[Ren] Alright, I'll let you join Sakyo's harem, but you need to respect the order. You're the third wife. His second wife isn't here right now, but she needs to have a baby before you do. Got it?
[Naja] Understood, I will eagerly await the day when I may birth his children.
The two girls continue their talk in their own little world while Garm and Sakyo can only watch from the side.
[Sakyo] How serious is she about this?
[Garm] Very serious. The pose of submission holds much weight in our pack, though I still do not trust her.
[Sakyo] If her vow is a serious as you say, we won't have to worry about her, at least not right away.
[Garm] I understand that you want to give everyone a chance to prove themselves, but if she does betray you, I will not hesitate to end her with my own claws.
After a bit more discussion, the group agrees to let Naja stay. Garm insists on keeping her on a leash, though that idea is quickly shut down.
With the matter most settled, everyone calls it a day. Sakyo lays down for the night with Ren on one side and Naja on the other.
[Ren] Goodnight Sakyo.
[Naja] Goodnight Boss-man.
[Sakyo] Naja, you know you don't have to call me that, right?
[Naja] But Brother told me to show you the utmost respect.
[Sakyo] I get that, but I don't mind being called a bit more casually.
[Ren] Why don't you try calling him your husband?
[Naja] V-very well. Goodnight, Boss-husband.
[Sakyo] ... Maybe just call me what you're comfortable with.
[Naja] Ok, Boss.
[Sakyo] (This one's gonna be a handful.) Goodnight you two.
...
It's been a few days since Naja started living with everyone and she's still... finding her place here. She reminds me a lot of what Garm was like when he first came here. She spends most of her time following me around wherever I go.
Ren's been keeping her company when I need some time alone. They seem to be getting along pretty well, although I'm a little worried about what Ren might teach her.
Garm still doesn't trust Naja any more than when she first got here. I can't say I blame him though. After everything he went through with his old pack, he probably wanted to forget all about it.
Honestly, I don't know how to get her to be more comfortable being here. She keeps acting like a fight is right around the corner. Maybe what Naja needs is some fresh air. The ladies at Raynemor should be harvesting some of the fields soon. It might be a good idea to take everyone to stay there for a while. Maybe I'll bring Lumi along too.
...
[Sakyo] Come on everyone. We're going to Raynemor for the week.
[Garm] What brought on this decision so suddenly?
[Sakyo] I just thought it would be a nice change of pace. Plus we'll be able to help out with the harvest this year.
[Ren] That sounds nice. I'll pack lunches for everyone.
[Garm] I suppose we did promise Kaya that we'd return soon.
While the three of them discuss their plans for the trip, the one who recently attacked the misty city has a few reservations.
[Naja] Um, are you sure it is ok for me to return to that place so soon? I believe it would be rather awkward after what I did.
[Sakyo] Oh yeah, I guess I didn't think about that. I think it should be fine as long as you stay close to us.
[Garm] But not too close. I will not let you get in range to poison anyone.
The room falls silent for a moment at Garm's accusation.
[Sakyo] Anyway, let's all get packed. Meet back here in about an hour.
With that said, everyone packs what they believe necessary. Sakyo and Garm pack clothes for everyone, Ren makes lunches for everyone, Lumi puts on her favorite pair of sunglasses, and Naja packs a bag full of weapons. After an hour of preparation, they all meet back in Sakyo's room, ready to leave.
[Sakyo] Is everyone all set?
[Everyone] Yes!
[Sakyo] Um Naja, I don't think you'll need so many weapons.
[Naja] As the newest addition to your pack, I must prove my worth to you. I am prepared for any dangers that might come your way.
[Sakyo] (sigh) Suit yourself. Come on, let's go.
As they all step through the gate to Raynemor, Naja whispers to Ren.
[Naja] Is there a certain attire I was supposed to wear? I was not given one.
As soon as the gate closes, Sakyo can't help feeling like he'd forgotten something, but he quickly ignores that feeling. Back in his room, the door opens with someone looking for him.
[Reika] Sakyo, I want to talk to you... Hello?
Meanwhile, in Raynemor, the group finds Kaya assigning tasks to everyone for the upcoming harvest. Ren runs up and wraps her arms around her waist in a big hug, nearly knocking them both over.
[Ren] Big sis Kaya!
[Kaya] Ren? What are you doing here?
[Ren] Sakyo brought us all for a week long getaway.
[Kaya] I'm glad to see you, but it's not the best time. I'm in the middle of assigning positions for the harvest.
[Sakyo] That's another reason we're here. We though you might like a few extra hands on deck.
[Kaya] I guess. Alright, you can help, but um... is she going to help too?
She points to Naja, the memory of her attack on the city still fresh in her mind.
[Sakyo] Yeah, she'll be on her best behavior... probably.
[Naja] I will do my best.
[Sakyo] ...And Lumi will watch her, so it should be fine.
Unfortunately, Kaya's confidence isn't boosted much when she sees the white tiger wearing sunglasses.
[Kaya] (sigh) Alright, I'll trust you. She can join the hunters for today as long as Lumi goes with her. Sakyo, I want you and Garm to help harvest the fruits in field one. Ren and I will take your bags to the main hall. Everyone already made a few rooms for when you stay here. Hm? What's with this bag of weapons?
...
In the dead of night, a ripple of light shoots across Sakyo's mind. A sharp crack like an ephemeral bolt slashing across his mind. As the slit of light widened, a clear image popped up.
The dim sunlight rises over the ocean waters. Waves crashing against the rocky shore. Hidden behind burly bushes and dusty boulders lies a mossy stone gate. Statues of imps adorn each side, their colors faded from age.
Suddenly, without warning, a feminine voice calls out.
[???] Finally...
Almost as quickly as it began, the fissure of light closes, dissipating into darkness.
...
With a sudden jolt, Sakyo wakes up in bed covered in a cold sweat. The morning sun peeking over the horizon as its warmth begins to set in.
[Sakyo] What was that? A dream? But it felt so real. Hm?
His attention is halted and unfocused as he feels two soft sensations in each of his hands. His eyes are too heavy to look at what he's holding, so he instead focuses on identifying each sensation.
[Sakyo] Hm, what are these. The right is so soft, almost like a warm marshmallow. My hand sinks in as if it's being engulfed in a cloud. The left feels more firm. I can't really call them big, but they're not small either. Just the right size to fit in the palm of my hand.
[Ren] Mmm, Sakyo?
[Naja] Boss?...
Sakyo's eyes open wide as he jumps up, realizing what, or more specifically, who he was fondling just a moment ago. However, even the surprise of the situation doesn't stop him from getting one more squeeze before letting go.
[Ren] Sakyo, as nice as this feels, I'd rather you give me a proper kiss before we reach this stage.
[Naja] I-I was not expecting this so soon. Please start with Ren so I may prepare myself.
[Sakyo] Thank you both, and I'm sorry.
[Ren] (yawn) Anyway, let's get dressed. We have another busy day today.
With a spring in her step, Ren begins getting dressed. Naja follows shortly after recomposing herself.
When the three finally make it outside, Kaya has already sent everyone off for the morning.
[Kaya] Hey sleepyheads. I was wondering when you'd get up.
[Sakyo] Sorry, there was a little... incident earlier.
[Kaya] Oh...Ooohhh, I see.~
[Sakyo] I feel like you're misunderstanding something, but I'm too tired to care. I'll be in the fields if you need me.
[Kaya] Alright, I'll just get the details from these two. Come on Ren, we've got lots of lunches to make. Um, Naja, do you... want to join us today?
[Naja] I-if that is acceptable, I would love to join you.
A few hours pass before the three girls are done making lunches for everyone. Naja did her best, but the first hour of work was spent teaching her how to properly cut the vegetables instead of dismember them. When they finally finish, both Ren and Kaya are sweating as if they'd been working the fields with everyone else.
[Ren] Finally finished.
[Kaya] S**t, I might just eat all this food before anyone even gets here.
While they're collapsed on the flood, Naja's tail wags with excitement, having helped her new pack for the first time since she arrived.
[Naja] Miss Kaya, is there anything else I can help with?
She wants to say no, but she can't deny the sparkling look in Naja's eyes.
[Kaya] We're done cooking for now, but you can help Ren set the dining room for everyone. I'll get the carts ready to wheel everything in.
[Naja] Yes Ma'am.~
[Ren] (sigh) I love her, but she has no place in a kitchen. She's almost as bad as you were.
[Kaya] Hey, I never ate anything that wasn't old or stale before that. Besides, she just needs some more practice, although maybe not here.
[Ren] Maybe tomorrow I'll take her to relax for the day instead of being here.
[Kaya] That's probably for the best. By the way, do you want Sakyo's special food to go with the rest or on its own?
[Ren] I'll give it to him myself. Are you going to do the same with Garm's food?
[Kaya] W-wh-wh-wha-?! I-i-I don't know what you mean.
[Ren] You can't hide it. I saw that look when you put it together.
Kaya becomes a blushing, stammering mess before finally pulling herself together.
[Kaya] I-is it that obvious?
[Ren] Only to everyone except him. Now spill. I want all the details.~
[Kaya] Fine, but only if you tell me about that "incident" Sakyo was talking about earlier.~