The crunch of leaves underfoot and the soft rustling of branches overhead accompanied the trio as they made their way into Enohay Forest.

  The dense canopy allowed beams of sunlight to stream through, casting a warm, glimmering glow over the mossy ground and creating a serene atmosphere.

  Dama glanced around, his single arm swinging at his side as his gaze wandered. “Why are we walking inside the forest?” he asked, his tone light and curious.

  His lips curled into a small smile as he took in the beauty around him. “Not that I mind—it’s just…wow, it’s really something, isn’t it? The way the light makes everything glimmer.” He turned toward Mumu, who followed beside him. “What about you, Mumu? What do you think?”

  Mumu’s ears perked up, and he nodded, his black slit for eyes wide with quiet joy.

  Tsubasa chuckled softly at their exchange. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? I often come here just to appreciate the beauty of it.” she said, her voice carrying a gentle warmth. Her tail swayed behind her as she led them further into the forest. “That’s half the reason I brought you here.”

  Dama tilted his head. “Half the reason?”

  “The other half,” Tsubasa said, glancing over her shoulder, “is that I wanted us to have a quiet, secluded place to talk about Giona. Remember?”

  Dama’s expression sobered as he nodded. “Right. So…where should we start?”

  Tsubasa stopped near a small clearing where sunlight bathed the forest floor. Turning to face Dama, she folded her arms in contemplation. “I’d like to start with teaching her some basics. Things like writing and talking. She’s still unpracticed, and it’ll be important for her to learn if she'll have a future in the village.”

  She paused, her gaze shifting to the canopy above as though gathering her thoughts. “Now, I would say she's uneducated, but for some reason, it seems she already knows how to read—at least to some extent. I’m not sure why, but I’d guess it has something to do with her past.” She looked back at Dama and placed a hand over her chest. “Not that it’s important right now, she's with us now.”

  Dama’s mouth opened as if to respond, but he hesitated, raising a finger to his chin instead. His brows furrowed in thought, and he cast his gaze downward.

  Tsubasa noticed immediately. “Go ahead, Dama,” she encouraged, "speak your mind.”

  “It's just, I was about to say why wouldn’t her past be important?” Dama admitted, his voice hesitant as he looked up at her. “But then I…well, I thought back to her screaming during that nightmare. And I realized maybe her past might be best left forgotten.”

  Tsubasa’s expression softened, and her tail curled around her as she regarded Dama's comment. “That’s a compassionate thought, Dama,” she said softly, “but even so, her past may find its way to her eventually, whether she wants it to or not.”

  For a moment, both Tsubasa and Dama had the same somber look. Realizing this, Tsubasa then smiled with a gentle aura, placing a hand on his shoulder. “For now, though, let’s focus on giving her the tools to navigate her future.”

  Dama nodded again, his determination visible despite the lingering uncertainty in his gaze.

  Tsubasa then stepped back and turned her back to Dama, her white kimono fluttering from a gust of wind as she reached into its folds. From within, she produced a folded piece of paper. Turning toward Dama, she extended it to him.

  Dama blinked in surprise and took the paper. “What’s this?” he asked, tilting his head as he glanced up at her.

  Tsubasa turned back around and resumed her walk, her voice calm as she explained, “It contains some elementary principles and lessons from the village school. I’m entrusting you to teach some of it to Giona.”

  “W-Wait, me?!” Dama stammered as he jogged up to her, his voice pitching higher than usual. He clutched the paper as if it might crumble under his unease.

  Tsubasa glanced back over her shoulder, her lips quirking into a smirk. “Who else did you think was going to?”

  “Well…” Dama fidgeted, his gaze darting between the paper and Tsubasa. “I thought you'd be the one teaching her! I mean, I only have experience teaching my little sister, and you…well, you’ve taught practically three generations’ worth of villagers!”

  Tsubasa scoffed, a playful sarcasm lacing her tone. “Oh, so you expect me to climb that blasted mountain to your cabin every single day, do you?”

  Dama’s cheeks flushed as he scratched his cheek awkwardly, his gaze shifting upward to the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest roof. “Uhhhhhh…”

  Tsubasa couldn’t suppress a soft laugh. “Relax, Dama,” she said, her tone softening, “with that paper—and others I’ll periodically give you—you’ll be fine. Not only that, but I will come by the cabin once in a while to teach her myself. Think of you like homework, and me the test.”

  Dama glanced down at the folded paper in his hand, his expression a mix of doubt and determination. “I guess.” he murmured. Then, after a moment’s thought, he looked up at Tsubasa. “Thank you—for trusting me with this.”

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  Tsubasa glanced back at him, her eyes warm and reassuring. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

  Looking at the folded paper in his hand, then looking back up at Tsubasa as they continued their walk, Dama asked, “How long do you think it’ll take before Giona understands the basics? And also, be ready to be introduced to the village?”

  Tsubasa came to a slow stop, her tail curling into a hook as she grasped her chin and groaned in thought. Several moments passed, the rustling leaves above providing a soft, rhythmic ambiance as she considered his question.

  “Hmm…” she finally said, drawing out the sound. “It shouldn’t take more than two years. Within that timeframe, she should be ready to meet the villagers.”

  Dama nodded, taking in the answer with a thoughtful expression, but before he could say anything else, Tsubasa chuckled mischievously. Her tone shifted to something more playful as she added, “Though I do hope it takes a little less than two years. The idea of you and Giona alone in that cabin together for that long…” She trailed off, her chuckling continuing.

  Dama tilted his head, his expression blank with confusion. Mumu, ever in sync with him, mimicked the movement. “Huh?” Dama asked as both he and Mumu looked at each other in genuine puzzlement.

  Tsubasa sighed with exaggerated patience, waving her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it..." she said, amusement dancing in her tone. “You’ll understand when you’re a bit older.” She began walking again. “Besides, I’ll leave that to Koul.”

  Dama blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. “Leave what to Koul?” he muttered under his breath, his confusion still apparent as he trailed after Tsubasa.

  But Tsubasa didn’t elaborate, leaving the question to linger in the air as they ventured deeper into the forest. However, due to her jest, her thoughts began to drift. Her expression grew contemplative as a realization struck her like a sudden gust of wind.

  "Hold on, now that I think about it, Dama's about to go through puberty." she thought, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "His body and mind were on the verge of inevitable changes, ones that would shape his view of the world—and of women. But what about Giona?" Tsubasa’s brow furrowed even more. "She seems to be around the same age as Dama... Yet, there weren’t any signs of puberty when I checked her out. If that’s the case, it won’t be long before she starts going through it too."

  The weight of the thought settled heavily on Tsubasa’s shoulders. Giona had no mother, no older sister, no female role model to help her navigate such a tumultuous and confusing time. Who would she have? "That could lead to some problematic situations indeed..."

  It was then when Tsubasa made up her mind. "I’ll have to fill that role for her when the time comes, especially when it comes to her first month." She could already imagine how bewildering and frightening the experience might be for Giona—and, knowing Dama, he’d likely be just as panicked.

  Her tail flicked back and forth behind her as she pondered the situation further. "Maybe I should preemptively explain it to them. Not just that, but the other challenges she might face. Better to prepare them both now than deal with the chaos later."

  Her musings were abruptly interrupted by Dama’s voice. “Speaking of Mr. Koul, don’t you think he’d be a good fit to take care of Giona once we introduce her to the village?”

  Tsubasa glanced back, meeting Dama’s earnest expression. “He does have two daughters already, Mary and Mari, so he knows how to take care of girls.” Dama continued. “Not only that, but I’m pretty sure Ms. Koul would love her as well!”

  Tsubasa nodded, a smile returning to her face. “I agree. Himon Koul would be a good pick. But, I’ve been considering others as well. I’ve spent most of my time since meeting Giona thinking about who I trust most to care for her once she’s ready.”

  Dama’s curiosity was piqued. “Who else do you have in mind?”

  Tsubasa turned her gaze forward, her steps steady as she answered. “Including Himon, I’ve also thought about Kina, or even the Yonos."

  "The Yonos?" Dama replied as he perked up. "Hmmmmm, I can see big sister Moa liking Giona and doting on her like she does me."

  "Mhm," Tsubasa nodded, "they’re all good people who have raised children already and would do well with her.”

  Dama nodded slowly, processing her words, but then Tsubasa added, “However, the ones I feel would benefit Giona the most are Liam and Alexandra.”

  Dama blinked in surprise. “Mr. Liam and Ms. Alexandra?”

  Tsubasa’s expression softened. “Yes. Alexandra’s patient, kind, and nurturing, and Liam has a gentle way of encouraging others to explore and grow. Together, they’d create a balanced environment for Giona—one that could help her heal and flourish the most. Not only that, but wouldn't you think Giona would prepare them to have children of their own in the future?”

  Dama considered her words, then smiled. “Yeah, I can see that. They’d definitely love her!”

  Tsubasa nodded, though her thoughts lingered on the responsibility of preparing Giona and Dama for what lay ahead. She then paused, her ears swiveling as Dama asked, "Is there anything else we need to talk about, other than her physical health?"

  She turned her head, shaking it gently. “Not much else,” she replied. “As long as she stays in bed and you keep feeding her the same healthy diet you’re on, her atrophied muscles and overall physicality should recover in about a year’s time.”

  Tsubasa began walking again, now with her arms behind her back. “Other than that, just do your best to teach her, provide a comforting environment, and help her get accustomed to talking with others. It’ll take time, but she’s already come this far. With your support, I’m sure she’ll manage.”

  Dama nodded, absorbing her words as he slowed his pace. His thoughts churned, trying to piece everything together. He wanted to do his best for Giona—he owed her that much—but the weight of the responsibility was undeniable.

  As he pondered, he felt something large and firm settle on his shoulders. Dama flinched, glancing over his shoulder, only to see Mumu towering behind him. The giant stitched figure stood tall, his paw-like hands resting on Dama’s shoulders.

  Mumu’s stitched face morphed, the threads tugging into a smile. His silent reassurance radiated a warmth that broke through Dama’s uncertainty.

  “Mumu…” Dama whispered, then smiled back. Drawing a fist to his chest, he declared with newfound resolve, “Tsubasa, you can count on me, Mumu, and Nini to care for Giona in the meantime.”

  Tsubasa turned to watch the moment with a soft smile, her silver eyes glimmering with pride. “Good. That’s the spirit, m—!"

  But just as she was about to say more, her ears twitched. Among the delicate rustling of leaves and chirping of distant birds, she caught the faint, rhythmic sound of… "Snoring?"

  She tilted her head in order to help her sharp hearing hone in on the noise. “Wait a moment…” she murmured, holding up a hand to signal Dama and Mumu to pause.

  Dama raised a brow. “What is it?”

  Tsubasa’s tail swayed behind her as she focused, her expression both amused and puzzled. “Someone’s asleep nearby...” she said, her voice just above a whisper. “And judging by the volume, they’re not trying to be subtle.”

  Dama blinked, exchanging a glance with Mumu, who cocked his head curiously. “In the middle of the forest?” Dama muttered.

  Tsubasa’s mischievous grin returned. “Let’s find out.” She gestured for them to follow as she quietly moved toward the source of the sound.

  -

  Next: (Extra Chapter 9) Un-bear-able Prank