Little Ina's Exciting and Awesome Adventure!

[NeoSeraphi]

The sun rises high over the lazy little town of Clemont. A few hammers can be heard from the various forges in town, before a rooster crows out from one of the farms on the outskirts. Slowly, house by house, the little village wakes up. People rise, get dressed, have breakfast and come outside. They talk, they bargain, they agree or disagree, and they move on. The entire city, just one busy little ant colony with no concern about the outside world or its problems.

It is here that we find the most unlikely of heroines, sleeping on a small trash bag she laid out over a few empty cans of tuna. Little Ina blinks and sits up to the rising sun. Her stomach starts to rumble...

[Diachronos]

Ina pulls her hood up to cover her furry vulpine ears as she climbs off of her makeshift bed. The young kitsune had taken great care to keep her true nature hidden; she'd never seen another one of her kind around the city, and she assumes that someone learning of what she really is will cause a ruckus.

Her stomach growls insistently once more, this time accompanied by the pain of hunger. With a frown she starts digging through the contents of the pouch at her belt. Some drumstick bones that had been thoroughly picked clean, an old handkerchief, some apple seeds... A gold coin?! Wait... no, that's a casino token that she'd found on the ground the week before.

She sighs. Looks like I'm running for my breakfast again... Ina exits the alleyway, eager to see what her choices are today.

[NeoSeraphi]

Ina heads out into the bustling city. There are several stands set up selling apples, bread, fish, uncooked meats, bananas and tomatoes. A few people walking by glance at her and whisper.

As Ina walks around looking for her mark, she hears a couple of voices whispering in an alley.

"It's true. There's a dragon that's taken nest in the cavern above the city."

"A dragon?! Why here, of all places?"

"Dunno, but the mayor is on it. Apparently he's taken some of the tax money we've saved up and called on one of the land's greatest heroes to come and slay the dragon once and for all."

"A great hero, you say? Think we'll get to meet him?"

[Diachronos]

Ina ducks into the shadows. An adventurer is coming to town? And he's going to be paid? Maybe she should try tailing him so she can get enough to live comfortably for a while... Her ears perk up as she continues listening in on their conversation.

[NeoSeraphi]

The two men disperse and go about their business.

Ina turns back to the market. She needs her breakfast if she's going to do okay today.

[Diachronos]

The little fox fades into the crowd and maneuvers toward one of the stands selling bread. The smell of it makes her mouth water. When the stall owner's back is turned, she tries to swipe a loaf.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Perception: [roll0]

The stall owner turns away for a moment and then when he looks back at her, Ina has already hidden a loaf of bread on her. "Well, good morning little girl! Out shopping for your mother today, are you?" he asks kindly.

[Diachronos]

Ina nods. "Yes, sir..."

[NeoSeraphi]

The man reaches down for the loaf she had taken. He blinks and glances down at the area. "What in the? I could have sworn I had some spare bread here..." He starts looking around his stall. Ina can make her escape!

[Diachronos]

Ina darts away, slipping back into the crowd.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

She manages to get away. Her prize is warm and fresh in her pocket.

[Diachronos]

With the bread in hand, she wanders over toward one of the fruit stands and tries grabbing a couple of bananas.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Ina's escapade is once again successful! She grabs a pair of bananas and sneaks away into the crowd.

[Diachronos]

Rather than risking getting caught, Ina sneaks off to find a quiet place to eat her breakfast.

[NeoSeraphi]

Ina wanders into a dark alleyway. As she sits down to eat, a man appears behind her.

"Well well well. What do we have here? A stray! Oh, but she is cute though. Might fetch a pretty penny on the black market."

A sword is pointed at Ina's back.

[Diachronos]

Ina squeaks and drops her banana as she turns around to face the man.

[NeoSeraphi]

The man chuckles and swings his sword forward. It barely misses Ina's face, and a bit of her hair falls from her bangs. "See this? This blade is very sharp. If you don't want me to skin you like all the other foxes, I suggest you get in the cage quietly."

[Diachronos]

She whimpers. "W-what? Fox?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The man raises his sword. "Wrong answer."

Ina closes her eyes and waits for the pain, but she hears a sudden sound.

A hand grips the man's wrist from behind. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I ask you a question?"

The thug turns around.

https://assets2.gelbooru.com//images/57/3c/573c5868f5a396f961a09edad7ba2141.png

"What the hell do you want, kid? Beat it, if you know what's good for you!"

"Oh my. That's not very polite. I was just about to ask where the mayor's office is, but I think I'll need to deal with you first..."

"Deal with me? Are you an idi - WHOA!"

The boy lifts the thug up by the wrist and pile drives him into the ground behind him in the same motion. The thug is knocked out cold.

The boy turns to Ina and smiles. "Well now. I hope you're okay..."

[Diachronos]

Ina squeaks and falls back as the man flips the thug over. She scampers back and stares up at him, unable to do more than nod.

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy takes a cautious step forward and leans down to offer her a hand. "Can you stand up?"

[Diachronos]

Ina backs away from him, and climbs to her feet by herself.

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy smiles. "Alright then. Take care of yourself!" He waves and walks off.

[Diachronos]

Ina watches as he leaves, before creeping off after him. After retrieving her dropped banana, of course.
[roll0]
Sorry, it should've been +11

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy stops and looks back at her. "My name is Eren," he says with a smile.

[Diachronos]

Ina gasps and darts behind a barrel. After a moment she peeks out at him.

[NeoSeraphi]

He chuckles. "Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Do you want me to walk you home? Your parents must be worried about you."

[Diachronos]

"...I don't have a home."

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy looks surprised. "I'm really sorry to hear that...well, I hope things get better for you soon." He turns around and keeps walking towards the center of the city.

[Diachronos]

Ina waits a minute before continuing to follow him.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

He doesn't seem to notice her this time, and stops at a shop. "Excuse me."

The shopkeeper, a beautiful elven woman with short red hair, looks down at him with a smile. "Oh! Hello. How can I help you?"

"The mayor asked me to stop by his office when I got to town. Would you be able to point me in the right direction?" Eren asks.

"Sure. The mayor's office is two streets that way," she says, pointing.

Eren bows his head and gives her a silver for her trouble before walking onward.

[Diachronos]

Ina's eyes light up when she sees the silver piece. Maybe she should try being a little risky if he's going to be just handing out money like that...

The kitsune creeps up on him.
Stealth: [roll0]
Sleight of Hand: [roll1]

[NeoSeraphi]

He turns around as she sneaks up on him. "Oh, did you need some money? Sure. Here you go." He smiles and places a few gold coins in her hand.

[Diachronos]

Ina's eyes are as big as the coins as he hands them to her. As hard as she tries to hide her race, she can't keep her tail from wagging beneath her heavy cloak.

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy smiles at her and keeps walking. Seems like he's heading to the mayor's house.

With this gold, Ina has enough to buy herself food for a month!

[Diachronos]

Ina stares after the boy as he walks away. After a moment she shakes off her daze, pockets the coins, and trots off after him.

[NeoSeraphi]

The boy arrives at the mayor's house and speaks to the guards. They allow him to pass, and he heads into the office.

The two guards cross blades as Ina approaches, clearly not intent on letting her pass.

The mayor's house is a two story area with a tree in the backyard. There are windows on both levels, and a front door. It doesn't seem to have another entrance. A set of wooden planks form a fence around the perimeter.

[Diachronos]

Ina backs away and circles around, looking for a spot where she might be able to slip through the fence or climb over more easily.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

The fence is well-maintained. If she's going over, it doesn't matter where she starts her ascent. She's going to need to climb well though.

[Diachronos]

The little kitsune grumbles, and starts climbing up the fence.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

She falls to the ground and whimpers. That really hurt!

One of the guards looks at the other. "Did you hear something?"

"It's a raccoon."

"Oh right. Damn raccoons."

[Diachronos]

Ina waits for a moment before trying again.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

This time the fox girl easily scales the fence and peers into the house. She spies the boy speaking with the mayor in a chair in what appears to be a study of some kind. There's a window with a clear view on the ground nearby.

[Diachronos]

Ina creeps up to the window, straining to hear what's being said on the other side.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

"So, you're not sure what would have brought the dragon here? Nothing at all has changed recently?" the boy asks, looking confused.

"I swear on my mother's grave, we are the same quiet, mountain town we always have been," the mayor replies.

The boy looks troubled. "Alright. I'll be back tonight." He stands up.

The mayor nearly falls out of his seat. "What?! You're not even fully dressed, lad, who are you to take on a dragon!?" he asks, clearly expecting someone totally different.

The boy smiles. "Don't worry. There's more than one way to be a hero." He waves and exits the house.

[Diachronos]

Ina gasps and hurries back to the fence. She has to get back over and talk to the man before he gets himself killed!
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Ina jumps over the fence and manages to catch up to Eren before he gets too far.

[Diachronos]

She looks up at him, her red eyes looking remarkably large from under the hood of her cloak. "You're not really going after the dragon, are you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren laughs and kneels down so he can speak to her face to face. "Of course I am. That's why I came out here. The dragon could be dangerous and hurt everyone. And even if he's not, he should probably leave the mountain so that he can rest somewhere that he won't bother anyone."

[Diachronos]

"But... but it's a dragon! It'll eat you if you go up there!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren laughs. "Maybe, but it might eat you if I don't go up there. And really, I would rather it eat me than you. I want you to live long enough to find your happiness, little one. Where ever that may be." He pats her on the head and stands up, heading for the mountain.

[Diachronos]

Ina chases after him. "That's crazy! Why would you put yourself in danger for other people?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks back at her. "Someone has to be put in danger. If someone doesn't go see the dragon, the dragon can do whatever he wants."

[Diachronos]

She puts her hands on her hips. "Then it should be someone bigger and older doing it, not you!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks around. "Do you see anyone volunteering? All the adults are scared. They need me to do this."

[Diachronos]

"Yeah, well... well... I'm not gonna let you go up there!" She steps in front of him.

[NeoSeraphi]

He looks down at her with surprise. "...What's your name, little girl?"

[Diachronos]

She blinks. Why is he suddenly asking her that? "Ina."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Do you know how to spell that?" he asks gently.

While Ina is answering, he tiptoes past her and continues up the mountain.

[Diachronos]

She growls. "Of course I know! It's I-N- hey!" Ina runs in front of him again.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Ina, have you ever heard the legend of the village leprechaun?" Eren asks her.

[Diachronos]

The kitsune blinks. "The what about the who?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren points to the city below. "The legend says if you run all the way from these stairs to the village entrance, a leprechaun will appear and give you riches beyond your wildest dreams!"

[Diachronos]

Her eyes light up. "Really? Is that true?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren nods. "Of course! Just start running that way and don't stop until you get aaaaaaaaaaaaaall the way to the village entrance, as far away from here as you can. Okay?"

[Diachronos]

Ina nods and takes a couple running steps before skidding to a stop. "Wait a minute... You're just trying to get me to leave, aren't you?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

When she turns to look back Eren has already climbed ten steps and is getting closer to the top of the mountain.

[Diachronos]

Ina runs and dives for his legs, grabbing onto one of them with all her might.

Of course, considering she's barely half his size, the little fox barely even slows him down.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks down at her and tries to shake her off. "Ina, stop. That's dangerous. We're really high up right now and I'm climbing stairs. If you fall, you could get hurt."

[Diachronos]

She shakes her head, looking very much like a child throwing a tantrum. "I'm not letting go until you turn back!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren lifts his leg up so that Ina is looking at him. "Ina, why do you care if the dragon eats me? We only met a few hours ago."

[Diachronos]

The fox blushes and bows her head, causing her hood to droop down and hide her face.

[NeoSeraphi]

He climbs a few more steps and they arrive...a giant cavern at the top of the mountain.

Eren pulls Ina up by her hood and sets her down on the ground. "Alright. You stay out here. It's very dangerous. Stay put, and when I come back, I'll take you back down the mountain. Okay?"

[Diachronos]

Ina grabs onto his arm. "But... what if the dragon eats you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren smiles and shakes his head. "He's not going to eat me. Everything will work out just fine. You'll see."

[Diachronos]

"...You promise?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren nods firmly. "I promise." He puts her down and walks into the cave.

[Diachronos]

Ina sits down at the cave entrance, staring into the darkness and waiting for Eren to come back.

[NeoSeraphi]

From within the cavern, Ina can hear Eren call, "Great dragon! I beseech thee, come forth so that we may speak face-to-face!"

There is a long moment of silence, and for a time Ina suspects the creature may not have heard him.

But then, all of a sudden, there is a loud and angry roar that shakes the entire mountain.

[Diachronos]

Ina squeaks in fear. Against her better judgment, she creeps forward slightly to see if she can spot Eren.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren draws his sword and stands firm as the ground starts to shake. A footstep. Two. Eren remains ready, with his sword drawn. Another loud roar! W-wait...

"RAAA-aaaaahn! Phew! That was one hell of a good nap!" a voice declares.

https://assets.gelbooru.com//samples/07/bb/sample_07bb71653220c24773a80287bf4d6dea.jpg

[Diachronos]

Ina blinks and stares at the dragon. Is it a dragon? It looks like a scaly woman...

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks equally shocked. "U-um...are you?"

"Hey! You're the adventurer that the townspeople called to come and stop me, right?" the girl asks with a toothy smile.

Eren is at a loss for words. "W-Well, I...I don't want to fight with you if I don't have to!"

She chuckles. "Aw, isn't that sweet? Don't worry. You don't have to fight me at all! This was all a set up."

She sits down and spreads her legs wide, then yawns again and crosses them back over. Eren seems stunned by her behavior.

"A...set up?"

"Yep! When a dragon comes of age, she goes and settles near a community, causes a bit of an uproar, scares off the first few soldiers. Then, the village always reacts the same way - they hire a hero. Someone brave, someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves, someone who thinks of the greater good. And that hero comes to the cavern and boom. Just like that, the courtship's done!"

Eren nods. "Oh, I see...that makes a lot of s- courtship?!"

[Diachronos]

Ina hesitantly creeps closer. What's the dragon woman talking about? Courtship? And what does that have to do with Eren?

[NeoSeraphi]

The dragoness smiles and clasps her hands together with a blush. "You're going to make me say it, aren't you? You're so mean...I'm saying that you and I are married now!"

[Diachronos]

What? "Married?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks over at her. "Ina, I told you to stay outside!"

[Diachronos]

She stamps her foot. "You're not the boss of me! You just ran up here to get married!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"What? I didn't do that at all! But I don't understand, how are you and I supposed to...how can we even be together if dragons never leave their hoards?" he asks the girl.

She chuckles and walks towards him slowly. "I'm still a young dragon...I don't have any treasure right now. The first piece of my hoard...is you."

Eren gulps loudly.

[Diachronos]

Ina walks up and grabs onto Eren's arm. "He can't stay! The people in town are waiting for him to come back!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Oh, I don't expect him to stay. I'm going to go with him, obviously," the girl replies with a smile.

"Go with me?! Listen, um..."

"My name is Evedra."

"Evedra...that's such a pretty name," Eren replies, looking distracted.

She blushes. "Ah! S-Stop it! You can't just compliment me out of the blue in front of other people...you're such a mean husband!"

"Evedra, my name is Eren. And my work gets dangerous and has me traveling quite a lot. I don't know if you'd be happy with me."

She reaches out to try and hold his hand.

[Diachronos]

Ina tugs on Eren's arm to pull him away from Evedra, giving the half-dragon a defiant look.

[NeoSeraphi]

Evedra looks down at her. "And who might you be, little girl?"

[Diachronos]

She tugs on Eren's arm again. "I'm Ina."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Well, Ina, I need to speak to Eren alone. Can you wait outside, please?" she says with a smile.

"Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of her," Eren replies.

Evedra rubs her temples at his density.

[Diachronos]

"Yeah!" She tightens her grip on his arm, making it clear she's not leaving.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Have it your way," the dragon says with a shrug, before leaning close to give Eren a kiss on the lips. The boy looks shocked and can't move.

[Diachronos]

Ina pulls Eren further away from the dragoness.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren falls over and Evedra looks annoyed.

"Well then... I guess we can just talk about this later. I'll go with you so you can claim your reward. Then, the two of us can keep adventuring all over Ionia together!"

[Diachronos]

Ina scowls, but she doesn't say anything.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren nods. "Come on, Ina. I'll take you back to the village. Do you want a piggy back ride?"

[Diachronos]

The fox blushes, looking like she's upset that he offered. After a moment, however, she gives him a tiny nod.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren picks the girl up and she starts feeling sleepy...

As he and Evedra climb down the stairs she smiles at him. "Courageous, selfless, and great with kids...hehe, I'm very happy to have met you, Eren."

[Diachronos]

Ina yawns and nestles against Eren's back as he carries her down the mountain. She's not sure why, but being carried like this feels... strangely comforting.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren smiles and supports her until they get back to the village. "Okay, Ina. It's time for me to go."

[Diachronos]

She lifts her head, having dozed off on the way down. "Hmm... wha? Go?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren sets her down gently. "Evedra and I don't live in this town. Now that I've taken care of my business, I need to go back to Misthaven."

[Diachronos]

"Oh... well, then, I'm going with you!" She crosses her arms, giving him a look that suggests she doesn't think there's anything further to discuss.

[NeoSeraphi]

Evedra reaches down to pat her head. "Ina, it's sweet that you've grown so attached to Eren, but the road is very dangerous. Even for a hero. A little girl like you could really get hurt!"

[Diachronos]

Ina growls as the dragon pats her head. "I can stay out of trouble!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"But Eren is going to worry about you. And you can't just wander off in the middle of the wilderness. Even if you see a cute bunny you want to pet, or you see a shiny rock, you have to stay on the road. That's why kids can't travel around."

Ina is not a kid! She's just as grown up as this girl, at least!

[Diachronos]

Ina stamps her foot. "I'm not a little kid!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren frowns. "Ina, why do you want to come with me?" he asks.

[Diachronos]

She blushes deeply. "I-I just do! Do I need a reason?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren sighs. "I'm not bringing you into danger unless you have a reason to want to go. Now tell me."

[Diachronos]

"Because... because I want to pay you back!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren blinks. "Pay me back? For...for what?"

[Diachronos]

"You saved me in the alley earlier."

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren hesitates. "I mean...Okay. You can come with me. I'm not sure how you plan to pay me back for that, but I can certainly understand not wanting to leave a debt unpaid."

[Diachronos]

Ina straightens up with a triumphant expression on her face. Getting him to take her was easier than she thought it'd be!

[NeoSeraphi]

Evedra sighs. "You're letting a child call the shots? Well, whatever. I don't mind her coming along as long as she doesn't get in the way of our marriage."

Eren's face turns bright red, but he doesn't say anything else.

Evedra hooks her arm around his right arm, leaving his left arm danging at his side, and looks at him eagerly. "You still need to pick up the reward, right? Let's go see the mayor and find an inn to stay in for the night."

[Diachronos]

Ina grabs onto Eren's other arm, glaring at Evedra from behind the young man.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren sighs and escorts the two girls to the mayor's house. Along the way, Evedra asks him about his family in Misthaven. Eren seems surprised by the question but says he is an only child who always wanted a younger sister. He talks about his parents a bit. He smiles at Evedra, but not at Ina. Maybe...he likes girls who talk?

[Diachronos]

Ina looks down at the ground. What can she talk about? The alleys? Her pickpocketing skills?

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks down at her. "Ina, what do you like to do for fun?"

[Diachronos]

The fox blinks and stares up at him. "Um... w-watching people?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren smiles. "What kinds of people?"

[Diachronos]

"Uh... everyone, I guess?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren scoops her up and lets her ride on his shoulders. "Here. Now you can see everyone!"

[Diachronos]

Ina giggles and holds onto him as he carries her. "Thanks!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren collects his fee from the somewhat confused mayor, who can't stop looking at Evedra with disbelief.

The group goes to an inn and the innkeeper asks how many rooms they want.

"Let's get two rooms. One for us to share, and one for Ina."

Eren looks worried. "Ina in a room by herself?"

Evedra's grip around Eren's arm tightens...it reminds Ina of a snake coiling around its prey. "You heard her earlier. She's a big kid now."

It seems like Ina will end up in a room by herself if she keeps trying to act grown up. If she wants to stay with Eren and keep an eye on Evedra she might need to act a bit more childish and immature.

[Diachronos]

Ina clings to Eren's arm. "I... don't wanna sleep by myself..."

[NeoSeraphi]

"She's scared. She can sleep in your bed," Eren concludes.

"My bed?! Are we not - grrr..." She glares at Ina angrily.

[Diachronos]

Ina squeaks in legitimate fear and cowers behind Eren. "I-I don't wanna sleep with her!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Well, you can't sleep with me. I'm a boy."

[Diachronos]

"So? What's wrong with me sleeping in your bed? She was going to!" She points at Evedra.

[NeoSeraphi]

"I'm his wife!" Evedra protests.

[Diachronos]

"You're still a girl like I am! If it's not okay for me to sleep in his bed, it shouldn't be okay for you to either!" The flawless logic of a child...

[NeoSeraphi]

"Then its settled. You two take one bed, and I'll take the other," Eren interjects.

No! She walked into that one!

[Diachronos]

"But... but she's scary and mean! And she'll crush me if she rolls over!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren looks doubtful.

"What, are you going to give in again?" Evedra demands.

"...Okay, Ina. You can sleep with me."

[Diachronos]

Ina nods and leans against him with a small yawn. It had been an eventful day, and she suddenly feels really sleepy...

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren tucks her in carefully and then lies down next to her, putting a few feet of distance between them.

[Diachronos]

It doesn't take long for Ina to escape from her blankets. She curls up against Eren, sighing quietly and nestling against his warm body.

[NeoSeraphi]

The next morning, Ina awakens before either of her new friends.

She looks down at Eren's peaceful, sleeping face. She has time to herself to think about where she wants to go and what she wants to do from here.

[Diachronos]

For a moment, Ina considers leaving and going back to her life on the streets. Evedra clearly doesn't want her around, and Eren has already put himself at risk for her once.

But... she's just met Eren, and he's already gone out of his way to make sure she can get food and have a place to sleep indoors. That's far more than most people would ever do for her. Does she really want to give up a nice life like this?

She curls up against Eren. No, she doesn't want to give it up.

[NeoSeraphi]

Everyone wakes up and heads out.

Eren's words from yesterday linger in Ina's mind. "I'm an only child, but I've always wanted a little sister."

Ina realizes she doesn't know where they are going.

[Diachronos]

Ina holds onto Eren's hand as they walk. "Where are we going now, Eren?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Misthaven is my home town. It's a large bustling city, the capital of the Hermos continent. I need to take care of a few things in town. While I do that, you are both welcome to stay at my home."

[Diachronos]

"Oh... is it far away from here?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"It's a two day walk through a dense forest."

[Diachronos]

The kitsune tilts her head. "Forest?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Evedra points forward. "That."

A mass of angry branches and thorns looms in the distance.

[Diachronos]

Ina gulps and moves behind Eren. "Is it safe?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren draws his sword. "...Nowhere is safe from now on. I told you that already."

Evedra readies her blade as well. "I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you, dear."

"Indeed. I'm used to fighting alone, but a bit of friendly bonding could make things more interesting."

[Diachronos]

Ina's ears flatten against her head. Maybe she should've stayed in town after all...

[NeoSeraphi]

They move towards the scary dark forest and Eren stops them at the outside. "Alright. There are three main enemies we can expect to encounter in here. Fey, who will attempt to lure us and deceive us. Elves, whose arrows will rain down upon us from above. And wolves, who will stalk us with superior numbers and attempt to overwhelm us."

[Diachronos]

Ina tightens her grip on his arm. "But... but they'll leave us alone if we leave them alone, right?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"No. This is a fight for our lives, with every step we take," Eren replies seriously.

[Diachronos]

The kitsune gulps.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

Ina spies a tree beckoning to her. Its branches curl towards itself and it seems nearly animated.

[Diachronos]

Ina shrieks in fear and darts behind Eren, pointing frantically at the tree.

[NeoSeraphi]

The tree bends down. "Don't worry, little one! I'm not going to hurt you! Such a cute little thing shouldn't be passing through the forest alone. Here, climb up on my shoulder, and I'll walk you through the woods safe and sound!"

[Diachronos]

Ina hesitates, and looks up at Eren. "W-what is that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Seems to be a treant. They're mostly non-violent. They tend to the forest itself, and look after the trees and animals."

[Diachronos]

"...Can we trust it?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren shrugs. "I don't know...he says he wants to help us cross the forest."

[Diachronos]

Ina peeks out from behind Eren, looking at the treant. "...You promise you won't let anything hurt us?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The treant stands up to its full height, which appears to be over 20 feet tall. "I can carry you above the forest itself. You won't even see anything dangerous or mean from up there."

[Diachronos]

"What about Eren?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Hey!"

"Your friends seem capable. They can likely brave the forest on their own."

[Diachronos]

Ina hesitates, but after a few seconds she walks over to the treant.

[NeoSeraphi]

The creature scoops her up and starts walking. After a good eight hours, he sets her down on the other side of the forest.

[Diachronos]

Ina sits down. "Where are Eren and Evedra?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Walking as they do and fighting what they need to fight, they will probably arrive in a day and a half."

[Diachronos]

"But... but what if something happens to them? What if they get hurt?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Then they will die alone. Lost in the cold and unforgiving forest with no one to help them."

[Diachronos]

"What?!" Ina hops up. "I... I have to go and help them!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Silly girl, they are likely a hundred miles deep into the forest, and you do not possess a treant's gait. It would likely take you longer to find them than it would for them to come to you."

[Diachronos]

"Then... then could you take me to them?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The treant scoops her up and begins looking around the woods from high above. After about two hours, he sets her down square in the middle of the forest, where she finds Eren tying a cotton tourniquet around his arm and Evedra wiping some blood off her blade.

[Diachronos]

Ina runs up to Eren. "What happened to you?! Did Evedra attack you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"No, I protected him!"

Eren frowns. "It's just a scratch, Ina. Don't worry about it."

[Diachronos]

Ina walks up and looks at the wound. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to leave you behind..."

[NeoSeraphi]

A howl echoes through the forest, and a group of birds flaps away from the trees.

Eren frowns. "We need to go."

"I'm right beside you!"

Eren smiles at Evedra and nods. "Thank you, Eve."

[Diachronos]

Ina clings to Eren, looking around for the source of the howl. "W-what was that?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Footsteps start beating against the undergrowth and Evedra points to the direction Ina had come from. The trio takes off through the dark forest as the howl sounds again, closer this time.

[Diachronos]

Ina runs as fast as she can, struggling to keep up with the two of them. While she's used to maneuvering around people and refuse in the streets, she's also used to running on solid paving stones rather than grass and dirt, and more than a few times she nearly trips over roots and creepers on the ground.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren picks Ina up and carries her like a football under his wounded arm.

After a time, a few wolves appear from the shadows of the trees. They growl angrily as they approach the group. Evedra steps protectively in front of Eren, who kneels down to let Ina go. He points and tells her to run away while she can.

[Diachronos]

Ina whimpers and looks into Eren's eyes. "What about you?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren smiles. "I'll be okay. I'm more worried about you."

This still doesn't feel right...isn't there any way she can stop this without violence?

[Diachronos]

Ina shakes her head and runs in front of Eren and Evedra. "Stop it! Leave us alone!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Ina, these creatures can't understand you! Back aw- what?!"

A bright light forms around the lead wolf.

http://data.whicdn.com/images/153463490/superthumb.jpg

"Oh my! What an adorable little girl! I could never eat you!"

[Diachronos]

The little fox blinks in surprise. "Wha...?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"A girl? Wait...a lycanthrope?" Eren asks, stunned.

The wolf girl yips happily and jumps over to him, her tail wagging with excitement. "Oh my! You smell positively delightful! Are you...perchance...her father?"

[Diachronos]

Ina backs up until she's standing up against Eren, her gaze fixed on the wolf. "N...no, he's not..."

[NeoSeraphi]

"He's my husband," Evedra says, stepping forward aggressively.

The wolf tilts her head. "Really? That's weird. I don't smell much of him on you."

Eren raises his hands. "Hold on, I never agreed to marry y- aaah!"

The wolf girl tackles him and licks his face happily. "So you're single then? Have I got a deal for you! My pack and I will lead you to the exit of this forest safe and sound, and all you have to do is go on a date with me when we're done! Sound good?" She barks.

[Diachronos]

Ina scowls, and Evedra can see the kitsune's fur standing up on her tail.

[NeoSeraphi]

Evedra sighs and shrugs. "We're not going to get out of here if we have to fight the wolf pack and everything else in this forest."

Eren looks over at Ina. "...I accept. I need to make sure Ina is safe, after all."

The girl sits up and wags her tail. "Perfect! My name is Celica. It's great to meet you!"

[Diachronos]

Great... more girls... Ina holds onto Eren's hand as they start moving again.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Um...well, it's a nice offer you've made, Celica, but why exactly do you want to go on a date with a boy you just met?" Eren asks in a confused tone.

Celica smiles at him as they walk, with her pack following behind. "Silly boy. Haven't you ever heard that dogs always know when someone is trustworthy? More to the point, we're fiercely loyal. One date with me and you'll be sending that greedy dragon of yours packing. She'd just leave you for the first guy who offered her riches anyway."

Evedra snaps her tail against the ground angrily. "How dare you? My love for Eren was decided the moment he accepted the challenge to slay me!"

"What kind of idiot marries a man who's set to kill her? Did you ever stop to consider the fact that Eren might not like dragons, since he was going to kill you?"

"Flea-bitten mutt!"

"Century-old hag!"

Eren hangs his head. "I wonder if you're going to be this much of handful when you get older..." he says, looking down at Ina fondly.

[Diachronos]

Ina puts her hands on her hips and grins widely, her eyes glimmering with pride. "Nope! Kitsune are too clever to do the same dumb things a wolf or dragon would do!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica raises an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, surely if you're such a clever girl, you can solve the impossible riddle at the exit to this dungeon. The Riddle of the Two Souls."

[Diachronos]

Ina closes her eyes, still holding that smug expression. "Of course I can!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"They say whoever solves the riddle will be rewarded with a dress that will make the wearer the most beautiful woman in the entire world," Celica explains.

[Diachronos]

Ina's eyes open wide. "Really?!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica nods. "Yes. But you only get one try."

The group settles down to make camp for the night. Evedra starts cooking for everyone.

[Diachronos]

Ina plops down into Eren's lap and curls up against him. She holds back a yawn, not wanting to show everyone that she's tired.

[NeoSeraphi]

"Aw, are you ready for bed, honey?" Eren asks, stroking her ears gently.

[Diachronos]

Ina shivers with delight as he pets her ears, and it isn't long before he draws a yawn from her. "N... no..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren clumps together a small pile of dead leaves and lays Ina down to sleep on them.

[Diachronos]

Ina lays her head on his lap and pulls her dirty cloak around herself as she stifles another yawn.

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren moves her onto the pile of leaves and away from his lap. He goes to sit between the two other girls and speaks to them.

[Diachronos]

Ina scowls, but she's too tired to actively protest. With a yawn, she curls up and falls asleep.

[NeoSeraphi]

The sun rises, and with it, so does Ina.

Celica smiles as Ina sits up. "You rise with the sun. Perhaps there is more wolf in you than I thought, little fox. Where are you going?"

[Diachronos]

Ina huffs. "No, I'm all fox! And we're going to Eren's home town!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica blinks. "His hometown? Interesting...what are you going to do when you get there?"

[Diachronos]

Ina shrugs. "Eren just said he needs to go there."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica nods. "Well, I'm going to go on a little morning hunt. Want to tag along? You'll never become the predator you were meant to be if you just sit around watching everyone sleep."

[Diachronos]

Ina settles into her makeshift bed. "But I don't want to be a predator..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica blinks. "What do you eat then?"

[Diachronos]

"Whatever I can find, really. Bread, fruit, sometimes I find a meat or fish vendor who's already cooked it..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica laughs. "Little one, if you can't hunt, how will you feed your young?"

[Diachronos]

Ina blinks. "'My young'?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Your children. You don't want your children to starve, do you?"

[Diachronos]

"Well, no, but... I don't have children."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica clicks her tongue impatiently and scoops Ina up in one hand, leading her into the woods. "What are you hungry for? Deer? Rabbit? I would kill for a nice duck myself.."

[Diachronos]

"Um... I don't know. I guess duck sounds good right now..."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica carries her to a small clearing with a lake. She points quietly to a mommy duck guiding around her babies. "Just sneak up behind her and bite down!"

[Diachronos]

Ina looks absolutely mortified. "What? No, I don't want to hurt the cute little ducks!"

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica looks at her. "You said you wanted duck. They'll die eventually anyway, some other predator will hunt them before too long. You might as well get something out of it."

[Diachronos]

"But... but they're so cute! I can't hurt something that cute!"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Cute and delicious! Can't you smell the meat?"

[Diachronos]

Ina sniffs. "No, all I smell is you and the grass."

[NeoSeraphi]

Celica frowns. "You said you were 'all fox' before, but right now all I see is a human."

[Diachronos]

Ina scowls and stamps her foot. "I'm all kitsune!" She pulls her hood down and points at her ears. "See?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Then kill birds, like a kitsune," Celica retorts.

[Diachronos]

Ina gulps and starts creeping up on the duck.
[roll0]

[NeoSeraphi]

The adorable creature notices her and gazes up at her with big, hopeful eyes.

[Diachronos]

Ina stares down at the duck. "I... I can't do it!"

[NeoSeraphi]

The ducks swim away quickly. Celica sighs. "Okay, Ina. Go back to the camp."

[Diachronos]

Her ears flatten against her head, and she turns to head back to the campsite.

[NeoSeraphi]

A bit later, Celica comes back to camp with a bunch of dead rabbits on her belt. She cooks the cute little bunny carcasses up for everyone to eat.

[Diachronos]

Ina finds herself losing her appetite at the sight of the little bunnies being skinned and prepped for cooking. So this is what's involved with every kind of meat she's had before...

[NeoSeraphi]

Eren sees the look on her face and politely declines his share of the meal. He offers Ina some carrots.

[Diachronos]

Ina takes one of the carrots and starts munching on it. Her gaze is fixed on the ground.

[NeoSeraphi]

The group continues walking through the forest for a time, until they reach a small cavern with a dark entrance.

"What is that?" Eren asks, raising an eyebrow.

Evedra grins. "Ooooh, I smell treasure!" She licks her lips.

[Diachronos]

Ina raises an eyebrow at Evedra's reaction. "Are you... going to eat it?"

[NeoSeraphi]

"Hmph! Such is the narrow-mindedness of lesser beings. We dragons can enjoy wealth and value without consuming it or spending it as you do!" Evedra says haughtily. She turns to Eren and grabs onto his arm. "But of course, my hero understands this better than anyone! You do want me to have something nice and shiny and cute, don't you, Eren?"

The young man's face turns red as she presses against him. "Ah...w-well, I suppose there's no harm in a little exploration..."

[Diachronos]

Ina grabs onto Eren's other arm. "If scaly-butt wants treasure, she can go in and get it herself instead of making you do the work."