"Wow. You really know your way around here, Noctis."
Obviously, I do. I came here when I was Isis to absorb the dark mana.
"Well, just a stroke of luck. I heard about it."
The forest grew darker as Valac and Nico moved deeper, the trees thickening around them. Lav stayed snug against Valac's neck as he observed their surroundings.
Valac's gaze swept the forest floor, mentally noting small creatures scurrying away at their approach.
"Remind me again, why exactly did you tell Captain Cedric to catch a silver fox instead of focusing on actual monster waves?" Nico muttered, rolling his eyes as he carefully stepped over a root.
Valac huffed a quiet laugh, glancing back at him. "It's for my mother. To bring her a companion."
"Kyu!"
Lav chirped, his eyes glinting as he stared pointedly at Nico, though only Valac could see the little creature's reaction.
Yeah… Just like how I have you, Lav.
Nico shot him a mock glare. "You are so weird." He paused, watching Valac's careful steps. "You know, for a 'rumored drunk,' you seem pretty damn sober to me."
"Rumors are a mix of lies and truth," Valac replied smoothly, his gaze narrowing as something rustled in the underbrush. He slowed, signaling Nico to be silent.
Lav perked up, sniffing the air and letting out a soft hiss. "Kyu…"
Valac's heart leaped. He took a few careful steps forward, his eyes locked on the shadows shifting around the tree trunks.
Please god! Don't let it be a monster.
As they rounded a bush, a tiny creature darted out, silver fur catching the dim light filtering through the trees.
Valac blinked. It was… a baby fox, barely more than a bundle of fur and huge, curious eyes.
Silver fox!
Nico let out a low chuckle. "Well, you found your fox before Captain Cedric. It's about as threatening as a wet leaf."
"Less sass, more capture," Valac muttered, kneeling to coax the creature closer. Lav watched, his nose twitching as he observed the little fox.
"Hey, you're a cute one, aren't you?" Valac's voice softened as he extended a hand. He didn't expect this mission to include a fox that could fit in his palm.
"Lav, don't scare it," he murmured as the little dragon gave a disgruntled snort, unimpressed with the whole ordeal.
The fox tilted its head, letting out a tiny, hesitant yip before padding over to Valac's hand. He scooped it up, the creature's fur brushing against his fingers like silk.
Nico squinted at the fox, looking utterly unimpressed. "Please tell me we're not just babysitting this thing for the rest of the trip."
"Would you rather be dealing with monsters right now?" Valac smirked, securing the fox in a little pouch on his belt.
"Oh, absolutely not," Nico replied quickly. "I'm more than happy with babysitting."
They continued deeper into the forest, Lav occasionally flicking his tail as if in silent protest of Valac's new companion.
The air grew heavier, colder as they approached the heart of the forest.
"Okay, real question," Nico began, breaking the quiet. "You left all the soldiers with Cedric. What if we need back up?"
"Honestly, I don't trust anyone. I don't need dead weight. Also, no one knows I'm poisoned."
Nico raised an eyebrow. "With the way you are jumping around, no one will guess it either." He gave a low whistle. "Your family is real weird by the way. Remind me not to piss off anyone in your family tree."
Valac snorted. "They usually piss me off first."
Valac glanced back at the fox, feeling a strange sense of responsibility toward the tiny creature. "Besides, this little one here is probably safer with us than back in the outer regions. Who knows what Cedric will do since I only said to capture it alive."
"Good point," Nico replied, chuckling. "He's too big to be gentle."
They finally stepped into the heart of the forest as Nico stood stunned."What the hell! Is that divine mana?"
"Yep," Valac muttered under his breath. "Still be careful the fairies aren't very welcoming."
"Fairies? There are actual fairies here?"
"Yeah, fairies," Valac said with a smirk, watching Nico's expression. "Try not to look too stunned, or they'll start pranking you. They love a good laugh at the expense of newcomers."
Nico blinked, looking thoroughly offended. "Hey, I'm not a newcomer—I'm just...appreciating the view."
Valac chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Sure, whatever you say, 'seasoned traveler.' Just don't scream when they sprinkle you with dream pollen. Last guy I saw got knocked out for a full day."
They did have a lot of fun with Xandar.
Nico groaned. "Perfect. Nothing like a nap with a side of fairy dust." He scanned the clearing, stepping cautiously over a root that looked suspiciously like it was moving. "So, what do they want? Magic? Respect? Candy?"
"Mostly, they want you to leave them alone," Valac replied, carefully sidestepping a patch of glowing mushrooms.
Lav hissed, apparently aware of the fairy antics, and settled himself closer to Valac's neck like he was declaring his territory. "But a few compliments don't hurt."
"Kyu!"
Lav gave a snort of approval, his scales glinting in the dim light as if to say, I am the most important creature here.
Yes, you are important.
One of the fairies drifted closer, a tiny sprite with violet wings and a cheeky smile. She pointed a glowing stick at Nico, who raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, don't zap me! I'm just here to help this guy!"
The fairy narrowed her eyes. "Trespassers must pay a toll."
"Uh, what toll?" Nico asked, looking warily at Valac, who just shrugged, clearly amused.
She smirked. "Tell me a secret."
Nico blanched, then scratched the back of his neck, clearly flustered. "Uh, well...I may have a crush on the maid Valac sent to my Territory last time."
"Ooooooooh!"
"Stop it! Your turn." Valac laughed at Nico's face turning red as he turned to the fairy but before he could say anything the fairy interrupted him.
"Isis doesn't need to pay a toll. He's our savior."