Pip's pulse crystals strain under the behemoth of a backpack stuffed to the brim with maps, scrolls, potions, ropes, various foods and fittings and what he could only assume was some kind of mobile alchemy lab.
His mechanical servos groan under the weight of their journey's provisions.
Behind him, Vuvi emerges from the apothecary, draped in full traveling regalia.
It was certainly… a look.
A set of light armour hugs her frame, covered in strange runes. Beneath it she wears a leather-reinforced ensemble, thick boots and a short sword that hangs from her hips. And hanging from her back was a strange weapon, like a magical-gemstone infused brass pumpkin with a handle and trigger. She calls it The Boombuster.
"Ugh! I hate this." Vuvi groans, tugging at her chest plate and belts. "Feels like I'm wearing a chastity belt over my entire body. My boobs can't breathe! And this bloody sword… it's just not me."
Pip stares at her and tilts his head.
"What?! I'm a tinkerer. An inventor. My mind is molded for alchemy and science… I'm no soldier!" she huffs and pouts. "Buuuuut… Mother insists! Says we have to be ready to stab or shoot something at a moment's notice."
Maribelle stands at the garden gate, staring at them with half-lidded, expression-less eyes, arms folded under her still bare breasts.
"Make sure you aim the Boombuster away from your face next time, Vuvi" she says wistfully. "I'm sure you don't want to blow off your eyebrows again… like you blew up half my pantry."
"It's properly calibrated this time, Mama!" Vuvi snaps. "...I think."
Maribelle sighs with a snicker as she steps forward and places a hand on Vuvi's shoulder.
"Just… just stay safe."
Her tone was still the same. Calm, commanding and dripping with intimidation. Yet, somewhere beneath the surface, there was a wavering uncertainty.
Vuvi smiles at her mother and hugs her across the hips. "I will, Mama. We'll be back. Stronger and richer!"
Maribelle doesn't respond. She stands still, basking in the presence and embrace of her daughter.
"Enough with the sad goodbyes." she finally sneers as Vuvi holds on a little too long. "Go. The Green Sea awaits."
With that, the duo of Pip and Vuvi set off down the cobble stone path, southward, beginning their trek toward the legendary grasslands and home of the centaur tribes.
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By nightfall, a camp fire crackles between them as they laze beneath the twisting branches of a glow-fruit tree in a small clearing just off the main road.
Beneath a sky brimming with stars, Vuvi lays slumped onto a sack filled with her armour and gear. Boots tossed aside as she wiggles her toes toward the flames.
Pip stands beside her like a security sentinel. Wide-eyes flicking between the trees, watching for movement and signs of malice.
Vuvi sits quietly, staring at her feet that wiggles before the flames. She sits quietly for a long time before speaking.
"You know… I've never been with a man. I'm still a virgin." she squeaks.
Pip's vision pings.
[Warning! Potential Emotional Connection Detected. Proceed with caution!]
"I was born just when the curse hit." she says softly as she flicks a piece of bark into the flames. "By the time I hit puberty, half the men were already dead and the rest… ugh."
Pip turns to her and beeps as she flicks her fingers through a patch of grass.
"Love and romance and fairytale endings… I never had a chance to experience any of those. Now it's just dead bedrooms and vibrating constructs." she sighs. "I always hoped I'd find true love, like in the books… closest I've ever got are pleasure potions and prototypes."
She turns to him, flames flicking in her emerald eyes.
"I made an oath. A vow. I'd never indulge again… not until this curse was broken. Not until this world could learn to love again."
Pip stands silently as firelight gleams off his faceplate.
"Vuvi…" he mutters in his mind.
He knew the feeling all too well.
Though he had lived in a world that could love, he had never known the feeling.
He slowly lowers himself next to her and lays a hand on her knee.
He isn't sad or disappointed, he's resolved.
She chuckles at his silent sincerity, resting a hand tenderly on his.
"You amaze me, Pip. Even though I made you... I could take advantage of you… do some proper hands-on testing." she giggles. "But that's not me. Not anymore. You're great, Pip. The best thing I've ever created. My masterpiece! But I need more than just metal, you know. I need… feeling."
He nods slowly. Knowingly.
"Thanks Pip." she smiles warmly. "You're so much more than just bolts and pulse crystals and divine magic. You're present, you listen… and… I'm pretty sure you actually care. That's the real magic, Pip. That's what's gonna make you this world's saviour."
Her hand tightens around his as they stare silently into the campfire's flames... things unsaid, but their emotional connection firmly established.
But their moment of peace and quiet understanding is shattered by a low, guttural growl.
Then another.
And another.
Soon, the trees around them are beset by glowing, hungry eyes.
And gleaming, pointed fangs.