While the morning started cool, that didn't stop the mid-afternoon sun's heat from beaming down onto Phera's buildings and citizens. The brick streets were baking just like the building roofs.

  Many of her people had retreated to their homes to find sanctity to avoid the sun's rays.

  This was the case for those who remained at the Riser estate.

  Inside, Roy sat next to his grandmother, Hellia, reading one of the many heroic tales that they had.

  Periodically, Igneel would try to pester the pair with his own adventures... but each time he ventured even remotely close to some of his more... exotic quests. However, before he could go into any detail, Hellia would swat him. Her weapon of choice was the thickest book she had within arm's reach. Roy would burst out laughing at the sight.

  Despite the cheerful atmosphere they created, throughout the day Lyn and Maryan would cross paths, whether it was them passing by each other in the kitchen or when Maryan would bring Lyn a stack of papers to look over.

  They would stand in an awkward silence. Trying to each other, they ended up speaking over each other. Their eyes wandered, trying to find look somewhere lese, only for their expressions to sour. Parting ways without a word being said.

  But while the Riser family enjoyed their time inside. A green outline appeared at their front door. A white cloaked elf, with a wooden blade at her side, practically leaped through. With a smile on her face, she reached out to the doorknob.

  "Lucina! What do you think you're doing?" The sudden call out forced her to look back at her mother, Lumara who was simply in awe after seeing the building after such a long time.

  Indigo however wasn't too pleased with the actions of his daughter as she was mere moments away from trespassing.

  "Come on Indigo. I haven't been here in years, so it's kinda hard to resist just barging in and seeing them again."

  "Hehe sorry Dad, it's just been over a month since I was here and I want to show Mis. Lyndis and Red, how much better I've gotten." Knocking on the door she awaited with an eager smile.

  When a minute or two passed and no one arrived, Lucina knocked on the door again. But this time with more force behind it.

  "Lucina!" Indigo shouted at her impatience, Lumara simply smiled at the both of them. Before he could lecture his daughter. The door opened and a smile appeared at the arrival of the small group.

  "Well I'll be damned, well this is a nice surprise." Hellia had a smile on her face. "It's been quite some time since I last saw the both of you."

  "Hey, Mis. Hellia, mind if I come on it?"

  "Sure, Roy is in the living room. I'm sure he'd love the surprise. But let's leave Lyndis alone for now, she has some work that needs to get done."

  With a nod and a pep in her step. Lucina dashed inside and she made her way to the living room.

  "Lucina, don't go running in someone else's house!" Indigo, with a deadpan expression, could only turn to Hellia and tried to apologize.

  "Don't worry about it. Lucina was dear last time. But pray tell, what brings you all here?"

  "I'm appalled Hellia," Lumara faked a teary-eyed look. "Do I need a reason to want to come see my childhood friend?"

  "I guess you're right, seeing another familiar face could be good for Lyndis. I assume everything in Eden is well?"

  "For the most part nothing is out of the ordinary," Indigo spoke this time. "The only thing of note even after Lyn's last visit was that monster sightings around have increased slightly but honestly the elder doesn't see it as an issue so most of us don't."

  "Well then how about we take this inside, I'd hate to leave our guests outside in the heat."

  —

  Even in the dark of the frozen night, her eyes could still see her target, a bald human who was a mountain of a man, the bandit king Yenma. The lights of several campfires bathed the camp in a warm orange hue that was reflected on the white snow.

  The bitter wind howled, the zoophian woman let loose a calm, steady breath that matched the draw of her bow. Her ears twitched and her crystal-clear eyes locked onto her target.

  'Stay calm Vasha, just breathe and take the shot.' Her inner was calm.

  The tip of her feline tail twitched against the snow as she lined up her shot. Watching from within the tree line Yenma shot up from his set, holding up a mug of booze speaking to his lackeys.

  Vasha released the arrow, piercing through the air, only for it to—

  "Hey, Roy! How've ya been?"

  Royal blue left the confines of the book only to meet sky blue. A bright gleam was formed in them at the sight of the friendly blond.

  "Lucina!" He practically leaped into a hug, one she reciprocated before the two separated. "What are you doing here ?"

  "What am I not allowed to come and visit?"

  "Well, this is a nice surprise little lady." Igneel's gruff voice pulled her attention. She was met with a single greeting hand wave, one she returned. "I take it my grandson is going to have his work cut out for him when he gets back?"

  "You bet he is!" Her hand caught fire, pumping a blue-flamed fist into the air. "I can't wait to show him and Mis. Lyndis how much better I've gotten!"

  Seeing the action she took, a boastful laugh escaped him as she seemed to mirror a similar action he often did.

  "So... you wanna join me? I just got to the good part." Holding up the book, grinning.

  The cover showed a cat-woman with white hair wandering through a snowy tundra. "Sure I love 'Arctic Shadow.' What did you think about the part when Vasha barely missed the shot on Yenma and had to lure him and his cronies into traps so she could pick them off one by one?"

  .....

  The excitement that permitted Roy sharply vanished, a look of disappointment took its place. The sudden change only left the girl confused by his sudden mood swing.

  "What's wrong?"

  "AAHHH! Come on!" With a sour groan, not even trying to his frustration, his royal blue bore into her azure blues. "Why did you do that? You're just like my brother!"

  Hearing his frustration, her voice became sheepish in an effort to apologize. "Well if you want we can jump to the next chapter when Vasha was tasked with hunting down a Thunderbird, oh, or the section she teamed up with—

  "Would you stop!!" Roy screamed, he was practically glaring at her. "I take back not like my brother, you're worse!"

  With a meek smile, Lucina simply ran a hand through her hair. A bellowing laugh came from the old man. Bowing her head slightly apologizing. "If you want, maybe we could start a different one?"

  "No, you kinda ruined the mood."

  "Oh, sorry... is Red outback?"

  "I hate to ruin your excitement but, Red isn't here, he's out with his father." The pair turned and while one had a smile return to his face, the other stood straight. Almost frozen as she made eye contact with a heterochromatic beauty.

  Standing before them Maryan was holding a new set of files.

  At the news of his absence, Lucina joined Roy's disappointment, but for a different reason. "Mou... and I wanted to see more of Phera this time."

  Roy beamed with an idea to solve both their problems. "Lucina, how about you and me go? I know my way around and I can get out of the house. I can even take you to see the shire!"

  Watching the pair with an amused smile. "That sounds fun, how about we head out after I drop these off with your mother."

  While Lucina still enjoyed the idea, Roy however didn't share the same sentiment. "Come on Maryan. We can go into Phera on our own."

  "Roy, do you think that's wise? What if you both get lost?"

  "That wouldn't happen. Even if we got turned around I know where the dragon's skeleton is and I can find my way to Tatsu's or the Cromed Apothecary and make my way home from there. That's what Red taught me." He tried to argue back, but it did little to change her mind.

  "Oh come on Maryan, let them go have some fun." Turning to meet a soft voice, they were met by Lumara's warm smile. "I think they'll be fine."

  Not even a moment passed before Hellia and Indigo both entered the room and before anyone could get another word out, Roy shot up from the couch, grabbing Lucina's hand and he ran past everyone.

  "See ya Grandma, Grandpa, Maryan. Tell Mom we'll be back by dinner!"

  "Don't worry Maryan, Mis. Hellia. I'll keep an eye on Roy!" She didn't even put any resistance against him.

  "Lucina!"

  "Be careful dear, make sure to keep an eye on Roy."

  Indigo and Lumara, had two different reactions, watching the pair run off. But the Riser family just rolled their eyes, quietly laughing at the stunt Roy pulled.. again.

  "Well, I guess I better go give these to Lyn before those two get too far ahead."

  "Hold on Maryan, I'll join you." Lumara stated and she followed her towards Lyn's office, leaving Indigo in Hellia and Igneel's company.

  The trio left in the living room didn't have to stay in silence for long as Hellia spoke up.

  "So how about a drink, can I get you anything Indigo?"

  "I could go for an ale dear, what'd ya say?" Igneel made his request known.

  "Absolutely not, you can wait till dinner if you want a stiff drink." She didn't even hesitate to shoot down his request.

  "Come on Hellia," he groaned, pleading with his wife. "It's five o'clock somewhere."

  "Yes, it's five o'clock somewhere, but not here. So, you'll enjoy a water. Indigo what can I get you?"

  "Water will be fine, thank you."

  "Alright, I'll be back in just a moment." And one smile later, Hellia made her way to the kitchen leaving the two in each other's company.

  "So Indigo how's everything back home?"

  "It's been alright, I told Hellia about the monster sightings in Eden. However Elder Iyrra doesn't see it as anything to worry about."

  "Iyrra?! That old hag is still in charge?" A booming laughter escaped him. "I remember the day she was made the village elder, I thought she was well-aged back then, I bet she's ancient by this point."

  His boasting laugh was cut when a loving hand striked down from the heavens. Chopping his head. "I'm gone for not even five minutes and you change the conversation to another woman."

  Indigo could only snicker and accept the glass from Hellia.

  "But I'm surprised, I thought that since elves can keep their looks for long, you would have made a move for this 'old hag'."

  "Now why would I want to go do that when I won the lottery with you?"

  Indigo was forced to sit in silence. Watching Hellia make her way towards Igneel, running her hand through his faded rusty red hair before ceasing his cheek before placing the water in his hands.

  "I'm glad even after all these years you still feel the same, but I'm still not getting you that ale."

  ...

  "Damn it."

  Gray eyes looked over each document, debating which one to look at next.

  "Let's see, there's the request on discussing tariffs with Massedon that Johnais has been bugging me about. Or should I prepare that letter to Silvridge to make sure that we are still good enough to send the annual funds to Gyra?" Wondering aloud, debating on which one should be taken care of, or moving to a different document.

  That was until the tapping echo from the room's door changed her focus.

  "Come in."

  Even when she heard the door creek open Lyn didn't look away. But that doesn't mean the second set of steps didn't go unnoticed.

  "Oh, so that's how it is?" The familiar voice caused her head to shoot up. Bright gray met golden yellow, her tired look was replaced with an excited one. "And here I thought you'd be overjoyed by my visit."

  Not even Maryan could follow her movements and the next thing they both knew Lyn had wrapped her arms around their guest. Papers flew about the room.

  "Lumara, well this is a nice surprise. It's great to see you, what brings you here?"

  With an elven smile, Lumara returned the gesture before separating.

  "Thanks to the gift you gave me, I can visit whenever I please and not have to worry about the months-long journey to get here from Eden." Flashing the black travel ring, she looked at them both "Now how about the three of us fix ourselves a drink and just chat the day away?"

  Despite her cheerful demeanor, once the pair made eye contact they separated, an act that didn't go unnoticed.

  "Hmm... Here are the financial documents... you ask for."

  "Oh ah... thanks Maryan."

  It didn't take a genius to read the room. Lumara just watched pair look everywhere but at each other.

  "Alright, what's going on between you two?" Watching as the two didn't even try to meet her questioning gaze and with them avoiding each other, it didn't take long for Lumara to figure it out. "You two got into a fight didn't you?"

  The moment they heard Lumara's question, Lyn and Maryan caught the others' gaze, handing off the file Maryan tried to make her way to the exit.

  Only to be stared down by the golden eyed Lumara, who held a confident, almost smug expression knowing she was right.

  "Alright now both of you make up, because that's the only way either one of you will be getting out."

  The two looked to each other, trying to see who would speak first. Lumara just watched them both quietly pull back, trying to let the other one speak.

  ""Look I'm—

  ""You go first.""

  ""Look I just wanted to say that.""

  The two stared at one another before they both broke out in quiet laughter.

  "Lyn," Maryan was the first to stop laughing. Letting loose a deep sigh, trying to steel herself. "I'm sor—

  "I'm sorry Maryan." Only to have Lyn bet her to it as she got up from her desk. "I shouldn't have snapped at you the other day. I know that if he was in serious trouble you'd act, I just worry about him you know?"

  "No, you had every right to be angry. I let Red fight that Spider-Ape on his own, I should have stepped in. I just thought that maybe with how he seems to be hitting a wall, having him in a situation like that would help give him that push."

  "And maybe you're right, perhaps I'm babying him so much. It's kinda hard not to, he's my son."

  "I'll agree to that. I think I've finally met someone who's even more stubborn then you."

  "Well I'd like to think he takes after me."

  The two couldn't help but laugh with one another.

  That was until Maryan's voice went "So, are we good, Lyn?"

  "Yeah we're good." She couldn't help but smile.

  But with lowered defenses, they were both struck with a swift chop to the head.

  "Really that's why you two fought?" Scolding the two. "Maryan, did you really let that boy fight a Spider-Ape on his own? And Lyndis I can't believe you'd think she'd let harm come to Red."

  The trio cound only look at each other before laughing as a group once more. Lyn was the first to looking over the papers inside.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Hmgh... great." Lyn groaned after reading off. "Looks like the next summit is going to be in Eldora and it falls on Red's birthday."

  "What, so soon? Wasn't the last one in June?"

  "Yes it was, but lately the summits have been happening quicker." Maryan informed Lumara. "It's just something that happens from time to time."

  "I guess, but it doesn't seem fair to him having to spend a day like that away from home hacked to do work."

  "Come on Lumara, it's not like this is anything new, I recall having to spend a few of mine away from home."

  Letting loose another deep sigh, Lyn was about to match right back to her desk, that was until Lumara stopped her.

  "Oh come on, don't overwork yourself. Let's take a break and have some tea."

  "Lumara... I can't just ignore these documents."

  "Who said we'd be leaving them unattended?" A mischievous grin grew and a tricky gleam shined in her golden eyes. "I'm sure we can get Mr. Igneel to take care of that work for you."

  It didn't take long for Lyn to mirror Lumara and the two left the office to try and pass off the work to Igneel. Maryan only smiled at the pair before following.

  —

  Even the heat of the summer sun didn't stop Roy from dragging Lucina along though the city street.

  "Say Roy, where are we going?"

  "You said you wanted to see more of Phera, so we're going to see something super cool!"

  Smiling at the young boy, Lucina slowed down, bringing them both to halt. "How about we slow down abit? Last thing I want to do is have Maryan get mad at me for getting us lost."

  Letting go he started to pout, crossing his arms. "We're not going to get lost, I know where we're going."

  The sight of his annoyed expression was enough to make Lucina have to fight against herself to prevent her from laughing at him. 'So I guess this is what it's like to have a little brother.'

  Sudden applause broke out further down the street a crowd grew larger. Curiosity and excitement grew within Roy and in mere moments he ran towards the crowd.

  "Hey, Roy! Get back here, don't run off on your own!" Giving chase after the redhead a thought occurred as she watched him disappear into the audience. Following after him, constantly apologizing to those she pushed pash, trying to keep an eye on him. 'I think I owe Red an apology for last time.'

  Passing through the crowd, she finally came to a clearing, finding Roy in the process. Seeing that he was preoccupied watching a woman dressed in black vest and pants, with a top hat and a whip at her side.

  Her hand was swift, yet gentle when she struck Roy.

  Covering his head after the hit, he quickly met her gaze. Neither one spoke for a moment before a booming voice grabbed their attention.

  "And for my next trick!" Showing off that there was nothing in her hands. Lucina watched as she took hold of her hat and with a flick of the wrist, three crystal balls appeared in between the fingers of her left hand. "Without touching them, these orbs will shatter before they hit the ground!"

  While everyone grew quiet the moment she tossed the purple orbs into the air. Lucina's eyes shifted away from the sky the moment her ears picked up on the performer's quiet, rapid tone. It was hard to hear the only words Lucina could pick up on were. "Come forth, bidding, familiar."

  'What is she doing?'

  Then suddenly a small she noticed a small glow escaping from the tophat and suddenly three... three... three somethings shot out of the hat.

  Trying to track the blurs, sky blue eyes could only catch minor details while the jade green blurs flew.

  'Whatever those things are, they're small and fast.'

  "Now!" With a snap of her fingers the performer called out.

  Responding to her command, the blurs moved like lighting as they ascended into the sky and came crashing down into the orbs.

  Shattering into a cloud of glitter and dust. Three figures fell from the glistening dust cloud, landing on the ground. Three brown rabbit-like creatures with deer antlers.

  But what caused the crowd to erupt into a round of applause was that when these rabbits landed, two of them landed on their feet with each having an arm raised only to have the third land on top of them. Forming a little pyramid.

  The green blurs landed on the top rabbit, one each on the antlers and the other on its head; they looked like light greenish-blue sparrows. Their beaks looked long and sharp with beddly black eyes.

  Bowing, showing her thanks. "Thank you. Thank you, you're all too kind!" It even looked like the small monsters were mimicking the woman's action.

  But while many continued their cheers, Lucina was left confused. "How did she do that? It's like she has them under her control?"

  "I know it was cool right! Maybe Mom or Grandma will know what that was." Roy clapped while people threw coins into the center. Watching the small monsters gathered them and brought them to their owner. "Say Lucina, do you know what those are called?"

  "Well those horned rabbits are called Jackalopes, but I'm not sure what the birds are called."

  "Oh that's easy," A new voice addressed the pair. It was an old man, his cane tapped the ground before pointing to the bird creatures. "Those little things there are Bullet Swarms. They get that name because hundreds of them will group up and launch themselves at a target with such high speeds it sounds like a bullet was fired."

  "That sounds..."

  "Dangerous." "So cool!"

  The reactions between Lucina and Roy differed from each other, so the man simply laughed.

  "Yeah those little buggers sure are, I remember back in my youth I saw one go straight through someone's armor and the stone ball behind him."

  "Wait sir, then if they're that dangerous, then why does everyone seem to calm down right now?"

  The old man just laughed again. "No need to call me sir little lady. The names Stride. But I take it you've never seen Tamer magic before?"

  "Tamer magic?"

  Stride simply nodded and he continued. "You see, Tamer magic allows the user to summon a number of familiars they have control over. The funny part is that over time the monsters will take on personality aspects of their summoner."

  "Then where did they come from?" Roy questioned, watching as one of the Jackalopes was doing a balancing act on a ball.

  "Well young lady, you had a rather keen eye, think you can explain it?"

  'Hmm, the Jackalopes appeared from the dust cloud and there was nothing in the hat until...' "They came from those orbs!"

  "That right, those orbs are the foundation for controlling them. You see those orbs are made up of multiple monster stones and with a ritual where the summoner takes control of the creature."

  Before either one could question Stride's knowledge any further, the profiteer spoke again.

  "I thank you all for lending me your eyes and ears." Her voice still had a commanding boom, the crowd's attention was still on her. "And since you've all been such a great audience, I'll show you all the most recent addition to my little troupe !"

  Reaching behind her, pulling out a small bag. Tossing it into the air, the trio of Bullet Swarms caught it in their beaks and with a combined effort held it midair, their wings were barely visible due to their speed.

  Below them the Jackalopes ran in a wide circle while the performer started to speak.

  "Come forth as the sound of my call summons you to my side." With each word, her voice boomed throughout the street. "I call upon you to do my bidding. It's time for you to appear my familiar!"

  "It's time for you to give them a show!"

  The bag started to rapidly expand before it burst open. A growing being landed on the ground.

  A massive, slender white body with pink markings branched off a thick abdomen that was held up by four legs. Each one of its joints that connected its body looked like dull pearls. The crowd's gaze scaled up its body they passed its barbed raptorial legs that were held together like it was making a silent prayer. Its head twitched in every direction eyeing the crowd.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you all, the Pearl Mantis!"

  At the sight of the pearly bug, many were amazed at its size and their cheers grew at the sight of it.

  Roy was mesmerized at the sight, just like everyone else. Lucina however felt her guard rise, watching the mantis stand completely still. Only swaying from side to side, periodically its head looked around trying to understand its environment.

  "I hope you are all ready for our next trick!"

  Suddenly the Jackalopes ran to the right and Bullet Swarms started flying to the left, racing around the Pearl Manis.

  The crowd cheered as the performer called out commands causing the Bullet Swarms to descend allowing the Jackalopes to leap over them when they crossed. They moved in a wave like pattern around the mantis.

  "Well, this isn't going to end well."

  Lucina and Roy both turned to Stride only to hear painful squealing.

  "HEY! No stop that! That's not a part of the act!"

  Sharply turning back, the crowd changed from cheering to horrified gasps. The Bullet Swarms and Jackalopes fled from the scene, but one of them wasn't as lucky. One of the Jackalopes couldn't escape, caught in the arms of the mantis about to be consumed.

  But just when its mandibles were about to sink into furry flesh, with the echoing snap of her fingers the Bullet Swarms and Jackalopes all turned back to crystal orbs. Only the mantis remained much to the performer's confusion.

  "You mantis, be sealed!" With another snap, the mantis remained. "Damn you! Obey me and be sealed!" Cracking her whip did little but gain the bug's attention as it approached, looking down on its commander.

  "Be sealed!"

  "Obey my command!"

  Each call became more and more desperate as the Pearl Mantis was unaffected by her commands.

  "Wait," Roy spoke up. "Why isn't it listening to her command like the rest?"

  "Well, it's likely because the young lady isn't skilled or capable enough to control it to this degree yet."

  Lucina looked back at his words, watching as no one moved. The mantis raised its arm, preparing to strike. Her grip on Eden's Dawn only tightened when the mantis attack.

  The performer shut her eyes, waiting to be struck down. Shocked gasps filled the air. But the feeling of pain never came as her eyes opened to see a wooden blade blocking the strike.

  "Are you ok?" Lucina called out.

  The performer didn't respond. She just got up from the ground and dashed off into the crowd, leaving Lucina to face her uncontrollable familiar.

  Its free arm swung trying to grasp her only to watch the elf practically danced out of its reach.

  'You're pretty quick for a big guy.'

  Swaying from side to side the mantis inched towards her. Her blue flamed hand rose causing the big bug to stop, reeling back, its head twitched mirroring the flickering flame.

  "No way!"

  "Is that blue fire?"

  "You think this is all a part of the act?"

  The murmurs of the crowd grew. Rather than leave many of them chose to stay, intrigued at the sudden change in performance.

  "You can do it, Lucina!" Even a smiling Roy chose to stay in the front of the crowd cheering her on.

  'Well, guess I'm the main event now.' Letting loose a deep sigh, her attention snapped back to the Pearl Mantis.

  "Firebolt!

  As a bolting blue flame raced towards the mantis, but faster than the eye could track the mantis moved its upper body to the side.

  So while the blue flame missed its target it nailed one of the many building walls, leaving a scorch mark on the brick building.

  "Eh... my bad... eheh." Rubbing the back of her head a nervous laugh escaped her.

  Seeing a moment of distraction, the mantis lunged at its presumed distracted opponent, but the only thing that was damaged by its attack was the brick road. Its raptorial legs plunged into the ground.

  Rolling under the attack, Lucina struck at its back leg, slashing the pearly joint in two severing the leg from the body. Even with the loss of its leg, the mantis showed little pain as a thick black fluid started to drip from its mandible.

  'Wait what is that—

  A black paste was launched from its mandible and out of sheer instant Lucina leaped back only to watched it started to dissolve the brick floor. However, a drop splashed against the skin of her thigh, wincing at the burning pain.

  'Acid? Grr... Well, this just went from hard to dangerous.'

  Another glob of black paste was spat, but Lucina avoided each blast. Black ooze painted and dissolved the ground.

  Charging her once again, the mantis swung its arms trying to slash or grab its opponent. Ducking down, Lucina watched as the first swipe of the raptorial leg passed over her head. Then when its other limb raced to grab her, Lucina kicked herself off the ground, back flipping, putting more distance between them.

  The crowd started clapping at the display.

  The moment her boots touched the ground, her hand shot out, engulfed in blue flames. Locking eyes with the Pearl Mantis.

  "Firebo— '

  "Let Em have it, Lucina!" Roy called out before behind the mantis.

  'Wait...' Seeing that not just Roy but the rest of the crowd was behind the bug, made her flames falter. 'It was fast enough to dodge last time, so if I miss then...'

  Her eyes focused on not just Roy, but Stride and the rest of the crowd.

  'Then Roy or someone else could get hit.'

  Taking in the air around her and releasing a deep breath, her blue lite hand joined her other hand grasping Eden's Dawn. The flames spread up the blade, coating the wood in a bright azure flame. Lifting the bade, she pointed its tip at the monster before her as the blue flames bathed her in a warm blue glow.

  Reeling back, bringing its arms together into its well-known prayer-like stance, eyeing the elf, the black acidic drool dripped from its mouth.

  The crowd slowly grew quiet, anticipating who would land the first strike.

  Then suddenly, for the first time since the battle began, Lucina instigated the encounter. A blur of blue and white launched herself at the mantis and with her speed when the mantis went to grab her. Lucina dashed to the side and slashed with Eden's Dawn, a line of blue flames passed through the mantis.

  With her back turned to the bug, its right raptorial limb hit the floor. The moment Lucina turned for a follow-up, preparing for another burning strike. The Pearl Mantis spat its acidic black paste. Stopping her charge, the mantis took the opportunity to close the distance trying to grab her.

  Leaping over the crowd, Lucina landed on the building's side before kicking off the brick wall. Soaring above the building, the crowd gasped watching her cloak flutter in the wind.

  Time seemed to slow for just a moment and her gaze shifted to the crowd below.

  Roy's excited flailing seemed to be in slow motion. The crowd followed his cheers, but they looked slow. Even the mantis looked slow while it shifted its gaze upward.

  But hidden within the crowd, only catching a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.

  Contact was made with a pair of crimson.

  Her attention shot back towards her opponent. 'I'm ending this now!'

  As her body was quickly engulfed in blue flames, the crowd below grew quiet, and a blue-flamed hand shot toward the sky.

  "Firebolt!"

  A blast of flame launched her like a comet, rocketing towards the earth, but more importantly, towards her target.

  In those mere seconds, Lucina readied her blade, the mantis did the same with its remaining arm.

  Then a bright blue streak shot past the manis and a charred, severed raptorial limb flew into the crowd.

  But the moment her feet touched the ground. Lucina turned to see the disarmed mantis, trying to prepare another acidic spit shot; however, Lucina was faster.

  Much faster.

  Before anyone could register what happened her cloak had a chance to settle on the ground. Five blue slashes appeared, cleaving through the mantis before falling into just as many pieces the moment Lucina turned her back to the creature.

  Swing her blade at the ground, flicking off any bug juice that remained on her blade.

  Only for the crowd to erupt into a cheering mass at the end. Clapping, whistling, praising her name.

  A slight rosy hue grew on her cheeks before she gave into the crowd's applause and gave a simple bow.

  Over time the crowd's applause slowly died down and many of them started to leave.

  "That was great Lucina!" Roy called out making his way to her with Stride slwoly following from behind.

  "I agree with the boy that was quite the display young lady."

  "Roy, Stride. Sorry if I worried you guys."

  "Worry? No, if anything you proved to me that all your talk about beating my brother wasn't just hot air."

  "Ah... I'll have you know I was working my butt off when I was back home." Glaring at him, Roy simply chose to continue to poke fun at her.

  "Sure you weren't just reading about stories of old, preparing to spoil a poor, unexpecting boy who just wanted to spend time with his family?" He couldn't help but stop the smug smile from forming as he made fun of the elf.

  "I told you I'm sorry a dozen times already!" Pouting she only put more thought on the idea of a younger brother not being a fun escapade. 'Maybe having a little sister would be better than a brother.'

  While they were stuck in their small squabble, they didn't notice that Stride had wandered to the crowd. Only to see him return, dragging the performer with him.

  "What are you waiting for? Go on Agatha. Apologize for the mess you caused."

  "But Grandpa, it was a freak accident. I would have had everything under control and nobody got hurt... well seriously hurt that is."

  She was met with a cane tapping her back, forcing her to stumble slightly.

  "Thank you for your help with the Pearl Mantis." She didn't even try to hide her lack of enthusiasm.

  "Agatha, you're not done and apologize like you mean it."

  "Grandpa, I already apologized, can't we just go."

  ''I don't think we need to be here for this.'' Lucina and Roy shared the same thoughts as the familial dispute continued.

  "Yes, I agree, let's cut the apologies short."

  The sudden arrival of a new voice brought to their attention a pair in white armor and blue cloth. A short girl with a mop of pink tied-back hair.

  Walking next to her was another dressed in the same garb but while they approached the biggest difference between them was that the black-haired individual towered over her. The pink-haired knight looked like she stood about three foot ten, just an inch or two above her companion's waist.

  "Hi Layla, Marcus!" At the sight of the pair Roy waved to them. They responded in kind before returning their glances to the performer.

  "I assume you were the one who summoned that manis?" Layla spoke, having to look up to make eye contact.

  "And who would like to know?"

  "Well as one of Phera's Ignis Knights, I'd like to know why that monster nearly went on a rampage. Not only in the presence of the young prince but also in front of a crowd of civilians."

  It sounded like a grinding stone, Agatha turned to smiling Roy. Lucina watched the color left her face. Letting small paniced laughter at the realization.

  "Now, now I'm sure there's a way we can settle this calmly, after all, it was a simple mistake," Stride spoke up, coming to her aid. "My granddaughter didn't mean to cause any harm."

  "What do ya say, Layla no one was hurt. No harm, no foul." Marcus questioned. "We'll just have her pay a fee and revoke the Tamer card she got when she registered with one of our representatives at one of the Post Offices or the Guild when she came to Phera, it's a simple fix"

  "I agree. Go on Agatha, turn over the card, and let's pay that fee."

  "Hey Roy," Lucina squatted down whispering to him. "Am I gonna get in trouble, I didn't know you needed to have a card to use magic in the city."

  She watched the boy pondered the thought and when he was about to speak.

  "Don't worry about it." Her attention changed to the black-haired knight. "This rule only applies to those who use Tamer magic. Normally this task is taken care of by whoever is stationed there. That way we can take stock of what monsters the user has and prove they have the skill to keep them under control. The last thing we need is an unknown monster going on a rampage."

  "Phew... Glad to know that. I don't think I would have heard the end of it from my father if that was the case."

  Roy spoke up flashing her a pearly white smile. "Don't worry even if he got mad I'd have your back." His words made her join his smile. Her hand soon found a place atop his head making his smile grow wider.

  "What do you mean you didn't go to the guild?"

  The sudden shout caused them to turn, seeing that Stride was yelling at his granddaughter. Even Layla joined him as she was "looking down" on the girl.

  "The fee was way too much, it would have taken nearly all the Runix I had."

  ...

  "OW! Grandpa let go!"

  Stride just grabbed her by the ear as he turned back to Layla. "Now pardon me, but do you think you and your companion could lead me to the Post office? We have a fee to pay."

  "It would be my pleasure, sir. Hey Marcus, think you can set up a hazard zone for this?"

  "Sure thing Layla, I'll take care of it. I'll meet with you at Fort Galahad, does that work?"

  "Yeah, that sounds good." Layla turned back to Roy. "Well young lord please be safe and Lucina thank you for your service."

  Waving their goodbyes, they watched the pair split off. Layla guided Stride to his requested location all the while he was pulling Agatha by the ear.

  "That was something, so what do you want to do Roy?"

  "I still want to go see the dragon so how about–

  "Well, that was quite the display."

  Turning to the voice, Roy almost seemed to glow as he spotted the new arrivals. Racing towards them, he leaped into the open arm of Achilles. "Hey Dad, Red. What are you doing here?"

  Seeing Red approach, his hair looked damp and he wore simple dark navy clothing. Lucina waved at him, he returned the gesture in kind. Achilles spoke. "We decided to call it for the day and we went on our way home when we saw the crowd and the next thing we saw was you rocketing out of the sky."

  Holding up the bracket, Roy saw a few good-sized, fatty Blue-Stripe Catfish. "So I'm guessing this is gonna be dinner for tonight?"

  "Yep, and the big one your brother dove in to catch it. So what are ya doing out here anyway son?"

  "Oh nothing, just since Red was out of the house, I'm just showing Phera off to Lucina. We're on our way to see the shine."

  Lucina was caught off guard not just by Achilles laughing, but that Red slowly joined in.

  "Say Red, mind filling me in on the joke?"

  Waiting for Red to calm down from his light laughter, his words left her shocked. "You see to get to the shrine, you needed to turn right onto Main Street. You're still going down Gluranda Street, if you kept going this way you would have ended up at Crystal Lake Park."

  An audible gasp came from Roy. Lucina watched him turn to face her and Red, his cheeks were flushed red as he tried not to look at them. "Yeah ah... that was my plan the whole time. I figured we could go meet up with my brother for a surprise!"

  Watching his laugh echoed throughout the street, he started walking in the direction they just come from.

  "Hehe." 'Maybe having a little brother wouldn't be so bad.'

  "So do you still want to see more of Phera?" Red spoke up. "But you know with someone who knows where they're going."

  Trying to halt her laughter, a few giggles slipped through as she looked at Roy's pouting face before turning back to face Red. "Yeah, I'd like to see more of this place."

  "Well then, I guess I'll be seeing you kids later. Red just make sure you kids get home in time for dinner."

  Turning to face Achilles, the two nodded before they set off. Splitting off from each other, Lucina followed Red's lead to catch up with Roy. Achilles started to make his way home with a fresh main course for dinner.