"Here, I got the herbs you requested."

"Thank you so much-"

"Not so fast now! Instead of tokens, I was wondering if we could make an exchange for some of your products? The family could use a good watermelon, lord knows the boys can't have enough. You know, my wife claims that you offer the juiciest apples around the valley!"

"I'm sorry, but we're closing early today."

"Oh, it will be a quick moment. Just a minute of your time, I'll be hasty."

"No-no, that won't be necessary!"

"Is something wrong?"

"I apologize it is just, we have someone who is in need back there." 

"Goodness, were they attacked? Was it another one of those Monsters? I'll call one of the guards-"

"No-no, don't!" She chuckled nervously as they could sense her fumbling with her hand movement and fidgeting with her hair. "No attacks here, just someone who is ill with fever."

"Aaah, that's unfortunate. Make sure they lie down and get plenty of rest, offer them plenty of water if you have any. Is it bad?" Asked an older voice, someone aged and expressing concern to a fellow stranger. 

Within the tent was a small mess of apples scattered around the floor. A hand plucked one from the ground and wiped some of the dirt from its red surface before placing it onto another small crate of apples at the opposite stand. With nothing left to do, Reta sat on her knees and began picking up the fruit one by one, remembering how in their rush of bringing Felix into the market stand, Janette accidentally dropped a crate of apples while making room for him to lay down. The table stands intended for food display had to suffice, and so Felix was placed to rest at the back of the market tent where Janette made her quiet living selling her fruit to local and travelling customers who passed by. KuliKuli sat on her knees stroking his hair, her paw resting on his chest to feel his heart beat. It was frantic at first but thankfully it began to calm down to a steady pace. She had remained there by his side, silently hoping for him to open his eyes and offer her a smile as he would whisper that he was feeling better and promising that it wouldn't happen again. 

But what if he didn't open his eyes again? Such thoughts made her tremble as her tails tightened around her waist, squeezing her body until it hurt. 

Janette had reached out to an acquaintance, someone who made a living selling vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. They would often tease each other claiming the other store was their rival, but rather than squabble over petty banters the two shops would share the gossip about what their recent client is living through, what outlandish adventures they claimed to have experienced or even share the news between what went on with other neighboring stands as well. Most of it stemmed from entertainment, passing the time while pitching their best sale to any customers that came their way. 

Fortunately, she was aware that his wife would sell homegrown remedies on the side using some herbal treatments their son learned about while travelling abroad. Or was it from their daughter, she would often switch between them in her memories. In this event, she had asked him for a quick favor while he was taking a break right when the afternoon began. Unfortunately for them, Reta picked up on Janette's shadow outside the tent entrance struggling to walk away and thank the old man. Each time she turned around to leave, he would carry on the conversation sharing with her about the latest gossip. 

"And be careful going about, ey? You know with the recent sightings, perhaps it's a good time to bring someone along to protect you."

"Thanks, I need t-"

"Unless you can carry around something to defend yourself with, a dagger perhaps? Oh, one of the travelers I saw kept a crossbow strapped to his thigh, interesting piece of work I would say."

Janette nodded her head and reaching behind as her fingers grasped the curtain to go inside. "Interesting, anyway-"

The old man stepped forward just as she stepped back, her eyes frantically darting back and forth between him and her tent. 

"Though I would not recommend that, even with an eagle's aim it would take a minute to draw in another arrow. Now I heard that there's a contraption where you can stuff in multiple tiny arrows like darts and have them fire more than once? Sounds like nonsense to me, just fancy tales spread around by creative young folk here or there."

"Look, I should really go-"

"Oh sure of course, I wouldn't want to impede on you. You go ahead and tend to your friend, I was just about to help my beloved with a few of her little herbal remedies. Did you know that stuff helps clear out the nose when it gets runny during the cold? Sure would be useful now that winter is coming soon-"

Reta rolled her eyes and marched to the entrance, flexing her fingers with gritting her teeth before intruding upon them with a frantic pull, drawing the curtain wide open and alerting the pair outside. 

"Kisama!" She shouted at the old man, pointing her finger at him. Janette jumped as Reta yanked the herbs from her hands with a swipe of her hand as she kept her fiery gaze at the shocked man before them. "Urusai!"

She left just as quickly as she had entered, leaving the two speechless with Janette stuttering before offering an apologetic look and hurrying back inside. KuliKuli turned around as Reta paced back to them while plucking away a few leaves from one of the herbs and mashing them in her fist. She was mumbling to herself in her native language, something both KuliKuli and Reta did not understand. It was less of an enchantment and more akin to someone speaking their thoughts in a low tone to themselves out of annoyance in an attempt to calm down during stressful situations. She tossed the remaining green stems over her shoulder as Janette reached out to catch them in time, placing them on one of the fruit stands while Reta began frantically snapping her fingers. 

"You! Bowl, now!"

"A bowl? Yes, yes." She hurried to the back of the shop and returned with a small wooden bowl and spoon. "I still have some soup left-"

Reta turned the bowl upside down, dropping her breakfast onto the floor before applying the mash of herbal leaves into it. Janette stared down at the contents of her meal drying into the dirt, her stomach growling in disapproval as she had only began to eat when they arrived that day. 

"Need water." Reta added in a serious tone, grinding the leaves as best she could with a spoon. 

Janette hesitated when KuliKuli nudged her arm and gave her a pleading look. She walked back behind the counter and returned with her canteen, staring at it before sheepishly offering it with a shaky grip. "Just leave some for me, okay?"

The woman reached out for the canteen and flipped it over, emptying out its contents as it filled the bowl halfway before handing it back. Janette sighed and shook the canteen before dropping it at another stand with a look of defeat. 

"Will he be better soon?" KuliKuli asked in a soft tone, leaning over Felix and watching Reta mix the bowl from the opposite side. 

"If we act quickly, he will recover fast. Any spices?" Both girls turned their heads to Janette.

"I, yea, I do have some left over red and green peppers."

"That works." Reta cleared her throat and continued stirring until Janette came back. "Have spices?"

"Yes." 

"Good. Hold them over his head."

"Um, okay." Janette stuttered as she hovered her hands above him like she told her to. "Like this?"

KuliKuli stared wide-eyed as Janette held her hands over her partners face, following her hand movement with her curious golden eyes. 

"Grind the spices with your hands as if you were cold, keep them where they are." Reta ordered. 

Janette shrugged and did as she was instructed to do, rubbing the peppers between her palms until they began to sprinkle down onto his face. His nose twitched, then he winced and turned his head slightly. KuliKuli held her breath as his fingers began to tremble and he began to cough. Suddenly his eyes sprung open and he sat up immediately, his face turning red. He covered his mouth and pushed Janette away while Reta leaned back in time to avoid spilling the bowl. His face was scrunched up and he tilted his head back before thrusting forward with a loud and thunderous-

"AAA-CHOOO!!!!"

He sniffed and rubbed his snore nose, hunched over as KuliKuli patted his back and hugged him. 

"Bless you." Said Janette, puzzled and looking back at Reta wondering what happens next. 

Reta pressed her hand on his forehead and helped him sit up straight before pressing the bowl into his lips. "Drink this."

Felix seemed alarmed and leaned back before he noticed what was happening. He was confused but he closed his eyes and held the bowl in his hands, feeling the cool liquid wash over his tongue. His eyes shot open a second time and he pushed the bowl away when she quickly pressed it back against his mouth. "Baka! I said drink, now drink!" 

He moved his head away like a stubborn child before reluctantly accepting, his Adam's apple bobbing with each gulp before finally pulling the empty bowl away with an exaggerated groan. "Gaaaaahh, what was that?" 

"Helps wash away the poison in your system." Reta muttered, tossing the bowl away despite Jannette's annoyed look. 

KuliKuli leaned forward to make eye contact with him. "Are you feeling better yet, Master?"

"I... yea, my head still hurts but it's faint now." He realized as he pressed his fingers against his temple. Not only had the pain subsided but his smell wasn't overwhelming anymore. Looking up, he started turning his head left and right with a shocked expression on his face. "Where are we?"

"My shop." Janette replied as she stood up and patted the dirt off her long skirt. Today she wore a simple white top with a dark blue long skirt that fit like a simple dress for a working gal, while her hair was braided back in a tail. "Ever since your first visit, the place has been on high alert. That means more guards and some precautionary measures."

"You were poisoned, Master!" KuliKuli added with a high voice and a sad look, "You fainted on us before we came back!"

"So we smuggled you in here telling the guards that you had a drinking problem. Worked well enough to ward off any questions." Reta snickered with a naughty grin. 

"Ah, well... I don't know how to thank you all." Felix said as he turned over and scooted off the table. "I'm sorry Janette, I didn't mean to frighten you. I'll be more careful next time."

"Sssss about that." Janette turned her head and walked away, approaching the counter with her back to the group. "It may be best if you don't come back for some time."

"We will be more careful, right Master?" Chimed in KuliKuli with a smile as she waited expectantly for his answer. 

"No, I think the broad is right." Reta added as she reached for an orange and started to peel the skin off. "I've seen this before, if it's like where I am from then the place is going to be on high alert for four weeks. First steps start as a warning to fend off any evil spirits or creatures around us. Soft traps like poisoned pathways that have no effect on wandering travelers or people alike."

"But I'm no monster?" Questioned Felix. 

Reta waved her hand to focus his attention toward the Nekomata next to him. "You mated, yes?"

"Uh-"

"Every night for thirteen days!" KuliKuli announced with a skip in her step as her tails wiggled behind her, causing Felix to blush while Janette whistled back in awe. 

"Lucky," Reta licked her lips before continuing, "I could tell, his eyes are beginning to show."

"What?" Felix tried covering his eyes away from Janette as she leaned in from where she stood to try and get a better look. "Then why did you ask about our um, mating?"

"Just wanted to know if you can show a woman a good time." She chuckled to herself with KuliKuli nodding eagerly in response. 

Janette cleared her throat and walked between the trio. "I think the best course of action to do here is have you lot stay at your farm for the time being. I will let you know when it's safe to come back."

KuliKuli's ears dropped down as she began to pout. "Aww, does this mean we can't see Jay Jay anymore?"

Janette looked puzzled at first. "What?"

"Jay Jay, you like it? It's you without the 'nette'." She chirped up, pressing her paws together as if she were saying a prayer and looking up at her with glistening eyes. 

Janette scoffed and waved it off, smiling. "Cute, but no more visits for now. I will visit you instead, does that sound better?" 

"Hmmm, maybe. Only if you visit plenty of times!" She beamed, her cat ears raised up along with her joyful expression.

"C'mon, we'll have to get going soon before it gets dark out." Reta reminded them while peeking out through the curtain. "Not many armed guards out, mostly tired parents with energetic toddlers and a number of travelers passing through."

"Right," Felix groaned as KuliKuli helped him on his feet, holding his arm to help his balance. "May I ask you for a favor to carry out our purchases?"

"What?"

"We had arrived to purchase some materials to carry out some tasks, I can leave you some tokens and you could purchase and bring them over when you visit?"

Janette shrugged, "Sure, just write it down in a list and I'll do that after."

"Ah yes..." Felix bit his lip and chuckled nervously, "Maybe I could tell you and you can remember them?"

"I guess I can write them down instead?" She asked with a questioning look as he nodded in return. "Fine. So what do you need?"

While he explained it to her, Reta poked her head between the curtain entrance and looked around, adjusting her cloak and looking up to see the afternoon sun. Still a few hours left until sunset. She turned back to remind the others, "Hey, anytime before the guards fancy a stroll nearby?" 

"I'll leave you to it," Said Felix as he adjusted himself and followed Reta to the entrance. "Uh, KuliKuli?" 

"Ooops, sorry." She apologized and hid behind him, soon climbing over his shoulder in her cat form.

Janette gasped and stepped back, alerting Felix as he turned his attention to her. "Something wrong?"

"I just... I am not use to witnessing that, it's... unreal." She explained with a hand on her chest as she leaned against the counter. 

Felix smiled and waved back. "Thank you once again for helping us, I hope to see you soon."

"I'll be there!" She called out as the three made their exit, moving behind her counter and retrieving a small journal. Opening the book, she flipped through several pages before grabbing a quill with a small bottle of ink, dipping the tip and writing something down.

"I'll be there for sure." She whispered under her breath before putting the quill away. 

"Here, I got the herbs you requested." "Thank you so much-" "Not so fast now! Instead of tokens, I was wondering if we could make an exchange for some of your products? The family could use a good watermelon, lord knows the boys can't have enough. You know, my wife claims that you offer the juiciest apples around the valley!" "I'm sorry, but we're closing early today." "Oh, it will be a quick moment. Just a minute of your time, I'll be hasty." "No-no, that won't be necessary!" "Is something wrong?" "I apologize it is just, we have someone who is in need back there." "Goodness, were they attacked? Was it another one of those Monsters? I'll call one of the guards-" "No-no, don't!" She chuckled nervously as they could sense her fumbling with her hand movement and fidgeting with her hair. "No attacks here, just someone who is ill with fever." "Aaah, that's unfortunate. Make sure they lie down and get plenty of rest, offer them plenty of water if you have any. Is it bad?" Asked an older voice, someone aged and expressing concern to a fellow stranger. Within the tent was a small mess of apples scattered around the floor. A hand plucked one from the ground and wiped some of the dirt from its red surface before placing it onto another small crate of apples at the opposite stand. With nothing left to do, Reta sat on her knees and began picking up the fruit one by one, remembering how in their rush of bringing Felix into the market stand, Janette accidentally dropped a crate of apples while making room for him to lay down. The table stands intended for food display had to suffice, and so Felix was placed to rest at the back of the market tent where Janette made her quiet living selling her fruit to local and travelling customers who passed by. KuliKuli sat on her knees stroking his hair, her paw resting on his chest to feel his heart beat. It was frantic at first but thankfully it began to calm down to a steady pace. She had remained there by his side, silently hoping for him to open his eyes and offer her a smile as he would whisper that he was feeling better and promising that it wouldn't happen again. But what if he didn't open his eyes again? Such thoughts made her tremble as her tails tightened around her waist, squeezing her body until it hurt. Janette had reached out to an acquaintance, someone who made a living selling vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. They would often tease each other claiming the other store was their rival, but rather than squabble over petty banters the two shops would share the gossip about what their recent client is living through, what outlandish adventures they claimed to have experienced or even share the news between what went on with other neighboring stands as well. Most of it stemmed from entertainment, passing the time while pitching their best sale to any customers that came their way. Fortunately, she was aware that his wife would sell homegrown remedies on the side using some herbal treatments their son learned about while travelling abroad. Or was it from their daughter, she would often switch between them in her memories. In this event, she had asked him for a quick favor while he was taking a break right when the afternoon began. Unfortunately for them, Reta picked up on Janette's shadow outside the tent entrance struggling to walk away and thank the old man. Each time she turned around to leave, he would carry on the conversation sharing with her about the latest gossip. "And be careful going about, ey? You know with the recent sightings, perhaps it's a good time to bring someone along to protect you." "Thanks, I need t-" "Unless you can carry around something to defend yourself with, a dagger perhaps? Oh, one of the travelers I saw kept a crossbow strapped to his thigh, interesting piece of work I would say." Janette nodded her head and reaching behind as her fingers grasped the curtain to go inside. "Interesting, anyway-" The old man stepped forward just as she stepped back, her eyes frantically darting back and forth between him and her tent. "Though I would not recommend that, even with an eagle's aim it would take a minute to draw in another arrow. Now I heard that there's a contraption where you can stuff in multiple tiny arrows like darts and have them fire more than once? Sounds like nonsense to me, just fancy tales spread around by creative young folk here or there." "Look, I should really go-" "Oh sure of course, I wouldn't want to impede on you. You go ahead and tend to your friend, I was just about to help my beloved with a few of her little herbal remedies. Did you know that stuff helps clear out the nose when it gets runny during the cold? Sure would be useful now that winter is coming soon-" Reta rolled her eyes and marched to the entrance, flexing her fingers with gritting her teeth before intruding upon them with a frantic pull, drawing the curtain wide open and alerting the pair outside. "Kisama!" She shouted at the old man, pointing her finger at him. Janette jumped as Reta yanked the herbs from her hands with a swipe of her hand as she kept her fiery gaze at the shocked man before them. "Urusai!" She left just as quickly as she had entered, leaving the two speechless with Janette stuttering before offering an apologetic look and hurrying back inside. KuliKuli turned around as Reta paced back to them while plucking away a few leaves from one of the herbs and mashing them in her fist. She was mumbling to herself in her native language, something both KuliKuli and Reta did not understand. It was less of an enchantment and more akin to someone speaking their thoughts in a low tone to themselves out of annoyance in an attempt to calm down during stressful situations. She tossed the remaining green stems over her shoulder as Janette reached out to catch them in time, placing them on one of the fruit stands while Reta began frantically snapping her fingers. "You! Bowl, now!" "A bowl? Yes, yes." She hurried to the back of the shop and returned with a small wooden bowl and spoon. "I still have some soup left-" Reta turned the bowl upside down, dropping her breakfast onto the floor before applying the mash of herbal leaves into it. Janette stared down at the contents of her meal drying into the dirt, her stomach growling in disapproval as she had only began to eat when they arrived that day. "Need water." Reta added in a serious tone, grinding the leaves as best she could with a spoon. Janette hesitated when KuliKuli nudged her arm and gave her a pleading look. She walked back behind the counter and returned with her canteen, staring at it before sheepishly offering it with a shaky grip. "Just leave some for me, okay?" The woman reached out for the canteen and flipped it over, emptying out its contents as it filled the bowl halfway before handing it back. Janette sighed and shook the canteen before dropping it at another stand with a look of defeat. "Will he be better soon?" KuliKuli asked in a soft tone, leaning over Felix and watching Reta mix the bowl from the opposite side. "If we act quickly, he will recover fast. Any spices?" Both girls turned their heads to Janette. "I, yea, I do have some left over red and green peppers." "That works." Reta cleared her throat and continued stirring until Janette came back. "Have spices?" "Yes." "Good. Hold them over his head." "Um, okay." Janette stuttered as she hovered her hands above him like she told her to. "Like this?" KuliKuli stared wide-eyed as Janette held her hands over her partners face, following her hand movement with her curious golden eyes. "Grind the spices with your hands as if you were cold, keep them where they are." Reta ordered. Janette shrugged and did as she was instructed to do, rubbing the peppers between her palms until they began to sprinkle down onto his face. His nose twitched, then he winced and turned his head slightly. KuliKuli held her breath as his fingers began to tremble and he began to cough. Suddenly his eyes sprung open and he sat up immediately, his face turning red. He covered his mouth and pushed Janette away while Reta leaned back in time to avoid spilling the bowl. His face was scrunched up and he tilted his head back before thrusting forward with a loud and thunderous- "AAA-CHOOO!!!!" He sniffed and rubbed his snore nose, hunched over as KuliKuli patted his back and hugged him. "Bless you." Said Janette, puzzled and looking back at Reta wondering what happens next. Reta pressed her hand on his forehead and helped him sit up straight before pressing the bowl into his lips. "Drink this." Felix seemed alarmed and leaned back before he noticed what was happening. He was confused but he closed his eyes and held the bowl in his hands, feeling the cool liquid wash over his tongue. His eyes shot open a second time and he pushed the bowl away when she quickly pressed it back against his mouth. "Baka! I said drink, now drink!" He moved his head away like a stubborn child before reluctantly accepting, his Adam's apple bobbing with each gulp before finally pulling the empty bowl away with an exaggerated groan. "Gaaaaahh, what was that?" "Helps wash away the poison in your system." Reta muttered, tossing the bowl away despite Jannette's annoyed look. KuliKuli leaned forward to make eye contact with him. "Are you feeling better yet, Master?" "I... yea, my head still hurts but it's faint now." He realized as he pressed his fingers against his temple. Not only had the pain subsided but his smell wasn't overwhelming anymore. Looking up, he started turning his head left and right with a shocked expression on his face. "Where are we?" "My shop." Janette replied as she stood up and patted the dirt off her long skirt. Today she wore a simple white top with a dark blue long skirt that fit like a simple dress for a working gal, while her hair was braided back in a tail. "Ever since your first visit, the place has been on high alert. That means more guards and some precautionary measures." "You were poisoned, Master!" KuliKuli added with a high voice and a sad look, "You fainted on us before we came back!" "So we smuggled you in here telling the guards that you had a drinking problem. Worked well enough to ward off any questions." Reta snickered with a naughty grin. "Ah, well... I don't know how to thank you all." Felix said as he turned over and scooted off the table. "I'm sorry Janette, I didn't mean to frighten you. I'll be more careful next time." "Sssss about that." Janette turned her head and walked away, approaching the counter with her back to the group. "It may be best if you don't come back for some time." "We will be more careful, right Master?" Chimed in KuliKuli with a smile as she waited expectantly for his answer. "No, I think the broad is right." Reta added as she reached for an orange and started to peel the skin off. "I've seen this before, if it's like where I am from then the place is going to be on high alert for four weeks. First steps start as a warning to fend off any evil spirits or creatures around us. Soft traps like poisoned pathways that have no effect on wandering travelers or people alike." "But I'm no monster?" Questioned Felix. Reta waved her hand to focus his attention toward the Nekomata next to him. "You mated, yes?" "Uh-" "Every night for thirteen days!" KuliKuli announced with a skip in her step as her tails wiggled behind her, causing Felix to blush while Janette whistled back in awe. "Lucky," Reta licked her lips before continuing, "I could tell, his eyes are beginning to show." "What?" Felix tried covering his eyes away from Janette as she leaned in from where she stood to try and get a better look. "Then why did you ask about our um, mating?" "Just wanted to know if you can show a woman a good time." She chuckled to herself with KuliKuli nodding eagerly in response. Janette cleared her throat and walked between the trio. "I think the best course of action to do here is have you lot stay at your farm for the time being. I will let you know when it's safe to come back." KuliKuli's ears dropped down as she began to pout. "Aww, does this mean we can't see Jay Jay anymore?" Janette looked puzzled at first. "What?" "Jay Jay, you like it? It's you without the 'nette'." She chirped up, pressing her paws together as if she were saying a prayer and looking up at her with glistening eyes. Janette scoffed and waved it off, smiling. "Cute, but no more visits for now. I will visit you instead, does that sound better?" "Hmmm, maybe. Only if you visit plenty of times!" She beamed, her cat ears raised up along with her joyful expression. "C'mon, we'll have to get going soon before it gets dark out." Reta reminded them while peeking out through the curtain. "Not many armed guards out, mostly tired parents with energetic toddlers and a number of travelers passing through." "Right," Felix groaned as KuliKuli helped him on his feet, holding his arm to help his balance. "May I ask you for a favor to carry out our purchases?" "What?" "We had arrived to purchase some materials to carry out some tasks, I can leave you some tokens and you could purchase and bring them over when you visit?" Janette shrugged, "Sure, just write it down in a list and I'll do that after." "Ah yes..." Felix bit his lip and chuckled nervously, "Maybe I could tell you and you can remember them?" "I guess I can write them down instead?" She asked with a questioning look as he nodded in return. "Fine. So what do you need?" While he explained it to her, Reta poked her head between the curtain entrance and looked around, adjusting her cloak and looking up to see the afternoon sun. Still a few hours left until sunset. She turned back to remind the others, "Hey, anytime before the guards fancy a stroll nearby?" "I'll leave you to it," Said Felix as he adjusted himself and followed Reta to the entrance. "Uh, KuliKuli?" "Ooops, sorry." She apologized and hid behind him, soon climbing over his shoulder in her cat form. Janette gasped and stepped back, alerting Felix as he turned his attention to her. "Something wrong?" "I just... I am not use to witnessing that, it's... unreal." She explained with a hand on her chest as she leaned against the counter. Felix smiled and waved back. "Thank you once again for helping us, I hope to see you soon." "I'll be there!" She called out as the three made their exit, moving behind her counter and retrieving a small journal. Opening the book, she flipped through several pages before grabbing a quill with a small bottle of ink, dipping the tip and writing something down. "I'll be there for sure." She whispered under her breath before putting the quill away.