The Island of Wonder

By the next morning, Nicole had everything ready—most of the important stuff easily fit into two crates she had made for herself and Soi, while the raw materials she always carried with her anyway. They asked the strong four-armed Bee guards to carry and load their belongings while the girls went for one last bath by the ocean.

As they were returning to the caravan, Nicole suddenly realized she had never questioned who—or what—was carrying the wagons. And now, her question was answered.

Ah yes, the beautiful nature of the island… giant fucking rhinos. At least they looked calm and docile for now. Nicole stared at one that was about the size of two Earth cows, covered in gray stone plates with moss growing on its back and head, even on the horns, which were bigger than Nicole’s entire head. The beast didn’t seem to notice her at all, standing passively in place. Similar creatures stood in front of the other wagons, ready to move forward.

Mignon, who had been following the girls, approached one of the giants and tapped the hard, uneven stone armor on its leg with a paw. The rhino lazily turned its head to look at the dog-like creature, as if assessing any potential danger. Finding none, it turned away—but that was enough to scare Mignon into jumping back and hiding behind Nicole.

"I—I hope you guys know how to control those." Nicole said, looking at Jathun.

"Indeed. We wouldn’t be using them otherwise." The older man replied with a nod. "Look at the moss on its horn. It takes months without combat to grow that large. It’s proof that we’ve neither been in danger nor lost control of the Mosshorns."

"Wait, Nicole, you’ve never seen them?" Soi asked in surprise. "I thought you knew about Mosshorns."

I’ve been occupied with other things than wandering around looking for giant monsters. Where did they even hide them? "Doesn’t matter. When are we leaving?" Nicole said, changing the subject as she glanced around the caravan. Is she coming or not?

"My people are ready. If you are as well, then nothing holds us." Jathun said, though it sounded more like a question.

After one last look around, Nicole sighed and nodded before stepping into the traveling wagon she would share with Soi. Earlier she and Jathun agreed that the girls will get their own one to sleep and travel in. Mignon eagerly followed, finding a spot in the corner and lying down.

"Hey, what about Iloe?" Soi asked, unaware of the shift in her friends’ relationship.

"The last time I talked to her, I told her that if she wanted to come with us, she should be at the caravan before it left. As you can see, she’s not here."

"Oh… okay. She has to take care of her mother, after all." Soi said, nodding.

The carriage began moving slowly, and the girls sat in silence. Why do I feel… angry?Along with sadness and disappointment at leaving a dear friend behind. Did I really get attached to Iloe that quickly and that deeply? Ugh, stop it, Nicole. I have more important things to worry about. At least she’s relatively safe.

They sat on the floor of the wagon, the open doors allowing them to see the village streets as the caravan passed houses and people.

"Soi, don’t you feel sad leaving the village like this?" Nicole asked. "I mean, you grew up here."

"Well, all I want is adventure and to spend fun time with you and everyone else. It’s not that rare for villagers to leave… but a little, yes. I do feel that." Soi’s last words were said with unfocused eyes, likely thinking about those who had helped her over the years. As they neared the gates and were about to pass through, the caravan suddenly stopped.

"Hm?" Something happened? Nicole jumped to her feet and was about to go ask Jathun when she was approached by a familiar figure. It was Morilia, the catwoman stopped a few meters away and pointed her spear at Nicole.

"Hey, leaving without even saying goodbye? Is this how you thank me for all the help and training?" She said, frowning. A dangerous spark in her eyes, paired with the sharp movements of her tail, made Nicole uneasy for a moment.

"Oh—hi. Sorry. I didn’t… ugh, okay, fine. I’m sorry, I didn’t have much time. Thanks for helping me—your training turned out to be life-saving."

In an instant, Morilia’s tense posture relaxed into a casual smile. "Good to know. Alright, I won’t keep you long. Just promise me one thing—come back and fight me someday. I want to see how strong my best student can become. Even if you’re my only one for now." She smirked.

"Of course. I’ll be back." Nicole pointed her spear at Morilia. They both swung, their spear tips meeting with a clang as blue sparks burst from Nicole’s weapon. Then they turned away—Morilia disappearing between the huts while Nicole returned to the wagon. As the caravan began moving again, Nicole asked. "You said you were okay with leaving everyone behind. But what about her? Didn’t you two have something going on?"

Before Soi could answer, a voice shouted. "WAIT!"

A second later, they saw Iloe running toward them with a large backpack. She barely managed to jump into the moving wagon. She was soaked, panting heavily as she collapsed against the wall.

"Iloe?! So you are coming with us?!" Soi exclaimed, hugging her.

"Y-yes. I’m sorry… I almost missed you girls. I finally got a good night’s sleep after days of staying whole nights up and now I overslept…" She said between breaths.

I really thought she won't come. "I’m glad you made it," Nicole smiled. "But what about your mother?"

"Don’t worry. I wasn’t sure at first, but my father agreed to take care of her." Iloe said simply.

Nicole’s mind stalled for a moment. "Your father? I—I never heard you mention him. I thought he was dead or something and didn’t want to ask…"

Iloe giggled at her reaction. "Sorry. We’re not really close. Or rather, he isn’t close with me or Mom. My father is Terl."

"Huh?!" Nicole’s jaw dropped. "You mean the village elder?" I can’t believe that prick could be the father of such a gentle cutie. Maybe that’s not apropriate to say, but maybe that’s good that he isn’t close with Iloe. Would be terrible if his personality rubbed off on her.

"Y-yes." Iloe said, blushing. "He slept with many women in the village—so many that he has to be careful not to flirt with his own children, haha. I-I mean, sometimes no one even knows who the father of a child is. Some of his kids, like me, are already old enough for those things. But anyways, that’s not my case. Mom was like me—absorbed in her studies. One rare time she relaxed, I happened. But with how busy Terl was, they never really became close."

"At least he promised to take care of your mother. That’s something," Soi said with a sigh. "And hey, all three of us have parental issues, so we kind of understand each other."

Right... I even have issies not with one but with two pairs of parents, hah. But I should be thankful I guess, if not my adoptive parents I wouldn't be there afterall. Nicole leaned back, her hand brushing something in her pocket. Oh right—the gift. "Iloe, I’m glad you’re with us. This was meant as a goodbye gift if you stayed behind, but I guess it’s just a normal present now." She handed her a small golden slab. "Back in my world, gold was valuable for a very long time. It was also believed to have ties to alchemy, so maybe it’ll be useful to you."

Iloe jumped up and hugged her. "Thank you! I’ll definitely find some good use for it." She said before stowing it in her backpack.

The hours passed quickly as the girls chatted, laughed, and played cards. The Bee caravan didn’t stop during the day, only halting when the sun set. The wagons were arranged in a circle, and a large bonfire was lit in the center. Two Bees cooked something in a massive pot while others tended to the rhinos or stood watch.

Only four people sat near the fire—two catgirls, a human, and a squirrel man.

"So, how do you three like the ride so far?" Merik asked. His eyes openly wandered over the girls. Every time he looked at either of the girls, his eyes wandered around their bodies and he didn’t even try to hide his interest.

"It’s alright," Nicole replied. "How long will the trip take?"

"About twenty-some days, assuming nothing slows us down," Merik said, licking his lips. "Plenty of time to get closer. And this is our first meeting, Iloe. I’m Merik, an informant. If you ever need information, just ask." He smiled. "I won’t ask for much in return."

Iloe blushed and looked away. "S-sorry. I don’t think I’ll be your customer…"

"Hm? Why’s that? Or do you only like girls?" He asked.

"It’s not that—I just don’t need anyone besides Nicole… a-and Soi, y-you too, I mean—" Iloe rambled before Soi gently silenced her. "Shh. I know." Soi said softly. A warm feeling spread in Nicole’s chest at Iloe's words.

The awkward moment was broken when Jathun joined them by the fire. Soon everyone gathered, and bowls of soup were handed out. It was brown and had a few types of vegetables that Nicole already got used to and something that was probably some kind of meat, indistinguishable in the mass.

That’s actually pretty good. I would add some salt and maybe spices, but it’s great nonetheless. I expected them to have only dried meat as a dinner, or none at all in the worst case.

After eating, most Bees retired to their wagons. Nicole and the catgirls followed suit. Inside their wagon, the three lay down on a makeshift mattress of stacked animal pelts. Nicole lay in the middle, and before she could speak, Soi and Iloe settled at her sides. Space was tight, their bodies pressed together—but none of them seemed to mind.

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