After saying our goodbyes, the girls and I left Portia to her sloop. We arranged a new meetup in two days, and Portia merrily sailed away.

“Hope she’ll be alright,” I said to myself.

“She’ll be fine,” Ravyn assured me, “that girl’s made of steel.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.”

The four of us made our way back into town, and faces both foreign and familiar greeted us on our way in. Most of them knew my first name by now. This created an awkward position where I could barely remember their faces, let alone their names, half of the time.

“How can you not remember them?” Keke asked, aghast.

“Because the first two girls I ran into decided it would be best if they kept me hidden for my first week in Nyarlea.”

“Ahaha,” Cannoli laughed nervously. “Whatever are you referring to, Matt?”

“You locked him up?” Ravyn said, stifling a laugh.

“Lock him up! Lock him up! Squawwk!”

“I wouldn’t put it like that. That’s not fair to say,” Keke said, nudging herself closer to me.

“Locking him up has its own appeal, too. It just isn’t fair to hog him all to yourself,” Ravyn said, passing me a lecherous smile. I drew back slightly, and Ravyn shut her eyes. “It has no importance to our situation. Let’s find Espada.”

“Yeah, good idea. Espada could get a start on things while I work on my potions,” I agreed, happy to change topics.

With Keke leading the way, she and Cannoli gestured down one of the roads cutting away from the fork.

“Working on [Alchemy] too?” Ravyn asked with a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Was working on that before we left. Just hoping Granny Nauka isn’t too angry with me. I kinda half-assed it and left shortly after we met you.”

“Ahh,” Ravyn said, as if she just remembered something, “I could teach you a bit of [Alchemy] as well. If you’re interested, that is.”

“You know [Alchemy]?”

“I’m a [Sorcerer]. Of course I do.”

Ah, right, of course. Why wouldn’t she?

“Someone is in a generous mood,” Keke said with a pointed brow.

“I am a generous goddess.”

Keke rolled her eyes, and I chuckled.

Espada’s stall hardly looked any different from our previous visit. I recognized a few of the weapons and armor pieces lying around.

“Hey, Espada!” I said to the sweaty back hammering away at some new project.

Espada turned her head. At first, she seemed irritated, but her face quickly lit up when she saw us. “Keke! Cannoli! And Matt.”

And Matt. Ah, how I missed you too.

“Long time no see,” Keke said with a wave.

“What are you working on?” Cannoli said with a wide-eyed stare.

Espada turned back to the sword and continued to beat the red-hot metal into a more defined shape. “Busted up my old blade, so gotta make a new one.” Espada stopped and lined her sight along the blade, paused, then set it back down on the anvil to beat pound it some more.

Espada’s one of the few catgirls I can plausibly see breaking one of her precious swords.

“Got time to make me a weapon too?” I called.

Espada turned to look at me for a moment. “Ah, the boy.” The boy now, huh? “Did you bring me some actual money this time?”

I could feel a sneer creeping up on my face but fought it back down. Just what will it take to impress this chick? I loosed the strings on my [Cat Pack] and pulled out a bag of Bells from inside, tossing it onto the counter. The satisfying sound of coins clinking and rubbing up against each other rang through my ears, and I had hoped it made a point that I was significantly better off than before.

Espada smiled, bashed a couple more shapes into the sword, then stood up to drop it into a vat of oil. Flames burst upward, licking around Espada’s muscles. She didn’t flinch. I guess not even fire frightens a woman like her.

Espada took off her mitts and threw them onto the counter beside the bag of Bells. She opened the bag up, and a rare look of surprise decorated her features.

“You’ve been busy,” she said with a smirk.

“I need a good axe. And a shield. If this is enough.”

“I might be able to work with that. You got any more?”

Now I couldn’t help it. I leaned on the counter. “Plenty. My girls need some gear too.”

“Haha, don’t get too full of yourself. You’re gonna get yourself fucked up if you keep pushing your luck like that,” Espada said as she tied the strings back together on the sack of Bells. “Tell you what. Come back in about three hours and let me see what I have available. If you want to buy one of the weapons in my cart, have at it. You have enough money, though, that I could craft one personally for you.” She met the excited stares of the girls. “But I’ll let you all discuss that first.”

I shot back up, thrilled that I had, at least somewhat, impressed Espada. “Thank you!” I had meant to say that in a more casual manner, but it came out a little nervous and a little desperate.

Espada laughed. “See you in a little while, boy. The lot of you are looking good, by the way.”

I was on cloud nine. The entire walk back to Granny Nauka’s lab, I was smiling and giggling like an idiot.

“Stop that. You look ridiculous,” said Ravyn.

“I can’t help it,” I said through a half-laugh. “I actually impressed her.”

“We impressed her,” Keke corrected.

“Sorry, you’re right. We impressed her,” I repeated.

“I’m so happy for you, Matt!” Cannoli cheered. “Espada’s a real toughie. Just the fact that she didn’t say no is great!”

“Yeah, it is. Say, you and Keke need weapon upgrades too, right? You’ve been using the same bow and wand for a while, I take it?”

“Ah,” Cannoli said, her voice trailing off, “right, yes. We probably should.”

“I don’t want to take all the Bells for myself. It’s only fair that we all get upgrades. If I have to get a lower quality weapon and shield, then so be it.”

Keke curled a lock of hair between two of her fingers. “I would like that very much.”

“Then we’ll see what Espada can do when we get back.”

“Mou ii, can we get a move on?”

Something that had begun to bother me was how often Ravyn seemed to have just what we needed at that very moment. If she didn’t, then she usually knew how to get it, where to get it, or just what we needed to do. A regular goddess in the machine over here.

[ Novice Potions ] Updated! 10/10 Potions Complete!

Matt has gained: Minor Healing Potion x2!

“Thanks for the supplies, Ravyn,” I said as I corked the last bottle up. I shook the golden liquid around in the bottle, proud of the work I’d done. Cannoli’s lessons hadn’t been wasted. “I’m glad I could get them both done without failing.”

“Like swimming! Once you do it, you never forget!” Cannoli beamed.

Pretty sure that was riding a bike, but I’ll roll with it.

“Hey, Granny Nauka!” I held up the remaining Minor Healing Potions and clinked them together.

Granny Nauka nodded. “A fine job, lad. As I promised, you’ll get a new recipe and some bottles on the house from me.” She walked behind the counter, procured five glass bottles, and brought them back, along with a rolled parchment. “The next recipe may not help you too much, but it should help Cannoli and,” she trailed off, eyeing Ravyn up and down in a judgmental manner, “this hussie.”

“Ehhhhh? Hussie?” Ravyn smiled big. “This witch doesn’t know a thing about me. How sad to be so old and still so foolish.”

“The arrogance of youth,” Granny Nauka said with a shake of her head.

Can we leave now? I want to leave now.

Cannoli was fidgeting and shifting her weight from leg to leg, looking up at me occasionally like a scared child.

Hang in there, Cannoli. We’re almost out of here.

New Notifications!

[Novice Potions] Complete!

Matt has gained: 1 point of Knowledge[Alchemy]!

Matt has gained: 5 Glass Bottles!

Matt has learned the [Alchemy] Recipe, [Minor Myana Potion]!

Yeah, just as I expected. Myana pots next. Maybe I’ll learn how to cure some status ailments soon.

“Thanks again! Gotta go!” I grabbed Cannoli and Ravyn’s wrists, the latter taking a little more effort to drag out of the shop. “Next time, we’ll bring Keke!”

“Granny’s a bitch! Granny’s a bitch! Squawwwk!”

We reconvened in the center of the marketplace, Ravyn’s sharp smile still plastered on her face. I cleared my throat. “We’ve got some time to kill. What do you girls want to do?”

Ravyn shrugged. Cannoli looked between Ravyn and Keke. Keke chewed her lip, then spoke up. “I’d like to go Fishing.”

“It has been a while, huh?” I hadn’t realized just how long since we’d last gone. Unless Keke had slipped away to do some night fishing at some point, our last adventure was together just a few days after I’d arrived in Ni. “I think that sounds fun. Cannoli? Ravyn?”

“Sure thing!” Cannoli smiled.

Ravyn rolled her eyes. “Guess I’ll come.”

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

Keke changed into her full fishing regalia while Cannoli and Ravyn favored swimsuits. I once again used the leftover equipment from our first fishing trip. Even if I looked like a walking thrift store, it was worth the couple of extra Fishing bonuses. Plus, I knew it made Keke happy, which was the bigger win.

Cannoli and Ravyn met us down by the beach. Cannoli was already prancing through the shallow tide when we arrived, the fluffy layers on the top half of her bikini bouncing with every skip. Ravyn stood at the edge of the water with her hands on her hips, watching Cannoli flounce back and forth. She wore a black one-piece that barely fit the definition and—like the rest of her outfits—looked more like lingerie than a swimsuit. Black straps and strips of spandex hugged her waist and hips, alternating between rectangular cutouts of her pale skin. The suit’s neckline plunged below her navel in an intimidating V-shape, putting her voluptuous chest on display. A giant black sunhat perched low on her head, but her brilliant red ears poked through the brim.

Ravyn turned to see us approaching, then burst out laughing. “Kehehehe! You’re brave to come outside in that getup!”

“Interesting, I was just thinking the same thing about you,” I countered.

Keke snickered.

“You’re really gonna fish in that?” I gestured to Ravyn’s swimsuit.

“I said I’d come with you, not that I’d fish. Baka,” Ravyn sneered.

“Bally wants a fish! Squawk!” Ball screamed from overhead.

“You don’t need fish!” Ravyn screamed back.

Cannoli splashed up to Keke and me, breathless and wearing a wide smile. “It’s so good to be home!”

“We could have gone to the beach on San.” I looked between Keke and Cannoli. “Why didn’t you guys say something?”

Keke shook her head. “It’s not the same. I looked around while we were in the Port. Their beaches didn’t have sand, really, just pebbles. Lots and lots of pebbles. Like a river.”

“Huh. That’s interesting.”

“And home just smells different!” Cannoli took a deep breath. “It just smells like… home!”

I couldn’t help but return the smile. “Well, I’m glad we could come back for a bit.” It did feel nostalgic, returning to the very beach I’d washed up on. “Maybe I’ll actually catch something today, huh?”

“I’ll cheer you on!” Cannoli clapped.

“You’re not fishing either?” Keke frowned.

Cannoli’s hands fidgeted, and she toyed with her fingers. “I, um, never replaced my rod. From last time?”

“We could find you a new one. I’m sure we could buy one with what we have left,” I suggested.

“No, it’s alright! You two go fish. I’ll swim with Ravyn!” Cannoli announced.

“Goody,” Ravyn murmured.

Cannoli kicked a targeted stream of water at Ravyn. Ravyn shrieked and jumped back, but not fast enough. Sparkling beads of saltwater dripped from the tip of her nose and wound their way down her chest. Cannoli squealed in delight and dove beneath a wave.

“Oh, no you don’t, you little shit,” Ravyn called, tearing her hat free from her head and diving in after her.

I chuckled and turned back to Keke. “So. Fishing?”

“Yeah. Let’s go over here. I know a great spot.”

We walked along the shore in companionable silence. She entwined her fingers in mine, flashing me a sideways smile, and my heart skipped. Despite everything that had happened on San Island, Keke, Cannoli, and Ravyn still made my heart race with the slightest of touches. I was happier for that, I think.

We came upon a long line of boulders that extended a couple hundred feet into the water, curving off just out past the breakers. Keke guided me through the stacks of rocks, the ocean mist lapping at our skin as we moved. It was a warm, beautiful afternoon, much like every day I’d spent on Ni Island, and Keke’s hand in mine quieted my thoughts. Huh, this feels like a date.

We made it to the end of the rock formation, and Keke took a seat on one of the flat-topped boulders. I followed suit, checking to see how far we’d moved from Cannoli and Ravyn. I could still make out their outlines and hear desperate squeals and giggles.

“Have fun, guys!” Cannoli yelled, waving one arm emphatically over her head.

Ravyn emerged from the waves like a shark, tackling Cannoli at the waist and taking her back down into the water.

“Good to see they’re getting along,” I laughed.

“It was only a matter of time, I think. Cannoli gets along with everyone.” Keke procured her fishing rod and tackle box from her [Cat Pack].

“What about you?” I mimicked her movements and reached into my tackle box. Garden Lure.

Keke shrugged. “I’ve never had a lot of friends. Having a group like this is new for me. But, I like it.”

“While I find that hard to believe, I know what you mean.”

“What part?”

“That you’ve never had a lot of friends. You’re really easy to talk to and be around.” I readied my fishing rod and gave it a couple of test flicks.

Keke blushed, and she looked at the sky. “That’s really sweet of you, Matt. Thank you.” She smiled and looked back at the water before casting her line. “You didn’t have a lot of friends? Like, before you came to Nyarlea?”

“Mhm,” I hummed.

“That surprises me, too.”

“You don’t have to lie,” I chuckled.

“No, I mean it. You’re funny and kind and brave—”

“—and thick-headed and impulsive and bad in bed,” I finished for her.

Keke nudged me with her shoulder. “At least you’re getting better with the last three,” she snickered.

“Wow. I don’t know if I’ll recover from that burn,” I laughed, casting alongside her.

“Hey! That was pretty good!” Keke said proudly. “You’re getting better at this!”

I felt a glow of pride. “Thank you.”

Our dangling legs swung in time over the edge, calves brushing against one another with each revolution. Keke leaned her head against my shoulder and sighed.

Keke’s displays of affection sent butterflies free in my stomach and chills on my arms. Yeah, sex is great, but have you tried ocean fishing with a girl you love?

The easy thought froze me in my tracks. Love? Was that what this was? I’d had girlfriends, sure, but none that I’d ever felt so strongly about before. I’d always thought love was a word created and curated by social media to make single guys feel like slacker assholes. But, what I felt for Keke...

I didn’t get a chance to think about it much longer—a familiar tingling sensation emerged in my fingers and at the back of my mind. The green [Fisherman’s Sense] filter obstructed my vision, and my heart raced. No Defiled. Not this time. I leapt to my feet and cradled one hand on the reel while the other remained firmly on the handle.

“Oh! Get it, Matt!” Keke whispered excitedly.

I could see everything. A large shadow beneath the ocean’s surface flickered white in my vision, then bit down on the lure. I yanked hard on the handle, hooking it through the mouth. “He’s on!”

“Great!” Keke jumped up and quickly reeled in her line. “Now, you’ll want to tire him out. Pull in the opposite direction that he tugs on the line and slowly reel while you do.”

The fish veered left, so I went right. Then left. Then center. This little bastard was putting up quite a fight. Adrenaline pounded in my ears, and I stabilized my footing. The tip of the rod bent dangerously forward, the tension of the line dragging the farthest guide near the water’s surface.

“A little slower on the reeling. Like this.” Keke cupped my hand in hers and reset the pace of my reeling. “Yes, there we go!”

Slowly but surely, with Keke’s help, we reeled in my first catch. Ripples broke in wide circles shortly before the thrashing fish breached the surface. Dazzling purple scales shimmered in the sunlight, and long whiskers whipped around its face. Keke grabbed a net and snagged it free from the water. She gasped.

“Is it a bad fish?” I asked. It was a gorgeous catch, but it also looked like it might kill me if I ate it.

“N-no! This is a violet ryba! It’s my favorite food!” Keke danced on the balls of her feet and licked her lips. “I haven’t seen one in over a year now!”

“That’s awesome!” I did it! I caught a damn fish! “Guess we’ll have to let Cannoli cook it up then, huh?”

Keke squealed in delight and kissed my cheek. The unusual reaction was adorable on her generally serious features. “Best day ever!”

I couldn’t help but agree.

New Notifications!

Matt has gained: 1 Level of Fishing!

Keke’s Favored Item Unlocked: Violet Ryba