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''Fuck.'' You groan under your breath. Your thoughts feel underwater; the pain from walking all day is the only thing reminding you to keep your legs moving. The attack on your house by the Risens, the identity of that unknown Mamono, missing Pearls of Power, hypersensitive leylines, a freak Outsider causing one week of hypnotism, lack of presence from the church and Demon Lord forces, low-quality mercenaries using a strange drug on monsters, <span class="mu-s">your and Usha souls.</span> Close. You feel so close to linking it all together...
The sun is casting its strong glows of dusk when you reach the village. The caravans brought by your parents have caused a happy stir among the people; many Mamonos also come and go from the bathhouse, creating a constant flow of healthy activity in and out of the town square. Branka is overseeing everything (Hanabi quickly joins her), and further up the road toward the smaller entrance you took during your first visit is Aryel, overwatching the boarheads idling around.
The village is breathing again; so are you. Augustine, Canaan, Rikard, Seyraphal, and Shigeko stand next to each other as you watch in a daze. Your father, waving his arm, pops the bubbles clouding your mind; the heat in your head finally cools once you rejoin your family and friends. ''You've all shared good deeds today, worthy to be called Good Sisters of our divine Mother.'' Your father says, his eyes lingering on you a little longer than on your friends.
''And why would you exclude yourself?'' Your mother says, poking him with her elbow.
''All I've done is visit the church.'' He puts an end to Canaan's gesture by wrapping an arm around her shoulders. ''Besides, as the only man here, I oughta cede glory to-''
''Don't you start.'' Your mom interrupts him, failing at sounding mad.
''Will you come with us tonight, Augustine?'' You approach your godstouched friend. <span class="mu-i">I doubt Olin will have the strength to show up again today, so I'll spare her the heartache if she wants to continue the ritual.</span> She has been so consumed by observing the activity in the village that your voice and proximity cause her a small scare, making Usha jump.
''Goodness, sorry.'' She pauses because the little slime in your arms begins to whine, extending her tiny blue arms toward your pink friend. Augustine gladly takes your tiny friend from you when you hand her over. ''There are a few things I need to take care of in my home tonight.'' She says, bringing Usha closer to her face, pausing with a contented smile when the slime grabs her nose. ''I'll be making a temporary move here.'' She continues, looking to you, your family, and friends. ''The mercs will look for any excuses to hurt the Mamonos. Aryel alone can't keep watch on everything, so I'll stay here until the Autumn Solstice.''
