"So what's it like being a father?"

>>999824
What makes you think saying anything is going to help? Well, you should at least explain.
Something like "I cast a spell on you and want to reverse it" is enough to get him to let you try things, I think. Don't forget, you can point at individual words you already wrote down to assist in conversation.

You need to get a notebook with lots of paper. Or a wax tablet. Or a slate tablet and some chalk. Or a fancy magical writing tablet or something. Amything that you can write and draw lots and lots in to communicate with people!

Dotti 2021/05/14(Fri)21:53 No. 1000277 ID: 8483cf
File 162105440776.png - (136.19KB , 800x722 , MarriedLizard.png )

>You need to get a notebook with lots of paper. Amything that you can write and draw lots and lots in to communicate with people!

Signs! I need lots of signs! They get me what I want when I use the right words. I’ll have to order someone to get lots of paper and charcoal as soon as I get my magic back. I still don’t really understand why my magic went away even though the wizard told me, but if using it on people who are helping me is dangerous, I have to be careful with it until I figure out how to avoid hurting myself too.

“Here he is,” the guard says. “Hey, you! The lizard with no name! You’ve got a visitor!”

“A visitor? How kind of them,” a raspy voice says from inside a wagon. The cloth covering whips off and I instantly recognize the smell. He’s got his cloak and big white holy symbol inset on his hard scaly chest. It’s the lizard fighty priest!

> "So what's it like being a father?"

I don’t have enough space to write that. I’ll try and fit it in my sign…

>Father?

The guard bursts out laughing. The lizard seems taken aback.

“You must be mistaken, fox spirit,” the lizard says. “But you do seem familiar…”

It’s working! I point at random words on my sign. I can’t tell what they say, so I hope it works!

>Magic Dotti stuck Fox! Mana failed human! Not yummy!

“Are you stuck like that? Are you hungry?”

I nod eagerly. It worked! I’m so smart!

The lizard shakes his head. “I apologize. I don’t have any food at the moment. All I have is this giant gem, and it’s not very edible.”

A gem? Useless. I huff. Oh well. I still need to get his memory back. But how…

“As you’re the only familiar thing I know of aside from this rock,” the lizard says, “I would like to help you, but I’m afraid I’m not well versed in magic. All I know for certain is that I need to travel north. It’s very important that I get to the mountains.”

“Aren’t you going to freeze to death up there?” the guard asks. “Sounds dangerous for someone of your kind.”

“Yes, most likely,” the lizard says. “But this quest is all I have. I’m very certain it’s dangerous to travel there, and it may get me killed. But I know in my heart I need to do it. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to this unknown place, but my heart calls me. Some part of me, locked away, knows this is the most important task of my life.”

Something hurts in my chest and I let out a small whine without meaning to.

“Oh, dear. Are you upset?" The lizard asks. "Did I say something?”

Do the 'north' quest with your party. The closer you get to the north and progress with the Geas you inflicted on him, the easier it will be to jog his memory. You have nothing else better to quest anyway.

Uh, ok, point to "magic", "mistake", then point to yourself, point to "help", and point to him.

Maybe you can hold his head to kindof pull the magic out? It's still your magic, it should obey you, right? Just be careful.

...Is that where it all occurred? Where you did this to him?

Either way, perhaps you might try this, or at least close to this?

Teach Dotti
Dotti help you

Who better to teach Dotti how to be good?

Ummmm... I hate to say it but... I think Landi the fairy's magic might be our way to help him get his memory back. Better draw a picture of Landi with what little space you have (she's easy to draw, just a dumb circle with four ovals around it) then do this >>1000281 but instead, point to "magic", "mistake", then point to yourself. Afterwards, point to Landi, and point to "help"

>>1000288
support we did a meany and now we need to fixy it so we can have magic like using magic to make a bit of bacon longer and greasy covered in fat so it dribbles and feast on honey and milk until we can move also so we can make meany people we dont like be more likable and possibly be helpful so people help us back

One of the first things you want to write is:

Need Writing Materials


Which means you need some sort of writing materials! That's a good thing to have available so you can communicate more thoroughly, especially since you are running out of space as it is!

Landi could help.

The only problem is we were ordered to leave her alone.

We might need to take the lizard to Landi, and just have him go get help from her on his own

Dotti 2021/05/15(Sat)20:28 No. 1000381 ID: 8483cf
File 162113569777.png - (122.88KB , 635x606 , Magicpls.png )

I ignore that feeling in my chest and shake my head at the lizard person. No, he hasn’t made me upset. He’s risking his life to go out and do something just because his heart is telling him to? I do that every day! He’s not in a bad situation at all.

>Ummmm... I hate to say it but... I think Landi the fairy's magic might be our way to help him get his memory back.
>support we did a meany and now we need to fixy it so we can have magic
>Landi could help.

I can’t tell Landi! She’s stupid and hates me! She won’t help me. She’ll tell Serah, and Serah will be mad at me, and then she won’t hug me or give me yummy treats. I need to keep this a secret, and Serah will never find out about what I did because this lizard is about to leave forever anyway. I think.

Suddenly I get nervous. What if the lizard leaves and I still haven’t gotten my magic back? What if Serah finds out about what I did anyway? What if Landi zaps me for breaking the contract and they kick me out?

What if I’m left all alone again?

No! I can’t let that happen!

>point to "magic", "mistake", then point to yourself, point to "help", and point to him.

I point to the words that look like the mental image of those words you so helpfully sent to me. The lizard scratches his crest. “Are you saying my memory loss is magic-related? That would make sense.”

I nod and hold out my paw, and gesture for him to lower his head. Maybe I can try and feel out if there’s any leftover magic in his memory.

He lowers himself from the wagon and I touch his head. I can feel the ashen remnants of my spell from a few days ago. It’s faint, but familiar. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to fan those dying embers.

My magic responds to my intentions, and glimpses his exploded memories light up like a mosaic of shattered glass. I see pictures of tiny hatchlings. Hear sounds of delight and happiness. Smell smells of fresh-cooked meals. Feel the warmth of a scalding hot dragoness hug. But it’s all fragmented, incomplete, lying in pieces.

“That’s my family,” the lizard breathes. “This gem is for my wife, isn’t it? If only I could remember how to reach her. She’s north. But where?”

I try and jumble the pieces of his memories together again, but it’s useless. I have no idea how to make his memories whole again.

Dotti 2021/05/15(Sat)20:28 No. 1000382 ID: 8483cf
File 162113571275.png - (59.66KB , 528x447 , Alone.png )

Suddenly I’m upset. Really upset. I pull back, turn away and wipe my eyes. Everything is so overwhelming. I can’t talk. I can’t write without your help, and I have no idea what the symbols even mean. I can’t even run home to my foxhole and live in the forest because I’m stuck like this.

If the lizard doesn’t remember where to go, he’ll never be able to live those good memories again. He’ll be alone. He won’t hear those squeals, won’t have any fresh-cooked meals waiting for him, and won’t have any hugs.

Just like me.

Why don't you give him a hug? You both need it.

>>1000382
Well I guess it's time for you to confront your feelings. You feel sorry for the lizard, beyond just doing something bad to a nice person or losing your mana from it. Why is that?

You seem to care a lot about close companionship seen in a family or close friendship, Dotti... all that talk and worry about him being alone, not getting to see his kids again, not having cooked meals or hugs, along with your worries about Serah kicking you out, I'm starting to think that you've felt exact feeling of loss before and maybe you're actually a lot more caring about the love that companionship brings than you are about caring about survival.

Now that I think about it, companionship seems like something you really enjoy, like you've had that level of companionship that lizard has with him family for a long time and then it just suddenly went away or something until you found Serah in your life... you did just say you didn't want to end up being alone again and not liking that feeling, implying you felt that for a long time considering you've only been with Serah a few days... it is making me wonder if you had some companions that were close to you in the past... is... that where you got that bow from when we first saw you popping out of that foxhole? from a friend or family member? That probably isn't something a wild animal would happen to have put on their head on their own since you can't dress yourself that well.

Maybe you feel sad for him because you know exactly how he would feel if he is alone. That feeling is empathy, and well... you feeling empathy? that is all part of being human, and I think you've took a very important step closer to becoming one.

Anyway, since humans have empathy, that means they can be forgiving. I'm sure Serah will forgive you if you just tell her the truth and you show that you're sorry for it. She'll be able to convince Landi to help the lizard for you I'm sure.

This is what it means to put yourself in his place. To know how he feels. What he is going through.

To understand him.

You wish to have place you belong.

He wishes to remember the place he belongs.

Reach out to him.

Make that wish happen.

Maybe share Jerky? perhaps some it's magic will help him?

Dotti 2021/05/19(Wed)21:14 No. 1001070 ID: 8483cf
File 162148405228.png - (235.98KB , 986x653 , Bow.png )

>it is making me wonder if you had some companions that were close to you in the past... is... that where you got that bow from when we first saw you popping out of that foxhole?

…My bow?

The most important thing to me in the whole world?

I remember.

>confront your feelings.

It hurts.

It hurts a lot, and I can’t stop the hurting.

I’ll never see her again.

There were monsters. Worse than monsters. Monsters eat your body. These… things devoured even more than that. Nothing they consumed could pass on. They just… ended.

She got caught. There was blood. A lot of blood. Too much blood.

I fought them.

I won. I don’t know if it was fast enough to matter.

I died alone, bloody, and surrounded by flames.

I never saw her escape. I never saw if she was consumed.

So I waited for her on the other side, and she never came.

So I came back.

And I waited.

She never visited my foxhole. The one she always visited. The one Landi and Serah crushed.

The more I remember, the more it hurts, and I can’t stop the tears. I can’t even focus on what’s around me.

So I won’t remember her. I can’t remember her. It hurts too much to think about how gone she might really be.

The food, the hugs, the warmth. It all hurts too much to think about.

I think there’s a hand on my shoulder, but I’m not sure. I’m crying too hard and it hurts and I can’t stop and I can’t breathe because it hurts

It's okay to cry. Let it all out. We don't need to talk about it if you dont want to.

But just know that there is a possibility that she is still out there. Just don't give up until the bitter end.

That arm that's on your shoulder, try to feel to where it is coming from to hug the source.

Don't let the pain and fear steal those precious memories from you.
The mighty fox spirit cannot let the possibility of loss keep her away from recalling all those good times.

What was her name?

>>1001070
There is a small hope. She might have survived, then found you while you were dead or saw you die, and didn't expect you to come back.

You need to talk about this. You're not just keeping her locked deep inside. You're keeping the monsters she faced locked inside with her.

They're still out there. Eating souls.

You want revenge? Then make sure some of them will never eat another soul again.

>>1001077
>They're still out there. Eating souls.

Dotti said she won against them before she died. She was a badass when she was alive. They are all dead I believe.

1/2 Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)12:28 No. 1002150 ID: 8483cf
File 162240292898.png - (84.21KB , 658x578 , Cryitout.png )

>Don't let the pain and fear steal those precious memories from you. The mighty fox spirit cannot let the possibility of loss keep her away from recalling all those good times.

It hurts to remember. It hurts so much.

>What was her name?

Petra.

I can’t stop crying.

I cry because I’m scared. Because I’m angry. Because nothing I try has worked. Because everything might be hopeless.

If she’s not out there, if she’s gone, if I didn’t save her soul from being eaten, then… what’s the point? Why am I even here?

I’m alone.

>There is a small hope. She might have survived, then found you while you were dead or saw you die, and didn't expect you to come back.

I have to hope that’s what happened. I have to. I have to.

>They're still out there. Eating souls.

The things are deader than dead. I made sure of it before I died.

Hehe. Knowing that feels really nice.

2/2 Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)12:29 No. 1002151 ID: 8483cf
File 162240295809.png - (58.75KB , 491x538 , Bribery.png )

I hear the guard and lizard guy talking. I don’t care what they’re saying.

The lizard guy pats me on the head.

It makes me feel a little better.

“I don’t know why you’re upset, little fox,” the lizard guy says, “But we’re going to make it all better. Just show me what you need. I’ll do my best to understand.”

I sniffle. He really is a good person.

There’s only one thing I can do. I have to take him to Landi, even though I’m forbidden from bothering her today.

I point in the direction of the adventurer’s guild. I’ll need to think of a way to get her to help without bothering her. Somehow. Maybe by giving her wine. And presents. And being nice?

…how do I even be nice to someone who wrecked the only connection I had to Petra other than my bow?

Well, you could bring mister lizard to Lady Kesington, try to explain the problem, and then SHE can bother Landi about it.

>>1002155
Solid plan. I mean, she is scheduled at 2 to provide Serah emotional support anyway. What time is it right now?

>If she’s not out there, if she’s gone, if I didn’t save her soul from being eaten, then… what’s the point? Why am I even here?

>I’m alone.

You have Serah. She's been nice to you. Maybe not as well as Petra, but she will warm up even more to you in time.

Suggestion 2021/05/30(Sun)15:27 No. 1002159 ID: 7d2ae6

Thank you for telling us your friend's story, we will not forget this kindness.

Motion to the folk in the caravan for more writing paper. Writing out what happened to the lizard might actually help him remember.

1/2 Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)15:58 No. 1002161 ID: 8483cf
File 162241549119.png - (170.93KB , 732x907 , Hellothere.png )

>Well, you could bring mister lizard to Lady Kesington.
>You have Serah. She's been nice to you. Maybe not as well as Petra, but she will warm up even more to you in time.

No one is as nice as Petra. NOBODY.

Serah doesn’t understand me. Serah thinks she knows what’s best. Well, only I know what’s best for me. How could Serah understand what it’s like to be me? What I need to do? Why wasting food is the worst thing imaginable?

But… if I can communicate to Serah, maybe she can begin to understand.

I need to learn to write. You need to teach me. Don’t play any tricks on me- I need you all to teach me how to read and write. The signs aren’t magic, I understand that now. But I need to know how to use them.

Short of turning into a full human and learning to talk, reading and writing is the best chance I have to find if Petra is still out there. I need your help, spirits. Please. Teach me.

>What time is it right now?

Based on what Serah taught me about clocks, it’s 12:30 right now. It’ll take us probably a half-clock-turn to get back to the guild. So we have time to get to Serah and still make my favor.

I tug on the lizard man’s arm. He seems to understand.

“This caravan isn’t scheduled to leave until tomorrow, yes?” the lizard says. The guard nods. “Then my passage is still secure. I will be back before we depart.”

“Great,” the guard says. “Just don’t bring the fox back. I don’t need her making another scene.”

I sniffle. He’s mean. I don’t feel like coming back anyway.

As we walk back to the guild, the lizard person shares a fresh biscuit. It’s soft, delicious, full of butter. I knew he was good.

I don’t know what to say to Serah, or how to tell her what I did. I don’t have any space on my sign, and there aren’t any scraps of paper lying around. Maybe I can borrow some of Serah’s? She always has lots of paper.

I guide the lizard man to Serah’s lab. The door is locked. No! I’m so close! I knock on the door urgently.

“What is it?” a very anxious Serah voice calls out from the other side. “I’m very busy in here!”

I knock again. And again. And again. It’s important!

“Is the world ending or something?” Serah says from the other side of the door. She opens it and looks down at me. “Oh! Dotti! Uh… and guest?”

I point at my sign and use the words you taught me. Magic! Mistake! Magic! Magic! Mistake!

“What happened?” Serah says warily. She straightens up. She’s taller than the lizard person. It’s kind of cool. “I’m afraid we haven’t met, sir. My name is Lady Serah Kensington. Did something happen here that I’m not aware of?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lady Kensington.” The lizard bows. “I would share my name with you, but I appear to have misplaced it, along with my other memories. Your ward has generously offered her assistance.”

“You lost your name?” Serah pauses. “Oh. Oh, dear. Dotti, is this what you were talking about? Some kind of magical mistake?”

I nod.

“…Did you have anything to do with this mistake?”

I look at the floor and whimper.

2/2 Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)15:59 No. 1002162 ID: 8483cf
File 162241556748.png - (105.58KB , 815x533 , Diagnosis.png )

Serah sighs. “I can’t believe this. Even without your magic, you’re causing accidents and erasing people’s memories? I had no idea you would be so much trouble, Dotti.” She rubs her temples.

“I don’t have the faintest idea of how to recompense you, sir,” Serah says to the lizardfolk. “I’ll need to bring in a consultant. Please wait while I go find her.”

Serah directs us to the common area of the guild and disappears.

“Your Lady appears to be in distress,” the lizard says.

I nod.

“Let us not trouble her long, then.”

I sigh.

Serah brings Landi out and I instinctively bare my teeth. This is gonna get ugly, I can feel it.

“Oh, great. I shoulda known you were behind this, fuzzball,” Landi says icily. “You can’t help yourself, can you? Well, let’s get a look at what you’ve done now.”

I growl. Landi’s mean and I hate her, especially if she’s right.

Landi flits in front of the lizard person. “Wow! What a mess you’ve got going on upstairs! What the fuck happened to you, long, tan and scaly?”

“I’m not sure,” the lizard says, “But I appear to have lost my memories.”

“I can feel that. Your aura feels like somebody smashed it to pieces and jumbled it up on the floor.” Landi flaps her wings in disbelief. “I’m honestly afraid to fly near you. I might get cut on all these sharp, jagged edges you’ve got flying around in your headspace. They sound like swords swinging and clanging and slicing and dicing. Ugh.”

“So what does that mean, exactly?” Serah says.

“He’s got all the pieces up there,” Landi replies. “I think somebody just did the magical equivalent of smashing his memories with a sledgehammer. Memories are tough, though, so they just shattered. Nothing’s really destroyed so much as it’s, uh, in lots of little pieces. In theory, he should be able to piece it back together himself, if he knows how to do it.”

I let out a peal of excitement.

Everybody looks at me funny.

I slap my hands to my mouth.

“Is there any way we can help him do that?” Serah looks to Landi.

“Yeah, actually,” Landi says. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Give him the picture of what the complete picture looks like, and he’ll have it done ten thousand times faster.”

“A complete picture of memories?” the lizard says. “I believe I know what you are referring to.”

“Oh, he’s a smart one,” Landi says.

“What do you mean?” Serah asks.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Landi crows. “It’s his name. Names have power.”

Oh no.

Ohhhhhhh no.

I have no idea what his name is. It just wasn't important enough to remember.

Why are other people suddenly so important????

You know, his wife and kids might know. Can you figure out where they are? Isn't there anybody here who might recognize him from a shared adventure? Maybe a priest from his order at their local chapel?

Alrighty, don't panic, Dotti, this can be solved. It could be likely that there is someone here in town that knows this lizard.

Right now, I need you to remember where you first met this adventurer before you erased his memory. Examples: When you met him, was he going in a specific direction or place before you stopped him and had him help you? Do you know where he was coming from when you found him? Was he with anyone or just got done talking to someone? Did he mention a specific place or person?

Basically tell me in details the events from when and where you met him, and before you wiped his memories. We might find a clue to somebody who might know this guy's name.

Just don't give up, Dotti!

>>1002162
It's looking more and more likely you, maybe the whole group, are going to have to go with him up to see his family. That is, unless you can look through his memories again to find his name. Hmm, I wonder if he was staying here? He would have to sign his name in a book somewhere in that case.

You want to learn to read and write? Well, I'm not sure how long we can communicate with you, so Serah might be a more suitable teacher. Try asking her for something to write on via gesturing as if you're writing on something, and write this:
"Please teach me to read and write, spirits are helping me right now" which means:
please teach me to read and write, spirits are helping me right now.

Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)17:36 No. 1002172 ID: 8483cf
File 162242141722.png - (89.63KB , 566x630 , ScaredSerah.png )

Please don’t ask me his name, please don’t ask me his name, please don’t ask me his name…

“Dotti? Do you know his name?” Serah asks me.

Nooooooooooooo

I shake my head sadly.

“Figures,” Landi says. “She’s total dead weight. As usual.”

That’s mean! Landi’s mean! My life would be so much better if I were allowed to eat her! I growl at her.

>Basically tell me in details the events from when and where you met him, and before you wiped his memories. We might find a clue to somebody who might know this guy's name.

I mean… he was looking for where to get a a nice big gem mounted when I ran into him and mind whammy’d him. For his anniversary, I think?

Oh! Oh! We can ask the artisans! Of course they’ll remember the lizard guy’s name! I run up and pull on the haversack under his robes.

“What are you… oh! I understand,” the lizard says. He pulls out a giant ruby. It’s mounted inside gold filigree and polished to an insane degree. It’s very sparkly. “Will this help at all?”

“WOW,” Landi breathes, looking at the beautiful gem. “Wowowowowow…”
“Yes, that will help a great deal!” Serah puts a hand to her chin in thought. “There has to be someone who made that mounting. But…

“If my charge- that’s you, Dotti- had a hand in losing your memory, then I am honor-bound to assist you in retrieving it,” she says. “I currently have reagents ready for a test transmutation that must be started within the next hour. Dotti is… uh… required for the procedure. After that, as my second favor, I hereby require Dotti to help you retrace your footsteps, sir, from before you lost your memory and find any traces of your name.”

“Hope you like exercise, fuzzball!” Landi taunts.

“Landi, you will assist Dotti and make sure she does not get into trouble.”

“What?! Why me?!”

“Why you? Because I have to watch over my transmutation for the next few hours. That, and I expect Dotti will be no trouble,” Serah says. “After all, Dotti is bound to not bother you for the rest of the day, isn’t she?”

I drop my jaw. But… but I hate Landi! This isn’t fair! Landi will tell people I’m a bad and evil fox spirit, and they’ll believe her because I can’t talk back!

>You want to learn to read and write? Well, I'm not sure how long we can communicate with you, so Serah might be a more suitable teacher.

I run into Serah’s alchemy lab, leaving everyone behind.

“Stop!” Serah shouts. “Dotti, what are you doing?!”

She chases me into the lab. There’s a lot of strange-smelling stuff boiling and bubbling, but I don’t care about that. I just grab the paper and start writing.

“Dotti, you can’t be so careless in here! This is dangerous!” Serah spies me writing on her notes. “My notes! You’ve written all over them!” She does a double-take. “Wait. You’ve… written all over them?”

>"Please teach me to read and write, spirits are helping me right now"

“What on Earth…” She looks at me. Her eyes go wide and takes a step back. “Spirits? You’re possessed by spirits?”

I shake my head. No! I’m the one in charge. Ugh! I reach for the paper, but Serah pulls it away.

“Dotti, please just stay there for a second.” Serah says nervously. “You’re scaring me.”

But.. I didn’t want to scare her. I just… I just wanted her to… I just wanted her to understand me.

Ugh, that's racist.
Okay Dotti, just... sit on the floor and let her scan you. She's not going to panic and try to murder you over a few voices in your brain... right?

>>1002172
Well just do what she says then, so she can do whatever she needs to do to stop being scared.

Now is a good time for Dotti to learn all the letters in the written language.


.....

.....

Say, what language are we speaking, again?

>I just wanted her to understand me.
She will. It'll just take time.
Try to be cute. Or sad. Or both. It'll help.

If you get a bit of paper, you just have to write a little bit.

"Have to use words. Please."

Dotti 2021/05/30(Sun)22:34 No. 1002199 ID: 8483cf
File 162243925867.png - (85.25KB , 500x500 , Contract.png )

>Try to be cute. Or sad. Or both. It'll help.

I put on my best cute face. I even cry a little bit. Serah has to trust me. She has to!

Serah is looking at me with a look even worse than before. She’s scared. Really scared. And suspicious.

This doesn’t make any sense. I’m cute and powerful! Why isn’t this working?!

…Or, I was powerful. And I’m still cute, but Serah doesn’t care. Somehow I’ve scared her too much to get her to let her guard down.

>If you get a bit of paper, you just have to write a little bit.

I think about reaching for more paper, but Serah told me not to move. I don’t know what to do.

I just have to sit still and do what she says.

“Dotti, I want to trust you,” Serah says, “But you’re doing your best to be untrustworthy. And I don’t know how your spirits are helping you. Dotti, there’s so much about you I don’t know. And bad things just seem to keep happening when you’re around.”

She pulls a book from the shelf. I can’t read the words, but it’s a big one with a lot of similar-looking books surrounding it, like it’s part of a set.

“Landi!” Serah shouts. “Landi, I need your advice.”

I twitch.

Landi flies in at full speed, dodging plumes of smoke and noxious fumes. “Yes! I’m here! What did Dotti do this time?”

“She wrote a message on my notes.”

“Writing? Where did she learn to do that?” Landi asks.

“She says spirits are helping her.”

“Are you serious?” Landi sputters. “She’s talking to spirits and actually listening? Just following their advice? Who knows what they’ve been telling her!”

“I agree. My encyclopedia says…” Serah points at a page.

”All returned spirits retain a connection to the immaterial planes. Some returned spirts may commune with the dead, while others are more easily able to summon elemental forces associated with their passage. Exceptionally powerful spirits have been known to accomplish both.”

“Landi…” Serah puts her book down. Her voice is quiet, but I can still hear her. My hearing is very good. “Are we really talking to Dotti? What if a spirit of bloodshed took her over?”

“I’d probably feel her aura change if that happened,” Landi says in a hushed voice. “But does it really matter? She’s always wanted to eat me and do things that hurt people. I think the sprits are just encouraging her. Toying with her and having fun for their amusement, maybe helping when it suits them. There’s no knowing what kinds of spirits she’s been talking to, or what their intentions are. But there’s no way Dotti can actually read or write Alsatian on her own.”

“So if she writes anything down…” Serah’s voice trails off.

“Then we don’t even know if it’s Dotti choosing the words she writes,” Landi confirms. “Not even she knows what she’s writing.”

“This is so complicated,” Serah says, strain in her voice.

“She’s a fox spirit, Serah. Did you think she was some kind of pet?”

“Um… Do I have to answer that?”

“Well, she’s not!” Landi says, exasperated. “What kind of pet can summon otherworldly advice whenever she wants? Good AND bad advice?”

“I know! I know!” Serah says. “But this is still Dotti, right?”

“Yes, unfortunately.”

“Then that’s all I need.”

“What are you doing?” Landi asks.

“Dotti?” Serah speaks up.

I straighten my dress. I think about making myself as cute and giving her puppy eyes, but… I’m a fox spirit, not a pet. And I need to look Serah in the eye as an equal.

I straighten up and face her down with the pride of a spirit that’s conquered monsters, fire and death.

“I don’t like that look on her face,” Landi says under her breath.

“Dorothea, as my final favor for the day, you will answer this question truthfully with a nod for yes, and a shake of your head for no,” Serah commands. “If you were to regain your magic today, would you use it to cause harm in any way, shape or form to anyone in Minga, whether physical, financial or emotional?”

We can't answer this question for you, Dotti. I can't tell you to answer yes or not. All I can say is speak the truth. Serah will appreciate your honesty, even if you think the truth will hurt you.

All you, cutie.

Although, I hope she realizes the phrasing of that would include self defence.

I think Serah is asking if you're going to continue using your magic abusively. Like the way you used it before you lost it. Charming people to give you free things, blasting their memories apart so you can avoid embarrassment, or tormenting people you don't like, whether it's because you feel they wronged you or just because you don't like them.

I don't know the answer to that. Just remember where it got you. Drained of mana, half-transformed, and having hurt a legitimately good person. Also remember that you were able to accomplish a lot even without mana. We've proven you don't *need* your magic to survive in Minga, even if it's ultimately up to you if you use it for selfish reasons.

Your contract prevents you from telling a lie.
So tell the truth.

That's phrased very poorly.

There a lot of good ways to use it, like to protect people from killers. Also very vague.

However, there is also a loophole here.
The gestures are strictly for the choices she gave. If you have some other choice, like "maybe if I was assaulted", you are required to avoid either gesture. I suggest a tilt of the head to the side.

Listen everyone: give Sarah some amount of credit? She could be thinking that fox doesn't have to defend or punish, because she and other adventurers will do it for her. She's asking for a sign of trust, in a rather powerful way.

As starting offers go, it's not the worst. Magic, especially trickster magic, is well known for collateral damage. It's not unreasonable that people would over-protect themselves from it. In return, you have every right to negotiate. It would be a big step [spoiler](to Neutral Good in Alignment terms)[\spoiler] for you to be vulnerable and limited to an agent of pure positivity.

But consider accepting as is: 1) There's an out provided you don't get your powers today, 2) it guarantees that people would trust you, and 3) I can't think of a more effective way to prevent what happened to the paladin than this.

if the question is asking if you'd use your magic to cause harm today, the answer probably should be no. If the question is will you ever harm anybody in any way with your magic ever, that's not a question you can reasonably answer, but the answer would be more likely to be yes, or more accurately, you don't know and it's kinda impossible to say, but that's not an answer you can give right now.

Dotti 2021/06/01(Tue)21:39 No. 1002388 ID: 8483cf
File 162260876681.png - (171.32KB , 756x1184 , Liar.png )

>All you, cutie.

Yeah. This one’s all me. Being cute won’t be enough, though. I’m not some fancy noble girl raised in a castle full of devious people. I’m not a fairy that writes words into spells and forces people into contracts with arcane rules they don’t fully understand.

But my nose is good. My nose is real good.

And I smell a trap.

I have to answer truthfully. And if I were to get my magic back, the first thing I’d do is go out and make that baker bake me bread. Warm, fluffy rolls full of butter and sugar and cinnamon. The kind Petra used to make. I’d eat them all and fall asleep happy.

But Serah wouldn’t like that. She wouldn’t like that at all. She might not kick me out or break the contract, but she’d be upset. Maybe scared. She wouldn’t hug me, or share food with me, or be nice to me, or do things other than what the contract says: give me food, shelter and clothes. That’s it.

If I’m going to find Petra, I need to know how to communicate. There’s no guarantee I have enough magic to transform all the way into a human, so I have to hedge my bets and actually learn to read and write.

Serah could teach me. If she wants. I could force her to do it with my magic. If I’m mad at her, and she’s mad at me, maybe she won’t be emotionally close enough to me for me to get hurt by my own spell. Maybe. But that’s a short-term plan, and Landi would pick up on it right away. I’d never learn enough with just one, two, or even ten mind whammys. I need her to help me of her own free will.

And… I want her to like me.

I need her to like me.

Serah isn’t as nice as Petra. No one can ever be as nice as Petra was. But… Serah hugs me. She shares food with me. She protects me from Landi, sometimes.

I miss Petra. I miss her so much it hurts to think about. But when I’m around Serah, it hurts less, somehow.

Serah must know on some level what I did. But she’s not calling me out on it. She’s asking me for a truthful answer if I’d hurt people with my magic, even if it’s in self-defense, even if my life is in danger. The truthful answer is that if I got my magic back today, I’d kill anyone who threatens to hurt me. I’d burn them to ashes. I can’t go back to the spirit world until I’ve found Petra. I can’t die again.

But truthfully, that’s what I’d do if Serah hadn’t asked that question. I can make my own choices. I decide what I do. I decide if I live or if I die. I decide whether to hurt or help. But if I hurt people, I might get hurt too. I might lose more than my magic next time.

Serah’s question isn’t just a question. It’s asking if I’m willing to make a promise. A promise to never use magic to hurt anyone in Minga. I can accept, and take the risk that I’ll be hurt. Or I can decline, and Serah won’t trust me.

I don’t have to hurt people with magic if I’m threatened. There’s lots I can do to avoid harm without killing people.

There’s also lots of ways to hurt people without magic.

I realize that I’m the scared one now. Someone might try to kill me, and I’d have no way to fight back other than to run.

If I can’t hurt people, how can I teach people that I’m powerful and that they shouldn’t mess with me? How can I feel safe?

But…

The lizard paladin is lonely like me. I did that to him. He didn’t deserve it.

Maybe hurting people doesn’t always make me feel better.

I look up at Serah and shake my head no. If I get my magic back today, I won’t use it to harm anyone in Minga.

I know it’s true because I want it to be true.

“LIAR!” Landi shouts. She whips in front of me. “You’re twisting Serah’s words somehow. I don’t believe you!”

I look her in her big glowy ball. It hurts my eyes, but I don’t care.

“You liar! Liar! LIAR!” Landi shouts. “There is NOTHING worse than a liar!”

“If she’s lying,” Serah says, “Then use the contract’s magic. Zap her.”

My mouth drops open. Landi seems shocked too. Then I smile.

Maybe she doesn’t need to be a 100% good person… but she’d do just fine in the wild.

There’s a snapping noise, then sputtering. “Wha…” Landi gasps. Another snap, then a sputter. “I can’t… she’s… there’s no way. She’s telling the truth!”

I stick out my tongue.

“I don’t believe this,” Landi says.

“I do,” Serah says. She leans over and gives me a big hug. “That was very brave, Dotti. Thank you.”

I blink tears from my eyes. I want to cry, but I’m not sad.

I don't know what to do.

Climb on Serah's back and stay there for a few minutes.

Ah! tears of joy! that's what you're feeling. Another human emotion! It's okay to feel that way.

>>1002388
Well you can hug back for starters.

enjoy your victory! rub it in Landi's dumb face.

also take note! you can prove your better then people without having to hurt anyone!

Yes, hugs, smile, take a moment. Acknowledge and resist the temptation to gloat. Choose to continue act better than you had been acting in the past, despite the always present tempations otherwise.

Dotti 2021/06/02(Wed)19:09 No. 1002473 ID: 8483cf
File 162268618627.png - (84.53KB , 564x593 , ProudLeader.png )

I return the hug and forget the world outside Serah’s embrace.

The world is cold and harsh, but here, it’s warm and happy.

It’s a good feeling.

All too soon, there’s the piercing sound of a time-piece striking twice. Serah lets me go and examines her alchemy.

“Oh, dear,” Serah says. She grabs a lock of hair and twirls it between her fingers nervously. “Landi, could you please entertain our guest until Dotti is ready to join him?”

“Why?” Landi asks suspiciously. “Can’t I just take him to the jeweler’s myself?”

“Dotti should help him all the way through,” Serah says. “And I need her help here and now.”

“Okay!” Landi says. “I’ll go entertain him. Your orders, boss lady, not mine.”

A look of horror passes over Serah’s face and she moves to stop Landi, but another timepiece grabs her attention on the table, and she has to empty a boiling flask before it erupts.

“Oh no, oh no, oh no…” Serah moves hurriedly from table to table, checking levels and readings, plucking leaves from plants, pounding herbs, and doing lots of things that don’t really make a lot of sense.

I stay back.

Soon Serah gets a moment to breathe, and she immediately wastes it.

“I can’t do this,” Serah whispers. “What was I thinking? What a waste of reagents this is going to be. Oh no, oh no… I’m going to make a mess!”

I tug on her sleeve.

“What is it, Dotti? I’m busy, and-“

I give her a hug.

Serah doesn’t return the hug. That’s okay. I can hug hard enough for the two of us.

“Dotti, this is very nice, but I need to be able to move.” Serah hesitates for a moment. “Can you just stand here off to the side and let me pet you while I work?”

I look at her funny. Pet me? That sounds awfully close to treating me like a pet.

Should I let her?

Let her give you pets, you want attention and she's busy, think of it as part of learning how to be courteous a little bit.

receive pets!

>>1002473
Oh, she still partly thinks of you like the normal fox you were pretending to be when you met. Can you blame her? You were convincing. The charm magic helped of course.
Well you should still correct that misunderstanding. Shake your head and stand out of reach.

grown-ass humans pet each other all the time

Dotti 2021/06/02(Wed)19:50 No. 1002484 ID: 8483cf
File 162268864957.png - (91.06KB , 542x485 , Instantregret.png )

>Shake your head and stand out of reach.

Yeah! I’m not a pet. Even Landi agrees with that!

But … headpats still feel good.

>Receive Pets
>Receive Pets

I’m still not convinced. I shouldn’t let Serah think I should be treated like a pet.

>grown-ass humans pet each other all the time

Decision made!

I nod and allow Serah to pet me.

Her headpats are nice. She’s calm. I’m calm. Everybody’s happy.

But then she gets nervous again and GOES RIGHT FOR MY EARS

My favor is to provide her with emotional support at 2:00. The timepiece rang 2:00. Serah is in need of emotional support

BUT SHE’S PINCHING MY EARS

try to get her to go for the itchy spot behind your ears.

Uh maybe you can divert her by holding her hand instead?

>>1002484

Bothering an animal's ears is emotional support. You are doing a very good job!

It's okay to yelp in pain to let Serah know she's hurting you, Dotti. I know you need to be emotional support, but sometimes, a friend needs to know if they're hurting you, otherwise they'd take advantage of your hospitality. Serah will understand if you let her know with a yelp, she's your friend too after all.

Quick, wiggle your butt uncomfortably!

Yelp when she does something physically uncomfortable, and then gently take her hand and place it where it is actually okay to pet you. Humans that are very close groom and pet and are affectionate to one another, and an important part of that is clearly communicating and enforcing boundaries!

Dotti 2021/06/03(Thu)20:14 No. 1002583 ID: 8483cf
File 162277645798.png - (361.03KB , 800x800 , Fire.png )

>Bothering an animal's ears is emotional support. You are doing a very good job!

I REGRET EVERYTHING

>Humans that are very close groom and pet and are affectionate to one another, and an important part of that is clearly communicating and enforcing boundaries!
THIS ISN’T AFFECTION THIS IS HORRIBLE

>Serah will understand if you let her know with a yelp, she's your friend too after all.

I resist the INCREDIBLY STRONG NEED to let out a yowl. This is a favor and I need Serah to like me… But is it really worth this horrible pinchy ear mauling? If this was anyone else I’d burn them to tiny tiny bits and feel REALLY GOOD.

Enough is enough! I bat at her pinchy hands and make her move them away and scratch me behind the ears.

Much better.

That wasn’t so bad. And I don’t even feel like setting Serah on fire, which is a surprise. If anyone else had done that, they wouldn’t have hands to try it again.

Serah jumps back into her work, occasionally giving me a pat on the head and scratching behind my ears. She seems a lot calmer now. She’s got some kind of rhythm going: check the flasks, write some notes, mix things up, then pat my head.

I start to notice some of the stuff start to shimmer. Serah gets really excited for a second and writes a lot of stuff down. Good for her! It’s not very exciting, but it’s pretty. If it’s not on fire, it’s not real magic.

Real magic… real magic is so much better than this. Real magic gets me what I want. If I want something dead, it’s dead. If I want someone to do something for me, they do it. If I want to become person, I’m person. Simple!

But I don’t have enough magic to do that yet, and burning stuff and mind whammying people doesn’t make Serah happy. I need to keep Serah happy in order to teach me to read and write and give me hugs and stay away from my ears. When she’s unhappy, she pinches my ears. That’s VERY BAD.

Oh! Serah’s an adventurer. I can set monsters on fire! She’d be happy with that. But I can’t do that to people when we’re in Minga.

Even if I get my magic back, what good is it if Serah doesn’t want me to hurt people?

Should I try new stuff with magic other than burning and whamying? That would feel pretty weird.

Wait, what can I even do with my magic if I get it back?

>>1002583
Yeah you're probably gonna want to figure out new things to do with your magic. Once you can read and write you could get advice from the weird wizard?
One thing I can think of that you could use in Minga is invisibility. That'd be very useful in case you get threatened again. Maybe you can learn some kind of magic that's beneficial to others, too?

>I can't use magic to hurt people
You could use magic to protect butchers who ''want'' to hurt people. That's pretty much what you did when you fought and killed those wolves. Technically you didn't harm anything with your magic but it still resulted in their deaths.
More importantly, you can help Serah build things with magic that can hurt people or help you.

Oh! I know what you can do with your magic!

You can be a hero!

Think about it, if you save people's lives and help them with your magic, they will love you and give you gifts! Plus you can even burn bad guys like monsters with your magic, just like how you fought against monsters trying to hurt Petra!

>>1002590

This suggestion seems neat!
Maybe you can use your fire magics to just make things hotter around some people to make them uncomfortable, not actively attacking or hurting them, but it puts them off their game!

maybe you could make fire that doesn't burn people but burns everything else. Then you could unleash big-ass swathes of fire to burn up monsters and stuff but leave people unharmed.

Dotti 2021/06/04(Fri)19:48 No. 1002642 ID: 8483cf
File 162286130204.png - (77.01KB , 560x454 , Stupidgrin.png )

>You could use magic to protect butchers who ''want'' to hurt people.
>Maybe you can use your fire magics to just make things hotter around some people to make them uncomfortable, not actively attacking or hurting them, but it puts them off their game!
>maybe you could make fire that doesn't burn people but burns everything else.

I like fire. I like it a lot. It’s warm and cozy and makes bad things scream. Like me!

But the difference between me and fire is that fire likes to share. It wants to share with everybody, so it spreads and spreads.

Maybe I can make fire that just looks dangerous, but doesn’t catch stuff or people on fire? Like fake fire! Yeah! That sounds great!

>Invisibility

Ooooh that sounds fun and super useful! I should learn how to unvisible.

>You can be a hero!

What’s a hero?

>You save people's lives and help them with your magic, they will love you and give you gifts!

I like this idea! People should give me more gifts. All I have to do is save their lives? People die a lot. There should be lots of chances for me to get gifts!

I’m daydreaming while Serah is making notes. She seems happy because she’s not pinching my ears anymore.

“Okay,” Serah breathes. “Okay, just… just leave it be for a few hours and make sure the temperature doesn’t go haywire…”

I look at the stuff she’s examining. It’s a flask of gray goo. Boring.

“Thank you, Dotti.” Serah smiles. “You were a great help.”

Yeah! I was!

“You should go help your lizard friend find his name.”

Yeah! I should!

“Go on,” Serah says. “I’ll stay here and watch my transmutation. I’ll be fine.”

Okay! I nod and scamper out the door. Magic, here I come!

I run into the guild hall and see Landi and lizard paladin guy laughing their heads off. There’s three wine bottles lying empty on the table.

“Oh! I got one!” Landi says. “What do you call two lesbians in a closet?”

“I don’t know,” the lizard paladin says.

“A liquor cabinet!”

More laughs.

I take a moment and think about it. Liquor is water that makes people stupid and happy, like Landi. Lesbians are girls who like to mate with girls. So why’s it funny?

Oh. Lick. It sounds like lick-er! Lick! Ha! I let out a bark of laughter.

Landi and lizard person stop and stare at me.

I cover my mouth. Stupid fox noises…

“Oh. It’s you,” Landi says. “Hey! I have an idea! For my second favor of the day, make us laugh! Come on, foxy! You can do it!”

Uh….

>>1002642
Try a silly face!
I wonder if mr lizard is ticklish.

Well, she asked for it!

Tickle Landi!

Dotti 2021/06/04(Fri)20:20 No. 1002645 ID: 8483cf
File 162286325474.png - (61.24KB , 406x500 , Tickletickle.png )

I can’t tell jokes, but I can do another thing… I pounce!

TICKLE ATTACK! I tickle her with my paw beans and get her good!

“AHH!” Landi squeals. “THE BEANS! NOT THE BEANS! AHAHA! AHH!”

“Beans?” the lizard paladin asks. “What beans?”

These beans! He’s wearing a cloak, but I get him under the chin as he’s sitting. He lets out a chuckle.

Mission accomplished! Only one favor left! Hopefully Landi doesn’t remember it.

Now that that’s over with, I need my magic! Come on, come on lizard guy! Time to get your name! I tug on his arm and try to pull him along outside. We need to get you to the jeweler’s!

“Slow down, fox girl,” the paladin says. “I’m not very sssteady right now.”

So he hisses when he’s drunk? Weird. Oh well. Keep tugging!

“Hey! We’re not done here yet! Is there any wine left?” Landi asks. “We drank all three? Oh sweet! Great pregaming! Let’s hit the town!”

---

We eventually (much later and with much stumbling) arrive at the jeweler’s that probably gave the lizard guy the mounting for his gemstone. There’s only two in Minga, but of course we picked the wrong one first. LAME! I pound on the door. LET ME INNNNN

“What’s this? You’re back already?” a voice calls out. “I would have thought you’d be headed north for your anniversary!”

HE KNOWS LIZARD GUY!!!

“I have been delayed,” Lizard guy says. “By good drink and good company. An excsellent delay.”

“Indeed,” the voice from the other side of the door says. “But what brings you back here, Sir…”

COME ON SAY IT

WHAT’S HIS NAME

Magic Swanson VI

Sir Waddilous XI, Descendant of the King of Pop'ar.

Barnebar Granola

Sherby Clowder

And his loving wife
Mai-Wei Ortahiwae

Suddenly, theives show up before thw jewler says his name! OH NO!

>>1002645
Alexander Anderson

But seriously...
Jekesson Terrorscale. He took his wife's last name.

Dotti 2021/06/05(Sat)01:06 No. 1002657 ID: 8483cf
File 162288039895.png - (100.27KB , 695x744 , IRemember.png )

“Sir Terrorscale, I trust the mounting has no flaws? Will it be to your wife’s liking?”

“That name.” The Lizard paladin straightens up. “That’s my name, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Jekesson Terrorscale. Have I confused you for another client? My apologies- I so rarely see lizardfolk paladins, I could easily have confused you for another-“

“I know that name.”

The air shifts around the lizard paladin. It grows warmer, heavier, softer. I smell oak and moss, mushrooms and soil, the dampness and warmth of a freshly dug den. And something else, too: the faintest hint of cinnamon.

It’s home.

“Whoa.” Landi settles down on a nearby barrel. “Nostalgia trip. Gimme a sec.”

I wonder what she’s feeling. Wine? Pixie stix? The scent of a long-lost mate? Maybe I’ll ask her later. Whatever it is, it’s knocked her stone cold sober.

“Sir Terrorscale? Is everything all right?”

“Everything is fine. Thank you, Elias. Mai will wear it with pride.”

“I am happy to be of service. Safe travels home, sir.”

“You are too kind.”

Jekesson turns to look at me, and I don’t know what to do other than look sorry, because it’s what I’m really feeling. He doesn’t even look mad at me. He’s nice, and forgiving, and he didn’t deserve what I did to him.

“I couldn’t see it before, Dotti, but now it’s clear to me.” Jekesson kneels down and looks me in the eye. “Kindness is a rare, special thing for you, isn’t it?”

I look down.

“There is so much good hidden within all our hearts, Dotti. If only you could see it.”

No. Petra is the only 100% good person I’ve ever met. No one can be like her. Not even Jekesson.

I gasp. Wait! If he’s got his memory back, then I’ve helped him! I should have my magic back! I hold out my paw and reach for the burning anger within.

Nothing.

Nothing?!

Well, then… I look Jekesson in the eye, RIGHT in the eye, and order him to scratch me behind the ears!

Still nothing.

I’m drained. My mana’s gone. I’m a burned-out husk. I’m empty inside. I’ll be stuck like this forever. Black, endless despair fills my body, weighing me down like tar on my fur. But suddenly, it’s washed away by a hand on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry you’re in so much pain.” Jekesson says. “I don’t know how to help. I don’t know if your wounds will heal. But where there is life, there is hope. Never give up on life, Dotti. You never have. Don’t start now.”

I’m not gonna cry I’m not gonna cry I’m not gonna cry…

I succeed in not crying as we walk back to the guild. Landi recovers herself a few minutes into the walk.

“Hey, Dots,” Landi says. “I’m, like, super sure you shattered lizard guy’s memories on purpose, but I can’t figure out why you’d bring this lizard guy back if you did. So… third favor time.”

Uh-oh.

“Nod is yes, head shake is no. Answer truthfully: do you regret whatever you did to Jekesson?”

I nod.

“Well, shit.” Landi blows air through her nose. “You’re a fuckin’ weird fox spirit, Dotti.”

I nod.

I try to make fire again, and again and again as we walk back. Dusk falls, we’re back at the guild, and I’ve totally, completely failed. Still no magic. I’m tired and hungry.

Serah’s waiting for us back at the guild with a plate of leg-of-lamb.

I give her a big hug.

Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

Spirits 2021/06/05(Sat)01:07 No. 1002658 ID: 8483cf
File 162288044049.png - (1.62KB , 458x397 , Spirit.png )

Night falls. Dotti has gained ANGER, MANIPULATION and COMPASSION.

DOES DOTTI DESERVE MAGIC?

>>1002658
Yes. But slowly. See if she learns some finesse when burdened with a limited mana pool.

Dotti definitly deserves magic! she was a good fox!

Not... that kind of magic.
[Unlock Chi-Casting]
There. Make yourself people.

No. Much fear I sense in her. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to the dark side.

>>1002659
This

When trying to cast, she specifically tried to tap into her anger to cast fire, and seemingly something else to use mind control. If the use of true magic is bound to emotions, then I'd like to see her forced to tap into her compassion. Hatred isn't the only thing that can fuel fires, after all.

>>1002688
Ineed. She needs a little more time

Dotti 2021/06/05(Sat)17:33 No. 1002706 ID: 8483cf
File 162293959713.png - (192.29KB , 970x649 , DragonHouse.png )

The leg-of-lamb is hot, juicy, and mixed with all kinds of exciting spices. When I focus, I can taste each one by itself. It’s like going hunting for flavors!

“I’m very glad you were able to regain your memory, Sir Terrorscale,” Serah says. “I must say, I had no idea you were knighted.”

“Please, call me Jek,” the lizard paladin says. “And technically, I am no knight … but being married to Madame Terrorscale does come with a slight bump to one’s social standing.”

“Don’t diss the dragon’s boy toy!” Landi laughs. “Hey Serah, you ever heard of Mai Terrorscale?”

“Yes, actually,” Serah says. “My father made sure to familiarize me with all the regional power players. I think Mai herself is treated as a both a Marquis and Général de brigade.”

“So she’s got an army of big beefy lizard dudes like Jek?” Landi whistles. “Nice!”

“Landi,” Serah smiles, “She is the army.”

“Oh.”

“My wife is as deadly as she is beautiful, true,” Jek says, “But her claws are quite full taking care of our hatchlings. I should return to her and see how she fares. I expect two more are ready to leave the nest, so to speak. I should see them off.”

“Oh! You’re leaving so soon?”

“The caravan leaves tomorrow, so yes,” Jek sighs. “Though I do wish I had a better recollection of how to get home. I suppose I will put it all together on the way there. The journey will take at least two months, and I shall have plenty of time to recall exactly how to find our lair. It’s quite well-defended.”

“As it should be,” Serah says. “I would imagine your wife does not want adventurers knocking on her door.”

“She is quite able to defend herself,” Jek says fondly. “But why should she make things easy? I seem to recall that even if I knew the exact way home, it is quite difficult to scale the pass safely. I will need to-”

“I’m sorry,” Serah interjects. “Are you saying your life is at risk because your memories haven’t fully returned?”

“Well, yes, but I’m sure I can manage the journey. I’m hardly defenseless.”

“The mountains are cold and hazardous. I can’t imagine the journey is easy for a lizardfolk.”

“The reward is worth it.”

“Ha!” Landi giggles madly. “I’m sure it is!”

Serah toys with a lock of hair. “The caravan is leaving tomorrow. My transmutation can be put on hold indefinitely, if necessary. The intermediary is stable. Nothing has gone wrong yet. I can leave it if I have to. But for months? That would drain my finances. Again. Raelynn is a ranger, she would likely be able to find the pass you’re talking about. We would need her help, too.”

“Road trip?” Landi asks excitedly. “Road trip!”

“Please do not risk your lives and livelihood, such as it is, on my account,” Jek says. “I assure you, I will be fine.”

I tune back in after finishing my leg-of-lamb. Are we going to see a dragon? That sounds scary. And not cool. Petra isn’t a dragon! This isn’t how I’ll find her. I can’t go!

“Think about how grateful Mai will be to have her husband back safe and sound,” Landi says. “How good would it have to have a dragon in you back pocket?”

“Madame Terrorscale is in no one’s pocket,” Serah says. “And I’m not entirely sure she’d be very happy to see all of us.”

Everyone looks at me.

Uh-oh.

Is the dragon not going to like what I did to Jek?

“Dotti regrets the accident,” Jek says. “She helped make things right. Without her help finding my name, I would surely have had a much more difficult time returning home. I would certainly have missed our upcoming anniversary. I will convince Mai that Dotti is penitent.”

But I was the one who did this to him in the first place! AAAAAAHHHHH

“Are you sure you can convince her?” Serah says. “She isn’t named, well, Terrorscale for nothing.”

“Road trip!” Landi claps gleefully. I glare at her. She wants me to get eaten!

I have a feeling it doesn’t matter how cute and powerful I am. I’m still gonna get eaten by a dragon!

PLEASE HELP ME CONVINCE SERAH TO STAY HERE IN MINGA

>>1002706
I'm sure it will be fine. If Jek doesn't want you dead, his wife won't kill you. She might punish you somehow but you'll survive.

More importantly, dragons have a lot of resources. During the journey you will either be able to complete your transformation and gain the ability to talk, or Serah will teach you how to read and write. Either way, you will be able to ask Mai Terrorscale for help finding Petra.

Dotti 2021/06/05(Sat)18:39 No. 1002717 ID: 8483cf
File 162294354127.png - (472.76KB , 1050x1000 , DottiTopic.png )

You can’t say that! I’m gonna get eaten! Come on, spirits! Help me! Please! Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

“I swear on my honor that I will convince my lovely wife, of Dotti’s remorse,” Jek says. “Mai is strong-willed and proud, and will certainly not be happy. But I promise that Dotti will be under my protection.”

“Thank you, Jek.” Serah says. “And as one sworn to me has harmed you, however it may have happened, I swear on my honor that I will see you safely to your home.”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

END OF THREAD 3: Lazy Fairy and the Fox Spirit

Who Will be the POV of the Next Thread?

1. Moonshine, a.k.a Landi, a Fairy
2. Lady Serah Kensington, Heir Countess of Kensington, a Human Alchemist
3. Dorothea, a.k.a. Dotti, a Fox Spirit
4. Raelynn, a Wood Elf Ranger
5. Jekesson “Jek” Terrorscale, a Lizardfolk Paladin

Thread will remain open for one week to count votes.

Raelynn's turn!

Jek (or Serah)

Raelynn

Lizard paladin

If Raelynn is going to see the dragon too, let's follow her.

>>1002717
Raelynn needs some serious help. Possibly from a therapist. We can at least get her on the road to recovery though.

I wanna get all up in Raelynn's fucked up elf brain.

We may not have another chance to probe jek's mind. But I like how we've gone in order of party so far. raelynn!

4. Raelynn, a Wood Elf Ranger
Everyone shall have a turn at POV