Space Cadet: This is a sort of side story to my series ‘A Second Journey’, and it’s from Holly’s POV as she thinks about her new allies. If you’re reading the series, I certainly suggest you read this, because it has the beginnings of a mystery that you will see more of in later chapters of the series. Also, this story takes place after the chapter ‘Gray Wolf’s Match’.

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Comrades and Allies

By Space Cadet

The only light tonight came from the campfire, but that too was beginning to die. Thick clouds cover the stars and half-moon, and I hope it doesn’t rain. Rain… it means so much sorrow and pain for me. I look up into the darkness and wonder what became of my father. If Suezo, Tiger, Golem, Hare, and Mocchi came back, does that mean Father might be somewhere as well?

A cold breeze sweeps through and I pull the blanket around me, shivering. It’s quite cold tonight. But it doesn’t seem to bother the others; they are all sleeping peacefully. Of course, I remind myself as I look around at them, they all have fur. I smile to myself, and I know I’m lucky to have such good allies.

Gray Wolf, Tiger’s younger brother. I felt so sorry for him. He was corrupted by Moo, and thought his brother betrayed him…then he realized it was he who betrayed himself. He knows how it feels to die, and when he came back he thought his brother was dead. I was afraid he would give up hope. At least now he is again filled with hope that he can be with his brother, and I’m happy for him. He’s so kind like Tiger, but he isn’t as afraid to show that kindness to others. Although his temper could use a little work…

I let my gaze rove to the next monster, who looks like he wants to be a farmer.

Indeed Katsurin may look, well, different; I don’t think it really matters. After all, it’s what’s inside that counts, right? And on the inside, Kat is as nice and gentle as can be. He knows so much about healing and herbs that can counteract poisons; I wonder where he learned it all. And he’s always ready to cheer the rest of us up…kind of like Genki…but he isn’t as hyper. Then again, I doubt anyone has as much energy as Genki. Kat is always so calm, and he never argues with the others. That comes as a bit of a surprise though, considering how long he’s been with Sora and Lirrik.

For a moment, I was puzzled. They never had told us how long they had known each other, or why they hate the baddies so much. Maybe it’s a little too painful for them to think about…and maybe they’ll tell us one day.

Sora…she argues with Lirrik as much as Tiger fights with Hare. Perhaps even more, and that is really saying something. Though, it brings to mind that I wonder if she’s trying to hide her real feelings…nah. I think those two fight just a little too much. But she seems to be longing for something, and maybe that’s why she’s so bitter sometimes. I think she finds it difficult to trust others. That may have something to do with their grudge against the baddies.

With his pranks, Lirrik reminds me of Hare. Maybe not as intelligent, but with the same attitude, if not than it’s a bit more extreme. I do wonder why he enjoys teasing Sora so much, but maybe he likes her reactions…I can’t imagine why though, because he always seems to be running for his life from her. But they do make a great team against the baddies, I have to admit that. He often hums strange tunes; they remind me of ones I used to hear from sailors when I visited towns and inns with Genki and the others. Did he once sail on a ship? It seems likely, he knows a lot about different places. And he always has interesting stories for us…but a lot of them are strange and mysterious…kind of like ghost stories. I don’t know why, but I’ve never liked ghost stories. Undine likes his stories though, and it must be because she’s never seen any other place besides her lake.

Being stuck at the same lake forever, all by herself…Undine was very lonely. So I can see why her and Golem understand each other so much, and I hope we’ll meet up with them soon. That way, they can be together again. Poor Undine. She knows so little about the world, it’s a good thing Lirrik enjoys relating all sorts of things to her. I guess she never had many visitors to the lake…except for the baddies. Yes, she was part of Gray Wolf’s army. I imagine it was because she felt she had no purpose, and she didn’t want to feel…but she is happy with us now, and I’m so glad to see that.

I look down as Sarica snuggles a little closer to me. The ‘little Speamint’, as she calls herself, is always so sweet and friendly. Yet, as I sit here and watch her, I feel as though…I know her. I can’t explain it, but she seems so familiar to me. At first I thought it was because she’s a lot like Mocchi, but I’m sure there’s something else to it. Is it possible that I’ve met her before? I don’t know…I’m sure I would remember if I had, but…every time I try to remember, I just come up with blanks…except for…a dark shadow…and screaming…and also, someone laughing evilly…but that’s all, and I don’t know what it means. Maybe it’s just a dream, or something else. Still…I wish I knew what it was.

I felt my eyelids beginning to get heavier as I found myself drifting off to sleep. Before I close them, I take one more look at my new allies. But they are more then just allies, or comrades in battle. They are my friends.

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Space Cadet: Wow…I didn’t know I could go so deep…*sniff* almost brings a tear to my eye. …Almost. How sweet ^_^ I hope you enjoyed this little story, and the next chapters for the series should come out fairly quickly.