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...So I followed Falin into the cave.

Which is where I found out her 'secret.'

She also explained what 'ecology' was while we were there. It was the first time I realized how limited my experiences had been.

That's the day she and I became best friends.

What more can one ask for in life but a companion dear?

From the way you talk about her, this Falin must be very important to you.

You're right. She's the closest friend I have.

Shouldn't you be looking for her, then?

I remember you telling me that she was eaten by a red dragon, but you have some means of reviving her.

Red dragon... Red...

We will save her. And once we do, I'll bring her back to P'o-shan to meet you!

Very well.

There goes the bell again. That's rather frequent for one day.

It better not be Laios's fault!

I'll go have a look!

*sigh* This... is about all I can do.

It seems it's up to you to save your companions, Laios.

What's the matter, Marcille?

It's strange. The bell went off, but the ink spirits didn't attack.

Laios hasn't returned either.

...Eh?

Haha, if you like apricots, then go get 'em!

Hup!

He throws a handful of apricots he picked into the distance and a pack of bestial ink spirits, large and small, chase after them.

Laios rejoices in watching them squabble over the fruit. Almost wanting to take the entire pack home to raise as dogs.

Right, they're just like Nussa, Anowtrid, Boff, Fucci, Dustrag, and Muimui!

Hraaagh—

No need to rush, plenty more to go around!

For the ink spirits that resemble sloths, Laios feels no need to make them fight over the fruits.

He's become familiar with the habits of this species of ink spirits, setting aside a pile of apricots just for them to eat as they please.

Once they eat their fill, they lie down, and the color of their backs begins to change...

As he watches them try to stuff their mouths despite their protruding, plump bellies, he wonders how anyone couldn't be fond of these little fellows.

Aaaaaagh—

No need to worry. Did you think I forgot about you guys?

The tortoise-like ink spirits might be the species Laios is most interested in. At first, he thought they were giant rocks, at least until his butt made contact with its shell.

Their temperament is exactly the same as a tortoise. The most interesting thing about them is that once their appetites are sated, spring water begins to flow out the false mountains on their backs!

Thunder rumbles in the distance.

Upon hearing it, the ink spirits begin to stand, one by one.

Though they discover that they cannot, for one simple reason...

They've stuffed themselves silly!

Aye, looks like it's gonna be a good harvest this year.

And it's all thanks to you, Senshi.

If you weren't here, my harvest would only be about half as much!

All I'm doing is putting my knowledge to good use.

Senshi, stop with the farming!

What's wrong, Marcille?

It's been days since Laios went off to look for ink spirits outside the village, and he hasn't returned!

Laios? Well, the lad's fond of research. Let him be.

The ink spirits haven't been attacking the village lately either...

Surely something's happened to him?!

Oh... Well, we were planning on staying here for long anyhow. No harm in waiting a bit longer.

No, no... We can't stay here long!

We need to go beat the Red Dragon and save Falin! Have you forgotten all that?!

Huh?

Now that you mention it, Marcille, how long <i>have</i> we been in this village?

Hrgh—!

Hungry again?

My oh my, you're greedy little fellows, aren't you?

No need to worry, plenty for everyone today too.

Though we're going to do something a bit different this time around.

Gkh—gkh?

Hugkh?

Hah—hoo...

See the peak of that hill over there?

I put lots of your favorite fruit there.

If you want to eat, you'll have to fight for it! It's one of the laws of nature!

GKH—GKH!

Well, if everyone understands the rules, I'll start counting. Three, two, one...

Go! Get running!

The ink spirits start charging towards the hilltop on his command. All save for the tortoise-shaped ones, that is.

Aaaaaagh—

Oh, you'd like me to sit? You really want me to ride you?

Haha, you're a smart one. You figured out that instead of fighting the others, you can just butter me up.

Hoo—ahh...

Alright, alright. Here, have a bite.

Amidst the mounts, days pass like the wind.

By now, Laios has figured out it's the thunder that triggers the ink spirits to attack the village.

But external stimulus like that won't change their inherent habits. Laios knows this too well.

So why not lure them as far away from the village as possible with fruits?

That way, if they attack again, they'll have to run all the way from the top of the hill rather than halfway down!

Ahh... *hic*... This is some really good stuff...

What do you say, enough?

No... No way!

Another cup, then.

Chilchuck!

Eh? What are you doin' here, Marcille?

Stop drinking already!

Laios has been gone for who knows how long!

The ink spirits haven't been attacking lately either.

He must have done <i>something</i>!

Then let him do his thing, I'm drinking here.

Figures he'd be like us from just a bit earlier.

Right. He's practically a villager at this point.

Chilchuck, do you remember how long it's been since we arrived here?

Do you remember how we need to rescue Falin?

Do you remember those mimics you really really hated?

...Ghh, gah, my head.

Is your memory coming back?!

Chilchuck, are you alright?

Gkh gkh gkh, gkh? (So, what're your names?)