ran all the way back here alone... i got lost while trying to search for clay. i was trying to look for a way back to you, but ended up here in the entrance just now."
the exact moment she said those words, chilchuck could feel his heart drop in the depths of his stomach, his feet growing numb.
'what do you mean you were lost the whole time?' was the question repeatedly running through his mind, trying to process the words she had just said.
"clay was the last ingredient i needed to complete the manifesto. i found a perfect amount by the pond nearby, but could not find my way back to you so i ended up running around, calling for you. somehow, i found my way back here and fortunately- found you here too."
her expression shows her confusion as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"did you not hear me, shouting your name?"
"n-no... wait, but... who was that? and... you did complete the manifesto... and brought clay back... i'm... confused?"
chilchuck made hand gestures, his eyes wide in disbelief. he looked out of it.
[name] tilted her head, her brows furrowed in concern.
"well, yes. that is correct. i completed the manifesto, but in a different location. but... i was not with you, as far as i am aware."
"no way... then who..?"
[name] shook her head and began pulling chilchuck out of the forest and back to where the camp is.
"let us head back first, alright? and then we will discuss it."
chilchuck only nodded, sighing heavily. he's convinced that he had a whole fever dream, but.. it all felt too real to be a mere fever dream.
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"do we just... act like nothing happened?"
"for what?"
just as the two reached camp, they stopped.
correction- chilchuck stopped. he turned to look at [name] with furrowed brows.
"what do you mean 'for what'?"
"i meant exactly what i meant. what are we doing that for, chilchuck?"
[name] asked in a more firm tone this time, adjusting her hold on the strap of her bag.
he found it ridiculous, thinking this is another one of the forest's ploy to drive him insane, but it wasn't. this was actually the real [name], asking him what the hell he was talking about, confused and looking at him as if he was crazy.
"we literally almost got killed by... i don't know, something?! i'm not sure what it is, okay? but it's not human! it pretended to be you for god's sake!"
"...i do not understand this joke of yours. frankly, i find it rather unamusing."
[name] deadpanned, huffing.
"we came to the forest together to gather materials i needed, harvested said materials together, and left. am i wrong? because i am most certain that is the correct order of how we went about our task."
"wha- what are you saying?? certainly no-"
chilchuck stopped himself. wait, maybe that was it. maybe that's what really happened? and his mind was just playing tricks on him.
yeah, maybe. he's probably just super paranoid which made him hallucinate while gathering materials in the forest.
chilchuck won't deny that he's been pretty tense ever since they started hiking up this mountain, and he did have a few sips of alcohol while walking.. so...
'yeah, this is just the side effects of the alcohol. maybe i was just daydreaming the whole thing.'
he sighed, rubbing his face.
"...sorry. it wasn't a funny joke, i'll admit."
he forced a chuckle, and [name]'s stern gaze softened slightly. she hummed in acknowledgement before shaking her head.
"maybe it is a little... amusing. you looked quite genuine."
"haha, yeah. guess i'd make a pretty good actor."
"hm, sure. if you were acting for the role of a crazy maniac warning everyone about doomsday, then yes. i agree."
chilchuck didn't even realise that the girl had thrown in a joke of her own and when he did, she had already walked away.
"uh- did i really look that crazy? wait, hey! don't just leave me hanging!"
with the previous events brushed off, the two walked off and back to their campsite.
he may be unsure, but his guts are telling him that he wasn't going crazy at all.
after all, they are not alone. those eyes gazing from the darkness of the forest are enough proof.
after a few minutes of just sitting around, being questioned by their companions as to where they've been for a whole hour, their feast was finally ready.
"here, [name]. you can have the best part- the stomach!"
laios places down a plate of roasted cow meat in front of the girl who merely stares at it. he grins, waiting for her to touch her food like an excited puppy.
"...cow stomach?"
"yeah, it's really good you know!"
"i do wonder how you've acquired such a unique sense of taste, laios."
"hm? everyone has a unique taste though, right?"
laios asked, then pulled out out a book from inside his armor, flipping through it with a little smile on his face.
"did you know? there are plenty of beasts who can only taste one thing, so they only hunt a specific prey? like this..."
[name]'s eyes flickered back and forth between his face, and the book he held. it really is such a wonder, how laios could muster up a cheerful smile no matter the situation.
"i think you're very similar to this monster, [name]. although it's more commonly known as a deity on the south."
"similar to me?"
[name] narrowed her eyes at the drawn picture of the monster on the book, a serpent with giant wings.
"i don't see the resemblance."
"there is a resemblance, though! look, you have the same face shape and all."
"ha ha."
"...it wasn't a joke."
"oh."
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"what are you doing?"
"hm? oh, it's you."
the deadpan in her voice didn't really bother [name], as she sat down next to namari.
it was clear that namari is not the type to be friendly with newcomers, especially with elves, given her reaction when she found out that not only will marcille join their group, but also [name].
she had her reasons. one, she'll earn less money from the expeditions since they'll have to split their funds with the new members, second, she doesn't trust new members due to the fact that their previous group had fallen apart from romantic concerns, and finally, she just doesn't trust elves generally. why? [name] doesn't know.
"i'm sharpening my blade, obviously. if anyone tries anything with us in these woods, they'll have to face my little friend."
namari shows off her sword, a smirk on her face as it glinted under the sun.
[name] hummed, tilting her head to the side as she analysed the weapon with narrowed eyes.
"hm... is it heavy?"
"why don't you try holding it?"
at namari's offer, [name] held her hands out expectantly only for her eyes to grow wide once she actually held the sword. she almost fell forward.
"it is heavier than me, i assume."
"definitely. it may not look that big, but it's definitely not light."
[name] tried to swing the sword around, almost throwing it away at the process.
"woah there, careful with that. you're gonna chop someone's head off- and when i say someone, i meant me."
namari took the sword, sliding it back in its hilt and tucking it under the pillow on her sleeping area.
"you've got a strong physique, namari."
[name] commented, which unbeknownst to her, made namari internally flustered.
'is she trying to flatter me? is this flirting?'
"uh, well... of course i do. most dwarves are quite strong, considering most of us are either blacksmiths, miners, or cave dwellers."
"i think that's a very useful trait to have. i lack strength, which would've been useful for carrying all my belongings wherever i go."
"huh, you do carry a lot of stuff for someone who looks pretty fragile."
the redhead commented in amusement, gesturing to the cauldron not too far from them.
"leaving without taking my cauldron with me is like a turtle walking around without its shell."
"right..."
"i need to be strong. so please, do teach me your ways. so i would be less... "fragile" as you like to call it."
namari couldn't help but smile a little, scoffing as she turned to face [name] ever so slightly.
"well first, we gotta work on your diet. then...."
on the other side of the camp, marcille and falin were just about to prepare for a bath by the river nearby, when the tallman suddenly came up with an idea.
"hey, marcille? why don't we invite namari and [name] with us?"
"huh? oh, well you know i'd actually like that but i think [name] specifically asked for a private time with namari just now."
"hmm? a... "private time" with namari?"
marcille paused from falin's knowing tone, and she then groaned.
"you know that's not what i meant, falin."
"i didn't say anything though."
the tallman giggled, and marcille couldn't help the pout that made its way to her lips. she really doesn't like thinking about [name] being alone with anyone else.
"you've got your walls up, and for what, i wonder?"
"you're being nonsensical, falin. i'm not being defensive about anything... i just... get worried, that's all."
"but why do you get worried? it's just [name]. or rather, it's just our friends with [name]."
"your friends, falin. not mine."
falin paused, then frowned.
"it's pretty obvious they don't welcome me. maybe they welcome [name], but i don't care. i just... don't think i belong here."
"that's not true, marcille..."
her hand touched the elf's shoulder, and marcille released a heavy sigh. she didn't want to acknowledge it, but it's getting harder to ignore the dirty glances and judging stares she'd get from the rest of the party.
"forget it, falin. i... i'll go ahead and set up a protection spell by the river."
"marcille..."
before falin could say anything else, marcille was already off to the path towards the river, carrying her own basket of personal necessities.
'no, i am definitely not jealous! shut up, self.'
she huffed, stomping through the grass as she finally arrived at the river, setting her basket down on a huge slab of stone and grabbing her staff that had been attached on her back.
"should've expected it from a group like this... they probably don't like each other anyways."
marcille took her sandals off and stepped foot into the water, the once clear surface getting a tad bit murky from the dirt and sand below.
marcille walked until the water was up to her knees, and she raised her dress up with one hand to prevent it from getting soaked.
with her other hand, she drew some sort of symbol on the sand in the water, chanting something under her breath.
however, something made her stop.
there was a splash nearby, and she almost jumped out of her skin, looking around, the slightest hint of anxiety clear on her expression.
then, after a few seconds of just glancing around her like a cornered animal, something emerged from the water- or rather, someone.
"oh cra- falin! i didn't know you were here already! how'd you get here so fast?!"
falin's figure emerged from under the water, still in her clothes. strangely enough, she didn't turn around when marcille called her.
"falin...?"
marcille tilted her head, slowly approaching the tallman who was floating in the deeper part of the river, her back turned to her as if she's purposefully ignoring her.
"fal-"
"marcille! did you already have a towel? i brought some incase you didn't!"
she froze, hearing falin's voice from the distance where she had originally come from.
all of a sudden, the water seems a little more murky than it was earlier. it seems as if it was slightly colder now too.
'wait... falin's voice? if she's there then-'
she turned to glance back at the figure, but it as gone. marcille quickly made her way back to land, which was pretty quick since she wasn't that far deep in the water.
"already taking a bath without me?"
falin joked, and if it weren't for the fact that the elf had just been spooked to death, she would've been blushing right now.
"uhm, falin...?"
marcille gulped, trying to calm her heart down as she contemplates if she should tell falin about what she just saw or not.
"what's wrong, marcille? you look like you've seen a ghost."
falin's comment almost made her shout 'well duh! it's because i did see one!' but she kept her composure, inhaling deeply and sighing out heavily, shaking her head.
"no... no, i'm fine. probably just exhaustion getting to me."
"i'm sure relaxing in the water would take a little bit of tension off your shoulders."
marcille laughed sheepishly at falin's comment, and decided to ignore what just happened a few seconds ago. yeah.. maybe she's just imagining things.
"you're right... oh, wait! i haven't even casted the protection spell properly!"
"i'll help you with that, marcille."
whatever she saw earlier, marcille didn't want to acknowledge it any further. maybe it really was just a figment of her imagination.
she sure hopes it's nothing malicious.
"so you are saying... i should eat more and work out to gain muscles... and i should do more lifting? lifting what? rocks?"
"er... i guess rocks are a good start for you."
"alright, i will remember every single piece of advice that you have given me. thank you."
"sure... you're welcome."
despite how random and strange namari found [name], she felt her lips tug up in a small smile, watching her walk away with a newfound determination.
"guess she's not half as bad..."
[name] quickly rushed to her tent that the boys had previously set up and dug through her bag, before pulling out what seems to be an old-looking journal.
"to-do list.... lifting rocks... and... changing diet..."
[name]'s lips straightened into a tight line at the second one, not really too thrilled at the idea of consuming anything.
"hmph. what rocks should i even lift? these rocks?"
she glanced at the rocks on her table as she cupped her chin in thought.
"hm? [name]? what are you doing here? i thought you came with falin and marcille to take a bath by the river."
out of nowhere, toshiro came up to [name]'s tent, curiously looking around, spotting the countless materials and trinkets she had sprawled all over as if a hurricane had just wrecked havoc inside.
"nope. i was with namari."
"ah, is that so? well, i think you should join them. they were waiting for you."
"what about you guys?"
toshiro paused, looking at her as if she had just grown two heads.
"uhh, what do you mean...?"
"don't you guys want to take a bath too?"
"...we... can't really..."
his face turns red, and [name] narrows her eyes at him, not quite understanding why he's acting strangely.
"ehem, i don't think it's a good idea for us all to take a bath... in the river."
toshiro cleared his throat, and [name] nodded her head.
"well, if you say so. i'll get going now then."
"oh uh, sure! uhm..."
he thought of offering to walk her there, but decided against it, not wanting to have any awkward encounters with the other girls.
before he could say anything else though, [name] was already sauntering away with a towel in hand.
"...what an oblivious girl."
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'why am i suddenly embarrassed?'
marcille's initial anxiety was long gone, and was now replaced by utter embarrassment and bashfulness as she sunk deeper into the water, trying to cool her warm face.
why, you might ask? well, not too far from her was falin and [name], swimming around with literally nothing on.
how they're so casual about it was baffling to marcille. she can't even look falin in the eye when she stepped in the water, now [name] is here too?
'well, it isn't that bad, actually... we're just taking a bath, nothing too frisky...'
the elf girl thought to herself with a small blush on her cheeks, smiling like a fool.
"oh no! [name]'s sinking!"
"what?!?"
marcille immediately dove down and helped falin drag [name] back to land.
"i have forgotten about my lack of knowledge and skill in swimming."
[name] muttered after spurting water out of her mouth, sitting up. she kinda just accepted her fate as she sank down earlier, which is just typical [name] behaviour.
"of course you did..."
"i can teach you how to swim, [name]."
falin offered with a sweet smile, sitting down next to the girl.
marcille's eyes briefly glanced down before she caught herself and mentally slapped her cheek, a little flushed.
"no, thank you. i think i would rather just stay here."
[name] hummed, splashing the water slightly.
"why not? you could learn a thing or two about swimming. who knows, maybe it could save your life someday."
again, the girl only hums and shrugged her shoulders from marcille's advice, tracing her finger in the soil underwater.
"if i do get in a situation where i am on the verge of drowning, i would just sink and die. it takes a lot of effort to swim back up to the surface... i would only exhaust my limbs."
"...huh."
"i guess that's [name] for you, marcille."
falin chuckled.
the two swam around the water near [name], keeping up the light and casual conversation they had going on.
"by the waaay..."
marcille glanced between the two with a mischievous expression with the intent to change the conversation.
"you think namari is the type to..."
their conversation faded into a buzz. the water just seems perfect, not too cold them. the stars littered the sky, and it made marcille feel safe.
but her gaze on the night sky didn't last, as she found herself staring at a certain someone.
she have never seen [name] in this light, and it felt... refreshing.
that's not the only thing she felt while looking at her though.
marcille tears her gaze away from the girl when she caught her staring, her face flushed.
good grief, was she being too obvious?
falin seemed to have found herself busy with the frogs that had started hopping along the river. this is both good and bad.
good, because falin wouldn't be able to witness what a fumbling mess she's about to be, and bad, because she won't be able to save her from herself.
"you feel it too, don't you?"
[name]'s hushed words snapped marcille out of her stupor, and she had to double check if she heard her right.
"wh-wha..?"
marcille mumbles out like a dazed idiot, flustered.
"you must have felt it too. that... buzzing on the back of your head. it sounds like a bunch of whispered words..."
'oh. oh damn... i misunderstood the situation-'
the flush of red on her cheeks immediately went away, and marcille hugged her knees closed.
there it was again, that eerie feeling.
"what are you talking about?"
[name] was silent. she didn't respond to marcille's question. instead, she stood up and marcille had to look away with a yelp as she got flashed with all her naked glory.
"uh-! [name]..?"
"sorry... maybe i have been rambling about nonsense this whole time. i will take some time to clear my head for a moment..."
and with that, [name] trudged further down the river, floating her way to the other side.
if it weren't for the fact that she was worried over the girl's weird behaviour, marcille would've been singing her praises for learning how to swim that quickly.
she sighed, sinking in the water until it reached her chin, staring back up at the sky, her expression hardened.
"yes. i do feel it... [name]."
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well, there goes that kiss marcille was planning all night long.
oh, wait, i forgot to mention that there was supposed to be a kiss?
not that it matters. [name] doesn't even know that her elf buddy is such a huge lesbian loser for her.
and so the girls retired to their own tents after the bath by the river, unaware of the deteriorating sanity of a certain elf.
marcille avoided her after the interaction in the river, which confused her. why did her face turn so red? was she angry with her? [name] has no idea.
falin seemed amused, but also worried. she reassured [name] that she didn't do anything wrong though, and she'd talk to marcille about it.
that left [name] with the others and when i say others, i meant chilchuck and toshiro.
the half-foot had made it his duty to braid [name]'s hair after he had caught her plucking a few of his hair to use for her brewery.
it's pretty easy for [name] to escape the half-foot. all she has to do is stand up and walk away, and chilchuck wouldn't even be able to keep her grounded in her place. he'd be dragged along.
poor lil guy, i know. but that's just his reality.
but of course, [name] doesn't even have enough energy and will to feed herself. do you expect her to struggle against that little hater? nah. she sat there, staring at the fire while chilchuck braided her hair into three braids.
toshiro watched the whole interaction, looking as if he wanted to say something to the girl, but would ultimately decide against it every time he'd catch chilchuck giving him that shit eating little grin like he's the grinch, about to steal christmas.
yeah, no. he'd rather not risk ruining a romantic moment with chilchuck right here.
namari is... well, she doesn't give a damn about what everyone was doing. she sleeps early like a granma, as chilchuck had called her.
after the whole ordeal, everyone went to their own tents and [name] situated herself outside of hers, sitting on a log by the campfire while staring intently in the darkness of the woods as if she's waiting for something to just pop out.
"you're still up?"
those three words startled the girl, and she quickly turned her head to laios, who had peeked his head out of his own tent, surprised to see her sitting outside, all alone.
"do you not find it strange? how we keep thinking that there is another person with us."
laios paused right as he sat down next to the girl, his brows furrowing together in confusion.
"the headcount, the sticks, the tents. it could not have been a coincidence."
"uh, we must've just miscounted..."
an awkward silence settled between them after that, and laios didn't know what to say next.
'man, [name] is spilling some crazy scary stuff! i mean, i think i know what she's saying but at the same time, i kinda don't wanna acknowledge it...?'
"we should leave tomorrow."
"but we haven't even-"
"trust me, laios."
laios is a weak man. one touch on his shoulder, and he's already nodding his head vigorously.
"sure, sure! whatever makes you feel safe..."
"i feel safe with you."
ba-dump.
ah, and there goes his heart. curse this woman for making him fall so hard over the bare minimum.
laios feels a lot of things, most he couldn't express properly without being deemed as strange and bizarre.
he doesn't want to mess this up with her.
"i'm glad i could make you feel that way, [name]."
"you make me feel a lot of things, laios. i must admit that... i do not understand all of it."
[name] wrapped her arms around her knees, pulling them closer.
"when you talk my head off about your monsters, i find myself quite fascinated and envious. i admire your passion, but i also envy it."
"why? you're very passionate about your potion brewing stuff too, right?"
"it is all i am good at."
she mumbles, drawing a bottle on the dir with her finger.
"alchemy is all i have ever known. maybe that is the reason why no one believes me easily. they know i am only capable of one thing."
"... don't say that. you're the most amazing person ever."
laios felt his hand twitched, and before he could even think about it, he reached out and held her hand in his.
"i'm not particularly good at anything else. yeah, i know about monsters and stuff and i'm very passionate about it... but that's about it. i'm not a talented mage like marcille, or a skillful locksmith like chilchuck, an amazing swordsman like shuro, a brazen weapon master like namari... or a genius alchemist like you."
his hand gripped her gently, the beat of his heart increasing with each word that left his lips.
"so don't say you're envious of someone like me. because you're a million times better than me, [name]."
"...even your words are special, laios."
[name] diverts her gaze for a moment and... is that the slightest hint of embarrassment on her face?
"you always know what to say, to make a soulless fool like me smile."
"you're smiling?"
laios blinked a few times. [name] really has to practice with her smile, but he's not complaining. he appreciates her either way.
that's not what he's focused on anyways.
they're still holding hands, for some reason. again, he's not complaining- but man, it sure did have him sweating with his face flushed red.
is he really an adult man, or a teenage boy that blushes like a dork whenever his crush is five feet near him?
he's pretty much lightheaded, but he couldn't look away from her. she's so pretty, laios just wants to put her in a jar and admire her, like a bunch of fireflies he had just caught.
...what? it's laios we're talking about here. you should've expected the weirdness.
"so there's this thing i saw in the book i was reading..."
"hm?"
"about how... certain monsters... uh, greet each other."
[name] stares at him blankly, before tilting her head to the side.
"what is it?"
"well... some monsters apparently press their lips together as a way of signifying their bonds together... a-at least that's what i've read..."
'me, that's me. i'm "some monsters" if it's not obvious enough.'
laios thought to himself with a shaky smile, looking like he's about to burst or something.
"i dunno... i just thought it was cool and i always like monster stuff... so.. maybe we can try it?"
"is that not just a kiss?"
'oh crap.'
"h-huh?! well, not exactly... it's monster stuff! so it's definitely not a human kiss or whatever-"
"alright, let's do it."
'... that's surprisingly easy.'
he was baffled, by how quick she is to agree. was he being tricked?
"wha...?"
"i told you, i trust you laios. so whatever it is, count me in."
laios always had the option to just straight up ask to kiss her, but where's the fun in that? besides, it's laios. did you expect him to have that rizz in him? nah, he has that wizz, which is just weird rizz in short.
he shook his head, mentally slapping himself. focus, this is your first kiss!
his heart was thumping in his chest as he placed his hands on her shoulders. he was too frantic to do it slowly, of course. so he quickly pecked her lips, jumping away from her and to the other log like a startled frog.
"...are you alright?"
[name] blinked with a 'what the fuck just happened?' look on her face, staring at the tall-man who sat on the other log with a straight face.
"that is also a part of their greeting."
laios muttered, sweating as [name] stood up and made her way to him.
she crouched, looking up with a curious look on her face.
"you did it wrong, though. there was no gentleness in the gesture, no appreciation. only haste."
"er- i mean-"
[name] cupped his face, and laios grew silent. it didn't last long either, but it was soft and tender, unlike the previous one.
laios muttered a 'woah' after [name] pulled away from him, as if he was starstruck.
"next time, do teach me more about these... monsters you speak of."
[name] walks to her tent, disappearing inside and leaving him sitting there with his jaw slacked.
damn, and people say romance is dead.
'is that how things are supposed to go? man, i don't know anything about these stuff...'
laios doesn't know for sure, but one thing he did know, is they both enjoyed that.
the tiny smile on [name]'s lips as she slips past him was enough proof of that, after all.
he just wished [name]'s previous words didn't creep him out as much, as he gazed at the darkness of the forest before him.
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"why are we leaving so early? and here i was, enjoying the damn trip."
"right? i was plannin' to hunt for bones around the area."
"bones?!"
"boar bones..."
"oh..."
namari gave chilchuck a look, and the half-foot shrugged sheepishly.
"i think this was a wonderful trip, even if it was cut short."
toshiro chirps in with a small smile as he cleaned his blade, and the two gave him a look.
"you're just saying that cuz' you saw falin and [name] first thing in the morning."
"...."
"i guess it's a success for us, then?"
falin came up to them, carrying a pile of wooden bowls and utensils in her arms.
the others shared looks, confused by her statement.
"you guys are getting along really well. i'd consider that a win for us."
falin's statement earned a few embarrassed huffs, and she chuckled.
marcille watched the whole ordeal from the side, holding her bag in hand when chilchuck noticed her, and she visibly flinched and pretended she was busy with something else.
chilchuck glances down at his boots with a contemplating expression, before sighing and rubbing his head.
"hey... uh, elf- i mean, marcille... wanna help us out with the tents...?"
marcille had to do a double take, confused as to why the half-foot was inviting her out of nowhere when they barely even spoke the whole time they were here, but hey, she's not complaining.
"uhm, yeah- sure!"
falin grins at the sight of her friends starting to get along, and she quickly rushed to laios to tell him the news when she paused.
"laios? what's wrong?"
"ah- nothing... it's just that... i don't know where [name] went. i was gonna search for her."
laios had this troubled look on his face, as if he had just witnessed something disturbing that ruined his morning for him.
"and... i... uh, had this nightmare. about something in the forest... so i guess you could say i was spooked and paranoid and panicked when i realised [name] wasn't here."
'him too, huh?'
falin frowned, setting the cutlery aside.
"i'll search for her, brother. i might know where she went. go wake yourself up properly first and wash your face by the river."
"are you sure, falin? i could come-"
"no thank you!"
and with that, falin grabbed her staff, rushed out of the campsite and to a path that leads deeper into the forest.
she passed by the river, and soon enough, she found herself in front of a cave entrance.
"i've dreamt about this last night."
the girl muttered to herself, staring at the dark entrance before her feet started to carry her inside, leaves crunching under her boots.
the cave was dark, and she had to summon a light from her staff in order to see.
it didn't look like a naturally formed cave. it looked like a man-made one, with intricate carvings on the stone wall. strange.
falin navigates her way through the cave, and much to her surprise, she soon found [name].
there was an altar, and what seems to be a huge slab on it and there [name] stood, staring at the slab of stone with carved writings as if she hadn't even noticed falin's presence.
falin slowly approached her, but didn't say anything. instead, she began reading the carved words on the stone slab.
"they are not i, thou are not she or he... they are not they."
falin spoke as she runs her fingers on the carvings, reading the words carefully.
"god is here."
[name] followed up, reading the last words.
"...you understand this language too, [name]?"
"i believe that i am quite familiar with this writing."
falin hummed, smiling a little.
"are you ready to give her back now?"
"..."
[name] closed her eyes, and she almost fell back if it weren't for falin catching her, holding her up until she blinks her eyes open.
"where...?"
"what happened, [name]? are you okay? should we take a break from our little detour?"
the best falin could do right now is to cover up the recent events, after all, she too is aware that they're not alone in this woods.
but thankfully, they are kind enough to let them go unharmed. at least for now.
"man, seriously, where have you guys been? we've been looking for you all over, laios was starting to go bonkers on everyone."
chilchuck clicked his tongue as he approached the two girls who had just made their way back to camp, and was now preparing to leave with the rest.
"i had a little trouble trying to find [name] when she got separated from me."
falin smiles sheepishly, rubbing her head.
laios wasn't taking the bullshit though. he had already asked falin what happened, but she was being vague about her answer.
so he pulled [name] aside, holding her hand in his as they went ahead of everyone.
"where were you? you weren't here when everybody woke up early."
"i do not know for certain. i thought i was dreaming, but... that did not feel like a dream."
[name] held the straps of her bag tightly, staring at the ground as if she was spaced out.
"let's just leave, laios."
"yeah... yeah, good idea."
he nodded his head, calling out to his party so they could get moving.
laios made sure to stick next to [name] the whole way down the mountain, making sure that she wasn't being left far behind.
the memories of what happened last night kept his mind out of the bizarre events in the forest, so that's nice at the very least. only downside is now he can't stop turning red whenever he'd glance at [name]'s way, somehow shying away at the idea of holding her hand while walking or standing too close next to her.
"hm? [name]?"
laios stops as he notices her standing still while staring back at the foggy path they took.
[name] didn't respond immediately, simply staring as if she's waiting for something to happen, before she turns back ahead and walked next to laios.
"do not mind me. let us keep going."
"are you sure you're okay?"
"of course. in fact, i feel marvelous, as i have collected new materials to use for my brewery."
"really now?"
laios chuckled, sparing one last glance behind him before moving forward once again, never looking back.
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guys... keep in mind that this was supposed to be posted on spooky season aka halloween so that's why there's so much spooky elements...
I KNOW I KNOW IM SORRYYYY I WONT BLABBER ABOUT MY EXCUSES ANYMORE 😞🙏🏼
this isn't a very festive chapter or whatever, but don't worry! i'll try to make an xmas/new year chapter! no promises that it'll be posted right away tho :p
and yes, mc is a loser in romance but not with laios, no no no that's my wife right there idc if she breaks character i will never miss the chance to make them kiss
anyways, it's good to be back! what else can i even say? i miss my dunmeshi phase so much, all i really need is time to get back into things tbh
no arts to post with the chapter for now! all i have is a meme to share with y'alls :D idk if I've already used this one but if i have then i dont care I'll just use it again cuz it's funny asf