>>896314
Ask if it's stiff or in pain. Raven and Ophi were able to do a bit for Basant - and we're planning on going somewhere called Phoenix Alcove. If there's magic to clear up this gunk it may be there.

>>896314
Hmm, I suspected she was acting nervous because she might be hiding a wound or some kinda mark.

Tell Lucy that its ok for her to talk to you about things like this she might be worried about or anything really. Even if she feels ashamed about it or is worried about you fussing over her, its fine.
You are friends, friends look out for and take care of each other no matter what, that's just what good friends do and you will hear her out any time.

Does it hurt or feel funny? Regardless, Tell her she did well to come out of it with just that, Rufa is pretty strong and she is covered in them, (even if its probably because she fights like a frothing berserker.)
If she's worried about that fact she got hit in the stomach, then maybe treat it as a learning experience rather then be ashamed. Maybe she could get a big ol' battle belt to guard her vitals the next time you visit a town with merchants?

Fill her in on Phoenix Alcove and mention you'd like to have her come along.

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898904 ID: 40197f
File 153516130157.gif - (24.06KB , 800x600 , 024.gif )

>Ask if it hurts.
>Mhm. That's a shame, but we won't let this stop quota collection. Ask how it feels. Does it hurt if you touch it?
>“So, do you want to talk about it? Or at least tell me how that happened?”
>Ask if it's stiff or in pain. Raven and Ophi were able to do a bit for Basant - and we're planning on going somewhere called Phoenix Alcove. If there's magic to clear up this gunk it may be there.

I take a step in her direction to inspect this mark, but pause to ask.

Raven: "Oh, Lucy... Do you mind if I take a look at it?"

Lucy: "Y-you can."

I approach her as she puts her axe on Emerald's bed. I raise my hand up in the direction of this mark.

Raven: "Does it hurt?"

Lucy: "No. Not now."

Slowly I let my hand come into contact with her stomach, over the mark. I hate that my mind is split with the thoughts of Lucy's abs and analyzing this mark. I should focus on her well being... but her shape feels nice under my palm... I snap out of it and run my hand slowly across the mark.

Raven: "No pain?"

Lucy: "Still no. There's less feeling on that spot, if I run my finger across." She demonstrates so. "The area around it feels normal, but the purple spot feels... less. It used to have no feeling to it, but it changed since."

I look to her.

Raven: "Do you want to talk about what happened? How did it happen?"

Lucy: "I don't remember it clearly... Have you ever been so sick that, even awake, your memory of those days are just a haze? After we woke up, I couldn't remember what happened once you broke the portal with the sword. But once I saw this... I remembered... The wasp thing got to me. But it doesn't feel real. I can barely remember a full second of it happening." She looks down to her stomach. "I don't know what this means."

Raven: "Don't worry Lucy. After talking to Ophi, we've determined that the best course of action now is to go to the Phoenix's Alcove. There's a chance we can learn more about what happened here there. And I'm sure we can find something to help you with!"

Lucy smiles at me. I sure hope we'll find something, because I'd hate to fail her hopeful smile.

Lucy: "So uhhh... A fan of muscles? You're still feeling me up."

Huh? Oh yeah, look at that, my hand is still on her stomach and I realize I started to uh, grasps more... I quickly retreat my hand.

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898905 ID: 40197f
File 153516130586.gif - (37.48KB , 800x600 , 025.gif )

>do you mind if I sing a song to your glorious abs?
>Honestly that looks as good as it's going to get, based on what Basant's wound looks like after treatment. The song isn't healing magic IIRC, it just invigorates and dulls pain.
>“That’s.....not what I was talking about. I never noticed that, I just wanted to look at your abs of steel!”

Raven: "H-hey, are you implying that muscles are not a good thing?! I didn't even notice you had a mark before you showed it to me just now! I just wanted a look at your abs of s-steel!"

Whoops, I might be flubbing it.

Lucy: "Wh- you just wanted to see my stomach?"

She blushes a bit. I feel my face warm up too.

Raven: "Yeah, well that's the part that is easy to notice."

I give her a devious smile and try to wink at her, but it feels awkward. I never really understood how people make a good wink, maybe I should have moved my head more? I kinda turn away from her trying to think of a way to recover.

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898906 ID: 40197f
File 153516130833.gif - (33.02KB , 800x600 , 026.gif )

But after some seconds, I feels Strong Arms wrap around me and bringing me closer to the rest of Lucy's fluffy muscles.

Lucy: "Thank you... Thank you for caring. Not just this mark on my stomach, but what you've done since you've been here."

I hug her back. Usually I initiate hugs. But there's something nice about receiving a hug too. Probably helped with her words, there's a weird tension inside me the releases. I now realise that today has been an extremely straining day. I mean, I did get stabbed and all. It's healed, but still!

Raven: "Hey, no probleh..."

This is comfortable...

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898907 ID: 40197f
File 153516131106.gif - (14.81KB , 800x600 , 027.gif )

...

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898908 ID: 40197f
File 153516131423.gif - (15.69KB , 800x600 , 028.gif )

...

Huh. Where am I?

JiggyDino 2018/08/24(Fri)18:41 No. 898909 ID: 40197f
File 153516131854.gif - (42.75KB , 800x600 , 029.gif )

... Oh. I guess I fell asleep. I'm in Lucy's bed in the mountain?

I note that most of my clothes are off and seems to be folded at the side of the bed. Looking around, I see that some of the others are here. Lucy, Rip and Emerald. I guess the prison hole has no use for all it's sheets and pillows and can be used by all the new people in this area. The mounts also seems to be gone?

I can wait here for someone to wake up or get dressed and go somewhere. Maybe I can wake someone up?

>>898909
hug Emerald and wait for everyone to wake up

>>898912
Seconded

>>898936
Maybe sing that song quietly as well.

People are gonna get sick of that song if we sing it too much.

Emerald does seem to be having a bad dream, you can go gently wake her.

>>898909
Sit next to Emerald and sing a quiet lullaby, but try not to wake anybody. Looks like her dreams are being bad to her.

How about you snuggle right up to Lucy and finish what you started.

Emerald seems a little distraught. Wake her up and see if everything's alright?

JiggyDino 2018/08/30(Thu)10:54 No. 899611 ID: 40197f
File 153565164097.gif - (21.86KB , 800x600 , 030.gif )

>How about you snuggle right up to Lucy and finish what you started.

Mmmh... Whoops, just caught myself staring at Lucy... I...

Emerald: "Hnnng..."

JiggyDino 2018/08/30(Thu)10:54 No. 899612 ID: 40197f
File 153565164457.gif - (24.59KB , 800x600 , 031.gif )

>hug Emerald and wait for everyone to wake up
>Seconded. Maybe sing that song quietly as well.
>Emerald does seem to be having a bad dream, you can go gently wake her.
>Sit next to Emerald and sing a quiet lullaby, but try not to wake anybody. Looks like her dreams are being bad to her.
>Emerald seems a little distraught. Wake her up and see if everything's alright?

I look over the Emerald. Seems like she's not sleeping too well. I quietly make my way over to her. I think about singing the song again, but a combination of not wanting to wake the others and feeling like I'm singing too often, I decide to hum it. It might not have any tangible effects, but...

I'm not sure if I should try to comfort her or wake her up, so I approach with the intent of giving her a hug before I try to wake her. I put my hand gently on her shoulder and-

JiggyDino 2018/08/30(Thu)10:54 No. 899613 ID: 40197f
File 153565165060.gif - (47.21KB , 800x600 , 032.gif )

Emerald: "nnNNO! GO AWAY!!!"

*FWOOSH*

Aaaaugh! Emerald lets out some flurries of flames out, which burns me a little! She falls on the floor on the other side and tries to run away on all four.

Musta been some dream.

Don't pursue unless she tries leaving the cave. Perhaps say her name and that it was just a nightmare.

>>899613
Whoa there, it's just me, Raven! You were having a nightmare.

>>899613
Oh nooo, it must have been some nightmare for her to immediately flee in a panic. She's probably still half awake, try to get her attention and calm her down with some soothing words of reassurance that it was just a bad dream and she's safe, its alright.

If Emerald calms down you can ask her to sit with you and see if she wants to talk about her dream, she might feel better if she talks about it.

It also looks like your singed spot is still smoking a bit, you might wanna lick you fingers and snuff it out. Maybe also collect Emerald's bedding and put it back on the bed for her so its not on the ground.

>>899613
Em, it's okay! Don't persue. She's got adrenaline in her veins. Tend to your burns.

>>899613
I’m pretty sure that woke up everyone that was still sleeping.

Call out to Emerald and let her know that she’s ok. Only chase after her if she attempts to leave the room, so that you can stop her from hurting herself!

>>899613
ok now sing the song is calming and I am pretty sure everyone just woke up. don't chase her down till she calms down let her remember where she is first

Get Lucy up and have her help you calm down Emerald.

JiggyDino 2018/09/10(Mon)10:59 No. 901208 ID: 40197f
File 153660237883.gif - (18.72KB , 800x600 , 033.gif )

>Don't pursue unless she tries leaving the cave. Perhaps say her name and that it was just a nightmare.
>Whoa there, it's just me, Raven! You were having a nightmare.
>try to get her attention and calm her down with some soothing words of reassurance that it was just a bad dream and she's safe, its alright.
>Em, it's okay! Don't persue. She's got adrenaline in her veins.
>Call out to Emerald and let her know that she’s ok. Only chase after her if she attempts to leave the room, so that you can stop her from hurting herself!
>don't chase her down till she calms down let her remember where she is first

I stay in place for now.

Lucy: "Wuh-what's going on?"

Raven: "Em, it's okay!"

Lucy starts to get up in a confused and sleepy manner. Rip seems to already be up and ready sword drawn but relax his stance when pretty quickly once he sees nothing is happening around him.

Emerald continues her escape as she brings herself up on two feet, and I realise she's heading for the exit of the cave. I decide to start following her, but at a brisk pace, rather than a run.

Raven: "Emerald! Wait!"

Luckily she seems to freeze in place, but she still seems spooked as she peers down the cave hall that leads outside. After seconds she collapse back to the floor in the direction of the nearby wall and puts her back to it. She stares at me as I stand some meters away from her, trying to make my stance seem the least threatening as possible. Finally, her expression seems to indicate that she's realizing where she is, she looks around as she starts breathing again.

Raven: "It's okay, Emerald. It's just me, Raven! You were having a nightmare."

She lets out a sigh as she looks to the side, ashamed.

Emerald: "...whatever."

JiggyDino 2018/09/10(Mon)10:59 No. 901209 ID: 40197f
File 153660238120.gif - (31.92KB , 800x600 , 034.gif )

>If Emerald calms down you can ask her to sit with you and see if she wants to talk about her dream, she might feel better if she talks about it.

I approach her slowly.

Raven: "Do you want to talk about it? We can go sit and you ca-"

Emerald: "No! It was just dumb!"

She gets back up and goes to her bed, wiping her face. She grabs her pillow and sheet and goes back to bed, purposely facing away from anyone in the room...

JiggyDino 2018/09/10(Mon)10:59 No. 901210 ID: 40197f
File 153660238480.gif - (28.16KB , 800x600 , 035.gif )

>It also looks like your singed spot is still smoking a bit, you might wanna lick you fingers and snuff it out.
>Tend to your burns.

I'll admit I'm a bit taken aback. I lick my hand and press it against the burnt spot on my cheek. There's a light tsss sound. Agh, it also stings a bit. Lucy hurries to me and Rip seems unsure of what to do as he stands there holding his sheathed sword in one hand.

Lucy: "Are you ok?! Your face!"

Raven: "Yeah, don't worry. Emerald was having a nightmare but she doesn't want to tell me about it."

Lucy looks over to Emerald. I'm not sure what expression she has. A mix of worry and... disapproval? She yawns.

Lucy: "Well, if everything is ok... Slept well?"

Raven: "Oh, uhh, yeah. Sorry about falling asleep like that."

I look away a bit shy.

Lucy: "It's fine, everything that happen, it's good you got to sleep. Though I'd thought to let you know, Ava and Rufa are gone."

Raven: "They are?!"

Lucy: "Yes, I hope you don't mind, but Ava asked for her sword, so I looked through your things and found a sword hilt that she seemed to recognize. But dismissed it and made her way out. They took one of the mount and left while you were asleep."

She tilt her head slightly toward the exit, I look over and see that the mounts that previously occupied Lucy's room were moved into the hallway that leads outside. They are currently blocking the way. I'm guessing there one missing now.

Raven: "What about the rest?"

Lucy: "Some that claimed could handle the cold slept bellow, I gave them extra cover,though. The others slept in the prison. I set the ladder and left the door open so anyone can move in and out when they want." She looks past the mounts, at the light peeking through. "It should be morning now..."

I'm a bit groggy from just waking up, but I think the only thing left to do is ask Marigold or Poppy to join our group, prepare for the trip...then leave? Oh and ask Rip what his decision was.

>>901210
Sounds about it. Let's wrap this up and get movin'.

Thank Lucky for looking out for you. Maybe a quick hug. Try and scrounge up some breakfast and supplies for the trip. You probably won't be coming back here anytime soon.

I'd put my vote for Poppy.

>>901210
open party invite to travel with you, everyone here is interesting and "good" people. its safer to travel in a group anyway.

>>901223
Did you mean Lucy?

>>901247
Lucky Lucy. =P

>>901236
While this would definitely be in character tons and tons of party members would make it harder on Jiggy for multiple reasons.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:44 No. 902793 ID: 40197f
File 153764188746.gif - (24.44KB , 800x600 , 036.gif )

>Thank Lucy for looking out for you. Maybe a quick hug.

I hug her and she hugs back.

Raven: "Thank you for looking out for me."

Lucy: "It was no problem."

We let go and she's softly smiling.

>I'd put my vote for Poppy.
>open party invite to travel with you, everyone here is interesting and "good" people. its safer to travel in a group anyway.

Mmmh. I guess I could do that. I feel like Poppy is the best option, but maybe it's better if I just ask all the bees if they want to come with. Travelling as a group would be safer.

Raven: "Have everyone slept enough? I'd want to ask them something."

Lucy: "I would think so, but it might be better if we let them wake up on their own anyway."

>Sounds about it. Let's wrap this up and get movin'.
>Try and scrounge up some breakfast and supplies for the trip. You probably won't be coming back here anytime soon.

Raven: "Yeah, you're right. We could always prepare for the trip through the desert while we wait."

Lucy: "Oh, sure! I was doing so yesterday before we got interrupted."

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:44 No. 902794 ID: 40197f
File 153764189254.gif - (33.71KB , 800x600 , 037.gif )

Lucy leads me to Emeralds lab again... where we find out that I took all the garden food during the jumble. So I lead her to where we found Ava after the jumble since it was the Base room during. We gather all the food necessary and bring it to Lucy's room. The others have started to wake up when we arrive. We also fill all the bottles we have with water from the source under Lucy's room. Making my own bottle full again. We then load up the mounts with all the supplies. Using whatever fabric that are around, I make pouches and even mount sheathes for the bees to put their sword in while riding. It's not ideal for weapons, but should hold for the trip.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:44 No. 902795 ID: 40197f
File 153764189605.gif - (33.43KB , 800x600 , 038.gif )

Once everything is set up and everyone is awake, I tell them about them joining me.

Raven: "... It's an open invitation for anyone of you who wants to travel with us! The more people we have to travel with, the safer it'll be!"

Calla: "Well, I already said why I can't really join. But who knows, if we cross path afterward, maybe it would be nice to occupy myself with travels. We'll see."

Marigold: "I don't mind! Travelling is fun!"

Aster: "I think I'll pass. Sounds like more work than I want to deal with."

Marigold: "Aww, Aster! This isn't work! You might be less sour if you travel with leisure!"

Aster: "I doubt it. And don't call me sour."

Marigold: "Come on, Aster..."

Calla: "I agree with Marigold, Aster. Travels might be more suited for you. If you go home, you can't just loaf around. You'll need to busy yourself with work."

Aster: "You know, if you imply that going home requires me to work, maybe travelling with this group is the better option. Alright, I'll go too."

Marigold: "Yay! We stay together!"

Aster can't help herself to show a smile in the face of a cheerful Marigold. She attempt to hide her smile by looking away, but with minimal result.

Azalea: "I'm already travelling with Rip. I'm all set." Her and Rip exchange pleasant smiles at each other. Though Azalea's expression is more pronounced as usual.

Raven: "Speaking of which, Rip... Did you decide what you're doing?"

Rip: "... Can travel with you. But like you said, Smoothcrest after would be nice."

Raven: "Great!"

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902796 ID: 40197f
File 153764190285.gif - (20.42KB , 800x600 , 039.gif )

I turn to Poppy, which I just remembered because that is many similar looking bees to keep track of.

Raven: "What about you?"

Poppy seems a bit surprised.

Poppy: "You want me to come with you...?" Her expression becomes more stern. "I have to admit, I assume there was friction between us. How we met and all that."

Raven: "Did you forget the part where you helped kick butt? I was kinda hoping you'd join since you'd be very helpful if anything happens."

She fights a proud smile.

Poppy: "Oh well, if you mean it, I guess I don't mind offering my expertise further."

Calla: "Don't let it go to your head now."

Wow, I recruited all the bees. Well, except Calla. Hopefully a big group is a good thing!

>>901342
I'm probably crazy, lol.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902797 ID: 40197f
File 153764190775.gif - (32.74KB , 800x600 , 040.gif )

With one mount gone, I learn that there is 6 mount available. But also a cart? Apparently Ava rode it with Basant pulling it. It survived the sand storm and now Basant will be pulling Ophi this time. Some of us will have to ride with another. Calla gets her own mount since she's heading in a different way. Both Emerald and Poppy rides alone, though Marigold, riding with Aster, says it'll be no problem for her to jump from mount to mount to keep lonesome riders company, mostly Poppy when Emerald shows disinterest in the idea. Rip and Azalea will obviously ride together. Leaving the last mount for me and Lucy. Not sure which option is better though. Holding onto Lucy or have her hold me... Anyway, snapping out of it!

As everyone gets mounted up, I approach Calla.

Raven: "Hey."

Calla: "I think you mean farewell, or something similar."

Raven: "Heh. I just wanted to properly say bye, but also thank you for helping with everything. But! Also, sorry again for hurting some of your sisters."

Calla: "It's all fine, Raven. I know things got out of hands and you probably had to trust your guts. Couldn't have been easy on you either."

I feel warm inside. I go for a hug and she brings me in.

Calla: "Don't worry about it."

We let go and she addresses her sisters.

Calla: "You all behave yourselves, alright?!"

Their responses is to start making their way to Calla. I feel her grab one of my hand and bring me closer.

Calla: "... Look after them ok? Keep them safe."

I give her a firm nod and a confident smile.

Raven: "As if there was any other option."

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902798 ID: 40197f
File 153764191271.gif - (64.89KB , 800x600 , 041.gif )

The other bees reaches us as Calla let go of my hand and I take a step back. The sisters group hug Calla as they all say their farewell to each other. Telling each other that they have to get together as soon as possible, how they'll miss each other.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902799 ID: 40197f
File 153764191646.gif - (25.49KB , 800x600 , 042.gif )

Once plentiful hugs were had, they allow Calla to climb on top of the big reptile. She waves one last time and then have her mount start the trip, heading South. Marigold and Azalea continues the farewell as Calla splits from her sisters.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902800 ID: 40197f
File 153764192119.gif - (19.72KB , 800x600 , 043.gif )

Everyone returns to their own mount. As I reach Lucy, she's already aboard our mount. She extends a hand to help me up. When I take it, she gives me a confident smile...

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902801 ID: 40197f
File 153764192592.gif - (28.28KB , 800x600 , 044.gif )

She then pulls me up effortlessly in front of her. With her arms around me, she holds the reins. Ok, let sit this way. This is nice.

JiggyDino 2018/09/22(Sat)11:45 No. 902802 ID: 40197f
File 153764192951.gif - (21.05KB , 800x600 , 045.gif )

Lucy speaks in a tone that is both filled with catharsis and a tiny hint of pain.

Lucy: "Let's get the hell out of here."

She then makes the mount move forward, as we lead the pack North East.

---

Portal Chapter End

Thank you for reading! =D

https://tgchan.org/wiki/2_Frames_Quest

>>902802
Yay!

>>902801
If you want to lean back during the ride, there are 2 conveniently located “pillows” behind your head for you to lean on!

>>902802
Here we go!

A wonderful journey!

>>902802
Hooray! Onward to new adventures with new friends!