Days passed following your experience with Rubaidh. With your elements imbalanced by an abundance of fire, the water spirit Marinia made for an first choice.
A monster capable of enhancing water element was easy to find, but actually reaching it would prove to be difficult. You and Kurimono travelled for days to the northern coast, and to a once bustling port that has seen better days. Recent influx of monster attacks have made trade difficult.
A large grey blue mass appeared off in the distance about a week ago, strangling trade routes with the hundreds of monster boys that claimed the island as their home. Any ships that approached its radius, either simply to try and traverse to another port or to attack the monsters within, were all vanquished.
Unfortunately for you, it's the only way to re-balance the elemental imbalance inside you. Waiting for too long would be even more dangerous. You had to go. It's almost certainly the water spirit resides somewhere within that island.
Your powers are fire, and water is a natural counter to your flame. No other spirits have revealed themselves yet, either.
You consider your options. Actually reaching the island wouldn't be a problem, if it weren't for the high concentration of monsters nearby.
"M-Many ships tried to reach the island," Kurimono says nervously, hiding his true form under a glamor spell as you walk the port streets. "But they have all been picked apart, their passengers dragged down to the ocean depths or flown away by harpies. Those poor humans..."
You watch as a galleon departs. It's a massive ship, but the look on Kurimono's face implies he thinks they'll meet a similar fate. the ship being so big only made it a bigger target for the monsters."
"Are you going to be in any danger?"
"Oh, me? Not really. I'll be honest, I'm more worried about you getting snagged by a Harpy while I'm not looking."
Your eyes move from the giant galleon to one of many pathetic-looking dingies that have long since been abandoned.
"...Kurimono, do you remember that...*game* we played earlier? Where you took on the role of a villain?"
The fox boy follows tour gaze to one of the tiny boats built for no more than three people, his eyes widening.
You pack light. Thankfully, the biggest concerns of a long trip across the sea are covered by Kurimono's relics and magic. Food and fresh water are not a problem with a horn of plenty and a bowl of endless water. Kurimono is a limitless font of mana and can ensure you have more than enough resources.
In fact, you hardly take up and space either.
Kurimono holds you close for comfort. You're about the size of a mouse now, but it's more for your safety than for fun this time. You doubt any monster boys would notice you at this size.
If they did...well, you would be helpless to resist them at this size. A Harpy could just pick you up by a single talon and have you dutifully licking said talon before he even reached his nest! That is, if you didn't have the assistance of one of the most powerful sorcerers on the planet.
"I'm not going to throw up." He says to himself. "I'm okay. I'm okay."
If only he acted more like one...
"I'm not sure why you're shaking so much, Kurimono." You say, getting yourself comfortable against his fluffy fur. "It's not like you're in any danger. The monsters aren't looking for you."
"I...am not used to the open water, Luca. It's...there's just so much of it!"
You can't argue there. If it weren't for the giant grey mound in the distance, you would have no idea where to go. Still, it's strange that Kurimono is the one more scared of the open ocean between the two of you.
No Harpy or Fishfolk would stand a chance against his awesome power. If he weren't so timid, he'd be a serious threat! Heck, if he wanted to, he could just slide you under his fuzzy foot right now for a minute and that would be the end of your quest. All that work you put in, only to be huffing fox feet for the rest of your life.
...but you're glad he's not doing that, of course.
"Is something wrong, Luca? You've been staring at my feet for a while."
"U-Uh, no, I'm fine. Just zoning out a bit."
"I did bring a game, but the water is too choppy to play..."
You sigh. In hindsight, you probably should have brought a book to read. The giant island was quite far away, still. Kurimono said it would probably be an hour or so before you reached it.
You were alone for now. Perhaps you and the fox could have some fun. Something to sate your urges for a bit so you don't feel inclined to shove yourself face-first into the feet of the next monster boy you see. You might end up ambushed if you get too distracted.
That, and Kurimono didn't quite seem as interested in playing with you as before. Maybe he was worried about going too far? He had gotten you on the brink of servitude quite a few times...
Not that it matters now. The fox had tired himself out too much worrying, and now he's fast asleep. You stretch out your limbs and bask in the sun, thinking about what to do next...
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