"I can't believe we're eating soup again," Azazel grumbled. "Didn't you promise something special for tonight?"
Kaela raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting mischievously. "It is special! I added extra seasoning this time." She paused, sniffing the soup, and made a face. "At least, I think it's special."
Azazel sighed, rolling his eyes. Shadow let out a soft bark, as if chuckling at their banter. The moment felt peaceful, almost too quiet, and Azazel was about to mention it when a wailing noise drifted from the lake, chilling them to the bone.
"Oooooooooh…"
Kaela's hand froze mid-stir. "Did you hear that?" she whispered.
Azazel stood, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "Yeah. And I don't think it's just the wind."
The wailing grew louder, echoing off the water. Shadow leapt to his feet, fur bristling. Azazel gave Kaela a look. "Stay close."
They cautiously approached the mist-shrouded shoreline. The lake's surface was like glass, except for the occasional ripple that spread, as if something unseen had brushed the water.
"Ooooooohhh, why is it always meeeeee?"
The voice was both mournful and dramatic. Azazel squinted through the fog, gripping his sword tightly. "Come out!" he commanded. "Show yourself!"
From behind a large boulder near the water's edge, a ghost floated into view. He wore a faded, spectral vest and trousers, and a translucent fishing pole dangled from his hand. His face was crumpled in distress, and his entire form shimmered with an ethereal light.
Kaela gasped. "It's… it's a ghost!"
The ghost looked at them, surprised. "Oh, hello there!" he said, wiping his spectral eyes. "Sorry for the wailing. I'm just terribly upset."
Azazel and Kaela exchanged bewildered glances. "You… you're not here to haunt us, are you?" Azazel asked, half-lowering his sword.
The ghost shook his head vigorously. "Oh, heavens no! I'm Wilfred. Wilfred the Fisherman." He sighed deeply. "I've lost my favorite fishing hat, and without it, I just don't feel like… well… fishing. And fishing is all I do, even in the afterlife!"
Kaela's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're crying over a hat?"
Wilfred nodded, sniffling. "Yes, my dear! It's not just any hat—it's the one my beloved wife knitted for me! It's full of memories, and I won't be at peace until I have it back."
Azazel couldn't help but chuckle, despite the absurdity of the situation. "A ghost who needs help finding a hat. Well, that's a new one."
Wilfred's ghostly eyes brightened. "You'll help me? Oh, I knew you were good souls!"
Kaela crossed her arms. "Hold on. We didn't exactly agree—"
But Wilfred was already gesturing excitedly toward the lake. "I think the hat's somewhere in the water. It was windy last week, you see, and poof, it flew right off my head!"
Azazel groaned. "So you're saying we have to dive in and search for a ghost's hat in that freezing lake?"
Wilfred nodded, beaming. "Exactly! Oh, thank you, brave adventurers! You have my eternal gratitude!"
Kaela looked skeptical. "Eternal gratitude, huh? How about some ghostly treasure or magic as a reward?"
Wilfred scratched his ghostly head. "Well, I might be able to offer a blessing. But first, the hat!"
Azazel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
Shadow tilted his head and barked, clearly intrigued. Kaela patted Shadow's head. "Looks like our brave wolf is ready for a swim."
"Wait, Shadow?" Azazel shook his head. "You're kidding, right? He's not going to—"
Before he could finish, Shadow sprang forward, splashing into the lake with a playful leap. The wolf paddled in circles, barking happily, as if this ghostly mission were the best game he'd ever played.
Kaela laughed, holding her sides. "I think Shadow likes this idea."
Azazel groaned. "Of course he does." With a resigned sigh, he rolled up his sleeves. "All right, let's search."
He waded into the water, shivering at the cold, while Kaela stayed on the shore, giggling as Shadow sent sprays of water everywhere.
"Over there!" Wilfred called, hovering just above the lake's surface. "Near those reeds!"
Azazel squinted, trying to see through the mist. Shadow beat him to it, nosing through the reeds and coming up with something in his mouth. The wolf paddled back to shore, triumphant, and dropped the object at Kaela's feet. It was a soggy, old hat, covered in lakeweed.
Kaela picked it up, holding it between her fingers with a grimace. "This is… disgusting."
Wilfred's eyes lit up with joy. "That's it! My beautiful fishing hat!" He floated down, his ghostly hands reaching out. "Oh, thank you, thank you!"
Kaela handed over the hat, still looking skeptical. "I hope this was worth it."
Wilfred placed the hat on his head, beaming. "I feel complete again! Now I can fish in peace!" He raised his fishing pole in triumph. "And as promised, a blessing!"
He hovered over Azazel and Kaela, chanting words that echoed through the mist. A warm, golden light surrounded them, and they both felt a surge of energy.
Wilfred smiled. "May your path be clear, your hearts strong, and your adventures ever thrilling!"
Azazel couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Wilfred. I guess it was worth the trouble."
Wilfred tipped his hat to them. "Farewell, my friends! May we meet again in happier waters!" With that, he faded into the mist, leaving behind only the ripples on the lake.
Kaela plopped down on the ground, laughing. "We just helped a ghost find his fishing hat. This has to be the strangest quest yet."
Azazel sat beside her, shaking his head. "Strangest, but also kind of… nice."
Shadow came over, shaking water all over them. Azazel sputtered, wiping his face. "Ugh, Shadow! You're worse than the lake!"
Kaela laughed even harder. "You have to admit, it was a fun adventure."
Azazel smirked. "Yeah, but next time, you're the one diving in."
Kaela elbowed him. "Deal. But only if you cook dinner instead."