> Lara PoV

“You’re sure you’ll be fine?” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress.” (Ariel)

I know Mom doesn’t want to just leave us because she loves us, but this goodbye has been dragging on for like 10 minutes now!

“You remember how to make Aura’s food, right?” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress.” (Ariel)

Again, are they sure that’s actually food?! I probably shouldn’t say this, but my littlest sister is super weird for being able to eat that stuff!

“And you know how to reach us if something happens?” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress.” (Ariel)

Well yeah, that’s why Nano is here...

“Don’t let the kids eat too many sweets. Even if they give you those big round eyes, you hear?!” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress.” (Ariel)

Ack! She found us out! Sophie puts a hand up to her mouth and whispers to me.

“Big sis-” (Sophie)

“I know.” (Lara)

Usually the big eyes strategy works on Ariel, but with a direct order like that she won’t budge! Thankfully, we have more than one option to get snacks!

“Don’t worry, there’s always grandpa!” (Lara)

“Yeah! Good idea big sis!” (Sophie)

“Hey you two! I can hear you whispering!” (Ellie)

Geh! I keep forgetting Mom can hear a pin drop from the other side of the house!

“Hm? Oh, I see. Ariel, make sure Dad doesn’t give them any cookies when he visits. I’m counting on you!” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress!” (Ariel)

“And do not, under any circumstances, allow Kelly’s mother to enter the house! I don’t care how much she insists, she is not setting foot near my daughters!”

“Yes, Mistress.” (Ariel)

“Ah come on Red, she’s not that bad!” (Kelly)

“You ran away from her at full speed when Aura was born, did you not?” (Kira)

“... Okay, she really is that bad.” (Kelly)

Uwah, that sounds scary! I guess there would be such a thing as a terrifying mom if you stopped to think about it. Well, realistically speaking, it would be impossible for every mother to be as amazing as either of my moms! I mean, they’re both part of the number 1 adventuring team! Then there’s that mountain, and the stuff with the king, and they’re good friends with those titan people!

… Huh?

If you looked at it objectively, aren’t our Moms the scariest of all?! But they’re also amazing and warm and kind, so it all balances out, right? Yeah, it’s my loss if I mind it.

“And Aura’s food-” (Kira)

“Kira, you’ve asked about that for the 5th time already. We should really get going before Puff falls asleep.” (Ellie)

“Kuak.” (Puff)

“Are you sure we can’t-” (Kira)

“Kira. We’re leaving.” (Ellie)

“Uuuu…” (Kira)

If she hates leaving us behind THAT much then why did they even bother planning this trip in the first place?! Poor Puff has been standing there with all their luggage ready for like, forever!

“Just go and have fun already, Mom!” (Lara)

“Yeah! And bring us lots of souvenirs! Tasty ones!” (Sophie)

“Dabuu!” (Aura)

“See?! Even Aura’s telling you we’ll be fine!” (Lara)

“Alright, alright. Come give your mommy a goodbye kiss then!” (Kira)

She walks over to us and gives us all a wet peck on each of our foreheads!

“Eww!” (Lara)

“Eehehe that tickles!” (Sophie)

“Ah no fair! I want some too!” (Ellie)

“You’ll get plenty of kisses later, Ellie.” (Kira)

“Oh, right. Let’s get to it then!” (Ellie)

We share some more goodbyes and another round of kisses before they finally climb onto Puff’s back and set off. About time! Standing out in the yard like this was starting to get a bit boring!

“Alright children, let’s get back inside before you catch a cold.” (Ariel)

“Okay!” (Sophie and Lara)

We walk back inside where it’s nice and warm. I go in the living room and lay down on the carpet, next to the open notebook filled with math problems. I pick up the pencil and start working on the homework Nano gave me. Mathematics isn’t really exciting, but Nano says it’s necessary to achieve my new dream! Besides, it’s kind of fun when you stare at a math problem and it just sort of clicks into place!

Sophie went up to our room. I think she’s going to continue drawing. Her pictures have been getting really good lately. Both my Moms praise her whenever she makes one! I’m so jealous! Well, that’s why I’m going to study diligently now!

“Hey, kiddo.” (Kelly)

Kelly walks into the room and sits down on the sofa near me.

“So. How you two been while I was away?” (Kelly)

“Fine. We missed you a little bit, Aunty.” (Lara)

“What, just a little?” (Kelly)

“I mean, you’re always off doing stuff so like… we sort of got used to not having you around.” (Lara)

“Ah… is that so…” (Kelly)

“Hmm? What’s wrong Auntie?” (Lara)

“It’s just… I don’t know when’s the last time I spent some quality time with you kids.” (Kelly)

“You mean like right now?” (Lara)

“No! I mean yes! I don’t know!” (Kelly)

“You don’t really need to spend time with us Aunty.” (Lara)

“Yeah I know I don’t need to. I want to though! Watching you two and your adorable expressions makes me feel 15 years younger!” (Kelly)

“Uhm, okay?” (Lara)

“Oh, I know! How about we take Stompy out for a spin!?” (Kelly)

“REALLY?!” (Lara)

I immediately spring to my feet!

“Sure, why not?” (Kelly)

“B-but Mom says I’m not allowed inside Stompy…” (Lara)

“She’s just being overprotective. Besides, your mom’s not here is she?” (Kelly)

“...” (Lara)

“It’s alright, I understand. If you don’t want to ride the biggest, baddest golem ever created-” (Kelly)

“I want to! Let’s go! Let’s go right now!” (Lara)

“Hahaha! That’s my girl! Come on, put your coat on let’s get him out of the basement!” (Kelly)

“Coat?” (Lara)

“Well yeah, it’s cold outside.” (Kelly)

“Um, Aunty Kelly, why are we going outside?” (Lara)

“I told you, I’m taking Stompy out of the basement.” (Kelly)

But… the basement is inside, right? Wait, come to think of it, there’s no way Stompy would ever fit through the door. I’ve also not actually seen Aunty take it in or out of the basement. Well, if Aunty says we’re going outside, then we’re going outside! I quickly get dressed and hop around in anticipation while Aunty gets ready.

We head out the door and go over to the empty, flat part of the yard Mom normally uses for her dancing- er, training.

“Oh relax Nano. If the thing’s safe enough for me, it’s safe enough for the kid.” (Kelly)

Ugh, there we go again with the one-sided conversations… Maybe getting one of those ear cuffs wouldn’t be so bad? Ah, but then Nano would know everything I’m doing! That’s kinda creepy!

“Come on, Nano. You know full well it’ll be good for her. Get some perspective and whatnot. It’ll be good motivation for her to study, too!” (Kelly)

…

Aunty, I know you’re pulling those excuses out of your butt, but whatever you do, don’t stop!

“I know, I know… Yes, I promise… Nice! Thanks Nano, you’re a pal!” (Kelly)

*RRRRUMBLE*

Huh? The ground is shaking! Uwah! It’s not just shaking it’s splitting open! There was a huge metal thing hidden under the flattened dirt and it’s opening up like the jaws of some monster! Wait, don’t tell me!

It is! That shining and oddly cute head that’s just a huge ball with a visor and has no neck! Those broad shoulders that are as big as a house! The big heavy-looking arms and ridiculously huge metal fists! The bulky Scrappy-like torso! The four super-thick spider-ish legs that end in wheels instead of feet!

“Initializing.” (Stompy)

And the low metallic voice that makes it sound just as tough as it looks!

“Commencing diagnostics. Reactor: Online. Servos: Online. Weaponry: Online. Kinetic Barriers: Online.” (Stompy)

I don’t get it! I don’t understand it, but I love it!

“All systems operational. Pilot biosignature recognized. Unit designation: Sealed Titansteel Overseer, Modular Prototype, model Ymir. Awaiting input.” (Stompy)

“YYYYYYEAAAAAHEAAAAAAH!” (Lara)

*THUD*

Ah, the ground is against my back.

“Hey Lara! What happened? Are you okay?!” (Kelly)

“I’m fine, Aunty.” (Lara)

“You sure? I mean you just sort of fell over...” (Kelly)

“Yeah. I got so over-excited that I forgot how legs work.” (Lara)

That was the first time I’ve actually seen Stompy that close! I’ve only ever seen and heard him from my bedroom window like, two times! My heart is beating so fast it feels like it’s trying to escape from my chest and roll around on the ground too!

“I just need a moment to catch my breath.” (Lara)

“What, that’s all? Don’t scare me like that, girl! Honestly, you’re already 10 years old, you need to have more composure!” (Kelly)

“But Stompy’s so freaking coooool! He’s, like, a thousand times cooler than Scrappy!” (Lara)

“Heh. Well yeah, he is pretty awesome. Come on, kiddo!” (Kelly)

She grabs me by the hand and pulls me up, then helps clean the snow off me.

“So, what now?” (Lara)

“Ah, right. Stompy! We’re coming in! Open access port!” (Kelly)

“Acknowledged.” (Stompy)

*VRRRRR*

“Uhm, Aunty?” (Lara)

“I know, I know. Just… roll with it.” (Kelly)

* * *

Wow! The inside is so shiny! There’s all sorts of glowing buttons and really comfortable looking chairs and a bunch of weird lights! Well, it’s not without downsides though. This ‘cockpit’ place is a bit cramped and there’s only like, two passenger seats.

“Huh? Aunty how do you see outside? There’s no windows or anything…” (Lara)

“Hehehe, you’ll see! Just give me a second here.” (Kelly)

She puts on some weird-looking white gloves. They have some weird red strings running down the fingers and connect into the wall.

“Alright. Stompy, activate visual feed!” (Kelly)

“Acknowledged.” (Stompy)

Woah, the black wall in front of us lit up!

“Oh! It’s the outside!” (Lara)

It’s almost like a window! Only, it’s a painting? No, it’s both!

“---- [Golem Link]” (Kelly)

Ohh! The red bits on the gloves started glowing!

“Here, watch this!” (Kelly)

She lifts her hand and Stompy’s hand on the wall in front of us moves in exactly the same way! She then makes a fist and swings a punch and Stompy does the same!

“So cool! Can I try?!” (Lara)

“No can do. This machine isn’t a plaything, you know.” (Kelly)

“... You’re playing with it right now, though.” (Lara)

“Well, yeah, but I know what I’m doing.” (Kelly)

“...” (Lara)

“What? I do!” (Kelly)

“Uhm, Aunty? What’s that?” (Lara)

I point at the weird green thing on the screen. It looks like something’s moving around and it’s not one of the trees.

“Huh? Oh. Let’s find out!” (Kelly)

She makes some weird gestures with her fingers and the picture gets bigger! Woah!

“Oh, it’s Lizzie! He must be back for a rematch!” (Kelly)

“Lizzie?” (Lara)

“Yeah, he’s like the lizardman king or some such. He keeps challenging Stompy every time I take him out for a stroll.” (Kelly)

I mean he does look like a big crocodile that’s walking around on two legs, but is that name really okay?

“Umm… How big is that thing?!” (Lara)

I can’t really tell since these moving pictures are weird.

“A bit taller than Stompy. He’s no match though. Come on, let’s go say hi!” (Kelly)

“Wait, what?!”

* * *

“Aunty, next time you want to have a punch out with Lizzie, please leave me out of it.” (Lara)

“Huh? It’s fun though isn’t it?” (Kelly)

“No it’s not! It was way too scary! The bad kind of scary!” (Lara)

Those moving picture sare way too realistic! I almost felt like those big teeth would actually bite us in half! I mean I know Kelly said there’s no way they’d puncture Stompy’s armor, but that didn’t mean she had to actually test it like that!

“Hahaha, well, I think you could do with a little excitement every now and then!” (Kelly)

“That’s way too much excitement! I thought I was gonna die a few times there!” (Lara)

“Eh, you kids are far too spoiled. When I was 10 years old I was already hunting wolves!” (Kelly)

“No, no, no, no! You’re clearly the strange one here, aren’t you?!” (Lara)

If that’s how Kelly’s mom raised her there’s no wonder my Mom doesn’t want her anywhere near us! I was kind of curious why before, but it’s crystal clear now!

“You said you wanted to be more like me though?” (Kelly)

“I meant as a reliable person and an engineer! Not as some dummy that gets in stupid fights for no reason!” (Lara)

“And that’s why these parts are important. I bet you’d think twice before challenging a king lizardman now!” (Kelly)

“I was never going to challenge it in the first place!” (Lara)

“Oh. Yeah, probably not.” (Kelly)

“And while I’m glad you won, shouldn’t you have killed that thing?! Won’t it be super dangerous if it gets close to the city?!” (Lara)

“Kid, that lizard may be a lot of things, but he’s not stupid. What do you think would happen if he got anywhere near a place like Runetap?” (Kelly)

“Oh. Yeah...” (Lara)

I almost forgot where exactly we lived. There’s definitely scarier people than that lizard around town.

“Besides, he’s not doing any harm. If anything, he’s helping out by eating goblins and trolls all the time. He’s actually a pretty chill guy all things considered.” (Kelly)

“Then why’d you go fight him?” (Lara)

“Well, he’s the only one who can match up to Stompy around here. It’s that, see? Training! How am I supposed to prepare for any giant monsters that show up without sparring with one every now and then?” (Kelly)

“... You just really love punching things, don’t you?” (Lara)

The wide smile she had whenever Stompy’s gigantic fist made contact with that lizard’s face looked like the face Sophie makes whenever cookies are mentioned.

“Ahahaha, I was found out…” (Kelly)

I think I’m starting to understand why Mom doesn’t want me to hang out with Aunty too much. I actually feel a bit bad for that Lizzy guy. Alright, let’s strive to not become a person who picks a fight with others because I’m bored!

“... I get the impression you’re mocking me somehow.” (Kelly)

Geh! That sharp Rank A intuition! How come it’s almost as good as Mom’s even though you’re not a real adventurer?!

“Look, can we just get back home? The cockpit is getting way too hot. Not to mention it stinks...” (Lara)

“Hmm, you may have a point. Alright, I’ll turn Stompy around and take us back.” (Kelly)

“Also, can we climb out from a different entrance?” (Lara)

“Sorry, that’s the only one it has.” (Kelly)

“... Then whatever you do, do not tell my little sister about this trip, okay?” (Lara)

“Sure, if you say so. It’ll be our little secret! Well, and Nano’s I suppose.” (Kelly)

“Thanks, Aunty.” (Lara)

If Sophie knew, she would ask questions. And I’d have to explain exactly how I got in and out of Stompy. Gah! Just remembering it is so embarrassing I wanna roll around on the floor! Why would anyone make the entrance where the golem’s butthole would be?!