What do you mean there aren’t any monsters?


    Just what I said, I flew over a lot of the area around us and I can’t find a single living thing in this area. Should I fly further in?


    No, no, just come back.


    “Noel?” I asked without thinking. A beat passed before I said aloud, “Ah… duh…” I wondered when I had started treating him like a virtual assistant on a phone.


    “I’m here Master!”


    “Yes I know. You came back so fast! Thanks.” I gave him a weak smile and got up to walk over towards the lush grass in the slime’s habitat.


    “So since all the monsters left during the wave should we go find them? You wanted to kill things.” Aureus asked in a tone that didn’t suit the bloody carnage I had in mind.


    “Nah, that’s too much work.” I sighed as I flopped backwards onto a patch of grass on the side of a hill. I stared up at the pink sky above us and pondered our options. I didn’t want to talk to the gods, but they were the only ones who would really know what was going on. After glancing through the system I saw that the repopulation would be starting within 20 hours, but sitting around and waiting for a fight was annoying. I wanted something to distract myself.


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: I made it back. ]


    I sent a casual message to Caro, and received a response immediately.


    [ “Call of the Void”: Well it’s about time! How was it? Did you have to fight any painted people? Did you see any of our friends topside? ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: oh haha. Yeah actually I saw Tali. And a few more unsavory things happened. And now I’m laying here wondering what to do with myself. ]


    We talked about what happened since I left and I complained about the loss of my childhood home and everything in it. Reminiscing with her about things I’d forgotten from our childhood was healing. I laughed about the times when she’d visited and her parents were cringing at the idea of their perfect little girl trouncing around in the woods with me. They loved us, but were undoubtedly city people. So anxious about what might happen even though we were never out of their line of sight.


    [ “Call of the Void”: Still though. That really sucks. I can’t imagine it not being there. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: you have no idea. it still hasn’t really set in… ]


    [ “Call of the Void”: I mean at least you get to leisurely lay around in the Underhollow, we don’t have that option right now. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: oh yeah, how’s the map expansion and everything the new stuff. what’s been added? ]


    [ “Call of the Void”: There’s like tunnels to deeper areas, it’s got the little wommi things. It’s not too bad though, we’re getting new materials for me to use so that’s a plus. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: oh yeah, can you make me a saddle? ]


    [ “Call of the Void”: I already knew you’d ask. I’ll trade you for some potatoes or any of the other fancy veggies you got over there. I’m sick of rat jerky. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: sure, but uhhh how do I do that?? ]


    [ “Call of the Void”: I’ll initiate a trade through the shop. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: actually wait give me more time I need to grow more I don’t have much rn ]


    [ “Call of the Void”: Okay. But it’s ready for you when you need it just send me a trade request and I’ll get it to ya. Anyways, I need to go. Ttyl. ]


    [ “Witch of the Wellspring”: ok tell everyone I said hi ]


    The window in front of me blinked away and I was left just staring up at that familiar pink sky. Weird that I consider this familiar when I’ve spent more time in the other Underhollow. Taking a deep breath I smiled, having good lighting was something I’d missed and talking to Caro helped lift my mood just a bit. The faux skies were so strange. I knew I was underground, there wasn’t really a sun or a night, but they looked so real. I couldn’t help but laugh at my new normal.


    It was the first time in a while that I wasn’t sure what to do so my mind wandered. Everything I’d ever owned was gone, and I was making a mental tally of all the things I was going to miss the most. My old t-shirts, my art supplies, that old stupid chair that mom insisted on keeping even though the cushions were worn down to nothing, my bed. God did I miss my bed. I hadn’t really let myself ponder on what I missed or what sucked about everything that had happened so far, I was worried that if I stopped to think about it then it’d become real? More serious? Or maybe I knew that even if it did become real I wouldn’t really care?


    Rather than caring about the world collapsing I was more upset that I lost mom and everything else I had left of her. The few things that proved that she’d existed in the world were in our home. I knew I’d never forget her, but there was something different about having evidence of her existence. Keepsakes. I guessed the only thing I’d really miss because of everything was comforts. Simple comforts like my bed, my keepsakes, coffee, the safety of my home… Well, maybe not, it wasn’t as if the world before was much safer than this one. Sure, I was less likely to die there, but I was stronger now than then. If something happened I would at least have the upper hand and not have to worry about getting shot. Plus I had Aureus.


    “Aureus?” I asked and glanced around. But he was nowhere to be found. I popped up, “Aureus?” I said louder this time.


    Yes? Did you need me?


    Ah, well no not really. I was just thinking that now would be a nice time to explore since there aren’t any threats around.


    It really is nice exploring without any disruptions.


    I could feel the excitement as he replied, so I asked, well, would you like to explore with me? I’d like to look around too.


    Absolutely! I’ll come get you Master!


    Within just a few moments he’d arrived. He was still in his human form, but as he landed on the ground he quickly transformed back into his natural state and ushered me onto his back. There was nothing like soaring in the sky with him. Unfortunately that calming feeling was washing away my defenses against the emotions that I still had yet to process. I’d only been feeling a surface level sorrow since I didn’t want to face it, but up there, it was safe. I could let go and not worry about anything. I clung to Aureus and sobbed for quite a while.


    After a few laps over the waterfall I finally got myself together again and we explored past where we’d seen before. After the waterfall and the hills were more hills and mountains. The further we went the more severe the terrain became. Cold began to nip at my nose and fingers as we flew up towards one of the taller mountains. It was rocky and barren; a few patches of grass here and there and a couple bushes, but other than that it was just rocks and snow. Or was it ice? We didn’t land and I hadn’t seen any proper weather in any Underhollow so I wasn’t sure if it could really be considered snow.


    We made a quick stop to inspect the bushes, but didn’t discover anything edible or interesting. After a consensus that it was much too cold we headed back towards the plains. They eventually turned into a beach that the rivers let out into. The water in the lake there was eerily clear at first. Because I was so used to murky creeks, walking into such a clear lake felt odd. Until a blast of cold water slapped into my back and nearly sent me into the deep.


    I scoffed as I turned around to see my attacker. Aureus froze and looked off into the distance as if there were someone else to blame it on. Despite that his back was arched up and the frill along it puffed up like a cat. After a second his eyes darted back to me. Once they met mine his back arched as he tucked his tail and started scrambling along the shoreline as fast as he could. And obviously I was scrambling right after him.


    After a lengthy battle in the lake, which I lost miserably, I laid back on the sand and took a few deep breaths. “God, I wonder if this is what having kids is like…” I muttered and watched Aureus play in the lake. He was diving down and trying to swim fast enough to get a jump out of the water so he could take off flying immediately. It wasn’t quite working out for him.


    I’m glad we had some time to explore without monsters, there’s no way we’d be able to swim like this if they all hadn’t left.


    Yeah it’s really nice. I wanna go look at the forest now! We haven’t seen it at all yet!


    Oh go without me first and I’ll join you in a few I’m comfortable here.


    Okay!


    He made his way to the beach and shook off before disappearing into the sky. I sighed as I watched his figure get smaller. A beach day, exploration day, or whatever you’d call it was something I hadn’t even realized I needed. How would I have handled all of this without him? I drifted off into a nap pretty quickly, I was too lazy to deploy my camper and just slept right there on the sand.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    I woke up with a start, I was panicking and I wasn’t sure why. Just, instinctively I knew - something was happening. I didn’t see it right away, but the second time my eyes swept over the horizon I did. There was a man in the field. He was walking in my direction, but it didn’t seem like he’d seen me yet. I watched him for a moment, he was on high alert with a sword held out in front of him as he scrutinized his immediate surroundings and advanced painfully slowly.


    From what I could tell he was alone, so I took my chances, “Stop there.” I said as calmly as I could. He was still fifteen or so feet away so I had to project, but I wasn’t taking any chances.


    His head snapped towards where I was and I slowly stood up using my staff as a crutch. Indeed he stopped, but he held the sword out as if I was going to kill him where he stood. His shoulders were tense. “I don’t mean no trouble.”


    “Then you should leave. This is my area and I don’t intend to share it with a stranger.” I replied as my grip tightened on my staff. I took another look around us, worried that since I’d been sleeping there may be others in the area.


    “Are ya serious?” He asked somewhat taken aback.


    “Yeah. I am. There’s other places to hunt. Go find your own place.”


    “This place is huge! Ain’t no way you need all’uh it.”


    “What I need is to know that there aren’t any strangers around that can stab me in the back while I’m not looking.”


    “I ain’t that type!”


    “Uh huh, then do you trust me not to?”


    We both sat in an uncomfortable silence for much too long after I asked that.


    “Well, uh, I see whatcha mean, but there ain’t anywhere round here to go. Can’t we jus’ I dunno like you get half I get half?”


    “Why would I give up half of my stuff to you? That doesn’t feel very fair, I found it first.”


    “Just cause you followed that trail back first don mean that you should get e’erythin. That’s a bit much don cha think?”


    “I found this on the first day, I just left to check on family. I came back to see all that mess. I’ve got more than just a couple hours on you.”


    “Still…” He trailed off.


    Do you want me to get him to leave? Aureus asked.


    I fought the urge to look towards where he was hiding. Once he spoke I could instantly feel his presence behind a hill nearby. No, I think I can convince him, there’s no need to escalate. Wait were you just watching him come- no nevermind we’ll talk about that later.


    Ugh. Fine.


    “Look man, I need you to leave. I hate to say it, but this is for my own safety I’m sure you understand. I don’t know you or what your plans are or even if you’re alone.”


    “I… I ain’t leavin’. I’m sure we can figur something out.”


    I took a few steps towards him, “You’re gonna have to.” I tried to keep my voice even.


    He took a half step back before stopping, “No, Imma stay. You gotta deal with it.” A moment of indecision flickered through his face, but he held his ground in the end. And for the first time I noticed that he was shaking. He had been hiding his fear well since I wasn’t very close to him.


    I sighed. “Look, I really don’t want to have to use force on you, please just leave while you can.”


    “W-” He started, his eyes darted behind him. “No. I-I-I-I can’t go back up there again. I won’t! If-if I gotta, we can fight.” His arms were rigid as his entire body tensed. He was serious.


    I rubbed the bridge of my nose, alright Aureus, can you just scare him. Don’t kill him! Just scare him out of here please.


    He was jumping out and kicking up a fuss before I could even finish asking him to not kill the man. The poor guy fell over trying to scramble away from Aureus. “Run!” He screamed. At first I thought it was to me, but a small “Dad!” squeaked out from behind a rock about fifty feet away.


    A little girl, probably around four, was flailing as an older girl, who looked to be in her teens, was trying to run towards the entrance with the kid as she squirmed and attempted to escape. “Aureus stop!” I shouted as I glanced from the kids to the man who was possibly attempting to fight him. The man was flailing his sword around in the air, he looked… pathetic. Dammit. He stopped his descent towards the man and looked over at me.


    I groaned, just come back over here.


    But!


    No buts. Just come here and settle down.


    He grumbled something unintelligible but did as I asked. At that point everyone had figured out what’d happened. The man stood staring at me going through the five stages of grief but the teen had already settled on anger. She was giving me a death glare and released the little one who immediately sprinted towards her dad full kilter.


    I slowly walked towards the group and Aureus followed closely, he was still on guard. Finally, I asked after a long awkward pause. “There’s really nowhere around that’s safe?” I made an assumption since I couldn’t imagine that this man would bring his daughters down here otherwise.


    “No. As a matter of fact there isn’t.” The teen spat at me.


    I glared over at her, “Oh is that so, well it might not be quite so safe in here with us either.” I shot back as I patted Aureus’ shoulder and he let out a low rumble. I wasn’t being serious but I really wasn’t in the mood. The last couple of days just reminded me that I needed to keep more of a wall up and not trust anyone with anything ever. Just one shitty thing after another.


    The man was trying to calm his sobbing daughter and just said defeatedly, “Well I ain’t fightin’ a dragon.” He let his head rest in his shaking hands for a few seconds before attempting to run them through his light brown hair. He looked to be in his thirties, maybe. The little girl he had cradled had mousy brown hair and his green eyes. She was wearing a dirty red tank top and some khaki shorts that looked a couple sizes too big and were fastened to her with a strip of cloth.


    “You shouldn’t have to. I don’t see why we can’t just share this place. It’s huge. You’re being an unreasonable bitch.” The teen fired back. She was either scared or really angry because she was shakily pushing her curly black hair behind her ear. She had light brown eyes unlike the other two. Such a shaky family.


    I started laughing at that, “You know you’re also being a bit of a bitch, if you want me to share shouldn’t you have asked nicely? You say we should share, that’s what’s polite right? But you aren’t asking very politely.”


    “He did though.” She replied smugly.


    “Ha. Sure, the man holding a sword out at me is asking nicely?”


    “It’s better than sending a dragon after someone!”


    “Ok, let’s pretend it was nice, you expect me, a young woman, on her own in a dangerous world to just what? Trust some man who asked me something nicely? This is somewhere I found first, somewhere I’ve spent a lot of time. You know how shocked I was when some strange man holding a sword woke me up from my nap?”


    She opened her mouth to retort but never seemed to come up with anything. Their father sighed, “Look I get it, you can’t trust us, but can’t ya just set some rules or boundaries or whatever I don care. We jus need… somewhere safe.”


    “This isn’t exactly the safest place for kids ya know?” I replied with a raised brow.


    “Better than topside. Ain’t nothing left, no food, no decent shelter or water. They told me that an Underhollow would be better… safer.” He glanced between the entrance and me.


    I looked between him and his daughters, mulling it over in my mind. I sighed, “Okay, I get it. I won’t kick you out, but I don’t want y’all near us. I’m sorry for scaring you, but I don’t trust people. I’ve seen what they turn into. I’ll take you to a relatively safe area and you can stay there. You,” I pointed at the man, “can go out and hunt or whatever, but if you’re near me I wanna know. Don’t sneak up on me.”


    “Gee, thanks.” The teen muttered and was quieted by a glare from their father.


    “I’d appreciate if ya did the same, is a dangerous world these days.” he added.


    “It’s not going to be easy to stay down here with a kid that young and only one fighter. Are you sure you want to keep them down here? It might be better to… ah nevermind it wouldn’t be safe to separate either. Nevermind.” I nearly forgot that I’d been the one harping on the dangers of people, how could I ask this family to separate?


    I cleared my throat, “Aureus, can you take us to the slime habitat, near the falls?”


    “Do what?” the man asked.


    “Don’t worry, I’d say hold on, but that won’t really help.” I said with a chuckle as I got on Aureus’ back. It was funny to watch them contemplate if they were supposed to be getting on behind me.


    The little kid screamed as Aureus lifted her in the air with wind, and it became bubbly laughter quickly after. We touched down and the dad and teen looked like they were in shock, but the youngest was excitedly jumping up and down, “Again! Again!”


    I laughed, “Sorry hun, but not right now.” I turned my attention to the man and the teen now, “Okay, so around here unless things changed, the only thing you’ll need to worry about are slimes. They’re slower than the rabbits and don’t have sharp claws or teeth to worry about. But they are acidic so be careful, I’m not sure how quickly they’d injure the kids.”


    “Huh. Okay. Them woods though, I’d like to take a few of them logs to make a house. Would you be okay with that?” He asked while pointing towards the forest.


    “Uh… I mean if you really wanted to, but maybe…” I paused looking over them, they were quite filthy. “Okay so what about a trade? I make y’all a house, y’all look after my garden for me. If we’ve gotta be neighbors we can make a few trades every now and then.”


    “Why would you even want us to look after it? You don’t even trust us.” The teen asked.


    “Well I’m not planning to stick to one place for too long, that’s part of the reason why I felt uncomfortable about y’all being here. Didn’t want to lose my hunting grounds or run into someone when I’m injured or low on mana. So, what’ll it be? I just want you to keep an eye on it, expand it, etc. You can take a cut of it as well.”


    “Sure, I don’t see why not. Lookin’ forward to our new home, neighbor.” He gave me an uncomfortable smile and put out a hand, but I just nodded and turned back to Aureus.


    Can you make that house then?


    Ugh, do I have to?


    Well it wouldn’t end up very nice if I did would it?


    So?


    C’mon.


    Fine.


    Four walls started to rise out of the ground, but I noticed it was much too small for all three of them and glared towards Aureus. Aureus, give them enough space. You’ve made homes before.


    Ugh. Fine. Stupid humans. Stupid kids.


    Aureus!


    He very obviously rolled his eyes at my complaints and the teen stifled a giggle. Shortly after there was a decent sized home for the three of them, there was an open doorway and the roof was left open as well. I wasn’t sure if it was him being considerate or pitching a fit, but I didn’t care enough to fight with him on it.


    “I’m not sure what you’d like to do for the door and roof, but I’ll leave that up to you.”


    “Would ya look at that...” He muttered with an incredulous look.


    “Alright, well I’m gonna head out. Good luck.”


    “Wait wait.” He called out to me, “Could you make a slab of rock for like a door?”


    “Sure, oh yeah and my garden is next to the entrance, I figure you saw it on the way in?”


    “Oh that creepy thing, I thought it was a graveyard or somethin.”


    I chuckled and we parted ways, I hoped that they wouldn’t become a problem in the future. At the time they looked innocuous enough, and the father looked just overwhelmed and terrified in general.